FERTILITY

What is fertility nutrition?

Fertility nutrition is the science-driven focus on the nutrients and lifestyle practices that are going to give you the best chance at conception and a healthy pregnancy. With a focus on foods and behaviours that nourish the gut, produce and balance the right hormones, create good quality sperm and eggs, nourish a growing fetus, produce required blood stores and much more. I also make sure you have a plan that is tailored to you, which is especially important if you have any contributing issues to fertility risk factors such as low sperm quality, endometriosis, PCOS or irregular cycles.

Many miscarriage risk factors are out of our hands, but the few that we have control over we want to ensure we are minimising. I also work with up to date evidence around the use of folic acid versus activated folate while it’s still an emerging research area, thyroid support during conception, and ensuring sperm quality is optimal to best protect against male driven miscarriage risks.

Sperm production and quality for instance is driven by the correct nutrients, low stress, optimal male hormones, avoiding chemical toxicity, and appropriate lifestyle practices.

For those carrying the baby, we need to make our hormones through fat and protein predominantly and then ensure they’re acting correctly by eating, breaking down and absorbing the optimum nutrients. It’s then about managing stress to encourage the correct hormone profile, and it’s about lifestyle choices that will encourage not just healthy children, but a healthy pregnancy for you too.

How do you tailor fertility nutrition consultations and plans?

My approach is much more than food. I work with you to tailor a fertility program that will encompass a range of lifestyle changes. Included can be anything from joyful movement and exercise techniques, optimal stress management steps, ways to ensure a healthy balance of reproductive hormones, minimising miscarriage risk factors, correct supplementation, and specific dietary guidelines to build a foundation that will give your body the best shot at achieving what can really only be described as a miracle.

If you want to touch base with me first then email me via the form below and we can discuss what your options are. I cater to your individual situation and can work with you if you’re going through IVF, other medical fertility procedures, or if you don’t want to yet go down that path.

There is no one size fits all approach to fertility and there are no guarantees, but I am passionately driven to giving you the education and tools to help you be in the healthiest position for whatever journey you’re on. Sometimes you simply need to cut through the confusing information and have something designed just for you.

Is fertility nutrition and support for me?

Whether you have been trying for a few months, are going through IVF treatment, already have children but are struggling for your next one or still recovering from your last, or simply want to know where you stand, I ensure you know the facts about your general health, hormonal health, how to prepare your body in the most nourishing way possible, and offer practical guidance where necessary. You may already be pregnant but are finding the contradicting information out there confusing and just want to know what’s right for you.

I work with those with PCOS, endometriosis, PMS, recurrent miscarriages, appropriate weight gain for pre-conception, hypothalamic amenorrhea or REDs, general male factor fertility, post-hormonal contraception cycle regulation, preconception and pregnancy nutrition, post-natal recovery and early childhood nutrition. I do this with a food first, supplements second, lifestyle combined approach.

I’ve Been told to lose weight/go on a diet to get pregnant?

The requirement for optimal fertility and a healthy pregnancy at a foundational level is on nourishment, not restriction. I have a keen interest in helping those who have been told that their weight is a barrier to conception or medical fertility treatment and I work with you to explain why this attitude is misinformed and can create more issues than it resolves. I create a safe space where we can focus on your health, and not your weight and ensure that you are treated with respect. With this said, I understand that funding in NZ is archaically controlled by BMI – if you’re in this position I really want to validate your concerns and would be happy to discuss what your options might be moving forward.  

We haven’t started trying so when should we come see you?

It takes roughly 3 months to create a mature and functioning egg and healthy, strong sperm, that once fertilised will then take 9 months to form a baby, so the best time to see me is at least 3 months before you’ll start trying. If you’re coming off the OCP or other hormonal contraceptives like the Mirena then ideally you want 3-6 months minimum to ensure we treat the nutrient deficiencies caused and address any post-pill symptoms prior to trying for your family.