Herbal medicines can be a safe and effective way to support yourself in postpartum. Discover three breastfeeding-friendly herbs to support your postpartum recovery.
Did you know that new moms can use herbs to encourage sleep, reduce feelings of stress and anxiousness, and more during the postpartum period?
For many moms, it can feel empowering to have natural herbal remedies to turn to while navigating this delicate recovery period. Keep reading to read what herbs I suggest as a Naturopath to my patients during their postpartum period.
Disclaimer: As always, please consult your doctor or Naturopath before starting any new herbs or medications, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Three herbs to support postpartum recovery
1. Passion Flower
Passion Flower is one of my favorite herbs to use in the postpartum period, especially if anxiety is associated with difficulty falling or staying asleep.
It is a nervine, which means that it has a calming and relaxing effect. Studies show that Passion Flower is as effective as prescription anxiety medications in the treatment of anxiety.
2. Skullcap
Skullcap is another herb in the nervine category. This herb helps decrease stress and anxiety and helps with sleep issues, especially when postpartum insomnia is due to worry and nervous irritability.
I often use this herb in a blend and by itself to help support stress and anxiety in the postpartum period. This herb is very safe and can be used while breastfeeding.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb meaning that it helps your body adapt to stress.
It works via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) to help modulate the stress hormone that the body produces.
Ashwagandha is my favorite herb for postpartum women because it helps to support normal energy and works well for regulating postpartum anxiety and depression.
Other articles for holistic postpartum recovery
- Your Postpartum Nutrition Guide and Easy Meal Ideas
- Mama’s Mung Soup: Ayurvedic Postpartum Recipe for Lactation
- The Five Pillars of a Nourishing Postpartum Recovery Diet
Thank you for this!! Very hard to know what is okay to take or not, especially when breastfeeding. I’ve been struggling with insomnia lately, even though my little girl is 5 months old and sleeping very well! Is passion flower safe to take when breastfeeding?
Thanks for your comment! It’s best to consult your doctor, a naturopathic doctor, or a lactation consultant regarding specific herbs, as few studies have been done on the effects on breastfeeding parents. Wish we could give you a more definitive answer. <3