Mood Lifting Food For Mums

New mothers who experience anxiety, panic, low mood, hopelessness or other depressive symptoms, may be suffering from post-natal depression. This occurs in approximately 10% of new mothers in the post partum period, and can be aided by the use of holistic healing and support from loved ones. Instead of focussing on the negatives, take the salutogenesis approach, by focussing on ways to positively induce a feeling of well-being.

Strategies to prevent or reduce the occurrence of Post Natal Depression

- Eat plenty of foods that are high in fibre, vitamin B and also in minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. Complex carbohydrates, whole grains, brown rice, vegetables and raw oats are a good start. These improve levels of mood boosting substances in the brain, and create a sense of well being.
- If your mind is over-active take herbs such as oats relaxing drops to induce restfulness. Bathing in Lavender Bath Milk is highly recommended for new mothers, to calm the nerves.
- Eat oily fish such as tuna and a little salmon to provide ample amounts of essential fatty acids.
- Have plenty of rest and avoid exertion. The more relaxed you are, the less likely you will be to dwell on aches and pains, facilitating a faster and easier recovery.
- Avoid any foods that trigger mood swings such as high fat and high sugar meals, caffeine, white bread and milk chocolate.
- Avoid smoking
- Create a support system with family so that household chores such as cleaning and cooking are handed over to somebody else as often as possible
- Use homeopathic or herbal medicines where-ever possible to calm and soothe your baby if it is restless or upset

Causes of Post Natal Depression are varied and it thought that a poor dietary intake of complex carbohydrates as well as the B group vitamins B1, B5, B9 and B12 are common in women with this condition. However dietary changes are only one aspect to improving mood. The aroma of essential oils is a very simple and effective way to boost mood, and you can incorporate essential oils into your daily skincare regime. Oils of Lavender, Wild Rose, Sweet Orange and Chamomile are all useful to induce relaxation and boost mood. Wild Rose Body care and deodorant for example, keep the mood-lifting aroma of roses alive on your skin throughout the day. The best way to access the aromatic oils of these plants is to buy them in natural, organic and biodynamic bodycare products such as lotions and bathmilks to get the best possibly quality oils and to avoid toxicity.

Often low mood is a reflection of an exhausted nervous system, which needs to recover and rejuvenate after traumatic events. Herbs such as Oats (Avena Sativa) will benefit both mother and baby. Oats Relaxing Drops can also be taken multiple times daily by mother.

The Benefits of Rose

Another herb to consider is the highly moisturising rose. The smell of fresh roses is nothing short of a soft caress and has many benefits for skin health as well. It can be found in lotions, moisturisers, toners and cleansers. Rose petals strewn loosely in a baby's bath water will soften the skin and have a calming effect on mood.

Organic and biodynamic roses are the most beneficial as they maximize the medicinal qualities of the plant, so always choose products with high quality and purity standards.