Mikaela de la Myco, a mother, educator and journeyer, brought this question to an elder from Jalisco, Mexico named Grandmother Chicahuaxochitl. The abuela (grandmother) expressed that the relationship between people and psilocybin mushrooms does not break when becoming a mother.
Following this conversation, Mikaela was invited to sit in ceremony, while pregnant with a group called Getting to the Root, a non-profit organization committed to preserving indigenous ways of life. She continued ingesting throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum at a variety of doses, but that was only the beginning.
For generations, mothers and birthing people have relied on storytelling, generational knowledge and lineages for guidance incorporating psilocybin mushrooms in pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum and parenting. This knowledge exists but is often kept close as a means of protection.
Few people have access to the traditional healing modalities and wisdom systems which include the use of psilocybin mushrooms and other natural substances. Maintaining these systems ensures that we can maintain best practices, guidelines and supportive frameworks for many ways of life and knowing.
Unfortunately, indigenous and folk lineages are becoming lost or increasingly harder to hold onto as the generations pass. We recognize that many people in the modern world do not have access to these systems of knowledge or trust them exclusively.
Growing interest in psilocybin’s potential to address mental health challenges—such as anxiety, depression, and trauma—has sparked a wave of scientific inquiry. However, ethical constraints have limited clinical studies on psilocybin use among individuals in childbearing years, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This gap in research, compounded by the lingering stigma surrounding psychedelics, has left mothers to navigate their choices in isolation.
Through their stories, we can gain insights into the lived experiences of psilocybin mushrooms as an aid in early parenting. With this information, Mothers of the Mushroom project hopes to resource the community of psychedelic practitioners, researchers, care providers, families and law makers alike to compassionately look at psilocybin use in mothers.
As we consider history, it is no surprise why there has been so little evidence-based knowledge on the subject.
Ethical considerations in prescribing mothers any gestational aids stem, in part, from a historical tragedy called the thalidomide crisis. Thalidomide was a sedative used to treat morning sickness and insomnia. It was widely prescribed by doctors during the 1950s, but was pulled from the European market in 1961 because it caused severe birth defects. These birth defects affected over 10,000 children in 46 countries after it had been deemed safe for use in pregnancy.
Vigilance and care for the lives of mothers and children is critial. This abundance of caution, though, has created significant gaps in including mothers, birthing people and honestly, women generally in psychedelic research. Conducting survey research at this time is proving to be the most viable option for collecting both qualitative and quantitative data for this population. This article will explore the subject's motivations, the results, trends and visions for the future.
The paper's goals are twofold:
For Mothers and Families: To provide real-world, applicable information, amplify mother’s voices, and provide insights for those considering psilocybin mushrooms for mental health or parenting support.
For Researchers, Care Providers and Lawmakers: To contribute to the growing body of knowledge on psilocybin mushrooms and their impact on maternal mental health, while acknowledging both their therapeutic potential and challenges.
Maternal caregivers are the cornerstone of families, yet their mental health is often neglected. The physical, emotional, and societal demands placed on mothers can be overwhelming. From pregnancy through the postpartum period and beyond, many mothers are lacking community support and facing inadequate mental health care. These factors have led to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Despite their vital role, societal and systemic support for maternal mental health remains limited, leaving many mothers to navigate these challenges on their own while being responsible for raising the next generation.
When mothers struggle, the effects ripple through our entire society.
Research underscores the profound connection between maternal mental health and a child’s development. Children raised in environments where maternal mental health is unsupported are more likely to experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which can significantly impact their emotional, social, and physical well-being.
Breaking the cycle of ACEs might begin by addressing maternal mental health. When mothers, birthing people and caregivers are emotionally and physically supported, they can create nurturing environments that foster secure attachments and healthy development for their children. This shift benefits not only individual families but also society at large, reducing the burden on healthcare and social systems while fostering more resilient communities.
Yet, for many mothers, finding effective mental health support remains a challenge at all phases of the gestational experience. Widely provided mental health care modalities, such as pharmaceutical treatment and talk therapy, can only do so much to meet the unique needs of mothers. Despite these limitations, stigma and financial barriers prevent many from seeking alternative and possibly more affirming forms of care.
The Mothers of the Mushroom research project collected the stories of mothers who considered psilocybin mushrooms as a form of care.
Psilocybin mushrooms belong to a genus of fungi called Psilocybe. These mushrooms contain psilocybin along with other psychoactive and non-psychoactive constituents. Psilocybin is a serotonergic (sera-tone-ergic) compound, meaning it involves serotonin, an important neurotransmitter which regulates mood, sleep, appetite, learning and memory. When consumed, the body quickly converts psilocybin into psilocin (siloh-sin) and this produces what some people call a "psychedelic" effect. Depending on the dose, experiences with psilocybin can range from unnoticeable to very mind and body altering.
For millennia, psilocybin mushrooms have played a central role in the healing and spiritual traditions of indigenous cultures around the world. In these communities, psilocybin mushrooms are regarded as sacraments for fostering connection, healing and transformation. Today, as mental health challenges reach unprecedented levels, psilocybin mushrooms are emerging in the west as an alternative for those seeking relief beyond conventional approaches.
For mothers, the potential of psilocybin mushrooms lies in their unique combination of accessibility, adaptability and effectiveness in addressing underlying issues. A practice of consuming psilocybin mushrooms intentionally can offer a flexible, self-directed approach while providing meaningful insights and catharsis with minimal professional intervention. Mothers in the study described how psilocybin mushrooms fit into their lives, empowering them to take charge of their mental health on their own terms.
“Microdosing intuitively vs. a set schedule really opened a deep communication with not only my desire to sit with the mushroom medicine but asking the body how she felt about it.”
“I find that microdosing fits well in my active mama schedule, makes me more resilient to stress and quietly supports the wellbeing of my whole family and community.”
This adaptability is invaluable for mothers, who frequently juggle the unpredictable demands of caregiving alongside their mental health needs. Whether microdosing for subtle, day-to-day support or used in larger doses for deeper introspection, psilocybin mushrooms provided some mothers a sense of agency in their healing journeys.
While clinical research has predominantly focused on synthetic psilocin, naturally occurring psilocybin mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including psilocin, baeocystin (bay-o-sis-tin), and norbaeocystin (nor-bay-o-sis-tin). Most participants in the Mothers of the Mushroom research ingested whole mushrooms and capsules as opposed to extracts, therefor, most may have benefited from what is called the "entourage effect", wherein the various compounds within a medicinal plant, fungi or animal medicine work together to enhance the overall experience, though further research is needed to understand these interactions.
For mothers seeking both healing and connection, psilocybin mushrooms also served as a bridge to ancestral and cultural memory. Because psilocybin mushrooms are found on nearly all continents, mothers reportedly felt more connected to their own roots and lineages. These mushrooms offered some more than chemical relief—they invited a deeper engagement with the self and the world. As one participant shared:
“I felt a connection to my ancestors and my child on a deep spiritual level.”
While most mothers began ingesting mushrooms before pregnancy, many ingested after giving birth and very few begin during pregnancy.
Of the 411 participants, 237 or 57% ingested psilocybin while breastfeeding and 178 or 43% ingested psilocybin while pregnant, with no reported fatalities or developmental delays.
“the number of medications i was prescribed for postpartum depression, there weren't many studies that actually supported these medications being safe in a long term way”
“i was struggling with depression after the loss of my daughter”
“to be a better parent and citizen on society”
“i was having a hard time accepting my second pregnancy. desired to abort & was having a really tough time navigating my emotions & thoughts.”
“because after my second postpartum depression nearly killed me and i could feel it was creeping back in”
“after my first child i had postpartum and was trying to recover and stay clean of other drugs + alcohol usage”
The Mothers of the Mushroom research revealed that many mothers experienced profound benefits from psilocybin mushrooms, particularly in their mental health. These benefits extended across various areas of their lives, with a strong emphasis on emotional well-being, parenting, and personal growth.
For numerous participants, psilocybin mushrooms provided significant relief from anxiety and depression. Many mothers reported that ingesting psilocybin mushrooms helped them manage overwhelming emotions, navigate postpartum challenges, and regain a sense of balance. Participants described feeling less burdened by intrusive thoughts, more resilient in the face of stress, and better equipped to handle daily life.
Psilocybin mushrooms’ potential for addressing mental health challenges was particularly notable during the postpartum period, where mothers often struggle with mood shifts, feelings of isolation, and a lack of support. Participants highlighted how psilocybin gave them a sense of agency and calm, helping them reconnect with themselves and their families.
"i did a mini dose & started micro dosing & that changed my life! i started to see minor things as exactly what they are - minor. it helped my to remember to breathe."
"lifted brain fog, fatigue, depression and anxiety"
" i felt more motivated, had greater capacity to cope with emotions"
"i was able to laugh and play with my children when before i was a depressed couch potato"
"microdosing helps me think clearly, have more energy, be more in tune with myself & have more confidence. "
Mothers shared that psilocybin use brought a noticeable improvement in their ability to parent. These benefits included increased patience, emotional availability, and the ability to stay present during stressful moments. Many credited psilocybin with helping them foster deeper connections with their children and create a more harmonious family environment.
"i am a more calm and gentle parent when i dose. i notice that i am more enthusiastic about engaging in activities with my child. i have more patience during the toddler tantrums"
" i had more patience and was more empathetic towards my family and the general public. they saw a positive change. mama had become more loving. mama laughed more. mama had better days."
"more patience, more creative play with my child, better insight into how i can grow into the mother i know i am and want to be"
" it made a huge difference for my child because i was a more patient, present parent and he was so much happier because i was happier."
Participants frequently described improvements in their overall awareness and physical health. Psilocybin use was associated with feeling more grounded, experiencing greater clarity, and reconnecting with their inner selves. For some, this led to enhanced creativity and a renewed sense of purpose.
"my anxiety and depression was eased and my physical pain became more manageable. "
"mushrooms helped me so much in getting past my analytical mind, in getting past the worries and the stresses, and everything scary thing that comes with becoming a mother for the first time. "
"decreased back pain, decreased nerve pain."
"my migraines lessened and i also found a deeper connection to myself, my body, the process and my unborn baby"
Although the study focused on the mothers’ experiences, some participants noted positive changes in their children. These included perceived advancements in cognitive development, emotional balance, and overall happiness. Mothers often linked these improvements to their own mental and emotional shifts, suggesting that their enhanced well-being positively influenced their parenting and home life.
We look forward to receiving generous funding in order to pursue long-term longitudinal studies with the children whose mothers ingested mushrooms during pregnancy and breastfeeding to gain a greater understanding for effects long term. Many of the children whose mothers ingested psilocybin mushrooms while pregnant and breastfeeding are well over the age of 5.
If you are interested in seeing Mothers of the Mushroom conduct longitudinal safety studies with the mothers and children of this survey, or have benefitted from this work so far, we ask that you donate to Mothers of the Mushroom and amplify the Mothers of the Mushroom movement. Thank you.
Participants who used psilocybin during breastfeeding and postpartum highlighted its potential to alleviate depression and anxiety during a particularly vulnerable period. Mothers described feeling more emotionally connected to their babies and more capable of navigating the challenges of early parenthood with calm and clarity.
“More connected and less repulsed with breastfeeding.”
“Pain relieve from tension, headache, backpain, better sleep, mental strength”
“I was able to be present and appreciative of my life without stressing about all I “should” or “ could” be getting done. ”
“Connection, no depression, less anxiety about miscarriage, forgiveness of self ”
For many mothers, psilocybin use extended beyond mental health to foster a deeper sense of spiritual and relational connection. These experiences often helped participants align with their values, strengthen bonds within their families, and feel more connected to their communities.
The Mothers of the Mushroom research reveals the multifaceted challenges mothers face when exploring psilocybin mushrooms. These challenges span emotional, practical, and societal dimensions, underscoring the complexity of navigating this highly stigmatized modality. Yet, through the lens of these difficulties, we also find opportunities for deeper understanding, community support, and advocacy.
While psilocybin mushrooms are known for their potential to facilitate emotional breakthroughs, the journey was not without difficulty for some people. Participants described moments of profound vulnerability when deep-seated emotions surfaced, occasionally overwhelming their capacity to process them.
One respondent reflected on this dual-edged nature of the experience:
“Taking a larger dose might put me over into active grieving and needing to care for self emotionally. Going through big feelings would sometimes conflict with active parenting.”
For another respondent, the medicine brought long-suppressed traumas to light. These flashbacks, while often a precursor to healing, were challenging to navigate in the moment:
“Sometimes I’ll have flashbacks of my trauma. I’ve noticed the mushrooms help me to remember things I’ve blacked out. Having the flashbacks with my kids can be hard, but I remember to stay in the moment.”
These insights highlight the importance of emotional readiness, intentional dosing, and creating supportive environments for the healing process.
One of the most unique challenges faced by participants was managing the dual responsibilities of personal healing and caregiving. For mothers, this balance required navigating their emotional landscapes while still being fully present for their children.
“Some days when I had a ‘spicy’ dose, my anxiety was a little heightened, and I would want to spend time processing what was going on instead of being a parent and tending to his needs. But I was able to make it work.”
Many mothers noted time constraints, finding it difficult to dedicate space for integration amidst the constant demands of parenting. One participant shared:
“One of the challenges was bringing forward big emotional material and then having to process that while still fulfilling my responsibilities as a parent.”
These reflections speak to the need for practical strategies, communal understanding, and external support systems to help mothers navigate the intersection of personal growth and parenting responsibilities.
While the physical side effects of psilocybin mushrooms were generally mild, they presented occasional hurdles for some mothers. Commonly reported challenges included nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
“Even micro doses increased my nausea, which I did not expect,”
Environmental factors also played a significant role in shaping experiences. Overstimulation or a lack of a conducive environment amplified discomfort for some participants, pointing to the need for intentional planning around set and setting.
A recurring theme in the research was the pervasive stigma and legal fears associated with psilocybin mushrooms. Participants often concealed their use due to societal judgment or fear of repercussions.
“I kept it a secret because I felt ashamed for using mushrooms to help me cope”
“Mostly the guilt of the unknown. The guilt of wanting to help my mental health; knowing the mushrooms will help, yet feeling guilty because of the unknown effects on babies… and a whole hell of a lot of judgement from others.”
“None. Except maybe that I felt I couldn’t tell anyone because of the stigma.”
“I was afraid of judgment as well as not having enough information on the benefits”
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms compounded this anxiety, with some mothers expressing fears about potential custody or child welfare issues:
“Anxiety around getting my baby taken away if anyone found out.”
This fear underscores the urgent need to eradicate stigma, advocate for policy changes, and create spaces where mothers feel safe to share their experiences without judgment.
Many mothers expressed frustration over the lack of standardized information regarding the safe use of psilocybin mushrooms, particularly during sensitive periods like pregnancy and breastfeeding. Without clear guidelines, participants often relied on anecdotal advice or trial and error, heightening their sense of uncertainty.
“I wish I had the correct support and guidance to microdose during pregnancy”
“Uncertainty and fear with no guidance outside myself”
This gap in reliable information highlights the critical need for evidence-based protocols tailored to mothers’ unique physiological and emotional needs, ensuring their safety and confidence in exploring this alternative path to healing.
We look forward to receiving generous funding in order to continue our work bringing evidence-based and indigenous-centered approaches to best practices for psilocybin mothers.
If you are interested in seeing Mothers of the Mushroom work alongside maternal-fetal health care professionals to refine safety guidelines, or have benefitted from this work so far, we ask that you donate to Mothers of the Mushroom and amplify the Mothers of the Mushroom movement. Thank you.
The Mothers of the Mushroom research is more than an exploration of how psilocybin mushrooms can support maternal mental health—it’s a profound invitation to reimagine the frameworks of care that mothers deserve. This work underscores the urgency of transforming maternal mental health support through innovation, collaboration, and a respect for diverse ways of healing.
Through reducing stigma, expanding access, and empowering mothers with resources and knowledge, we envision a future where maternal well-being is prioritized, celebrated, and holistically supported.
At the heart of this vision lies the need for expanded research and education to better understand the nuanced ways psilocybin mushrooms might benefit mothers and families.
Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to maternal mental health care, particularly for those exploring alternative modalities like psilocybin mushrooms. Addressing stigma is essential to creating safe spaces for mothers to seek support and share their experiences.
The transformative potential of psilocybin mushrooms is deeply tied to the availability of compassionate, judgment-free support systems.
The findings from this research illuminate the potential benefits of psilocybin mushrooms to extend beyond individual gain into concentric circles of care.
The journey to integrating psilocybin mushrooms into maternal mental health care requires collaboration across disciplines. Researchers, policymakers, and communities must work together to ensure that these modalities are explored responsibly and inclusively. By embracing the lessons from Mothers of the Mushroom, may we acknowledge maternal and caregiver well being as the heart of a thriving world and center their lives in the conversation around public health.
With the help of a few dedicated and loving people, we have already come so far in that conversation.
To them and to you, the listener, unbelievable gratitude from the humble team here at Mothers of the Mushroom. If you have benefitted from this work, you are encouraged to share its message and keep the movement going with your attention and generous donations.
Thank you. Tlazocamati. Never Forget Where You Come From.
