Natural Antenatal Care: Naturopathic support during pregnancy and the postnatal period

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Many amazing changes occur, both emotionally and physically, during pregnancy and the postnatal period.  However, women sometimes experience a range of pregnancy complaints that may improve from consulting with a qualified naturopath who understands which supplements and products are safe to take during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.

Common pregnancy and postnatal concerns;

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Anaemia and low iron levels
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep difficulties and insomnia
  • Stretch marks
  • GBS+ (Group B streptococcus)
  • Thyroid problems
  • Stress, anxiety and depression
  • Sinus problems and recurrent infections
  • Immune system difficulties
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Cramps and restless legs
  • Heartburn and reflux
  • Oedema and fluid retention
  • Thrush
  • Varicose veins and haemorrhoids
  • High blood pressure
  • Low milk supply

Pregnancy in particular is a time in which naturopathy can help to improve general wellbeing; ensuring that a woman’s nutritional needs are met in preparation for labour, breastfeeding and postnatal period.

Example of a naturopathic schedule of appointments during pregnancy;

  • 6-8 weeks 
    • Natural support for nausea, vomiting, constipation and reflux
    • Individualised nutritional supplement recommendations and nutrition planning
    • Discuss multivitamin options
    • General pregnancy support (exercise, diet, energy levels etc.)
  • 12-14 weeks
    • General digestive support and support for nausea, vomiting, constipation and reflux if it continues
    • Nutritional support for low Vitamin D and Iron levels
    • Natural support of pregnancy conditions as needed
    • Treatment of vitamin and mineral deficiencies 
    • Individualised diet suggestions and meal plan
    • General pregnancy support (exercise, diet, relaxation, antenatal education and birth class options etc.)
  • 18-28 weeks
    • Support of pregnancy conditions as needed
    • Address energy, mood and sleep issues if they arise
    • Treatment of vitamin and mineral deficiencies as needed
    • Individualised diet suggestions and meal plan
    • Discuss the role of probiotics in maintaining a healthy digestive and immune system
    • General pregnancy support (exercise, diet, relaxation, antenatal education and birth class options etc.)
  • 30-34 weeks
    • Birth preparation and building a birth kit
    • Resources for natural labour and birth support
    • Individualised herbal mix for the 3rd trimester if needed
    • Raspberry Leaf tea (Herbal partus preparators are used from the 34th week of pregnancy until 2 weeks after birth.  Traditionally these herbs were used to prepare the uterus for labour by increasing uterine tone, strengthening contractions, improving the orderly rhythm of contractions and helping to relax the uterine muscle.  A partus preparator may also aid in the involution and contraction of the uterus after birth, support lactation and encourage an adequate milk supply)
    • Treatment of vitamin and mineral deficiencies 
    • Support for pregnancy conditions as needed
    • Individualised diet ideas and meal plan
  • 34 weeks onwards
    • Birth preparation and building a birth kit
    • Resources for natural labour and birth support
    • Treatment of vitamin and mineral deficiencies 
    • Support for pregnancy conditions as needed
    • Individualised diet ideas and meal plan
    • Building a postnatal kit of diet and meal plans, herbs, supplements and resources to support your recovery
    • Mastitis prevention herb mix and probiotics for women with a previous history of breastfeeding difficulties
    • External herbs to use as a perineal spray to help stitches and grazes heal
    • Some women may benefit from a stress, fatigue, nervous system or adrenal tonic herbal mix towards the end of their pregnancy
  • Postnatal check-up at 6 weeks (or earlier if needed)
    • Visits can be arranged as necessary and either be conducted face-to-face in the clinic or over the phone
    • Nutritional and herbal medicine support for birth recovery
    • Breastfeeding support and galactagogue (a food or drug that promotes or increases the flow of a mother’s milk) herb mix if required
    • Individualised diet ideas and meal plan
    • General postnatal support (exercise, diet, energy levels, sleep, stress, digestion, mood, immune system etc.)

If you would like to find out more about naturopathic care for pregnancy and birth recovery contact Meg; you may also be interested in attending a women’s health workshop.