Image © Natureal Mom 2013

Nature’s Gate Rice Bran Facial Moisturizer I received a full-sized moisturizer that is free of harmful toxins such as parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, PEG, mineral oil, petroleum. Instead, natural ingredients are used such as oat kernel extract which helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, natural peptides from Maca to promote a radiant and even looking skin tone, and rice bran which is a rich source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It also contains an exclusive blend of white tea, olive, aloe, argan, flaxseed, blackberry and acerola which are packed with nutrients and antioxidants to promote softer, smoother, more youthful looking skin. This is also a PETA Beauty Without Bunnies cruelty-free product meaning it was produced without testing on animals.

Linwoods Super Food Blends These Super Foods blends of organic ground flaxseeds, nuts, berries and seeds to help you get essential omega acids, vitamins and minerals. They are easy to incorporate into your diet by adding to oatmeal, hot and cold cereals, soups, salads, stews, curries, cakes and biscuits etc. Recipe suggestions are available on the Linwoods website. I received four different varieties and am sprinkled some of the milled organic flaxseed onto some oatmeal I made this morning. I added in some apples and raisins and my toddler gobbled it up!

WEXY Biodegradable Snack Bags Inspired by kids and created by moms, these eco-friendly snack bags are BPA Free, biodegradable, disposable, recyclable, reusable and are packaged using 100% recycled material.

Fyrefly Organic Teas Certified organic and naturally caffeine-free, these herbal teas are created by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, who has over 15 years of experience working with herbs and are placed in 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging. I received eight cups worth of  the Serenity Tea, a soothing and mild blend of Lemonbalm, Milky Oat Tops and Lavender that can be used to improve sleep quality, calm the nerves and gently support adrenal function when feeling stressed. As a birth doula and lactation professional, I love that they offer several blends specifically for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

7th Heaven 100% Natural Face Masks These cruelty-free masks are packed with organic, vegan ingredients sourced from all over the world. I received the Moroccan Clay mask which is packed with Rhassoul Clay which is a rich source of minerals and is highly detoxifying and nourishing. Studies show that it reduces dryness, improves skin clarity and elasticity and has extractive abilities that remove impurities and unblock pores, even stubborn blackheads. Other ingredients include crushed apricot seeds and argan shells to gently buff away dead cells.

Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut Oil As one of the first Fair Trade coconut oil food products on the market, Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut OIl is 100% organic, vegetarian and free of trans fats. Extra virgin coconut oil is comprised of medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, that you could say are the most recognized ingredients of plant-based saturated fats. The most recognizable of all the MCTs is lauric acid. Besides extra virgin coconut oil, lauric acid is found in breast milk. Rich in antioxidants, lauric acid and other MCTs, may help the body absorb important nutrients and minerals, eliminate harmful bacteria, and fight the signs of aging. Their site has a wealth of information about the benefits of cooking with coconut oil, recipes, etc. Added bonus, they incorporate eco-friendly practices to protect and preserve the planet’s natural resources. I received two packets, one of which I’ve already packed in my doula bag for an upcoming birth – coconut oil is also wonderful for massage!

There were several other products included in this month’s box and loads of coupons and gift cards for the above companies as well as from Frego (non-toxic food storage containers) and Bamboo Bailey (online store for eco-friendly, natural and recycled products). The products received were worth well more than $21.

To find out what was in past subscription boxes, check out my other Ecocentric Mom reviews.

If you’d like to subscribe to this wonderful service to discover even more eco-friendly products similar to the above, sign-up here. You may even want to help a special mom on her eco-mothering journey by gifting one of the monthly boxes. Just in time for Mother’s Day! ♥

Special Offer for Natureal Mom readers: Use this link and enter code ECOMOM10 to get 10% off any subscription plan!

1. Don’t over wash. This will only dry out the skin which will in turn increase oil production and cause more skin cells to shed and clog pores causing breakouts. Wash your face twice a day- when you wake up and before you go to sleep. Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Bar Soap is a safe, gentle and affordable choice to cleanse the skin. The Non Toxic Shop also makes a wonderful line of anti-bacterial products. They both receive the highest safety rating in the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.
2. Don’t scrub your face as it will only irritate the skin. Instead, gently exfoliate. I use a Clarisonic with the Acne Cleansing head which is well worth the investment but you can also use a soft washcloth using gentle pressure and a circular motion.
3. Gently pat your face dry using a soft, lint-free towel.
4. Use a toner to absorb excess oil and refresh your skin throughout the day. Good old-fashioned Witch Hazel is safe and affordable. Another option is to make your own using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). Be sure to use a raw, unfiltered, organic ACV such as Bragg’s. It contains naturally occurring enzymes which are rich in natural alpha hydroxy acids, helps to dissolve dead skin cells, balances the skin’s PH, improves acne and acne scars and helps minimize the appearance of large pores. To make, simply mix one part ACV with three parts distilled water. Store in a glass bottle and refrigerate.
5. Don’t forget to moisturize. Remember, if your skin gets too dry, it will work harder to produce more oil. Crunchy Betty’s DIY Three Ingredient Facial Oil Moisturizer is a great way to customize your own or you can check out my review of By Nieves C Perfect Skin. I’ve been using it every evening for the past year and am a huge fan.
6. Make a spot treatment using one tablespoon baking soda (not baking powder) and one tablespoon of water.
7. Refrain from picking or popping those pesky pimples. It will only increase irritation and potential scarring. If you can, try to get a monthly facial. A professional esthetician can do gentle extractions which will prevent the pimples from becoming infected and can help to keep them from scarring. To locate a green and organic spa near you, check out www.ecovian.com. Just be sure to ask what products they use and read the ingredients.
8. Keep your pillow case clean by changing it often – especially if you use hair products. It’s also a good idea to use a gentle, non-toxic laundry soap such as Charlie’s.
9. Eat plenty of nutritious whole foods and skip sugary, processed and packaged foods. This is wise for a healthy pregnancy anyway, but eating a clean diet can also help your skin stay more clear.
10. Stay hydrated. Avoid sugary or carbonated beverages and drink plenty of purified water, about 10 glasses a day.

Pregnancy acne is no fun but it is temporary and usually subsides when hormone levels return to a balanced state. Try to take it in stride and remember that sweet bundle of joy who is waiting to meet you Earthside!

Do you have any safe and natural remedies for treating pregnancy or hormonal acne? Join the conversation by commenting below!

Image © Natureal Mom 2013

Filling:

8 ounces fresh blueberries
1/2 cup raisins and/or dried cranberries
1/4 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup gluten-free flour
1/4 cup lemon or orange juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon Earth Balance to coat baking dish
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:

1 cup unbleached flour
1/4 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons Earth Balance

In a large bowl, combine all filling ingredients and gently toss to mix together. Pour mixture into a baking dish or individual ramekins and lightly coat with Earth Balance.

Prepare topping by mixing all ingredients together except the walnuts and oats in a separate bowl until it has a crumbly consistency. Stir in walnuts and oats. Spread topping evenly over blueberry filling. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Enjoy! ♥

Each monthly box is packed with an assortment of hand-selected goodies and is delivered right to your door in chic, eco-friendly packaging. Members can choose between three Discovery Boxes for Mom, Mom-to-Be, or Baby, and also includes exclusive product discounts and monthly giveaways!

Here are just a few standouts from the March “Baby” Discovery Box:

Ecocentric Mom March “Baby” Discovery Box

Living Green Baby Natural Bamboo Lux Wipes. These are hands down the softest, plushest wipes I have felt. I’ve used really nice hemp and cotton wipes before but they were not nearly as luxurious as these. One layer is made of buttery soft bamboo velour and the other is a sturdy layer of bamboo fleece. If only they made baby blankets out of the same material… or baby bath robes. *hint hint*

Bamboo is very absorbent making these a great choice for overnight diapering and heavy wetters. Even if you don’t cloth diaper or choose to use disposable wipes, the uses for reusable wipes are endless – to softly remove make-up, to gently clean your baby or toddlers face after a messy meal, to wipe runny noses, to use as a warm compress, washcloth, burp cloth… the list goes on!

Episencial Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35. I’m already a fan of the entire Episencial line (I use the Snuggly lotion on myself) so I was jazzed to receive this sunscreen in the baby box. Before I get to why I like this particular product, this company has some impressive accolades worth noting.

This is a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. I like it because it’s lightweight, easy to apply, non-greasy yet moisturizing, gentle on sensitive skin, and doesn’t leave an icky white residue behind. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Unlike harmful ingredients in chemical sunscreens that get absorbed into the skin, the active ingredients in this sunscreen, zinc and titanium, sit on the surface of the skin reflecting the suns rays. It also contains aloe and green tea extract to help keep skin cool and protected from infrared damage.

Waxelene The Petroleum Jelly Alternative. Hands down, this is one of the best products I’ve discovered in a while (thank you Ecocentric Mom!) If you haven’t already heard of Waxelene, get excited! You can use it for all the same things you would use petroleum jelly for (soothing and moisturizing dry or chapped skin, removing eye make-up, skin rashes on baby’s bum… the uses are endless) except it has NO petroleum, hydrogenated oils or other nasty chemicals. They use a patent-pending aeration process to create a silky smooth, non-greasy blend of 100% natural beeswax and certified organic and non-GMO soybean, rosemary and vitamin E oils that won’t clog pores. Plus, it comes in eco-friendly packaging and is made in a wind-powered facility. Love.

Squishy Snack Pak. Well, someone beat me to it. A couple of years ago, I thought of inventing something just like this and here it is! These reusable food containers have resealable bottoms so you can fill it with homemade baby and toddler foods and purees. The packaging is BPA-free, features a choke-free lid and is super convenient and great for on-the-go. I also like it for that transition period when little ones can’t use utensils just yet but want to eat “by myself.” I have a feeling we will see these everywhere very soon. The Mompreneur behind this should go on Shark Tank… I can see these everywhere.

Well there you have it. I had a blast going through the Baby Discovery Box! This month’s box contains lots of high-quality goodies and coupons and costs just $17. Stay tuned for more great finds from next month’s Ecocentric Mom Discovery Box or sign up to receive your own!

Each monthly box is packed with an assortment of hand-selected goodies and is delivered right to your door in chic, eco-friendly packaging. Members can choose between three Discovery Boxes for Mom, Mom-to-Be, or Baby, and also includes exclusive product discounts and monthly giveaways!

March “Mom” Discovery Box

Here are some of my fave standouts from the March Mom Discovery Box:

Treefort Naturals Hemp Lemongrass Soap. If you’ve been reading my site for a while then you know I’m very selective about which products I use and the ingredients in them. This Mama-owned company’s handmade soap ticks all of the boxes:

• Natural, local and organic ingredients used whenever possible ☑
• Vegan. Family/friend tested & approved! ☑
• Handmade in small batches using old-fashioned cold pressed method ☑
• No yucky synthetic colors, dyes, perfumes or preservatives ☑

I had been using the same unscented olive oil soap for a while and was excited to switch it up. I am prone to dry/sensitive skin and noticed how moisturized and calm my skin was after using it one time. Hempseed oil is rich in Omega essential fatty acids which is easily absorbed by the skin, and gamma linoleic acids, an essential skin lipid which promotes regeneration at the cellular level – a process that slows down with age.

The soap is lightly scented with lemongrass, one of my favorite essential oils. I avoid anything too perfume-y but this has a nice and light uplifting scent that’s not overbearing. Lemongrass has been shown to relieve stress and insomnia, reduce headaches and irritability, and is calming but prevents drowsiness. It also has deodorizing and antiseptic properties that can help remedy skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. I checked out their Etsy shop and they have lots of neat body care products for the whole family that also make nice gifts!

Go Raw 100% Organic Spirulina Energy Bar. I wasn’t sure what to make of this funky little green bar but tossed it in my handbag… and it came in handy. My toddler fell asleep in the car and instead of waking him, I pulled over to respond to some emails. Hungry and in need of an energy boost, I dove into the bar and washed it down with a bottle of water. I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty and satisfying it was. It’s kind of tropical- you can taste a hint of banana which plays off the nutty taste of the seeds.

I managed a raw or “living” foods restaurants some years back and learned about the many benefits of spirulina. It’s rich in iron and has the highest source of vitamin B-12, which is essential for vegetarians. The sprouted seeds in this bar are also among the most nutritionally dense foods out there. I give bonus points for being gluten-free, vegan, raw, kosher and non-GMO. I’m going to pick up a big box so I can keep some bars in my handbag. They’re also perfect to keep in my doula bag when I need a quick and satisfying pick me up!

Mama Willow Tree Green Tea Herbal Eye Balm. I dig Mama Willow Tree’s philosophy. They strive to make all of their herbal products $12 or less and donate 5% of all sales to a non-profit supporting women and children. This mama-owned company also ticks all the boxes for me – all products are non-toxic, vegan, not tested on people, not animals, ingredients are organic, fair-trade sourced and responsibly obtained, scents are essential oil derived and packaging is recyclable, reusable or compostable.

Now, onto the product review. My eyes were in need of some serious TLC. I haven’t been getting as much sleep as I would like and I’m already prone to dark under eye circles. Plus, I’m staring to get some fine lines. Not wearing my glasses and staring at a computer squinting doesn’t help! After using this herbal eye balm twice a day for almost a week, I can see and feel why it’s their best-selling product.

First and foremost, it was was quite calming and soothing. The area under my eyes is really sensitive and even the most natural products seem to irritate it so this was a big plus. The area under my eyes also looks a bit brighter and definitely feels smoother and firmer. I checked out the ingredients and the balm is made with sunflower oil which has high amounts of oleic acids and vitamins A, D, and E which are very nourishing for the skin. Elderflower, calendula, chamomile and lavender are soothing and help to reduce wrinkles and lines. It’s also infused with green tea extract which helps soothe tired puffy eyes and helps brighten dark under eye circles. Other interesting ingredients that sets this product apart from the others are carrot root, which aids in skin regeneration, fennel which helps to firm the fragile skin around eyes, and eyebright which has apparently been used for centuries to relieve eyestrain and inflammation. It also helps to brighten the eyes, hence the name.

I also like that it’s a balm opposed to a cream and is easy to apply. I can toss it in my handbag and apply it whenever I’m feeling dry. It also makes concealer go on smoothly. By the way, I caught my husband using it!

Essence of Vali “Sleep” A Bedtime Ritual. I have been waking up in the middle of the night lately with lots on my mind, like my never ending to-do list, and have had some trouble going back to sleep. Instead of cruising Instagram, I dabbed a drop of this essential oil blend onto the corner of the pillowcase. No joke, I drifted back off to a restful sleep in no time… until my toddler woke me. I used it again the following night before going to sleep and it helped to promote a sense of peace and relaxation. I imagine this would be great to carry on long flights too. It’s easy to understand why it this award-winning gem has a cult following.

Waxelene The Petroleum Jelly Alternative. Brilliant product. If you haven’t already heard of Waxelene, get excited! You can use this for all the same things you would use petroleum jelly for (soothing and moisturizing dry or chapped skin, removing eye make-up, skin rashes, etc… the uses are endless) except it has NO petroleum, hydrogenated oils or other nasty chemicals. They use a patent-pending aeration process to create a silky smooth blend of 100% natural beeswax and certified organic and non-GMO soybean, rosemary and vitamin E oils that won’t clog pores. Plus, it comes in eco-friendly packaging and is made in a wind-powered facility. I’ve already used it to moisturize dry cuticles, remove eye make-up, tame my crazy eyebrows, and put some on my feet with cotton socks overnight for soft feeties in the morning!

I had a lots of fun going through the Mom Discovery Box and trying out these awesome natural products! This month’s box contains more than $100 worth of high-quality goodies and coupons and only costs $17. If you want to try out Ecocentric Mom you can click here to sign up and membership can be cancelled anytime without a hassle. Can’t wait for more great finds next month!

Image © Natureal Mom

I’m excited to share my favorite juice with you, but first, a few basic tips:

• Use organic and local produce whenever possible. The EWG has a handy shopper’s guide to pesticides in produce – the Dirty Dozen Plus (what to avoid) and the Clean 15 (lowest in pesticides).
• Always drink juice on an empty stomach.
• Easy does it- the body can only process and assimilate 8 oz at a time.
• For optimal digestion, apples are the only fruits that can be combined with vegetables and carrots are the only vegetable that can be combined with fruits.
• Always strain juice before drinking.
• In most cases, you can juice stems and leaves which are rich in nutrients (like beet tops and strawberry leaves) but don’t juice carrot tops as they contain substances that can act as toxins in the body.
• Only make as much juice as you’re going to drink in a sitting. The longer it sits, the less nutrients it will retain.
• If you must store the juice, do so in a tightly sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Without further ado, I give you what I like to call, Living Love Juice ~

2 apples + 1 carrot + 1/2 beet + 1/2 lemon + 1 inch ginger root

Cut into small pieces + juice

Drink slowly + enjoy!

>>–♥–>

Paper birch straws are biodegradable, compostable and made with soy-based ink.

Ecocentric Mom is a fun and smart way to discover non-toxic, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free products from ethical, sustainable and honest companies. Each monthly box is packed with an assortment of hand-selected goodies and is delivered right to your door in chic, eco-friendly packaging. Members can choose between three Discovery Boxes for Mom, Mom-to-Be, or Baby and also receive exclusive product discounts and monthly giveaways!

As you know, I am passionate about non-toxic and eco-friendly living. It can be overwhelming, expensive, and downright exhausting decoding labels and navigating through the greenwash to find high quality products that are truly natural, healthy and effective. Ecocentric Mom takes the time, money and guesswork out of researching products, brands and ingredients so you can discover and try different products that are safe for you and your family.

To celebrate my new venture with Ecocentric Mom, I am offering Natureal Mom readers a 10% discount on any subscription plan you choose. Just be sure to sign up here and enter code ECOMOM10 at checkout ♥

• Proper latch. An improper latch is the culprit for most breastfeeding issues and can result in insufficient emptying of the breast, which in turn contributes to plugged ducts. This is a great video for learning how to get your baby to properly and effectively ‘latch on.’

• Frequent & thorough emptying of the breasts. The longer milk sits in the breast, the thicker it becomes, making it more likely to cause a plugged duct. Don’t wait too long in between feeds and/or expressing milk (every 1-2 hours with a plug present) and be sure the breast is properly drained. If you have a distracted baby like mine, consider hand expressing or pumping. I also found pumping and/or hand expressing (while using compression and massaging toward the nipple) after each feed to be effective in getting the milk out.

• Breastfeeding & Varying Positions. Start each feed on the side with the plug (when baby’s suck is the strongest) and aim baby’s chin in the direction of the plug. For example, if the plugged duct is in the bottom outside area of the breast (8 o’clock), then feeding the baby in the football or clutch position will be most effective. It’s also a good idea to change breastfeeding positions each time you feed so the different milk ducts can each flow and drain. This sounds silly, but many women have been able to release a plug by using gravity: lay baby down on the bed and hover over her on all fours (yes, like a dog) and offer her the affected dangling breast. Note: Be sure not to neglect the unaffected breast – you want to make sure it’s also being thoroughly drained to avoid a potential issue.

• Apply heat. You can do this with a heating pad, hot water bottle, rice sock or basin of hot water. Use caution not to burn your skin by using too much heat for too long. I found moist heat to be most effective particularly before a feed or expressing milk. Take frequent hot showers (as hot as you can tolerate) or soak in a hot bath while firmly massaging the plug towards the nipple and hand expressing the milk out.

• Milk blister or bleb. Sometimes, but not always, a plugged duct is associated with a “bleb” or milk blister on the end of the nipple where the nipple pore is. It is usually painful and commonly due to a poor latch. A lactation professional can help open the blister with a sterile needle. She will gently puncture the top or side of the blister and squeeze just behind the blister to see if the plugged up milk will come out. This might result in the duct unblocking. Putting the baby to the breast after puncturing the bleb may also result in the baby unblocking the duct. She will also recommend an ointment to be applied to the nipple after each feed for a week or so to prevent infection and reduce the risk of the bleb or blister returning.

• Pressure Massage. This method of massage from Dr. Sears works by applying pressure to the edge of the lumpy area closest to your chest wall with the heel of your hand to the point just before it becomes too painful. Hold the pressure at that level until the pain eases off. Then increase the pressure again, (without moving your hand) and hold it until the pain eases. Continue to gradually increase pressure at that same site until you are pressing as hard as you can. Then pick your hand up, move it down toward your nipple about a half inch, and repeat the pressure massage in this area. Continue moving your hand a half inch and repeating the massage until you get all the way down to the nipple. You may see the dried milk come out from an opening in your nipple. Even if the plug doesn’t actually come out, you will at least have dislodged it and moved it toward the nipple so that when baby goes to the breast and sucks, he will remove it with his suction.

• Rest, De-Stress  and “Babymoon.” It’s not always easy to get rest with a baby. Get help with chores and errands or just let them be- this is not the time to fuss over the dishes. If you work outside the home, take the day off. Take baby to bed with you (babymoon) and breastfeed there. Stress can also contribute to plugged ducts so as difficult as it may be, try to “keep calm and carry on.”

• Holistic & Homeopathic Approaches. B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, evening primrose oil, thyme, probiotics and consuming 3-4 raw garlic cloves (try taking with orange juice) have been known to help plugged ducts. Also, try eating wholesome, nutritious foods, reduce your intake of saturated fats and drink water to thirst or about 64 oz. daily. Soy Lecithin has helped some mothers prevent plugged ducts. It as been suggested that it decreases the viscosity or “stickiness” of the milk by increasing the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk. I like Health Alliance Non-GMO Lecithin Powder. The dose is 1200 mg, 3-4 times a day. Chinese medicine typically views plugged ducts as an accumulation of toxic heat. Acupuncture can help clear the heat and toxicity while treating any underlying imbalance that may be causing or contributing to the condition. This homeopathic protocol has been effective. First, take 3 pellets of Hepar Sulphur 30C. Three hours later, take 3 pellets of Phytolacca Decandra. Repeat.

• Pain Relief. Ibuprofen is the preferred anti-inflammatory pain medication for breastfeeding women and will help reduce swelling. I was stubborn about this one at first but I quickly learned that it really helps and gives you the relief you need to get a good milk letdown which is essential for good milk transfer and thorough emptying of the breast.

• Ultrasound therapy. Most plugged ducts will be go away with these measures within 48 hours. For really stubborn plugs, therapeutic ultrasound treatments are painless and have been proven effective. Most physiotherapy or sports medicine clinics can do this for you. However, few are aware of using ultrasound to treat plugged ducts so you may want to call around to find someone who is experienced. If you live in the Los Angeles area, please contact me for a referral. Each treatment should last for about five continuous minutes on the affected area. If two consecutive treatments (for two days) don’t work, then it should be evaluated by a specialist. One of my “plugged ducts” actually turned out to be a lactating adenoma. At home, you can try using the flat end of an electric toothbrush or Clairisonic face brush to give yourself a mini “ultrasonic” treatment for less stubborn or smaller plugs.

• Sneaky Offenders. Be mindful of the below ways which can obstruct the flow of milk through the ducts, thus causing a plug:

1. Seatbelt Straps. Be aware of how your seatbelt fits across your chest and adjust it as needed to alleviate pressure on the breast itself.  Many vehicles have adjustable heights, but if yours does not you may want to use a folded washcloth or cloth diaper to place underneath where a belt presses against your breast to redistribute the pressure.
2. Purses. Same as above.
3. Bras. Wear a comfortable, loose fitting nursing bra without underwire. At home or out, consider “free-boobing” it
4. Sleeping Positions. A sleeping position that puts pressure on your breasts is likely to contribute to plugged ducts. If you are a tummy sleeper, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. I experienced my first plugged duct after a massage while laying on my stomach and have requested pre-natal massages in the side-lying position ever since.

• Introspection. Louse Hay published a book called Heal Your Body which describes “the mental causes for physical illness and the metaphysical way to overcome them.” It contains physical maladies plus the way to look at that condition spiritually. It also contains the positive affirmation you can meditate upon to help you work toward healing. The section on breast problems including cysts, lumps, soreness, plugged ducts and mastitis states: “A refusal to nourish the self. Putting everyone else first. Overmothering. Overprotection. Overbearing attitudes.” The positive affirmation associated with breast lumps and cysts reads: “I am important. I count. I now care for and nourish myself with love and with joy. I allow others the freedom to be who they are. We are all safe and free.”

• Support. Plugged ducts are no picnic. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to give up when in the throes of a plugged duct attack. Get friends and family to help with chores and errands, have a good cry, enlist your partner to give you a good foot massage and find a local breastfeeding support group such as La Leche League. I am always here for support too!

Note: When you finally do break up the blockage, you may not be able to tell until for a day or so as the area will remain tender. Also, the tips for treating plugged ducts are similar to those for mastitis. However, if left untreated, mastitis can result in a breast abscess. If you think you have an infection or have flu-like symptoms, consult an IBCLC.

Please consult with your health-care provider or naturopath before starting any treatment plans or taking any supplements.

These tasty little snacks are packed with nutrient-rich superfoods that keep you satisfied and energized when on-the-go!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup organic raw cacao nibs or raw cacao powder
• 2 tablespoons hemp oil
• 2 tablespoons maca powder
• 1 tablespoon organic raw honey (sub agave or maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of sea salt

Directions

Throw all ingredients into a bowl and mix together thoroughly. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes or until firm. Roll into teaspoon size balls. Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!