), and eat at restaurants that value good farming practices. Reintegrating My Self Post Pregnancy & Birth, Adaptogens for Adrenal Fatigue and Postpartum Depression. Causes, symptoms, and effects of postpartum adrenal fatigue are numerous. Eleuthero. (This wonderful book was recommended by my physician. *Overdoing this herb can worsen symptoms of anxiety, hypertension, and insomnia. * They enhance the body's ability to cope with stress slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes. New mothers face the demands of caring for a baby in the wake of the steep hormonal shift at childbirth and are especially susceptible to adrenal fatigue. (The same is true for conventional medications.) Â. Ginseng is one of the most well-known adaptogenic herbs. Take omega 3 supplements.  Â, Take prenatal vitamins. Mamas with postpartum depression and adrenal fatigue are depleted on so many levels. Using large amounts of the following herbs and other natural remedies should be avoided while nursing because they have been known to decrease milk supply. Bring the milk to a low simmer, but don’t let it boil. Ashwaganda. NOTE: Rhodiola is not recommended if one is bipolar, manic, or has paranoid mental states. The folowing adaptogenic herbs are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, although you do need to be aware of proper dosage and quality product. Because they help our bodies adapt to stressful situations. Also, there are several “natural” remedies that can be utilized during pregnancy with little to no risk. As a new mama, you are susceptible to poor nighttime sleep, whether due to insomnia, anxiety, bad dreams, a fussy babe, or a combination of these things. This antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nervine immune tonic is sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and pungent. When this happens, you likely feel unequipped to face the next day. Some adaptogens have long history of use by pregnant and breastfeeding women in traditional cultures. )  Â, Lastly, my girl Aviva feels comfortable and recommends the use of chamomile, red raspberry leaf, and echinacea after the first trimester of pregnancy. Adaptogenic herbs may also interact with a range of health issues. It is said to increase energy, improve cognitive function, act as an anti-inflammatory, help with erectile dysfunction, prevent flu and lower blood sugar. If you are taking medication (or any other medication, for that matter) that suppresses the immune system, please do not use adaptogens without consulting a physician … GT’s ALIVE is a sparkling drink crafted with the best of Mother Nature. My basic understanding of why adaptogens may be problematic during pregnancy is this: There is little to no research on the use of herbal medicines in pregnancy. Â, Take Vitamin D3 supplements, in addition to what your prenatal contains, and have your vitamin D level tested. ), Drink mineral-rich bone broth and use collagen peptides in your smoothies or hot cereals. This week is World Breastfeeding Week which this year is highlighting the importance of peer support for mothers who, all too often, do not receive adequate support to enable them to continue, or even begin, to nurse their child. (More on that once I’ve done my research!) These high levels of cortisol play an important role in the baby’s brain and lung development and may also have benefits for moms after birth, with research demonstrating higher sympathy to infant cries and, (albeit strangely), an increased liking for their baby’s smell. Although opinions vary on whether adaptogens are appropriate for pregnant/breastfeeding women, some have a long history of use during pregnancy/breastfeeding in traditional cultures. Due to lack of safety data, I do not recommend adaptogens for use during pregnancy, however they are considered safe for use while breastfeeding, and can help new moms to cope with the stress and demands of sleepless nights! Thankfully, adaptogens nourish our adrenals and alleviate the effects of prolonged stress, while bolstering our vulnerable immune systems and lovingly guiding our bodies & minds back to balance. The following is merely my personal interpretation of the information I discovered and should not replace a physician’s recommendation. Please note that while most adaptogens are generally safe for everyone, it is important to take precautions if you are pregnant or breast feeding. (, Your body’s demands for healthy fats increase in pregnancy, so experiment with adding coconut oil and grass-fed ghee to your diet. At Feast of Green, we create personalized lifestyle plans so you can be comfortable in your body. "Tulsi (or holy basil) is another Ayurvedic herb that's an adaptogen and is delicious in teas or sparkling water." *As a disclaimer, I am not an expert in herbal medicine. Avoid the use of any herbal supplement (unless absolutely necessary and cleared by your MD), particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy. The roots of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), and several other species contain steroidal saponins called ginsenosides that are purported to be adaptogens (i.e., to increase endurance and improve memory). Â. They are commonly sold today as herbal supplements in the form of pills, powders, teas, and other tinctures. I first became interested in adaptogens a few years ago, while attending a functional medicine conference in New York, and I’ve dabbled with the use of various herbs (rhodiola, ashwagandha, etc.) (Her blog and podcast reveal a handful of horrifying anecdotes that quickly led me to believe that the risks of these herbs outweigh any potential benefits during this delicate time.) Â, Make sure your prenatal vitamin contains folate vs. folic acid, particularly if you have the MTHFR mutation, as I do, or take an additional folate supplement.    Â. In contrast to stimulants, adaptogens provide enhanced resistance to external stress, improve recovery after exhaustive physical work, increase survival under stress, and rarely bring about side effects. The good news is that, as hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels within a few days after birth, many adaptogens are thought to be safe and beneficial for breastfeeding. 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