For new moms, the first few months (or, let’s face it, even the first year) after giving birth are a whirlwind of sleep deprivation and hormonal changes. As you learn how to manage life with a new tiny human, postpartum mood swings are incredibly common. While there is no magic cure-all, ashwagandha, a botanical for stress-support, may be able to help.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is a traditional herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It supports stress resilience and can provide nourishment to new moms who need a little extra love and support.

Ashwagandha is a botanical known as an adaptogen. Adaptogens balance your body’s reaction to stress and fatigue. While there are many types of adaptogens, ashwagandha is especially helpful for the postpartum period.

How does ashwagandha benefit new moms?

Picture this: you finally get your sweet new baby down. Your cozy soft bed is beckoning to you. As your head finally hits the pillow, you can’t wait to close your eyes. But your mind won’t turn off. Instead, you are thinking about the last time the baby ate, how much longer she will be asleep, how tired you are, or the laundry piling up in the other room. It’s as if your nervous system is going haywire. You are completely exhausted but also can’t seem to relax enough to sleep.

The feeling of being wired but tired happens because of fluctuating hormones and sleep deprivation. Ashwagandha helps by nourishing your overloaded nervous system. It also can help you fall back to sleep after midnight feeding sessions without adding any grogginess to your already tired mind.

The benefits of ashwagandha include:

• Supportive for anxiety and contributing to a sense of calm
• Sleep support
• Healthy weight management while under stress
• Enhancing the immune system
• Healthy stress response

Adaptogens help regulate your mood and stress response by regulating cortisol levels. Cortisol, an important stress hormone, should naturally rise in the morning to help you wake up to feel alert and dip when you are sleeping. However, for many postpartum moms, the balance can be thrown off, so it surges at inappropriate times (like in the middle of the night).

Ashwagandha also has anti-stress properties to provide natural relief from mood swings. In one study, those who took ashwagandha extract experienced decreased anxiety symptoms by more than 50%.

Is ashwagandha safe for breastfeeding moms?

It’s always a good idea to discuss supplements with your healthcare practitioner while breastfeeding. However, ashwagandha appears to be a safe, gentle option for breastfeeding mamas.

Sleep is a precious commodity when you’re caring for an infant. Ashwagandha can help new moms sleep better and regulate mood. If you’re looking for a natural way to combat sleepless nights, ashwagandha can be a natural, gentle approach.

Nisus Life Postpartum & Lactation Protein Powder contains high quality Ashwagandha which is safe for you and your baby.