Autoimmune Deficiency

Eczema - A particular type of inflammatory reaction of the skin in which there are typically vesicles (tiny blister-like raised areas) in the first stage followed by erythema (reddening), edema (swelling), papules (bumps), and crusting of the skin followed, finally, by lichenification (thickening) and scaling of the skin. Eczema characteristically causes itching and burning of the skin.
Eczema, which is also called atopic dermatitis, is a very common skin problem. It may start in infancy, later in childhood, or in adulthood. Once it gets underway, it tends not to go quickly away.

​Yuck - I know.  Soren and I both have it and it is characterized under the autoimmune deficiencies.  Most medical professionals tend to blame it on consuming a food or the use of some kind of cream, soap, etc....  They never think a diet could be deficient in anything.  Well - except steroids apparently, their answer for any type of inflammation.  Since we are naturally supposed to take those anyway?!  (Yes - sarcasm)

As it turns out - the two of us are deficient in something.  What that is - I am not so certain, but Juice Plus+ seems to be fulfilling the void.  I ran out of my sample pack 2 days ago (we got our shipment today - yeah!) and I had two new patches in two different locations yesterday.  That speaks volumes.  My eczema was disappearing just last week - two days off a whole food supplement and I have brand new patches.  Unbelievable.​

Nutrition is so important and I fear we take it too lightly at times.  There's a pill for this - a steroid for that, a supplement for that side effect.  NO!  Did we ever think to check our diets?  To be sure we are absorbing the natural micro-nutrients our bodies need to thrive?  We thought we did, but we weren't serious enough about it.  I got serious - I wasn't going to be stuck on steroids the rest of my life and I was only paving a road for disaster with my son.  Lead by example, right?

This is a real deal product and I stand behind it because of what it has done for this family.  If you don't believe me - watch this video with Dr. William Sears (I bring him up A LOT in this blog - the man that coined Attachment Parenting.  He's A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!)​.  Even better - here is a great, short article about autoimmune diseases and how Juice Plus+ has treated them.  It gives a quick, concise explanation on what happens with these diseases and how whole foods can affect them positively.

So now we are all on it (Juice Plus+) - and feeling fantastic.  Soren gets pumped for his gummies and its been awesome seeing his red cheeks turn pale pink again.  For more info click here - and to order click here.  If you have any questions or concerns contact me here. ​

​This was one of the first shots I have taken in awhile, his cheeks weren't bright red.  My happy little reader!

are you on Juice Plus+?  how has nutrition affected your life/autoimmune deficiency?

Becoming a Doula

This weekend I am becoming a Doula. NOT:

a practitioner...

a partner...

a nurse...

or a family member.

Sorry - just practicing.  I am becoming an advocate for the baby and for mom.  For her partner and for the birth experience they would like to have.  I am opening myself up to work within our current medical system.  A system that is originally designed to aid in the birthing process but due to lack of research and inappropriately used tools has become a place of fear for birthing mothers.  I would like to share this quote from Rachel Swan Design:

“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.” -Ben Okri

I saw this quote this morning; it resonated with me so strongly.  This weekend has been akin to laboring.  Our instructor warned of us this.  I feel as if I am re-experience parts of my labor with Soren and wondering, questioning, getting angry and then feeling calm with these empowering women around me.  I know, now - why labor's need doulas.  Doulas can be an essential part of the laboring process.

We are not designed to labor alone, in stirrups, legs wide open on our backs.  I could expound on this for days.  The pregnancy is something of joy and beauty - a time to educate, learn - feel safe.  Postpartum is about support, rest, recovery and discovery - of this little, precious life that was just brought into the world.  

I am bursting with positive birthing energy - there is so much to tell, but to avoid being long winded, I will post some photos instead.  Our workshop is taking place in a beautiful space designed for yoga practice.  There are hanging plants, positive energy and a circle of women I will never forget.

Much more to come.  Thank you Peyton for sharing your belly and baby with us for palpitating and fetoscope monitoring and allowing me to snap a couple photos of that beautiful belly!