Can you detail what you do?

I am a naturopath specialising in women's health and fertility. I support women and couples on their reproductive journey. From coming off hormonal contraception, to balancing hormones, preconception care, all the way through to pregnancy and postpartum support. 

What led you to pursue this?

I have always being passionate about fertility & women’s health. I grew up listening to my mother’s struggles with endometriosis and her difficulties to conceive and that ignited within me a strong desire to assist others on similar journeys. 

What are some of the most common issues you treat for women?

I treat a lot of hormonal & reproductive concerns such as PMS, PMDD, period pain, endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid imbalances, recurrent miscarriage, pregnancy complaints, anxiety, depression and postpartum depletion. My approach utilises dietary advice, lifestyle change, nutritional supplements and herbal medicine. 

Do you think that all women could benefit from supplementation?

I struggle to answer this question because we are all so different! To be very general, I think most women can benefit from a quality magnesium supplement, beef liver capsules and a fish oil high in DHA. Magnesium can help with hormones, sleep quality, and mood regulation.  Beef liver is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, unfortunately not many of us consume it in our diet so having it in capsule form is a nice daily nutrient boost.  Omega-3’s found in fish oil are important for hormonal health, pregnancy & breastfeeding. 90% of Australian women don’t meet DHA requirements for pregnancy and lactation so supplementation is often necessary. 

Are prenatal/pregnant/postpartum women able to adequately nourish their bodies through food alone?

The demands of pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are huge, and I find it rare that women can thrive in this stage of life without support from supplements or herbal medicine. In the perfect world we would be getting all our nutrients from food but in this modern day it just isn’t realistic for most women. 

How can a postpartum woman speed up her recovery process?

Recovering from childbirth can be supported by nourishing foods, quality supplements, and specific herbal remedies. Nutrient-rich foods such as bone broth, slow-cooked meats, eggs, soups, oily fish, fruits, and vegetables can aid in the healing process. I find raspberry leaf (whether in tea or tincture form) particularly beneficial in the immediate postpartum period, as it can help reduce bleeding and promote breast milk production. 

It's crucial to emphasise the importance of rest. While herbs and supplements can be supportive, they cannot replace the necessity of adequate rest. Rest allows your organs to return to their original size and position and supports your body in producing the necessary hormones for breastfeeding.

How much does nutrition play a part in fertility? 

The importance of nutrition in fertility cannot be overstated. Our dietary choices directly affect our levels of vitamins and minerals, which in turn significantly impact hormonal health, and quality of both eggs and sperm. Deficiencies in specific nutrients are closely linked to infertility. For instance, in women, a deficiency in zinc is linked to diminished egg quality and lower implantation rates, while in men, it can result in decreased sperm count and impaired sperm quality. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, along with adequate hydration, is crucial for optimising fertility and increasing the chances of conception.

What are some simple things very nauseous mums-to-be can ingest when all they wants are crackers and plain pasta?

Incorporating protein into your meals and snacks can help stabilise blood sugar levels and provide essential nourishment for your body. While carbohydrates may be your primary craving, combining them with protein can offer longer-lasting relief from nausea. Consider options like crackers with cheese, apple slices with nut butter, toast with eggs, and muesli with Greek yoghurt. Additionally, I recommend including bone broth in your diet as much as possible. It's gentle on the stomach and rich in nutrients. One of my favourite pregnancy hacks is cooking rice in bone broth; the rice absorbs the broth's goodness, enhancing its flavour and nutritional value. Another helpful tip is to add a pinch of sea salt to your water and aim to drink at least 2 litres daily. Slightly salted water aids in proper hydration, which can help expand blood volume and maintain blood pressure—both of which are beneficial for managing nausea during pregnancy.