Nurturing The Mother-Women's Health Series: Part 5: Elly

In this series you will get the opportunity to meet 5 beautiful women and their babies (both earthside and inside), who I have been lucky enough to be entrusted in the role of naturopath during their pivotal stages of life. These women have kindly given me permission to share their stories with you. By sharing their stories this may evoke feelings of hope in you that the health of you or your loved ones can improve and even blossom.

In our fifth addition to the series, we will be sitting down with Elly. When we first started working together Elly was not menstruating, and had a disharmonious relationship with her body & food. She wanted a baby in her future but knew she needed to get her hormones back on track. Elly now has two gorgeous girls and is flourishing in motherhood.

What led you to seek support from a naturopath?

Like many women, I’ve delt with body image issues, food restrictive diets, over exercising and under nurturing my body. I think this started when I got a modelling contract at 17 years old and was obsessing about my weight, competing against other women and all my focus was on the exterior. It is an ugly industry.

I was completely detached from womanhood. At 21 I stopped getting my period and thought nothing of it until I wanted to start a family shortly after I got married when I was 26. I spoke to my GP, and they referred me to see a specialist clinic for IVF. I knew that wasn’t my journey and that’s when I booked a consultation with Katie.

Katie nurtured my soul and gently guided me to increase calories, reduce intensity of exercise and tune into my mind, body and soul. Katie provided me with herbs to balance my hormones and suggested acupuncture. With Katie’s knowledge, coaching and kindness I transformed my body and mind to function the way it should, and I got my period, then fell pregnant!

Katie provided me with herbs throughout my pregnancy and postpartum to help with depletion and recovery. I am beyond grateful for Katie as now I have a beautiful 14-month-old girl.

How has the process with Katie been?

Katie has gone above and beyond to care for me with nothing but respect, kindness, warmth and understanding. She opens her heart and shares her wisdom and knowledge. Katie never judges and always made me feel like I was talking to a sister. Katie always provides a safe space to talk and a warm cup of herbal tea upon arrival! Katie is diligent with her work and provides an in-depth email recapping the entire session along with recommendations, recipes, and advice. Katie’s herbs have made my mind, body and soul feel so much brighter and better. I can’t thank Katie enough!

How have you begun to weave naturopathic principles more into your life? Are there any rituals that have become a daily rhythm for you?

Our morning begins with herbs from Katie for me and probiotics sprinkled on Mahlia’s morning eggs to help rebuild her gut after a course of antibiotics. Throughout the day we focus on nourishing our bodies with high nutrient dense food. We focus on high protein, essential fats, and healthy carbs. 95% of our meals are cooked at home, avoiding seed oils and microplastics from packaging.

Our nights end with a cup of chamomile tea and magnesium chocolate from PEAK (I must have chocolate!).

How has your health, body, wellness etc. transformed since beginning your journey?

My overall health has completely transformed since the day I first spoke to Katie about all things women, nutrition and fertility. I went from being completely infertile to conceiving a baby and becoming a mummy!

How has incorporating a holistic naturopathic approach to fertility/pregnancy/postpartum care or to your child’s health changed your emotional or mental well-being?

Fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and now taking care of a toddler can be exhausting and depleting!

Incorporating a holistic naturopathic approach to each day helped me sleep better and function during the day with more energy, combat sickness and feel great. I believe nourishing the body through food, herbs and movement creates a calm and clear mind. Doing morning rituals of herbs, eating probiotic foods and fresh organic produce ensures my family is thriving each day.