how many children do you have?
two
how many pregnancies have you had?
4
how old were you when you gave birth?
34
what are your childrens' ages?
3 and 4
did any of those end in early release? (miscarriage, still birth or abortion?) if so, can you share a little about those experience?
Yes - 2.
My first was ectopic and ended up with me in the ER undergoing surgery.
I had one abortion after that - I actually had to go through it twice bc the pregnancy wasn't terminated after the first time.
what surprised you about the mushroom journey?
How beneficial they are! How much they help me in all areas of my life. When I first used them, before pregnancy, when I was much younger, it wasn't with intention like now. They help me not only with parenting, but with myself; making healthier choices for myself, my body.
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)
.15g
in what form were you ingesting the mushroom?
capsules, teas, Chocolate
how often did you dose?
protocol -- following a set regimen
if you were on a protocol, what protocol did you follow?
james fadiman - one day on, two days off
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?
Curiosity, socialization, recreation, fun...
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms during your pregnancy?
I did not ingest during pregnancy
what benefits did you notice in your pregnancy?
N/A
After Birth & Breastfeeding
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms after you gave birth?
I had severe PPD and I honestly didn't even know. Someone I know suggested I try a microdose and I did. The first microdose I took cured my PPD. The intrusive thoughts were gone. The lead blanket was lifted, color returned. I felt my brain reset. I was me again. Had we not known the science, it would have been a miracle. I was having suicidal ideation, I wasn't bonding with my baby, I had intrusive thoughts of harming him (it was a traumatic birth - I was alone bc of Covid restrictions and they took my baby away for the first almost 36 hours and I was crying and begging for him but I was also in really bad physical shape).
That first microdose saved me. Since then I used them to bond with my baby, forgive and heal myself, be more patient and present.
did you ingest mushrooms while breastfeeding?
No
did you notice any benefits to a) yourself b) to your baby and what were the benefits when ingesting mushrooms while breastfeeding?
N/A
did you notice any challenges to a) yourself b) to your baby and what were the benefits when ingesting mushrooms while breastfeeding?
N/A
Parenting
what benefits did you notice in your parenting that you attribute to the mushroom?
More present and patient, more understanding, less quick to anger, less stressed, more flexible
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?
It's hard to say since I've been consuming since they were both so little
Summary
what would you like to say to other mothers & pregnant/birthing people about your own experience?
If you're struggling during or post pregnancy, consider microdosing as an option. Looking back, I definitely had prenatal depression and I was not supported - even after voicing concern to my OB. I didnt know, but that put me at greater risk for PPD, which hit me hard. I know so many women aren't given the care they need and deserve; so advocate for yourself. And know this is an option.
would you recommend this path to other people?
Absolutely