Is anyone else seeing a naturopath?

[Slackermom]

I've been seeing one since just before I got pg. I'm just curious about what kinds of supplements you're on, and what your naturopath is doing for you during pregnancy.

[cjbeach]

No, I can't find one locally. I love their approach so I would love to hear what you're doing!!!

[Slackermom]

For the first three months, because I've had two miscarriages, we focussed on increasing blood flow to the uterus and on treating my "damp" uterus. We used mostly used peony supplements and acupuncture. I was going twice a week for the first three months. Now, I'm only seeing her once a trimester, and I'm just not sure what we'll be doing at this point. I know she is going to give me some teas and things, but other than that, I'm clueless.

[flyingspaghettimama]

I've seen one on and off, mostly just for problems not for maintenance. I went to Bastyr, which is a very mainstream-type naturopathic, which I like. Not too uh, i dunno, woo-woo...

They suggested their famous shake for all around nutritional assistance :

yogurt, fruit, soy/milk with 1 T flaxseed oil; 2 T protein powder (don't ask me if I actually MAKE this shake for breakfast every morning, ok? : )

Calcium-magnesium supplements because I have had IBS and was having premature contractions in my last pregnancy.

Epsom salt baths for relaxation.

Thorne prenatals.

[brandybehr]

I have been seeing one once a month since May 2004, but he has recently moved. There is a new one taking his place, but I don't know if I like him.

I have thyroid disease so I take two homeopathic tinctures for that, I was on Raw Thyroid Glandular for it before I was pregnant, but my Dr wanted me to switch when I became pregnant.

I also take Vit C, prenatals, Calcium Magnesium, B12 with folic acid and I have a protein drink I was suppose to drink. I also take Alfalfa, Bilberry, drink Red Raspberry LEaf Tea, Dandelion tea, Nettle Tea, Red Clover tea. My ND recommends the Vit C, Calc Mag, B12 with folic,protein shake and the prenatals. The rest are things that I am doing on my own, but I am sure he would think they are good too... I just started taking them regularily...

All in all, I do like naturopathic care a lot.

[flyingspaghettimama]

Originally Posted by brandybehr

I also take Vit C...

That's the missing ingredient in my healthy-shake described above, that I'm also supposed to be taking. It's a powder (ascorbic acid) which also works nicely in cooking, keeping foods a bright color. I love dual-purpose ingredients.

Did your naturopath graduate from Bastyr as well? They are insane about that shake. I hate to admit, the reason I don't like making it is cleaning the blender afterwards. :

[brandybehr]

My ND was trained in Canada, I believe it is called the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. It is in Toronto (the only school in Canada).

[Slackermom]

Originally Posted by brandybehr

My ND was trained in Canada, I believe it is called the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. It is in Toronto (the only school in Canada).

That's where my naturopath trained, too (I'm in Nova Scotia).

[RainCoastMama]

Hi all! (Hey JF, eastern doppelganger :LOL )

I love my ND and he was also trained at the same college in TO. I suspect they'd all tell us the same things! I saw him through my first PG and had heaps of great advice wrt nutrition and accompanying supplements (Thorne Prenatals, Cal/Mag), Red Raspberry tea as a uterine toner/extra calcium/nausea relief; eating almonds for heartburn instead of Tums; Omega 3 oil. He was also great with BFing advice - ie. why it's great for moms and babes, how to increase milk, etc. and once DD was born, was excellent wrt when to start solids and which ones were best.

I'd highly recommend using one!

Dee

[Kavita]

Originally Posted by loraeileen

They are insane about that shake. I hate to admit, the reason I don't like making it is cleaning the blender afterwards. :

This is REALLY off topic, but right after you make the shake, you can rinse the blender jar and then partially fill it with hot water, add a drop of dish soap, and put it back on the blender and blend for a minute--cuts down on the cleanup. DH makes me a similar shake in the mornings, and it used to bug me to clean it up!