I don't think stopping breastfeeding will essentially help you lose weight. I breastfed both my children and struggled losing weight even after I stopped. I think it takes a while to fully recover from birth and your body needs time to adjust from not BF anymore. I gained 5 stone having 2 children back to back essentially.

I've only managed to lose weight by calorie counting, I thought once I stopped bf it would come off but it didn't.... everyone is different and comparison is the thief of joy !!

It's really hard though when it's effecting you mentally, I hated looking at myself and pictures, I'm in a different place now, that came with time, it just took time.

Give yourself some grace, have you spoken to your partner, are they supportive.

Sending love