How CBD Helps With Postpartum Depression

CBD or Cannabidiol belongs to the group of compounds called cannabinoids, which are found naturally in the Cannabis seeds. In recent times, it has gained notoriety in the health and fitness world due to its therapeutic effects, particularly for anxiety and depression. Scientists have discovered that it interacts with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system and maintain homeostasis within the body. But, is it effective in curing postpartum depression too? Can women take it while breastfeeding? Read along to find the answers.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Postpartum complications like anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. are not uncommon in new mothers. Women undergo physical changes and hormonal imbalances coupled with the sudden lifestyle shifts and surge in responsibilities when a baby is born. As many as 85 women out of 100 experience some kind of mood disturbances including baby blues during this period.

However, the commonness of being worried about not being able to become a good mother or inadvertently hurting the baby should not lead to the negligence of a much more serious psychological complication known as postpartum depression. From minor symptoms of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness for a few weeks after delivery, the issue can aggravate and extend to several years with suicidal thoughts occurring regularly.

CBD: A Natural Fighter of Depression

A series of studies conducted in 2014 tries to explain how CBD has promising benefits as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety compound. It concludes that CBD positively interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain to control a person’s emotional state. And unlike prescription drugs for depression, CBD does not interfere with your sleep or cause mood swings and sexual dysfunction.

A report in 2018 further states that CBD was also effective without directly activating the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain in animal models. This, in turn, minimizes the risks of getting addicted to CBD products to an extent.

Using CBD to Deal with Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is linked with female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Low values of estrogen concentration cause mood disturbances because it is associated with decreased levels of anandamide, the mood regulatory endocannabinoid. Cannabis helps to balance this dwindling level of endocannabinoids and hormones.

If the mother has postpartum depression, it harms the baby’s psychological growth as the mother is unable to bond with her child adequately. Over the counter antidepressants such as Zyban or Lexapro come with side effects like insomnia and weight gain and can interfere with breastfeeding. While newer medications promise little to no side effects, the cost itself can become a nightmare for women with PPD.

CBD can potentially mitigate all these issues, which is why an increased number of mothers are resorting to strawberry cough seeds. Depression patients also grow their medicinal plants to treat their conditions. It doesn’t even take much time or investment to grow these plants. Growing pot indoors on a budget is easy with highly fertilizing seeds.

Additional Benefits of using CBD during the Postpartum Period

Apart from being a cure for postpartum depression in mothers, Cannabidiol has other benefits for both the mother and the baby as well. As you undergo several neurological changes and lifestyle shifts, it is not uncommon to become stressed out and be sleepless, especially during the first few weeks. Approximately 4-11% of women experience postpartum anxiety. It is also possible that the baby is experiencing similar anxiety and insomnia issues. CBD provides a solution here with its sedative and relaxing effects. It develops the binding capacity of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which is responsible for helping us calm down during anxiety attacks.

CBD can also cure nausea and inflammation in mothers. So, in case of localized skin irritation, CBD creams and topicals work wonders too. For quick relief when you are feeling nauseated, or you have issues with falling asleep, flavored CBD oil vape can be very helpful. For a more consistent and long-term use, doctors recommend CBD oil or capsule.

A Final Thought on the Use of CBD for Postpartum Depression

Many doctors may not give you a green signal because of the lack of adequate research works. Another prominent hindrance is the law and the social stigma. Many mothers would refrain from trying out CBD products for their depression due to legal issues.

But, when medications and psychotherapy become of no avail, you have CBD to fall back on. You can even grow it once you decide which strain of weed you want and get the necessary supplies for it. Society and legal bodies need to let go of their conservative beliefs regarding the use of CBD tincture oil for mothers and instead, embrace it as a medical drug. Moderation is the key. Consult your doctor and state your purposes before moving on to try CBD products. Keep an eye out for even the slightest negatives.

Postpartum may be a struggling period, but it should not deprive you of the pleasures of being a new mother. Connect with your child. Don’t let depression snatch away that happiness from you during this delicate phase of motherhood.