 March is Endometriosis Awareness Month If you follow my blog or social media, then you may already know that I have endometriosis. It has been 3 1/2 years since I noticed my first symptoms. I was unofficially diagnosed last June just two weeks before my birthday. And while my journey has been difficult to say the least, I am sharing my story. I was hesitant at first because I am a firm believer in not giving your battles too much power especially by speaking/dwelling on it all the time. However, after talking with friends, family and even a few strangers, I have found comfort, hope and the realization that I am not alone. Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus causing chronic, debilitating pain and menstrual irregularities. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. That is about 176 million women worldwide. Because endometriosis is a full body disease, it has the potential to spread to other places in the body outside of the reproductive organs such as the chest cavity, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder and bowels. Many people don't know that there are three different types of endo and there are four different stages (I-minimal, II-mild, III-moderate, and IV-severe). There is also a possibility of developing adenomyosis (the sister disease to endo) which is when endometrial cells exist or grow into the uterine wall. Both diseases are still being researched and examined to find a definite cause and possible cure. While there are various treatments and ways to alleviate pain and symptoms, there is no cure. A Typical Day The "morning after fog" is just the first of many obstacles after a night of pain. I typically get about two hours of sleep before I start to get uncomfortable and the pain sets in. I have spent countless nights walking the floor, waiting on pain meds to kick in, breathing deeply, crying, praying, throwing up, etc. But of course I have a long list of things to do after the sun rises. So I have to mentally prepare myself before I get out of bed. This is a huge deal for me as nights/mornings like this leave me so exhausted, frustrated and physically ill, it is hard to function, let alone homeschool my son, answer emails, see clients, teach Zumba and everything else in between. But it gets done because I have to do it. I try to make time twice a day to just sit and rest for an hour so my body and mind don't get overwhelmed. I have been very blessed to have my husband home with me since he retired from teaching a couple of months ago and I can't begin to tell you how much of a difference this has made in my daily routine. He is a true help mate in every sense of the term and I have noticed a great difference in my mental and emotional health in recent weeks. My Physical & Mental Struggle After three long years of pain and suffering, sleepless nights, food restrictions, seeing several doctors, being misdiagnosed more than once and everything in between, I have experienced the heavy burden of what endo has done to my physical and mental health, especially this past year. The physical symptoms became worse last year as I was very stressed about a number of things and wouldn't you know, endo feeds off of stress. While trying to eat health (I eliminated dairy, sugar and alcohol) and exercise regularly, I was experiencing new symptoms and I didn't know why. Chest pains, difficulty breathing, headaches and leg & joint pain on top of the symptoms I was already experiencing (frequent & painful urination, acid reflux, chronic abdominal and pelvic pain (endo flares), extreme fatigue, memory loss, endo belly (severe bloating) and pain with/after sex. But I was also mentally and emotionally exhausted. This time last year I made the decision to revamp my business and take on more clients. Being an entrepreneur is a challenge in itself, but when you add chronic illness to that lifestyle, there is a lot of uncertainty and insecurity. As you can imagine, I struggled daily just to finish one of my goals. Daily goals turned into weekly goals. It was then that I had to learn to give myself grace and I began looking for holistic alternatives so I could start to heal (I had not yet been diagnosed, but I knew I had endo). I also experienced a lot of brain fog last year (and I continue to) which is a bit terrifying for me. Brain fog is the inability to have a sharp memory or to lack a sharp focus and it is a common symptom of endometriosis. You experience problems with focus, memory, logic, and problem solving. I have actually experienced real time blanks where I am somewhere or driving and I forget what I was doing or where I was going. And one of those times I was in the grocery store with my son. I got light headed and dizzy and all of a sudden my son was tugging on my shirt asking me if I was okay. That was most definitely a scary af moment for me. Both the physical and mental effects of this disease follow me around like a shadow, but I am managing them much better than I used to. My Go-To Aides Nutrition and wellness have been my main focus since being (un)officially diagnosed last June (unofficial because I have not had a surgery to confirm). Before that, I kept a food journal to try and pinpoint what I should and shouldn't eat to keep the inflammation at bay. One day after much frustration, I threw it away (I regret that). But I have started a new journal where I track my nutrition, symptoms, flares and reproductive activity. There are several items and remedies that I current use to ease pain, keep symptoms at bay and boost my mood:
I am also looking into these remedies as well:
I am thankful to have found some amazing resources. Endo Black, The Endometriosis Summit and Khush Sra have all been great palces for education and support. If you follow me on Instagram you know that I generally share a lot of endometriosis related information and education in my stories. The more I learn, the more I share. Things I Miss There are many things that I have had to let go of or put on hold due to my illness. I miss simple things like painting my nails for sure (I'm currently looking for an eco-friendly brand). Planning a girls night out or date night is hard these days too. I never know how I am going to feel. Being able to be spontaneous isn't even a thought. And sleep. There are no words to describe how I miss sleep both physically and mentally. I clearly need it to thrive, but pain is always worse at night and insomnia is also a symptom of endo. I also miss cheese. Like for real. I do occasionally eat a steak when my body craves it, but it's most chicken, fish and plant based protein for me. I miss running regularly too. I used to run up to 20 miles a week. That was back when I was teaching six Zumba classes a week and I felt like I had something to prove. But this illness has truly caused me to slow down and really listen to my body. And maybe that's just what I needed. In the midst of the pain and suffering, I know that there is a purpose. I have learned to truly appreciate the good days. I am currently working on collaborations with other endo warriors as well as some businesses and organizations to continue to spread awareness, increase research & studies and hopefully get some disability legislation passed for those of us with endometriosis and other chronic diseases and illnesses. We deserve more care and support and we will fight for it just like we fight to have normal lives while living with endo. If you would like to collaborate, please feel free to contact me.  Me after a long night of excruciating pain  Me after completing the Official Black Girls Run Endometriosis Awareness Month Virtual 5k
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 Image by October Lotus Yoni or vaginal steaming is an ancient herbal remedy that detoxes and strengthens the uterus and vagina. It has become an increasingly popular health and wellness practice. The benefits of steaming promote womb wellness as well as mental and emotional release and healing when done regularly. The steam itself is created by natural herbs & flowers and boiling water and is used to permeate the vulva. This allows the bloodstream to absorb all of the herbs contents and carry them to the reproductive system. They then aid the uterus in cleansing and repairing itself. This detoxification helps to facilitate the healing of various uterine abnormalities such as:
Vaginal steaming is exceptional in healing the postpartum body. Regular steaming is said to increase blood flow to the vagina and reproductive organs which can lead to increased libido, better orgasms and a tighter vagina. It can also aid in reducing stress, treating hemorrhoids, increasing energy & reducing fatigue and treating headaches. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and most of you know by now that I am 1 in 10 individuals who have endometriosis. You can read my endo story here. It will detail my struggles, the day I was diagnosed as well as the things that have helped me endure the pain and symptoms of the disease, including herbal teas and steaming. Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite herbalists and highlight their businesses for your convenience. Each one offers various yoni products and herbs to fit all your needs. Please note the local herbalists by the *. *Yes God Wellness Owner: Megan L Macpherson Location: Durham, NC (in-home) About: Holistic Wellness company passionate about the mind, body and spirit connection and dedicated to reproductive wellness. Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions, yoni cleansers/soaps, yoni oils and life coaching Website: www.yesgodwellness.com Social Media: YouTube Facebook Instagram Blog Email: [email protected] Herb Source: Organic and Kosher Manufacturer Current Sales & Specials: 15% off with code marchtowellness Upcoming Events: Goddess Retreat for Womb Wellness March 21st in Goldsboro Wholesale purchasing is available Lady Rose Specialty Teas Owner: Nishaun T. Battle, Ph.D. Location: Richmond, VA About: A holistic herbal tea lifestyle business, that customizes herbal tea products for women's empowerment. We carry herbal teas for drinking, yoni steams, herbal hair rinses, herbal hair mask, and herbal bath teas. We believe in self-care and treating the WHOLE body- mind, body, and soul. Offerings: herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions, herbal hair rinses & herbal hair masks. I also offer in person and phone consultations for wellness and self-care plans. Website: www.ladyroseteas.com Social Media: Instagram Facebook Email: [email protected] Upcoming Events: May 31st, wellness event at Lucid Living RVA, which will include a tea ceremony, meditation, yoga, and mini herbal education workshops. Wholesale purchasing is available October Lotus Owner: Asha Dickens Location: Chicago, IL About: October Lotus is a holistic healing company that provides Reiki services as well as herbal formulas for womb wellness via Yoni Steams & herbal teas. Our goal is to support people on their quest to discover & utilize alternative, natural healing methods. Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions Website: www.octoberlotus.com Social Media: Instagram Facebook Email: [email protected] Herb Source: Mountain Rose Herbs, Herbal CSA Monk’s Corner and herbal CSA Arcane Herbs Current Sales & Specials: self care box Upcoming Events: We have temporarily ceased in-person yoni steaming due to COVID-19 & will resume soon. We will also begin Reiki levels I - III attunements once things begin to clear up. Wholesale purchasing is available *Metanoia Spa Owner: Erica Jones Location: 3211 Rogers Road Suite 200-1 Wake Forest, NC About: Metanoia: the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self or way of life. We offer a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, while providing an optimal level holistic spa experience. Come Relax, Release and Rejuvenate! Our specialized treatments include Electrovalent Detox Foot Bath, Yoni (V Steaming) Steaming, Womb Care, Usui Reiki and Holistic Health Consultations. We also provide all natural products such as Shea butter creams, foot scrubs, body scrubs, herbal bath teas and soaks! Each treatment comes with a Personalized Assessment to allow a more individualized and transforming experience. Our expert staff is highly trained and dedicated to help you feel your best. WE ARE MOBILE! You can enjoy our services in the comfort of your home today! Book your appointment today! Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions, yoni cleansers/soaps, yoni oils, custom made steaming seats and Honey Pot distributor. I am a level ll Reiki Practitioner, Wholistic Health Advisor Website: www.vagaro.com/metanoiaspa Social Media: Twitter Instagram Facebook Email: [email protected] Current Sales & Specials: Ionic Foot Detox, Free Reiki Session with the purchase of a Yoni Steam Wholesale purchasing is available *Womb Buzz Owner: Melita Quick Location: Raleigh, NC About: Womb Buzz is a herbal healing company that specializes in natural womb health. Wegive women the natural know how on how to overcome gynecological struggles. Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions, yoni eggs and custom made steaming seats. Website: Wombbuzzrelief.com Social Media: Instagram Email: [email protected] Herb Source: Organic herbs 🌿 Current Sales & Specials: Free Honey Seat with Womb Buzz A Relief Case Study Upcoming Events: Vaginal Steaming Training Classes Wholesale purchasing is available *Kween Kollections LLC Owner: Kelia Williams Location: Raleigh, NC About: Providing a "Yoniverse" experience to women for feminine health and wellness with yoni steam/holistic health services Offerings: on site yoni steaming, herbs for steaming, mobile steaming services Website: www.kweenkollections.com Social Media: Instagram Email: [email protected] Current Sales & Specials: $40 yoni steam special Wholesale purchasing is available *The V Spot Owner: Carmen Murchison Location: 1631 Midtown Place, Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27609 About: The V-Spot is a vaginal steaming parlor, located in Midtown, Raleigh, NC. Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, yoni cleansers/soaps, yoni oils, yoni detox pearls, yoni scrubs and custom made steaming seats. Website: www.thevspotraleigh.com Social Media: Instagram Facebook Email: [email protected] Herb Source: Made In-House With Locally Sourced Herbs Current Sales & Specials: Custom Steaming Stools on sale during our temporary spa closing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: $100, includes 2 free bags of steaming herbs. Wholesale purchasing is available *Arified Organics Owner: Arielle Johnson Location: Online About: I offer home made natural and holistic soaps and skin care products. Offerings: herbs for steaming, yoni cleansers/soaps, yoni oils and waistbeads Website: www.arifiedorganics.com Social Media: Instagram Facebook Email: [email protected] Wholesale purchasing is available Honorable Mentions: Raine and River Apothecary (my herbalist) *Adrian's Garden Holistic Health And Feminine Wellness on Wheels *The Black Birth Healer/Boho Wellness LLC *Callwood Apothecary *Mangata Birth and Botanics *IsIs Wellness Bar Hued Shoppe & Botanica Ultra Posh If you are new to steaming, please consult with one of these herbalists or womb wellness specialists for education and instructions. I would recommend visiting one of these specialists for the optimum steaming experience before you steam at home on your own. If you know of any other herbalists or womb wellness specialists, please let me know in the comments so I can check them out. Happy Healing!  As we continue to understand and navigate through the current health crisis, I wanted to offer support and give an update on my current offerings and services. As of Monday, March 16th, Best of Both Worlds Doula Services suspended in person meetings and consultations and is currently offering online support through virtual doula services. The health and safety of you and your family (as well as my own) are a top priority for me and I want to ensure that all parties are safe during this time. I am available on Google Duo, Hangouts, Zoom, Whats App, Facebook Messenger and Skype. If you have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Current Offerings: All services are virtual and most of my services are still available to new and current clients (no postpartum visits, fitness meetups, weekly Zumba classes at the community center, grocery shopping or meal prep).
For added convenience, I am also offering 20 minute Reassurance Consultations ($10 donation) for those who may need child care & food assistance, online school resources, financial planning and hardship tips and general guidance on health care protocols and how to talk to your children about COVID-19. I want to support my clients in any way possible during this time. You can also read my latest blog post "Mindful Homebound Ideas & Remedies" to get tips on how to survive and be productive while being confined to your home. I want to reassure you that while the strain of this virus is very new, most people will probably be okay even if they catch the virus. The media has been reporting how quickly the virus is spreading and the increasing number of positive cases and deaths, BUT what they are not reporting are the people who caught the virus AND recovered. The main thing is to protect yourself, more so if you have respiratory issues or other underlying health issues that could be worsened by the virus. There is still very little known about how the virus may affect children and young adults so please talk to your children about the importance of practicing good hygiene right now. Remember, If you feel ill or have flu-like symptoms (dry cough, fever, fatigue and difficulty breathing), please avoid contact with others and going out in public. Stay home and call your doctor or the health department for further instructions. Because tests and resources are still limited, most people with symptoms should self-quarantine until they feel better and are no longer contagious. Only go to the hospital if you are feeling worst and having difficulty breathing (or you are in labor). If you are currently pregnant or newly postpartum, please take extra precautions regarding visitors and outings. Breastfeeding is safe and should be continued as normal even if the nursing person is symptomatic. Be in contact with all of your providers and your hospital or birth center to get an update on any policy & appointment changes as well as hours of operation due to COVID-19 so you can adjust accordingly. Most local hospitals have limited visitors to one support person and at the moment that includes doulas. None of this is normal, I know. Nothing feels normal right now. Never have we experienced something so unknown. But I believe this is a time to refocus and get realigned with ourselves, our goals and our higher power. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions and be sure to stay up-to-date on things with the CDC and WHO. I have also been sharing a lot of helpful and encouraging posts from others on my Instagram and Facebook pages (stories too) so be sure to follow me if you aren't already. Thank you for your patience and kindness through all of this. Remember to stay calm and take it one day at a time. Breathe. Wash your hands. Protect your physical and mental space. Take care of yourselves. I am here to provide comfort in the chaos. My family and I are safe and sound at home and I hope you and yours are as well. As always, you can reach me by phone, text, email and the apps I mentioned above.  I just wanted to take the time to thank those who have gone above and beyond to ensure that others have what they need and are taken care of.
To the doctors, nurses, researchers and other medical staff working tirelessly to provide accurate, up-to-date information and quality care THANK YOU To all essential employees, staff and city/government officials such as our child care workers, mail couriers, garbage collectors, bus drivers, grocery store clerks and cashiers, pharmacists, researchers, delivery persons, city workers, commissioners and other officials THANK YOU To the liasions helping people navigate if/when to see their providers and when/where they can get tested THANK YOU To the janitors, custodians and cleaning crews of schools, businesses and the local & national government THANK YOU To the generous community volunteers who are making sure their neighbors, friends, school aged children and the homeless have food, supplies, school lessons+resources and basic medical supplies+care THANK YOU To the local small businesses who are still serving the people of the community THANK YOU To my fellow birth workers who are continuing to serve clients in all capacities THANK YOU  In wake of the global healthcare crisis COVID-19, you are most assuredly planning and preparing your upcoming week (probably next couple of weeks) very differently than you or anyone thought. Because this is only the beginning of the containment and medical response here in the United States, we truly do not have a real idea of how long we should or will socially distance ourselves from others or when the novel coronavirus will peak and begin to slow. School and business closures have already began to occur and will only continue. Instead of using this time to worry or panic (because what will that solve), it would be best to use this time wisely so that you can stay relaxed, sane and productive as we as a country to navigate through this situation. Home & Family Life When it comes to your family life, there are several things you can do right now to keep everyone calm, busy and out of the kitchen every half hour (operation reserve the snacks).
Work & Business If you work from home, you are in an optimal position to continue working remotely without any real interception to your day. If you do not work from home or work for yourself, be sure to stay updated on your company's plan of action as well as how they will proceed with payroll and benefits. It will likely be covered under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Self-Care
Being mindful and intentional during this time is critical and essential to staying healthy. These ideas and suggestions may not work for everyone, but can be used as a general guideline for you and your family while you are confined to your home. Some may need this time to take a total break from work to rest and spend quality time with their families. And that is perfectly okay. Unplugging is also a good idea especially if you need and want to protect your mental health. Remember to support local businesses if you can. If you have any other suggestions that can be added to this list, please list them in the comments. If you are pregnant, a new parent or a caregiver/birthworker, please take extra precautions with your health and those around you. Check in with your provider regarding previously scheduled appointments. Communicate often and offer virtual support if possible (email, phone, text and video conferencing). Ask for help if you are in truly in need and of course stay up-to-date on COVID-19 matters by visiting the CDC's website.  COVID-19 Daily Schedule by The Budgetnista  It's Music Monday and yes, I'm still celebrating my doula anniversary!
Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite songs. It's music that I play when I need some creative energy or some motivation to work on my business. Here are the songs on my "I'm Bossy" Playlist: 1. Livin-Clark Sisters 2. Bossy-Kelis 3. Smile-Lil Duval 4. Blessed-Shenseea 5. We Livin-Tina Campbell 6. Kelly-Kelly Rowland 7. Boss-The Carters 8. So Fresh, So Clean-OutKast 9. Shining-DJ Khaled ft Beyonce & Jay-Z 10. Am I Wrong- Nico and Vinz As you can tell from my song choices, there is a theme-Living your BEST LIFE! And that's how I feel every day walking in my purpose! What songs motivate you? Comment below! |
About the AuthorKelly Collins Archives
May 2026
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