My boy stayed "on the boob" until he was almost 2.5 -- he essentially weaned ME so I don't recall any hormonal crashes. I did have some emotional depression though -- I knew he was my last baby and I had a tough time with that. I wanted to keep him a newborn forever. Poor child. At 4, he's already showing some damage from that ... LOL!

With my daughter, who is now 8, she and I just SUCKED (no pun intended) when it came to breastfeeding and were both glad to be done with it around 4 months. Again, it was such a relief, I don't remember any hormonal reactions and if I had some, the relief would have ruled I think.

Not sure what to say about sleeplessness Sheila. I just have NEVER my whole life had to deal with that. I know there are some great herbal teas out there. I have a mild prescription that I take very occasionally for anxiety and it knocks me out fast. The doctor said it was like a mild valium -- I can't get the name for you since I'm at work but I'll look when I get home.

I would talk to my doctor though. I understand that sleeplessness can cause all sorts of problems and you need to be rested and in good mental health to take care of the wee one.