Children are Enlightenment!

Today was my daughters’ walkathon at school and I left the experience in a different state.  I realized sometimes we gain a deeper understanding by watching our kids from the outside instead of always being on the inside.  That happened to me today.  I watched my daughter at her school’s walkathon have a meltdown due to the overstimulation of kids running around her.  And as I watched her struggle, I didn’t have my usual sense of overwhelm, or thinking I had poor parenting skills, or frustrated.  I felt empathy and compassion.  As I looked around at all the kids in her school –  having fun and running around, I realized that this is what she must go through everyday at some point in her day.  I felt her internal struggle she probably deals with daily and yet she goes to school everyday with a sense of determination and surrender to this.  And it reminded me of her resilience and determination. 

It made me have a deeper understanding for her struggles, that I often forget, because my love for her is so full, in my eyes she is perfect.  I forget she has speech, fine and gross motor delays.  I forget she has a sensory disorder and how all these things must be challenging to deal with in different situations and in daily life for her.  I am gifted with a daughter, who I get to witness, that despite all of her challenges, she lives life to the fullest.   This fills me with compassion, empathy, love and a deeper understanding of not just her but everyone else who has some kind of struggle(s) everyday in their lives and yet have found ways to live life to the fullest. 

On a day like today, I realize my daughter teaches me the important things in life and I am filled with gratitude.  My daughter is my teacher of enlightenment.  And today I am especially proud to be called her mom.

Boosting a Child's Immune System!

We know that children often get colds when they are young and especially when they begin school. When you have a special needs child, strengthening their immune system is ever so crucial.  Why?  Because when they are sick they will not grow and thrive and learn and progress as well.  At least, that is what I have seen with our daughter.  In fact, when she was younger than 3 y.o I would see her regress in her fine and gross motor skills.  Can't blame her.  She had fevers as high as 106 degrees and digestive issues on top of that.  Who would want to work really hard on building their muscles and using their brains a lot to make new neural connections when you are that sick.

And honestly, at those times I felt so helpless and frustrated.  One step forward and 2 steps back just to start the whole process all over again.  But wait!  There is good news I promise.  I am sharing this with you all to give you hope after all.

Our daughter will be 4 y.o this month :)  Can't help the smile as we are so proud!  And her immune system now seems stronger than my husbands.  She gets less colds than most kids in her class and they are usually short lived.  She is now walking on her own and starting to say short sentences.  It took time, patience, perserverance and consistency but I truly believe all we did with her before then has made her have a strong immune system now.
Here is what I have done the last 3 1/2 years to boost her immune system.

• I gave her cod liver oil, which is high in vitamins A and D.  Vitamin D is crucial for a healthy immune system.  We now use Nordic Naturals Cod Liver oil as the taste isn't as strong and they are a good quality brand.
• I gave her probiotics for children, switching brands every few months so she receives a variety of good bacteria strains.  Some of my favorite brands are Klaire Labs and Pharmax.  I also try to sneak in sauerkraut juice- even just 1 tsp. in her eggs or veggies whenever I can.
• I use homemade bone broth when I cook.  I make a batch of soup every week with bone broth and either coconut milk and/or diced tomatoes.  She may not eat everything in the soup but will slurp up the liquid in the soup, making mama so proud!  I also cook our grains in bone broth often.  Bone broth makes our digestive system strong, and since over 70 percent of our immune cells are in our guts, a strong gut = a strong immune system.
• I don't allow processed sugar in the house or processed grains, which turn into sugar.  Sugar decreasing our immune system big time!
• I try to focus on the majority of our food as whole foods.  More nutrition equals a better gut.  
• At the first sign of a possible cold in our family - tired even though we got enough sleep, grumpy daughter, ate sugar at a party, or sneezing - I use our diffusor with 4-5 drops of doTerra's OnGuard essential oil blend.
• Lastly, this one is important!  I switch up our supplements.  My daughter gets one dose of an immune supplement per day and if she is sick she gets up to 3-4 children's doses.  But I have found if I switch up our supplements, they work a lot better, preventing a cold or making it a lot shorter.  Here are some of our Favorites - Gaia herb's Elderberry Syrup, Umcka Cold Care,  Gaia herbs children's Echinacea tincture, Integrative Therapeutics - V-Clear, Windbreaker (Chinese Herb Formula)
• Okay, I have to admit I also give our daughter non-needle technique acupuncture treatments at least once per week.

So don't give up on strengthening your child's immune system.  It may take months or years, but it will work and will benefit your child and your whole family.  Holistic medicine does take time, especially when working with a child with special needs but it really can help. I believe this whole heartedly.  May your family remain healthy this year!

Disclaimer - This information is not intended to replace seeing your health practitioner.  I am just sharing what has worked for our family.  Every child is different and it is encouraged to seek a health care practitioner for medical advice.  

YOGA FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS !!

I just had to share a wonderful experience Marissa and I had yesterday.  I heard a woman – Jodi – speak about doing yoga with special needs children, on an online summit, and it ringed a bell for me!  As moms know, kids have different dynamics with different people.  And they definitely have a different dynamic with their mama.  Our sweet pea does not like to practice her standing and walking with mama.

Well this mama is determined to get our precious 3y.o girl walking, so I decided to travel 1.5 hours away for a private yoga session with Jodi.  I loved how she used props, animal sounds, music and singing to make yoga fun for Marissa.  It took Marissa time to warm up and feel comfortable, but soon enough she was imitating our movements.

And what melted my heart was when Jodi lay beside Marissa, facing her and did a visualization with her.  While Marissa had a blanket over her, was holding her baby and smiling at Jodi, Jodi told her to imagine a light running through her body making each body part stronger and filling her heart with love and strength. 

I really enjoyed the yoga session for 2 reasons, among others.  One, it motivated Marissa to move in positions in a fun, creative way to strengthen her muscles and coordination she needs for walking.  And she came right home and got in 3 of the positions herself, even making the animal sounds that went with the positions J We did the positions together for at least 10 minutes and had fun together.

Two, because I loved the idea of integrating visual meditations for her mind and soul – so she can believe in herself and her strength and all her capabilities and also to give her another example of how to remain more grounded and calmer when she is frustrated or angry.

I can’t say enough good things about Jodi and what she is doing.  And to top it off, I am not a yoga person but I am definitely a believer in yoga for our sweet, special children! I have heard that yoga is great for children to also increase their focus and ability to concentrate. If anyone is curious or wants to learn more, Jodi’s website is http://www.nextgenerationyoga.com. 

Horse Therapy for Children with Special Needs!

Our daughter began to go through a phase, for the second time, where she was resisting doing her physical and occupational therapy exercises, especially with her mama.  And since mama is the one person who is with her the most, I began to feel frustrated and hopeless.  Determined to find other sources to encourage her to learn to stand and eventually walk, I discovered horse therapy from a dear friend.  We had the good fortune to have a horse therapy center not too far from us called MBHTC (Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center), so on we went to discover horse therapy.

The first time our daughter Marissa got on a horse she was just taking in everything and was very calm.  In fact, I wasn't sure she enjoyed it at first, but by the end of her ride she did not want to leave and was pointing to the horses, signing horse in sign language.  She has had 5 horse sessions now and this is what I discovered.  She falls asleep on the way home in the car after each horse session, well before her usual naptime.  The fact that she is tired after each session makes me think either she is getting a good physical workout or that new neuropathways must be occurring in her brain.  I have been told by other parents of special needs kids that their kids often fall asleep after horse therapy as well.  Since doing horse therapy, her speech has taken off.  She was only saying 3 - 4 words and now her words have increased weekly.  She even said her first sentence, "you did this"!  After 3 sessions, her gross motor skills also began to show improvement.  She stood up from a sitting position by herself for the first time, which was huge for us, as we have been working hard on this the last 2 years.

Seeing these improvements drove me to learn more about horse therapy, also called equine therapy and/or hippotherapy.  Horse therapy helps strengthen children's core and upper body strength, balance and coordination skills , while having fun.  Margo Dewkitt, director of Windridge Equestrian Therapeutic Center of East Texas, has long said "the movements of a walking horse stimulate muscle groups the rider would use while walking if his or her brain were more in control".  In 2012, at her center, they began doing scientific research to quantify physical improvements of horse riders overtime.  In an article by Linda Hubley, she says "some of the other important factors that horseback riding offers is it teaches a skill while at the same time helps the rider to stretch and strengthen muscle tone.  The rhythm of riding helps to relax the body and improve balance and coordination."

A study done in 2008 by the University of Washington Research Team found that after 12 weeks of hippotherapy, the use of the rhythmic movement of a horse to effect therapeutic gains, improves both head and trunk stability and upper extremity function in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy".  "They actually maintained a continuum of measureable improvement - better head and trunk stability and improved control of their arms as they reach - even months after their hippotherapy sessions ended."

Horse therapy also has mental and emotional benefits as well.  Equine therapy is often geared toward mental/emotional support for children so that they can learn how to interact in the world.  "It's been clinically proven that just being in the vicinity of horses changes our brainwave patterns", says Franklin Levinson.  "They have a calming effect which helps stop people from becoming fixated on past or negative events - giving them a really positive experience".  This type of therapy is often done with kids with autism. 

And in case you are wondering how safe horse therapy is, a good place will often have one person riding with the child and another person holding the horse's reigns, walking beside the horse.  Often helmets are used as well.  And of course, I always look for a place where horses look well-treated, happy and healthy!

While horse therapy can be costly, some places will have scholarship programs or grants available to support families.  It is also a great gift to ask for the holidays or birthdays.  In California, after age 3, you might be able to use Respite Hours through your local Regional Center to cover the cost.  As more and more research is being done on the benefits of horse therapy, health insurances may cover this type of therapy in the future. 

Marissa and I look forward to her weekly horse therapy sessions and to seeing more benefits in the future.  Let us know if you have tried this!  I would love to hear the outcomes from other families!


References:
Brown, Julie (2014). Horse Therapy - Changing Lives.  Taken from http://www.wayofthehorse.org/Articles/horse-therapy.html
Evans, Glenn (2012). Research could validate horse therapy at East Texas Center.  Taken from http://www.news-journal.com/news/local/research-could-validate-horse-therapy-benefits-at-east-texas-centera/article_bfd9604b-f14a-5aa4-8a08-98f7024584ed.html
Henry, KC for Washington University Research Team. (2008). Benefits of Equine Therapy. Taken from http://www.horsesandhumans.org/WUfinal_press_release.pdf
Hubley, Linda. (2014). Horse Therapy for Children with Special Needs. Taken from http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/therapy-service-animals/horse-therapeutic-therapy.html

 

Bone Broth For Health!

Why Bone Broth?
Last winter I started an immune regime for my little one to help prevent her from getting sick.  If you have a special needs child you know how challenging setbacks can be when your baby keeps getting colds.  This regime has worked out great in strengthening my daughter's immune system and digestive system.
One of the things I added to my daughters diet was bone broth.  So I thought I'd share why this is such potent food medicine.  Here are some of the wonderful properties bone broth contains:

1. Bone broth contains many wonderful nutrients such as minerals in a form the body can absorb easily.  Some of these minerals include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and trace minerals. 
2. Bone broth contains amino acids such as glutamine (which provides fuel for intestinal cells), glycine, proline and arginine which are anti-inflammatory.  
3. Bone broth contains gelatin.  New research shows bone broth helps to heal leaky gut syndrome as it helps heal the lining of the gut through the gelatin which promotes digestive juices in the gut.  Babies have been shown to have fewer digestive problems when gelatin was added to their milk as it promotes digestive juices to food in the gut.  A survey comprised of over 30 years of research on gelatin showed its ability to improve the digestion of milk. In the early 1900s gelatin was therefore recommended as an ingredient in infant formula, to decrease allergic reactions, colic and respiratory ailments. Gelatin was also reported to increase the digestibility of beans and meat. It was also found that gelatin increased the utilization of the protein in wheat, oats and barley, all gluten containing grains.
4. Bone broth can help strengthen the immune system.  Because over 70% of our immune cells lie in our gut, a strong digestive system may very well be connected to a strong immune system.  Furthermore, chicken contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky so you can expel it more easily.
5. Bone broth is beneficial in pregnancy. In pregnancy, the growing fetus creates a demand for glycine that is two to ten times greater than normal, and two to ten times greater than the need for other amino acids.

How to Make Bone Broth?
Ingredients:
Filtered water
3 garlic cloves
1 bay leaf
2 Tbsp organic apple cider vinegar (I like Bragg's brand)
Sea salt, to taste
Organic chicken with bones
Bone broth is easy to make especially if you have a crockpot.  Place chicken with bones in crockpot and fill crockpot with filtered water until water reaches 2 inches above chicken.  You can add any spices you like. I add 2-3 cloves of garlic, a bay leaf, sea salt to taste and 1 to 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar.  Let chicken cook in crockpot on low for 24-48 hours.  When done, skim the top and take chicken out of crockpot.  Keep chicken meat for later use.  If you don't want any sediment you can strain broth through cheesecloth after it cools or if you don't mind some sediment you can freeze broth in ice cube trays or containers.  It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

How to Use Bone Broth?
*Use broth to make soups
*Use broth to cook grains in
*Use broth as one of baby's first foods - can be mixed with breastmilk
*Broth can be used in sauces to add flavor
*Broth can be used to sautee veggies in
*1 cup of bone broth can be drunk daily with spices and sea salt as a beverage to help heal a leaky gut

*Disclaimer:  This information should not be taken in place of medical advice.  Seeing a health practitioner is always the preferred route to go if you have a health concern.  This information is for sharing purposes and hopefully inspiration!  

Be well!!

References:
Fallon, Sally (2000). Broth is Beautiful.  Retrieved from http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/broth-  
is-beautiful 
Jackson, A, et al. Optimizing amino acid and protein supply and utilization in the newborn, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 1989, 48, 293–301.
Mercola, Joseph MD (2013). Bone Broth: One of Your Most Healing Diet Staples.  Retrieved from   http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/12/16/bone-broth-benefits.aspx 
Samonina, G, et al. Protection of gastric mucosal integrity by gelatin and simple proline containing peptides, Pathophysiology, April 2000, 7, 1, 69–73.
27. Koyama, et al. Ingestion of gelatin has differential effect on bone mineral density and bodyweight in protein undernutrtion, Journal of Nutrition and Science of Vitaminology, 2000, 47, 1, 84–86.

Siebecker, Allison (2005). Traditional Bone Broth in Modern Health and Disease.  Retrieved from http://www.townsendletter.com/FebMarch2005/broth0205.htm

Preventing Side Effects from Vaccines!!

I know, I know.  Vaccines are so controversial and I for one respect all opinions so long as we have access to both sides of information.  It is hard enough being a parent, and making decisions for your baby can be challenging.
Disclaimer: This information should not be substituted for seeing a health practitioner.  This is merely what we do with our baby to prevent any side effects from vaccines. One should see a health practitioner for proper dosing and if their baby is on any medication.  
I give our baby foods that are high in sulfur 2 days before her vaccine and 2 days after.  Sulfur increases our bodies defenses against toxins, which are often found in vaccines.  Some foods that contain sulfur are egg yolk, liver, molasses and onions.  I usually give her an egg every day and liver twice per week.
I also give her fermented cod liver oil by Green Pastures as this oil is high in vitamins A and D, both which keep our immune system strong and vitamin A is depleted when there is a fever.  It is important to get fermented cod liver oil as it is more bioavailable (meaning the body absorbs more of the important nutrients in this oil).   I have been giving her this daily since she was 8 months old as it is also good for brain development and may protect the brain as well.
Thuja is a homeopathic remedy that helps to prevent and treat side effects from vaccines.  I give our baby a dose 2 hours prior to her vaccination and another dose immediately after.  I am a fan of homeopathic medicine as it is very safe.
There is also a Chinese herbal remedy that may be given called shi wei bai du san but one should see a licensed acupuncturist to see if this is needed.  This formula clears heat and toxins out of the body and supports the immune system.

I hope some of this information is helpful and helps give some parents some peace of mind if they give their children vaccines.



References:
Cowen, Thomas and Morell, Sally Fallon. (2013). The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care. Washington, DC: New Trends Publishing, Inc.
Keneipp, Shelley. (2012). The Practical Guide To Homeopathy For Children. UK: Motivational Press.

Fun Exercises to Increase Babies Upper Body Strength and Coordination!

The following exercises are generally used from 6 months to 1.5 years old.  These 2 exercises were given by Marissa's occupational therapist to help strengthen her bodies' shoulders, arms and hands.  The exercises also help with hand coordination - so the hands can work as a team and help eye-hand coordination - helping the brain to coordinate information from the eyes to their hands. These skills are important in tasks such as tying shoes, catching a ball, drawing, pulling a wagon, keeping arms lifted and wheelbarrow walking.
Sticky Ball - wad up masking tape in a ball with the sticky side facing out.  Place on babies hands and arms and let them use their opposite hand to pull off the tape.  Do this on both sides - left and right hand and arm.  You can also use words such as pull, hand and arm while baby is pulling the tape off their hand or arm.  Scotch tape can be used in place of masking tape to make this easier.
Musical Pots - I haven't met a baby yet who doesn't enjoy this.  Turn on music and show your baby how to bang on a pot with your hand or with a spoon to the music.  Then let your baby have a go at it - using their hands, one or two spoons.  I also say bang bang bang when Marissa bangs on the pot.
Have fun!

These exercises are from Handprints by Valerie Pieraccini and Darla K. Vance