how many children do you have?
two
how many pregnancies have you had?
2
how old were you when you gave birth?
35 and 37
what are your childrens' ages?
3.5 years and 1 year
did any of those end in early release? (miscarriage, still birth or abortion?) if so, can you share a little about those experience?
no
what surprised you about the mushroom journey?
that i could do it my way, didn't need to follow anyone's protocol. how many others are out here doing it too! I've loved watching more and more mom's using mushrooms and talking about it. Mikaela was one of the first people I saw also talking so openly about it so I felt instantly connected!
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?
still dosing
if microdosing, what size would you have? (.1 - 1gram)
.1g, .15g
in what form were you ingesting the mushroom?
capsules, teas, whole
how often did you dose?
intuitively -- as needed
if you were on a protocol, what protocol did you follow?
just intuitively using
did you have any support with dosing?
when did you start ingesting mushrooms?
before i became pregnant
Pregnancy
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms before your pregnancy?
personal growth and exploration, managing mood and hormonal shifts
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms during your pregnancy?
I had a ceremony planned with 3 dear friends, I found out I was pregnant the day I left for ceremony and I wanted to proceed anyway. It was such a trip being pregnant for the first time and processing that in my own head and with my friends with the mushrooms.
what benefits did you notice in your pregnancy?
felt in tune with baby
After Birth & Breastfeeding
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms after you gave birth?
help cope with PPD/PPA, manage depression and SI related to PPD and PMDD
did you ingest mushrooms while breastfeeding?
Yes
did you notice any benefits to a) yourself b) to your baby and what were the benefits when ingesting mushrooms while breastfeeding?
many benefits to myself, it felt like the mushrooms revealed the hormonal filter that was obscuring many things from me. instant relief from suicidal ideation, more of an observer of myself and how i was coping with a really stressful situation (birth trauma, NDE at my birth, problems with breastfeeding, challenging temperament of my baby)
did you notice any challenges to a) yourself b) to your baby and what were the benefits when ingesting mushrooms while breastfeeding?
kind of answered in above question
Parenting
what benefits did you notice in your parenting that you attribute to the mushroom?
more presence, more observing without judgement rather than reactivity
what were the unwanted effects or challenges of ingesting mushrooms while parenting?
none
what benefits have you noticed about your children that you attribute to the mushroom?
hmm not sure I attribute them to the mushroom. but i know that when I'm happier and more present taht my babies feel that and feel safer and more connected to me.
Summary
what would you like to say to other mothers & pregnant/birthing people about your own experience?
Hmmm that hormones color everything but you create your reality. It sounds cliche but everything is impermanent and it all passes (the good and the challenging) don't try to hang on too tightly, plant medicines are valuable allies that can help you practice letting go, being more present and enjoying the ride a little more.
would you recommend this path to other people?
absolutely and I do! It's been an honor supporting others on this medicine path as well. :)