Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Naturopath?

Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) subscribe to a system of medicine that is based on the principle of vis medicatrix naturae, the healing power of nature. It is a holistic approach that attends to the inter-relationship between physiological, structural, environmental, social and spiritual factors and their ability to influence our health both positively and negatively. ND's are trained to diagnose and treat using a variety of therapies, including: Traditional Chinese Medicine (herbal medicines and acupuncture), Homeopathic Medicine, Botanical Medicine, Massage and Hydrotherapy, Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling. By selecting one or more of these methods, treatment plans are individualized to the client's specific health concerns and preferences. The client is an active participant in her/his health goal progression.

What is a Perinatal Naturopath?

A Perinatal Naturopath is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine that has further developed his or her interest in providing care to women and their families throughout preconception, pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. APND members offer diverse clinical experience and training in dealing with fertility issues, pregnancy care, labour discomforts, and postpartum support. Additionally, Perinatal ND's can work with a woman's primary clinical caregiver (RM, MD, OB) in situations that require intervention such as PIH, breech presentation, post-dates induction, and breastfeeding concerns.

What is a Doula/Labour Assistant?

A doula (meaning a woman who mothers the mother) cares for the emotional and normal physical needs of a birthing woman. Unlike the husband or woman's chosen friend or relative, she is comfortable with labor and confidant (even within the hospital system) to play the role of advocate for the birthing woman, when that is called for. Labor and delivery doulas specialize in attending labor continuously; this makes them especially valuable in hospital settings, where one-to-one care is absent.

A doula's unique role is to encourage the woman's self-confidence, help her find positions that are most comfortable and effective, protect her privacy, and to create a bubble around her that does not permit outside distractions, pressure, or fears from inhibiting the natural rhythm and progress of her labor.

A highly respected series of studies done by pediatricians Marshall Klaus and John Kennell have proven that the routine use of labor and delivery doulas is safe, effective and cost-effective. Moreover, women who have been attended by a doula are far more satisfied with their care, less likely to sue, and more confident in their own ability to make decisions after birth. Most doulas work for little or no pay today because they are committed to creating normal birth in the hospital setting. As Dr. Kennell has said, "If a doula were a drug, it would be malpractice not to use it." John Kennel as quoted by Christiane Northrup in the video Giving Birth: Challenges and Choices.

Will a Doula/Labour Assistant interfere with my partner's role during birth?

Absolutely not! A trained doula will be able to help your partner better assist you in your birthing experience. Often during a birth your partner may feel unprepared for the emotional and physical changes that everyone is going through. It is the role of the doula to bring the partner and birthing woman back together and in touch with the moment. Most partners feel a sense of relief that they are not the sole bearers of the responsibility to support the birthing woman.

What Common Complaints of Pregnancy can a Naturopathic Doctor help with?

A Naturopathic Doctor can help with many common concerns during pregnancy. After a thorough assessment, an ND will make dietary, herbal, homeopathic, lifestyle, etc. recommendations to help treat nausea of pregnancy, PIH (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension), heartburn and indigestion, insomnia, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and gestational diabetes, to name a few.

Can a Naturopathic Doctor help with Infertility?

Naturopathic Medicine is helpful in cases of infertility or fertility planning. Hormone levels, irregular from prior birth control pill or other drug use, a poor diet, or heredity can be assessed, adjusted and monitored using a combination of the modalities of Naturopathic Medicine. The body can be cleansed of toxins from food and drug metabolism long standing in our cells; nutrient deficiencies can be corrected with supplementation, herbs and diet changes.