Abrupt Weaning

Abrupt weaning, or ceasing all breastfeedings immediately and at once, is difficult on both the mother and the baby, but sometimes is necessary in cases of serious health issues like cancer. There is great physical discomfort and the mother could end up with a breast infection such as mastitis because her body will not have time to adjust to the fact that she is not removing milk. In addition, the mother's hormones will be shocked. Prolactin, the hormone that is released during breastfeeding, gives the mother feelings of euphoria. When she stops breastfeeding abruptly, the prolactin levels drop dramatically and she may feel depressed. Aside from the issues the mother may have, the baby could potentially have emotional trauma. The mother should take care to give the baby extra affection during this time.