Melissa Poczwa Naturopathy

17/01/2026

💛 I’ve officially started my maternity leave!

I’ll be stepping away from consultations until late 2026 to focus on this exciting new chapter with baby #2.

While I’m away:
• Ongoing support is available through my maternity leave cover naturopath, Kira, at Sunny Natal in Kiama.
• For new patients, I encourage you to book with Kira — she’s very knowledgeable and you’re in great hands.
• Alternatively, you can join my waitlist to see me when I return via my website.

I won’t be active on emails or social media during this time — the juggle of two little ones is going to be a fun transition!

Thank you so much for your support and patience. I look forward to seeing you all again when I return. 💛

Photo credit: (absolutely loved our maternity shoot, highly recommend Racqel)

23/12/2025

A little 2025 reflection 🤍

This year held a lot, professionally and personally, and I’m so grateful for the women and families I’ve been able to support along the way.

Here’s a recap my year at Sunny Natal and what’s ahead for 2026 ✨

18/12/2025

Meet Kira 🤍

With my maternity leave coming up in mid Jan, I wanted to formally introduce Kira, the wonderful naturopath who’ll be supporting my patients while I’m away.

Kira has a special interest in women’s health, fertility and gut health. Her sporting background means she’s also fantastic at supporting nutrition and metabolic health.

Most importantly, Kira will have full access to all patient notes and treatment plans, so care continues smoothly and seamlessly during my leave.

If you’re an existing patient needing ongoing support, or you’ve been thinking about booking in and I’m currently unavailable, you’ll be in very safe hands 🤍

Kira’s clinic days are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

28/09/2025

✨ My absolute go-to breakfast!
Every Sunday we make a big batch (in individual containers) so they’re ready to grab and go each morning. It saves so much time and keeps breakfast nourishing and filling.

Here’s the recipe 👇 (save for later)

✨Overnight Oats ✨
• ½–1 cup oats (depending on your serving size)
• 1 scoop protein powder (I love cocoa flavour)
• ⅛ cup chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp LSA mix
• 1 tsp psyllium husks
• Handful of nuts & seeds
• 1 cup water (or ½ cup if using ½ cup oats)
• ½ cup milk of choice
• 1 Tbsp cacao (extra choc flavour – optional but yum!)
• Handful frozen berries
• Yoghurt to top (optional)

Method:
1. Combine all dry ingredients in a jar/bowl and stir.
2. Add water + milk, then stir again.
3. Refrigerate overnight.

💡 Tip: Make a few serves at once for quick, fuss-free breakfasts during the week!

25/09/2025

🥩 Heme Iron & Why Red Meat Matters

Iron isn’t the only reason meat is a nutritional powerhouse! Heme iron (from animal sources) is absorbed 15–35% more efficiently than plant-based iron (5-10% on average), and meat also provides a range of key nutrients your body needs:

✨ Protein – complete amino acids for muscles, hormones & enzymes
✨ Vitamin B12 – essential for nerve health and red blood cell formation
✨ Zinc – supports immunity and metabolism
✨ Other B vitamins – energy production & brain function
✨ Creatine – boosts energy in muscles & brain
✨ Micronutrients in organ meats – vitamin A, copper, selenium

💛 Including a variety of heme iron foods, like red meat, poultry, and liver, can help support energy, blood health, and overall wellbeing.

🔹 Tip: Pair with some plant foods for fibre and additional vitamins & minerals!

-heme

22/09/2025

✨ Re-introduction time! ✨

Hi, I’m Mel 👋 I’m a naturopath (BHSc) based in Kiama, specialising in gut health, women’s health, fertility, and postpartum care.

It’s been a little while since I’ve shared here, so I thought I’d reintroduce myself for anyone new. A few things about me:

• I’m passionate about helping women feel their best through food, lifestyle support, and functional testing when needed.

• I love supporting patients with gut health, hormones, stress, and all the little things that impact energy, mood, and sleep.

• Outside of clinic, I’m a mum, dog lover 🐶, and chai enthusiast ☕.

I’m taking on new patients at in Kiama. I’m excited to share more tips, case studies, and behind-the-scenes again here soon 💛

👉 I’d love to get to know you. Drop a comment and say hi!

10/08/2025

Join me this week at Shellharbour Library for my upcoming workshop, Nourishing Busy Parents 🧡

If you’re a busy parent looking for practical nutrition advice to help you prioritise your health, so you can keep showing up for your family. This one’s for you!

Share with a friend who could use a little extra nourishment in their life. Details below ⬇️

📅 Thursday, 14 August 2025
🕙 10:30 am – 11:30 am
📍 Shellharbour City Library
🎟️ Free event – bookings essential via Eventbrite

07/07/2025

Want to learn how to track your ovulation and better understand your cycle? 🤰

Join me for my upcoming Fertility Awareness Workshop:
✨ Conceive with confidence by learning to identify your fertile window and ovulation signs — without relying solely on apps or guesswork.

🗓 Wednesday 30th July
🕖 7pm AEST – Live on Zoom
💌 Includes replay + tracking guide
💰 $20 – redeemable on a future consultation

This 1-hour workshop is ideal for anyone trying to conceive or planning to soon.

📩 Limited spots available — comment “FERTILITY” below and I’ll DM you the booking link, or head to the link in bio.

Understand your cycle, track ovulation with confidence, and take control of your fertility journey in this live webinar.

02/07/2025

How do you know if you’re actually ovulating? 💧
These are some of the clearest signs your body gives you — but it’s easy to miss them (especially if you’re relying only on tracking apps).

In my upcoming webinar, Conceive with Confidence, I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step: how to track, when to test, and how to read your own cycle signs — without overwhelm.

🎟 $20 to join | Includes replay + tracking guide
🗓 Wednesday 30 July @ 7pm AEST

Want the link? Comment FERTILITY and I’ll DM it to you. Or find it in my bio.

22/06/2025

✨ Nourishing Busy Parents – happening tomorrow! ✨
Join me Tuesday 25 June at 10:30am at Kiama Library for a free, baby-friendly session designed to support parents with simple, practical nutrition tips.
We’ll chat about how to:
🥣 Meet your daily protein needs
🍳 Make quick & nourishing breakfasts
🧺 Prep meals and snacks for busy days
🌿 Use food to support mood, sleep & energy

📍 Free event at Kiama Library
🍼 Babies welcome

Comment “library” and I’ll DM you the link to register!

12/06/2025

✨ Find Me Featured in The Bugle! ✨
I’m so grateful to be featured in this week’s edition of our local paper, The Bugle — available in today’s print edition!

The article shares a bit about my journey into naturopathy and how I support clients with gut health, hormones, fertility and postpartum care.

If you’ve ever been curious about naturopathy or whether it could support your health, I offer free 10-minute discovery calls — a chance to chat, ask questions, and see if we’re a good fit to work together.

📍 In-person appointments are available in Kiama at Sunny Natal, or online via Zoom
📰 Swipe through to read the article

📆 Book a free discovery call via the link in my bio

Big thanks to The Bugle for the warm welcome to the Kiama community 💛