Insights for Your Health Journey

Pregnancy is one of the most transformative journeys of a woman’s life. It’s beautiful, powerful, and at times overwhelming. Many families find themselves asking: Who will walk alongside us, not only for the birth itself but for the preparation and the postpartum days that follow?

As a naturopathic doctor and doula based in Chilliwack, BC, I offer care that blends the best of both worlds — the emotional and physical support of a doula, combined with the medical knowledge and holistic guidance of naturopathic medicine. My approach is designed to support you, your baby, and your partner through every stage of this journey.

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Why Choose a Doula?

Research consistently shows that doula support improves birth outcomes:

• Birthing parents supported by a doula are 50% less likely to need a C-section.
  
• Families report greater satisfaction with their birth experience when a doula is present.
  
  

Birth can sometimes feel overwhelming or even traumatic, especially when unexpected interventions arise. Having continuous support — and the opportunity for postpartum debriefing — helps parents feel empowered, less traumatized, and more at peace with their birth story. Many clients share that their memories of labour feel calmer, more positive, and more meaningful when they had a doula walking alongside them.

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How Naturopathic Doula Care is Different

As both a naturopathic doctor and a doula, I am able to offer a unique level of care:

• Prenatal naturopathic intake & coaching — supporting you with nutrition, supplements, and personalized guidance for your pregnancy.
  
• Birth preparation planning — including labour positions, coping strategies, and partner involvement.
  
• Acupuncture for labour preparation or augmentation if desired.
  
• Herbal and supplement guidance for pregnancy, labour, and postpartum recovery.
  
• Postpartum visits that include feeding support, emotional processing, and recovery strategies.
  
• Secure direct messaging support throughout your care via the Jane App.
  
  

My role is never to replace your midwife or doctor, but to work alongside them — ensuring that you feel supported medically, emotionally, and holistically.

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Pre-Birth Acupuncture: Gentle Support for Labour

Many families are surprised to learn that acupuncture can be part of birth preparation. Research shows that acupuncture in the final weeks of pregnancy may help:

• Ripen the cervix and prepare the body for labour
  
• Reduce the need for medical induction
  
• Support a smoother labour progression
  
  

This is a natural, gentle way to encourage your body’s readiness while lowering stress and promoting calm in the final stretch of pregnancy.

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Stories from Fraser Valley Families

“I had Dr. Vanessa as my doula and I couldn’t have had anyone better! She helped me so much through my labour and gave me the support I definitely needed — including hours of compression to relieve contractions. I wouldn’t have been able to make it through without her. She has been awesome for postpartum care and giving me helpful information for me and my baby. She made it a beautiful experience. She is a very intelligent, sweet woman and I would 100% choose her again in the future!”

Another Fraser Valley mom shared:

“I was supported by Dr. Vanessa during prenatal appointments and with her full doula package. I was able to use my naturopathic benefits to pay for the package, which was a huge bonus! She guided us through the stages of labour, intervention preferences, postpartum care, and breastfeeding. She was there at my home when labour began, helping with positions, counter-pressure, and reminding me of my birth plan when I was ready to abandon it all. She supported not only me but also my husband in ways that helped us both feel grounded. When I reflect on my son’s birth, I feel beyond grateful she was there.”

These stories reflect what I believe deeply: birth is not just about the outcome — it’s about how you feel along the way.

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Postpartum Support: A Vital Part of the Journey

The birth doesn’t end when your baby arrives. In many ways, it’s just the beginning. That’s why postpartum support is such a central part of my doula care.

Your postpartum visit includes:

• A birth review and space to process your experience
  
• Feeding support and troubleshooting
  
• Recovery strategies for both vaginal and cesarean births (including scar-tissue acupuncture when appropriate)
  
• Partner support, debriefing, and guidance on how to best care for mom and baby
  
  

Families often tell me this visit is where they feel most cared for — when the initial rush of birth has passed, and the real work of healing and adjusting begins.

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Rooted in the Fraser Valley

Based in Chilliwack, BC, I serve families throughout the Fraser Valley — including Abbotsford, Agassiz, and Hope. I feel honoured to be part of this community and to walk alongside families as they welcome new life into the world.

Understanding Menopause as a Natural Transition

Menopause is a normal stage of life, not a disease. It begins with perimenopause, the years leading up to the end of menstruation, and is defined as 12 months without a period. The average age is around 51.

During this transition, declining estrogen and progesterone levels affect not only reproductive health, but also mood, metabolism, sleep, bone strength, and heart health. Up to 80% of women experience hot flashes, and many notice weight changes, disrupted sleep, and shifts in emotional wellbeing.

At Seek Optimal Wellbeing, our clinic in the Fraser Valley supports women from Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission, Langley, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope and more offering an integrated approach—combining naturopathic medicine, registered massage therapy, and counselling—to help women navigate this chapter with resilience and vitality.

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Why a Holistic Approach Matters

Too often, menopause is treated as something to "get through" with band-aid solutions. But at this stage of life, your body deserves deeper support. Instead of only chasing symptoms, we look at the root causes and how different systems interact:

• Hormonal Balance – Supporting estrogen, progesterone, and adrenal health.
  
• Gut Health (the Estrobolome) – Your microbiome plays a key role in hormone metabolism. Dysbiosis may recycle estrogen back into the body, worsening symptoms.
  
• Stress Resilience – Chronic stress disrupts sex hormones, intensifies hot flashes, and worsens sleep.
  
• Metabolic Function – Shifts in blood sugar and metabolism can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and increased risk of heart disease.
  
• Nutrient Status – Key vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are essential for energy, mood, bones, and heart health.
  
  

Supporting Your Gut-Hormone Connection

Your gut bacteria influence how estrogen is processed. A healthy microbiome promotes proper hormone elimination, while an imbalanced gut increases reabsorption, potentially leading to more intense symptoms.

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Daily practices to support your gut health:

• Aim for 25–30g of fiber (vegetables, flax, chia).
  
• Include fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut).
  
• Drink 2–3L of water daily.
  
• Limit processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and excessive alcohol.

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Metabolic Shifts & Blood Sugar Balance

After menopause, women experience:

• A 30% reduction in metabolic rate.
  
• A natural shift toward abdominal fat storage.
  
• 1–2 kg annual weight gain and muscle loss if not addressed.

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Blood sugar imbalances can worsen fatigue, cravings, hot flashes, and sleep disruptions. Supporting insulin sensitivity through diet, exercise, and stress management is critical.

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Daily habits that help:

• Eat protein at every meal.
  
• Choose low-glycemic carbohydrates.
  
• Strength train 2–3 times per week.
  
• Prioritize 7–9 hours of restorative sleep.
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Stress, Cortisol, and Hormonal Balance

Chronic stress activates the HPA axis (brain-adrenal connection), leading to elevated cortisol. This disrupts sex hormones and worsens symptoms.

Evidence-based stress support strategies include:

• Breathwork (e.g., 4-7-8 technique).
  
• Prayer and Meditation (even 5 minutes daily).
  
• Yoga or tai chi for nervous system regulation.
  
• Time in nature—just 20 minutes a day lowers stress hormones.
  
  

Nutritional & Herbal Support

Food is the foundation, but targeted supplementation can make a big difference:

• Magnesium for relaxation, sleep, and mood.
  
• Vitamin D + K2 for bone and immune health.
  
• Omega-3s for heart and brain function.
  
• B vitamins for energy.
  
  

Some women benefit from herbal therapies like black cohosh, red clover, or vitex for hot flashes, sleep, and mood changes. These are best used under professional guidance.

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When to Consider Hormone Therapy

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) can be an effective option for some women, especially if symptoms are moderate to severe. Suitability depends on age, time since menopause, personal health history, and risk factors. At our clinic, we help women weigh the risks and benefits while also supporting the body holistically.

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Integrative Therapies at Seek Optimal Wellbeing

At our Fraser Valley wellness clinic, we often combine therapies for best results:

• Counselling for emotional health and stress resilience.
  
• Registered Massage Therapy (RMT to support circulation, relaxation, and muscle strength.
  
• IV Nutrient Therapy (when appropriate) to replenish vitamins and minerals quickly.
• ‍Neurofeedback for sleep, mood, and nervous system balance.

Do you feel drained, even after a full night’s sleep? Fatigue is one of the most common concerns we see in our practice here at Seek Optimal Wellbeing in the Fraser Valley in downtown Chilliwack, BC. While lifestyle factors like poor sleep, stress, and overwork often contribute, one frequently overlooked cause is nutrient deficiencies.

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Understanding Fatigue

Fatigue is more than feeling tired—it’s a lack of mental and physical energy that can affect your ability to focus, exercise, and enjoy life. While lifestyle changes can help in some cases, persistent fatigue may indicate an underlying nutritional or medical issue, such as thyroid problems, anemia, or chronic disease.

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Nutritional Insufficiencies: A Hidden Culprit

Even in developed countries, many people consume enough food to avoid obvious illness but not enough to support optimal energy production and long-term health. Put simply, we are often overfed and undernourished. This forces the body to prioritize short-term survival over vibrant health, leaving you feeling tired and unmotivated.

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Optimizing Your Nutrition

The first step to improving energy is eating a nutrient-dense diet:

• Plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, eggs, and dairy (if tolerated)
  
  
• Focus on foods rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and zinc
  
  

When diet alone isn’t enough, supplements or IV nutrient therapy can help fill the gaps efficiently, providing the nutrients your body needs for energy, mental clarity, and overall wellness.

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The Dynamic Dozen

I call these twelve essential nutrients the Dynamic Dozen, critical for supporting your body’s energy production:

• B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12)
  
  
• Vitamin C
  
  
• Iron, Magnesium, Zinc
  
  

Even a shortfall in one of these nutrients can limit energy production, affect metabolism, and reduce stamina, focus, and motivation.

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Why Mitochondria Matter

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, responsible for producing the energy your body needs to function, recover, and repair. Nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, poor sleep, and environmental toxins can all impair mitochondrial function, leaving you fatigued and at higher risk for chronic disease.

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Correcting Nutrient Deficiencies

• Dietary Sources: Leafy greens, fatty fish, legumes, whole grains, eggs, nuts, seeds
  
  
• Supplements & IV Nutrient Therapy: Useful when diet alone isn’t enough, especially for severe deficiencies or immediate energy support
  
  
• Micronutrient Testing: “Test, don’t guess.” Everyone’s needs are different, so personalized testing ensures optimal results
  
  

Key Takeaways

• Fatigue can stem from nutrient deficiencies, even if you eat “enough” food
  
  
• The Dynamic Dozen nutrients are essential for energy, cognitive function, and overall wellness
  
  

Correcting deficiencies through diet, supplements, or IV therapy can restore energy, focus, and vitality

When most people hear the word inflammation, they think of pain, stiffness, or feeling unwell. But inflammation isn’t always bad — in fact, it’s one of the body’s most important defense and healing mechanisms. The key is understanding the difference between healthy inflammation and chronic inflammation.

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At our integrated wellness clinic in the Fraser Valley, our naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, and counsellors often see patients from Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission, Langley, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs struggling with chronic inflammation — sometimes without even realizing it.

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What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is your body’s protective response to injury, infection, or stress. It’s the immune system’s way of saying: “Something’s wrong — let’s fix it.”

• Acute inflammation → short-term (less than 3 months). It’s the kind of inflammation that helps you heal after a cut, injury, or cold.
  
  
• Chronic inflammation → long-term (3+ months). This type lingers, stresses your system, and is linked to conditions like autoimmune disease, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
  
  

The problem isn’t inflammation itself — it’s when your body can’t “turn it off.”

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The 4 Rs of Inflammation

For inflammation to resolve properly, your body needs to go through four key phases (we call them the 4 Rs):

1. Recognize → Your immune system identifies an injury, infection, or imbalance.
   
   
2. Recruit → Immune cells (like neutrophils) rush to the site.
   
   
3. Remove → Microbes or damaged tissue are cleared out.
   
   
4. Resolve → The inflammation stops, and your body returns to balance.
   
   

When inflammation doesn’t resolve, it can spiral into chronic inflammation — which silently damages your body over time.

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What Triggers Chronic Inflammation?

A number of modern lifestyle factors can tip your body out of balance and keep it “stuck” in inflammation mode:

• Diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients
  
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular movement
  
• Ongoing stress and poor sleep
  
• Obesity or metabolic dysfunction
  
• Environmental toxins and allergens
  
• Aging and reduced resilience
  
  

This is sometimes called “meta-inflammation” (metabolically triggered inflammation). It develops when poor nutrition, stress, and inactivity disrupt your body’s natural set-point (homeostasis) — like resetting a thermostat to the wrong temperature.

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Why Not All Inflammation Is Bad

It’s important to note: inflammation itself is not the enemy.

✅ Healthy inflammation → helps you heal, fight infections, and keep your body strong.

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❌ Unresolved chronic inflammation → contributes to pain, fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and long-term disease.

The goal isn’t to “shut off” inflammation entirely, but to support healthy inflammation and reduce the triggers that make it chronic.

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Supporting Healthy Inflammation in the Fraser Valley

At our integrated health clinic in Chilliwack, BC, we take a holistic approach to inflammation. Our naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, and counsellors work together to help patients:

• Reduce triggers of chronic inflammation
  
  
• Support the body’s ability to resolve acute inflammation
  
  
• Improve diet, stress management, and movement patterns
  
  
• Restore balance through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies

For too long, men’s health has been narrowly defined as prostate checks, testosterone, or sexual function. While important, these are only a fraction of the bigger picture.

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The reality?

• Men die younger than women, on average
  
• They are more likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health struggles
  
• They smoke and drink more, and have higher stress levels
  
• And they are less likely to visit a doctor when something feels wrong
  
  

This leads to preventable illness, delayed care, and a serious impact on families and communities.

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Why Men Delay Care

Many men grow up with the belief that “real men” should be strong, independent, and not ask for help. While resilience is valuable, these attitudes—known as male role norms—can stop men from seeking the care they need.

Research shows that when men’s health services are designed with men in mind, men are more likely to engage and actually follow through.

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A Bigger Health Issue

Men’s health doesn’t just affect men. It impacts:

• Families: Partners and children are directly affected by men’s physical and emotional health.
  
• Communities: Healthier men contribute positively, while unaddressed struggles can lead to burnout, stress, or substance use.
  
• Economy: Healthier men reduce healthcare costs and improve workplace productivity.
  
  

The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations have both identified men’s health as a priority for reducing preventable deaths, improving mental health, and addressing substance abuse worldwide.

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A New Approach to Men’s Health in the Fraser Valley

At Seek Optimal Wellbeing, our integrated healthcare clinic supports men across Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission, Langley, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs. We believe men’s health must go beyond basic screening.

We offer a whole-person approach that combines naturopathic medicine, massage therapy (RMTs), and counselling to support every aspect of men’s health.

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Our Men’s Health & Wellbeing Services Include:

• Nutrition & Detox Support – Build strength and reduce toxin load
  
• Digestive Health Optimization – Support gut health, immunity, and energy
  
• Sleep Optimization – Improve recovery, focus, and mood
  
• Stress & Mindset Support – Resilience training, counselling, and stress reduction
  
• Cardiovascular Health – Prevent heart disease, balance blood sugar, reduce inflammation
  
• Inflammation Balance – Calm chronic inflammation that drives pain and disease
  
• Fitness & Movement Coaching – Build energy, strength, and mobility
  
  

We understand that men often put work and family first. That’s why our naturopathic doctors and wellness team create plans that are simple, practical, and realistic.

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Is Your Health Holding You Back?

You may benefit from men’s health support if you:

• Feel fatigued or burned out
  
• Have trouble sleeping
  
• Experience stress, mood changes, or lack of focus
  
• Get frequent colds or slow recovery from illness
  
• Have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer
  
  

Men’s Health Support in the Fraser Valley

At Seek Optimal Wellbeing, we provide:

• Naturopathic care for men’s health
  
• Massage therapy (RMTs) for stress relief and muscle recovery
  
  

Counselling for mental wellbeing and resilience

At our integrated wellness clinic in the Fraser Valley, we often see patients from Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission, Langley, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs who struggle with frequent colds, low energy, or autoimmune conditions. The common thread? A weakened immune system.

The good news: your immune system can be supported and strengthened naturally. Here’s how it works—and what you can do to keep it functioning at its best.

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How Your Immune System Protects You

Your immune system has two main branches:

Innate Immunity (first line of defense): Fast-acting, protects against bacteria, viruses, and fungi at the entry points of your body (lungs, gut, skin).

Adaptive Immunity (specialized defense): Slower at first, but highly precise—quickly recognizing and fighting repeat infections.

When either system is compromised, you may notice frequent illness, slower recovery, or food sensitivities.

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Why Immunity Declines

Several factors can weaken your immune system:

• Stress and poor sleep
  
• Nutrient deficiencies
  
• High sugar or alcohol intake
  
• Toxin exposure (pesticides, solvents, heavy metals)
  
• Aging – By age 70, immune activity may decline up to 1,000-fold, leaving you more vulnerable to infections and chronic disease.

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Three Ways to Support Your Immune System

At Seek Optimal Wellbeing in the Fraser Valley, we focus on three key areas to strengthen immune function:

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1. Nutrition

Certain nutrients are vital for immune balance, including:

• Vitamins: A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folic acid
  
• Minerals: zinc, selenium, copper, iron
  
• Amino acids: arginine

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Highlights:

• Vitamin D: Often low in those with autoimmunity.
  
• Vitamin C: Helps reduce severity and duration of colds when taken early.
  
• Garlic: Linked to fewer infections and quicker recovery.
  
• Limit sugar: High blood sugar weakens immune defenses.
  
  

💡 For a faster boost, we offer IV nutrient therapy in the Fraser Valley—delivering vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream for rapid absorption.

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2. Lifestyle

Simple daily habits can make a big difference:

• Get 7–9 hours of sleep
  
• Manage stress (counselling, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, neurofeedback)
  
• Limit alcohol
  
• Eat a varied, whole-food diet
  
• Avoid over-exercising, which can suppress immunity

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3. Movement & Recovery

Gentle, regular exercise keeps your immune system strong. Our registered massage therapists (RMTs) in the Fraser Valley also help patients reduce stress, improve circulation, and support overall wellness.

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Signs Your Immune System May Need Support

You may benefit from immune support if you:

• Get frequent colds or infections
  
• Take a long time to recover from illness
  
• Live with autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities, or allergies
  
• Experience ongoing fatigue or high stress
  
• Regularly take pain relievers like aspirin or NSAIDs
  
  

Immune Support in the Fraser Valley

Your immune system is at the core of your health—and the right support can make a big difference in how you feel every day.

At our integrated healthcare clinic, we serve patients across Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission, Langley, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs with:

• IV Nutrient Infusions – High-dose vitamins and minerals for rapid immune support
  
• Naturopathic Medicine – Personalized immune health strategies
  
• Massage Therapy (RMTs) – Reduce stress and improve resilience
  
• Counselling – Support emotional wellbeing, a key part of immune balance