Here is a post from a guest blogger: Dr. Alexis Blanks, ND
Dr Blanks will be speaking at the Mothering Touch Baby Groups on July 26 and 27 at 1pm. Please drop in, try the group and hear about how naturopathic medicine can help with women's health.
When you are pregnant, it's pretty natural to be
focused on the immediate task ahead...that little thing called labour! But once
the baby is born, along with that realization that you are now in charge of
another person's life 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, comes the challenge of
learning to breastfeed. Along with this challenge will likely be the realization
that although it may be the most natural thing in the world, breastfeeding is a
skill to be learned like any other and there may be all sorts of challenges and
questions along the way. As a relatively new mom, this is an experience that I
can relate to. As a naturopathic doctor and trained breastfeeding counselor, I
am so excited to have knowledge and skills to help new mothers during this
exciting time in their lives.
Naturopathic medicine and breastfeeding support is
a natural combination. One of our key principles in naturopathic medicine is to
prevent future health problems through education of healthy living. I have often
been struck by what a powerful effect the simple act of breastfeeding your child
can have on a baby's long term health – and the mothers health too!
Naturopathic doctors combine modern scientific
knowledge with more a holistic view of health and well being. We are experts in
the use of many natural forms of medicine such as herbs and homoeopathy and are
also trained to know when pharmaceutical intervention may be required. In my
practice I am also licensed to prescribe pharmaceuticals when necessary. A visit
to a naturopathic doctor is usually much longer than a visit to your
conventional doctor. This allows us the time to obtain a thorough understanding
of a mothers concerns and to provide enough explanation so that the mother can
leave the office feeling that she has been heard and that she has a good
understanding of the problem(s) and the solution(s).
There are a myriad of questions a woman might have
about breastfeeding such as how to deal with nipple pain, attain a good latch
and know that your baby is getting enough milk, I can help women with these
questions. There are also some questions that as a naturopathic doctor, I am
particularly well trained to answer. Questions such as:
-
the use and safety of
medications/herbs/supplements and homoeopathic remedies during breastfeeding -
supporting milk supply with the use of
herbs/medications -
options for treating medical issues such as thrush
and mastitis -
the potential for certain foods in moms diet to
aggravate baby via the breast milk -
the introduction of solid foods
As a nursing mother, I know how fulfilling it can
be to breastfeed your child. I am excited to combine the skills I have learned
in breastfeeding support with my medical and naturopathic knowledge for helping
women with this wonderful, and yet, not always easy skill!
