http://www.wholealchemy.com.au/

Whole Alchemy, Studio 101 70 Old Barrenjoey Road. Avalon Beach, Sydney (2026)

31/03/2026

It is suspected that as many as 50% of first time and seasoned mothers, will experience some form of postnatal depletion through their journey in motherhood. There is a wide variety of research on postpartum anxiety and depression, yet recognition of postnatal depletion is a relatively new phenomenon. This leaves women to navigate these challenging times with limited support. The aftereffects of living in this depleted state can last multiple years if no treatment is
sought after.

Fatigue in the first year postpartum can affect as many as 70% of women. In a 2023 study on 1409 postpartum women, 97% reported having sleeping problems, and 36% experiencing low resilience levels. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress responsivity, emotional distress, metabolic effects and somatic pain. Ensuring mothers are being supported to experience restorative rest (even through broken sleeps), and strengthening their resilience should be universally encouraged. This can occur through proper nourishment, correcting nutritional deficiencies, social connections and support networks, as well as practicing mindfulness techniques.
Roughly 1 in 7 women can develop postpartum depression (PPD). As many as half of women with PPD go undiagnosed due to the stigma, privacy conflicts and fear of telling family members. Some of the symptoms of postpartum depression overlap with postnatal depletion such as low moods, anxiousness, and feeling overwhelmed. This manifestation of feelings can be frightening, and confronting for those experiencing them. The first and most important step is to reach out to someone who specialises in this area of health. Having this support can help direct you to the most suitable care for yourself.

Thankfully there are an abundance of resources available such as and

You are not alone 〰️🩶

29/03/2026

Creating a new life can be one of the most significant, and transformative experiences a human can move through. It could also be one of your greatest challenges. The physical, emotional, mental and spiritual impact a baby can bestow on a new mother can be enormous and appear unexpectedly. There is so much emphasis on the importance of birth and how someone would like to deliver their baby. However, after birth women are often led to believe the hard part is over. Although birthing can come with its challenges, the act of birth does end. The postpartum/postnatal depletion period can feel unrelenting and may worsen
without proper support. It should not be underestimated the metamorphosis the body goes through in pregnancy and following birth.There have been suggestions that the female brain structure whilst pregnant can change greatly. It has been shown that first-time mothers can experience a volume reduction in extensive gray matter (GM) in the brain which affects the anterior and posterior cortical midline as well as parts of the cortex in the brain; this occurrence can last at minimum for two years. When there is a loss of gray matter, this can impact how a woman uses her muscles, listens,makes decisions, executes tasks,and processes memories and emotions. In pregnancy a mother will pass on nutrients and oxygen to a growing fetus through the placenta. In the third trimester there is a high amount of DHA (an essential fatty acid-EFA),being passed through the mother to the fetus. This transfer is necessary for the healthy growth of both eye tissues and the brain in a fetus. This conversion can leave a mother with depleted EFA stores which can lead to symptoms in the mother such as dry skin, sleep disturbances and issues with concentration. During this time following birth, many women will experience physical and emotional symptoms which could range from exhaustion, brain fog, and fatigue through to anxiety, guilt, low libido
and mood swings. Fortunately, with this increased awareness on postnatal maternal health many mothers are beginning to revolutionize wellness beyond birth and receive the much-needed support they
deserve. ✨

02/03/2026

Oooft like pregnancy and birth wasn’t hard enough, now you have worry that every precious hair is going to fall out?!

While postpartum hair loss is totally common and normal it understandably can cause anxiety and stress that your hair will not stop shedding (or you will have weird straggly bits on the side of your forehead forever!!)

When we are pregnant the anagen phase of hair growth increases- that is why during pregnancy you often have luscious locks!

After birth hormones drop and shift- this sadly means the telogen phase increases and all that beautiful hair you grew sheds (just when you feel like the bags under your eyes, weary skin, and Adam Sandler outfits are already making you feel not your best self)..

I get it- it is so hard! While this is a normal process I understand how undesirable it is.. This too shall pass.

However, if you are feeling that your hair loss is excessive; some things I would be looking at are:

Iron panel test- Low levels of iron can cause hair loss- get your levels checked (and not just ferritin).

Full thyroid panel- T.S.H, T3, T4, reverse T3 and antibodies (most doctors will typically on test T.S.H however, you can have a perfect T.SH reading and your thyroid be out of sync. Thyroid imbalances can contribute to hair loss.

Are you still taking a pregnancy multivitamin? You should be taking a pregnancy multi until you finish breastfeeding and at least 6 months postpartum even if you are solely formula feeding. Pregnancy and birth is no joke, your body needs all the replenishing it can get.

Continued in comments..

02/02/2026

Summer was oh so sweet.. lazy beach days, good books, time connecting with loved ones and simply forgetting the rush and taking it all slow.. now that we are dipping our toes back into the rhythms of 2026 I wanted to remind you of my current availability; Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I will be available for virtual sessions and at my new home

So if this is the year to focus on you, your wellbeing, and your happiness feel free to reach out I would love to guide you. 🌸

As always, functional testing, herbal remedies, nutritional guidance are here for you should you be in need. 💗 Katie

23/06/2025

Acne- red, inflamed, sore or pustular can be the result of internal conflicts such as hormone imbalances, liver dysfunction, post- pill complications or blood sugar dysregulation.

The impact of acne cannot be dismissed. The emotional and psychological ramifications can be huge. While often thought of only something that comes with the teenage years, it’s not uncommon for adults to have an experience with acne even after years of clear skin.

When supporting acne clients, I dive deeper into what is causing this for them. Often by the time they come to see me they have either tried a medication, are thinking about it, or have spent a small fortune on skin care products which have made little to no help.

Above are some simple practices to get you started on your clear skin journey.

As this condition has different causes, understanding the root of this can make all the difference to seeing long lasting results.

I also often look to many beautiful herbs in skin clearing such as baical skullcap, burdock, calendula, dandelion root, and milk thistle. *always speak to your naturopath before starting any herbs 🌿

07/05/2025

As the days get shorter, cooler and darker, our immune system’s often weaken and the chances of viral infections rises.

We often hear of what to do when we are unwell, but how do we bolster our immune system to weather the storms of winter? These foods can keep your immune system fighting strong this year.

🍊 Vitamin C rich foods- yes oranges, and grapefruits are rich in this micronutrient, but you can also look to other vitamin C rich foods such as kiwifruits, broccoli and kale.

🥣 Broths- vegetable, chicken, beef choose your fav. Broths are super rich in collagen, vitamins, and minerals. This superfood is simple and affordable to make- in those colder days your body will adore a warming cup of broth.

🍄‍🟫 Mushrooms- Rich in vitamin D, these powerhouse fungi can help to balance your immune system and destroy unwanted bacteria. There are so many varieties to enjoy such as Swiss brown, shiitake, chaga, enoki and lion’s mane.

🧄 Warming foods such as: garlic, onions, ginger, chilli and horseradish. They will provide anti-bacterial actions to the body. Rotate them in your cooking.

🍯 Manuka honey- This silky smooth honey can help boost the immune system due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Add it to a cup of tea, or take it straight off the spoon.

Stay well this winter beauties x

18/09/2024

Ooffftt so far 2024 has been a lot! A heaviness of dragging from one difficult moment to the next.. At the beginning of the year I had grand plans of how the year would unfold and all that I would accomplish, but the universe has had other things in store for me. Through this unweaving and unraveling there has been a surrender to what simply is. Also a timely reminder to myself to just be as I am. In these moments of unfolding I am returning to what soothes the soul, time in nature, rest- deep true rest that cannot be fixed with just one night’s good sleep, simplicity in foods (it can all become so overwhelming- sometimes taking things back to basics is what is needed), and a slowing down of everything: commitments, the pace in walking, or what exactly I hope to gain from each day. It’s not that aspirations or manifestations are negative but the constant pressure we put on ourselves (especially women 🌼) is quite frankly exhausting. I have an appreciation of the wins I have found this year, and beyond grateful to those who have supported me, even though it’s different than my visions I had. I am opening my arms wide to blessings that spring is giving. So wherever you are at or not at, move gently and speak kindly to yourself- your body is listening x x x

28/05/2024

Nurturing The Mother- Women’s Health Series: Part six: Kiera

In our final edition to the series, we will be sitting down with Kiera. She had expressed that she had previously experienced migraines, and had found their frequency had increased in her first pregnancy. Kiera had acknowledged that her current healthcare practitioners weren’t able to offer her much more than symptomatic treatment. Kiera wanted to have a deeper understanding as to why these were occurring for her, and what triggers may be impacting the migraines.

“Taking this approach significantly impacted my overall wellbeing in both pregnancy and postpartum. The mainstream health care I was receiving from midwives and my G.P. had its place for sure but naturopathy provided the missing pieces to the puzzle!”

Read more about Kiera’s story on the journal. Link in bio.
pregnancy Nurturing The Mother- Women’s Health Series: Part six: Kiera

In our final edition to the series, we will be sitting down with Kiera. She had expressed that she had previously experienced migraines, and had found their frequency had increased in her first pregnancy. Kiera had acknowledged that her current healthcare practitioners weren’t able to offer her much more than symptomatic treatment. Kiera wanted to have a deeper understanding as to why these were occurring for her, and what triggers may be impacting the migraines.

“Taking this approach significantly impacted my overall wellbeing in both pregnancy and postpartum. The mainstream health care I was receiving from midwives and my G.P. had its place for sure but naturopathy provided the missing pieces to the puzzle!”

Read more about Kiera’s story on the journal. Link in bio.

15/05/2024

So it has been nearly a year since I’ve done a post.. time flies between children, work, health dramas and just life! But I am back and I still would love to share my Nurturing The Mother- Women’s Health Series: Part five: Elly

I had the opportunity to sit down with Elly and discuss her journey to motherhood and how she learnt to nurture her body instead of causing it harm.

“I was completely detached from womanhood. At 21 I stopped getting my period and thought nothing of it until I wanted to start a family shortly after I got married when I was 26. I spoke to my GP, and they referred me to see a specialist clinic for IVF. I knew that wasn’t my journey and that’s when I booked a consultation with Katie.” Read more about Elly’s story on the journal. Link in bio.

30/04/2023

Nurturing The Mother- Women’s Health Series: Part three: Kate

In the fourth entry we get the opportunity to meet . When Kate first contacted me, she was struggling with hormonal acne & exhaustion. Feeling overwhelmed with all the information out there, Kate was seeking personalised guidance, that was clear and manageable to sustain.

“Being pregnant has brought my health into a whole new light. Katie has been a wealth of wisdom in helping me feel my best while I navigate all the changes and symptoms of pregnancy.

I now feel the best I have in years, and I know Katie has played a huge role in that. She has really supported me in achieving my optimal health and I’m so thankful.”

Read more about Kate’s story on the journal. Link in bio.
pregnancy

21/04/2023

The ultimate indulgent self care MOTHERS DAY GIVEAWAY is here

have teamed up to bring you a wellness package to truly nourish yourself inside and out.

As mothers ourselves we understand the need and importance of self-care & pampering. So for the hard working mummas, women missing a mumma, mother figures, or women wishing to be mumma’s, this one is for you.

Swipe along to see all the incredible offerings the lucky winner will receive.

HOW TO ENTER:
1.Follow all 6 accounts
2.Tag 3 women in your life who deserve some self-care.
3.Share this post to your stories for a bonus entry.
Giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Instagram. Giveaway will close on Friday May 12th/23 at 11:59pm AEST. Winner will be announced May 14th

Good luck! 🤍 x

06/02/2023

Nurturing The Mother- Women’s Health Series: Part three: Immy

The third entry to the series we get the opportunity to meet Immy, daughter of . When we first started working together, Immy was struggling with food allergies, reflux, and irritating eczema. Her family was feeling overwhelmed with how to support her best, and upset knowing how uncomfortable she was.

“Katie put together a lifestyle plan for Immy & I which included: reducing eczema triggering household products and swapping them out for a more natural alternatives, giving Immy smaller and more frequent milk feeds, along with baby wearing to aid her digestion. She also prescribed both Immy and I herbs and supplements to assist with her issues.

It was such a relief to my husband and I to see her symptoms improving once implementing these changes.”Read more about Immy’s story on the journal. Link in bio.

Whole Alchemy

31/03/2026

29/03/2026

02/03/2026

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23/06/2025

07/05/2025

18/09/2024

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30/04/2023

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