how many children do you have?
one
how many pregnancies have you had?
Ive had 2 pregnancies
how old were you when you gave birth?
I gave birth after my 2nd pregnancy at 23
what are your childrens' ages?
21 months old. Approximately 2 years
did any of those end in early release? (miscarriage, still birth or abortion?) if so, can you share a little about those experience?
Yes, my first pregnancy at 20 ended in an abortion. I was in an unsafe situation and had to do the best for myself.
what surprised you about the mushroom journey?
That I would start to feel the beneficial effects so quickly. I have only been microdosing for about 2 months so far and since then my anxiety and panic has been significantly lower, even on the days that I don't dose.
Protocol & Dosing
with psilocybin, what has been your dosing experience?
microdose (.1 - 1 gram), mid dose (1-3 grams), full dose (3+ grams)
how long did you dose for?
two months
if microdosing, what size would you have? (.1 - 1gram)
.1g, .15g
in what form were you ingesting the mushroom?
whole, powdered
how often did you dose?
intuitively -- as needed
if you were on a protocol, what protocol did you follow?
No protocol, sort of a mixture. I usually dose at least once a week but days and times are not set.
did you have any support with dosing?
when did you start ingesting mushrooms?
after i gave birth
Pregnancy
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms before your pregnancy?
Before pregnancy I microdosed because it made me feel "better". I didn't know then the actual effects of mushrooms on mental health.
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms during your pregnancy?
I did not microdose during my pregnancy. I had a fairly easy pregnancy and did not feel the need at the time.
what benefits did you notice in your pregnancy?
After Birth & Breastfeeding
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms after you gave birth?
I chose to microdose after I gave birth due to PPD and some pretty extreme anxiety. I had been on different medications before pregnancy for general depression and anxiety, but stopped those before getting pregnant. After I had my child I did not want to go back on pharmaceutical meds due to the side effects I experienced while on them and my experiences coming off of them.
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?
I did not microdose in pregnancy.
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?
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 and I feel like I am more kind to myself during those moments.
what were the unwanted effects or challenges of ingesting mushrooms while parenting?
I'd say maybe the initial anxiety when I first started dosing. I hadn't dosed at that point in about 2 years so there was a small amount of anxiety the first couple times I did so.
what benefits have you noticed about your children that you attribute to the mushroom?
I feel like since I am a calmer happier parent due to mushrooms, that she can feel that energy and in turn is a more confident and happy child. She knows that she can feel her emotions fully with me and that I will be there to support her without getting overwhelmed.
Summary
what would you like to say to other mothers & pregnant/birthing people about your own experience?
I fully believe in the power that microdosing can have on mental and emotional health. I am so glad that I decided to start this journey rather than going back on the previous drugs that I was on. I won't say that this is a magic cure but it makes me feel hopeful about healing myself. I feel more enthusiastic about being a better person to my own body because of microdosing. Also, breastfeeding parents, dont be afraid to mucrodose while breastfeeding. I have done it since i started this journey and my daughter has seen absolutely no adverse effects. If it is subperceptual to you then it is subperceptual to them.
would you recommend this path to other people?
I would definitely recommend this path to others. I think that it can be a very healing and emotional journey that will allow you to come to terms with the ways you are feeling rather than slapping a pharmaceutical bandaid on your feelings and ignoring them.