Is it normal to feel like my postpartum depression is regressing during weaning?

Many women discuss mood concerns during weaning. There are both physical and emotional reasons that create these feelings, and they are often tied together.

1. Hormonal Changes During Weaning

Drop in Prolactin

•          Prolactin is the hormone that supports milk production.

•          It also has a calming, soothing effect on the nervous system.

•          As breastfeeding decreases, prolactin levels fall, which can lead to:

•          Irritability, Feeling “on edge”

•          Lowered stress tolerance

Drop in Oxytocin

•          Oxytocin is released during letdown and physical closeness.

•          It supports bonding, reduces anxiety, and creates a sense of well‑being.

•          When breastfeeding sessions decrease, oxytocin surges become less frequent.

•          This can contribute to: Sadness or a sense of loss, Increased anxiety, Feeling disconnected or   “off”

Shifts in Estrogen and Progesterone

•          As prolactin decreases, estrogen and progesterone begin to rise again.

•          These shifts can mimic PMS‑like symptoms:

•          Mood swings

•          Crying spells

•          Fatigue

•          Brain fog

2. Physical Sensations That Affect Emotions

Engorgement or Discomfort

•          Full breasts, clogged ducts, or physical discomfort can increase stress and irritability.

Sleep Disruptions

•          If feeding patterns change, sleep often changes too — and sleep loss amplifies emotional sensitivity.

Changes in Appetite and Energy

•          Hormonal shifts can affect hunger, metabolism, and energy levels, which can influence mood.

3. Emotional Layers Connected to Weaning

Even when weaning is chosen and welcomed, it can still bring up complex feelings.

Sense of Loss

•          The end of a chapter

•          The loss of a soothing tool (fear, disconnect)

•          A shift in identity as a breastfeeding parent

Changes in Bonding Routines

•          Feeding may have been a predictable moment of closeness.

•          Parents may worry that the connection will change (it won’t — it just evolves).

Unexpected Grief

•          Many parents are surprised by how emotional weaning feels. This can be complicated by the reasons surrounding the decrease or discontinuation of breastfeeding, including returning to work, medical concerns for mother or baby, such as pain or allergies. Although research shows that breastfeeding can help "combat" postpartum depression, that is only true if breastfeeding is going well, and a mother wants to breastfeed. If either of these two factors is not present, continuing to breastfeed can create feelings of anger, resentment, sadness, guilt, grief, and anxiety.

•          Grief can show up as sadness, longing, or nostalgia.

Relief and Sadness at the Same Time

•          Mixed emotions are normal — relief, pride, sadness, and uncertainty can coexist. In general, humans don't "do well" with feeling two conflicting emotions at once, which makes this difficult to process.

4. Why These Feelings Are Normal

Weaning is a biological transition, not just a parenting decision.

Your body is recalibrating hormones, your routines are shifting, and your relationship with your baby is evolving. Emotional responses are a natural part of this process.

So YES, it is normal, but larger themes would benefit from being processed in therapy.