Is CBD Oil for Post-Partum Depression Effective?
Post-partum depression affects 23% or about 1 in 4 Canadian women who have just recently given birth. 85% of those who report symptoms of post-partum depression reach out to someone and talk about their feelings. However, only 32% of them actually receive treatment for their mental health.
If you think you’re going through post-partum depression and it’s affecting your life, know that CBD oil may be able to help you. This non-psychoactive cannabinoid contains many properties that may be able to relieve some of your symptoms.
But is CBD oil for post-partum depression effective? Moreover, is it safe?
What is Post-Partum Depression?
The birth of a child is a joyous occasion, but some mothers develop the “baby blues.”
The baby blues is normal. Its symptoms usually appear about two to three days after giving birth and last for a couple of weeks.
However, some mothers experience a longer, more severe form of baby blues. Called post-partum depression, its symptoms include not but are limited to:
- Severe mood swings and irritability
- Depression and excessive crying
- Withdrawal from loved ones
- Loss of energy and fatigue
- Feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm and harming others
The exact cause of post-partum depression remains unknown. But physical changes in the woman’s body, sudden changes in hormonal levels, and emotional issues contribute to its development. Stress and changes that come with a new baby also play a role.
If left untreated, post-partum depression can affect the mother’s life and everyone around her and the baby.
The treatment for post-partum depression includes psychotherapy and medications. While medications help, some antidepressants have serious side effects on the baby since some compounds can be passed on to the baby through breastfeeding.
Today, some mothers are using CBD oil for post-partum depression and find that it helps them get through the difficult period.
How Does CBD Relieve Post-Partum Depression?
There are several ways that CBD oil for post-partum depression can help mothers.
One, CBD interacts with the cell’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The main function of the ECS is to make sure there’s equilibrium or homeostasis in the body.
The cells release natural chemicals called endocannabinoids whenever the mind and body are stressed. These cannabinoid-like chemicals then activate the ECS found on the cells. The ECS, in turn, will help restore balance in chemical levels. It tells the cells to either reabsorb the chemicals that irritate the cells or release chemicals that neutralize the irritants. With chemical balance restored, symptoms are reduced.
CBD also allows the body’s natural cannabinoids (called endocannabinoids) to stay longer in the system. It binds to the enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids. With more endocannabinoids stimulating more ECSs, chemical levels are restored.
Two, CBD itself also acts as an antidepressant and anxiolytic agent. It does this by stimulating the serotonin receptor, one function of which is to regulate mood. The activation of the serotonin receptor not only eases depression but anxiety as well.
CBD also makes the receptor more sensitive to serotonin. This neurotransmitter is integral in mood regulation. Called the feel-good hormone, it stabilizes mood, reduces fear, and decreases anxiety.
Three, CBD also helps improve sleep in mothers suffering from postpartum depression. By reducing some of the symptoms associated with the condition, the mother can have a better and more restful sleep.
Is CBD Oil for Post-Partum Depression Safe?
Compared to other antidepressants and anxiolytics, CBD oil may be a safer alternative. It doesn’t significantly alter our physiological parameters like blood pressure, breathing, and temperature. It also doesn’t increase tolerance, abuse, and addiction risks. CBD also doesn’t get you high.
However, studies do show that cannabinoids, including CBD, can be transferred to the baby through the mother’s milk. Early exposure to cannabinoids can affect the baby’s developing brain. So, if you want to try CBD for post-partum depression, we recommend seeing your family doctor first. Not only can he help you monitor your response to CBD, but he can also guide you on the right CBD dosage.
What are the Side Effects of Using CBD Oil for Post-Partum Depression?
As mentioned above, CBD is a safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive substance that can help with post-partum depression. However, it can also produce some side effects.
Most people using CBD say they experienced some eye dryness and mouth dryness when using CBD oil. This is because CBD can reduce the production of tears and saliva. These side effects disappear though once you get used to CBD. If it’s causing you discomfort, you can always drink plenty of fluids to help relieve it.
CBD is also known to cause diarrhea and fatigue. But again, these tend to go away once you’ve gotten used to CBD.
Are There Precautions to Using CBD Oil for Post-Partum Depression?
If you’re breastfeeding and if you’re taking maintenance medications, then we strongly suggest that you consult with your primary care physician first.
CBD is a safe substance, but you should always exercise extra caution when starting a new health supplement.
How Do You Take CBD Oil for Post-Partum Depression?
The best way to take CBD oil for post-partum depression is to place it under the tongue. Let it stay under the tongue for about a couple of minutes and then swallow. Sublingual application allows your cells to absorb CBD at a faster rate so it can also produce a faster onset of effects.
To know the right CBD dose for your pos-partum depression symptoms, you may follow our ICARIA chart:
- Mild symptoms: 5 to 10 drops (6.25 mg to 12.5mg of CBD)
- Moderate symptoms: 15 o 20 drops (18.75 mg to 25 mg of CBD)
- Severe symptoms: 20 to 40 drops (25 mg to 50 mg of CBD)
- Extra-strength CBD oil: 80 drops or about 100 mg of CBD
Should you experience some side effects, you can simply reduce the dose when you take it next.
Be patient if you’re not feeling any improvement in your symptoms. It may be because your body is still adjusting to CBD. If you haven’t felt an improvement after three days, then increase your dose. Know that it sometimes takes a little trial-and-error before you find your sweet spot.
CBD has many properties that can help mothers dealing with post-partum depression. It can help stabilize mood, and it can also ease anxiety and depression.
