Dear Kerri,

Please check the archives for several extensive postings on SJW.
Newest monograph indicates that it is not a MAO inhibitor or at
best, a very weak one.  No one really knows exactly how it works
or even which chemical constituents are the most important.  It is
not listed as contraindicated during lactation, although one should
always watch for symptoms in the baby when taking any drug/herb.

Also, anyone dealing with a mom with suspected PPD needs to be
aware that symptoms can range from mild to very severe and a
hormonal "tune-up" via herbs such as vitex may not come close to
helping a mom who is on the verge of or in the midst of a major
psychotic episode.  This is not to denigrate the very worthwhile
effects that good herbal treatment can bring about.  But we seem
to have a lot of new people on board lately, some of whom may not
yet understand the big picture when it comes to conditions like
PPD.  Again, check the archives for many discussions on this
subject.

Warmly,
Sharon Knorr, BSMT, LLLL, IBCLC
Newark, NY (near Rochester) USA
mailto:[log in to unmask]

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