Cannabis and Motherhood
Show your support
I've been using cannabis since I was 14, regularly since I was 20. I am now 36. I have not suffered any health effects from long term use. I use it for pain relief, which is essential to my functioning day to day, including parenting. I did not use it during my pregnancies, and waited until my son was 6mo to restart and that is the plan for my daughter as well (I bedshare and I want to avoid any complications there might be from smoking--studies done about SIDS are about tobacco use but I err on the side of caution). In the meantime, I use topical cannabis for pain relief but it is not as effective for me. Edibles and oils are ineffective due to my liver enzymes breaking the cannabinoids down too quickly. Ideally I pack a small amount in a bong (one hit) and blow it out the window of the bathroom or kitchen, which allows me to stay present at home but also not do it in front of my children. I enjoy a joint but its hard to do that with young kids around you need to be watching.....
....In terms of mom stress specifically, I'm not sure if I use it for that but I do find that if I'm having a hard day in general, pain or otherwise, cannabis will help with my enthusiasm to engage with my children. As I only need small amount for pain relief, I've never found myself in position where it was problematic for me in any way.
I use small amounts of cannabis to help me achieve calm &/or playfulness. To help my anxiety & my ADHD. In addition to eating well, staying hydrated, trying to get as much rest as possible, supplements, breath work, somatic exercises, tapping, & using an acupressure mat. I typically smoke flower with additional herbs. As far as stressers... I'm a stay at homeschooling mama of 3 wild little boys. And my husband is a high functioning alcoholic- sometimes things are good & he's helpful & amazing. Other times he's a jerk & no one wants him around. Not cannabis but check out the documentary "How to change your mind" on Netflix. Again not cannabis but lots of forms of plant medicine was used by mothers in all stages (pregnancy, during labor, while breastfeeding). https://instagram.com/mamadelamyco?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== The Rebel's Apothecary is a good book that might help you!
i used cannabis for my anxiety, insomnia, and coping with a very traumatic childhood. i started at 20 & even before i became a mother it helped me tremendously. i quit when i found out i was pregnant for my first trimester, but my anxiety was getting debilitating. along with the inability to cope with my past. i constantly thought about it which made me anxious/depressed. i talked to my OB who said if it helps that much, it’s better for baby since i wouldn’t be feeling that way. i did it a few times while i was pregnant & things were bad. i still use it now, he’s 5 months. and i’m really not kidding i tried quitting and did for months but it just wasn’t working, i was so depressed and anxious it was just not good. so i started again, i have a much better time sleeping, i’m way happier, i have a lotttt more patience with the baby & i find myself being more present with him! i truly think it’s saved me from bad PPA/PPD
when you’re done with this paper i would loveeee to read it!
I’ll start! So it has benefited me. I have anxiety and I usually do the gummies when she goes to bed. It helps to mellow me out a bit. My stressors include school and this toddler stage! I started at 22 so I’m fairly new to it.