Optimal Fertility and a Healthy Pregnancy

Fertility is the natural state of the species.  We are designed to have offspring for the sake of human kind. Of course, parenthood isn’t for everyone and nowadays we have more of a choice to avoid a family if desired.

But for those trying to conceive (TTC) and finding it challenging, even with all the testing and reproductive technology available it can be heart-breaking.

There are several factors that decrease fertility in both females and males.  Many of them are environmental, from pollutants to lack of nutrients, and therefore, many of the issues against healthy fertility are reversible or treatable.

Eggs and sperm take ~100 days to mature/develop, so in an ideal scenario, a couple will come in for preconception support at least 4 months before they start trying to conceive so that we can work together to put forward the best possible genes from each parent.

No matter where you are at in your conception journey:  trying to conceive for the first time or the tenth time, with or without a history of miscarriage or difficulty in achieving pregnancy, or already pregnant I’d love to support you to produce a healthy, vibrant child.

Difficulty With Conception

If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than 6-12 months without success then it’s time to upgrade your efforts!  The answer may lie in underlying hormonal states (from estrogen to thyroid), nutritional status, egg health, toxic load, or it may be down to your and your partners particular genes.  Genetic testing are available and can shine the light on hidden issues and allow us to optimize your chances of becoming parents.

If conception is elusive after 12 months of trying and you’re under 35 years old then you’re eligible for a full medical work up. Over the age of 35 you only needs 6 months of TTC in order to get assessed.

Health During Pregnancy

While wonderful, pregnancy is a big stress on a woman’s body!  This is a perfect example of when naturopathic medicine can work *with* a body to really maximize the power within.  Nausea, digestive changes, and fatigue can distract from the “glow” of pregnancy, while elevated blood pressure or blood sugar levels can be downright dangerous.  Each trimester has unique nutritional requirements for both mama and baby.

Labour And Delivery

Should you choose to deliver at home or in a hospital, with or without an epidural, vaginally or via Caesarean birth, there are safe and natural products to support your transition from pregnant to parent.

Lactation

There is no doubt that breast milk is the ultimate best food for a newborn, however, some women are naturally less able to produce milk than others.  There are SO many options for promoting breast milk (one day I’ll write a blog post about my aunt who breastfed both of her adopted children!  It is possible).  If you want to breast feed but find it to be a struggle, or painful, and you’re losing hope please don’t give up until we’ve had a chance to run through your options!  

Should you choose formula, we can talk about that too! They aren’t created equally, and until we meet your little nugget and understand their digestive health, you may need to work through a few options. If formula turns out to be the best option for your baby then it’s wise to know the pros and cons of each.