how many children do you have?
one
how many pregnancies have you had?
1
how old were you when you gave birth?
30
what are your childrens' ages?
7
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?
It made such a big difference in my desire for other mind altering substances. And that the effects of doing a protocol for a month or two are lasting for many months afterwards.
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?
Mixed with Honey and synergistic herbs
how often did you dose?
protocol -- following a set regimen
if you were on a protocol, what protocol did you follow?
paul stamets - four days on, three 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?
Macro dosed before pregnancy in my 20s to explore consciousness and connect with nature.
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms during your pregnancy?
Did not choose this.
what benefits did you notice in your pregnancy?
After Birth & Breastfeeding
why did you choose to ingest mushrooms after you gave birth?
To help with anxiety and PPD
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?
N/A
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?
Microdosing helped me release the need to self medicate with cannabis and has helped me release the desire to drink alcohol which has made me a more present and overall calm/emotionally regulated parent. Being fully present for my son is all that he ever wants and I am significantly more able to be fully present with him now than I was a few years ago.
what were the unwanted effects or challenges of ingesting mushrooms while parenting?
I haven't experienced any. When I am doing the protocol I have more energy and creativity and patience to engage in play at his level and when I am taking a break from the protocol I have so much more space and patience to be present with him (not on my phone, not distracted with housework) which is what he so deeply craves.
what benefits have you noticed about your children that you attribute to the mushroom?
I'm not sure I have noticed any other than a more secure attachment.
Summary
what would you like to say to other mothers & pregnant/birthing people about your own experience?
I wish i had easy access to microdosing close to my post-partum time. I didnt even try CBD until i got to 3 years postpartum and that helped tremendously with my PPD/A. Doing the protocol more recently (past 2. Years) has been so so helpful. It can make you tired so be sure to supplement with B vitamins and get enough rest.
would you recommend this path to other people?
Yes, wholeheartedly. Start very small if you sre nervous or if you are an experienced psychonaut ;)