NeuroThrive Health

10/06/2025

Is your child struggling with low iron? .... It might be their gut!

If your child is pale, tired, often sick, or struggling to concentrate, low iron might be part of the picture. But if supplements aren’t helping, the issue might not be how much iron they are getting. It's how well they are absorbing it.

Iron absorption happens in the small intestine. If the gut lining is inflamed or the lining of the gut isn't as healthy as it should be, the iron just doesn’t get through. This is really common in children with gut symptoms, past antibiotic use, or a sensitive nervous system.

You might also see:
-Cravings for ice or some unusual ones like clay or dirt
-Headaches or low mood
-Restlessness or difficulty settling
-Behaviour changes when unwell
-Ongoing tummy troubles

At NeuroThrive, I support families by looking deeper at why the body isn’t using iron properly. Sometimes it’s stress. Sometimes it’s inflammation. Sometimes it’s the microbiome.

Book a consult via the link in bio if you’re ready to look beneath the surface.

03/06/2025

Have you tried everything and your child is still constipated?
More water. More fruit. More fibre. Maybe even laxatives.

Before I had the knowledge I do now, my middle daughter was always constipated.
We lived on Osmolax.

I still remember taking a family trip to South Australia when she was a toddler; she was so backed up I ended up at a doctor’s clinic where they had to give her an e***a.

I felt helpless.

You’re not doing anything wrong. And your child isn’t either.

The truth is, for many neurodivergent kids, constipation isn’t just a gut issue.
It’s a whole-body story.

Here’s what might actually be going on:
🧠 Their gut and brain aren’t talking properly
This is called low vagal tone. When gut-brain communication is sluggish, so are bowel movements.

😞 Their nervous system is stuck in fight or flight
When a child is stressed or overstimulated, digestion often shuts down completely.

😶 They can’t feel the urge until it’s too late
Some kids struggle with interoception. That’s the sense that tells us what’s going on inside our body.

🚫 They’re afraid to go
If they’ve had painful bowel movements before, or feel overwhelmed on the toilet, their body might start holding without them even realising it.

🦠 Their gut bacteria might be out of balance
Our gut is home to trillions of microbes that help regulate not just digestion, but mood, immunity, and even skin health. When those helpful commensal bacteria are disrupted (whether from antibiotics, food sensitivities, or stress) it can lead to inflammation, sluggish motility, and harder, more painful stools. This microbial imbalance can also show up as eczema, frequent colds, low mood, or food intolerances.

At NeuroThrive, I help families gently support digestion, improve body awareness and regulate the nervous system without pressure or shame.

If you’re stuck in the constipation cycle, I see you.
Send me a message or head to the link in bio to book a consult.

03/06/2025

Why Online Sessions Actually Work Better for Many Neurodivergent Families (Including Mine)...

Now, we've been in more waiting rooms than I can count.

I’d charge the iPads, pack all the snacks, psych myself up… and every time, it ended the same way... An overstimulated child (or three!)

They'd end up with their shoes off, running around, then came the sibling squabbles or a full meltdown before we even made it into the appointment.

Frazzled momma right on cue.

This is why I offer online sessions that meet neurodivergent kids and their families where they’re already regulated, safe, and supported.. at home.

And here’s why it works:
🏠Comfort leads to connection: Your child gets their own space.

🧘‍♀️Fewer sensory triggers: There’s no need to battle fluorescent lights or loud waiting rooms. They can wear pyjamas, bring their dog, sit under a blanket fort. We reduce demands, and their nervous system thanks us.

🤸‍♀️They’re in charge: Want the camera off? That’s okay. Need to pace or lie down or stim with a toy? Go for it. No rigid format.

😌More meaningful insights: I get to see your child in their natural rhythm; what calms them, what energises them, how they express themselves at home. That’s gold for therapeutic planning.

⏰And yes, it’s easier for you, too: No rushing after school. No traffic stress. Just a quiet click to log in, wherever you are.

I’ve opened up Tuesday evening appointments until 7:30pm to support parents who are juggling work, dinner, and everything in between.

✨ Bookings are open now via the link in bio. Or just send me a message if you're not sure where to begin.

10/05/2025

To all the mamas, today is for you.

To the mothers waking up to sticky kisses and handmade cards.
To the mothers spending today aching for a baby they once held, or never got to meet.
To the stepmamas who love with their whole hearts, even when it’s complicated.
To the grandmothers who mothered twice over, pouring love through generations.
To the aunties who show up like second mums, with snacks, cuddles, and calm in the chaos.
To the friends and sisters who hold babies, do school runs, and make space for other mamas to breathe.

To the ones raising little humans and holding it all together with tired eyes and full hearts

This Mother's Day, I want to thank my own sister, who wraps her arms around my babies and loves them like her own, looks after them every week just so I can do what I love (seeing my patients). The village is real, and I couldn’t do this without mine.

Whether today feels joyful or tender, may you feel wrapped in love. You are doing the most sacred work.

Happy Mother’s Day, from my heart to yours 💐

10/05/2025

Today started slowly.
I woke up, stayed in bed for a while, and ended up drifting back to sleep—which, honestly, was lovely.

After some big days at work (last week and this one), my body clearly needed it. Today and tomorrow I’m online all day for my counselling upgrade at uni, trying to squeeze in some paperwork too.

So I want to pause and talk about fluctuating capacity as a neurodivergent person.

Being a neurodivergent mum juggling work, uni, homeschooling, and family life means my capacity isn’t the same every day. And that’s not a flaw. That’s my nervous system doing its best to protect me when things start stacking up too high.

Some days I’m on fire—creative, clear, productive.
Other days I forget what I was saying mid-sentence, and just getting dressed feels like a small miracle.

I’m learning to work with my brain, not against it.
To build in rest. To stop measuring myself by neurotypical standards of productivity.

Because my worth isn’t in how much I do. It’s in how I show up—especially for the little people in my life who need me regulated and kind far more than they need me perfect.

So if today is a low-capacity day for you, you’re not alone. You’re doing enough. You are enough.

Breathe. Rest. Start fresh if you need to.

Also: here’s a picture of my breakfast today.
Even on the slower days, you can nourish yourself a little. I like having grab-and-go options in the fridge that don’t require much executive function. It’s something I often help my patients plan too—because support doesn’t always look like a fancy meal plan. Sometimes it’s boiled eggs, avo toast and a kiwi.

18/04/2025

Not every child looks forward to a plate full of hot cross buns and Easter eggs... and that’s okay 💛

If your little one experiences food anxiety, sensory challenges, or ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), the holidays can feel more overwhelming than joyful.

Here are some gentle ways to make Easter feel safe and fun:
🥕 Include their safe foods in the Easter festivities. A sandwich cut into bunny shapes or their favourite snack in a colourful egg still counts as magic.
🎨 Focus on connection, not consumption. Painting eggs, treasure hunts, or cuddles with the family pup can be just as special.
🐰 Avoid pressure. Trying new foods is a journey, not a requirement. Celebrate curiosity, not consumption.
🌟 Validate their feelings. “It’s okay to not want to try that right now. I’m proud of how you're listening to your body.”

This Easter, celebrate your little food explorers exactly where they’re at—creating memories filled with kindness, not pressure.

With love from all of us (and a tail wag from Poppy & Sage!) at NeuroThrive Paediatric Health 🐾💚

18/04/2025

Most of you know that I’m a naturopath at The Healthy Hormone Naturopath – one of Brisbane’s leading hormone clinics, where I support women’s health and hormones.

But what you might not know is the beautiful story of how it all came to be...

Wendy and I first crossed paths back in 2021, at a mothers’ retreat for mums of neurodivergent kids, held at (the very peaceful) Chenrezig Monastery. It was one of those rare spaces where meaningful conversations happen easily — and although we only met briefly, something about that connection stayed with us both.

We reconnected again at one of our weekend workshops at uni a few years later— and recognised each other. From that point on, it became clear that we shared not only similar professional values, but also parallel life experiences that shaped how we show up in this work.

Wendy generously welcomed me into her clinic, and it quickly became clear how well our approaches complemented each other. She’d been inviting me to join her ever since — and I’m so glad I said yes.

Being part of The Healthy Hormone Naturopath team has been such a fulfilling extension of my work — surrounded by knowledge, kindness, and a shared vision for supporting women with compassion and expertise.

I’m deeply grateful for this aligned path and the chance to work alongside someone as seasoned, wise, and wholehearted as Wendy 💛

14/04/2025

Woo-hoo! After so much behind-the-scenes advocacy by dedicated naturopaths, naturopathy is officially being reinstated on private health funds! 🎉

This means two amazing things:

You’ll once again be able to claim rebates for naturopathy through your health fund.

Only Bachelor-qualified practitioners will be recognised as naturopaths—so you can feel confident you’re seeing someone properly trained and accredited.

Huge win for the profession, and for all of you who value evidence-informed natural health care!

13/04/2025

Are you Tired, bloated, brain foggy, does your pathology say you're low in iron and other things— but no one can tell you why?

If you've been spinning your wheels with symptoms like:
-Constant fatigue
-Brain fog or low mood
-Bloating or irregular bowels
-Low iron that won’t budge and other absorption issues
-Food sensitivities that seem to come out of nowhere...
-Or maybe you've been told you 'just have IBS'..

…your gut holds the answers!

Until this Saturday only, I’m able to offer my patients an exclusive gut microbiome mapping deal — the most comprehensive test available at 30% off bringing the price close to that of the basic version.

This GI mapping includes:

✅ Detection of harmful bacteria & parasites
✅ Inflammation markers (like calprotectin & zonulin)
✅ Personalised probiotic + prebiotic advice
✅ Nutrient & polyphenol suggestions
✅ Clear, clinically-backed insights to help us get to the root of your symptoms

Whether you’re struggling with gut issues, burnout, period problems, or chronic health symptoms that don’t add up — this is the kind of data that helps us stop guessing and start targeting specific causes.

I'm so excited to pass this offer on from the testing company (CoBiome) — but it's only available until Saturday.

If you’re a new patient, you’ll just need an initial consultation first so we can make sure this test is right for you and tailor the plan to your needs.

DM me or contact the clinic to grab your spot or book your initial — but be quick, this offer ends Saturday at midnight.

03/04/2025

Did you know that what your little one eats can shape their social skills? One study in particular found that malnutrition in early childhood can impact brain function and social development—and anaemia plays a huge role!

The good news is that a nutrient-rich diet, especially iron-packed foods, can set kids up for success! Nourishing their growing brains AND social confidence.

You read more about that in detail here: https://www.neurothrive.com.au/post/the-hidden-link-between-nutrition-and-social-behaviour-in-early-childhood

💙Sarah

Early childhood is a critical period for brain development and the formation of social skills. During this time, the foundation for lifelong health and behaviour is established, making proper nutrition essential. But did you know that poor nutrition can significantly impact not only cognitive abilit...

02/04/2025

Well this is amazing news, NHAA have been tirelessly working towards having naturopathy back on the private health benefits scheme and it looks like their hard work is starting to pay off. Fingers crossed this happens, you guys will be able to access natuopathic services with less out of pocket funds!

The recommendations from the NTREAP (Natural Therapies Review Expert Advisory Panel) into natural therapies and private health insurance are publicly available on the Department of Health’s website. These are recommendations to the Health Minister, and the Minister is to change.

We are thrilled that the Panel has recommended both Naturopathy and Western herbal medicine be eligible for private health insurance benefits again.

We are not counting our chickens until the Federal Health Minister acts. However, we are so proud of all the work the NHAA, and our members have done to advocate for this outcome.

We will keep you posted on any further updates.

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/natural-therapies-review-2024-report

27/03/2025

What if your child’s meltdowns weren’t just about behaviour?

Most parents don’t realise that gut health plays a huge role in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and attention. When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can show up in ways you wouldn’t expect.

Look out for:
-Requent tummy aches, nausea, or complaints of feeling ‘off’
-Picky eating that seems to be getting worse, not better
-Unexplained mood swings or meltdowns that come out of nowhere
-Constipation or loose stools more often than not
-Extreme reactions to textures, smells, or new foods

If any of this sounds familiar, know that it’s not in your head—and you’re not alone. Gut health isn’t just about digestion; it’s deeply connected to how your child feels, thinks, and reacts to the world around them.

This is exactly what I help parents with—getting to the root of these challenges instead of just managing symptoms.