Dr. Valerie Penton, Naturopathic Doctor

12/14/2025

12/09/2025

If you are between 2-4 months post partum and experiencing noticeable hair loss, you are not alone! This is a common biological process called Postpartum telogen effluvium (TE). TE is normal, temporary hair shedding after childbirth, typically starting 2-4 months postpartum, caused by dramatic hormonal shifts (dropping estrogen/progesterone) that push many hair follicles into a resting (telogen) phase simultaneously, leading to widespread, diffuse hair loss that usually resolves within several months as hormones balance. While it’s self-limiting and hair regrows, gentle hair care, managing stress, and ensuring good nutrition (protein, iron, vitamins) can help manage it, though no specific treatment stops it. 

How it unfolds:
* Shifting hormones: During pregnancy, high estrogen levels keep hair in the growing (anagen) phase longer. After birth, these hormones drop rapidly, causing many hairs to enter the resting (telogen) phase and fall out together.
* Shedding Pattern: You’ll notice excessive shedding when brushing, in the shower drain, or on your pillow, but it’s diffuse (all over), not patchy.
* Timing: Shedding usually peaks around 3-4 months postpartum and lasts a few months, with most women recovering full fullness. 
Management & Care
* Be Gentle: Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive brushing, and heat styling; use a wide-tooth comb.
* Careful of those tiny mighty infant fists that can hold onto hair tightly and not want to let go 😂
* Nutrient-Rich Diet: Focus on protein, fruits, and vegetables; address deficiencies in iron, B12, and folic acid if present.
* Manage Stress: Self-care, relaxation, and adequate sleep can help.
* Camouflage: Lighter conditioners or layering can make hair look fuller. 

When to See a Doctor
* If shedding seems excessive or prolonged.
* To rule out other conditions like thyroid issues or nutrient deficiencies.

11/24/2025

If you or someone you know is in a dangerous domestic situation please reach out to one of the many supports available in Newfoundland and Labrador. This time of year can be a season of increased stress and need for support.

The Office for the Status of Women and the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador are pleased to partner...

11/24/2025

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_groupastrep_inst_adult

Different kinds of infections can happen after childbirth. Group A streptococcus is one kind that can cause serious infections in the blood or body tissues. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of an infection.

11/22/2025

Join me in welcoming the newest Naturopathic Doctor (ND) to Newfoundland, Dr. Emily Burt 🩺
Dr. Burt will be practicing out of Gander and will no doubt be an amazing addition to our community.
We are excited to have you Dr. Burt!

✨Introducing Dr. Emily Burt, ND ✨

Dr. Burt is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor joining Gander Chiropractic Integrative Health and is thrilled to begin offering naturopathic care here in Gander. 🌿💚

She completed her Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University before earning her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. Having grown up in Gander, returning to serve her community feels incredibly grounding and full-circle.

Dr. Burt takes an individualized, collaborative approach to care and firmly believes naturopathic medicine works best alongside conventional treatment — not in place of it. She has a special clinical interest in integrative cancer care, supporting individuals through all stages of their cancer journey—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship. Her approach focuses on improving quality of life, minimizing treatment-related side effects, and helping patients feel more grounded, empowered, and supported during times of uncertainty.

Alongside her oncology-focused work, Dr. Burt maintains a broad general practice, frequently supporting patients with digestive concerns, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, pain, stress, and general wellness goals. Her care is evidence-informed and rooted in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and mind-body medicine—blending science with empathy and deep respect for the body’s innate ability to heal.

To celebrate her start at Gander Chiropractic Integrative Health, Dr. Burt is offering 15-minute complimentary meet-and-greet visits for anyone curious about naturopathic medicine or her approach to care. ✨

Dr. Burt is accepting new patients, starting Monday, November 24th! Online booking is now available! ⬇️⬇️

https://ganderchiropractic.janeapp.com/locations/integrated-health/book #/staff_member/23/treatment/101

09/07/2025

A great class being offered in Gander!

Do you p*e when you sneeze? Although this is common it is not normal! Your pelvic floor health can affect all aspects of your life; back pain, painful s*x, urinary infections just to name a few.

You don’t have to live like this. Come educate yourself and get stronger in 6 weeks with a weekly class, at home videos to watch and workouts to do. Many women of all ages have done so in the past, with great results!

Classes are on Wednesday mornings 9-10. Starting Sept. 10th!

Inbox me for details if interested or have any questions.

09/06/2025

Breastfeeding women experience so much

no one warned me that breastfeeding might make me feel angry.

not weepy.
not soft.
not serene.

but… tense.
edgy.
like everything outside this room
was too loud, too much, too close.

turns out,
there’s a name for it
‘lactation aggression’

your body produces prolactin to make milk.
and with it,
a quiet undercurrent of hostility—
just enough to keep the world at arm’s length.
just enough to say:
‘not now. not her. not us’

in the past,
it protected the baby from threats.
today,
it just makes you snap at your partner
for asking what’s for dinner.

it doesn’t mean you’re broken.
it means your body is working.

still,
it’s hard.
hard to explain the mood swings,
the short fuse,
the way your skin feels too thin and too tight
all at once.

so if you’re breastfeeding
and feeling easily irritated,
off,
not like yourself

it’s not just you.
you’re not crazy.
you’re not a bad mom.

you’re just in it.
and your body is louder than usual.

The Breastmilk Queen - Amy McGlade

09/04/2025

Postpartum contractions aren’t talked about…

Expecting mothers are not adequately prepared for the fact that these contractions can be just as painful, if not more painful than labor contractions.

This phenomenon is not typically discussed. And there is a lack of awareness regarding the debilitating nature of these contractions.

These contractions are a result of your uterus shrinking back to its pre pregnancy size.

Postpartum contractions can start immediately after birth and persist for several days to a couple of weeks after.

Breastfeeding often makes these contractions worse, because breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin which stimulates these contractions.

After birth contractions are said to get worse with each child, and i’ve personally found this to be the case.

I wish more mothers knew about these contractions so they aren’t thrown into postpartum blind.

It makes it harder to cope and recover when you don’t know what to prepare for.

07/28/2025

Having an amazing and thoughtful friend with exceptional sourdough skills is a delight!!! Thanks so much !! 🥰

07/16/2025

I’ve officially started my maternity leave this month.

Baby 2 is almost here! 💛

My goal is to return in January 2026. As a business owner, I don’t have HR, paid time off, or a standard maternity leave package. For many women who are also sole practitioners, taking 6 months off is not always possible so I will be appreciating and experiencing every moment to the fullest.

While I am not in the clinic seeing patients, this is what I will be doing:

➡️ Staying active with Instagram and Facebook posts, and new content during my leave.

➡️ Resting when possible, while chasing a toddler and tending to a newborn. You’re allowed to slow down, too. However that looks for you. Even a few days of rest can be powerful.

➡️ Thinking of my wonderful patients and making plans to reconnect in the new year with even more knowledge and dedication to women’s health topics.

I am incredibly grateful for all the support and encouragement I have received from everyone as I prepare for this new chapter.
Thank you again for your understanding and support. I’m looking forward to staying in touch and reconnecting when I return.

Warmly,
Dr. Val xo

05/25/2025

🥳 Repost from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine:

Naturopathic medicine is now formally recognized as part of Canada’s evolving primary care landscape.

We’re pleased to share that naturopathic doctors are featured in the newly released Compendium of Roles in Team-Based Primary Care, officially launched in April 2025 by the Canadian Health Workforce Network.

This national publication profiles the wide range of professionals contributing to modern primary care — now including naturopathic doctors and their role in collaborative, patient-centered care.

This achievement reflects the leadership of CCNM faculty and alumni, and the continued collaboration between CCNM, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and other integrative health partners.

Read the Compendium here: https://pulse.ly/ql8acmk7rh

02/25/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Breast Cancer screening appointments now available through self referral for women aged 40-74.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jEGYLBWr/

***𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧***

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝟰𝟬-𝟳𝟰

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased to advise that individuals between 40-74 years may now self-refer for an appointment for breast screening.

Individuals can access breast screening through their primary health-care provider or through self-referral by calling a screening navigator toll-free at 1-800-414-3443.

FULL DETAILS: https://nlhealthservices.ca/news/post/breast-screening-now-available-for-ages-40-74/