The research surveyed a diverse group of 411 participants across various age ranges, family structures and cultural backgrounds across multiple continents.
Participants incorporated psilocybin mushrooms into their lives during various stages of motherhood, from pre-conception to postpartum. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of how psilocybin use adapts to the evolving needs of mothers.
- Before Pregnancy: 200 participants ingested psilocybin mushrooms prior to conception, often as part of personal healing, self-exploration, or preparation for parenthood.
- During Pregnancy: 178 participants ingested psilocybin mushrooms while pregnant. Many noted intentional use for mental health support, spiritual connection, or physical well-being during this transformative period.
- While Breastfeeding: 237 participants ingested psilocybin mushrooms while breastfeeding, frequently citing reduced anxiety and improved emotional resilience as key benefits.
- After Giving Birth: 408 participants described ingesting psilocybin mushrooms postpartum and beyond, making this the most common stage for use. For many, the desire to ingest psilocybin mushrooms came from a need for support during postpartum and raising a family as well as emotional recovery from the birth and unexpected life changes.
Of the participants who had not ingested psilocybin mushrooms postpartum, three were still pregnant with their first child at the time of the survey.
Of the 411 participants, 237 or 57% ingested psilocybin while breastfeeding and 178 or 43% ingested psilocybin while pregnant, there were no reported fatalities.