Dr. Natalie Senst, ND
Naturopathic medicine for your family
Perinatal Health
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I'm here for you mama - through it all:
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Pre-conception: general fertility questions, menstrual/hormonal health, stress-reduction and more healthy living support for you and your partner before conception
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Pregnancy support (prenatal): support tailored to each trimester, including what foods & supplements to take (or avoid), nausea, stress, constipation, colds/flus, reflux and labour prep (I am also trained as a doula)
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Mom & baby support (pospartum): diet (mom & baby), feeding support/supply issues, mood support, colic, nipple pain/injury, and fatigue/brain fog
Naturopathic medicine offers solutions for each of these issues. I encourage all mamas to practice self care and preventive medicine - you will be more resilient for it!
Bring home a few more solutions and a lot more confidence that you can handle pregnancy, the early days/months/years and know that you are strong and capable!
GOT QUESTIONS ON YOUR JOURNEY?
Prenatal support for you may start at optimizing fertility - for some future unknown date. It may mean support as you actively are seeking to conceive. And it may mean support through your pregnancy and with regards to your planning for your baby's birth and postpartum care.
This is a time of many questions!! As a mom of 2 kids myself and a doula, I bring to you as many answers as I can. I bring an open attitude, understanding that the right path for you is not something I can predetermine!
I support moms with lots of pregnancy complications, and with few complications. I help to provide knowledge about stages of pregnancy, labour and postpartum. I fill in gaps left by other healthcare practitioners. And I always consider the whole person - sleep, diet & nutrients, exercise, and mood all play into the person that is before me.
I frequently use acupuncture in pregnancy - in particular I recommend weekly visits during your last month of pregnancy if you are planning a vaginal birth. Other issues such as anxiety, chronic stress, insomnia, reflux, constipation can also be supported with acupuncture.
If you are interested in exploring a doula - I've provided some helpful information here. (I do this work at another clinic where I have the support of other naturopathic doulas working on a team with me). You do not need to have a doula to benefit from the knowledge I share with my doula patients. I am happy to discuss some of the important birth preparation topics I cover with my doula patients in individual visits with patients who do not want or have not decided whether to have a doula. I am also available for in-clinic coaching sessions for you and your partner to learn some 'doula' techniques as well as for individual in-home postpartum visits.
Most visits can be completed virtually - you are welcome to attend alone, or with your partner if you both have questions. Acupuncture (45min) and doula techniques (60min) require in person visits!
In-home postpartum visits are available within a 5km radius of the clinic - 804 Bloor St. W (60 - 90min- $275).
Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to schedule a free 15 min meeting to learn more.
Postpartum depression vs 'the blues'
Low mood days - what to watch for & how to help.
Not every mama is going to suffer from depression. But, I'd say nearly every mama is going to have low mood days, tearful days and just plain exhausted days. There may be days she wishes she could give her baby 'back', even just for a few hours, so she could nap or shower.
WHAT IS NORMAL? Having a loved one check in on your mood regularly in your first few months postpartum is really helpful.
Postpartum blues are common (up to 80% of moms) and usually start around day 3-5 and end by day 14, in reaction to shifting hormones. While a bit of teariness and overwhelm is definitely normal, please don't minimize your struggle. Share with your loved ones how you are feeling. Ask for a break from baby - be it a shower, a nap or a walk. And then if you can't shake a low mood, seek medical support too.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is less common than the "blues" that occur with changing hormones. PPD typically has a later onset, most commonly starting between 3-12 weeks postpartum. Watch for symptoms such as no appetite, anger, confusion and suicidal thoughts. Either not wanting to care for your baby or being over-anxious about your baby can be signs of postpartum depression.
Did you know that breastfeeding your baby raises your feel-good hormone, oxytocin and contributes to reduced anxiety, happiness and connection with your baby? Breastfeeding reduces your risk of postpartum depression!
If you have breastfeeding questions or are currently struggling with breastfeeding, let's chat!
Plan in advance for the postpartum period, or navigate your current postpartum experience. I know your time is precious, but this will benefit you and your whole family.