Dr. Andrea Clarke ND
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Andrea Clarke
Naturopathic Doctor 
Dr For Moms

Located in NW Calgary, we are a team of health professionals focused on natural health for Mama's. Our speciality is in Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum care.

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Baby Wellness Series

5/30/2017

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I've created a community offering for Mama's and Babies called, “Eat. Sleep. Be Well” It's a  3 week baby health & wellness series created to bring safe natural medicine to parents during the first year of baby’s life.

Eat: Topics of food introduction, food sensitivities and allergies, and creating long term positive associations with healthy food, along with pro’s and con’s of puree's and baby led weaning (baby led feeding). You will leave feeling confident and excited to move on to the new and fun milestone of feeding your baby solids.

Sleep: Understanding why baby is waking up, and developing awareness around the differences between your sleep needs and baby's sleep needs during the first year. A supportive place to learn about healthy options for you and babe and how to get the most sleep in the healthiest way.

Be Well: Exploring naturopathic remedies for common concerns in baby's first year, including teething, boosting immune system, earaches eczema, reflux and more.... 
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Postpartum Depression

3/31/2016

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Natural Treatments for Postpartum Depression
​by Dr. Andrea Clarke ND

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a diagnosable mood disorder occurring in 1 in 5 women after the birth of their baby. The signs and symptoms can vary depending on the woman and depending on the severity, but is generally diagnosed by an Edinburgh questionnaire when women “aren't feeling themselves” for over 2 weeks.
Women particularly at risk are those with a history of depression or anxiety, if they have had PPD before or if they have perceived lack of support, have recently moved, or changed jobs or a change in relationships with their partner, family or friends. In other words, having a big life shift, at the same time as you are transitioning to motherhood puts you at increased risk of postpartum depression or anxiety.
There are many possible imbalances that can lead to postpartum depression, I am sure you have heard of the most commonly diagnosed reason, which is a change in brain chemicals, usually with serotonin, dopamine or norepinephrine; and treated with antidepressants. However there are a multitude of reasons that postpartum depression occurs, which have vary different treatment plans than taking anti-depressants. Other causal factors include:
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Inflammation
  • Hormonal shifts
  • Lack of sleep
    Depending on the cause...your treatment plan will vary, adding in hormonal balancing herbs, or high dose vitamins, natural anti-inflammatories, natural brain chemical support and acupuncture.
    Of course choosing the treatment that is right for you and your breastfeeding relationship is of upmost importance. Many moms suffer with the symptoms of PPD because they feel there are no safe options while breastfeeding. And that is simply NOT true. Please reach out for help, we would love to help your transition to motherhood be as joyful as possible.



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Unexplained Fertility Issues

2/17/2016

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Explaining Unexplained Infertility 


10% of couples are struggling on their fertility journey, 1/3 is male factor 1/3 is female factor…but there is still 1/3 that is unexplained by our current diagnostics. This leaves couples feeling frustrated and a little bit confused about what to do next.


    However as an ND, I see unexplained fertility as a chance to educate couples about their overall health, their reproductive health, stress, nutrition and an opportunity to motivate them to be as healthy as possible. 


    Certain underlying conditions continually pop up in my practice for couples that have been labeled with unexplained infertility.

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  1. Suboptimal thyroid function
  2. Low vitamin D levels
  3. High cortisol
  4. Hormonal imbalance


The great news is that there is hope, there are treatments for these conditions that contribute to unexplained fertility concerns. Talk to your naturopath about your health goals, your fertility concerns and you may be surprised at what you learn about your health. One thing I love most about being a naturopathic doctor, is that I have the time to spend with my patients, to be a bit of a detective, and figure out the health mysteries. I hope someday that unexplained infertility doesn't exist, that we have all the answers for couples that are trying to conceive. Until then, keep asking questions, supporting one another and striving for optimal health.
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Natural Fertility Basics info session

1/22/2016

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Trying to conceive can be tricky.  Join Dr. Andrea for an informative information series to learn the top 5 natural treatments to increase your fertility. A sneak peak of things you will learn:


  • The best foods to add and/or take away from your diet, to boost your fertility
  • What botanical remedies and vitamins are safe and effective
  • How stress can play a role when trying to conceive
  • What role timing and temperature play 
  • If acupuncture a good option for you



  • Join us at Dr. For Moms on Tuesday Feb 9th 2016, $30

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Treating Headaches naturally while Pregnant

1/15/2016

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Chiropractic care is a wonderful treatment for the alleviation of headaches throughout pregnancy. As your posture and alignment shifts to carry baby.
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There can also be an increase in headaches during your pregnancy  due to:
  • Hormone fluctuations
  • Dehydration
  • Magnesium deficiency
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • Increased inflammation
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Acetaminophen?

What about Tylenol? Is that safe? 
Acetaminophen is graded a risk category B drug during pregnancy. Meaning they are basing the safety on animal studies.
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Natural treatments that are safe in pregnancy

Getting to the root cause of the headaches is my first line of treatment. It is usually clear, by the type of headache, the severity and duration of the headache, and the history of headaches before pregnancy. The treatments include ruling out sources of inflammation from food or lifestyle, increasing water and magnesium, and a series of acupuncture and acupressure treatments, along with chiropractic adjustments and craniosacral therapy.
Dr. Andrea Clarke ND
Mom’s are so busy. We are working, looking after toddlers, planning family dinners and all the while growing a baby. There are many natural remedies for the alleviation of headaches. But I often use it as a warning sign that we may feel better by slowing down and doing less. Being pregnant is a full time job. Give yourself permission to take good care of yourself. You’re worth it!
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Pregnancy Mantras

1/8/2016

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Natural treatments for Nausea in Pregnancy

1/7/2016

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Dietary changes such as increasing protein, and adding ginger to your diet can reduce nausea.
Acupuncture and Acupressure have been shown to reduce levels of nausea, even in women diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause nausea during pregnancy - ask your health care provider for the right dose.
Stress reduction has an enormous effect on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Check in with yourself and see if some new coping skills will help you feel better.
Dr. Andrea Clarke ND
I want to help you have your healthiest pregnancy. You have safe and natural options for treating nausea that aren't pharmaceutical drugs or suffering with symptoms and hoping it will go away soon.
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5 Tips for a Healthy Natural Pregnancy

1/7/2016

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  1. Dietary advice: Hydrate yourself. Using water or herbal teas (because they are non-caffeinated). Ensure you are having enough water, as it can help you to fight fatigue, flush out wastes, eliminate leg cramps, relieve constipation and headaches.  Eat protein at every meal ~ your body needs it, as the amino acids in protein are the building blocks of life. High protein foods include nuts, meat, eggs, tofu, fish, chicken, brown rice, quinoa, cottage cheese, nut milk...the list goes on. Find something that is easy to grab and is equally delicious like some almond butter smeared on your apple slices for a snack, a tofu and veggie stir fry with brown rice for dinner, and a breakfast smoothie with hemp hearts, almond milk and peanut butter and banana. There are millions of options for smoothies to increase your daily protein, especially if your appetite has changed or you are experiencing nausea and vomiting and you are unsure how to continue to eat healthy for you and babe.
  2. Exercise: it doesn’t mean you need a hardcore gym membership, it just means you need movement. As your body is changing to accommodate a growing fetus, stretching, walking, swimming, yoga or other exercise classes can give such physical relief. It helps to avoid back pain that can occur with pregnancy, but the best thing about exercise is the feeling of accomplishment and feeling good about doing something great for your health and baby’s health.
  3. Best pre natal vitamin. Your body and baby’s body need the best possible nourishment at this special time. Therefore it is important to supplement some vitamins and minerals to ensure baby is getting all the necessary nutrients. I always recommend a pre natal vitamin that is in capsule form instead of tablet form due to increased absorption. Also finding a vitamin that agrees with your digestion is important, as some women find the iron in the multi vitamin difficult to absorb or eliminate. There are prenatal vitamins available with a much easier absorbable iron. Check your labels, and switch to a healthier brand if necessary.
  4. Alternative medicine: Acupuncture, botanical medicine, massage therapy, chiropractic, osteopathic, and Homeopathy can be such a gift to help you navigate this pharmaceutical free period of your life. There are so many amazing options available to you. Ensure the alternative you choose is a natural and safe form of medicine to use during pregnancy. I have recommended acupuncture, botanical medicine and homeopathy for colds and flu, headaches, emotional changes, mood disorders, high blood pressure,to prepare the uterus,for inducing labor and reducing healing time after baby’s birth day.
  5. Get connected with other moms, or mama’s-to-be as it can be such a relief to know you are not the only one going through this incredible change. Other moms are such a great resource and source of support and encouragement. It can make all the difference when you feel connected and supported through your pregnancy journey both physically and emotionally.
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    Dr. Andrea

    Let's talk health, vibrancy, pregnancy and mommy awesomeness!
    *disclaimer: this is not meant to be personal medical advice


    Do you have Questions, Comments? Swing by for a visit at Dr For Moms. We would love to play a part in making your pregnancy amazing.
    info@drformoms.com
    ​403-247-9301




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