When I was pregnant I was on the research train. I found comfort in reading different books, looking at different studies that had been run and immersing myself into the local birth community.
Some people don't find the comfort in looking into all the different procedures that certain providers will say are 'necessary' (spoiler they aren't always and sometimes they are) I found my research to be extremely empowering as well as at the same time disheartening, especially with what certain birth experiences are today in the modern western society.
There were many different things that I learned, I was going to try to find the top 5 from my pregnancy journal but honestly it is hard to say what those would be so I picked a few and shared them here:
➡️Trust your body. I know it can seem scary, but your body is amazing and was made to do this!
➡️Birth should be in whatever position YOU want it to be, not what someone says is “the policy.” You are allowed to try different positions and move around as you see fit and what’s comfortable for you.
➡️Having support that you choose and feel good about is KEY. It’s more than just your family and friends! Finding a care team that you can confide in and ask questions about your whole journey makes all the difference.
➡️YOU don't have to listen to anyone's "advice" or horror stories from their experiences that you don't want to. I remember hearing all the stories once people found out I was pregnant and I would just politely decline or remove myself from the situation.
➡️YOU are in control of a lot more than you might have been led to believe......
See a pattern!? When it comes to your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey YOU are in charge. It’s so important to find a care team that works with you and supports your decisions. There’s so much value in being educated and knowing what questions to ask.
I thought I was sensitive before I became a mom; I didn’t really like scary movies or any with violence or a lot of death but since becoming a mom this has intensified A LOT. Often I won’t even watch new movies or shows because I don’t know how they end or if anyone dies in them.
So along with all of the beautiful feelings that motherhood can give you, there often comes a heightened sensitivity to the challenges and injustices that permeate our world. The sadness, whether that’s in a movie or in real life hits us like a wave, leaving us feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed.
Some ways that help me with these aspects:
🌞 GET OUTSIDE - I do not do this enough. Even if generally I do it once a day, my goal for this month is twice a day - even if just for a few minutes to let the sun hit my skin
📰 DO NOT consume news media - okay there are varying degrees around this - can you find out what is going on in a way that doesn’t leave you having a lot of stress? Then go for it. I used to just have my hubby tell me the highlights, so he knew the depth and I didn’t have to live in the negative space; find what works for you, but blanket statement, do NOT watch the news.
🏃🏻♀️MOVE your body- however that works for you! Some people run, some walk, some yoga, some peloton - you get the idea.
📖 Immerse yourself in something you love to do. For me, this is definitely reading, watching SATC for the 100,000 time, eating at my favorite restaurant and whatever else calls me at the time.
As we know life isn’t all rainbows and sunshine but finding the joy where you can is really helpful!❤️
Are you tired of feeling bloated after every meal? Do you wish you had more energy to tackle your day? Perhaps you're tired of the post-meal slump that leaves you feeling crappy. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to start paying attention to your gut health.
For me, the wake-up call came in the form of multiple signals from my body that I couldn't ignore. I found myself battling eczema on my hands to the point where I had to resort to wearing white Michael Jackson gloves just to hide the severity of the issue. My weight was higher than it should have been, my skin was a mess; the list goes on. It was clear that my body was crying out for help, and it was time for me to listen.
I was consuming unhealthy foods, overindulging in alcohol, and depriving myself of essential sleep. It was a recipe for disaster, a perfect storm brewing within my gut.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I made a conscious decision to take control of my health. I revamped my diet, eliminating processed junk and embracing nourishing, gut-friendly foods. I stopped the drinking and prioritized getting adequate sleep. I also adopted strategies to manage stress more effectively, recognizing its effects on my overall well-being.
Slowly but surely, I began to see positive changes. My hands healed, shedding the need for gloves like a badge of honor. I shed the excess weight that had been weighing me down both physically and emotionally. Most importantly, I regained a sense of vitality and well-being that I had been missing.
Reflecting on my journey, I've come to understand that our bodies have a remarkable way of communicating with us. They provide us with signs and symptoms, urging us to pay attention and make necessary changes. For me, it was the manifestation of eczema, excess weight, and persistent fatigue. For others, it might be digestive issues, skin problems, or chronic fatigue.
So, I encourage you to tune in to your body's signals. What is it trying to tell you? What signs is it giving you that you may not be taking care of yourself as you should? Don't wait until the symptoms escalate to take action. Start listening to your body now and embark on the journey to heal your gut. Your body will thank you for it.
Have you ever felt like your gut was trying to tell you something? Maybe it was a persistent feeling of bloating or discomfort after meals, or perhaps it was a general sense of unease that you couldn't quite shake.
Contrary to popular belief, achieving optimal gut health isn't about finding a magic bullet or following the latest fad diet. It's about making sustainable lifestyle changes that support your body's natural balance. And let me tell you, it's worth every ounce of effort.
So, how did I do it?
Mindful Eating: The journey to gut health starts on your plate. I began by paying closer attention to what I was putting into my body, opting for whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourished me from the inside out.
Stress Management: It's no secret that stress can wreak havoc on your gut. That's why I prioritized stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
Detoxification: Toxins lurk everywhere in our modern world, from the air we breathe to the products we use. I made a conscious effort to minimize my exposure to harmful chemicals by choosing organic produce, using natural cleaning products, and opting for eco-friendly personal care items.
Movement: Physical activity isn't just about burning calories; it's also essential for promoting healthy digestion and circulation. By listening to my body and moving in ways that felt good, I supported my overall well-being, including my gut health.
Holistic Approach: Finally, I embraced a holistic approach to wellness that prioritized balance in all areas of my life. Instead of fixating on restrictive diets or quick fixes, I focused on nurturing my body, mind, and spirit in harmony.
In the end, achieving optimal gut health was about more than just changing my diet or popping a probiotic pill. It was about adopting a holistic lifestyle that supported my body’s ability to heal and thrive. And while the journey wasn't always easy, the results were more than worth it.
If you're ready to take control of your gut health, I’d love to help you!
We can embrace mindful eating, manage stress effectively, detoxify our bodies, move with joy, and approach wellness from a holistic perspective. So, are you ready to say goodbye to digestive discomfort and hello to vibrant health? Grab my guide here to get started!
Embarking on a journey to improve your health often involves confronting uncomfortable truths and challenging conventional thinking. For many, myself included, this journey begins with confronting seemingly unrelated symptoms like eczema, only to discover that the key to relief lies within our gut.
When I sought help for my eczema, the dermatologist’s solution seemed all too familiar—a prescription medication. I knew this approach was merely a band-aid solution. It didn’t address the underlying cause of my condition; it merely masked its symptoms. Rejecting this quick fix, I dove deeper into understanding the root cause of my eczema.
I learned that the root cause of my issue was actually my gut health. My healing journey wasn’t about treating the surface level issues, but rather about nurturing my gut.
When the delicate balance of bacteria in our gut is disrupted, it can manifest in a lot of different symptoms, including skin issues like eczema.
Through targeted dietary changes, prioritizing quality sleep, and embracing a low-toxin lifestyle, I embarked on a holistic approach to heal my gut. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but with patience and dedication, I began to witness profound changes not only in my eczema but in my overall health and vitality.
This experience ignited my passion for helping others reclaim control over their health by addressing the root causes of their ailments. I firmly believe that true healing begins by listening to our bodies and addressing the underlying imbalances that show up as symptoms.
In my journey, I've learned that gut health is not just about what we eat but encompasses every aspect of our lifestyle—from the quality of our sleep to the products we use in our daily lives.
Ready to get started healing your gut today? Grab my guide!
