IMPACTING HEALTH AND FERTILITY THROUGH NUTRITION

Author: Melanie Olde

Melanie Olde is a naturopath and counsellor, specialising in the natural treatment of anxiety and depression. She spoke to Coal Coast Baby about the important role nutrition plays in baby-related matters, from pre-conception to pregnancy, to birth and postnatal self-care.

How important is pre-conception care for a healthy pregnancy and the postpartum period? Numerous studies have demonstrated that fertility is linked to the nutritional status of the mother and father.

I consider good pre-conception care to go beyond “over-the-counter” natal supplements. Mine is an individualised approach that is guided by experience and a thorough understanding of up-todate research.

Important too is the review of blood test results to promote optimal nutritional levels before and during pregnancy.

Why is perinatal care vital?

Research is now emerging to suggest that what happens in the first nine months of your child’s life may influence your child’s health for the rest of his or her life.

Foetal exposure to stress, toxins, low nutrition levels and obesity have been shown to play a role in the development of many chronic diseases such as asthma, eczema, allergies, ADHD, autism, obesity and diabetes.

By optimising your health in the pre-conception period, and continuing this through pregnancy and postpartum, you have to ability to set both yourself and your child up for the very best outcomes.

We notice you have a special interest in working with people who experience anxiety, depression and thyroid conditions. How did this come about? Are these common conditions in pregnancy?

Yes, I have a special interest in working with people who suffer from mental health complaints such as anxiety and depression, adrenal exhaustion, and thyroid conditions. Before studying to be a naturopath, I completed a BA with a Major in Psychology and an Advanced Diploma in Counselling, and this knowledge has directed my interest in this area.

While these conditions are not exclusive to women, one or all of these conditions can pop up along pre-conception, IVF, pregnancy or postpartum journeys. There is a lot that natural therapies can offer to people in this area.

Why do you think these conditions arise during pregnancy and the postpartum period?

During the pre-conception phase, we know that stress and anxiety can negatively impact cortisol, which in turn can have bearing on hormones and thyroid function, and affect the ability to have a successful conception.

Following the birth of a baby, hormonal changes and sleep deprivation can play a significant role, along with the psychological impacts that can arise during this joyous but also challenging period.

How do you work?

As a Clinical Nutritionist, Herbalist and Homoeopath, I believe in a holistic approach to optimal health and healing.

In consultation, I routinely request and review blood tests, and work to educate and guide my clients with nutritional tips. I also provide herbal and/or lifestyle tips to help provide symptomatic relief while these changes are being integrated. There are many safe nutritional, herbal and homoeopathic supplements that you can use when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Melanie’s clinic is located in Austinmer. She offers in-person and telehealth consultations. For more information, head over to her website: www.melanieoldenaturalhealth.com.au melanieoldenaturalhealth.com.au

• Preconception care to help you achieve a natural, healthy conception

• Infertility and IVF natural health support

• Pregnancy nutrition

• Nutritional and herbal medicine for pregnancy and postnatal health

• Homeopathy for pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding

• Reproductive health care and treatments for specific hormonal problems such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, adenomyosis, fibroids, low libido, dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularities

• Perinatal and post natal anxiety and depression

• Post natal depletion