We all know breastfeeding helps the mother in weight loss, reduced blood loss after delivery, shrinking the uterus size in an improved manner, and having lesser signs of postpartum depression, along with minimizing breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Well, what happens once you stop Breastfeeding? The phase circumscribing pregnancy, delivery, and the post-partum phase is enveloped by the maximum number of emotional and physical changes. This is the most beautiful phase of a woman’s life and a very critical one indeed. A thread that weaves the baby and the mother forever.
Breastfeeding or nursing is bliss for a mother as the milk in her body has an ideal balance of sugar, water, fat, and protein. These are essential for the baby’s healthy growth and development and it boosts the immune system of the baby as well. With so many benefits at par, it is bound for mothers to have a tough time when they actually stop breastfeeding. There would be innumerable changes that happen once the mother stops the process of Breastfeeding. We will, however, list five things that can happen.
In This Article
5 Things That Happens Once You Stop Breastfeeding
When the time comes to stop breastfeeding, it marks a significant transition in both the mother’s and baby’s lives. As breastfeeding is discontinued, several changes occur within the mother’s body. Understanding these changes can help prepare mothers for the physical and emotional adjustments that follow. From breast engorgement to hormonal fluctuations and the return of menstruation, these post-breastfeeding changes can vary from woman to woman. Exploring these phenomena sheds light on the natural processes that occur as the breastfeeding journey comes to an end.
Here are 5 things that happen once you stop breastfeeding:
1. Starts To Experience Mood Fluctuations
Every mother and baby duo is different, so the time to start weaning would differ from one to another. However, all mothers do experience mood fluctuations as the changes are sudden and unexpected, physically and mentally. Some get upset, weepy, frustrated, or apprehensive once they stop the process of breastfeeding.
Thus, when the breastfeeding ends, it is normal for a mother to experience sadness. Whether gradual or sudden, the process of weaning definitely results in extreme mood fluctuations as the hormones are greatly affected. Weaning does not only refers to ending the process of breastfeeding as it’s an emotional time for both the mother and child.
2. The Return Of The Menstrual Cycle
During the process of breastfeeding, many mothers get irregular menstrual cycles or they get no menstrual cycle at all for days, weeks, or years. Those mothers who solely breastfeed, don’t get their cycles or periods frequently for a substantial amount of time once they deliver. One of the changes that happen when you stop weaning is that the menstrual cycle may return. It could be shorter or greater than usual.
3. Breasts Are On A Whirlwind
The breast changes after weaning are a surprise package for mothers. Sometimes soft and hard and engorged in others. They leave the mothers in a puzzled state. Once we stop breastfeeding, breasts will slowly start reducing in size. A lot of this depends on the mother’s weight and her age. Once the baby is weaned off the body stops producing the reduced amount of milk. The mothers also need to wear a tight-fitting bra as the size of the breast will change.
Health experts suggest that it takes almost a month or so for the breasts to get back to a smaller size and shape. When the baby is weaned off, the milk-producing cells will contract. If weaning happens abruptly, then there are more chances of having an engorged breast or blocked ducts (Source)
4. The Process Of Drying Milk Takes A While
When mothers wean off the baby, the milk is still seen leaking at times. The time for the milk to dry up will be different for every mother as the bodies are different. Every mother’s feeding cycles are different, and so are the weight and age. If the mother has been feeding at frequent intervals, it takes more time for the milk to dry up.
Remember, the process of breastfeeding is solely a supply vs demand procedure. This implies that the more the baby will suck the milk, the larger the amount of milk produced in the mother’s body. Thus, if the baby is being fed regularly, the milk deposits will take a while to reduce or stop completely. This can even increase the time for the breasts to reduce or shrink to the original size
5. Mastitis
Mastitis is fostered during the process of weaning. If the process of weaning happens abruptly, there are added chances for the mother to develop breast engorgement, blocked ducts, or mastitis. However, if the weaning happens gradually, then the body gets time to get used to the change. This will bring down the risk of mantis. If a blocked duct develops, then the best is to remove the milk through temporary means of expressing with one’s hand or pumping it out. Expressing milk is important, however, the milk should be expressed in small quantities so that the body spontaneously produces less milk. If on the other hand, more milk is expressed, the milk stimulation will be high
Thus, we can say that once breastfeeding stops, a mother’s body undergoes physical, emotional, and hormonal changes and these will go away with time. This is the time when family members need to understand and support so it becomes a stress-free and smooth transition for a mother. Also, remember the bond with your child does not have to depend entirely on feeding. The physical and emotional bond can be maintained even after the child is weaned off.
FAQ’s
1. How Long Does It Take To Dry Up Breast Milk?
The duration for breast milk to completely dry up varies among individuals, but it typically takes around one to two weeks. The process can be influenced by factors such as the mother’s breastfeeding history, frequency of milk removal, and hormonal changes.
2. Do You Gain Weight When You Stop Breastfeeding?
Weight changes when stopping breastfeeding can vary from person to person. Some women may experience a slight weight gain due to hormonal fluctuations and changes in appetite, while others may not see any significant changes. Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help manage weight during this transition period.
