Last Wednesday was the last time I nursed Caleb. It was a slow transition from boob to bottle, and it took about 3 and 1/2 weeks to transition. There are a few principle factors that dictated the move from BFing to formula, but they're trivial and I needn't get into them here. Essentially, it was just time for our family. Anyhoo...as was the case when I made the same transition with Norah (albeit she was 8 months opposed to his 5 months...hope he doesn't miss out on Ivy League, world-saving opportunities because of the few month difference of boob-milk I denied him), I have been experiencing a post-weaning hormonal slump.
This coalesced with being sick over the weekend, and the combination was essentially the perfect storm. A shit storm of emotion, that is.
I was weepy as hell yesterday, and for those who know me, you know I'm not the sort to be weepy. But dammit, I was a crying sack of shit yesterday, and every little thing felt like the END of the world.
Thankfully, I went to bed last night at 7:30 pm (yes, you read that right: 7:30!) and slept until 5 am (as predicted, kiddos were up bright and early with the time change), and I felt worlds better today. Still, something was needed:
A run.
So, I didn't get a long one, but I managed to squeeze in an afternoon 2 miler and it made a world of difference for my brain. So many small stresses that felt like mountains on Sunday, suddenly diminished to their real height -- molehill sized -- and each thing that was weighing on my mind felt more manageable after I had run. I'm not saying that the short run "cured" me of these post-weaning blues, but it certainly helped.
If I remember correctly from my experience with Norah, post-weaning was like the mammoth of all PMS, so I'm sure this is not the conclusion of the emotional roller coaster, but if I make certain to keep running a priority, I think I can ride it out.
And, in the meantime, it sure is nice to be able to sleep on my stomach again!
12 comments:
Regardless of what anyone thinks, I was kind of relieved when we made the switch. Sad that part of their little lives was over, but relieved to get my boobies back to myself again. Glad the run helped!
Those darn hormones are a *itch. My breakdown was a couple weeks ago. Let me know if I can return the friend favor in any way (i can't run with you but I can take the kids so you can go for a longer run).
That's great running helps. Hopefully the roller coaster ride will be over soon.
jess, i hope you're feeling better! am still nursing and not looking forward to weaning (not expecting to any time soon, but i know i will eventually). in addition to the hormones, it sounds like it's a very emotional undertaking. glad you were able to get out on a run - i think every mile helps.
I hope you feel like 'yourself' again soon! Yay for stomach sleeping!
If it's any help, I was fomula-fed and have a doctorate.... I think you lasted long enough!!
I get all emotional reading this, I know exactly how you feel right now, I did the same, finished nursing Bo at 5 months and if it were 8 months or a year for that matter I would have felt the same way. I knew it was time for it to end, I needed to be able to go out without a dam pump with me all the time and the extra time at home to be a better mommy all around. It felt like a few weeks of highs and lows and I totally feel your emotional mess you describe. You need a good night of drinking!
I heard the weaning process can be just AWFUL hormonally for the mom. I hope everything evens out soon enough! Thanks for the sweetest comment that you made on my blog!
a run has a way of evening out those ups and downs... {hugs} :-)
it's a sad transition. glad you have running to help.
Definitely keep up the running. Regardless of when you stop (or how slowly you do it), that hormonal change is a whammy.
It feels so nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. Really thankful to you for starting this.
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