What should I know about holistic preconception care?

When a woman is ready to become pregnant, there are many ways in which she can better prepare her body for the coming changes. Pregnancy is a very exciting time in a woman's life! The time before pregnancy is also an ideal time to maximize health in order to increase fertility and improve the chances of having a healthy baby. Ideally a woman will visit a naturopathic doctor several months before she begins to try to get pregnant. Through a thorough intake and individualized treatment plan, naturopathic doctors can offer a comprehensive pre-conception plan for moms-to-be. Some options included in the treatment plan may include:

• Increased awareness of fertility and assisting women in tracking their menstrual cycles.
• Detoxification to assist in decreasing any toxic load before the baby is due in order to decrease the chance of toxins being passed to the fetus. Detoxification may include saunas, skin brushing, liver support and heavy metal testing.
• Nutritional counseling. Everyone has heard someone say "Now you are eating for two". And this is true so wouldn't it be ideal to eat healthfully and appropriately for two?! Through a detailed look at your diet and any food sensitivities you may have, an optimal pregnancy-preparatory diet can be determined and your naturopathic doctor can assist you in incorporating these changes into your life.
• Determine hormonal balance in order to maximize fertility and ease of pregnancy.
• Stress management and lifestyle counseling. It is ideal to maximize your coping mechanisms and decrease stress before you are pregnant. Your naturopathic doctor can assist you in addressing your sources of stress and ways in which to alleviate it. In addition, this is a great time to address the ways your environment is affecting our health.

How can I make my pregnancy as healthy and easy as possible?

During your pregnancy, it is necessary to increase certain vitamin and minerals to meet the needs of your growing fetus. By increasing your caloric intake, and meeting appropriate protein and fat requirements, you will optimize the health of your baby as well as your health during pregnancy, labor and postpartum.

During your pregnancy, you may experience some symptoms such as increased blood pressure, gestational diabetes, decreased venous return, morning sickness, heartburn and constipation. While these symptoms are quite common, there are natural options to help relieve them as well as preventing them from recurring. Later on during the pregnancy, naturopathic medicine can offer support for preparing for labor, including providing options for turning a breech presenting baby.

It is important to note that during pregnancy (and breastfeeding since your baby will essentially be "eating" what you are eating) that there are many natural therapies that you will want to avoid, similar to certain prescriptions. Western herbals have potent effects on the body. And while some medicinal herbs are ideal for dealing with the effects and changes of pregnancy, others may be dangerous to you or your developing fetus and should be avoided. Some commonly used herbs that should be avoided in pregnancy are listed in the downloadable form below. This list is by no means exhaustive. In general, using medicinal herbs during the first trimester is not recommended. If you do wish to use herbal medicines during pregnancy, you should consult an informed health care practitioner before you start.

Download Avoidable Herbs During Pregnancy

Should I see a naturopathic doctor after I deliver my baby?

After you have delivered your baby, naturopathic medicine can further assist you with building up your strength, optimal dietary advice for breastfeeding as well as offering support for your newborn baby. Pregnancy, labor and breastfeeding can be an exciting time, however, your energy levels may be decreased. Naturopathic medicine can offer a woman exceptional support during this time.