Nurturing The Mother-Women's Health Series: Part one: Lily

In this series you will get the opportunity to meet 5 beautiful women and their babies (both earthside and inside), who I have been lucky enough to be entrusted in the role of naturopath during their pivotal stages of life. These women have kindly given me permission to share their stories with you. By sharing their stories this may evoke feelings of hope in you that the health of you or your loved ones can improve and even blossom.

This first entry we get the opportunity to meet Lily, a mama- to-be and discuss her journey through preconception, pregnancy and how naturopathy supported her through.

What led you to seek support from a naturopath?

The first time I approached Katie I was in need of some serious help with my nutrition, I was incredibly depleted in energy and found I was lacking in iron and some other important minerals and vitamins as well. After seeking Katie’s help I felt incredibly supported to begin my new health journey and finally began to feel like myself again, I actually felt a better version of my old self! When the time came and my love and I felt ready to begin a family Katie came to mind first thing and I reached out for a fertility consult, she prescribed me some herbs and some rituals to practice and 1 month later I fell pregnant with our baby and it’s been a very healthy pregnancy! Bub is actually growing a little ahead of schedule.

How has the process with Katie been?

The process with Katie has been a wonderful, supportive and easy going process with no sense of judgement. Everything I speak to Katie about whether it’s physical or mental health feels safe and I always feel comfort and happiness after speaking of my fears or concerns for my health!

How have you begun to weave naturopathic principles more into your life? Are there any rituals that have become a daily rhythm for you?

Being pregnant has been a great incentive to approach my health with much more effort and tenacity. I’m reminded by Katie’s previous consults how important the saying is what you put in is what you get out and that’s like so many things in life. Myself and my partner put a lot of good things in our bodies ~ organic fruit and veggies, organic meats and bone broths. Our home life now consists of working in our permaculture food forest, looking after our beautiful chickens and receiving lovely organic eggs from them and we’ll hopefully be adding a bee hive to the mix as well.. I think it’s amazing how just taking one step in the right healthy direction can create a plethora of healthy steps and choices.

How has your health, body, or wellness transformed since beginning your journey?

My mental health and physical health have reaped all the benefits of seeing Katie, taking her herbal blends and listening to her good advice. My body’s changed for the better being 32 weeks pregnant and my mind is less anxious and more calm and healthy.

How has incorporating a holistic naturopathic approach to fertility and pregnancy changed your emotional or mental well-being?

Taking a natural approach to fertility and pregnancy has always been my aim, and Katie’s knowledge and naturopathic medicine has helped to make the journey of maiden to mother so seamless and healthy. I know that if I’m having a moment of crisis in this pregnancy ~ or moments of questioning myself.. “Will I be a good mother?”, or how will I cope with the sleep deprivation etc. etc. I know that I’ve got Katie to fall to as an amazing tool if I am needing assistance in any of those areas, she always has an answer. I feel Katie is not only a naturopath/nutritionist but a strong counsellor and a person who offers reprieve and results to a person in need.