Hi there. I’m Heather, the Mommypotamus. This is where you read a little about me, so here goes:
I’m a mom. I have two beautiful children that were waterborn in my living room. You can read their stories here and here.
I’m a researcher. Questioning the status quo comes naturally to me, which is why I rely on evidence-based research to guide my decisions on food, vaccinations, birth, full-term breastfeeding and a bunch of other topics.
Why do I write this blog? You may have noticed when I introduced myself that I’m not a doctor or certified nutritionist. There are no special letters behind my name. I’m just a mom that’s passionate about nourishing my family in every way possible.
I wasn’t always this way, though. Daddypotamus and I were junk food fiends when we got married. Part of every dinner came from a box or takeout, and we were fine with that. But years of eating MSG, genetically modified foods, and hormone “enhanced” meat took its toll. About two years after we said our vows – just when we were thinking about starting a family – I developed a debilitating autoimmune disorder.
Blood tests also revealed that years of lowfat dieting had lowered my cholesterol to nearly undetectable levels – lower than those long distance runners who don’t get periods. It’s embarrassing to admit now, but when I first heard the numbers I thought it was a good thing! Um, no. Cholesterol is necessary for producing the hormones that sustain a pregnancy, I was told. “Don’t get pregnant, you’re not strong enough to carry a baby to term” were her exact words. Fine, then. I went home and drank 8 oz of oil straight up. (Do not ever do this! You will puke for 10 hours!)
I wanted cholesterol. I wanted a baby. I wanted my horrible acne, acid reflux, anxiety and chronic exhaustion to just GO AWAY. I wanted all of those things and more, but what I NEEDED was real food.
So, with Nourishing Traditions in hand, I hacked away at my old food habits until every single one was gone. No one else I knew was eating this way and honestly I kind of felt like the unabomber while concocting ferments in my kitchen.
It was frustrating, but oh-so-worth-it. Through nutrition and laser therapy I recovered my health, got pregnant, carried my baby not only to term but to the very last day of the forty second week, nursed for two years, got pregnant AGAIN, continued to nurse through my pregnancy, had another baby at 41 weeks. I now have three year old and a one year old and have been continually nursing for 46 months straight. That’s a far cry from not being able to carry a baby to term!
Of course, that was just the beginning of the journey! The best part has been figuring out how to nourish my vibrantly healthy, energetic children and writing about it here. I’d love for you to share the journey with us!
Some of you curious types may be asking yourselves, What is a Mommypotamus? If you want to know check out this post.
Emily Giuffre
Hi Heather!
I have just been reading some of your posts, how you got the name, your past illness and your discovery on birth control. I am always impressed with each post and I get so much value about what you write.
I wanted to ask you if you would like to talk sometime? I have a blog on health as well (after reading your about page, we have so much in common). I would love to do some kind of syndication with you for getting traffic to each others blogs. I have a couple of other people I’m asking as well, but only people who have some seriously good blogs. You are definitely one of those people:-)
Please let me know if you’d like to talk! Until then, have a great day!
Emily Giuffre
Lauren Scruggs
so glad I found your blog!!!
Heather
Thanks, Lauren!
Patrice Shakti Bacal
Hi Heather! I am so moved by your story, your message, your commitment to share the truth, and your beautiful vision for a life connected to the rhythms of nature. I am excited to hear more from you. Keep shining your light!
Patrice Shakti Bacal´s last [type] ..What the spirit of the Earth told me
Heather
Thank you, Patrice. Your comment just put a huge smile on my face.
Christi Austin
Hi Heather,
I have been looking at your information that you posted on the 21 day cleanse. Do you know what a person could substitute for the meat during the cleanse? I am a vegetarian and I notice that you are not supposed to eat nuts or beans. Please help if you can. Thank you for your time!
Christi
Heather
Hi Christi! Since lentils are allowed and they contain protein I would probably use them a lot. Did you see my recipes page? You may find some ideas there. If not check back soon because I will be releasing an ebook with tons of lentil recipes.
Heather Finotti
Hi fellow Heather! I’m also a GAPSter and was searching around for a good coconut milk recipe (my ds is no longer allergic to coconut! woot for GAPS!) and found yours and was drawn in to look around your site. I thought you might like this, if you didn’t already know it:
God asked the heather the same question that he’d asked the others. “Will you go and grow upon the hillsides to make them more beautiful?”
The heather thought about the poor soil, the wind and the rain – and wasn’t very sure that she could do a good job. But turning to God she replied that if he wanted her to do it, she would certainly give it a try.
God was very pleased.
He was so pleased in fact that he decided to give the heather some gifts as a reward for her willingness to do as he had asked.
Firstly he gave her the strength of the oak tree – the bark of the heather is the strongest of any tree or shrub in the whole world.
Next he gave her the fragrance of the honeysuckle – a fragrance which is frequently used to gently perfume soaps and potpouris.
Finally he gave her the sweetness of the rose – so much so that heather is one of the bees favourite flowers. And to this day, heather is renowned especially for these three God given gifts.
————————————————————-
Facts About Heather Flower
* The scietntific name, Calluna vulgaris, in general, came from Calluna from the Greek Kallune – to clean or brush, as the twigs were used for making brooms and vulgaris from Latin, meaning common.
* Heather flowers are a traditional remedy in Swedish herbal medicine.
* The Heather plant is sometimes also referred to as Ling derived either from the old Norse Lyng or from the Anglo Saxon Lig meaning fire and referring to use as a fuel.
Shauna
I just found your blog while looking for a soaked flour pizza crust recipe. Then, your “about me” page caught my attention. I can so identify with being odd in our eating and parenting but really feeling like status quo needs to be challenge if I am to do the absolute best for my family. My journey began when I had my son 2 and half years ago. Just browsed your blog quickly but bookmarked it to read more later
Marillyn@just-making-noise
Nice meeting you! I enjoyed reading your story and glad I found your blog. I’ll be browsing around. Hope you will visit me at Just Making Noise… I am also a mama of 3 kids and follow the NT guide of wholesome food.
Heather
It’s nice to “meet” you, Marilyn! I’ve seen you around but have never said hello, so hello! That ice cream book you created looks SO YUMMY!
Marillyn@just-making-noise
Hello back at ya! Did you really drink oil straight up? Man! Anyway, thanks for the compliment and hope to see you around now that we’ve officially “met” ;o)
Marillyn@just-making-noise´s last [type] ..Sourdough Journel #13: Chili Beef Sourdough Pot Pie
Heather
Oh yes, and weirder things since then
Eggshell shake, anyone?
Natalie
Hey Heather,
I can either pass alot of it along, or you can be speciffic as to what you’d be interested in, or I can just keep reading your blog. Let me know. 
I would like to say “thank you” for all the info you research and share. A few years ago I thought organic food was for hippies, but not now! I am a mom of 3 and recently graduated from the Global College of Natural Medicine and am a Nutritional Consultant. I would love to pass along info to you that I get, but only if you WANT me to.
Here is a sample of the kind of info I get:
http://www.naturalnews.com/035047_magnesium_ADHD_Alzheimers.html
Natalie
Since you are such a lover of coconut oil here is one more.
http://www.naturalnews.com/035045_coconut_oil_Alzheimers_brain_function.html
Danielle Currey
Hi Heather,
What a great site and full of so much information! My name is Danielle, and I am currently in medical school and will be graduating in 2013 and starting my naturopathic practice in 2014. I am also a mom of kids with food allergies (hello gluten-dairy-egg-free diet). I would love to refer my patients to your site as well as learn practical tips from you.
It is so wonderful that there are people like you in the trenches trying out and perfecting all the recommendations that I am making to my patients on a daily basis.
I look forward to exploring your site more extensively.
Thanks again for all your dedication, creativity, and hard work!
Jodie
I’m feeling very overwhelmed. I have three kids. The oldest and youngest are pretty healthy, only the occasional snotty nose or stomach bug. My middle child is constantly battling some illness. For example in just the last month and a half he’s had strep (with the horrible strep rash from head to toe), a viral rash, a cough, another viral rash and a stomach virus. I k now that some sort of change is in order, the problem is that I really don’t know where to start. I’ve been reading your blog for so long now and love the information that you share. Thanks!
Heather
I know it’s been awhile now, but I just saw your comment! Is there a topic you’d like me to cover as you explore how to boost your middle child’s immune system?
AImee
Mommypotamus is an adorable name. I already have two young children and I don’t know If I will be having any more, but I still want to read your book “Nourished Baby” anyway. I love hearing stories like yours, where someone truly finds healing and continues on that journey. I have been on a journey too, I have not yet found healing in all my searching (everything from gluten-free, sugar free-paleo and on and on), but I believe that God will work all things out for good. I’ve struggled with similar issues to yours, specifically acid reflux, anxiety, and being underweight. However, i’ve been super small my whole life. It just got worse after I had my two babies, but I keep my eye out for others who have found success and it inspires me to keep at it.
Thanks.
AImee´s last [type] ..From Cookies to Carrots
Kimmie in TX
Are you from Fort Worth/HEB/or thereabouts? I was reading a post where you mentioned Dr. Cindy Haggerton and though I don’t see her, I recognized her name from a Yahoo group I’m a part of that is mostly focused on health and alternative health solutions. Anyway, I just thought that was neat, since it seems most blogs I read are never by people from DFW. I’ve been enjoying your blog, and hope to buy your book in the next week, as I’m 7 months pregnant. Nice to “meet” you!
Heather
Hi Kimmie! I am from DFW but recently relocated to a little town just outside of Nashville. Dr. Cindy is one of my best friends (just talked to her today!) and I highly recommend that you go hang out in her waiting room if you want to meet some like-minded parents – that place is awesome! So mice to “meet” you too! Wishing you a beautiful, butter birth!
Kimmie in TX
I am actually having a homebirth (my first, but my fourth child) with Jenee from Gentle Beginnings, who apprenticed under Ann Crowell (who I saw attended one of your births). Small world! What town did you move to? I guess maybe you don’t want that public though, so nevermind! My family is from Tennessee and I went to college in Jackson (Union University). So nice to make random connections!
Melissa Page
Heather, I am SO GLAD I found your blog! Thank you so much for all you are sharing, I hope you know how inspirational and helpful it all is. God bless you and your family. – Melissa
Heather
Thank you, Melissa! It’s so wonderful to “meet” you!
Hope
You look incredibly familiar. Did you happen to do undergrad at DBU in Dallas?
Heather
Yes, I did! Hi Hope!
Robin Shirley
Hi Heather! Would you be interested in speaking at the Take Back Your Health conference about how to increase fertility and how to have a natural and healthy pregnancy?
Heather
Have you ever heard of Hypobetalipoproteinemia?
It is a genetic thing that is extremely rare and it makes my cholesterol extremely low! 65 to be exact. Your mention of yours made me interested in your site. Your blog has been helping me understand pregnancy and low cholesterol. I am lucky to have 2 beautiful, smart children born before knowing about my cholesterol issues. But I am now understanding more the complications I went through. Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your time.
leigh
Heather, does your baby ebook cover pregnancy-induced high blood pressure? I have had epidurals for all 3 of my babies, but due to possible complications from my recurring staph infections, I’m hoping to take a less invasive route this time. My only concern is keeping my BP under control in order to avoid complications that might result in a c-section. Can you give me any advice? I’m also trying to treat candida w/ colloidal silver gel and not having much success. Also concerned about this causing complications.
Thank You
Christina
Hello!
I purchased your ebook on natural skin care, etc. Thank you for writing it. I was wondering if you have any sources for, or will be writing about, how/where to obtain “natural/toxic free” makeup? (eye shadow, blush, foundation, lipstick, etc.). Thank you!
Sarah
I’s like to add to Christina’s question, and ask whether you know if there is any form of ‘safe’ foundation out there, or whether you feel it’s a case of healing ourselves and learning to live without this.
Thanks a lot!
Dea
I just found you blog and am so grateful to hear of others like me. I was stricken with autoimmune and endocrine issues shortly after the birth of my first child. It worsened after my second childbirth to the point of seeking medical care and discovering that my cholesterol was too low to produce hormones. I breastfed continuously for 3 years during my pregnancies. Changing my diet and getting back to basics has helped me recover too. I think this movement of self reliance will prevail. We grow and can many of our own foods, I sew clothes for my family, we have chickens and are planning to raise rabbits, pigs and goats. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s great to know other like-minded people are sharing their knowledge with others!
Elizabeth
Your skin care book sounds interesting……..however, $25 for an EBOOK is FAR too expensive…….especially when you consider all the black & colored inks needed to print it out.
I will have to pass.
Abby
Hi Heather! I found your blog after researching Rami Nigel’s Cure Tooth Decay book after being told that my 3 year old has some small cavities between her two front teeth….devastating! Your story has given me hope! I had 2 natural births as well and truly believe in the power of nutrition, toying with a primal/paleo lifestyle and try my best to mainain an organic way of parenting. I am so happy to have found your blog! It is so nice to feel close to other moms with similar values and ideas
. My kids are close in age to yours all of your advice and ideas are really helpful…thanks again!
Schalk
G’day Heather. I stumbled upon some cream you made with tallow’s. I tinker with some home made creams and lotions. I currently just use spices and edible stuff to add some fragrance. Currently I use bees wax and olive oil, and spices so that you don’t smell like a salad like star anise. Extracting the awesome smell from the spices using easy home prep methods…still proof to be a challenge. Then I read a French method called Enfleurage that absorbs the fragrance into fat. Then you extract it again using alcohol…blaa,blaa,blaa. But if I can short cut the process and use the perfumed fat directly as part of the cream or lotion so much the better. Could you email me please on the success of your fat lotion?
I am now on the opposite end of the scale where just looking at food makes you fat.
Interesting testimony from you alive but not living experience.
April
Above you mention you did laser therapy. What kind and what for?
Heather
It was a modified form of acupuncture. Unfortunately, the doctor who developed it is retired now
April
Was it for fertility?
Anonymous
Just curious, you mentioned you had laser treamtents? Can i ask what kind of acne you suffered from, and which laser was most effective for you?
Thank you.
Heather
I’m not sure exactly how my acne would have been classified. I went to a dermatologist, but if she gave me a specific diagnosis I don’t remember what it was. Regarding the laser treatment, they were basically acupuncture with lasers instead of needles. They weren’t meant to treat acne specifically, but they did help it resolve