It’s frustrating when your heart palpitations come to you out of the blue.
You’ve never struggled with this before.
There was a moment I was holding one of my twins, looking out the small apartment window on the second floor, and thinking; “I will never get to leave this house if I continue to breastfeed both of them.”
When I stopped breastfeeding, insomnia set in.
Picture this.
You finally stop breastfeeding, then you can’t sleep, then you struggle with fatigue, overthinking, and panic attacks.
This is postpartum anxiety.
It took me a long time to know these words: “postpartum anxiety”, trauma and triggered.
But, that’s what happens when you’re unable to regulate your nervous system.
Ask yourself, do you have any of these symptoms?
12 Signs of postpartum anxiety
insomnia – can’t sleep
heart palpitations
dizziness, light head
stomach issues
tight chest
shortness of breath
headache
sweating
can’t focus
crying spells
overthinking, circular thinking, or intrusive thoughts
exhaustion
So, what can you do about it?
First, why does postpartum anxiety happen? Here are 12 reasons..
insomnia
postpartum adrenal fatigue
depleted vitamins and minerals {B vitamins}
unresolved trauma; from birth or before and you’ve been triggered
unable to detoxify estrogen from your body
MTHFR gene
lack of help and/or support
your thyroid is off
your iron levels are low
you’re unable to regulate your nervous system
you live in a house with mold or did at one time
Ready to use natural remedies to soothe your nervous system? Start your free email challenge.
How long does postpartum anxiety last?
It can last up to a year and then doctors tend to call it just “anxiety”, but it could be coming from an estrogen dominance that began after birth.
Postpartum Anxiety Treatment
What can you do about it?
get tested for the MTHFR gene and eat the foods that support your body
practice being present with breathing techniques and tapping
soothe your nervous system daily with herbs, homeopathy and warm cooked diet
make sleep a priority
learn how to remove mold spores from your body and take steps to clear your home of mold
write about your trauma and noticed when you get triggered
I go over these steps in The Present Momma Group training.
Zoloft for postpartum anxiety
Considering Zoloft for your anxiety? Watch this video to see my alternatives to medications
Postpartum anxiety at night
We also tend to get
Postpartum health anxiety
This is just another way for your body to protect itself. You worry about your health, and your children’s health, and then anxiety gets ramped up. At the heart of it, you want to learn how to soothe your nervous system.
Give yourself a chance to heal naturally
Conclusion
There are many reasons we struggle with postpartum anxiety. Know that your body can heal when you get to the root cause of this stress and overwhelm. Sometimes medication is needed for a short time until you uncover how to heal your body. If medications don’t work for you, there are many herbal remedies and holistic practices you can start doing; even if you’re breastfeeding.
You’re frustrated and distracted by your stress and anxiety.
Wouldn’t it be great..
If you didn’t have to worry your anxiety would get worse?
If you didn’t have to worry, that your children would get this?
If you didn’t have anxiety before your period, each and every month?
If you could sleep?
Picture this.
Knowing exactly how to soothe your anxiety so you can manage it every day. So you can sleep better and not worry so much.
Let me show you how I’ve overcome anxiety with holistic practices.
Approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women develop anxiety. Sometimes they experience anxiety alone, and sometimes they experience it in addition to depression.
And… after a certain time, we no longer call it postpartum. We just say ” you have anxiety”.
Want to get started?
In this post, I’ll share how you can overcome postpartum anxiety with holistic practices; including herbal medicine.
So, what does postpartum anxiety feel like?
Postpartum anxiety feels like a cloud hanging over your head. There are waves of irritation and you may have a panic attack once in a while, due to this anxiety.
More commonly, moms may say they have …
constant worry about their children or others
they need to move or work and keep busy to avoid the anxiety
they may get sick more often
they also have PMS and PMS rage
they’re not mentally there and crave to be more present with their family
Why does postpartum anxiety happen?
Postpartum anxiety attacks
There could be many reasons postpartum anxiety happens. As a women’s herbal educator, I help moms identify why this is happening and how to fix it.
Here are some of the reasons postpartum anxiety happens:
Low vitamins; particularly Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Iron, Vitamin B12 & DHA
Lack of sleep
Inflammation in your gut; specifically gut dysbiosis ² Gut-brain axis
Your hormones. Are you in peri-menopause or have too much estrogen in your diet?
Your thyroid is off-hypo or hyperthyroid
Your nervous system is overreacting due to stress
Your body is not healed postpartum
Post-traumatic stress; unresolved anger from past events
Postpartum anxiety treatment natural
5 holistic practices to reduce postpartum anxiety
#1 Identify your triggers
When you’re “triggered” you’ll feel an intense overwhelming sensation take over your body.
You may sweat, shake, go numb, cry, or feel like you can’t breathe.
Sometimes you smell, hear, think, or see something that reminds you of a traumatic event – even if you don’t remember that traumatic event!
For example; when I hear ambulance sirens it reminds me of my husband’s death.
Your goal when triggered is to calm your nervous system.
#2 Tapping for anxiety relief
Have you heard of tapping yet?
This is an amazing practice to soothe your anxiety every day.
Have you ever wondered if you have anxiety because you are suppressing something? Something that you want to say something or do?
Do you feel like you’re always worried about the future?
Writing can help you release anxiety and overcome what is bothering you.
👉Action step: Begin writing. Write 100 things that you want right now. Write down 3 places you want to go. Write down what you want to do for work. Then write your perfect day out in complete detail.
It may seem silly, but when these dreams come true… you feel amazed.
Conclusion
Holistic practices can help soothe your nervous system and stop panic attacks. When you begin soothing your nervous system daily, you’ll notice your panic attacks decrease.
What has worked for you? I’d love to know. Comment below.
Wondering if you should be taking Ashwagandha or St. John’s Wort for postpartum depression {PPD} and anxiety?
One of the biggest mistakes I made when I had PPD was just taking one herbal tincture at a time.
You need a COMBINATION of botanicals when you’re struggling with depression and/or anxiety.
But, wait. Don’t overdo it.
Finding a supplement that combines BOTH herbs would be best, rather than taking the full dosing of each herb alone; especially if you’re breastfeeding.
So, let’s dive in.
What are the benefits of Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha Benefits
Known to give you the strength of stallions, It’s an adaptogen, mild sedative, pain reliever, and anti-inflammatory.
It can re-regulate the thyroid & adrenal glands {a common concern postpartum}
It’s effective in helping if you have anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, and insomnia
It’s rich in iron and can be used to treat iron deficiency when taken as a powder * see below
It can relieve muscle pain and cloudy thinking
Dosing
Take 4-10 ml a day for acute pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, tired and wired, hypothyroidism, PMS, postpartum depression & stress
Breastfeeding safety: Category C or compatible with breastfeeding by Mills & Bones ³
Caution: Keep in mind, it’s not to be used during pregnancy, and caution if you’re taking medications
Watch this video as I discuss the difference between Ashwagandha and St. John’s Wort
Is Ashwagandha safe while Breastfeeding?
It’s considered a Level 1 by the German Commission E. if you’re breastfeeding. Yes, it’s safe!
It’s also antiviral {herpes}, nervines, can be used topically as well as a vulnerably
Use St. John’s Wort for:
chronic pelvic pain
endometriosis
insomnia
PMS
perimenopause
vulvovaginitis
topically cracked nipples and perineum – Just make sure you wipe it off before breastfeeding!
But, if you’re taking SSRIs or other medications it is the #1 herb/drug interaction so please consult your doctor before taking
St. John’s Wort and Postpartum Depression
Is St. John’s Wort safe while Breastfeeding?
The German Commission E Considers it an L2/3 while breastfeeding, but there are no known contraindications
>>In one Study; Hyperforin was detected in low concentrations in the breast milk of moms who took 300mg of SJW 3xday starting 5 months Postpartum for Postpartum Depression and no adverse effects were found
Watch this video as I explain more..
What is St. John’s Wort good for?
good for mild/moderate depression
Keep in mind, that it’s not to be used during pregnancy
In Summary
Ashwagandha is more of an adaptogen and nervine; it’s great to take when you can’t sleep. It’s considered safe to take while breastfeeding. St. John’s Wort {SJW} is more for mild depression, baby blues, and monthly depression. One additional benefit is SJW, which may increase the breakdown of estrogen and therefore may boost progesterone levels – which may be affecting your sleep and postpartum recovery.
Have you tried these botanicals? I’d love to answer any questions you may have. Post them in the comment area and I’ll be sure to answer them.
It’s frustrating when you’re not feeling like yourself.
What if we could break through postpartum depression without medications?
Just imagine.. sleeping through the night, not yelling and crying so much. Feeling joy again.
The truth?
It takes more than herbal medicine to help you heal depression.
Don’t forget
your mental health matters
So do what you need to do, to take care of your children right now.
What’s the magic formula?
Adaptogens + nervines + therapy + gut healing
—-
In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about Postpartum depression and how you can begin to heal your body; even if you’re taking medications or breastfeeding.
How does Postpartum Depression (PPD) happen?
The cause of PPD remains unknown, but some suggested reasons are…
The rapid changes in hormones during the postpartum period and the inability to flush them out postpartum
Thyroid insufficiency (The thyroid can go from Hyperthyroid to Hypothyroidism 2-5 months after birth)
A rapid drop in insulin levels
Inadequate vitamins & minerals
Mother-child separation and negative birth experience/trauma
Write about your trauma. Draw a picture of how you are feeling. The postpartum time is really hard. Talk about it.
#3 Get adequate rest
Sleep deprivation is real – especially if you’re a mom of multiples!
Ask someone to watch the kids, sleep, and rest.
The house will be a mess, let it be.
You need to restore your health.
#4 Optimize nutrition
It has been suggested women are lacking valuable nutrients during the postpartum period.
When I opened my eyes after childbirth, it looked like a war zone! So much blood.
With that amount of blood loss, I had to restore my body with valuable vitamins.
The 6 must-have Postpartum Supplements
Essential Fatty Acids – important for a healthy nervous system. It is recommended to supplement with 1-3 g/day of fish oil with DHA and EPA to reduce depression.
B vitamins – needed for the growth of red blood cells, energy levels, and proper nerve function
Zinc – known to boost immunity, reduce viral illnesses, and aid gut health, add Zinc to your diet to restore your overall health.
Iron – A mineral vital to the proper function of hemoglobin, a protein needed to transport oxygen in the blood. Liver and red meat are the #1 sources of iron. If you are anemic, you can add in Floradix; a non-constipating, herbal iron supplement.
Probiotics – If you’ve had a C-section or digestive issues, adding a probiotic 2-3 months after birth can help your body AND also reduce allergies in your child’s health. I like Klair probiotics.
Magnesium – to soothe anxiety and reduce constipation
#5 Eat often to prevent insulin drops
Low blood sugar, can have a dramatic effect on your mood. Add healthy fat and protein with each meal.
#6 Incorporate botanicals to soothe anxiety
Your anxiety & depression matters and it’s not going away anytime soon!
Learn how to use herbs when you breastfeeding, to make life easier.
Look for Class 1 botanicals to use if you’re breastfeeding to soothe anxiety and boost your energy. {Pin the image!}
A cup of Chamomile and Lemon Balm tea with a tincture of motherwort can do wonders for your stress.
Herbs for depression
Consider incorporating St. John’s wort if you feel comfortable. Watch this video to learn how you can add it in safely:
#7 Add adaptogens to ease sleep deprivation
Adaptogens help us “adapt around stress”. These miracle herbs can help you overcome postpartum depression – naturally.
PPD can begin 2-3 weeks postpartum and can last up to a year or longer.
Symptoms include agitation, anxiety, and panic attacks, confusion, despair, guilt, hopelessness, loneliness, nightmares, thoughts of hurting oneself or the baby.
There are no punctuations of happiness or elation.
Where do you go for Postpartum Depression support?
“You can also contact our warmline directly and speak to a volunteer who will provide support, information, and resources where you live. Leave a message on our warmline 1.800.944.4773, and one of our volunteers will call you back asap. Calls are returned within 24 hours, and typically within a few hours of your request. If you are in crisis or need more immediate help…please call 911 or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.”
Conclusion
Your mental health matters and there is no shame in taking medication while you work on your health. If you choose not to take medications, herbal remedies can help soothe your nervous system and ease the tension and depression in your body.
The goal is to get to the root cause of this: usually, our inability to soothe our nervous system and detoxify the hormones. Supporting your liver in clearing excessive hormones from your body will be your #1 guide to healing.
Do you have questions about healing depression? I’d love to help. Leave them in the comment area and I’ll get back to you.
Tara
References:
Romm, Aviva: Botanicals Medicine For Women’s Health
Are you considering St. John’s Wort {SJW} for postpartum depression?
Even though It’s become the most popular alternative to pharmaceuticals for depression in Europe and the US, it’s so much more than the “depression herb”.
Let’s dive in.
Here’s my promise to you, by the end of this post you’ll understand the risk/benefit ratio and determine if SJW is right for you and the ONE person who should not take St. john’s wort.
St. John’s Wort can be useful for some types of depression, but it also has great benefits for anxiety, grief, melancholia, estrogen clearance, and numbness due to nerve pains and/or damage.
But, Is St. John’s Wort Safe While Breastfeeding?
Here are three References
#1 St. John’s Wort is considered a Level 2/3 by the German Commission E. in Dr. Aviva Romms Book; Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health¹.
What does that mean?
Level 2: Safer; Limited studies demonstrated, but no increased risk
Level 3: Moderately Safe; No controlled studies in breastfeeding women or controlled studies demonstrate minimal adverse effects
There are limited studies that show no increased risk in the child’s health.Many studies have been flawed due to the poor use of extracts or questionable preparation of the product.
:: In one study, women ingested 300 mg of St. John’s Wort a day and low levels of hyperforin were detected in breastmilk, however, no constitutes of the herbs was detectable in the babies plasma and no adverse effects were observed in either. Source
#2 Lactation and medication expert Thomas Hale & Hilary Rowe authors of Medications and Mothers milk suggest transfer to milk are minimal and appears to be safe during lactation. ¹
However, one infant in each group was reported to be colicky, but there was no change in milk production and weight of the infants ¹
#3 The essential guide to herbal safety by Mills & Bones considers St. John’s Wort a Lactation Category CC. Compatible with breastfeeding, but use caution. ²
It appears the most common side effects would be colic, drowsiness, and lethargy giving the mother a signal to stop taking the botanical
And, keep in mind.. a small percentage of women have an increase in depression when they take St. John’s Wort.
So, if you notice any adverse effects, stop taking the supplement or tincture.
St. John’s Wort Dosing
Personally, I prefer to take SJW as a tincture.
I like to test one herb at a time. Then, when I feel comfortable, I like to use a combined tincture of SJW and nervines to soothe the nervous system.
Tincture Dosing: 40-60 drops; 3-4x day
Capsules: 300- 350mg of standardized extract 3x day {0-3% total hypericin}
St. John’s Wort Postpartum Benefits
Internally, you can take St. John’s Wort as a tincture or supplement for:
sciatica
as an antiviral to reduce cold symptoms
seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
menopause
Monthly PMS blues
mild/moderate depression
** My favorite reason to take SJW is for detoxification to reduce excessive estrogen levels and to reduce PMS & PMDD
Externally, it has many benefits as well.
When you place the flowers in St. John’s Wort in oil, it turns red. Use this oil externally/topically for:
spinal/ nerve injuries due to childbirth
vulvodynia (vaginal pain)
also for first-degree burns, bruises, bites, and puncture wounds
Can you take St. John’s Wort for Postpartum depression?
Who should avoid St. John’s Wort?
SJW is well-known for enhancing liver detoxification, which reduces the blood flow of many medications.
Anyone taking the following medications should skip SJW for now
Avoid St. John’s Wort if you’re taking warfarin, digoxin, protease inhibitors, organ transplant antirejection drugs, or chemotherapy
Use caution with oral contraception
Use under a physician’s supervision if you’re taking antidepressants
In large doses, you may notice photosensitivity to sunlight and want to avoid this
It’s also contraindicated during pregnancy, however, safety studies are lacking
In short…
St. john’s wort can be used during breastfeeding when you purchase a standardized product from a reputable company. Standardization of the herb is to guarantee that the consumer is getting a product in which the chemistry is consistent from batch to batch.
Look for 300 mg 3x day to decrease postpartum depression and watch for adverse effects like colic, lethargy, and an increase in depression in mom.
Keep in mind, it takes a comprehensive approach to overcome postpartum depression and this is just one part of the puzzle.
Nervines are also needed to soothe the nervous system after childbirth.
Ashwagandha vs St. John’s Wort
Can’t decide where to begin? Watch this video.
xo
Tara
P.S. Have you tried St. John’s Wort? What was your experience? Let us know. 👇
References:
References
¹ Romm, Aviva; Botanicals Medicine for Women’s Health pg 887 ²Mills & Bones: The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety Hale & Rowe; Medications & Mother’s Milk https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16566628/#:~:text=The%20only%20existing%20report%20on,John’s%20wort. https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/lactation_risk_cat/https://www.infantrisk.com/content/drug-entry-human-milk
