PRE-CONCEPTION CARE & FERTILITY

 

Pre-conception care is the best way to proactively and positively influence the health of your child.

It makes sense – healthy people make healthy babies. Environmental, general health and lifestyle factors all play a role in your fertility, pregnancy and the health of your unborn child. Pre-conception care is the best way to give your child the best start in life.

The DNA and health of your’s and your partner’s egg and sperm form the building blocks of your baby’s health. Yet they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxins, nutritional deficiencies and stress in the 3-4 months prior to conception.


NATUROPATHY & NUTRITION

The naturopathic approach to pre-conception care begins with an overall health assessment of your’s and your partner’s health, prior to conception, to identify general health, as well as reproductive, lifestyle, toxicity and environmental issues that could affect fertility or the health of your future baby.

By detoxifying, taking fertility-enhancing herbs and making specific dietary and lifestyle changes before trying to conceive, you are effectively making the healthiest eggs and sperm, maximizing your chances of having a healthy baby.

It is during this pre-conception stage that important factors effecting fertility are addressed such as:
• Reproductive disorders eg PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids, etc.
• Weight management
• Detoxification
• Rebuilding healthy gut flora

Practitioner – KATIE FORSTER


ACUPUNCTURE & IVF SUPPORT

The World Health Organisation recognises acupuncture as an effective treatment for infertility. There has been extensive research on the use of acupuncture to increase the chance of success with IVF.

Ideally it is good to have a window of 3 months before beginning IVF or any kind of ART (assisted reproductive treatment) to prepare the body. Weekly treatments are often prescribed along with herbal formulas and general lifestyle and dietary advice. All of which are tailored to the individual. Focus is on optimizing fertility and also general health, so your body, mind and emotions are strong before starting treatment.

It is common for stress levels to be elevated when undergoing fertility treatment. Acupuncture is a fantastic way to create a calm environment both physically and mentally as well as providing an opportunity for time out.

Most of the research has been focused on what we call pre- and post transfer treatments where we use specific protocols. For the pre transfer treatment, points are selected to enhance the flow of qi and blood to the uterus, nourish the endometrium lining to ensure healthy implantation of the embryo and work on relaxing body mind and spirit. The post transfer treatment focuses on creating a calm environment in the uterus, reducing cramping and increasing progesterone levels. After transfer it is recommended that the patient receive weekly acupuncture treatments which will again focus on lifting the energy, nourishing the foetus and increasing progesterone levels.

Practitioner – KYLIE STABLER