Natural vs. Meds: What I Wish I Knew About Healing Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum Zoloft
You’ve tried the supplements, the herbs, maybe even medications and therapy… and yet, you still don’t feel like yourself. Maybe you're wondering if another medication, another herb, or something might finally help. Or maybe you're just tired. Burnt out. On the edge of giving up.
If that’s where you are, I see you.
You're not alone.
Drop a comment below and share where you're at in your postpartum journey.
Have you tried medications? Did they help? Whether you’ve chosen to take medication or not, this is a judgment-free space.
Personally, I chose not to take medications. Deep down, I just had a strong feeling they wouldn’t work for me.
Years later, I learnt about the MTHFR gene, which affects how we process medications and supplements. That was a huge aha moment. And I know many of my clients and followers feel the same, like their body just doesn’t respond well to these treatments.
If that resonates with you, let me know in the comments. It’s not in your head. You’re not ”crazy,” maybe just more sensitive. And there are real, biological reasons why some medications don’t work for certain people, often tied to genetic factors and how we metabolise substances.
Today, I want to dive into the pros and cons of medications versus herbal remedies for postpartum symptoms like anxiety, depression, rage, and insomnia, and share what I’ve learnt through personal experience and working with moms like you.
Let’s start with SSRIs (a common class of antidepressants). These are often prescribed to help improve mood or sleep. But many of my clients report mixed results:
“It helped me sleep, but I still had anxiety.”
“It took the edge off, but I had no energy.”
“I couldn’t feel pleasure anymore.”
“I gained a lot of weight and just felt... flat.”
Yes, the anxiety might fade, but often at a cost. And that leaves many moms stuck, frustrated, and even more disconnected from themselves.
But here’s the good news: when you start addressing underlying issues like nutrient deficiencies, gut health, and hormone metabolism, medications may start working better for you. Or, you might not need them at all.
If you suspect your genes play a role, some moms have found insight through websites like Genomind or Genesight, which help match you with medications based on your DNA (MTHFR mutations included). That way, you’re not just playing “medication roulette” while your family suffers alongside you.
And Then There’s the Natural Route
On the other side, some women choose herbal remedies and holistic strategies. But let me be clear: it’s never just one herb that’s going to fix everything. Many herbal strategies miss a critical step: filling your nutrient gaps.
Research shows that 30–40% of people with postpartum depression have inflammation at the root of their symptoms. If your body is inflamed and your gut is compromised, you might not even be absorbing the nutrients you need. Constipation, bloating, brain fog, and fatigue are all signs your gut needs support.
So, yes, we need to talk about poop. Ideally, you’re having banana-shaped bowel movements 2–3 times a day, which helps your body eliminate toxins and excess hormones (like estrogen).
What About Diet?
Let’s be real: postpartum life is chaotic. Most of us are eating leftover chicken nuggets and freezer meals. But nourishing your body, even in small ways, matters.
Choose foods that reduce inflammation and support your gut. Pair that with amino acids, minerals, and supportive supplements, and you’ll start to close the nutrient gaps that keep your body stuck in survival mode.
Your goal? Not just surviving, but thriving.
But There’s More to It…
Medications, herbs, and nutrition, all of it matters. But don’t forget to also look at:
Nervous system regulation
Trauma (from childbirth or earlier)
Hormone imbalances (especially estrogen dominance and low progesterone)
Estrogen dominance can cause breast tenderness, bloating, constipation, irritability, and that “tired but wired” feeling. Meanwhile, progesterone (your calming hormone) can take 2–4 years to fully restore, especially after twins or difficult births.
In last week's video, we discussed how to metabolize your hormones, and that’s the topic of the video linked at the end of this post. If you’re feeling symptoms of estrogen dominance, that’s where to start.
Conclusion
Whether you choose medications, herbs, or a blend of both, start by understanding your body. Focus on your nutrition, your gut, and your hormone balance. That’s your foundation. And once that’s in place, everything else becomes easier to navigate.
Let’s open the conversation:
What’s worked for you: medications, herbs, both, or neither?
Share your thoughts below, and let’s support each other on this journey.
