Pegnancy and Breastfeeding

It's strange that two little red lines can say and mean so much.

Yes! You are Pregnant.

So much joy and yet so many other feelings and emotions of anxiety, fear and anticipation. With all the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy it makes sense to be guided and supported through each trimester not only with your doctor or midwife but also with Natural Therapists who specialise in pregnancy care.

Each trimester of pregnancy can present with its challenges. From nausea and vomiting to heartburn, sluggish bowels, candida, fatigue, muscle cramping, varicose veins, anaemia and poor immune systems to the more concerning symptoms of raised blood pressure and gestational diabetes, all can be supported with often symptoms lessened without the use of conventional drugs.

At Health and Fertility Matters our practitioners aim to support you and your developing baby with appropriate diet and lifestyle advice, safe and yet therapeutic nutritional support, gentle homoeopathic remedies and acupuncture to relieve symtoms associated with pregnancy and energetically support each trimester. Finally, relaxing and therapeutic remedial massage to relieve back pain, neck and shoulder tensions. Medical research has clearly demonstrated the benefit of many natural therapies throughout pregnancy.

Childbirth for many can be challenging and unfortunately there are no guarantees as to how your labour will progress so preparation not only throughout the pregnancy but especially several weeks before your due date can significantly assist a favourable experience. Herbs, nutrition, homeopathy and acupuncture can assist the dilation of the cervix, may help to turn a breech or posterior baby, can help to relax the labouring mum, reduce post labour pain, resolve excessive bleeding and generally help speed recovery.

Breastfeeding is the recommended mode of feeding your new baby. The Australian Breastfeeding Association clearly supports this practice for all mothers for at least 6 months although research definitely has shown the benefit for the baby's ongoing health if breastfeeding is maintained for at least 12 months. Innately, most mothers desire this experience for nurturing and bonding.

Unfortunately, like childbirth, breastfeeding may present problems for some from slow or low milk supply, painful nipples and mastitis. Once again herbs, nutritional supplements, homoeopathy and acupuncture to the rescue. We have had great success in assisting mothers, along with their lactation consultant, achieve the breastfeeding experience they desire.

Babies immune systems and digestive systems are very immature for the first twelve months of their life. This is why breastfeeding is so beneficial along with the slow introduction of low allergenic foods after six months of age. Because of their initial physical sensitivity some baby's suffer with discomfit e.g. colic, reflux, constipation, nappy rash, eczema and teething issues all of which are amenable to low dose herbal, homoeopathic and yes, acupuncture treatments. Of course mum's diet and lifestyle also needs to be addressed if the infant is breastfed. As in pregnancy, what mum consumes can be passed onto the baby. Your baby doesn't have to suffer, nor do you. At Health and Fertility Matters, first hand experience and years of treating little ones can be a comfort for all concerned.