People always tell me, “But you look so healthy.” That’s the funny thing about invisible illness. You really can’t see it. 

I used to think that spending an entire day dehydrating kale chips or preparing a week’s worth of autoimmune paleo dishes was hard work. Then I became a parent and I realized just how hard it is to manage to live with an autoimmune disease and be a mom.

While the internet is rife with information and advice on managing that #autoimmunelife or #parenting, I personally haven’t found it helpful when it comes to parenting with an autoimmune disease. Nor have I seen too many examples of moms living with diseases. And that’s why I’m here — in part, to show you that it’s possible — and to selfishly remind myself that I’m never truly alone.

I believe in sharing the knowledge I have when it can help someone and make their life better. I’m not an expert when it comes to you or your family. I’m not here to sell you anything. I’m not going to judge you if you aren’t breastfeeding. 

There is no “one size fits all” approach to motherhood. Every pregnancy, every baby, and every mother is different. There are many ways to be a parent. You should start with what works for you and your family. 

And let’s be real. I’m a privileged white woman. What I can afford to give my child and myself that we need to be well is a luxury not everyone has and it’s not to be taken for granted.

Being diagnosed in 2017 with both an autoimmune disease and connective tissue disease, I had to do extensive research to manage my chronic illness. Some of the methods and strategies I recommend are based on what I’ve discovered through this process as I became a mom. And yes, some of those strategies changed when I developed a kidney disease during pregnancy.

Bottom line: I’m always learning and growing from sharing my experiences. 

If you find my blog to be a resource, then I’ve accomplished all that I set out to do.