Moon Phases Of Life

🌿 Exciting News! Now Accepting New Clients for Naturopathy! 🌿

Hello, friends! I’m thrilled to announce that I am now accepting new clients as a Certified Naturopathic Practitioner in our community! 🌱

If you're seeking a natural, holistic approach to health and wellness, I’m here to support you on your journey. Together, we can work to uncover the root causes of your health concerns and create a personalized plan to nurture your well-being.

✨ Services Include:

Comprehensive Naturopathic Consultations

Family Wellness Guidance

Holistic Nutrition Education & Lifestyle Support

Herbal & Botanical Remedies

Personalized Wellness Plans

Your path to vibrant health starts here! Reach out to schedule your consultation, and let’s embark on this journey together. 🌟

💬 Message me to book your appointment today!
🔗 Learn more at moonphasesoflife.com

🌿

Home | Moon Phases Of Life Embrace the journey of life with the guidance of a Sacred Wise Woman, bringing you and your whole family back to your roots with love, tradition, and care. From naturopathy wellness to midwifery and doula support, honoring every stage of life in a sacred way. Visit MoonPhasesOfLife.com to begin your...

Register here for free for the sip & social
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sip-social-tickets-1064453913309?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&fbclid=IwY2xjawGR5_BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHce1hnjb6FfNypZ9RWdG_7pts27T32NRfmiRm4hfIRY0z22ZaJVUpmI7Lw_aem_MzGSFOTNuJAI9sWFM4FF2w
Nurtured Soul Studios

Sip & Social Come check out local business. Meet and greet. Purchase products and just hang out and socialize.

Ready to jump on the wellness wagon? 🌿

No matter your motivation, it’s never too late to start transforming your wellness journey!

Here’s how to get started with 7 simple steps:

🌟 Set a goal. Remember, being healthy isn’t only about weight loss; it’s about feeling your best!

🌟 Plan your meals. Experiment with meal prep—it’s a game changer when you try new, delicious foods!

🌟 Drink more water. Hydration is key to wellness. 💧

🌟 Reduce salt intake. Feel lighter and brighter as you reduce inflammation and that stubborn water retention.

🌟 Cut down on alcohol. Explore the world of refreshing alternatives! Try ceremonial tea for a calming, sensory experience.

🌟 Exercise regularly. A few walks with a friend each week can work wonders for your body and mind.

🌟 Prioritize sleep. Quality sleep is your secret weapon for energy and wellness!

Each small step you take can lead to BIG, lasting results. Grab an accountability buddy and track your journey together! 🌱✨

Come see me and a bunch of other vendors at our sip and social!!

11/9 from 11-2 (or 3) we are hosting a business collaboration Sip & Social Open House. It’s free to the public. The first 20 people get a complimentary gift!

While most pots and pans look and feel the same, a lot of cookware leaches the chemicals they’re made from into the food you’re cooking.

You’ve switched to all-organic food, bought water filters, gotten rid of toxic household cleaners, and started recycling.

Life should (at least in your home) be pretty much toxin-free at this point, right? Unfortunately, there’s one more toxin source that could be lurking right under your nose: your cookware.

Cookware might seem like an innocent bystander in the world of toxin and chemical exposure. After all, most pots, pans, and utensils look and feel the same, and hardly seem as if they’re giving off toxic fumes. In fact, some of them might even be a cherished part of your cooking routine. (Who doesn’t love that amazing non-stick pan that leaves not a speck of egg behind after frying?)

While this is understandable, the problem lies in the fact that cookware leaches the chemicals they’re manufactured from into the food you’re cooking. And these chemicals are anything but safe, with many even being cancer-causing.

10 Toxins in Cookware and Why You Need to Get Rid of Them

1. Aluminum
Aluminum is the third most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, found throughout our water, air, and soil. The fact that there’s so much of it makes it ideal for manufacturing a high amount of cookware, while still keeping the prices low.

While purchasing aluminum cookware is undoubtedly attractive from a money-saving standpoint, the consequences of doing so are more than a little scary. Aluminum is a soft, highly reactive metal, and while naturally abundant in the Earth, has serious health effects when ingested. In fact, aluminum is a known neurotoxin that researchers estimate inhibits more than 200 biologically important functions in your body. (1) [tweet_quote]Aluminum is a known neurotoxin that researchers estimate inhibits more than 200 biologically important functions in your body.[/tweet_quote]

Additional studies link excessive aluminum exposure to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, while others have shown it causes nervous system damage. (2)

2. Teflon (PTFE)
Teflon, commonly known in the kitchen as “non-stick” or as polytetrafluoroethylene in the lab, is one of the most toxic chemicals you’ll find lurking in your kitchenware. In studies, Teflon has been shown to release at least six toxic gases when heated, with several of those being carcinogenic. One, called monofluoroacetic acid, is known for being lethal even at small dosages, while another referred to as PFIB, is a chemical analog of the WWII nerve gas phosgene. (3)

3. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
PFOA is another non-stick chemical used in the manufacture of Teflon. Like PTEE, it has also been linked to nasty side effects such as the development of tumors, neonatal death and toxic effects on the immune system, liver, and endocrine system. (4) PFOA also has a half-life of three years and is not metabolized by the body, meaning once it’s in you (as it is in most humans living in industrialized nations) it’s there for a long, long while.

4. Copper
Copper cookware has been prized by many a cook for decades due to its ability to heat quickly and evenly. However, copper is extremely susceptible to leaching into foods, especially when exposed to acidic foods, like tomato sauce. While some copper is healthy, overconsumption has been linked to the development of ulcers and liver damage. (5)

5. Cadmium
Some companies use glazes and coatings on their cookware to give them a uniform color and more balanced heating abilities. Unfortunately, these coatings often contain cadmium, one of the most toxic metals in our environment. It is a known human carcinogen and tends to build up in the kidneys and liver over time, where it can remain for several years. (6)

6. Nickel
Like cadmium, nickel is used in glazes and linings of pots and pans, and can even be found in some stainless steel cookware. While it does occur naturally in the environment, excessive exposure has been linked to dermatitis and lung and nasal cancers when inhaled. It has also been shown to cause nausea and vomiting, as well as neurological effects. (7)

7. Lead
Some ceramic, enamel, and glass cookware is made with lead in order to increase shock resistance (aka, reduce the chance of it breaking if you set it on the counter a little too hard) and improve glossiness. Unfortunately, (as most of you are now aware of), lead is highly toxic and can cause symptoms ranging from muscle soreness and colic to peripheral neuropathy and renal failure. (8)

8. BPA
Bisphenol-A is a synthetic compound found in plastics like cutting boards and tupperware. You have probably come across a number of cans and containers labeled “BPA-free” in the past few years due to rising awareness of its dangerous side effects.

For one, BPA is an endocrine disrupter. This means that it disrupts your hormones and can lead to altered immune function, early puberty, infertility, and ovarian disfunction. (9) In addition, BPA has also been shown to cause liver damage, thyroid damage, and obesity-promoting effects. (10)

9. Polystyrene
It turns out other kitchen items beside your pots and pans are potentially far from safe as well. Plastic cups, styrofoam cups, “paper” plates and plastic utensils are almost all made with a toxic compound called polystyrene (or simply “styrene”). Studies involving workers’ exposure to polystyrene experienced changes in color vision, tiredness, feeling drunk, slowed reaction time, concentration problems, and balance problems, while animal studies showed hearing loss and liver damage. (11)

10. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
As any egg-scrambler knows, you can’t cook much without utensils like spatulas. Unfortunately, these plastics are usually coated in brominated flame retardants (BFRs) that have been linked to liver and thyroid damage, as well as negative changes in the kidneys. (12)

How To Safely Avoid Toxins in Your Cookware

Now that you know what toxins and chemicals are lurking in your cookware, it’s time to figure out how you can avoid and/or limit them as much as possible. The suggestions below should get most of the toxic cookware out of your kitchen, while also giving you tips on what you can do in the meantime until you can replace all of your cookware.

Use ceramic
Most ceramic cookware contains no metals like lead or cadmium, and several brands mention their glazes are made with non-toxic inorganic minerals and oxides. To be double-sure of this, make sure the brand you’re interested in passes California Prop 65 standards.

Another great thing about ceramic cookware is that it cooks very evenly and is extremely durable, even under high heat.

Use cast iron
Using cast iron for some of your cooking is another good option to avoid leaching of toxic chemicals into your food. It has been used for generations, is durable, long-lasting, and requires minimal cleaning. It can also be used on the stovetop as well as for baking, and distributes heat very evenly. However, make sure you “season” you cast iron cookware correctly before using to create a natural nonstick surface.

To do this, simply coat your cast iron in coconut or olive oil and bake it at 350º for an hour. When finished, remove the skillet, let cool, then wipe off the excess oil with paper towels.

Use glass containers
Not only does glass not leach toxic chemicals, but it also lasts forever (provided it survives any falls!), saving you money in the long run.

Use stainless steel utensils
Stainless steel is free of chemicals like BFRs and Teflon, making them an excellent alternative to plastic spatulas and spoons.

Avoid aluminum containers
As we saw in the list above, aluminum has the ability to leach into any food it comes into contact with, regardless of heat exposure. This means you also need to look beyond your stovetop pans when considering aluminum, including pots and storage containers. This is particularly true if you’re storing or cooking something acidic, such as tomato sauce, as the acidity can cause the aluminum to leach into your food faster. (13)

Use non-abrasive cleaners and sponges
cleaning dishes with a sponge

If you are using a type of nonstick or metal cookware, avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbers like steel wool, as these can cause the nonstick material and chemicals to flake off, potentially mixing into your food or further releasing into the air.

Use bamboo containers
While bamboo cookware isn’t as long-lasting or durable as other types, it is excellent as a non-toxic storage option for leftovers. Bamboo contains no harmful chemicals (just make sure the cookware you’re looking at is true bamboo and not “nonstick” or coated with anything).

Use wood or bamboo cutting boards
You can easily avoid the dangers of plastics and BPA by investing in a wood or bamboo cutting board. Just make sure they aren’t coated in any chemicals or toxic glazes before purchasing.

Line with unbleached parchment paper

If you can’t afford to upgrade all of your cookware at once and are concerned about exposure in the meantime, try lining your bakeware with unbleached parchment paper before baking. This will create a “barrier” of sorts between your food and toxic surfaces.

Avoid coated “paper” plates and utensils
As we saw above, polystyrene can lurk in plastic and styrofoam cutlery, cups and bowls. Avoid using these when possible and opt for ceramic, glass, or bamboo.

Use natural cleansers and soaps and low heat

While your first priority should be avoiding toxic cookware, sometimes it isn’t possible to overhaul everything overnight. In the meantime, be sure to only wash your pots and pans with natural dish soaps that don’t contain additional stripping chemicals that can further react with and stir up toxins.
Be sure to only wash your pots and pans with natural dish soaps that don’t contain additional stripping chemicals.

Additionally, try not to cook at high temperatures with toxic cookware, as heat can often cause chemicals to leach even further into food and into the air as gases.

When In Doubt
If you aren’t sure whether a certain brand contains any of the above metals or chemicals in their products, always be sure to call the manufacturer and double-check. Just because a brand is labeling their cookware as ceramic doesn’t mean it isn’t coated with a lead or copper coating. After all, a little extra time spent researching could mean avoiding a lifetime of serious health issues.

CLICK PICTURE TO SEE WHOLE PICTURE 🙂

🌿✨ Big News For 2025✨🌿

I am beyond excited to share something that’s been close to my heart for a long time. As many of you know, I have a deep connection with the families I serve through midwifery—they truly feel like an extension of my own family. That bond means everything to me, and it’s inspired me to take the next step in my journey—going back to school to become a Naturopathic Practitioner and expanding my practice at Moon Phases of Life LLC. 💛

Becoming a Naturopathic Practitioner means not only supporting my midwifery clients but also caring for their entire families in the most natural, holistic way possible. It’s about treating not just symptoms, but finding the root cause and nurturing the body’s own ability to heal. Whether it’s herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, or gentle lifestyle guidance, I’ll be here to offer even more to the families I already love and care for so deeply. 🌙

As a Naturopathic Practitioner, I will focus on whole-person healing, addressing the root cause of health concerns rather than just symptoms. Using natural therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling, I will work with your body’s own ability to heal. From the littlest members of your family to the elders, my goal is to support optimal health through natural, non-invasive treatments. 🌿

It means so much to me to be able to walk this path alongside you, providing the care you need through every stage of life. 🌙

This next step is so important to me because it feels like a beautiful way to honor the bond we’ve built over time. I’m so grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me. I believe in the power of natural healing and want to provide these options to anyone seeking them in our community. I want to be able to offer these services to new families, helping them embrace a holistic, natural approach to health right from the beginning. It’s not just about serving the families I already know and love, but also about giving the whole community more options for healing and wellness.

Thank you for being on this journey with me! 💫

Creamer season is BACCCCCK baby!!

These are my #1 sellers at Luebke Acres

I make a Keto friendly, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free, Stevia sweetened coffee or tea creamer with a ** substitute milk base in a 16oz jar for $10 and NOW OFFERING half jars for $5.

Additional Favorites Flavors I can make are: Almond Joy, Butter Pecan, Carmel Macchiato, Carmel Chocolate, Carmel Delight(somoa gs cookie), Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut, Coconut Creme, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Vanilla, Creme Brulee, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Mocha, Peppermint, Peppermint Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, S'mores, Toasty Almond, Vanilla and Vanilla Carmel,Belgian Waffle, Chocolate Raspberry, Carmel Pecan, Irish Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

New Flavors are- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Carmel Apple, Cordial Cherry, Salted Caramel, Lavender and Mint Chocolate Chip!

**Your choice of a cream base; Almond milk, Macadamia nut milk, Oatmilk or Coconut Milk.

If you bring your jars back at your next purchase I will knock off a buck off your purchase!

Porch pickup
Cash, Zelle or Venmo accepted

🌙✨ Embracing the Journey: The Heart of Birth ✨🌙

Birth is a sacred journey, one filled with dreams, hopes, and visions of how we want it to unfold. As we prepare for this life-changing moment, we often create an image of our ideal birth—a beautiful homebirth surrounded by love and support. But sometimes, the path takes unexpected turns, leading us to a hospital transfer and, in some cases, a C-section.

In those moments of uncertainty, it’s essential to remember that every path is valid and deserving of honor. While it may feel like our vision has shifted, know that your sacred wise woman—the one who has walked with you through every step—will continue to be there for you. Their unwavering support doesn’t end when you leave the comforts of home; rather, it transforms, adapting to the new environment while still holding space for your needs and emotions.

The families of Moon Phases Of Life remind us that we’re never alone on this journey. Each phase—whether it’s the bright light of a homebirth or the shadowed curve of unexpected hospital care—brings lessons, love, and community. We walk hand in hand, no matter the outcome of your birth plan, honoring each unique experience as a testament to your strength and resilience.

Ultimately, the safety of both mom and baby is our highest priority. Every decision made, even the difficult ones, is rooted in love and care. Birth is not just about the destination; it's about the journey we take together, the bonds we forge, and the compassion we share.

As we embrace the twists and turns, let us hold tight to the belief that all paths can lead us to the joy of welcoming new life. Whether in the warmth of home or the brightness of a hospital room, our hearts and hands will remain connected. Together, we celebrate the beauty of your birth story, no matter how it unfolds. I vow to walk on your journey hand in hand no matter where it takes us until the end 💖🌿

Excited to find out if you're having a boy or girl? With our Sneak Peek Gender Test, you can discover your baby’s gender as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy! 🎉

✅ Quick & Simple Test
✅ Results emailed to you in just 24 hours
✅ Accurate and reliable

Book your appointment today and take the guesswork out of waiting! 💌

📅 Schedule your appointment now and be one step closer to knowing your little one. 🍼

Feel free to message me for more details or to reserve your spot!

🌟 Exciting News Homebirth Families! 🌟

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m now offering in-home newborn hearing screenings!

Certified in 2023 by NCHAM at Utah State University, I’m equipped with a brand new Welch Allen device to provide this essential service. Serving within a 40-mile radius of Woodstock, I’m here to ensure your little ones have the best start.

If you have questions or want to offer this service to your homebirth clients, please reach out!

With endless gratitude,
Amy Luebke
📞 224-730-1940
📧 [email protected]

📢 CALLING ON MY COMMUNITY

I'm going to start offering a maternity clothing swap!

I need gently used maternity clothes DONATIONS. I would love to make this an excellent service to our community and debut it at a Fall Autumn Drive stop, but we can not do so without your donations. Join me in making a difference in our community!

You can drop by anytime and put them on my porch at 3910 Dean Street, Woodstock IL 60098.

If you have any questions, please text or call Amy at 224-730-1940

Never tell a woman she can't do it. Remember that only she could dance with two hearts. Only she has breathed with four lungs. Only she has been able to carry in her belly the weight of two worlds, and she has given birth to life screaming. Don't tell a woman she's not capable of something because she's capable of everything.

Source Unknown

Thanks everyone for coming to our summer CPR certification class. Huge shout out to Franklin at ACT FAST First Aid & Fi****ms Academy - IL , the next class is in January.

🌟 Family-Friendly Prenatal Care Announcement 🌟

At Moon Phases Of Life Midwifery & Doula , I understand that growing a family involves everyone! That's why I warmly invite you to bring your other child(ren) along to your prenatal visits. Here’s what I offer to make their visit enjoyable and educational:

🎨 Play: I have play tools, toys, and art materials to keep big siblings entertained.

👶 Baby Bonding: Kids love seeing how big the baby in the belly is on our fetal development charts. They can also participate in feeling the baby and listening to the heartbeat with the doppler or fetoscope at each visit.

☕️ Refreshments: Enjoy tea, water, and snacks while you and your children are here. Kids can even pick up a sticker and visit the chickens in my yard on the way out!

📚 Sibling Involvement: Siblings are mo tore than welcome to attend the birth of their new brother or sister. I provide a special "sibling kit" with books, coloring pages, and small midwife tools to help them prepare for the big day, whether they plan to be there or not.

I believe that involving siblings in this journey creates a supportive and loving environment for the whole family. Your child’s excitement and curiosity are always encouraged and celebrated here.

Looking forward to seeing your growing family soon! 💖

🌿 Embracing the beauty of natural childbirth! 🌸✨

Natural childbirth is about trusting in the incredible strength of the human body and the profound journey of bringing new life into the world. Here’s why many families choose this empowering path:

Connection and Empowerment: Natural childbirth fosters a deep connection between mother and baby, empowering women to trust their bodies and instincts.

Minimal Intervention: Emphasizing minimal medical intervention promotes a gentle birth experience, allowing the natural process to unfold.

Personalized Care: With the guidance of skilled midwives or doulas, families receive personalized support to navigate labor and birth according to their unique wishes and needs.

Holistic Well-being: Natural childbirth often integrates holistic practices like breathing techniques, movement, and relaxation methods to enhance physical and emotional well-being.

Family-Centered Experience: Encouraging partners and loved ones to participate actively in the birth process creates a supportive environment for the entire family.

Whether you choose natural childbirth or another path, every birth is a celebration of life and love. 💕 Let’s honor and support all birthing choices with respect and understanding!



Join the conversation and share your thoughts and experiences! 🌟

🚑 Let's Talk About What Really Happens During Emergency Birth Transfers 🚑

I recently heard about an EMT who expressed concerns about community birth, saying, "That's a long drive during an emergency with no treatment being provided!" The comment made me sad, and highlighted a common misconception about community births, so let's clear the air! 🤔

🚨 If you don't read anything else, read this:

When a midwife calls an ambulance to a birth, it isn't because she doesn't know what to do next—it's because she knows it is the best way to continue providing expert care while on the move. You can't do that in a car! 🚗➡️🚑

Here's a little more about what midwives and emergency responders do during community birth transfers:

Expertise and Training:
Who Knows What? 🎓
Midwives are the undisputed experts in managing childbirth emergencies in the field. We're comprehensively trained for all birth-related aspects, from prenatal care to the postpartum period. In any emergency, we know precisely what actions to take to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

EMTs and Paramedics are incredibly skilled at general emergency response but do not specialize in obstetrics. Their training is crucial for ensuring patients are transported to the hospital swiftly and safely, covering a wide array of general emergencies. Even physicians, while highly skilled in hospital settings, typically receive training focused on managing emergencies within hospital walls, not in community settings.

Equipment:
What's in Our Kits? 🧰
Midwives come equipped for the specifics of birth. We've got everything needed for fetal monitoring, neonatal resuscitation, and even special medications for rare but critical situations. Think of us as a mobile mini-birth clinic.

Emergency Responders have the essential tools for general emergency care but aren't typically stocked with the specialized gear for newborn care or specific obstetric issues. They’re the champions of safe and rapid transport.

During the Transport:
Who Does What? 🚑💨
Midwives stay hands-on with care during the ride. We monitor, adjust, and manage care continuously, ensuring that both mother and baby get the specialized attention they need. We continue to administer medications, manage hemorrhages, deliver the baby or placenta, and provide newborn support and resuscitation when needed.

Our EMTs and Paramedic partners focus on making the ride smooth and swift. They handle the driving, general medical monitoring, and make sure we can do our job without any bumps—literally and figuratively! They also call ahead and let the receiving providers know what is happening and what we might need when we get there. They assist with care in important ways, like starting IVs, when needed, administering medications they carry on the ambulance, and in the nearly unheard of situation that adult CPR would be needed, they would definitely lead the team. (Thank goodness, they are much more expert at that than we are!)

Why This Teamwork Matters 🤝
This partnership isn't just about filling roles; it's about blending our expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes. While midwives handle the specifics of birth care, our emergency responder teammates make sure we get to where we need to go safely and quickly.

Understanding these roles helps us appreciate how everyone works together seamlessly to look after our community's moms and babies. Let's keep supporting and respecting all our healthcare heroes, folks! 🩺🤝👶

Photo and post share credit Sarah Foster

(*AI generated art of a midwife and EMS team caring for a newborn, because usually no one is taking pictures at transports! It did a pretty good job, though.)