Conception & Fertility
- Improving Semen DNA Fragmentation
- Miscarriage prevention
- Pre-conception & Pregnancy Care ~ The Brett’s Story
Naturopathy for Kids
Women’s Health
Conception & Fertility
Improving Semen DNA Fragmentation
Maryanne (36) and Al (42) had had been trying to conceive for over a year and had done two unsuccessful IVF and one unsuccessful ICSI cycles before being recommended to a naturopath. Maryanne had a regular menstrual cycle and Al had an average semen analysis. Their specialists could see no specific reason for their lack of conception but were sure it would not take them long.
They came for a naturopathic fertility consultation with their recent blood and semen results which were analysed and discussed along with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. They were already quite aware of when Maryanne was fertile and had been attempting every second day during this time. Their naturopath could not see any immediate cause for their situation and suggested that they change to a higher quality IVF clinic and request a SCSA (DNA fragmentation test for sperm which tests whether the genetic material in the sperm if healthy or damaged).
The SCSA result from the new clinic came back as being high or containing a high proportion of genetically damaged sperm. Maryanne and Al found out that even a man with a good semen analysis can have a poor SCSA result. The couple had already been prescribed herbal and nutritional medicines from their naturopath and added to this was very high doses of a range of specific antioxidants for Al. He was also given a list of foods that were high in antioxidants and it was suggested that they attempt conception every day during Maryanne’s fertile times and that Al ejaculate regularly to improve the DNA of his sperm.
In three months, they had still not conceived and Al had another SCSA test. The DNA fragmentation had reduced significantly and was well into the healthy range. After another three months, they had still not conceived and decided to try an IVF cycle at the new IVF clinic. They were successful on the first cycle and are due to give birth soon!
Miscarriage Prevention
Tina (33) and John (36) came to the clinic after trying to conceive for the past three years, trying numerous unsuccessful IVF cycles and suffering two miscarriages at 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. They had never been to a naturopath before but felt they needed to try something different. John had poor to average semen parameters but Tina had been diagnosed with ‘unexplained infertility’.
After discussing their combined medical histories, specific diet and lifestyle changes were suggested to improve their fertility. Tina and John were given blood and urine tests to complete. The blood results showed that Tina was a homozygous carrier for the MTHFR gene mutation which impairs the body’s ability to metabolise and absorb folic acid or folate. John was found to be a heterozygous carrier. Tina and John were surprised that this had not been investigated before and felt happy that the mutation was relatively common and that other couples had been successfully treated before them.
Tina and John were each given specific herbal medicines and nutritional supplements to balance and enhance other aspects of their health and fertility in addition to receiving high doses of a particular, broken-down form of folate that their bodies would be able to absorb and use. They were advised to use contraception for at least three to four months while they were undergoing treatment. They thought that this was quite funny considering that they felt they were unable to conceive naturally at all!
Seven months later, Tina was pregnant from a natural conception. Her naturopath monitored her pregnancy using blood and urine testing and changed the supplements according to results and trimesters of her pregnancy. Tina suffered mild nausea and fatigue during the first trimester and went on to deliver a healthy baby boy.
Pre-Conception & Pregnancy Care ~ The Brett’s Story
“My husband and I were planning to conceive our first child and we wanted our baby to be as healthy as possible. We were also concerned about my fertility, because for years I had experienced a long and sometimes irregular menstrual cycle.
Belinda (Naturopath) helped us improve our preconception health and treated me with herbs and supplements, and recommended some dietary and lifestyle changes to shorten my menstrual cycle and improve my fertility. She also helped me understand my body’s natural rhythms and recognise the signs of fertility.
Conception was easy! We followed Belinda’s advice and we were able to pinpoint ovulation. I fell pregnant quickly and I felt wonderful! My skin glowed, my hair shone, I had lots of energy and an overwhelming sense of joy. I’ve never felt better! We are now the proud parents of a beautiful, healthy little boy.
Since the birth of our little boy, Belinda has helped me overcome a range of breastfeeding difficulties, like mastitis, and helped me introduce my little boy to healthy, toddler-friendly foods. Our whole family is healthier and happier thanks to Belinda’s warm, caring ways and professional advice.” K Brett 2009
Naturopathy for Kids
Fussy Eater, Constipation & Chest Infections
“I made my initial naturopathic appointment as my two year old son was a fussy eater, suffered constipation and chest infections. Belinda gave him a variety of vitamin supplements, herbs and a list of foods to help support his bowel problem and increase vitamin intake.
When he was taking the vitamins he did not have any flu symptoms all winter, also improved his bowels and his eating habits started to change because he was feeling better with his constipation and chest infections. Belinda explained everything clearly and I was able to understand the reason behind what she was suggesting and offering for him to try. Belinda took time to email me suggested meals for my son and gave me information about healthy eating. I also found the phone consultations very helpful and convenient. Being a mother herself, Belinda can identify with the problems we were experiencing and the difficulty in trying to get your two year old son to swallow herbs and vitamins. Belinda suggested ways to disguise the herbs and vitamins which worked! Overall, Belinda took the time to really listen and set out a plan to help Ethan achieve better overall health.” A Callipari 2009
Naturopathy for women
Migraines & Depression
“My initial naturopath consultation was made for recurrent migraine headaches, depression and frequent, heavy periods. My treatment consisted of herbal formulations and other vitamins, drinking more water and natural salts, changing diet to include healthier food, decreasing stimulants such as coffee and tea and a change of contraceptive pill.
I am now sleeping better with a marked decrease in migraine headaches. I am eating healthier foods, which has helped stabilise my moods and give a feeling of wellbeing. I am more productive at work.
Belinda has really helped me to enjoy life again and start to look after myself through diet and rest. Not having to deal with regular migraines has really helped to alleviate my feelings of depression. My menstrual cycle is now regulated.” E Harris 2010