As we practice physical distancing during the pandemic, naturopathic consultations are still available from the comfort of your own home. Consulting with a naturopathic doctor during this time can be helpful as you plan for a pregnancy, prepare for birth, or simply adjust to postpartum life.
What exactly is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary health care blending natural and traditional forms of medicine with contemporary scientific knowledge. It’s fundamentally based on the body’s ability of heal itself. A variety of tools are used by Naturopathic Doctors including clinical nutrition, lifestyle counselling, botanical medicine and acupuncture/acupressure. Furthermore, one of the main goals of naturopathic medicine is to promote health and prevent disease.
What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors are primary health care providers that support their patients using both natural and conventional medicine. As previously mentioned, they use a variety of tools and evidence-informed medicine to help their patients achieve their health goals. One of the main differences between them and medical doctors is that they do not use any pharmaceuticals to treat symptoms, however they can still support you and work integratively while you’re under the care of other health professionals.
What does an initial visit look like?
During your initial visit, our Naturopathic Doctors will complete a quick assessment ensuring that a virtual appointment is right for you. Once they’ve determined that your health goals can be achieved by a virtual visit, they’ll proceed with the intake. They’ll ask you what brings you in, what your goals are, if you’re currently taking any medication or natural health products, a 24-hour diet recall and more. This visit will also allow you to ask questions you’ve been meaning to get the answer to.
Once your Naturopathic Doctor has collected all the information they need, they’ll come up with a treatment plan that will help you meet your goals. This may include diet and lifestyle changes, and/or supplements like vitamins and minerals or herbs – ultimately they’ll work within your comfort level. If you’re currently taking medication, our naturopathic doctors will ensure that your treatment plan is compatible with that.
What does a follow-up visit look like?
Depending on your goals, your Naturopathic Doctor may want to check in with you after 3-4 weeks to see how the treatment plan is going. Sometimes a few tweaks are needed to ensure that it’s compatible with your daily routine. If everything is going well, then the next phase of the plan may be implemented.
What can I expect from my treatment plan?
Natural medicine takes time. While your Naturopathic Doctor will create an individualized plan using evidenced-informed medicine to help you meet your goals, ultimately it’s up to you to implement it. If you’re having trouble doing so, reach out to your Naturopathic Doctor and let them know – so they can help troubleshoot any issues.
How can a virtual visit help me plan for pregnancy?
One of the philosophies of naturopathic medicine is doctor as teacher. Our Naturopathic Doctors are incredibly well versed in fertility, and can help educate you on your menstrual cycle, which supplements you may want to consider (like a good quality prenatal), and if there are any diet and lifestyle changes you can implement. Because the egg can take about 100 days to mature, our Naturopathic Doctors like to start working with you as early as possible!
Sometimes the postpartum period can be tough.
Our Naturopathic Doctors can help!
How can a virtual visit support me throughout my pregnancy?
Naturopathic Doctors have a lot of share when it comes to pregnancy support throughout each trimester.
- In the first trimester you may be experiencing nausea and vomiting, and some first line treatments are herbs and vitamins!
- In the second trimester, you may want support with cramps and muscle aches as well as dietary support as you approach your gestational diabetes test.
- In the third trimester you may want help support your vaginal microbiome, and help you prepare for birth! This may include adding safe herbs to your daily routine and teaching you acupressure points to help bring about labour!
How can I virtual visit support me in the postpartum?
Mood support is usually a common concern, and they are happy to offer you individualized support using diet and lifestyle techniques, supplements and botanicals if appropriate. They are also happy to work integratively with our other practitioners like psychotherapists.
Lactation support is another common concern presenting in the postpartum. We do recommend that you book an appointment with one of our lactation consultants. However if issues like stress are affecting lactation, our Naturopathic Doctors are happy to help. They can also help you determine if taking lactation-promoting herbs are right for you, and which ones may be the most effective.
How can I book my virtual visit?
Virtual visits with our Naturopathic Doctors can be booked online here. Reach out to us with any questions – we look forward to seeing you (virtually) at your appointment!
