Postpartum-depression/anxeity

Sara from Chicago wrote: I was wondering if you could recommend something natural that i could take for anxiety? since having (my baby) i have been having terrible anxiety can you help me please?

After having worked in midwifery earlier in my career, I have found that a woman who is nourished does not fall prey to post-partum depression as easily. I can't stress the role of good nutrition as the foundation for health. Once we have gotten away from good nutrition, and especially with the incredible drawing effect creating another human being, the mother is left depleted and mal-nourished. This begins a domino effect, as hormones are set askew and are further hampered when our sleep cycle is disrupted by the demands of our newborn. The good news is that breastfeeding can reduce a woman's stress level, so that their inflammatory response systems remain inactive. This then reduces their risk of depression.
While working with your physician, especially if this is an on-going condition,there are a number of herbs and therapies that can prove helpful.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has the highest amount of antidepressant compounds, at least eight compounds are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitores, which are compounds capable of potent antidepressant action. You can buy extracts, but its great to simply add some to any of the other herbal teas and drink up to three cups a day. St. John's Wort has a long history of folk use for treating anxiety and depression. Clinical studies show that treatment with just one of the active compounds in this herb, hypericin, results in significant improvement in anxiety, depression and feelings of worthlessness. Some studies show that it's a more powerful antidepressant with little to no side effects than some pharmaceutical drugs such as amitriptyleint (Elavil) and imiprimine (Tofranil). Again, you can buy a tincture, but a tea made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, up to two cups a day for six weeks will work. Just avoid intense sun exposure while using it, since this herb can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Other herbs with a history of treating anxiety and depression are ginger, purslane, rosemary (use the essential oil), ginkgo, and Siberian ginseng. All of which are available at
Dr. Christopher makes a formula called MindTrac, which is specifically formulated to help with depression, while PreTrac is used to cleanse the liver. He also formulates an herbal combination called Changease and taken along with Wheat Germ Oil, helps balance the hormones. These are a great way to begin dealing with the symptoms. The next step is to cleanse. Beginning with the bowel and adding liver, kidneys and blood to cleanse and detoxify the body.
We begin to nourish by staying away from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, meat and dairy products, all of which contain chemicals that can cause an imbalance in the body. Eat foods rich in B vitamins. Neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate and function properly, play a role in depression. Getting enough of certain B vitamins-folate and vitamins B6 and B12-keep neurotransmitters high. Good sources of folate include pinto beans, navy beans, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, okra, and brussels sprouts. As far a vitamin B6 is concerned, high levels occur in cauliflower, watercress, spinach, bananas, okra, onions, broccoli, squash, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, peas and radishes. You might also try adding the amino acid phenylaanine to your diet. In one study, more than 75% of people with severe depression showed rapid improvement while taking supplements of phenylalanine and vitamin B6. Since I generally prefer getting nutrients from foods, I'd recommend the four richest food sources-sunflower seeds, black beans, watercress and soybeans.
Exercise, try to get outside and walk in the fresh air and sunshine everyday, breathing deeply. Consider speaking with a trainer at a gym to design an exercise program just right for you.
Using time during breastfeeding for prayer is a very calming and productive time. Also giving service to others can be a surprising way to find out how fast you can get your mind off of your own problems by helping someone else. Family support is very important during this time as well.
Finally, here is a link to help in the Chicago area: http://www.ppdil.org/ I don't know what they would recommend as treatment, but if you feel overwhelmed to the point of hurting yourself or you baby, it is time to get local help.