Author: Mariah Z Leach

In recent years, new drugs called “biosimilars” have become available in the United States, and in the summer of 2023 at least eight new competitors to adalimumab (Humira) will be introduced. This article from the Arthritis Foundation explains how these new biologic drugs compare with existing ones, and addresses whether biosimilars should be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Biosimilar Safety in Pregnancy

Parenting is a challenging and rewarding experience, but for those living with chronic illness, it can be even more complex. In this episode of the Crunchy Allergist Podcast, Dr. Kara Wada talks with Mariah Leach. Both moms with chronic illness, they share personal experiences parenting with chronic illness and discuss the unique challenges and strategies they have developed to manage their health and meet the needs of their families. Learn more about the episode and find a transcript here! Find the the Crunchy Allergist on Apple Podcasts.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift, but all opinions expressed in this review are my own. If you’ve ever looked at a parenting website, it’s not unusual to see advice or jokes focused on the toll parenthood can take on a couple’s sex life. In fact, it’s such an obvious reality for most parents that there doesn’t seem to be much guilt or stigma involved in trying to improve your sex life after having kids. While I am now a parent of three small children (who certainly do impact our sex life!) I can honestly…

When I originally started looking for information on planning a pregnancy while living with rheumatoid arthritis, the very first place I looked was the Arthritis Foundation, since I knew they were a trusted resource with medically-verified information. While they did have a few articles on the subject back then, I always wished for more. So I’m super exited to share that now there is a lot more! The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an entire hub of their website dedicated to family planning, pregnancy, and parenting!! There are some great pregnancy planning topics, such as: family planning; genetic risks; preparing for…

When she was just six-years-old Rikki Stinnette’s mom was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This life-changing diagnosis not only impacted her mother, it also altered the course of Rikki’s life. Based on her own experiences as a child, Rikki was inspired to write and direct a short film, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review it. (You can also check out Rikki’s article where she shares four reasons that having a mom with RA made her a better adult!) In a little more than ten minutes, Revenge of the Electric Cart took me on an emotional roller coaster…

A friend of mine was walking through target the other day when she came across this book: Horizontal Parenting – How To Entertain Your Kid While Lying Down by Michelle Woo. It sounded right up my alley, so I bought a copy to review! This book is aimed at parents in general – because every parent has days when they just want to lie down. But I do love that this book (and the fact that it’s for sale in a mainstream place like Target) normalizes the fact that all parents have their own bodies and their own energy levels.…

If at all possible, I try to avoid having my kids tag along to my medical appointments. Having kids in the exam room with you can make it difficult to focus, it can be distracting and disruptive, and it can be downright exhausting – particularly if it’s an appointment you didn’t really feel like going to in the first place. But, as a mom living with a chronic illness, I have a lot of medical appointments. And unfortunately finding childcare isn’t always practical or possible. Sometimes I have no choice but to arrive, kid in tow. I think having child…

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of motherhood with chronic illness is helping your children understand what is going on with your body and encouraging acceptance about how your illness may impact them. How can you help them develop empathy about what you’re experiencing, especially if your illness is invisible? Where’s the line between being honest and making them worry? What’s the best way to address their concerns in kid-friendly language? This is a topic that will likely need to be an ongoing discussion in your family – and sometimes reading a book together can help! Some Days: A…

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of motherhood with chronic illness is helping your children understand what is going on with your body and encouraging acceptance about how your illness may impact them. How can you help them develop empathy about what you’re experiencing, especially if your illness is invisible? Where’s the line between being honest and making them worry? What’s the best way to address their concerns in kid-friendly language? This is a topic that will likely need to be an ongoing discussion in your family – and sometimes reading a book together can help! CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW:…

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of motherhood with chronic illness is helping your children understand what is going on with your body and encouraging acceptance about how your illness may impact them. How can you help them develop empathy about what you’re experiencing, especially if your illness is invisible? Where’s the line between being honest and making them worry? What’s the best way to address their concerns in kid-friendly language? This is a topic that will likely need to be an ongoing discussion in your family – and sometimes reading a book together can help! Ravyn’s Doll -…