Herbal Allies for Post Partum Anxiety

Hi there-

I did some research on how to help combat Post Partum Anxiety Disorder and came across tea infusions w/ red clover, oat straw and lemon balm (taken separately).  (My problem is feeling extremely frustrated/angry/out of control since having my second child . . . I have a 2 yr old and a 9 month old who likes to night time feed a lot, so I am not getting a whole lot of sleep either).

I thought taking these tea's would improve my mood as well as help w/ milk production.  I took oat straw for a week and felt pretty good.

Now I am on red clover, but I am not sure it is helping.  I feel like it may be affecting my 9 month old as her night time feedings went from 3-4 hour intervals to 1-1.5 hour intervals.

I have also been reading nursing women should not take red clover becuase of unknown side effects.

Can anyone there confirm whether the red clover may be bothering my 9 month old or if I should not be taking it??  I only drink 1-2 8oz cups a day for 7 days and then switch.

Any help would be greater appreciated...

Hello,

I have not heard of red clover causing problems with feedings, in fact, many women drink the infusions to help with milk production. Some herbalists avoid red clover due to the phytoestrogens it contains, but Susun does not include it on her avoid list. Many of us, myself included drank it throughout pregnancy and nursing. However, you need to decide what feels right for you, so if you think it may be causing these issues, I would stop using it and see what happens.

The oatstraw is important for helping you with your frustrated feelings and anxiety. You say tea infusions, so I just am including this link to make sure that you are preparing these as true infusions. http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

Oatstraw is both soothing, nourishing and promotes a strong nervous system and absolutely a wonderful ally for you at this time.

Some other ideas for calming your emotions would be a tea from german chamomile flowers; motherwort tincture: use 5 drops in a glass of water when feeling overwhelmed, repeat as needed, but do remember that excessive use (more than 4 doses a day for several weeks) can cause you to become dependent on it. You can also try skullcap tincture, again 5 drops in a glass of water when needed. This is not habit forming. Let us know if we can be of further assistance.

blessings,

Kim
Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

 

Comments

[Melissa]

Skullcap,motherwort and flower essences can be nice additions to a postpartum anxiety blend.

Question for Kim...I have a personal affinity for wood betony when anxiety or tension arises. I have not found much on this herb in regards to lactation and pregnancy. Current literature suggests contraindication during Pg due to the possibility of being a mild uterine stimulant, (although I am sure a skilled practitioner may skillfully and safely use it during pg when warranted). It may help improve contractions during labor. It seems to be a lactation category A, compatible w/ Bf but I'd love to have some more info if possible. Do you have any more info on this lovely nervine for Pg and Bf???