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Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 9am - 2pm Saturday 10am - 1pm

Dr. Meghan McNaughton, ND, Unit 17, 235 Martindale Road, Saint Catharines, ON (2025)

07/09/2025

🍓A recent favourite dessert - kid approved and some bonus protein

Being 2 weeks postpartum, I am prioritizing nutrition as part of my recovery and to support breastfeeding. This means protein, healthy fats, fiber, and lots of (nutrient rich) calories.

We make a chocolate “pudding” in our household with coconut milk and our favourite protein powder. Sometimes we substitute the coconut milk for Greek yogurt for extra protein. My kids ask for this “pudding” all the time for dessert or a treat.

Ingredients:
✨1 can coconut milk
✨1 scoop protein powder (contains 20g protein and is sweetened w stevia)
✨1 tbsp cacao powder
✨1-2 tbsp honey (optional)

Mix it thoroughly and chill to make a pudding. Tonight we’re going to top with strawberries 😋

Let me know your favourite “healthy” summer treat. Bonus points for kid approved treats

07/01/2025

We are delighted to announce the arrival of our daughter Keira Evelyn Davies, born 11 days late on June 21st - sharing Mommy’s birthday! Cupcakes were eaten to celebrate after her arrival thy night ☺️

We’ve been quietly waiting to share our news as we soak in these moments as a family of 5.

Thanks to we were able to welcome her through another quick birth in the comfort of our home. We are so thankful for their amazing care and the relationships we’ve formed over the years.

Keira’s big brothers are so proud and are working on sharing their role in giving cuddles.

06/05/2025

☀️ Maternity Leave Announcement ☀️

I’m officially out of office for the summer to welcome our newest addition to the family.

Here’s what you need to know:
✨ My last day for appointments will be June 5th.
✨ NEW patients - we are keeping a wait list (call the clinic to be added) or you can schedule for end of August 2025.
✨ EXISTING patients – my trusted colleagues, Dr. Merrick, ND and Dr. Irwin, ND, will be available to continue your care seamlessly.
✨ Acupuncture will continue with Dr. Irwin, ND as needed.
✨ IV therapy will still be available at the clinic during my leave.
✨ I’ll be returning to the clinic in late August.

My work is rooted in helping families grow—whether that means preparing to conceive, supporting pregnancy, or navigating postpartum. While I’m away, I’ll also be working on new resources to support this community I care so deeply about. My goal is to make care more accessible, compassionate, and empowering for all. 💫

I’ll also be soaking up the ☀️ with my 3 little ones. My posts will look a little different temporarily as I embrace this time that I know will pass so quickly.

I’m the meantime, if you have questions or need support, feel free to reach out to the clinic at info@docereinstitute.com.

With warmth,
Dr. Meghan 🌿🤍

05/13/2025

Mood swings, anxiety, or fatigue in pregnancy or postpartum? Your nutrient levels might be playing a role.
From omega-3s to iron to vitamin D, key nutrients are deeply connected to maternal mental health—and deficiencies are more common than you think.

✨ Swipe through to learn which nutrients can support your emotional well-being—naturally.
💬 Have questions or want a tailored prenatal or postpartum plan? I’d love to support you. Book a visit or send a DM!

05/07/2025

🤰💤 Maternal Mental Health Starts with Movement, Mindfulness & Sleep 💚

Struggling with mood, stress, or sleep during pregnancy or postpartum? You’re not alone—and there are powerful, evidence-based ways to support your mental well-being naturally.

🧘‍♀️ Exercise is one of the most effective lifestyle tools for prenatal and postpartum mental health. Just 450 METs-min/week (think: brisk walking, gentle yoga, or swimming) can cut the risk of prenatal depression by up to 67%. (NOTE - METs-min/week essentially means spending at least 150 minutes per week engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity).

🧠 Mindfulness practices, including meditation, yoga, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), have been shown to reduce depression and anxiety—especially when done consistently in sessions under 60 minutes. Bonus: Daily mindfulness “homework” can make a big difference!

💆‍♀️ Massage therapy—even just 20 minutes twice weekly from a partner—has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, back pain, and even boost the mood of your partner. Win-win for the whole family!

😴 Sleep matters more than you think. Up to 80% of pregnant women report disrupted sleep—and poor sleep is closely linked to maternal mental health struggles. It’s not just how much sleep you get, but how you feel about it that counts.

From gentle movement to mindfulness, from partner support to herbal teas, small shifts can create big changes in your emotional well-being.

✨ Let’s talk about how to support your mental health—naturally—during this sacred season of life. You deserve care that sees the whole you.

📩 DM me or book your free discovery call to learn how naturopathic care can help you feel better, sleep deeper, and parent from a more peaceful place. 💛

05/05/2025

🧠✨ Maternal Mental Health Matters—More Than You Might Think 🤱💚

Mental health during pregnancy and postpartum isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a must. Up to 70% of women with anxiety or depression symptoms in pregnancy continue to struggle after birth, and for many, those symptoms can linger for years. This doesn’t just affect moms—it impacts babies, partners, and the entire family dynamic.

Even if there were no signs during pregnancy, new-onset postpartum anxiety (PPA) and depression (PPD) can still emerge—often suddenly—and deserve just as much attention and care. In fact, PPA and PPD tend to peak around 6-8 months postpartum, when many parent think the risk is low.

That’s why screening for anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being in every trimester and postpartum is so essential. Asking about social support, partner dynamics, and postpartum planning isn’t just helpful—it can be life-changing.

📉 Without early detection, the risks are serious:
▫️ Impacts to bonding
▫️ Delayed child development
▫️ Long-term physical and mental health effects
▫️ Even partners—about 1 in 10—can face mood or anxiety disorders
▫️ In severe cases like postpartum psychosis, the risks are tragically high

But here’s the good news: there is help. From lifestyle shifts and herbal therapy to therapy and medical support, early intervention can make all the difference. 💪

Let’s normalize mental health check-ins during pregnancy. Let’s support moms, babies, and families—because maternal mental health IS family health. 💛

👉 If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone who is—don’t wait. Reach out. Book a check-in, start the conversation, and know you’re not alone. I’m here to help guide and support you every step of the way. And don’t worry - I work with you to REDUCE the overwhelm, not add to it 😉

04/30/2025

April is C-Section Awareness Month 💛

This month, we honour the strength of mothers who have experienced cesarean births and highlight the importance of comprehensive support during their recovery journey.

Key Considerations for Pre and Post C-Section Care:

✨Family Presence & Support: Encouraging bonding and emotional well-being.
✨Physical Care: Postoperative care includes pain management, mobility assistance, and monitoring for complications.
✨Emotional Support: Addressing feelings about the birth experience is crucial, especially if the C-section was unplanned, to reduce the impact of birth trauma.
✨Breastfeeding Assistance: Due to discomfort and limited mobility, mothers may require additional help with breastfeeding in the initial days.
✨Education & Information: Providing clear guidance on rest, hydration, nutrition, and activity expectations aids in recovery.
✨Understanding Postpartum Changes: Educating about normal postpartum adaptations, like incision healing and bodily changes.
✨Planning for At-Home Support: Arranging assistance with daily tasks, such as lifting and household chores, is essential during the healing period.
✨Extended Hospital Stay: Recognizing that C-section deliveries often involve longer hospital stays helps in setting realistic expectations.

How Naturopathic Doctors Can Support Recovery:

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) provide holistic care that complements conventional medical treatment:

✨Nutritional Guidance: Emphasizing a diet rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to promote healing.
✨Physical Therapies: Utilizing techniques like acupuncture to enhance circulation and reduce scar tissue.
✨Herbal Remedies: Incorporating evidence based topical remedies to promote healing, reduce infection, and support overall recovery time.
✨Emotional Well-being: Offering support to address emotional challenges and promote mental health.

By integrating these approaches, NDs aim to support the body’s natural healing processes and address the multifaceted needs of postpartum recovery.

04/16/2025

The last of this iron series ➡️ treatment options

🤰Iron deficiency is so common in pregnancy—and oral iron supplements are the first-line treatment to get your levels (and energy!) back on track.

Here’s what you need to know:
💊 Look for 40–100 mg of elemental iron (your needs will depend on your levels — always ask your care provider)
📆 Take daily or every other day to reduce side effects
🍊 Pair with 250–500mg of vitamin C on an empty stomach to boost absorption
📍Tip: Use a pill organizer and keep it somewhere you’ll see it daily!

But—sometimes oral iron just doesn’t cut it.
In certain cases, IV iron is safe and effective (especially in the 2nd or 3rd trimester) when:
🚫 You can’t tolerate oral iron
📉 There’s no improvement after 2–4 weeks
💉 Severe anemia or urgent need before delivery
🔄 Oral iron isn’t working, and quick action is needed

🛑 Once iron deficiency sets in, diet alone isn’t enough—supplementation is key to supporting both you and your baby’s well-being.

✨ If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or planning a pregnancy, I can help you test your iron and choose the right treatment plan. Let’s get your energy back 💪💛

👇 Tag a mama who might need this info and save this post for later!
📩 Drop a comment or DM if you’ve got questions about iron or want to work together.

04/14/2025

☀️ Maternity Leave Announcement ☀️

In early June, I’ll be stepping away for a little while to welcome our third baby. While we’ve kept this pregnancy mostly offline, we’re so excited to meet our newest little one—and for our two boys to take on the big brother role. 💛

That said, I want to pause and acknowledge something important:
I know that posts like these can bring up a lot for those who are in the thick of their fertility journey or coping with loss. If that’s you—please know I see you, I honour your experience, and I hold space for your pain. Sharing this comes with deep respect and care for the many paths to parenthood, and for those still waiting.

Here’s what you need to know:
✨ My last day for appointments will be June 5th
✨ NEW patients are welcome until then – we’ll create a solid care plan and ensure you feel supported throughout my leave.
✨ EXISTING patients – my trusted colleagues, Dr. Merrick, ND and Dr. Irwin, ND, will be available to continue your care seamlessly.
✨ Acupuncture will continue with Dr. Irwin, ND as needed.
✨ IV therapy will still be available at the clinic during my leave.
✨ I’ll be returning to the clinic in mid-to-late August.

My work is rooted in helping families grow—whether that means preparing to conceive, supporting pregnancy, or navigating postpartum. While I’m away, I’ll also be working on new fertility resources to support this community I care so deeply about. My goal is to make fertility care more accessible, compassionate, and empowering for all. 💫

If you have questions or want to chat, feel free to DM me or reach out to the clinic at info@docereinstitute.com.

With warmth,
Dr. Meghan 🌿🤍

04/13/2025

🚨Iron test came back “normal” but you still feel exhausted? Don’t ignore it.🩸

Here’s what many people (and even some practitioners) miss when it comes to ferritin:

🔍 Ferritin under 30 in adults = iron deficiency. Period.
Even if your lab says it’s “within range,” anything below 30 is clinically significant and needs to be treated.

But here’s the catch 👉 A normal ferritin doesn’t always mean your iron is fine.
Ferritin is not a sensitive test—it can miss iron deficiency, especially if you’re dealing with inflammation or still have symptoms like:
😴 Fatigue
💨 Shortness of breath
💭 Brain fog
💔 Restless legs
🩸 Heavy periods

Other signs to pay attention to?
🧪 Transferrin saturation < 20%
🔥 Ferritin between 30–100 in inflamed bodies may still mean deficiency
💉 No improvement after 90 days of iron? It’s time to consider IV options.

P.S. If you’re testing your levels while on supplements, pause iron for 24+ hours before bloodwork to get accurate results!

Confused about your iron results? I can help you figure it out, test smarter, and get you on the right track—whether you’re TTC, pregnant, postpartum or just hoping to feel more yourself again. 🌿💪

📩 DM me or book an appointment to get started.

04/11/2025

🤰Feeling extra tired during pregnancy or postpartum? It might be your iron levels talking. 🩸

Iron deficiency isn’t just a third-trimester thing—it can show up anytime from preconception to postpartum. That’s why strategic iron testing matters so much at every stage:

✨ Before pregnancy: Check your ferritin to build strong iron stores from the start.
✨ Early pregnancy: Ferritin + hemoglobin = a baseline for your care plan.
✨ Second trimester: Supplementation before 20 weeks helps support healthy blood production.
✨ Third trimester: Time to reassess iron levels and prevent complications before delivery.
✨ Postpartum: Testing by 6 weeks (especially if you had twins or significant blood loss) helps detect anemia and support your recovery.

👉 Iron deficiency can sneak up on you—and diet alone isn’t always enough to catch up.

The good news? I can test your levels and build a plan to help you feel strong, supported, and energized—through pregnancy and postpartum. 🌿💪

📩 Ready to feel better? Let’s check your iron and get you back to you.

04/07/2025

Feeling extra tired during pregnancy? 😴 It might be more than just “baby growing” fatigue — **iron deficiency is real, common, and often overlooked.**⁠
⁠
Swipe through to learn how low iron can affect you AND your baby, and what you can do about it. 💪🥬🍊⁠
⁠
✨ Hint: It’s not just about being tired — we’re talking C-section risk, postpartum complications, and even long-term brain development for baby. ⁠
⁠
Want personalized support to boost your iron and feel your best during pregnancy? A naturopathic doctor can help! 💖⁠
⁠

Dr. Meghan McNaughton, ND

07/09/2025

07/01/2025

06/05/2025

05/13/2025

05/07/2025

05/05/2025

04/30/2025

04/16/2025

04/14/2025

04/13/2025

04/11/2025

04/07/2025

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Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 2pm
Saturday	10am - 1pm