Evidence-based naturopathy in
Bendigo and online Australia-wide

Take control of your health

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH WITH EVIDENCE-BASED NATUROPATHY

Discover natural wellness with tailored naturopathic care. By addressing the root causes of your health concerns, I help you achieve lasting health, balance, and vitality. Using herbal medicine, personalised nutrition plans, and lifestyle support, I guide you and your family towards thriving health.

I offer consultations at two welcoming, child-friendly locations in Golden Square and Kennington (Bendigo) or provide telehealth appointments for clients Australia-wide.

Is This You?

✓ Exhausted, tired, struggling with hormonal issues?

✓ Experiencing digestive discomfort, constipation, bloating?

✓ Looking for support through every stage of womanhood?

✓ Wanting to raise resilient, healthy children naturally?

BOOK FREE ASSESSMENT TODAY

Bendigo Naturopath Amy Simpson Fruit Bowl

CONDITIONS I TREAT

General health & Wellbeing

Gut health & digestion
Food & nutrition
Low iron
Immune health
Thyroid
Weight management & fat loss
Stress management
Anxiety & depression
Skin conditions
Allergies
Chronic disease support & prevention
Late diagnosis ADHD support
Sleep support

Explore my General Health Services >

Women's health

Pregnancy health
Menstrual concerns
Heavy bleeding
Hormones
Fertility
Pre-conception planning
Motherhood support
Perimenopause transition
Menopause support
Breastfeeding support
Endometriosis
PCOS
PMDD

Explore my Women's Health Services >

Children's health

Colic & reflux
Gut health & tummy pain
Nutrient deficiencies
Immunisation support
Allergies & intolerances
Asthma
Eczema
Skin conditions
First period (menarche)
Picky eating
Introducing solids
ADHD, ASD, Sensory Issues
Sleep support

Explore my Children's Health Services >

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(ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATION FREE - I BELIEVE IN NATUROPATHY
THAT IS INCLUSIVE, NOT EXCLUSIVE)

Hello, I'm Amy

I'M A DEGREE-QUALIFIED NATUROPATH GIVING BUSY TIRED WOMEN THEIR ENERGY BACK

I combine evidence-based naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to empower you on your journey to vibrant health. Whether you’re seeking to reclaim your energy, balance your hormones, resolve digestive issues, or enhance your overall well-being and longevity, my personalised approach focuses on uncovering and addressing the root cause of your concerns.With a Bachelor of Health Science, ongoing studies in a Master of Advanced Practice, and a full membership in the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), I bring a blend of science and care to support individuals and families at every stage of life.

ABOUT ME

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Amy is hands down the most professional, friendly and helpful naturopath I've been to. She listened to what my concerns were and tailored a plan to work to suit me and my requirements. I have no problem referring her services. Thanks, Amy, for helping me get my health back on track.

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FREE GUIDE
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Bendigo Naturopath Amy Simpson Citrus and Flowers

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Join other Australian mums - just like you

I LOVE helping mothers and their families to thrive.

Mother-Lover is my sporadic newsletter that covers the heart and science of showing up for your family. It is my contribution to our village, and my resistance against social media algorithms.

I'll send the latest tips and tools for optimal health straight to your inbox.

READ THE LATEST

Here, you'll find practical, evidence-based insights that support both personal wellness and family life.

Amy Simpson Naturopath Twin Birth Australia

What does a naturopath do? a naturopath pouring herbal medicine

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I NEVER WORKOUT FASTED (ANYMORE)

If I'm going to fix my cycle, I need to signal well nourished safety to my body.

Here's how to fuel before and after working out to modulate your cortisol and glucose response and ensure muscle adaption.

🏋🏼 For weightlifting: Aim for 15g of protein. It fuels your body and boosts post-exercise oxygen consumption, helping to elevate your metabolism for better recovery. Here are some examples of 15g protein snacks:
- 2 hard boiled eggs
- 30g of almonds
- 1 cup of greek yoghurt
- 1/2 a serve of a standard whey protein shake
- 50g turkey slices

🏃🏼 For cardio or cardio + weights: Add around 30g of carbs to that protein. This combo helps maintain blood sugar and signals the hypothalamus that nutrition is incoming, reducing the stress response often triggered by fasting/ training. Here are some examples of 30g of complex carbs:
- 1 medium banana
- 1 slice sourdough
- 1 apple with peanut butter
- 1 cup mixed berries

🍽️Always aim to have your post-workout meal within 45 minutes of training to optimise recovery and preserve lean mass.

Some tips for pain 👇

🏃Believe it or not but running up and down some stairs can alleviate cramps by releasing endorphins and moving lymph. I know it's literally the last thing you want to do but give it a try.

🍵Raspberry leaf tea with Calendula, ginger, chamomile and lemon balm can be helpful.

🔥Heat packs on my number one go to for any pain - all pain - all the time.

It's not really that hard!

I recommend 20-25g fibre per day as a baseline and possibly increasing that to an extra serve of veg or extra piece of fruit during late luteal while you're clearing hormones. Especially if you suffer from any kind of luteal dysfunction (PMDD & histamine girlies ♥️)

Fibre plays a crucial role in metabolic and hormonal health by influencing digestion, gut microbiota, and blood sugar regulation. It slows gastric emptying, enhancing satiety by promoting the release of hormones like peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulate appetite.

In the gut, fibre serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which support gut barrier integrity and reduce inflammation.

For female hormones, fibre helps regulate oestrogen levels by binding to excess oestrogen in the gut and promoting its excretion, reducing the risk of oestrogen excess.

Fibre also improves insulin sensitivity, stabilising blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by moderating glucose absorption (slowing it down!) and enhancing glucose uptake in cells.

What is happening to millennial mums?

We are in an unprecedented era where the neurobiological changes of matrescence are colliding with those of perimenopause. In Australia the average maternal age was 31 in 2022 with 37% of new mothers now aged 30 to 34.

The research shows that later motherhood brings an emotional readiness for mothers and developmental benefits for our babies. But it also presents a unique overlap of mattresses and perimenopause.

I'll be talking about this in May at the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association Symposium in Sydney.

What an honour to deep dive into our brains.

@nhaa.est1920

For the record, I'm 38 🩸

#Perimenopause

Posting again! 👇

Next week I will be chatting to @revitalising.health
about this and I can't wait.

Early childhood trauma is now reasonably associated with both PMDD and PCOS.

🩸🫄🏼PCOS is a constellation of cardio-metabolic syndromes and dysfunction that impact metabolism, mental health and the reproductive system.

🩸🤯PMDD is classified as both a psychiatric and gynecological condition where severe physical and emotional symptoms manifest during the luteal phase in the lead up to menstruation.

📑The gist of the two articles I show in the video, and all of the others that are coming out, is that early life trauma has a higher prevalence amongst women who have PCOS and PMDD - with emotional trauma being the most common abuse type.

THIS ☝🏼 another reason why I'm so passionate about preconception care and changing the paradigm of how the early years looks in our culture and how mothers are supported through matrescense. Because healthy, supported mothers, raise happier, healthier babies.

In the meantime, naturopathic and functional medicine takes a (w)holistic approach to treating both PMDD and PCOS (no synthetic contraceptive needed).

👋🏻For more information about maternal wellbeing and thriving children, hello! I'm Amy. I'm a mum to three preschoolers (including #twins). I'm also a degree qualified naturopath. I support mothers to lead their families with energy and intention. You can book 1:1 appointments in clinic in #Bendigo or online with me. I also have concession rates available because naturopathic medicine should be inclusive, not exclusive.

#PCOS #PMDD #trauma #epigenetics #womenshealth #naturopath #naturopathinbendigo #bendigo #castlemaine #pregnancy #postpartum #romanempire #epigenetics #matrescence #bendigonaturopath #twinmum #fournonblondes #childhoodtrauma

Pregnancy reshapes your brain 🧠

During pregnancy, your brain undergoes a profound transformation, strengthening your ability to bond, intuitively respond, and deeply connect with your baby. The amygdala (the part of the brain linked to maternal instinct) actually grows, reinforcing attachment. Meanwhile, areas tied to empathy, social awareness, and anxiety become more active, sharpening your sensitivity to your baby’s needs.

This isn’t forgetfulness or “baby brain". It’s a biological adaptation, designed to fine-tune you for the intensity of mothering. Let’s honour it.

PS. I see a more serious and debilitating postpartum "brain fog" in clinic that I believe is tied to oestrogen, PMDD, (ADHD?), gut health, and perimenopause. If this is you, I see you. Feel free to reach out ♥️

About 60% of clothes produced are made from plastic.

👉🏼Other names for plastic fabric include polyester, nylon, acrylic, vegan leather, fake fur, spandex, viscose, and rayon.

👉🏼Several investigations in North America and the EU have found that most fashion brands from Shein to Lululemon, including children's clothing, contain phthalates, PFAS/PFOS, BPA, and flame retardants, and lead. Some in amounts way way higher than the legal limits. Clothing is now so synthetic that there are calls for clothes to come with an ‘ingredient list’.

👉🏼These clothes are also sprayed with fumigants and other chemicals to keep them mould and rodent free during long transit and storage times sitting in single use plastic bags and shipping containers.

So what can we do to reduce this toxic burden for ourselves and our children when we can't necessarily afford local organic slow fashion?
1️⃣Op shops and second-hand clothes from marketplace and eBay.
2️⃣Ask for better brands like @purebabyorganic at Christmas and birthdays
3️⃣Look for certified cotton and other certifications like GOTS
4️⃣Always wash clothing before use and hang to dry preferably in the sun too off gas
5️⃣Be mindful of synthetic shoes opt for leather whenever possible

👉🏼Stay tuned because I will cover the human and environmental toxic load of the dyes and plastics used. Hint: plastic is now found in testicles placentas and breast milk. The issue runs deep.

📑 I've written an Environmental Toxins Quick Guide which covers fast fashion and lots more including 14 FREE or easy steps that you can take to reduce your toxic burden grab it from the link in my bio @amysimpson_naturopath

For more information about maternal wellbeing and thriving children, 👋🏻 hello! I'm Amy. I'm a mum to three preschoolers (including #twins). I'm also a degree qualified naturopath undertaking a masters. I support mothers to lead their families with energy and intention. You can book 1:1 appointments in clinic in #Bendigo or online with me. I also have concession rates available because naturopathic medicine should be inclusive, not exclusive.

#fastfashion #slowfashion #lowtox #lowtoxchildren #naturopath #naturopathicliving #

Your body is brilliant 💫

This post applies to all postpartum journeys bus as a twin mum during multiples awareness week, let's focus on twinnies.

After carrying twins, your postpartum recovery isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about deep, biological repair. Your body is recalibrating hormones, healing tissues, replenishing nutrient stores, and adapting to the intense demands of newborn care (times two!).

The fourth trimester is a critical window where rest, nourishment, and support aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. Iron, collagen, and essential fats rebuild and repair. Magnesium and adaptogens buffer stress. Sleep (even in fragments) fuels healing. And above all, receiving help allows your nervous system to settle, so you can recover and bond.

Twin postpartum recovery isn’t just harder, it’s different. Understanding the physiology of healing can help you honour what your body truly needs.

#twinmum #MultipleBirthAwarenessWeek #TwinPostpartum #FourthTrimester #PostpartumHealing #NourishingMotherhood #TwinMumLife

More women are becoming mothers later in life..

.. and this trend is actually great for our kids. Older mums tend to have more emotional maturity, which can lead to better emotional support and developmental benefits for children. But it also creates a unique overlap of two profound life stages for women —matrescence and perimenopause—that significantly shape a woman’s physical, emotional, and neurological health.

🫄🏼Matrescence, the transformation a woman undergoes as she becomes a mother, involves hormonal shifts, identity changes, and heightened neuroplasticity that support bonding and caregiving, though it also increases vulnerability to stress and mental load.

🩸Perimenopause, which typically begins in the late 30s or early 40s, marks the transition to menopause as oestrogen levels fluctuate, leading to changes in mood, memory, energy, and physical symptoms eventually things like hot flushes. When these transitions intersect—compounded by breastfeeding-related low oestrogen and fluctuating hormones—cognitive function, emotional regulation, and mental health can be deeply affected, even contributing to an increase in PMDD and ADHD diagnoses.

🧠Understanding and addressing these overlapping hormonal and neurological shifts is essential for providing holistic, tailored support to mothers navigating the complexities of both motherhood and midlife. 👋🏻 hello! I'm Amy. I'm a mum to three preschoolers (including #twins). I'm also a degree qualified naturopath. You can book 1:1 appointments in clinic in #Bendigo or online #telehealth

@amysimpson_naturopath

#motherhood #matrescence #perimenopause #menstrualcycle

How are ya swimmers?

Sperm counts have plummeted by over 50% in the last 50 years.

Two landmark studies by Levine found that men’s sperm counts have declined dramatically since the 1970s, with environmental toxins, poor diet, and lifestyle factors playing a major role. This isn’t just about fertility, low sperm health is a marker of overall health and longevity.

For couples trying to conceive, preconception care isn’t just for women. Sperm take around 72 days to regenerate, which means small changes can have a big impact in just three months.

Men’s fertility matters. It’s time we talked about it.

Our brains are constantly changing...

...especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, a woman's brain undergoes significant changes in areas related to empathy, anxiety, and social interaction, enhancing maternal instincts and bonding but also contributing to postnatal depletion—a state of exhaustion caused by the physical demands of motherhood, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, rage, and brain fog can persist for years. And if you're my age, we're also navigating perimenopause, where fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, impact neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, causing mood swings, anxiety, brain fog, and sleep disturbances.

Understanding these changes can help us implement better self-care strategies, like stress management, proper nutrition, and sleep. Hello!

👋🏼I'm Amy, a mum of three preschoolers (including twins) and a degree-qualified naturopath.

#naturopath #bendigonaturopath #castlemainenaturopath #naturopathforpregnancy #holisticwomenshealth #maternalhealth #strengthtraining #perimenopause #menopause #brainchanges #serotonin #postnataldepletion

Millennial Mum? Understand your brain 👇🏼

Firstly, are you experiencing any of these symptoms? Sending so much support and patience your way.

🫄🏼🤱🏼During pregnancy and postpartum, a woman’s brain undergoes significant changes, particularly in areas related to empathy, anxiety, and social interaction, which enhance maternal instincts and the ability to bond with the baby. The brain becomes more sensitive to stress and attuned to our baby, helping us to anticipate and meet their needs. This period is crucial for fostering a deep, emotional connection between mother and child to ensure the health of both. This period can also lead to postnatal depletion—a state of profound physical and emotional exhaustion caused by the relentless demands of motherhood and insufficient recovery time. Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and brain fog can persist for years. Mothers need holistic support, including proper nutrition, rest, and emotional care, to restore their vitality and well-being.

🧠🤯During perimenopause (late-30s), the brain undergoes significant changes due to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, poor memory recall, shit concentration and "brain fog." As the brain adjusts to these changes, women may also experience sleep disturbances and increased sensitivity to stress. Changes to our primary hormones drives a significant change in our gut towards a more pro-fat, pro-inflammatory population of microbes in our gut. We also experience significant reduction in lean muscle mass and bone density putting us at risk of falls. And an increase in insulin resistance and uncontrolled blood glucose which wreaks havoc on our mood, cravings and changes our body composition.

For more information about maternal wellbeing and thriving children, 👋🏻 hello! I'm Amy. I'm a mum to three under five (including #twins). I'm also a degree qualified naturopath. I support mothers to lead their families with energy and intention. @amysimpson_naturopath

#Perimenopause #motherhood #burnout #fatigue

$99 New Client Special the March ♥️

✔ Initial Appointment only $99 - usually $160

✔ Available Tuesdays & Thursdays - early morning and after work appointments available

✔ In-person at 3D Physio Sternberg - online telehealth also available

This is the perfect opportunity to start your journey toward better energy, balanced hormones, and deep nourishment with evidence-based naturopathic care.

Use it or lose it - muscle mass declines from 30.

But it turns out lifting weights halts the delcline AND benefits women in midlife in a myriad of cross-syatem ways. Especially when entering perimenopause and oestrogen begins to fluctuate and progesterone begins to decline.

Finally a fitness fad I can get behind:

🧬Increased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) - a chemical 'myokine' released from muscles that benefits mood and cognition

🍰Improved Insulin Sensitivity

🍜Enhanced Metabolic Health

🏋️Increased Muscle Mass

🦴Improved Bone Density

😴Enhanced Sleep Quality

💆Boosted Protein Synthesis

🏃Enhanced Proprioception

🧠Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Of all the things to do, personally, it's easiest for me to forget about exercise. But, here's the thing - Naturopathic care needs to be (whole)istic. Appropriate movement is JUST AS important as your sleep, applied nutrition (diet), nutritional medicine (supplements), and herbal medicine. There is no health without movement.

Have you jumped on the 'lift heavy shit' bandwagon? Vote below 👇

Pillars of Health ✨

True wellness isn’t about perfection or an 86-step morning routine designed by men without children.

True wellness is about building strong foundations.

My core pillars of health are:

🛌 Rest – Deep, nourishing sleep to restore and heal.
🥗 Nutrition – Whole, real food to fuel your body.
🚶‍♀️ Movement – Cyclical, strength-building exercise.
🧘‍♀️ Mindset – Reducing stress, breaking limiting beliefs.
🌿 Environment – Low-toxin living for optimal health.

I also love living - cakes and cheese with my friends. Hummus and corn chips. A late night movie. A full day on the couch. Take away pizza on day 2 of my bleed.

I really hate the lines that have been fed to woman such as 'run uphill for 30 minutes to burn off that birthday cookie'

Um no.

Small, intentional choices every day that serve your physical and emotional health = long-term vitality.

Let's scrutinise our skincare!

The term "fragrance" in personal care products often refers to a mixture of synthetic chemicals, including phthalates. These compounds are derived from petrochemicals (fossil fuels) and are used to make scents last longer.

Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption, which can worsen hot flushes and may be associated with early menopause. More urinary phthalates are found in women than men suggesting that perhaps our higher use of personal care products is exposing us at a greater rate.

Reducing exposure to EDCs is key for protecting our hormones and long-term health.

Here's some more tips 👇🏼
1. Scrutinise your skincare, shampoos, soaps, sunscreens etc.

2. Swap plastics for glass and stainless steel.

3. Throw away your non-stick pans. Don't use plastic utensils.

4. Ditch commercial cleaning products and anything that has the miscellaneous ingredient "fragrance". Air fresheners and fabric softener are particularly toxic and actually redundant.

For more information about maternal wellbeing and thriving children, 👋🏻 hello! I'm Amy. I'm a mum to three under 5 (including #twins). I'm also a degree qualified naturopath undertaking a masters. I support mothers to lead their families with energy and intention. You can book 1:1 appointments in clinic in #Bendigo or online with me. I also have concession rates available because naturopathic medicine should be inclusive, not exclusive.

#Menopause #Perimenopause #HotFlushes #HormoneHealth #EndocrineDisruptors #WomensHealth #HormoneBalance #NaturalHealth #CleanBeauty #ToxicFreeLiving #HealthyHormones #Phthalates #FertilityAwareness #MenopauseSupport #HormoneDisruption

Knowledge is power👇

💪TESTOSTERONE
Produced primarily by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It surges around ovulation, peaking in the mid-cycle, and plays a key role in libido, energy levels, mood stability, muscle maintenance, and cognitive function. While testosterone levels are lower in women than in men, they are actually higher than oestrogen levels throughout most of the menstrual cycle. This is because oestrogen fluctuates significantly, whereas testosterone remains relatively steady with a mid-cycle peak.

♥️PROGESTERONE
Progesterone plays a complex role in libido. While it is often associated with a calming effect, high levels (ahem luteal) can sometimes dampen sexual desire. However, progesterone also modulates the effects of oestrogen and testosterone, meaning its influence on libido depends on overall hormonal balance. Some research suggests progesterone may enhance sexual receptivity and bonding by interacting with oxytocin pathways.

💦OESTROGEN
Oestrogen plays a key role in female libido by enhancing vaginal lubrication, increasing blood flow to genital tissues, and heightening sensitivity and arousal. It peaks just before ovulation, which aligns with the time of highest natural fertility, suggesting an evolutionary link between oestrogen and sexual desire. Oestrogen also interacts with dopamine and oxytocin, neurotransmitters that influence pleasure and bonding. However, its effects on libido depend on overall hormonal balance.

🐄PROLACTIN
I've put this one in here for all my breastfeeding mamas and maybe my PCOS girlies. Prolactin is essential for milk production. It rises in response to infant suckling, reinforcing milk supply while also promoting maternal bonding.Prolactin generally suppresses libido, particularly after orgasm and during breastfeeding, by counteracting dopamine (the "desire" neurotransmitter). Elevated prolactin levels can lead to low sexual desire and anovulation.In some cases of PCOS, prolactin levels can be mildly elevated, contributing to irregular ovulation and menstrual cycle disturbances.

Did you learn this in secz ed? Me neither 🫠

Bones and brains aren't made out of thin air⬇️

Save this for the next time someone says "the guidelines only say you need folate for the first trimester"

WE are the primary source of nutrients for our baby’s growth and development. If our needs aren't met via diet and supplementation, ⬆️this⬆️ is where nutrients are taken from preferentially for our babies.

This process is known as accretion. And each nutrient has a specific amount accreted from mum.

If we don't replace these nutrients, we are left depleted and our breastmilk quality is reduced.

Nutritional biochemistry is no joke. I'm an HG mum and didn't eat for about 20 weeks. IYKYK.

This is why preconception care and optimal nutrition are crucial—not only to support a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding journey but to safeguard OUR long-term health and energy. Adequate nutrition plays a vital role in our resilience and recovery and supports the hormonal and neurological shifts of matrescence.

Without intentional nourishment, feelings of overwhelm and depletion quickly set in and intensify, impacting our ability to thrive in motherhood.

I'd love to share more with you 🙏🏼⬇️

Our cycle is our monthly health check in. Our cycle is our 5th vital sign and is just as important as our blood pressure.

If you're like me and heading into your last decade of menstruating, this is how we honour it.

I'm putting the finishing touches into my guide FLOW STATE now. You'll be the first to know when she's available.

♥️

#CycleSyncedTraining #cyclesyncing #Perimenopause #Menopause #menstrualcycle

The Flowers Festival by Elsa Beskow reimagined

Why "Eat Less, Move More" Fails Women

⚡Women are naturally more sympathetically driven than men, meaning our "fight or flight" response—and cortisol production activates more easily. While cortisol is essential, chronically elevated levels increases blood sugar and disrupting insulin balance. Fasting and working out both spike cortisol - we need food to bring us back to a feeling of safety in our "rest and digest phase".

🎢Cutting more calories or skipping meals only makes things worse. These strategies spike cortisol further, driving blood sugar higher, worsening insulin resistance, and storing more fat. And so, the cycle goes on.

Further more 👇🏼

🩸During our luteal phase, progesterone further increases insulin resistance to prioritise carbs for growing the uterine lining - making cravings biological, not a lack of "willpower." High insulin levels drive fat storage and prevents fat burning, even if you’re eating less during this half of your cycle.

The antidote to calories in vs calories out? 👇🏼

My Pillars of Health Guide will help you work with your body, not against it. Learn how to balance blood sugar, nourish yourself, and support your metabolism through nutrition, movement, and stress management. No more fighting cravings —just science-backed strategies for thriving.

🎁Comment GUIDE for a lil discount and direct link to download your copy now ♥️

Brain changes in pregnancy and motherhood are huge and everlasting 🧠💞

Our brain changes and reorganises to make us caregivers. But we lose something like 700 hours of sleep in the first year postpartum.

Sleep is crucial for brain functioning and detoxification. Thankfully mother nature provided us with oxytocin and prolactin (if breastfeeding) to buffer us from the effects of sleep deprivation - especially in the first few months.

However the brain still needs DEEP REST whenever it can get it in order to rewire, reorganize, and detoxify.

Meditation and breathwork promote:
🧠 Synaptic changes that help to consolidate our short term memories into long term memories
🧠 Growth in grey matter
🧠 Change in the executive functioning circuitry including interoception (being in touch with our body), emotional regulation, processing information and our capacity to hold attention.

Prioritise sleep and rest whenever you can get it. Don't underestimate the importance of even getting an hours sleep when you can.

These are the first steps 👇🏼

🌞Morning sun: Exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate circadian rhythms, supporting better sleep patterns and stabilising mood by boosting serotonin levels. This is crucial Pharrell mood in cognition when we're tending to our babies all night every night.

🍖Eating enough protein: Protein provides essential amino acids that support neurotransmitter production, such as serotonin and dopamine, which help stabilise mood and improve cognition. For new mothers, this is key to reducing anxiety, brain fog, and emotional imbalances.

🍽️Eating during the day: Regular meals during daylight hours help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes, irritability, and mood swings. Maintaining stable energy levels is critical for coping with the physical and emotional demands of our changing bodies.

🧂Hydrate with salt in your water: Adding salt to water helps maintain electrolyte balance, supporting hydration and proper nerve function. This can alleviate brain fog and fatigue in new mothers, as we are often more sensitive to dehydration (as it's a metabolic stressor).

🏋🏼Lifting heavy weights: Strength training supports the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which enhances cognitive function and mental resilience. Lifting weights won't put us into a state of stress like other exercises can - staying OUT of fight or flight is absolutely critical.

🕤Going to bed at 9:30: Prioritising early sleep allows for deeper, restorative rest, which is essential for hormone regulation and brain recovery. Getting to bed early helps improve sleep quality and cognitive clarity and gives us more of a chance to get into deep rest while we have to wake up and tend to our young overnight.

📱Blue light blocker on your phone after dusk: Blue light can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Blocking blue light after dusk helps maintain natural sleep-wake cycle.

For more information about maternal wellbeing and thriving children, 👋🏻 hello! I'm Amy, Naturopath and mum to three under five ♥️.

@amysimpson_naturopath

#motherinfant #babysleep #sleeptraining #maternalhealth #fatigue

Let's talk about anovulation 😭

An anovulatory cycle occurs when the ovary fails to release an egg, disrupting the typical hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. In a healthy cycle, rising oestrogen levels stimulate ovulation, followed by progesterone production from the corpus luteum - which is the casing of the expelled egg. In an anovulatory cycle, ovulation does not occur, leading to no progesterone and unopposed oestrogen (this can be a cause of irregular bleeding - not in my case during this long arse cycle though).

Here's the full science 👇

Stress is a key driver of anovulation due to its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses. This disrupts luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, both critical for follicle maturation and ovulation. Over time, this stress-induced suppression of ovulation can contribute to irregular cycles, reduced fertility, hormonal imbalances and mood disregulation.

My experience with the anovulatory cycle 👇

Honestly there isn't much to say other than it was bloody awful. My moods were terrible. My brain didn't focus. I didn't sleep very well. I gained weight on the scale and fat around my waist. I was bloated.
And sad. Mostly I was just very sad.

Prioritise the gut lining first 👇

When starting solids, prioritising the gut lining is crucial for a smooth transition to solid foods.

Introducing bone broth/stock first provides essential amino acids, including glycine, proline, and glutamine. These are the building blocks necessary for the gut lining, particularly the tight gap junctions that control what passes through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream.

Bone stock supports the maturation of the gut, which is still developing in infants and may otherwise struggle to handle food beyond milk. By nourishing the gut lining with these critical nutrients, you reduce the risk of food sensitivities, support optimal digestion, and create a foundation for a resilient microbiome.

This approach can also help mitigate issues like intestinal hyper permeability (IHP/"leaky gut"), which can arise if the gut barrier isn't adequately supported during this transition phase. IHP is a likely driver of allergies and intolerances.

For more information about maternal wellbeing and thriving children, 👋🏻 hello! I'm Amy. I'm a mum to three under five (including #twins). I'm also a degree qualified naturopath undertaking a masters. I support mothers to lead their families with energy and intention. You can book 1:1 appointments in clinic in #Bendigo or online #telehealth with me. I also have concession rates available because naturopathic medicine should be inclusive, not exclusive.

@amysimpson_naturopath

Hi, I'm in my late-30s 👋🏼

🩸The first sign of perimenopause is often a longer, heavier period and shorter menstrual cycle. This phase typically begins in the late 30s, though timing varies.

🎢Hormonal changes, such as fluctuating oestrogen and declining progesterone due to less consistent ovulation, are key drivers. These shifts can result in heavier or prolonged bleeds, with shorter cycles caused by a reduced follicular phase (the time between menstruation and ovulation).

🧬Genetics, lifestyle, and stress can influence when these changes start. Monitoring cycle patterns and symptoms is essential for understanding this transition and addressing imbalances effectively.

If you’re entering the intersection of matrescence (the transition to motherhood) and perimenopause (the transition to menopause), you’re in the right place. Hi, I’m Amy—a naturopath passionate about supporting women through the profound hormonal, nutritional, and neurological changes that define these life stages.

#Perimenopause #HormoneHealth #EvidenceBasedNaturopathy #CycleTracking

Strategies to help 👇🏼

A recent study (PMID: 29517340) shed light on the pressing issue of maternal burnout revealing that it is not just an emotional or physical challenge, but also has profound impact on physical health and family dynamics.The study found that maternal burnout, characterised by overwhelming exhaustion and detachment from parenting, can lead to significant adverse effects on both the mother and her babies. It highlighted the importance of early recognition and intervention in preventing long-term consequences addressing maternal burnout requires a comprehensive approach to whole-body wellness.

Here's what can help:
1. A supportive team, family and friends. This is the number one.

2. Keep taking prenatal vitamins, DHA, and choline. Consider also supplementing protein to get enough - I'm a fan of whey and collagen.

3. Prioritise rest over a clean house. This was the hardest for me. But it's the rest and nourishment in the first 40 days that predicts your health for the next 40 years.

4. Morning sun can help wake you up despite no sleep and set your circadian rhythm in motion for the day (this means feeling awake during the day and getting sleepy at night).

5. Exercise that is appropriate for your physical recovery. Exercise also helps our brain to relax and for us to create neurotransmitters (brain hormones).

6. Blood and functional testing specific to what you're going through and the common deficiencies in motherhood - primarily iron, B12, electrolytes like magnesium and calcium, vitamin D, thyroid panel.

7. So many herbs are incredible motherhood allies - oat straw, nettle, skullcap, bacopa, schisandra, saffron, st Johns wort, codonopsis and withania are a few of my favourites.

I'd absolutely love to help 👋🏻 hello! I'm Amy. I'm a mum to three under five (including #twins). I'm also a degree qualified naturopath undertaking a masters. I support mothers to lead their families with energy and intention. You can book 1:1 appointments in clinic in #Bendigo or online #telehealth with me. I also have concession rates available because naturopathic medicine should be inclusive, not exclusive. @amysimpson_naturopath
#postnataldepletion

Nestlé being Nestlé are known for scaring parents with bogus claims that are unrelenting, unregulated and untested (Google - The Baby Killer 1974 Report).

Fast forward to now and they're still at it. Fussy eating is truly the pits, but despite the bold claims and relentless advertising by companies like Nestlé, you probably don't need an ultra-processed artificial food supplement aka TODDLER MILK.

There is no regulation around marketing to one-year-olds in Australia (we're well behind international best practice on this).

Did you know that the "Infant Nutrition Council" is actually just a conglomerate of the multinational multimillion dollar companies that manufacture baby formula, baby food, and toddler milk? It's not an official research or government body. Per it's own website it "represents the interests of the infant formula industry of Australia and new Zealand".

And this "nutrition council" knows how to target us when we're vulnerable. When we are faced with fussy eating. Worried about growth and development. But unfortunately these milks may exacerbate the problem as they are very very high in calories and refined and synthetic sugars - Its ultra-processed and 5x more expensive than real cow's milk. It has twice the sugar as real cows milk. Essentially filling our bubs with addictive garbage.

I don't have a single cure all answer that I can leave here about fussy eating. It really is the pits. Changing eating habits and introducing new nutritious food takes a lot of time and patience and maybe even professional help. But I don't think it's fair that companies can target us while navigating early parenting.

🧡

You're already a parent. Here's how 👇🏼

Mum's eggs are uniquely receptive to their environment. Meaning your lifestyle, exercises, and good choices are all currently impacting the health and epigenetics of your eggs and the DNA that they will pass on.

Dad's sperms are exquisitely sensitive to their surroundings and nutrition. Meaning that the DNA sperm passes on is influenced by how dad is living right now.

What does that mean?
Nourishing yourself prior to and during pregnancy means you are nurturing your lineage.

That's why I created my preconception guide. It is your essential guide for maternal and paternal health. It deep dives into how to step into your power as a mother, nurture your lineage, and the science of epigenetics. It's an easy to follow, no bullshit guide to preconception care that will impact your health now and the health of your babies. It covers:
-sperm and egg health
-nutrition
-hydration
-movement
-stopping the pill
-gut health
-inflammation
-stress management and nervous system resilience,
-conscious conception
-avoiding the toxins that are making us infertile and impacting our babies
-managing blood sugar for mood and longevity,
-sleeping for hormone health.

Comment GUIDE below and I will send you the first few chapters for free. This is your chance to learn how deep nourishment and naturopathic care can empower you to thrive and set you up for success during your transition to motherhood.

👋🏻 hello! I'm Amy. I'm a mum to three under five (including #twins). I'm also a degree qualified naturopath undertaking a masters. I support mothers to lead their families with energy and intention. You can book 1:1 appointments in clinic in #Bendigo or online #telehealth with me. I also have concession rates available because naturopathic medicine should be inclusive, not exclusive.

@amysimpson_naturopath

#naturopath #bendigonaturopath #castlemainenaturopath #naturopathforpregnancy #holisticwomenshealth
#fertilityjourney #ttc #ttc2025 #preconceptionwellness #naturopathy #preparingforbaby #healthypregnancy #pregnancyfood

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I acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung people whose beautiful country I live on. I recognise that the sacred practices of ‘women’s work’ have occurred across these lands and waterways, and under these skies for many thousands of years. My deepest respect to elders past and present, as well as the traditional caretakers of pregnancy and birth. I support the Uluru Statement of the Heart.

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