Why I Added Adaptogens When I Had Postpartum Depression
updated: 4.19.24
1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression.
I spent 26 long months with postpartum depression and no one even knew it.
Isn't that amazing?
Read that again.
So, how can we recover from pregnancy faster and overcome Postpartum Depression naturally?
Adaptogens are one piece of the puzzle.
But, first.
Always ask for help if you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your child. If so, reach out for help today.
Who can help you when you have postpartum anxiety & depression?
Here is a list of resources:
https://www.taragregorio.com/blog/postpartum-depression-and-anxiety-resources
So, When does Postpartum depression {PPD} start?
PPD can come on gradually anytime in the first year; you may notice symptoms as early as two weeks postpartum; however, it can occur at any time in the first year and may last up to a year or longer.
I particularly noticed insomnia began after I stopped breastfeeding the twins.
The twenty-four months of sleep deprivation led to anxiety, stress, and depression.
5 Postpartum Depression Causes
5 Reasons we experience postpartum depression
#1 the MTHFR gene, FOLIC acid, and poor methylation
Dr. Ben Lynch is the leading doctor teaching us how methylation is contributing to our postpartum health.
And, what are all of our vitamins made of? You guessed it, folic acid.
Read about the MTHFR gene and your health here: https://www.taragregorio.com/blog/postpartum-recovery-how-the-mthfr-gene-affects-your-health
If you have the gene, {or even if you don’t} - You want to consider supporting your methylation pathways. How?
Eat Folate daily
Take Folic acid out of your diet
Change your vitamin to a methylated B vitamin
#2 Nutrient Deficiencies
Postpartum women often have inadequate levels of essential fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc, and protein, all of which have been associated with PPD. ³*
Additionally, Dr. Amanda Rose from the book, Rebuild from Depression: A Nutrient Guide Including Depression in Pregnancy and Postpartum suggests we need to soak our grains, nuts and seeds to reduce phytic acid.
By soaking our grains, we absorb all the nutrients that are leaving us depleted.
Iron
*Iron is one of the most critical nutrients to replenish post-childbirth, especially if blood tests show anemia during your pregnancy.
The immense loss of blood during childbirth can dramatically deplete your iron stores and eating a healthy diet or taking your prenatal vitamins may not be enough to make up the difference.
This is worrisome because anemia triggers the kind of fatigue commonly associated with depression.
>>>Consuming grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish can help fill any nutrient gaps you’re experiencing.
“One of the most important things you can do is have your vitamins checked postpartum and consider an IV of vitamins at a company like Restore Wellness. ”
#3 Hormone Shifts
There’s an immense drop in progesterone during the postpartum period.
If you have the resources to have your hormones checked - I’d love to know if your progesterone is low.
Adding bio-identical progesterone, not progestin- topically from Day 14-28 should help insomnia, anger, and depression!
Additionally, your thyroid function can go from hyperthyroid to hypothyroid in a matter of months.
Why is autoimmune thyroid disease so common after birth?
When the normal immunologic changes that kept you from rejecting your baby as an alien being while she or he was in your uterus start to revert back to normal after birth, they can play some nasty little tricks on your own body tissue leading to autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid, especially in women who are already genetically susceptible.- Aviva Romm
#4 Sleep Deprivation
"Some research suggests that in the first year postpartum, the average sleep debt of Mothers is 700 hours." ~ Dr. Oscar Serrallach M.D.
Asking for help with sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health.
#5 Community
And the lack of social and emotional support that most American mothers face also plays a critical role.
The support from family members during the postpartum period allows for the greatest care of mother and baby, it places importance on bonding the new baby with the community.²
What are the signs of postpartum depression?
Postpartum Depression Signs
I felt as if I was living outside of my world, looking in and I couldn't recognize myself.
You may experience any or all of these:
Agitation
Anxiety
Chronic fatigue
Confusion
Despair
Difficulty relaxing
Feeling inadequate
Guilt
Hopelessness
Inability to cope or function with daily life
Insomnia
Irritability
Irrational concern for the baby’s well-being
Joylessness
Loss of interest in normal activities
Memory loss
Poor concentration
Sadness
Thoughts of hurting oneself or the baby ·
Note: You should report all of these symptoms to your doctor, especially if you’re struggling with thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby.
The vast majority of women with postpartum depression will not harm their babies.
But the fear that you might be can be petrifying and all-consuming.
Postpartum Depression Treatment
There is no single magic solution.
Postpartum depression is a multifactorial problem requiring attention on all different levels.
I've found a healthy diet, rest, self-care, art therapy, and adaptogens helped pull me out of postpartum depression.
Want to know how I overcame postpartum depression? Watch this video
Natural Remedies for Postpartum Depression
The first shift occurred when I added adaptogens.
What are Adaptogen herbs?
Adaptogens are a category of herbs that help us adapt to stress.
Herbs like Panax Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Astragalus, Licorice, and Rhodiola can reduce adrenal fatigue or burnout we experience from sleep deprivation.
Essentially, the HPA Axis (or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis ) is how our brain and body communicate with each other — and when we’re stressed out, it sets in motion a series of hormonal and neuroendocrine responses that control our body’s primary alert system, known as the "fight or flight” response.
When you’re in fight or flight, you may experience increased heart rate, increase blood pressure, a sudden need to pee, or dilated pupils.
Sounds smells, and colors may all become more vivid because all of our senses go on high alert as well.
You may notice you have intrusive thoughts as well.
The problem is that many of us live in a chronic state of fight or flight, especially in the postpartum years when you’re being woken up at all times of the night, or constantly having to jump up every time a baby cries.
Over time, this can lead to dysfunction. The HPA Axis loses its ability to shut off and leaves us in fight or flight mode all day long. If you’re struggling with PPD, you’re probably stuck in this mode as well.
A category of herbs called adaptogens can help regulate this stress response.
In traditional medicine systems, these are also known as “tonics” and their purpose is to help restore adrenal health, ease anxieties, and reduce cortisol levels.
“The ONE adaptogen that pulled me out of postpartum depression was Ashwagandha.”
Why did I add adaptogens?
First of all, I didn’t know the strength of these adaptogens.
At the time, I was just taking valerian root for sleep - which wasn’t working.
My diet was terrible and I wasn’t sleeping.
My course from Dr. Aviva Romm, discussed the many benefits of adding adaptogens into my diet.
And . …POOF!
I had a breakthrough.
Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding
Ashwagandha is known as the "strength of stallions" as it strengthens the immune system, reduces cortisol levels, and balances thyroid hormones. (It’s considered a Level 1 category, in the herb/risk during lactation categories and considered safe to take when you’re breastfeeding.)
Conclusion
If you are struggling with postpartum depression, know that you are not alone. This is not your fault.
Diet, community support, and botanicals can help begin to nourish your body and help you overcome this feeling of hopelessness fast.
The first and hardest step is to ask for help.
Your friends your loved ones and your community want to help you, all you have to do is ask.
xo Tara
P.S. Have you tried adaptogens? I’d love to know. Which ones have helped you? Let me know in the comment area below.
References
¹ Romm, Aviva; Botanical Medicine For Women’s Health. Pg. 418
² Andrews, Dr. Lia; 7 Times A woman; Ancients wisdom on health and beautify for every stage of your life
³Romm, Aviva Jill; The Natural Pregnancy Book
