This article will focus on ‘shrooms,’ sometimes called magic mushrooms, and their impact on pregnant and breastfeeding people. While shrooms have documented mental health benefits, some risks are associated with consuming them. Read on to learn about shrooms, why people take them, and if you can take them while pregnant or breastfeeding (the neutral and more inclusive term is ‘chestfeeding’).
What Are Shrooms?
When under the influence of shrooms, individuals can see things that aren’t happening, which makes it incredibly dangerous to engage in any activity while under the influence. Some may even find themselves engaging in behavior that is out of character for them.
What Disorders Can Shrooms Treat?
Shrooms can be helpful in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, some research has found it successful in decreasing mental health ailments in terminally ill patients. When used for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, clinicians have perfected the dosage and setting best for administering shrooms. For instance, a trained mental health professional will give the client their dose of mushrooms while in a calm and soothing space. The clinician will invite the client to relax, listen to soft music, and notice the effects of the drug. Rather than engaging the client in talk therapy like a typical psychotherapy session, the clinician will wait for the client to begin speaking to them.
Can I Take Shrooms If I’m Pregnant?
If you are pregnant, you may wonder if taking shrooms during pregnancy could lead to any harm. This may lead to some pregnant people wondering if they’re a good candidate for taking shrooms.
Can I Take Shrooms If I’m Breastfeeding?
There are no studies on how psychedelics can impact a breastfeeding/chestfeeding infant. It is known that most drugs ingested will pass through the breastmilk, causing the infant to ingest the drug. However, the acidity of psilocybin suggests it may be less likely to pass through the breast milk. Again, no studies can show how shrooms could impact an infant if they cross into breast milk.
What Are the Risks of Taking Shrooms?
Aside from taking shrooms without knowing the risks to a developing or breast- or chestfeeding infant, there are risks for individuals who would like to take shrooms.
Psychedelic Trips
For example, it is possible to develop hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPDD). This disorder causes someone who recently ingested a hallucinogen to experience a never-ending psychedelic trip. This can significantly impair cognitive functioning and can even be permanent. Psychedelics can be strenuous on the body. It may cause nausea, vomiting, or increases in blood pressure. This is particularly dangerous for those with preexisting conditions and, again, is very dangerous for anyone pregnant.
