Frequently Asked Questions

Based on research such as the c-psilocin experiment with pregnant rat mothers, which concluded that no fetuses died in the process, and our survey of almost 400 mothers, we are excited to analyze and continue finding conclusions, however, at this time, there is no conclusive evidence showing increased risk for developmental disabilities or delays or evidence suggesting that psilocybin mushrooms may be safe for use during pregnancy.

It is essential to consult with healthcare providers before making any decisions regarding psychedelic use during pregnancy.

As an organization, Mothers of the Mushroom, has been collecting data from real-world observational surveys of mothers who consumed mushrooms during pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum and reported their effects on their children. Read here to see what we learned from mothers who consumed psilocybin mushrooms during pregnancy.

Research indicates that psilocybin mushrooms can pass into breast milk, and there is exciting breastmilk and psilocybin research on the horizon. 

We are still teasing out conclusions from our survey findings and do not have conclusive data at this time to show increased risk for developmental disabilities and delays or benefit in breastfeeding babies.

It's crucial to consider individual circumstances and consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about psychedelic use while breastfeeding. In our survey of almost 400 mothers, we found that 72% of mothers who consumed mushrooms continued to breastfeed as normal throughout their consumption process, observed their child’s behavior and adjusted if needed. Of the mothers who ingested mushrooms while breastfeeding, they reported increased activity in their child, in some cases more sleepiness in their children and in some other cases, less sleepiness. 

See stories of psilocybin breastfeeding mothers. The dosage of psilocybin use in breastfeeding mothers ranged from microdose to high dose, with minimal interruption in feedings. The latest breakthrough in understanding psilocybin’s effect on breastmilk is being explored with breastmilk testing. 

 

 

Research on the effects of psilocybin mushrooms on postpartum mental health remains limited. Preclinical studies, such as the c-psilocin experiment with pregnant rats, offer preliminary insights, but there are no definitive clinical studies on humans to confirm the safety or efficacy of psilocybin for postpartum mental health.

As part of our Mothers of the Mushroom project, we conducted an observational survey of 400 participants who consumed mushrooms throughout the birth continuum, including the postpartum period. Many respondents reported positive experiences, such as reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, improved mood and sleep, and a stronger sense of connection with their children. However, it is important to note that these findings are self-reported and not the result of controlled clinical trials.

We recommend consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance before considering any psychedelic therapy during the postpartum period. The information provided through our research is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

If you would like to explore the self-reported outcomes from mothers in our survey, you can review them here.

If you have consumed psilocybin mushrooms and later discover you are pregnant, it's essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider. While research suggests potential safety based on endpoints like the c-psilocin experiment with pregnant rat mothers and our survey findings, individual circumstances may vary.

Healthcare providers can offer guidance and monitor your pregnancy closely for any potential risks.

In the Mothers of the Mushroom survey, we found no correlation between consuming psilocybin mushrooms and increased risk of miscarriage. Concerns for toxicity are valid and can be expressed with an understanding and informed prenatal care provider.

Taking a pause on consumption until you are able to connect with a care provider or MOTM educator that can answer your questions may help you make a more informed decision about how to proceed.

While research on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms during pregnancy and postpartum is ongoing, alternative therapies and treatments such as counseling, support groups, and non-pharmacological interventions are available. 

We acknowledge that psilocybin is not the fix-it pill or silver bullet to every woe in pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding, and advocate for what we call meaningful activity to connect with and integrate into meaningful processes of promoting wellness.  Some meaningful activities that pair well with psilocybin mushrooms include: 

    1. Yoni Steaming/ Bajos can open the body-mind connection by restoring uterine tone, softening tissues, increasing circulation, mending soft body tissue and introducing plants in a gentle way. Remediating scar tissue, incorporating plants that soothe the nervous system.
    2. Movement and breathing can also be interwoven to amplify body awareness, neurological connection with the emotional and physical body and bring about restorative sensual experiencing. Music, playlists and free form dance can be a very meaningful and sacred experience.
    3. Plant baths or bathing in a natural body of water can introduce negative ions associated with increased levels of serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost energy.
    4. Building relationships with our more than human relatives like sacred plants and fungi relatives. Nature walks, plant identifying, getting into herbalism, making our own medicine.
    5. Intentional intimacy and sensual experiencing (with the right partner, in platonic intimacy, and through self pleasuring) can open up profound possibilities for healing.
    6. Connecting with knowledgeable care providers and groups.

It's important to discuss treatment options with healthcare providers to determine the most suitable approach for individual needs and circumstances.  You are welcome to reach out to a MOTM educator as well to support you creating a care plan.

It is important to note that there are currently no conclusive clinical studies confirming the safety or efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms for pregnancy or postpartum use. Preliminary research suggests that psilocybin may have therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression and anxiety, and anecdotal reports indicate that some individuals experience emotional healing, personal growth, and meaningful insights through psychedelic experiences. These effects could be beneficial during the challenging transitions of pregnancy and postpartum.

However, the Mothers of the Mushroom project is a preliminary, self-reported observational study, and the information we collect reflects personal experiences, not clinical findings. Some participants have reported positive outcomes such as alleviation of depression symptoms, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, enhanced mood, and a deeper sense of connection with their children.

It is essential to recognize that there are also risks and challenges associated with incorporating psilocybin into these sensitive periods. Every individual’s response to psychedelics is unique, and factors such as dosage, setting, and emotional state can impact the experience.

Given the potential risks and the lack of formal scientific consensus, we strongly encourage consulting with a healthcare provider before using psilocybin during pregnancy or postpartum. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

On our resources page, we share a number of articles about the role of psychedelics in postpartum depression.

While preliminary research, such as the c-psilocin experiment with pregnant rats, and our survey results provide some insights into safety, these findings are limited and not definitive. Potential risks of psilocybin use during pregnancy and postpartum may include psychological distress, challenging emotional experiences, and unknown effects on fetal or infant development.

Our Mothers of the Mushroom project seeks to gather community-based data on outcomes for children who were gestated with psilocybin exposure or received psilocybin through breastmilk. However, long-term studies are necessary to fully understand the developmental impact as these children grow.

Given the uncertainties, it is essential to consult with healthcare providers and carefully consider individual circumstances before making decisions about psilocybin use during these sensitive periods.

While some individuals may explore psilocybin mushrooms as a form of self-medication for mental health concerns, it is important to approach this with caution. The research on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum is still evolving, and there is currently no conclusive evidence to confirm its safety for use during these periods.

Self-medicating without the guidance of healthcare professionals or a supportive community may pose risks, including psychological distress, challenging experiences, and unknown effects on fetal or infant development. Consulting with a healthcare provider is strongly recommended to explore safer, evidence-based alternatives that align with your mental health needs and personal circumstances.

 

If you encounter a difficult or challenging psychedelic experience during pregnancy, postpartum, or while caring for your child, it is essential to prioritize your safety and well-being. Here are some recommended steps and resources:

  1. In case of an emergency, contact a mental health professional or call a trusted crisis hotline for immediate support.
  2. The Fireside Project’s Psychedelic Peer Support Line offers free, confidential support from trained volunteers to help you process challenging experiences. Call or Text (623-473-7433) is available daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. PT
  3. If it’s not an emergency, consider reaching out to a MOTM educator, integration guide, or a psychedelic professional who specializes in working with mothers for guidance and ongoing care.

Integrating the experience with professional support can be an important step toward healing and personal growth. We are here to assist with your questions, connect you to trusted networks of care, and help you find the resources you need to feel supported.

Please remember that it’s okay to ask for help—these experiences can be complex, and support is available.

Due to the limited research on the effects of psilocybin mushrooms during pregnancy and postpartum, specific guidelines or recommendations are not well established. However, prioritizing safety and informed decision-making is crucial. This includes the following steps:

  1. Consult with Healthcare Providers: Always discuss any plans to use psilocybin with qualified healthcare professionals who can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances.
  2. Consider Individual Risk Factors: Take into account your personal health history, potential risks, and any underlying conditions that may be affected by psychedelic use.
  3. Weigh Potential Benefits and Risks: Carefully assess both the potential benefits and risks associated with psilocybin use during these sensitive periods before making any decisions.

It is vital to approach the use of psychedelics with caution and to seek guidance from knowledgeable professionals to ensure the best outcomes for both you and your child.

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About the MOTM

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The Story

how many children do you have?
how many pregnancies have you had?
how old were you when you gave birth?
what are your childrens' ages?
did any of those end in early release? (miscarriage, still birth or abortion?) if so, can you share a little about those experience?
what surprised you about the mushroom journey?

Protocol & Dosing

with psilocybin, what has been your dosing experience?
how long did you dose for?
if microdosing, what size would you have? (.1 - 1gram)
in what form were you ingesting the mushroom?
how often did you dose?
if you were on a protocol, what protocol did you follow?
did you have any support with dosing?
when did you start ingesting mushrooms?

Pregnancy

why did you choose to ingest mushrooms before your pregnancy?
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms during your pregnancy?
what benefits did you notice in your pregnancy?

Postpartum & Breastfeeding

why did you choose to ingest mushrooms after you gave birth?
did you ingest mushrooms while breastfeeding?
did you notice any benefits to a) yourself b) to your baby and what were the benefits when ingesting mushrooms while breastfeeding?
did you notice any challenges to a) yourself b) to your baby and what were the benefits when ingesting mushrooms while breastfeeding?

Parenting

what benefits did you notice in your parenting that you attribute to the mushroom?
what were the unwanted effects or challenges of ingesting mushrooms while parenting?
what benefits have you noticed about your children that you attribute to the mushroom?

Summary

what would you like to say to other mothers & pregnant/birthing people about your own experience?
would you recommend this path to other people?
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would you like to stay informed?

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