3 Easy Ways to Naturally Boost Your Child’s Immune System

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3 Easy Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System

3 Easy Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission should you choose to purchase through one of my links. I only recommend products I personally use, like, and trust. Thank you for supporting my blog!

 

I have an immunosuppressed husband. I’ve also had two newborn babies during the height of cold and flu season in the midwest! So as you can imagine, immune systems are a topic that receive a LOT of attention in our home! The best thing you can do for your family is live a healthy life that naturally boosts their immune systems. This way, they are protected against whatever they come in contact with- from viruses to toxins etc. But since this topic is so expansive, I’m going to share with you the top 3 things I do every day with my children to help boost their immune system and keep them healthy! Let’s dive in!

Antioxidants & Probiotics

Food is medicine! It’s something you can always be giving to your body to support the important work it is doing. A healthy immune system starts with what you eat. Did you know that up to 80% of your immune system stems from your gut? That’s why I always make sure we are getting plenty of probiotics in our diet. I also incorporate a probiotic supplement into my kids daily routine. I love this probiotic supplement for my toddler because it is also combined with her daily multivitamin! (Also see my easy 3 Day Gentle Detox that I love for digestive health!)

Antioxidants fight free radicals and supercharge your body to help fight off whatever it may have come in contact with. I make sure my kiddos diet is pack full of antioxidants on a daily basis. Antioxidants can be found in food like berries and dark leafy greens.

 

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is jam packed with about everything you need to support your immune systems, fight off sickness, and support overall health in a wide range of areas. Due to its high vitamin and nutrient content, it is shown to help prevent sickness as well as lessen and shorted the symptoms and duration of illness.

The best thing about Elderberry, is it is something you can take every day, which not only helps consistently support your immune system, but also helps fight off illness in the earliest stages, before you are even showing symptoms. This gives your body a leg up from the get go on whatever it may be up against!

You can make taking Elderberry syrup easy and affordable with this super simple Organic Elderberry Syrup Making Kit that I use for our family! Adults can take 1 tablespoon a day and then every 3 hours when they are sick. Children over a year old can take 1 teaspoon a day- but be sure to follow the instructions on the kit and consult with your doctor about dosages. I give this to my children every night before bed, and sometimes before we go in public to give them extra immune support.

 

Thieves Essential Oil

Thieves Essential oil is a miracle worker for boosting the immune system as well as powerful and natural disinfectant. You can use Thieves rollers on your children before bed, before or after going out in public. It is especially great for when they’re feeling under the weather. I get a 5 ml roller and mix 5 drops of Thieves with coconut oil or grape seed oil. I apply it on their spine, behind the ears, and on the bottoms of their feet (cover with socks right afterwords.) Dosages will depend on your child’s age and size, so be sure to consult your doctor. I love using Thieves and giving my children an extra layer of protection when they’re out and about, or sleeping and recovering from a busy day!

You can get Thieves Essential Oil here and also save money and get free oils by taking advantage of their member and essential rewards services. But if you don’t want that, don’t worry! Just click the “No Thanks” button and grab your Thieves on it’s own!

Conclusion

There are plenty of natural ways to boost your child’s immune system and keep your child healthy. I love these ways because they are super simple, fit right into our daily routines, and don’t contain harmful toxins like some disinfectants, etc. I hope you can incorporate them into your daily life as well, and I can’t wait to hear how you like to utilize these natural alternatives!

Vaccines: A Conversation Americans Need to Have

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Encouragement and Inspiration for Christian Moms

Listen to More Podcasts Here

If you find value in this podcast, please support our message by sharing with others!

 

 

 

Recommended Resources for Beginners:

CDC Excipient list (ingredients)

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf

 

Just a few of the listed vaccine reactions 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/d/injury-table.pdf

 

Supreme Court rules vaccines unavoidably unsafe safe in the case of Bruesewitz vs Wyeth

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-152.pdf

 

The truth about vaccines Docu-series, I was able to find it free on this website: 

https://www.juneva.com/2020/04/26/the-truth-about-vaccines-new-documentary-series/

 

Vaccine package inserts 

http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/package_inserts.htm

 

Vaccine guide

https://vaccine.guide

 

I CAN network takes FDA to court requesting safety studies, FDA provides NONE

https://www.icandecide.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ICAN-v-FDA-Resolved-Court-Filed-Copy-Copy.pdf

 

Stanley Plotlin, godfather of vaccines under oath part 1 of 9

 

 https://youtu.be/rGDNsqk0KR0

In this 9 part deposition it goes into detail about the use of aborted babies in vaccines, and how more than 72 were used.

 

ICAN petitioned the HHS to provide the evidence of the 30+ years of safety studies they’re supposed to perform. The HHS could not provide a SINGLE ONE 

 

http://www.icandecide.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Stipulated-Order-copy-1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1pF6yVC60CbzeQYpfm65afaqmeQtYoEL9F4jOqjskjKkRPloyFsD7aasE

 

No safety studies for pregnant women and vaccine 

https://www.icandecide.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ICAN-v-FDA-Resolved-Court-Filed-Copy-Copy.pdf

 

Books:

Dissolving Illusions by Dr. Suzanne Humphries 

 

The Vaccine Friendly Plan by Dr.Paul Thomas

 

The Vaccine Book by Dr. Bob Sears

 

Good Stewards Magazine Fall Issue: Home Edition

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Encouragement and Inspiration for Christian Moms

Encouragement and Inspiration for Christian Moms

This post contains affiliate links to the Good Stewards Magazine Fall Issue: Home Edition. This means I may make a small commission at no cost to you should you choose to purchase through one of my links. I only recommend products I personally use, like, and trust. Thank you for supporting my blog!

 

Good Stewards Magazine Fall Issue: Home Edition is here! It has all the cozy Fall feels along with the encouragement, refreshment and inspiration to build up every mom as they do the important work of raising their children in the faith. If you missed the previous issue: Freedom Edition, where we talk about freedom from fear in motherhood, freedom from un-forgiveness, physical health, body image, and more, you can grab your copy here!

 

Good Stewards Magazine Fall Issue: Home Edition

A Letter from Emily

What do you think of when you think of Fall? No doubt chilly evenings, scented candles, deep colors and steaming apple cider are somewhere on your list. For me, it’s the smell of Fall. The smell of the cool breeze and the afternoon sun on a  September day, sharing the last of its warmth with the fading wildflowers of summer. The smell of the troves of fallen leaves scattered on the damp floor of the woods lining the horse pasture growing up. The smell of snow in the air and frost covered branches; of furry horses growing their winter coats and the smell of entering the kitchen after evening chores to be greeted by the savory warmth of a home cooked pot roast.

 

The reason I love fall is because after a busy summer of outdoors, sunshine and late nights, Fall calls us home again- and not in a “ok, time’s up, fun’s over” kind of way. Fall steals the show with the promise of fresh adventure, new scenery, and a much needed change of pace. It beckons us slowly back into the walls of our home, which are now filled with festive decor, cozy blankets, and apple cinnamon treats. 

 

Encouragement, Inspiration, and Support for Christian Moms

Encouragement and Inspiration for Christian Moms

 

The reason I chose home for the theme of this Good Stewards Magazine is not only because of the homeyness of the season, but also because as moms, our home is of even more significance for us. In the last Good Stewards Magazine, the Freedom Edition, I wrote an article about Freedom from Fear in Motherhood. I talked about how we, as mothers, are the gatekeepers to our homes. Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to destroy. He wants your children, your marriage, and your family: and he knows you are the most effective way to get to them.

The Significance of Your Home

I have a sign in my living room that says “The most important work you will ever do is within the walls of your home.” Mamas- it is within the walls of our homes that our children will be shaped into who they are going to be. Our home is a school, teaching our children their most important lessons, namely who God is and what an authentic life of following Him looks like. Our home is an intensive care unit, healing and rejuvenating them before they are sent back out into an unkind world. Our home is a training ground, preparing them for everything they will have to face in their futures. Our home is a secure place where they can be loved and built up so they have confidence in themselves, even when the world is tearing them down. Our home is a place of refuge, comfort, peace, and growth. And amidst it all, our home is a war zone, where the battles over the souls of its inhabitants are taking place.

 

Never underestimate the power of the words said or not said, the attitudes, the values, and the activities that take place within our homes. Never underestimate the value of YOU- the mother, teacher, nurturer, gatekeeper, and warrior. That’s what this magazine edition is all about. Lifting YOU up in the midst of such important life work. As you read through the pages, I pray you find rest, comfort, encouragement, and inspiration. I pray you are built up and even better equipped to continue your motherhood journey in faith and courage. I pray you close this magazine with a renewed sense of pride and devotion to your most amazing and important calling.

 

The legacy you will build through your family is more than you can ever imagine. Let’s start building it for the Lord together, and let this renewed commitment start right where you are at this very moment, reading this Good Stewards Magazine: Home Edition!

 

 

Encouragement & Inspiration for Christian Moms

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Encouragement and Inspiration for Christian Moms
Encouragement and Inspiration for Christian Moms

Good Stewards Magazine: Freedom Edition

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission at no cost to you should you choose to purchase through one of my links. I only recommend products I personally use, like, and trust. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Hi, I’m Emily! I am a wife, mom of two, and clean living blogger! My goal with any of the content I put out is to educate, inspire, and encourage moms in the faith as they do the amazing and important work of raising the souls of the next generation in God’s truth.

One of the core beliefs that led to the creation of Good Stewards is the belief that everything we have is a gift from God: our health, lives, and world have been entrusted to us, and we are to be good stewards of those gifts. (Read more about our Mission Statement here!) As a fellow mom, I know that the most important thing that has been given to us is our sweet children– and the opportunity to show them what it means to love and follow Christ. I also know that doing that is probably the most challenging thing we will ever do!

The Challenging Work of Mothering in the Faith

That is why I created this magazine. I see moms online all the time that are going through this challenging work of raising children in the Lord. I see them working out their own salvation day in and day out so they can authentically live it out in front of their children. I see them wrestling with the tough questions. I see them surrendering their control and handing over their burdens and fears to God. I’m inspired by these moms, and I want to come along side them, put my arm around them and say “You are doing so great- keep fighting the good fight!”. When I see a mom struggling, I want to open up my Bible and tell her to not lose heart!

Because of this, I share my own motherhood journey on Instagram in order to provide encouragement and inspiration for christian moms. In addition to this, I wanted to use my gifts of creativity and writing to put something special together through my blog. Something to refresh, encourage, and inspire my fellow moms. Something to feed their souls, lift their hearts, and empower them to continue to answer their most important calling.

Why the Freedom Edition?

With the realities of adulthood, motherhood, and everything else going on in our world, I’ve done a lot of thinking, learning, and praying these past several months. If there is one big takeaway for me, it is this concept of the freedom we have as part of God’s kingdom.

Freedom from fear. Freedom from the to do list, from insecurity, from anxiety. Freedom from anger, division, hatred. Freedom from warped thinking and the footholds Satan has on our minds. Freedom from peer pressure, freedom to do our own research and prayerfully discern our own path. Freedom to get down to the basics and allow the truths of the gospel and the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts and actions. Freedom to seek truth and have courage, even when it won’t be well received. Freedom to not be driven and tossed by the winds of culture and popular opinion but rather root ourselves in the truths of God and live like a disciple of Christ. Freedom from confusion without answers. Freedom from fear without hope and hardship without promise. Freedom to clearly see and call out Satans’ lies and deception.

Where The Spirit of the Lord is, There is Freedom

As followers of Christ, we have the holy spirit living inside of us, and “where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17. Freedom to drown out every other voice (including our own) in order to hear God’s. As moms, we have so many voices calling out to us and so many things on our minds. Often, we need to just be still in God’s presence and listen for His voice.

The Bible says that Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, and mamas- you and your family are on his hit list. Aside from praying for angels of protection over my family and wisdom and guidance for me as a mother, I have been asking God for freedom as well. Freedom from fear and freedom to cast off the sin that so easily entangles me as a mother so that I can be empowered by God to run the race God has set out for me and help my children do the same. That’s why we need to surround ourselves with resources that will provide encouragement and inspiration for christian moms as we fight this critical battle!

We are the Gatekeepers to Our Homes

Mothers, we are the gatekeepers to our homes. Not just against physical outside forces, but against the spiritual attacks of Satan. He wants your children for Himself, and he knows you are the most effective way to get to them. Guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. My main message when trying to provide and encouragement and inspiration to Christian moms is this: Root yourselves in God’s truths alone and be very wary of what you allow to control your mind and beliefs. Put aside all distractions and focus your efforts on being a disciple of Christ day in and day out for your children to see and model after. Offer your heart and hands to the Lord and allow Him to work in and through you to accomplish His wonderful plans.

Offer Your Heart & Hands to the Lord and Let Him Work Through You

This magazine is all about helping you do that. In this journal, you will come across mothers who share glimpses of their lives, hearts, and souls. You will be amused by their stories, edified by their lessons, and inspired by their faith. As you thumb through the pages, it will be a journey of beauty, calm, and adventure all in one. So pack it in your bag for the park or lake, or keep it on your coffee table for quiet moments when the kids are napping. Poor yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and let adventure begin!

Encouragement and Inspiration for Christian Moms
Encouragement and Inspiration for Christian Moms

This is the very first Good Stewards Magazine, and I hope there will be many more to come!  I’d love to connect with you further and keep you updated on the next magazine release. I’m always hanging out on Instagram and I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to send me a DM! I pray you are refreshed, inspired, and encouraged by this Good Stewards Magazine, the Freedom Edition!

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Ways to Establish and Boost Milk Supply

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5 Ways to Boost Milk Supply Overnight

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission at no cost to you should you choose to purchase through one of my links. I only recommend products I personally use, like, and trust. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Hey mama friend! If you’re reading this post, it’s because you care about your baby’s health and you want to keep them full, fat & happy! For that, you are one awesome mama! Way to go!

What I will Cover in this Post:

  • Why Breastfeeding is a great thing to do (if you can!)
  • How Postpartum Body Image & Fitness Mindset Relates to Milk Supply
  • Top 5 Favorite Products for Establishing and Boosting an abundant Milk Supply!

First things first, I just want to say that everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different, so the most important thing we can do is not compare, not get down on ourselves if we don’t have the milk supply we want, and give our body the grace and respect it deserves for all the hard and amazing work it has done! Cool? Great! Now let’s dive in!

Why Breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is an amazing function our bodies have- I think it’s literally a superpower for us women. I mean, not only do our bodies just know to make food for our baby, but it knows to make the healthiest form of food stacked with nutrients and antibodies that are EXACTLY what our baby needs- wow! God really outdid Himself when He created us!

The thing I love most about breastfeeding, is that it gives our babies antibodies and helps them establish their immune system- which for a germaphobe mom like me, that is really great news! I’ve even heard that kissing your baby’s forehead tells your body exactly which antibodies your baby needs so that you can start producing it for them! Yeah, like I said, superpower. 

However, this does NOT mean that your baby can’t get sick! Your baby is LESS likely to get sick from you, because he or she is directly getting your antibodies, but as for other people- make them cover their mouths, wash their hands, or stay the heck away from your baby! Had to get that out there. Young baby’s getting sick is not something to play around with in my opinion- (yes, I’m the mom who carries hand sanitizer with me and sprays it on my baby if someone touches them in the winter, I’m not ashamed.)

How Postpartum Breastfeeding & Fitness Mindset Relates to Milk Supply!

Like I said, everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different. With my first baby, I HATED breastfeeding. It hurt and I was so focused on losing the baby weight that I depleted my body and milk supply too much right away.

To add to it all, my baby was super ready for solid food by 4 months (check out my blog post on How to Make Easy Healthy Homemade Baby Food for 6-9+ Months!) , so after she started on those, she refused to nurse, which caused my milk supply to dip big time and I spent the next 5 months exclusively pumping which was super stressful and not fun. We eventually went to formula around 10 months or so. 

With my second, I decided to make breastfeeding and milk supply a main priority (over getting back into shape) and I’m so glad I did! This breastfeeding journey has been about giving my body time to heal, replenishing myself instead of depleting, and peace over perfection- and as a result, my milk supply has been amazing!

If you need some encouragement in the area of breastfeeding and getting back into shape– check out my IG post a while back about postpartum mindset! I hope it encourages you in your journey!

You CAN get back into shape while breastfeeding, but don’t do it at the expense of your and your baby’s well being. Like I always say, the only rolls I care about are the ones on my baby!

Establishing & Boosting Milk Supply

Ok, so let’s get to it! I focused on milk supply from the get-go with my second baby (and if you’ve seen my Instagram, you know he’s got plenty of rolls to go around!) so here’s how I did it!

In my hospital bag for when I went into labor I had a bag of lactation cookies packed, as well as a hand pump to start boosting milk supply right away. (Check out my Free Printable on the Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing Guide!) Here are my Top 5 products for establishing and boosting milk supply from day 1!

Lactation Cookies

The first night Kallos was born, I ate 2 lactation cookies each time after nursing him. These are the exact ones I used and they worked amazing- plus, they tastes great! For the first 4 or 5 months, I always had either lactation cookies or oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on hand and ate one or two after each nursing session (even in the middle of the night). I liked to buy a chocolate chip cookie bag mix and add some flaxseed to them for a little extra boost! 

Hand Pump

The second day in the hospital I started pumping. My favorite way to boost supply is by using my favorite hand pump while I’m nursing. I feed Kallos on one side and suction cup the hand pump on the other side! It’s a great way to tell your body to produce more milk and start storing milk for the future without having to find extra time in your already busy day to pump! 

Right away, I was only pumping maybe an ounce or two, but eventually I was pumping up to 4 or 5 ounces every time I nursed. There was one point where I was freezing up to 7 bags of milk a day in addition to what I was feeding Kallos. (Yeah, we had to buy a deep freezer just for my milk..)

Mother’s Milk Tea

Kallos is 6 months and I still make sure to have at least one big cup of milk boosting tea a day! Right away, I would have 2-4 a day. It is packed with nutrients designed specifically to boost milk supply and it tastes really yummy! It also pairs great with your oatmeal cookies, so win win!

Key Nutrients 

It is so important to listen to your body and make sure you are eating enough. Don’t let yourself go hungry! You are burning tons of calories breastfeeding (even if you’re not losing weight- some women actually retain weight while nursing- I am one of those women, lucky me) so it’s crucial that you give your body the calories AND nutrients it needs! Also, drinking TONS of water is super key to good milk supply. 

On top of increasing caloric intake, it is super important that you are including the right amount of nutrients for your body. Here are a few products that I take while breastfeeding in order to replenish nutrients to my body and keep my milk supply going strong!

Liquid Collagen

Liquid Collagen is the best form of collagen because it has a much higher absorbency rate (about 98% vs powder collagen which has about 30%- yikes!) Your body produces less and less collagen starting in your 20’s (depressing, I know) so by taking liquid collagen, you can replenish what your body is becoming more and more deficient in. 

This is the multi-patented, award winning, globally known Liquid Collagen I use- and plus, it also is amazing for skin (hydrates skin and reduces wrinkle depth!) as well as hair growth, which is KEY for that lovely postpartum hair loss! By the way, the link in this blog post will take $10 off at the final stage of checkout!

Vitamin and Mineral Packet

On top of my prenatal vitamins, I don’t go a day without my absolute favorite vitamin and mineral drink packet! I mix it with my water once a day to balance my blood sugar levels and for a nice healthy pick me up- and I notice on the days I don’t take it! It’s super yummy, packed with 70+ vitamins and minerals, and it gives you a nice sustainable caffeine free energy boost, which is a life saver for mom life! It also tastes amazing in smoothies, which can be a great snack for breastfeeding! (Link will also take $10 off)

Meal Replacement Shake

I know I said Top 5, but I’ll give you one more of my milk boosting secrets! This one is huge for both milk supply and also losing the baby weight! I always recommend breastfeeding mamas take this protein meal replacement shake to boost their nutrients as well as curb hunger and sweet cravings. I love it because it tastes like a treat but is super healthy and keeps you from binge eating junk food if you suddenly feel starving or depleted!

Conclusion

Nursing a baby isn’t always easy- but it is so worth it, and it IS doable! Have faith in your body and how God created it to work. Give yourself what you need to accomplish this amazing thing for you and your baby!

For more resources on all things mom life, faith, and clean living, sign up for my weekly newsletter! If you found this post helpful, please share it on Pinterest so that other mamas can find it as well! Happy breastfeeding!