Hello! Happy Saturday! What a delightful day it has been! I'm thrilled to share that my business cards arrived today, and they are absolutely adorable!
Throughout the day, I've been contemplating a topic that resonates deeply with many—postpartum depression.
It's a complex emotional journey that some may find challenging after experiencing the incredible moment of bringing a new life into the world.
Questions may arise, such as, "Why do I feel this way?" and "What's wrong with me?" It's truly astonishing that amidst the joy of nurturing a tiny human, one might struggle to find joy. However, reflecting on the fact that we nurtured this little life, utilizing the nutrients left after sustaining our baby, sheds light on the potential nutritional depletion we might experience, exacerbated by the inherent sleep deprivation that accompanies caring for a newborn.
So, let's explore some suggestions to navigate this challenging period. I'll organize the information into three sections: Supplements and food, herbs, and essential oils, along with additional tips to consider.
Supplements and Food: Nutritional depletion can significantly impact mental functioning. Magnesium, a key mineral, plays a crucial role in bodily functions. Foods rich in magnesium, such as prunes, unsulphured apricots, and pears, along with trace minerals in water, can be beneficial. Hydration is essential, especially during breastfeeding. Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, EPA, B vitamins, Vitamin D, K2, Vitamin C, Folate, Probiotics, B2, Zinc, Selenium, saffron, and curcumin are nutrients to prioritize. Incorporate electrolytes through unsweetened coconut water. Focus on real, whole foods, avoiding processed sugars, refined, and processed foods.
Herbs: Herbs like Ashwagandha, known for hormone balancing and anti-anxiety properties, can aid in mood stabilization. Skullcap influences GABA receptors, mitigating nervous system overstimulation. St. John's Wort, Valerian root, bearberry tea, oregon grape, wildrose tea, and turmeric are additional herbal options. I have a really lovely herb blend for postpartum on my website. Consult your doctor, especially if breastfeeding, to determine the suitability of specific herbs.
Essential Oils: Essential oils can be diffused, added to baths, or applied topically. Geranium, jade lemon, vitality, lemon, sage, melissa, clary sage, cedarwood, frankincense, and bergamot are oils associated with postpartum well-being. Blends like joy, trauma life, peace and calming, and hope are worth exploring. I make a lovely roller oil blend on my website for postpartum.
Additional Tips:
-Epsom salt baths, taken 3-4 times a week with added essential oils, can be therapeutic.
-Regular exercise, even a 30-minute walk, serves as a powerful antidepressant.
-Natural sunlight positively influences mood.
-Pilates offers a low-key workout routine with mood-lifting benefits.
-Avoid excessive blue light and consider blue light glasses for electronics.
-Explore red light therapy, sauna sessions, and singing as therapeutic outlets.
-Acupuncture, mindful chemical exposure, talk therapies, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) are valuable considerations.
I'm particularly excited because many of these herbal teas can be crafted in my new office! Recently, I created a tea for PTSD, and I'm eager to receive feedback. Health and well-being are ongoing journeys.
Feel free to share my blogs, and if you have specific topics you'd like me to cover, let me know.
Wishing you restful sleep and a wonderful Sunday ahead!
Much love,
~J