| What is Natural
Fertility Management? |
|  Natural
Fertility Management (NFM) refers to the provision of information,
education, herbal and nutritional support to individuals and couples
seeking to improve their reproductive health and fertility.
NFM also enables a woman to effectively manage her own fertility
at all stages of her reproductive life, and to do so in a way that
assists her to gain optimum physical, emotional and mental health,
without recourse to drugs or devices.
NFM is about education – women are shown how to recognise
the clear and unmistakable signs of fertility and use these to assist
them to avoid or achieve conception. Through learning and understanding
the changes in our bodies, and the forces that affect them, we can
come to a point of control through response rather than ignorance,
suppression and manipulation.
| "If there
is one area of our lives where the natural approach
is appropriate, it is surely that of fertility.
After all, Mother Nature is fertility! She is reproduction.
All other concerns bow to this one, the continuation
of the species (us!)”
Francesca Naish – Author & Naturopath |
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By combining these methods with Preconception
Care, the practitioner is able to offer methods for planning
for a healthy baby, overcoming fertility problems, preventing miscarriage
and also supporting IVF and GIFT procedures. |
| Our modern lifestyle means that today more than
ever, couples are delaying having children for financial or lifestyle
reasons. The advancing age of couples, combined with a poor diet,
reproductive disorders, environmental pollution and occupational
hazards, it is not surprising that 1 in 5 couples have difficulty
conceiving.
Fertility problems can be simple or complex. There can be issues
with female or male fertility and/or a combination of both. Conventional
fertility treatments are not always successful and this reinforces
the belief that its ‘not only the seed, but the soil’
which influences fertility and pregnancy success. |
What’s involved in NFM?
The methods employed on the NFM program provide the information
the practitioner needs to assess and treat the state of fertility
of the woman and/or the couple.
Preconception health care and NFM are often combined when couples
are planning to start a family and the two methods work hand in
hand wonderfully. |
| NFM Screening &
Tests may include:
• Salivary hormone testing (male & female)
• Functional thyroid testing
• Oestrogen metabolite screening
• Hair mineral analysis
• Zinc taste test
These are arranged in clinic with referral from the naturopath.
A holistic approach is essentially taken, as the health of one’s
fertility is reflective of ones’ general health. Other body
symptoms and diet and lifestyle status are assessed and treated
accordingly.
The combining evidence
of research into the effects of single nutrients and natural
medicines on reproductive health, and studies on a holistic approach
to preconception health care, shows that conditions such as subfertility,
miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth, malformation, breastfeeding
difficulties, handicap, hyperactivity, learning problems, asthma,
allergies and poor resistance to infection are often preventable.
Preconception health care for both parents can ensure healthy sperm,
eggs and a nurturing environment to optimise the outcome for conception
and pregnancy.
Preconception health care is the ultimate preventative health care,
with the potential to change the health of future generations.
What is infertility?
Infertility is medically defined as the inability to conceive after
12 months of trying. Of the 20% that experience infertility, about
half are unable to have a family.
Currently it is possible to find the cause of infertility in 80
per cent of couples. Women are responsible for 30-40% of the couples
that are unable to conceive, men are responsible for 30-40%, while
approximately 20% of problems are shared and another 10-20% are
unexplained. |
“May
we give ourselves, our children and our future generations
the gift of strong health and vitality, with a natural,
safe and healthy start to life, and a natural, safe
and healthy environment in which to live. And may we
do this by seeking out knowledge about the inherent
and natural fertility of our own bodies which is our
own natural birthright.”
Francesca Naish, author of ‘Natural Fertility’,
‘Natural Way to Better Babies; Better Pregnancy;
Better Birthing and Bonding; Better Breastfeeding’
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|  NFM
Methods include:
• Basal temperature charting & analysis
• Cervical mucus monitoring & analysis
• Ovulation prediction techniques
• Assessment of symptoms of hormonal imbalance associated
with the follicular and luteal phase of the cycle
Further investigative tests may be recommended and referrals to
other healthcare providers ensure a holistic approach to assessment
and/or treatment. These may include G.P’s, osteopaths, chiropractors
and acupuncturists. |
| The Common
Causes of Female Infertility:
• Ovulation disorders
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Tubal or uterine obstructions
• Uterine fibroids
• Abnormalities in cervical mucus production (e.g ‘hostile
mucous’ or sperm antibodies)
Other contributing factors include:
• Hormonal imbalance
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Being overweight or underweight
• Stress
• Advancing age
• Heavy metals
• Certain drugs
• Infection
|
The Common
Causes of Male Infertility:
Men are responsible for 30-40% of the 10% of couples that
are unable to conceive. The cause can be found in 60% of males.
• Low sperm count
• Decreased sperm motility
• Sperm agglutination
• High concentration of abnormal sperm
• Testicular varicoceles
• Blockages due to scarring
• Ejaculatory disorders
• Undescended testes
Other contributing factors include:
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Heavy metals
• Hormonal imbalance
• Advancing age
• Occupational toxins
• Pharmaceutical and recreational drugs
• Infections
• Heat and pressure to testes |
|
| ‘A healthy
body is a fertile body’ |
|
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| What treatments are involved
in NFM?
Treatments vary for women/couples and are dependent on their individual
case. Other health areas will be addressed and treated accordingly,
often before or concurrently with the fertility support. Each treatment
plan is designed specifically for the individuals/couples issues
and needs.
Generally treatments involve:
• Herbal medicine * (liquids, tablets/capsules)
• Nutritional medicine *(liquids, tablets/capsules, powders)
• Dietary modifications
• Detoxification programs
• Lifestyle modifications
• Medication(s) assessment
* Practitioner-only product ranges of the highest quality.
| “The
4-month preconception plan and monitoring of ovulation
was very insightful and my husband and I conceived in
our first month of trying.”
~ Rachel |
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| How long should you continue
with NFM?
Again this depends of the individual case. Some women suspect they
have no issues with their reproductive health and employ the NFM
methods as an education and awareness exercise for both conception
and contraception. This goes on to help them immensely when they
decide they would like to conceive. Other women, through NFM discover
their reproductive health could be improved, in turn improving their
fertility and relieving symptoms of hormonal imbalance (e.g. PMS,
painful periods).
Some couples begin the NFM methods after trying unsuccessfully
to conceive using IVF methods. They often comment how they enjoy
the education side of NFM and feel a greater sense of awareness
(and empowerment) of their reproductive health and fertility. Because
the naturopathic treatment applied is holistic, they nearly always
notice an improvement in their general health also. |
Consultation Fees: *
| Initial consultation:
|
1 hr |
$120.00 |
| Follow-up consults: |
½ hr |
$45.00 |
| |
1 hr |
$65.00 |
Dispensary Fees:
Herbal medicines and nutritional supplements are charged in addition
to the consulting fee. Costs vary greatly according to individual
treatment needs. |
| “We were
so happy with the result… I fell pregnant straight
away within our desired time frame.”
~ Simone |
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“I first learnt about the natural fertility
methods a year ago through the book ‘Natural
Fertility’ by Francesca Naish. My cycles had
been irregular and all my doctor could advise was
to go on the Pill. I had been charting and recording
my morning temperatures and from this didn’t
think I was actually ovulating every month. Finding
a natural fertility naturopath was just what I needed
as I had found the problem but needed a solution!
It was great Kristin had done her fertility training
with Francesca Naish so we were able to focus on my
hormonal imbalance immediately with herbal medicines,
supplements and changes to my diet.
My cycles are now becoming more regular and by the
second month on the herbal mixture I had ovulated,
and have done so for the last 3 months. My PMT has
disappeared and I feel a great improvement in my overall
health. My husband and I are now confident that when
we are ready to have a baby we should have no problems.
I’m so grateful I sorted all this out before
it became a potential problem and I look forward to
seeing Kristin for our preconception plan soon. She
has been my naturopath as well as a good friend.”
Nicola, Karratha WA
Oct 2007
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I went to see Kristin after my husband and I had
been trying to conceive for over 6 months. Because
I am 35 and my husband is 40, we were concerned about
the length of time it might take to conceive without
assistance. I did not wish to seek any medical intervention
until absolutely necessary and felt that natural fertility
help could be the way to go for us.
I was very impressed with the consultations. Kristin
was extremely helpful and informative, always addressing
any concerns I had and suggesting ideas and herbal
supplements to assist us in conceiving.
The treatment plan was excellent. The results speak
for themselves as I fell pregnant after only 3 months
of seeing Kristin. We were ecstatic! Kristin ensured
that my body was prepared properly to carry a baby
and maintain the pregnancy through natural tonics
and supplements. She also pointed us in the right
direction as far as charting and timing was concerned.
Kristin’s attitude and interpersonal skills
were excellent. She was very comfortable to talk to
and I felt completely relaxed raising any issues that
I was concerned about. When I was getting worried
about things not happening quickly enough, she was
the one who would always reassure me and make me feel
better about it all.
Unfortunately I have now moved interstate; otherwise
I would still be seeing her during my pregnancy. Thanks
for everything Kristin – will be in touch with
our news!
Lisa Blackman, Karratha WA
December 2007
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|
 “A
friend suggested I go see Kristin as we had been trying
to conceive for just under 8 months and during that
time I had had 2 early miscarriages. Kristin taught
me the natural fertility techniques of charting my
temperatures and we discovered I had problems with
my ovulation. Kristin put my partner and I on a thorough
preconception care program, which we followed very
well for the minimum of 4 months. We stopped trying
for a baby (used protection), as I didn’t want
to go through the experience of miscarrying again.
We conceived on our first attempt during the 5th month
of the program, and I am now 6 months pregnant and
have had a great pregnancy so far. It just proved
to us that my body needed support to have a baby and
I’m so happy we treated the issues the ‘natural’
way. Thanks Kristin.”
A.P, Karratha WA
August 2007
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”We had been through 3 IVF attempts about 12
months before we first saw Kristin. As we were close
to our 40’s we were anxious to fall pregnant
especially after the unsuccessful IVF experiences.
We liked Kristin’s common-sense approach to
our issues and the information we gained from the
appointments. We learnt that it wasn’t just
about making a baby but preparing our bodies to do
so, and Kristin’s “seed & soil”
analogy made a lot of sense to us.
I found her very understanding of our situation and
creating the short and long-term goals made a lot
of sense. We were tested for zinc levels, heavy metals,
hormone health, and I charted my monthly cycles. The
results showed we both needed support to make a healthy
baby and why the IVF wasn’t successful.
Kristin helped me with my stress levels, my hormones
and my digestion. My husband also took supplements
for detoxing his body and improving his sperm quality.
Although impatient at times, we committed to the program
and in hindsight we both thought it made more sense
than the IVF programs did. 10 months later we successfully
conceived our daughter and I had a healthy and stress-free
pregnancy. Our baby is now 13 months old and we are
keen to begin trying for a second. Thank you for all
your support (and patience) Kristin.”
Angela & Peter, Karratha WA
Baby Caitlin, 2006
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| More information: |
| *Rebates:
As a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS),
all consultations are rebatable from most private health funds and
are GST free.
Most private health funds offer partial rebates, although these
vary greatly for both naturopathic consultations and for natural
medicines and supplements.
Income Tax Rebates – When your net health
expenses exceed $1500 per year you may be able to claim additional
expenditure as a taxable income rebate. Please check with your tax
accountant.
Check which modalities your health fund covers:
www.atms.com.au
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