Birth and Beyond Naturopathy

01/02/2024

For more information check out my website
www birthandbeyondnaturopathy.com.au

24/01/2024

23/01/2024

The digestive tract can become stagnant and cold affecting its overall function. When the body is healing it needs warmth to simulate bloody flow and function. Warm foods and fluids boost your energy force along with supporting the breakdown of foods and the absorption of vitamin and minerals. It is best to avoid raw cold foods and drinks as much as possible. Water should be at least room temperature or warmer.

Food Sources include:
Bone broths, herbal teas, porridges, soups, slow cooked meals, cooked vegetables and warming spices (cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamon, cloves, cayenne, star anise).

Hospital bag tip – Pack some fresh ginger and use it for ginger tea, sip on it through out the day post birth to aid recovery.

18/01/2024

What is postnatal depletion?

Postnatal depletion is a physical and mental deterioration/fatigue caused not just by the process of giving birth and breastfeeding, but by the stresses and strains of modern parenthood.
Factors which contribute to postnatal depletion include
- Lack of support
- Nutrient deficiencies – in particular Vitamin D, Iron, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc
- Poor diet
- Not enough rest/sleep
- Poor gut health
- Poor immune system
The list continues.

Symptoms of postnatal depletion includes:
1. Fatigue and exhaustion – No parenthood is not meant to completely exhausting
2. Feeling tired upon awakening after a good sleep (not interrupted by bubs)
3. Hypervigilance
4. Difficulty concentrating
5. Anxiety
6. Poor memory
7. Loss of libido

My 6-Week Postnatal course provides in-depth information for the prevention of postnatal depletion 😊
www.birthandbeyondnaturopathy.com.au

17/01/2024

The fourth trimester is the 12-week period immediately after you have had your baby. This has meaning for both the mother and infant separately, as they are both going through many physical and emotional changes.

It is important that during this time the mother rests as much as possible as the body is healing from both carrying a baby and the birth. You may start to look and feel great after a couple of weeks post birth, however you can’t see what’s really going on inside of the body. You are also adjusting to a new child in the family. 

It is a great time to ask for help. You’re not weak if you ask for help. It takes a Village to support a MOTHER/PARENT to raise a family.

Nutrition – This is not a time to go on a ‘diet’ to get rid of some baby weight. It is a time to focus heavily on what goes into your body.
Nutrition supports milk production and quality of milk, it supports the body to heal from trauma. Yes, pregnancy and birth is a trauma to the body even if it was a positive experience. Nutrition is an important factor in the prevention of postpartum depletion. 

Hydration – Is key during this time. Water supports milk production, postpartum fluid retention postpartum sweats.
Water formula 30ml x weight in kg = recommended water intake in mls per day. If you are breastfeeding, then add an additional 1lt on top of that

Exercise – It is fantastic to get the body moving during the fourth trimester and beyond. It is important to listen to your body and take things slowly. Everybody has a different birth and pregnancy/ childbirth can affect everybody differently. Start by walking around the room, the backyard, the block etc. Remember to get clearance from a GP or even better a women's health physio if you're wanting to step things up.

Understanding the fourth trimester and being prepared in what is about to come prior to delivery will support a faster and easier recovery and potentially a more enjoyable beginning to parenthood with the decreased risk of postpartum depletion.

12/01/2024

6-Week Postnatal Course

A Comprehensive step by step guide to postpartum healing designed by a naturopath
Many people plan the birth, the nursery, the pram, the breast pump, the car, the car seat etc However, amidst the excitement of preparing for your baby's arrival, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of planning for your postpartum healing journey. This comprehensive guide aims to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary for optimal recovery and the prevention of postnatal depletion.

This course dives into
- the Fourth trimester, what to expect, and how to support your health
- Lifestyle recommendations
- Nutritional Advice
- Mental health
- Breast health and breastfeeding.

Also includes:
- 1x 20 minute supplement overview
- Recipes
- Blood test cheat sheet
- Contact directory

This course is the perfect baby shower gift, offering the soon-to-be mother a resourceful and insightful guide to navigate the start of motherhood with confidence and optimism😊

Price: $239

08/01/2024

M.I.A

Sorry I have been MIA for such a long time now, there has been a lot happening here behind the scenes at Birth and Beyond Naturopathy and I’m finally ready to share.
Back in May we welcomed our gorgeous baby girl Sage Honey Bee (Sagey Baby) into the world and we are all completely smitten. She has just slotted right in, and her two older brothers can’t get enough of her.  I have completely dived into this whole mother of 3 world and honestly there hasn’t been much time for anything else. Sage is completely attached to me, she is my clip-on koala and rarely can somebody else hold her, which understandably requires a considerable amount of my attention. To be honest I LOVE being her safety nest right now even if it does make things difficult to juggle with the older boys also needing my attention.

Anyway, whilst I was pregnant, I decided to write a comprehensive 6-week postpartum healing guide. I was able to follow this guide throughout my postpartum healing journey, and I will continue to do so. I am eager to share it with others navigating the postpartum phase. Stay tuned I will be sharing more information about the course in the coming days 😊

I am currently only accepting a limited number of patients via zoom upon request. I will open my books up for those who purchase my postnatal course which includes a complimentary 20-minute appointment. If you have any inquiries or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sam Xx

08/09/2022

Eczema also known as dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. It may appear to be dry, red, and itchy. It can also be cracked, weepy and or scabbed over.
Babies with eczema Signs and symptoms may include:
- Dry, red rash on the face
- Rash on their scalp, body, arms, legs and behind their ears. It can also cover their whole body
- Rash in the skin creases around knees, elbows, ankles and wrists.
- Sleepless nights due to itching

Factors contributing to the development of eczema:
- External factors – for example, chemicals (bubble baths, soaps), detergents,plants, latex, dust mites or animal fur, wool, synthetic fibres and overheating, antibiotic use
- Internal factors – Genetics – families with a known history of eczema, asthma, hayfever, food allergies/intolerances, introducing solids too early, Viral or bacterial infections

Babies and Gut Health
A babies gut does not mature until around the age of 2.5years old. During this time, babies and toddlers are left with a ‘leaky gut'. The gut is made up of tight junctions; tight junctions are pretty much a webbing barrier that allows things like protein and larger particles to flow in and out of the gut into the bloodstream. Causing increased inflammation within the body along with an immune response resulting in eczema flare-ups.

When I'm looking at eczema cases I like to take a full case history to support the evidence to try and identify the possible root causes of eczema. It is important to get a full diet and lifestyle diary to see if it possibly is internal or external factors contributing to the eczema. Identifying potential nutrient deficiencies to support the overall gut function. For example, vitamin D is required for the maturation of the gut microbiome.

Nutrients that support the health of the skin and inflammation include vitamins A, C, D, E, Selenium, Zinc, and Essential fatty acids (good fats).
Probiotics are also beneficial here, particular strains are generally case related, however typically Lactobacillus rhamnosus support reactive eczema-prone skin in babies.

If your child suffers from eczema and you want to identify the root cause, get in touch and book an appointment today 😊

30/08/2022

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for many systems of the body. 1 in 4 Australian adults has a vitamin D deficiency, which increases during the winter months in the southern states; Those with darker skin are more at risk of a vitamin D deficiency due to the melanin in the skin preventing absorption. Those who have fair skin absorb a higher amount of vitamin D.

Immune health
Vitamin D is the controller of the immune system regulating the immune response; a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of infection. Having low vitamin D levels have been linked to a poorer outcome of the dreaded bug circulating the globe.
Because of vitamin D's role in the immune system, anyone with an autoimmune condition must maintain an optimal vitamin D level, a deficiency will contribute to the worsening of the condition symptoms.

Mental health
Have you ever heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? This generally happens in climates where the weather is cold, and the sky is grey with low sunlight contributing to low mood, depressive thoughts, lack of motivation, fatigue, insomnia and more. People are more susceptible to developing SAD in the southern states of Australia. A vitamin D deficiency has been shown to contribute to SAD.
Pregnant women and postnatal women with a vitamin D deficiency have an increased risk of developing postnatal depression and anxiety.
Those diagnosed with schizophrenia have been linked to having a vitamin D deficiency, it can also contribute to acute episodes.

Others
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for the absorption of calcium and contributes to strong bones. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory beneficial for many skin conditions. Vitamin D supports blood sugar regulation by improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. It is also required for maintaining cognitive function.

To be continued below >>>

11/08/2022

Here is a friendly reminder to have a glass of water.

Our body is made up of predominately water and is essential for our body function.

How do you know if you're having enough?
There is a simple formula
30ml x weight in kg = mls per day

If you struggle to remember to drink enough then carry a drink bottle around, use an app or even make sure you drink a glass every time you enter the kitchen.

Some days if I am struggling to drink enough I will fill a jug of water and add frozen berries or mint leaves even a tbls of chia seeds.
I also count herbal teas towards my daily quota. Especially in winter I have a 1Lt pot of tea on the bench I can always sip on. Whether it's ginger, lemongrass or hibiscus.
The only teas which don't count are caffeinated teas such as green tea, this is because caffeine is a diuretic.

You have zero excuses, Drink more water!