One of the most joyful, satisfying experiences in a woman’s life, motherhood can also be one of the most stressful at times. This Mother’s Day, we believe one of the most impactful ways to recognize moms is by helping the mothers in our lives to relieve stress and enjoy the well-being that comes from sustained stress resilience.
According to an HHS report, as of 2024, there were approximately 31.5 million moms (of 63 million parents) living with children under the age of 18. Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA (former Surgeon General of the United States), writes, “The experience of raising a child can bring a sense of meaning and purpose, along with joy, love, and human connection. It can also involve daunting challenges and significant, sometimes relentless, stress.”
Mother and parenting influencer Katy Bourzikas (@wellrestedweeones) lists characteristics of a good mother (“keeps her cool,” “energized,” among others) but also emphasizes that a good mom “wants a break, gets irritated, says it’s hard, feels guilty often, feels exhausted, and worries she isn’t a good mom.”
Pregnancy and Stress
For millions of mothers, stress increases during pregnancy, especially with the awareness of impending childbirth and subsequent years of caretaking, nurturing, protecting, and guiding their children. This psychological strain occurs in conjunction with the physical stress placed on the body as it rapidly adapts to accommodate fetal growth. During pregnancy, women tend to experience diminished stress responsiveness of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Research suggests that up to 13% of pregnant women are diagnosed with anxiety and/or depressive disorders, conditions that both stem from and further exacerbate stress.
Further, authors of a 2019 meta-analysis concluded, “Peripartum anxiety disorders are more prevalent than previously thought, with 1 in 5 women meeting diagnostic criteria for at least one disorder.”
According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA), common experiences include feeling easily anxious, worried, overwhelmed, and tense, as well as having panic attacks and related physiological symptoms such as shortness of breath, a rapid pulse, dizziness, and stomach discomfort. Additionally, stressed new mothers have difficulty obtaining a consistent, healthy eight hours of sleep.
The Mom Life
Being a mother often means thinking ahead to ensure stability, security, and safety for herself and her family, especially for children, while also remaining fully present to respond to issues as they arise, all while managing work and other responsibilities. Stress can often increase in intensity when adversity strikes (e.g., divorce, loss of a job, or loss of a home). This can, in turn, worsen reactions to the everyday stressors of child-rearing, such as finding a babysitter, taking children to the doctor, or navigating problems at school or with friends.
The American Psychological Association (APA) analyzed 10 years of its Stress in America survey data and found that parents of children under 18 are more likely than parents of adult children or adults without children to experience high levels of stress. In 2023, one-third of parents rated their stress as high (8, 9, or 10 on a 10-point scale) compared with just 20% of the rest of the population.
Compared to men, women consistently report higher levels of stress, are more susceptible to stress-related symptoms, are more likely to stay awake at night due to stress, and are more prone to engaging in stress-related eating behaviors.
Mothers rarely get a true break from parenting, such as when enjoying a “girl’s night out” or a romantic weekend getaway. Supporting mothers, therefore, involves helping both their bodies and minds adapt to stress and build resilience against its effects. Adaptogens such as ashwagandha, when taken regularly, are often associated with improved physiological and mental coping.
Long-Term Stress Solution: Adaptogens
The term “adaptogen” has become increasingly familiar among health-conscious consumers, as awareness grows that these herbs support long-term wellness. Adaptogens are generally understood to non-specifically enhance the body’s tolerance to stress and help maintain balance under challenging conditions. Some of the most recognized adaptogens are Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha).
A meta-analysis of 115 published papers (including 14 human clinical trials, 81 animal studies, and 18 in vitro studies) identified seven primary mechanisms through which adaptogens may act: stress modulation, antioxidant, anti-fatigue and physical endurance enhancement, nootropic effects, immune modulation, cardiovascular protection, and radioprotection. A once-daily, low-dose adaptogen capable of supporting these functions could be considered a convenient anti-stress supplement for modern mothers.
Ashwagandha is often regarded as a go-to herb for women seeking to manage stress. According to one source, the primary reason women aged 30 to 45 use ashwagandha supplements is increased stress-related family and career demands. It is associated with reduced cortisol levels, which may support improved stress regulation, and it may also promote better sleep as a result of reduced stress.
Ashwanova: The Standout Adaptogen
Typical standardized ashwagandha extracts often require multiple doses as high as 600 mg for noticeable effects. For many mothers who already take multiple daily supplements, this amount may feel excessive or inconvenient. Ashwanova, a root-only sustained-release ashwagandha extract, has demonstrated effectiveness at doses of 150 mg and 300 mg, delivered in a single, convenient daily serving. A recent study reported that, after just 15 days, participants experienced improved emotional resilience, driven by reductions in perceived stress levels, as well as enhanced sleep quality and better control over stress-related eating behaviors.
It is important to note that root-only ashwagandha extracts, such as Ashwanova, are often preferred in certain regulatory contexts and are widely regarded as the appropriate and effective form for use.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India advisory (F. No. RCD-15001/11/2021, dated April 16, 2026), while many ashwagandha supplements in the market are prepared using the aerial parts of the plant, the regulatory framework specifies otherwise. Under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2016 (Section IV, Schedule IV), only the roots of ashwagandha and their extracts are permitted for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals, foods for special dietary use, and foods for special medical purposes, subject to prescribed limits.
The advisory further clarifies that the use of ashwagandha leaves, in crude, extract, or any other form, is not permitted. According to an article in Whole Foods magazine, India took this action due to safety concerns linked to compounds such as withaferin-A found in higher concentrations in the leaf (aerial parts). Concerns around such constituents have contributed to increased regulatory scrutiny in India, reinforcing the preference for root-only formulations.
In this context, Ashwanova stands out with a clear and compelling advantage. Beyond being a pure, root-only extract that aligns fully with regulatory guidance, it is designed to support the sustained release of withanolides, helping maintain a steady 24-hour plasma presence that may contribute to a continuous sense of calm throughout the day. Backed by Clean Label certification, Ashwanova emphasizes transparency, purity, and trust, offering a thoughtfully formulated sustained-release solution for consistent, everyday stress support.
For mothers navigating the constant demands of caregiving, work, and daily life, supporting stress resilience is not a luxury but an essential. A clean, sustained-release solution provides a simple yet meaningful way to help restore balance, improve well-being, and support them in showing up fully each day.
Reviewed by Sneha Sawant Desai, PhD
