Many herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, especially when taken internally as some may cause uterine contractions or cause a miscarriage due to their astringent effects. It is best to seek the advice of a Healthcare professional if you intend to use herbs internally. It is generally recommended not to use any herbs during pregnancy, especially […]

DIET TIPS FOR IMPROVING BREAST MILK SUPPLY The most important thing to remember is making sure you are adequately hydrated (2-3 litres of water/ day) and to reduce or eliminate diuretics such as sugar, coffee, tea, chocolate and alcohol which dry up milk Milk production burns 500 calories/ day so ensuring that you are eating […]

In regards to folic acid (also known as Vitamin B9) in the second and third trimesters of gestation, it is still an important nutrient for the development of the baby. It is ideal to build your levels of Folic acid in the preconceptive phase as well as the first trimester as this is the time […]

Most women experience hair loss around three months after their child is born. This may occur due to the changes in the body hormones which occur during pregnancy, breast feeding and post pregnancy adaption. During pregnancy there is more Oestrogen (female hormone) being produced in the body. This is a hormone which causes the hair […]

Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) is a wonderful womens herb which has been used historically for many conditions of female reproductive health as well as being beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions.  Women may present with varying symptoms relating to premenstrual symptoms (PMS) such as breast pain, irritability, headaches, back pain and fluid retention of which Evening […]

It is helpful to get a full blood profile (which includes iron levels and thyroid function) and a salivary test to diagnose hormonal imbalances. A naturopathic consultation can also help find any nutritional deficiencies you may be unaware of, educate you in your lifestyle choices and prepare you for pregnancy. Please also keep in mind that […]

Introducing food groups into your childs diet is best done slowly, begin with good quality foods seperately and go slowly to build up the variety of foods. It is best to wait for at least five days between each food type. You might want to begin with pumpkin, banana or paw paw and then after […]

GESTATIONAL DIABETES Gestational diabetes is a complication many women experience during pregnancy due to hormonal changes influencing digestion and pancreatic function (a decrease in the amount of insulin produced).  This carbohydrate intolerance’ usually occurs in the later stages of pregnancy and generally resolves itself after the delivery of the baby, however, in the meantime can be […]

Mastitis is the blockage of one or more of the glands which produce the milk. It is generally caused by inflammation of the mammary gland ducts. The milk flow is lessened and the breast may become engorged with breast milk. This can be a frustrating complaint for new mothers and it requires special attention and […]

Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting) is experienced at different levels of severity from a few days after conception and usually tapers off by the end of the 2nd trimester. It can be experienced during the whole day or only in the morning. DIET TIPS FOR MORNING SICKNESS Use herbal teas which help to calm the […]