Sometimes it takes time for the weaning process to take effect. Even after mothers stop breastfeeding, the hormones start changing after a while. Stopping breastfeeding takes a toll on the mother because of the hormonal changes. During this breastfeeding period, mothers get incredibly attached to their babies, and the thought of not having their baby and mommy time makes them feel a bit hollow.
After six to eight weeks of weaning slowly, the breastfeeding mother starts facing post-weaning blues. However, after six to eight more weeks, the mother’s hormonal shifts gradually balance out.
Now let’s talk about how long for hormones to balance after weaning!
How Long Should It Take For Hormonal Changes To Balance Out After Weaning?
A question we often get is ‘’How long for hormones to balance after weaning?’’ It’s a common question coming from all new mothers.
The breastfeeding journey is different for every woman. Some see it as a time to bond with their child, while others view it as just providing food for their child. No matter how women view the breastfeeding journey, they enjoy this time with their children. Breastfeeding comes along with breastfeeding hormones.
Hormonal shifts are typical for breastfeeding mothers.
Weaning is a long process for every mother. Longer breastfeeding time equals to longer milk supply. If the mother stopped breastfeeding soon after giving birth, then the mother would not produce milk after a while.
Most mothers’ hormonal shifts stop after six to eight weeks of weaning. However, if mothers choose to wean slowly, the time will elongate. Even if the time does elongate, it is normal for mothers to go through some hormonal changes during this weaning period.
The hormonal shift mothers face is mostly known as post-weaning depression. Another common name for post-weaning depression is post-weaning blues. After the mother stops breastfeeding, her estrogen drops drastically. The body’s hormones go haywire. Estrogen levels drop drastically.
During this time, the mother’s mental function faces many issues, and she also deals with mood swings. Both the mother’s own estrogen and oxytocin levels play a huge role in keeping the mother happy, which is why quitting cold turkey is wrong. Instead of stopping suddenly, mothers are often suggested to wean for several weeks. That way, the hormone change will be a lot more subtle.
Does Weaning Cause Hormonal Shift In Mothers And Babies?
Weaning is often responsible for causing a considerable oxytocin drop in the mother. After giving birth to a beautiful baby, most mothers are incredibly attached to their babies. This attachment only gets stronger as the mother breastfeeds her child.
When the mother stops breastfeeding her child, her body doesn’t release oxytocin any longer for quite some time. This leads to the mother being a lot more irritable and moody, and the first few weeks are like hell for her. At the same time, the baby is also cranky and crying all the time due to a lack of physical contact with the mother.
Does Breastfeeding Affect Menstrual Cycle?
Breastfeeding affects hormones which in return affect the menstrual cycle. During breastfeeding, the feel-good hormone is released in the mother. However, when the mother stops breastfeeding, the feel-good hormones slowly stop releasing.
Along with these hormonal changes, breastfeeding also affects menstrual cycles. When a woman is breastfeeding, her menstrual cycle stops for a few months. However, almost all breastfeeding mothers resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby is born. Weaning your baby off of breastmilk does cause your menstrual cycle to return.
However, most women find that they do not need to wean in order for their cycle to come back gradually.
So, basically, hormones change, and pregnancy leads to the changing of your menstrual cycle changes. Regular periods resume once you are done weaning. If you still feel like there’s something wrong, then you can reach out to your doctor and talk it out.
Is There Any Connection Between Period And Breastfeeding?
The connection between your menstrual cycle and breastfeeding is subtle, but it is there. If you are breastfeeding, then you will notice some changes in your breast milk during the end stage of your period. However, that is nothing to worry about. Changes of these sorts are not a huge deal.
These changes are very typical, and they happen to every mother. Prolactin levels fluctuate non-systematically during the menstrual cycle, with the highest levels occurring during the ovulatory or luteal phases. However, during the ovulatory and luteal stages, the mean level of prolactin was substantially greater than during the follicular phase.
However, Prolactin levels drop when you are on your period and breastfeeding. Due to prolactin levels dropping, breast milk is significantly less. If you are still confused regarding this topic, you can seek Professional Medical Advice from a medical journal, or you can see a doctor.
Breasts Feel Different During Breastfeeding?
Prolactin and oxytocin have a huge effect on how your breasts feel during breastfeeding. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates milk production. Pro means “for,” and “lactin” means “milk.” Oxytocin, on the other hand, causes the smooth muscle cells around the breast glands to contract and release milk.
So, your breast shape is dependent on both prolactin and oxytocin. When breastfeeding ends, your breasts will become normal again.
If you are still worried, then you can do a little research. Spend time figuring out the effects of oxytocin and prolactin.
FAQs
It is normal to have a few questions regarding breastfeeding. So, when you do have these queries be sure to talk about these things with someone who is experienced. You can even talk to someone who can provide you with professional medical advice.
Here are a few questions we get from breastfeeding mothers all the time:
Is Plant Derived Compound Helpful In Producing Breast Milk?
Plant-derived compounds are helpful in producing breast milk. However, not all plant compounds can do this. Only fenugreek can increase the supply of breast milk.
What Is The Most Challenging Body Change In Breastfeeding Journey?
The most challenging time you will face during your breastfeeding journey is how big and uncomfortable your breasts feel when they are full of breast milk.
When Should Women Stop Breastfeeding?
When you want to stop Breastfeeding altogether depends on you. Usually, it is suggested by experts that breastfeeding for six months is the best for the mother and the child however, you should always talk to your doctor if you have any questions regarding this matter. If you’re going to continue breastfeeding your baby, that is fine as well. However, the ideal time to stop breastfeeding your child is after six months.
Why Do Hormonal Shifts Occur During Breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, your placenta is the primary source of estrogen and contributes to elevated levels of hormones. Furthermore, because prolactin is a milk-producing hormone that temporarily blocks estrogen production, nursing ends up mimicking menopause.
Reduce Sugar While Breastfeeding Is Important?
Sugar is overall bad for health which is why reducing sugar intake is always advised by doctors. So, eating less sugar is good for you and your baby.
Conclusion
It does take about six to eight weeks for your hormones to balance out after you start weaning; however, you can always cuddle your child because that helps a lot when it comes to breastfeeding hormonal shift. Hormonal shifts can be scary for both the mother and the child, which is why doctors often suggest holding your baby close to you when you are trying to wean slowly. Having your baby close will comfort the child, and it will boost your oxytocin levels. Keeping your new baby close to you is always a stress reliever.
During breastfeeding, you will go through a ton of changes which include your breast shape and hormonal changes, along with the estrogen receptors level being different from your pre-pregnancy levels. However, these changes are completely normal for a breastfeeding mother.
Your hormones are responsible for a lot of things in your body. So, it’s not shocking that your period is also linked to the changes in your hormonal levels.
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