Nurture Mom Naturally

Stress, Work and Children - What Does the Research Say?

Professor Tarani Chandola, of Manchester University, and Dr Cara Booker, Professor Meena Kumari and Professor Michaela Benzeval, of the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Essex University, examined biological data taken by nurses from 6,025 participants in the UK Household Longitudinal Survey, the largest survey of its kind in the world. According to their research, just published in the journal Sociology, neither working from home nor flextime had an effect on women’s chronic stress levels. But reducing the number of hours they worked did have a positive impact.

Overall, the 11 indicators, known as “biomarkers”, produce something called an “allostatic load”, a measure of the cumulative wear and tear on the body’s physiological systems, which can indicate poor health and a greater risk of death. We equate it to mental and physical stress load.

The researchers found that the biomarkers indicating chronic stress, including hormone levels and blood pressure, were 40% higher for women working full time while bringing up two children than among women working full time with no children. Women who were working full time and bringing up one child had 18% higher levels of stress than women with no children.

The Importance of Self-Care for Moms

Motherhood is immensely rewarding yet incredibly demanding. The relentless pace can mirror the adrenal stress many face in today's society, which is linked to a significant percentage of primary care visits and considerable annual spending on stress management programs.

Self-care is vital for maintaining mental and physical health, helping moms manage stress and rejuvenate. Taking time for oneself can lead to improved mood, better health outcomes, and a more balanced life.

Starting the day with self-care activities like meditation, a long bath, or even a peaceful walk can set a positive tone, enriching the traditional celebrations that follow with family. This approach not only makes the day better but also addresses the critical need for personal well-being amidst the challenges of motherhood.

Understanding Motherhood through Hans Selye's Stress Model

Motherhood, while immensely rewarding, is undeniably one of the most challenging roles in life, filled with moments that range from the utterly joyful to the intensely stressful. Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model provides a useful framework for understanding how stress can impact mothers at different stages of their parenting journey. According to Selye, the stress response is characterized by three phases: the Alarm Phase, the Resistance Phase, and the Exhaustion Phase. Each phase plays a significant role in how mothers react to the daily demands placed upon them.

Alarm Phase - This initial stage of the stress response is akin to a mother's immediate reaction to a new challenge or stressor. For a new mother, this might be triggered by her baby's first fever or a toddler's tantrum. The body reacts by preparing to fight or flee, with increased production of stress hormones like cortisol, which provide the energy surge needed to handle the situation. While this phase helps mothers deal with acute problems, staying in this state too long can be taxing.

Resistance Phase - If the stressor persists, as it often does in motherhood, the body enters the Resistance Phase. During this stage, the body attempts to adapt to the stressor. Mothers may find themselves managing ongoing challenges such as balancing work and family, dealing with the constant needs of children, or supporting a teenager through exam stress. The body continues to produce stress hormones at a higher level than normal, but tries to resist the stressor and return to a state of balance. However, continued exposure to stress can start to deplete the body's reserves.

Exhaustion Phase - Prolonged stress without adequate recovery leads to the Exhaustion Phase, where the body’s ability to resist is depleted. For mothers, this phase may manifest when the continuous stress of parenting without adequate support or self-care catches up, leading to burnout, feelings of detachment, or health problems such as weakened immune function, chronic fatigue, or depression.

Herbal and Food-Based Supplements in Self-Care

Herbal supplements offer a natural way to enhance well-being, supporting everything from sleep and mood to energy and digestion—key areas affected by adrenal stress.

• Stress & Mood Support - Products like Nevaton® Forte, containing St. John's Wort and Saffron, are perfect for the alarm phase, helping to mitigate the initial stress response and improve mood and reactions to stressful events.
• Energy Support - Drenamin®, with its blend of B vitamins and food-based nutrients, can help during the resistance phase by invigorating and restoring energy levels, which helps improve sleep, that the prolonged stress may deplete.
• Endocrine & Hormone Support - Symplex® F aids in balancing hormones, crucial for overall health, especially when the body moves towards the exhaustion phase and needs support to maintain hormonal balance.
• Digestive Support - Digest Forte, with herbs like Ginger and Wormwood, supports digestion, often disrupted by ongoing stress.

Gifts for Mom

Consider putting together a self-care gift basket for that special lady in your life. Include a selection of herbal supplements, a spa voucher, a favorite book, and some aromatic teas. It's a thoughtful, health-promoting gesture that any mom would appreciate, acknowledging her needs and the often overlooked symptoms of adrenal dysfunction such as fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The contents of this article should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Before starting any new dietary supplement or making significant changes to your health and wellness routine, please consult with a healthcare professional.

The views and nutritional advice expressed in this email are not meant to be a substitute for conventional medical service, and any use of the mentioned supplements should be discussed with your physician or another licensed healthcare provider. All readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their doctors before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.