Nena Aleschewski Naturopath & Lactation Consultant

20/02/2025

https://theconversation.com/feeding-your-baby-butter-wont-help-them-sleep-through-the-night-whatever-tiktok-says-249699?fbclid=IwY2xjawIjP4NleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHU8r2UHxQ_oyaIqMxP9E2zCeE5cUcFGuxMnljgLT0Hw1AwOd2tw0ie-Hpg_aem_JvGOfvFBDd7VR9GQuMH78g

It might be tempting, but feeding your baby butter is not the answer. Here’s what to try instead.

20/02/2025

19/09/2024

It is feeling like a time of transformation - and so this poem just brings a little reminder that the world is an amazing place and our bodies can do incredible things.

I cannot say that I have too much experience with poetry, but I discovered this poet years ago when she spoke about the right to breastfeed in public without embarrassment (a heart-wrenching tale). See comments below for the link to that one.

May you be filled with awe at how incredible you are today.

27/08/2024

I went for a much-needed walk along the coast yesterday, and on my journey, I found a small patch of wild growing stinging nettle. It looked so alive and vibrant and strong despite its small size.
It's been a medicinal plant on my mind recently for its nutritive qualities, restoring and cleansing the blood and bringing a general gentleness. So to find a patch felt like an offering just for me.
Luckily, I found a small plastic bag at the bottom of my backpack and used it to pick a big bunch. She did bite a little, but I found some plantain up the road a bit to soothe the sting.
Nettle went into our rainbow stir-fry last night - it was in such small pieces that the kids had to eat it 🥬🤣 🌈
I love food as medicine.

26/06/2024

It's certainly a chai kind of day here in Hobart. I was inspired by my fellow herb woman with her description of Kundalini tea, that I had to make my own.

Fresh spices make all the difference. As does spending the time to grind, chop, roast and brew. My blend today is fresh ginger, cardamom, black pepper, clove, cinnamon sticks, saffron, rose and rooibos. I'd have loved to add some astragalus to support my immune system today (kids!), but I'm all out.
I might even indulge in a hint of local raw honey instead.
Do you have a favourite chai spice blend?

26/05/2024

It’s been a warm weekend of connecting with inspiring colleagues, friends and herbal medicine. Of being reminded of history, passion and hope; and how we can hold the future of the health of the world in our thoughts and actions. And although I love herbal medicine and all the tools I have on hand as a naturopath to guide someone back towards health, the most important thing is how we connect with each other. My aim to give you some hope in how to move forward in your health journey.

26/05/2024

17/01/2024

21/12/2023

There’s an article online at the moment that is promoting the idea of the ‘best’ formula milk for your baby. It’s basically an advertising piece and includes some of the most expensive formulas suggesting they are better for your baby.

I’m not going to link to it (and am 😵‍💫 it’s been published under advertising laws) but wanted to remind anyone who is worried that they can’t afford the ‘best’ formula for their baby or is feeling pressure to afford it, that there’s simply no evidence that more expensive milks are better for your baby.

All infant formulas suitable from 0 - 12 months are nutritionally equivalent and there’s no evidence that any provide better nutrition or outcomes compared to the others. They are all regulated to have very similar ingredients and the ones on sale for £9 (or whatever the lowest price is this week) will support your baby in the same way that the ones double the price will.

When you look at the ingredients list of different priced formulas they are very similar. The companies openly admit in published research to targeting different worries in their advertising of their products ie making parents think that some milks are more scientific and developed than others even though they know that this isn’t true.

Please buy whatever milk suits your budget, is most most easily available or even suits your kitchen colour scheme - which is more relevant than any advertising claims are!

15/09/2023

Movement is one of the key pillars of health and its always a part of my recommendations.
If regular gyms are uninspiring, running is not your “thing” or if you are keen to get back into your body, check out some different ways of moving at Totum Movement. They have an open day this Saturday and there’ll be free classes all morning. Check out all or some. You won’t regret it. 😊

08/09/2023

Do you need to give bub a top-up feed?

Some mums find using a supply line works for them - bub gets the extra milk and sucks at the breast at the same time.

Find out more about how a supply line works, and if it will help you at www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/supply-line

01/09/2023

You know how the choices we have to make in life can be overwhelming? That’s why we have a tendency to ask other peoples opinions for their experience. Word of mouth is vital for helping us make choices and also for businesses to thrive.

I have a few counsellors I recommend - usually I recommend practitioners to people based on what I think would be the best for them.

If you are looking for a wholesome, artistic, friendly and caring counsellor to journey with, check out my good friend Emily in her Mexican-inspired caravan (both in person and online appointments available).

https://www.caravancounselling.com.au/?fbclid=IwAR3aSvG5F1r6n2T__AbDMfPwLRmgboQ329lby5X-5wG24iybYR7xbUaHG_4_aem_ASpZ6o78scoj_NRMUdauTuNpyS11xMAMbcHf5t3Uyn966YwnuSfuL0KeiLfAmzWdGi4

CreativeCompassionateCourageous.Come on in. If you’re ready to support your mental health in a whole new way, come and visit my cosy caravan in South Hobart, Tasmania. I offer therapy that helps you to feel heard, know yourself better, and develop more authentic and positive relationships with you...