Side Effects of Stopping Breastfeeding on Mother and Baby

Creator: Anisha Nair
Published: 2018-11-13 11:09:36

Understand the short-term and long-term side effects of stopping breastfeeding and how mothers can cope with these changes smoothly.

By Anisha Nair | Updated: 06/02/2026

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Rima Sonpal (Gynecologist/Obstetrician)

Most mothers enjoy the experience of breastfeeding, even though it can be challenging at times. When the time comes to wean, it marks a new phase for both the mother and the baby. This transition can bring physical and emotional changes, which may feel unexpected if you’re not prepared for them. Many mothers notice physical side effects of stopping breastfeeding as their bodies adjust to producing less milk. In this article, we’ll explain what to expect during the weaning process and cover common breastfeeding stopping side effects for both the mother and the baby, so you can move through this stage with more confidence.

Side Effects of Stopping Breastfeeding on Mother

All mothers experience some discomfort, along with other effects when they stop breastfeeding. Discussed below are some of the weaning effects on mother.

1. Mastitis and Clogged Ducts

A plugged duct can cause extreme tenderness in the breast that is fairly localised. If it remains untreated, it can cause mastitis, a breast infection that causes severe pain, fever, and redness. The breast becomes tender and warm to the touch. Mastitis can be treated by using warming pads, expressing the milk, and a dose of antibiotics (1).

2. Fullness of the Breasts

Weaning can be the cause of a feeling of fullness of the breasts. Breasts become painful and heavy because of the collection of milk (2) (3). Expressing milk can reduce this feeling of fullness.

3. Physical Illness

Some problems that appear after stopping breastfeeding include headaches, nausea, and mood swings. These can be the effect of hormonal changes that are a result of stopping breastfeeding. Sometimes these problems mimic early pregnancy symptoms. Consult your doctor before you decide to wean.

4. Increase in Fertility

The hormones secreted in the body during breastfeeding reduce the chances of ovulation; these hormones change when the mother stops breastfeeding. The mother may have her period within six weeks of weaning, meaning that ovulation has begun once again.

5. Depression Post-Weaning

Weaning effects on mothers include mild to severe depression. This is associated with hormonal changes in the body when the infant stops suckling, or milk is no longer being expressed (4). Prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation, can also create a feeling of calmness and joy for the mother. With the reduction in prolactin levels, the mother may begin feeling sad, and she may associate this sadness with the end of the bond between her and her baby. Not every mother experiences depression, however, you must seek help from a medical practitioner if you feel depressed.

6. Extreme Fatigue and Tiredness

The progesterone and estrogen levels in the mother’s body try to re-balance after weaning, and this causes extreme tiredness and fatigue. Discontinuing breastfeeding may not reverse normal sleeping patterns, inducing further fatigue in mothers.

7. The Feeling of Shame About Eating

When nursing, mothers are advised to consume sufficient calories to sustain breastfeeding. Women usually eat a lot while feeding without gaining weight. When a mother decides to wean, she may find it challenging to cut down the food intake as it is habitual. It may make some mothers feel guilty about eating more during mealtime. Depression caused by hormonal changes makes this feeling more pronounced for some mothers.

8. Issues of Attachment With the Infant

Reduced oxytocin levels, and subsequently, bonding makes some mothers feel a slight estrangement from their children (2). The mother may also feel less proficient at soothing the child without breastfeeding. Finding other ways to bond, like playing together, cuddling during sleep time, etc. can help the mother and the baby bond better.

9. Palpitations and Anxiety

Anxiety may surface in plenty of ways, such as the mom being too snappy, worrying and overthinking, dreading the little things that shouldn’t matter, and so on (4). This feeling of anxiety can be accompanied by palpitations.

10. Insomnia

Some mothers find it hard to get a good night’s sleep even though feeding is no longer required through the night.

11. Skin Changes

Weaning an infant can bring in a lot of changes in the skin due to a surge in hormones. Dryness, acne, stretch marks, and other breakouts are common when breastfeeding is stopped.

12. Increased Stress for the Mother

The inability to comfort the baby or the anxiety, sore breasts, and headaches may increase levels of stress in some mothers.

Side Effects of Stopping Breastfeeding on Baby

Babies, too, can face some problems when breastfeeding is stopped. Here is what happens with the infants:

1. Reduced Immune Protection

Breast milk contains antibodies that help fight infections (5). Once breastfeeding stops, the baby no longer receives these antibodies, which can increase the risk of infections.

2. Loss of Nutritional Advantages

Breast milk provides balanced nutrition that is perfectly tailored for the baby (6). After weaning, the baby becomes dependent on formula or solid foods, which can be a challenge if they don’t adapt easily.

3. Digestive Changes

Babies may experience temporary digestive issues such as gas, constipation, or changes in stool patterns as they adjust to formula or solid foods (7).

4. Increased Fussiness or Irritability

The sudden change in feeding routine can make some babies feel unsettled, leading to more crying, clinginess, or disrupted sleep patterns.

Tips to Stop Breastfeeding

Ready to move on from breastfeeding but not sure where to start? Here are some helpful tips to guide you through this journey (2).

Instead of stopping breastfeeding suddenly, mothers should gradually stop breastfeeding by reducing the number of breastfeeding sessions over a few weeks.
Another useful tip is to shorten the length of each breastfeeding session. For instance, if your baby is used to breastfeeding for fifteen minutes, try reducing the feeding time to ten minutes.
Mothers can also combine breastfeeding with formula milk by replacing one of the baby’s breastfeeding session with a bottle of formula milk.

FAQs

1. Do you experience hormonal changes when stop breastfeeding?

Yes, you may experience hormonal changes when you stop breastfeeding. Estrogen levels start to rise again once you stop breastfeeding and you may experience other symptoms like sore breasts, mood swings, and an increase in vaginal discharge.

2. How long after stopping breastfeeding do hormones return to normal?

It may take up to three months for your hormones to return back to normal.

3. Do you gain weight after stopping breastfeeding?

Yes, it is possible that you may gain some weight after stopping breastfeeding.

4. What are the long term side effects of not breastfeeding for the baby?

Not breastfeeding can affect a baby’s immunity, nutrition, and development. Babies may have a higher risk of infections, weaker immune systems, and may face nutritional gaps if formula or solid foods do not fully meet their needs.

Speaking to a lactation consultant before weaning your infant will aid in fighting the effects of weaning. Ice packs, warming pads, sage tea, and a good bra will go a long way in the prevention of engorgement and mastitis. Whatever the reason for weaning, listen to your body and do not feel pressured by unsolicited advice. As the mother of the infant, you should be free to decide what is best for you and your baby.

Also Read:

How to Dry Up Breast Milk
When and How to Stop Breastfeeding
Tips to Stop Breast Milk Production

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