Naturopathic Preconception Program: Building a Healthy Foundation for the Next Generation

My preconception program is designed to optimize the health of individuals who are ready to start a family. This program is for anyone:

-Thinking about becoming pregnant in the next few months

-Currently trying to conceive

-Has received a diagnosis of male or female infertility

Why invest in preconception care? We know that what you do during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy sets the stage for a healthy baby. We want to invest in your future baby’s health now but prepping your body for pregnancy. A healthy preconception diet also increases the chances of pregnancy by up to 65% in couples undergoing IVF.1  

Conditions that would specifically benefit from a Naturopathic Preconception Program:

  • PCOS
  • Endometriosis
  • Diminished ovarian reserve
  • Advanced maternal age
  • Recurrent pregnancy loss
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Poor sperm concentration/quality

Equal Access For All

I am proud to provide LGBTQ2S friendly services in my practice. I have previously spoken as a panellist at the very popular Queer & Trans Family Planning Weekend Intensive (QTFP-WI) at Sherbourne Health Centre in Toronto.  You can also find my services listed on the Rainbow Health Ontario. No matter your personal situation, I am happy to discuss your reproductive options together and find the best solution for you. 

When Do I Need to Start?

Ideally, the preconception program begins three months prior to conception. Why three months? It takes approximately 100 days for both an egg and a sperm to both fully mature. Using this time to reduce oxidative stress and improve egg and sperm quality is key to fertility success. As infertility rates continue to rise in Canada, the importance of addressing: nutritional status, toxin exposure, egg/sperm quality and immune support cannot be overlooked.1  A rich in whole grains, healthy fats and vegetables results in less difficulty conceiving compared to individuals eating a highly-processed diet high.2

My treatment approach focuses on personalized nutrition, environmental detoxification, tailored acupuncture treatments, and evidence-based supplements. I always recommend both partners, or anyone involved in the process, be part of the treatment plan. Ready to get a head start? Download my Fertility Friendly Eating Guide for delicious sample recipes and simple tips you can start incorporating into your daily routine now.

What does the program look like?

First Visit (60-90 minutes)

Our first appointment focuses on full patient history and intake, getting to know you and your fertility goals. This will be our longest appointment together where we will: review recent blood work, perform relevant physical exams, and order additional blood work and lab testing if necessary. Together we will set treatment expectations and outcomes for future visits. A personalized diet, lifestyle and supplement program will be prescribed. Stress reduction techniques and support tools will be provided based on individual needs. You might also be sent home with a diet dietary and healthy home checklist to further evaluate the health of your daily environment. If time allows, acupuncture will be performed.

Second Appointment (30-60 Minutes)

Approximately 4 weeks after your initial appointment we check in on diet and lifestyle changes. If additional blood work was needed, we will review the results at this time. I will address any concerns or questions you have at this time and perform acupuncture if necessary. This will be your chance to share your wins and your struggles, I am here to coach you every step of the way.

During our second appointment together, we will do a 360 review of your household for sources of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Treatment may include replacing household cleaners and beauty products with safer, more natural options, and making better food choices at the grocery store. I believe in empowering patients to create a healthy and safe environment in the home. 

Third Appointment (30-60 Minutes)

At this follow-up appointment, I will review all prescribed supplements and make adjustments or refill prescriptions if necessary. Acupuncture will be performed and we will evaluate if changes need to be made to your diet and lifestyle plan. Additional recipes will be provided to ensure a healthy and balanced diet is manageable. We will revise your treatment plan and refer you out for additional testing or to a fertility specialist if warranted.

Ongoing Care

Ongoing care will focus on weekly acupuncture treatments, encouraging the consumption of nutrient-dense foods and techniques to keep stress and inflammation under control.

1. Twigt JM, Bolhuis ME, Steegers EA, Hammiche F, Van Inzen WG, Laven JS, Steegers-Theunissen RP. The preconception diet is associated with the chance of ongoing pregnancy in women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. Human reproduction. 2012 May 15;27(8):2526-31.
2 Toledo E, Lopez-del Burgo C, Ruiz-Zambrana A, Donazar M, Navarro-Blasco Í, Martínez-González MA, de Irala J. Dietary patterns and difficulty conceiving: a nested case–control study. Fertility and sterility. 2011 Nov 30;96(5):1149-53.