In the whirlwind of motherhood, where endless demands collide with personal well-being, many women grapple with overwhelming anxiety. Dawn Fable, a mother of three, transformed her personal battle into a mission-driven brand called Press Pause, harnessing the power of CBD to provide natural relief. This article delves into her story, the science behind CBD, practical applications for moms, and strategies to integrate it into daily life for lasting calm.
Understanding Maternal Anxiety: A Common Yet Silent Struggle
Motherhood often amplifies stress, with hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and the pressure of balancing roles contributing to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Studies indicate that up to 20% of new mothers experience significant anxiety symptoms, often undiagnosed due to stigma.[10] Dawn Fable shares that her anxiety, building over 30 years, peaked after her third child, leaving her desperate for alternatives to conventional treatments.
Anxiety manifests as constant worry, racing thoughts, and physical tension, disrupting family life and self-care. For Fable, it was a “beautiful disaster” of juggling work, kids, and inner turmoil until CBD became her turning point. Recognizing this, Press Pause emerged not just as a product line but as an educational platform to normalize these conversations among women.[11]
The Rise of CBD: From Discovery to Daily Ally
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound from hemp plants known for its calming effects without the high of THC. Fable’s “accidental” discovery came amid her spiraling anxiety, where CBD offered rapid, life-altering relief by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate mood and stress responses.[12]
Unlike pharmaceuticals, CBD provides a holistic approach, potentially easing symptoms without dependency risks. Fable emphasizes quality: Press Pause products undergo rigorous third-party testing for purity and potency, ensuring safety for daily use. Moms report better sleep, reduced irritability, and more present parenting after incorporating CBD.
Dawn Fable’s Path: Building Press Pause from Personal Pain
As a working mom, Fable faced skepticism launching a CBD brand in a nascent market. Her vision transcended sales; it’s about empowerment. “We aim to stop the whispering around anxiety,” she states, fostering community through blogs, social media, and podcasts.
Challenges included navigating regulations and educating consumers wary of cannabis stigma. Yet, persistence paid off, with Press Pause growing into a go-to for women seeking natural wellness. Fable balances her empire with family, modeling self-care by prioritizing laughter and pauses amid chaos.
How CBD Targets Key Mom Challenges
- Hormonal Imbalances: Postpartum shifts and perimenopause disrupt serotonin; CBD may stabilize these, promoting emotional equilibrium.[13]
- Sleep Disruption: Night wakings exacerbate fatigue; CBD’s relaxing properties aid faster sleep onset and deeper rest.
- Daily Stress: From school runs to work deadlines, micro-dosing CBD tinctures provides on-demand calm without drowsiness.
- Mental Clarity: By reducing overthinking, moms report sharper focus for joyful family moments.
A table comparing common anxiety remedies:
| Remedy | Pros | Cons | Best For Moms? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription Meds | Fast-acting | Side effects, dependency | Short-term crises |
| Therapy | Root-cause focused | Time-intensive | Ongoing support |
| CBD | Natural, versatile | Variable efficacy | Daily maintenance |
| Exercise | Free, energizing | Hard to schedule | Complementary |
Combining CBD with lifestyle tweaks amplifies benefits, as Fable advocates.[14]
Practical Ways to Incorporate CBD into Mom Life
Start low: 10-25mg daily via tinctures under the tongue for quick absorption. Gummies suit on-the-go routines, while topicals soothe tension headaches. Press Pause offers mom-specific blends, like lavender-infused for bedtime.
- Assess needs: Track anxiety triggers via journal.
- Choose full-spectrum: Retains synergistic cannabinoids.
- Consult pros: Especially if pregnant or medicated.[15]
- Pair with routines: CBD + meditation = amplified peace.
Fable’s tip: Treat self-care as non-negotiable, like meal prep—schedule your “pause.”
Science Speaks: Evidence on CBD for Anxiety
Peer-reviewed studies affirm CBD’s anxiolytic effects. A 2019 review in The Permanente Journal found 79% of participants experienced anxiety reduction after one month.[16] The WHO deems CBD safe, non-addictive.[17] For mothers, preliminary research links it to cortisol regulation, vital for stress management.[13]
Limitations exist: More longitudinal trials needed, especially for postpartum use. Always source from reputable brands like Press Pause to avoid contaminants.[12]
Community and Stigma-Busting: Press Pause’s Impact
Beyond products, Press Pause builds solidarity via Instagram lives, blogs on hormonal health, and podcast appearances where Fable shares raw stories. Mothers connect, swap tips, and laugh—key to resilience, as Fable notes: “Laughter is my secret weapon.”
This movement destigmatizes mental health, encouraging open talks at playgroups and PTAs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CBD, and is it safe for breastfeeding moms?
CBD is a hemp-derived compound promoting calm. Limited data advises caution during breastfeeding; consult a doctor.[15]
How quickly does CBD work for anxiety?
Sublingual forms act in 15-30 minutes, peaking at 1-2 hours.[12]
Will CBD make me high?
No, pure CBD is non-intoxicating, unlike THC.[17]
What’s unique about Press Pause products?
Female-founded, third-party tested, tailored for women’s hormonal and stress needs.
Can kids use CBD?
Not recommended without pediatric guidance; focus on adult formulations.[18]
Embracing Balance: Your Next Steps
Motherhood thrives on presence, not perfection. Dawn Fable’s Press Pause reminds us: Pause, breathe, heal. Explore CBD mindfully, connect with communities, and prioritize joy. Your calm family starts with yours.
References
- Press Pause: Dawn Fable Educates us on CBD — Motherly. 2023-05-15. https://www.mother.ly/podcasts/season-7/dawn-fable-on-cbd-and-laughter/
- Meet Dawn Fable: Working Mom of 3 — Shoutout Colorado. 2022-11-10. https://shoutoutcolorado.com/meet-dawn-fable-working-mom-of-3-young-children-founder-of-press-pause-and-trying-to-balance-lifes-beautiful-disaster/
- Cannabidiol (CBD) — What We Know and What We Don’t — Harvard Health Publishing. 2023-06-01. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-201808242496
- CBD: Does it work? Is it safe? Is it legal? — Mayo Clinic. 2024-11-20. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
- Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series — The Permanente Journal. 2019-01-21. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.2190/PM.14.1.13
- Cannabidiol (CBD) — Therapeutics — World Health Organization. 2018-07-01. https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf





