Mother knows best: Holistic lifestyle catching on locally

A new chapter of the Holistic Moms Network is taking shape on the Emerald Coast, after holding its chapter kick-off open house last week at the Destin Public Library.

Stefanie Werner, chapter leader for the Emerald Coast Chapter, said the holistic approach is not for everyone, but it’s more of a personal choice.

“It is about trying to stay away from sugary and processed foods,” the Niceville resident said. “You want to focus on wellness for yourself and for your family, by making the best choices that you can. We try and stay away from a lot of the chemicals that can disrupt the natural balance of your body.”

The Holistic Moms Network encourages new moms to trust their instincts, to parent from the heart, and to educate themselves about the pros and cons of all healthcare options.

“I made the decision not to raise my son in the medical paradigm,” Werner told the Log. “So many pediatricians will treat a child with antibiotics and drugs that may not be necessary or the best choice.”

“We don’t take him to the doctor, but we do take him to see a chiropractor,” Werner said. “My son is 3-years-old and has only been sick once.”

Werner said the main thing she wants people to know is that the holistic lifestyle is “all about your personal level of comfort.”

Werner started the Emerald Coast branch of holistic moms so, “women can unite and start networking to determine the best possible ways to keep their families healthy, and as toxin-free as possible.”

Werner, who recently attended Green Fest at Destin Commons, said she has had a tremendous response so far in her efforts to spread the word of holistic moms.

“So many mothers came up to me and told me how excited they were,” she said. “So many people are living this type of lifestyle, we just want to use the group as a support system for them.”

The Holistic Moms Network is a non-profit organization and was founded in 2003. It currently has more than 100 chapters across the United States.

“From the word of mouth, and the buzz I have heard on Facebook,” Werner said, “we already have around 60 to 100 people that are interested.”

The Emerald Coast chapter will encompass Destin, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview.

For more information on the Holistic Moms Network, call 850-855-9758, or visit www.holisticmoms.org