Having a baby is a life-changing decision. Being a parent can be fascinating but also overwhelming and tiring. It's normal to have feelings of worry and doubt, especially if you're a first-time parent. However, the parenting journey escalates once the weaning stage knocks in.

 Weaning is an emotional period that can introduce happy or traumatic transitions for both baby and mom. During the weaning season most mothers fall into postpartum weaning depression that affects their emotional and physical well-being.

 The depression comes as a result of hormonal fluctuation as well as the psychological anxiety especially in hasty weaning. The systems try to find different balances depending on the situation. Some women are more sensitive to these changes, thus resulting in a depressing state.

Symptoms of postpartum weaning depression

Each parent experiences post-weaning differently; the symptoms can include:

• Unease that interferes with your ability to function
• Intense feeling of sadness
• Futility
• Difficulty sleeping
• Crying and irritability
• Changes appetite
• Difficulties in performing on a daily basis.
• Mood swings
• Lack of motivation
• Guilt
• Grief
• Feeling extremely weepy and sensitive

Ways to cope with postpartum weaning depression

Luckily, there are ways to cope with and recover from post-weaning depression, which helps improve your emotional resilience.

• Being active when possible

This can help you get through this temporary period. Set an accomplishment goal to start and build gradually so you don't feel defeated. You can aim for 20 minutes of exercise in a day, like taking your baby for a walk around the area or stretching for some minutes, which can benefit you.

• Maintain self-care

There are many methods of practising how to take care of yourself, like picking a new hobby that fits your busy schedule. Meditation for depression, journaling or eating nutritious food is a critical way to avoid mom burnout.

• Seek professional guidance

It's never wrong to admit you're facing motherhood issues and seek professional help. It's wise to involve a parenting coach or therapist to guide you in the weaning transition. This reduces the chances of severe depression. For extended cases, the mom can also consider other options for depression therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 

• Maintain skin-to-skin connection

Cuddling with your baby is a helpful way to cope with post–weaning depression. Skin-to-skin contact releases the hormone oxytocin, and cuddling helps you feel emotionally and physically connected to your baby even though you are no longer breastfeeding.

• Exercise self-compassion

During postpartum weaning depression, having some kindness to yourself can go a long way. Know how you talk to yourself when things are hard, like not blaming yourself for parenting mistakes or thinking of how you could have done something better. A self-compassionate break can help you cope with suffering and practice being kind to yourself despite hardships like post-weaning depression.

• Joining a parenting group

Some group helps you stabilize by walking with you during the weaning depression. Talking to others going through the same issue and sharing what you are going through makes you feel that you are not alone. Groups help you build a community of parents you can reach out to when you need help.

• Try acupuncture

When your body is changing, acupuncture is a gentle way to help you re-establish your energetic and emotional balance. It gives you a physical and emotional boost, which is a wonderful feeling, like someone healing you.

• Eat well-balanced food

It is hard to eat right when you are going through depression, but having a balanced diet is for a healthy and well-perspective lifestyle. Avocados and fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are especially a good choice as your brain works on regulating its hormonal signals. By dropping the extra calories, you were eating to breastfeed and keep your body clean by hydrating with plenty of water.

• Having nutritional supplements

Many nutritional supplements help with postpartum weaning depression. Zinc supplements help reduce stress hormone levels, and dried sage is a herb that helps decrease your milk supply and make weaning smoother. Omega 3 supplement helps the brain function and also prevents depressive symptoms from worsening. Mothers should discuss supplements or herbs with a trained professional or doctor.

Conclusion

When you feel intense or find caring for yourself or your baby challenging, you should not hesitate to get help. Mostly, postpartum depression is difficult, but it diminishes on its own. In some cases, depression triggers a period that needs therapeutic treatment. This is a time to learn to prioritise self-care and honour your body and feelings as much as possible.