Preconception & Fertility Support
Wouldn’t it be nice to get pregnant knowing you are prepared physically and mentally for the journey? Optimizing your health and addressing any imbalances will not only help you have a successful pregnancy and labor, but will set you up for success in the postpartum period as well.
With a holistic approach led by Dr. Sydney Baker, we’re here to guide San Diego patients through every step of their life-changing journey from our practice in La Jolla. We address preconception and fertility by focusing on the health of the egg, the health of the sperm and the health of the maternal environment so the embryo can implant and grow healthfully.
What is Preconception Care?
Preconception care is a holistic approach to health and wellness aimed at preparing individuals and couples for pregnancy. It goes beyond traditional prenatal care by focusing on optimizing health before conception. This proactive care is about creating the best possible environment for conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Key Elements of Preconception Care
- Nutritional Optimization: Ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients crucial for reproductive health.
- Lifestyle Assessment: Identifying and modifying lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management, which significantly impact fertility.
- Health Evaluations: Comprehensive health assessments to identify and address any underlying medical conditions or hormonal imbalances.
- Education and Counseling: Providing knowledge and support to empower individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
The Need for Preconception Care
Preconception care involves making informed, proactive choices to enhance fertility and lay a strong foundation for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Recent studies highlight a concerning trend: over 90% of women trying to conceive lack vital nutrients, impacting fertility rates and the health of future generations.1 Traditional prenatal supplements often fall short in addressing these deficiencies. Our wellness center recognizes this gap, offering personalized care that delves into the root causes, ensuring you receive comprehensive preconception education and support.
Preconception care is about more than just addressing fertility; it’s about preparing your body and mind for the journey ahead. Benefits include reducing unintended pregnancies, reducing the risk of birth defects, and promoting overall family planning.
Naturopathic Fertility Support
Naturopathic Fertility Support is an integrative approach that combines traditional naturopathic medicine with modern science to enhance fertility. This approach is personalized, taking into account each individual’s unique health profile, lifestyle, and fertility challenges.
How Our Naturopathic Approach Helps
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Each plan is tailored to address specific fertility issues, whether related to hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or lifestyle factors.
- Natural Therapies: Utilization of natural, non-invasive therapies such as herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, and acupuncture to improve reproductive health.
- Support for Both Partners: Recognizing that fertility is a shared journey, we provide care and support for both partners, enhancing overall reproductive health.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: Fertility challenges can be stressful. We offer holistic support to help manage stress and emotional well-being throughout the fertility journey.
Our goal is to empower you with a deeper understanding of your body and fertility, equipping you with the tools and support needed for a successful and healthy pregnancy.
Our Holistic Approach to Preconception & Fertility Support
Our approach considers everything from hormonal balance, including thyroid and adrenal health, to lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. We address various conditions like PMS, PCOS, and fibroids, and support those undergoing IUI and IVF treatments. Understanding the importance of egg and sperm quality, we also focus on managing gut health and obesity, which are crucial for fertility.
Who Can Benefit From Our Naturopathic Infertility Protocol?
We offer custom-tailored solutions to suit our patients’ diverse needs. Our protocol is designed for:
- Healthy couples aiming for optimal preconception health.
- Those facing general infertility, including issues with sperm count, motility, and ovulation.
- Couples with a history of miscarriages, premature births, birth defects, or low birth weight
- Women who are over 40 who want to improve fertility and reduce the risk of birth defects related to maternal age
FAQs About Preconception and Fertility Support
- How does preconception care improve my chances of a healthy pregnancy? Preconception care enhances overall health, addresses nutritional deficiencies, and prepares your body for pregnancy, reducing risks and complications.
- What lifestyle changes are recommended for improving fertility? We advocate for a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding harmful substances, and managing existing health conditions.
- Can naturopathic care help if I’ve had recurrent miscarriages? Yes, our naturopathic approach focuses on identifying and addressing underlying causes of recurrent miscarriages, including hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies, to improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
- How long before trying to conceive should I start preconception care? We recommend starting preconception care at least 4-6 months before trying to conceive. This time frame allows us to optimize your health and address any imbalances to prepare your body for pregnancy.
- Can naturopathic care support IVF and IUI treatments? Absolutely. Our naturopathic care complements IVF and IUI treatments by enhancing overall health, improving egg and sperm quality, and preparing the body for these procedures.
- Is preconception care beneficial for men as well? Yes, preconception care is equally important for men. Improving sperm health and addressing lifestyle factors can significantly enhance fertility outcomes.
- What role does thyroid health play in fertility? Thyroid health is critical for fertility. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can impact ovulation and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. We assess and manage thyroid health as part of our comprehensive care. Learn More About Thyroid Health and Testing
- Can natural therapies really improve fertility? Natural therapies, including lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, and herbal medicine, have been shown to effectively improve fertility by addressing root causes and improving overall reproductive health.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2020. After getting married and trying to conceive without any success, I knew I needed to do something about my health. When I found Dr. Baker, I knew she was the doctor I wanted to work with. After just a few months of working with her and making the lifestyle changes she suggested, I got a positive pregnancy test. I couldn’t believe it! I am currently pregnant with a healthy pregnancy, all thanks to Dr. Baker!
Start Your Journey with Confidence
Embark on your path to parenthood with the assurance that you’re fully prepared. Our San Diego team is dedicated to providing you with individualized care and empowering you with knowledge for a healthy pregnancy. Contact us today to schedule your preconception consultation at our practice in La Jolla and take the first step towards a fulfilling journey to parenthood.
How It Works
PHASE 1: DISCOVERY
We pride ourselves on our unique approach to patient care, tailored to ensure your success. Begin your journey with us by scheduling a complimentary 15-minute discovery call to explore our methods and determine if we’re the right fit for your wellness goals.
PHASE 2: EVALUATION
Meet with one of our doctors for a 60-minute session to discuss your health history and goals. Together, we’ll map out a personalized plan tailored just for you.
PHASE 3: PERSONALIZED PROGRAM
Embark on your unique path to wellness with our dedicated team supporting you every step of the way. Your journey to better health begins here.
PHASE 4: MAINTENANCE
After completing your tailored program, you’ll be equipped with the tools to sustain your health journey. Rest assured, we’re committed to standing by your side, supporting you through every life stage and change.
1 Godfrey KM, Titcombe P, El-Heis S, Albert BB, Tham EH, Barton SJ, Kenealy T, Chong MF, Nield H, Chong YS, Chan SY, Cutfield WS; NiPPeR Study Group. Maternal B-vitamin and vitamin D status before, during, and after pregnancy and the influence of supplementation preconception and during pregnancy: Prespecified secondary analysis of the NiPPeR double-blind randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med. 2023 Dec 5;20(12):e1004260. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004260. PMID: 38051700; PMCID: PMC10697591. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051700/. Accessed December 15, 2023.