Well here I sit at 11.37pm on Sunday night awaiting the imminent arrival of our next one. We had a few contractions on Friday but that has all calmed down now. I say ‘we’ but as you know I mean Cas, my wife. It is an interesting time for dads though because while we may not feel each contraction there is a tension and even pain watching the person you love working through them knowing there is virtually nothing you can do. I am going to expand that to nothing you should do. What I have learnt recently is that with all my tips and viewpoints I actually put pressure on my wife at the last birth and so this time I will keep my mouth closed and mind open. Mums want to do everything right and my wife wanted to please me and allow me input with our little guy. However she is very clear that this time it is her show and she will call the shots. So if there is one thing for Mums to learn it is that you are already a perfect mum. I have been in practice around 20 years and I have never seen a Mum do less than her best – it is just not in their nature. I can honestly say that I do not agree with all the approaches I have seen but that would be unrealistic anyway. We all take a path in life and sooner or later we will learn what that choice means –  the point is was the investment worth it?

I am often asked “should I do X or Y?” and my yardstick is based around return on investment. For me if you invest £100 and you get back £105 it was worth the investment but if you only get back £95 then it is not. With health, If you are taking pain killers that are allowing you to do more damage to the affected area then maybe it is not such a great idea. I know a health professional who is taking a drug to lose weight. It makes them feel nauseous all day and they feel dreadful which suggests to me that the liver and digestive tract are under some stress. The simple solution would be to either eat less or do more exercise, however food is the most emotional attachment we have and so this is not always easy.

As a Mum I would suggest that there is no such thing as perfect. You do the best you can with the tools you have and that probably goes for Dads too. I watch Mums bring the child off the breast because it is too hard and the next thing the child has reflux and colic. This is obviously not in every case but it is commonplace. Then they get the sleepless nights and the eczema arrives six months later. I often wonder was that choice back then worth the investment?  As a Mum you are stuck between a rock and a hard place – don’t try to be perfect just think is it worth the investment? I came across an interview with Siobhan Freegard, one of the founders of Netmums, who has written a great little piece about trying to be a perfect Mum with some tips on how to be good enough. To read it go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8524141.stm

I wonder what a perfect Dad looks like?  Not sure that I’ve passed that test this week!

Fertility package (12 sessions, £50 saving) for £560

Breech Correction £60

Pre birth package (4 sessions, free induction if required, from 37^th week) £210

Induction from 40^th week (pay for 2, 3^rd one free if required) £110

For more information please call the clinic on 0207 352 3087 or use the form above to contact Lynda directly.

• Lynda Mathewson

We are delighted to welcome Cristabel Barbosa-Garcia to the team at Chelsea Natural Health.  As of Monday 8th February she will be working a full day at the clinic.

Cristabel has extensive experience in the treatment of babies and children and in ante and post-natal care, as well as running a general practice.  She has completed her Masters in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children and continues to enhance her knowledge and understanding through mentorship and further study.  She can be contected using the form above should you have any questions.

Does it seem like ages since you’ve been trying? Has sex become more obligation than pleasure? Is everyone around you ‘falling’ pregnant? Lynda Mathewson sorts out the facts from the fiction surrounding infertility to help you decide when you really need to seek help.

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (www.nice.org.uk) recommends that “infertility should be defined as failure to conceive after regular unprotected sexual intercourse for 2 years”.

84% of couples will conceive within 1 year if they do not use contraception and have regular sexual intercourse. Of those who do not conceive in the first year, about half will do so in the second year.

With regular unprotected sexual intercourse, 94% of fertile women aged 35 years, and 77% of those aged 38 years, will conceive after 3 years of trying.  So if it is taking you longer than a year, it’s not abnormal. But there are things you can do to help yourself before attempting assisted conception.

DO…

HAVE REGULAR SEX

Sunday mornings and his birthday may be regular to some couples but it will probably take 20 years to conceive. Regular sex is subjective but when it comes to conception the guidelines are clear. Couples are advised to have sex every 2 to 3 days, so no binge sex on the weekend. Reason for this is based on the life span of the egg (up to 12-24hrs after ovulation) and sperm (average 2 – 5 days, although super sperm can survive for up to 7 days). The sperm will survive within a woman prior to ovulation and seek out the egg when ovulation, reducing the need for the joyless ‘timed sex’. (www.hfea.gov.uk).

Don’t store up sex until the 10 days around ovulation as if ejaculation occurs more than 5 days apart, the number of dead sperm in the semen is increased. If sex is not possible then masturbation is required. Daily sex may be unsustainable over a number of months, and is no benefit to conception.

In conclusion, without sex all the lifestyle changes or investigations you do are academic. Immaculate conception only worked once (allegedly) so if you are trying unassisted conception – have sex.

KNOW WHEN YOU OVULATE

An average cycle is 28 – 29 day, and between 26 – 32 days is ok. Ovulation occurs mid cycle, usually 14 days before the period starts. Keep a diary of ovulation and menstruation to avoid any inaccuracies.

Ways to identify ovulation:

●         Cervical Mucus – usually detectable a couple of days to ovulation and is the best indicator. Some women detect a slippery feeling when wiping after going to the toilet, others can see excess slippery egg white like discharge in their pants. It should be clear and odourless.

●         Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPK) – such as Clearblue Digital. OPKs detect the Luteinising Hormone (LH) surge which occurs 12 – 48 hrs before ovulation.

●         Cervical position – This takes practice; the best description is “feeling the difference between your nose and your lips”. At the start of a cycle, your cervix is low, closed and firm. At ovulation it softens and feels more open, indicating it is more favorable to allowing sperm through to the uterus.

●         Basal Body Temperature charts – Useful at showing if OPK LH surge corresponds with the thermal shift, but indicates after ovulation has occurred. Some people find interpreting the subtle changes confusing, and late nights and some foods can cause fluctuation. It also has to taken on waking, at the same time of day, which can be a disadvantage to those with irregular waking times. It is best done in conjunction with cervical mucus and/or position checks, and stop if they cause stress.

SPERM TEST

Every test on a woman is a surrogate test, like reading the packet to establish what is inside. Sperm tests are direct, ie actually emptying the packet and seeing what is inside. A woman’s egg quality is hard to influence, but sperm takes 3 months to make and the quality can be effected (lifestyle, fevers, injury). The Doctors Laboratory (http://www.tdlpathology.com) offers a comprehensive sperm test for £135, available with a referral from a doctor or other therapists (including acupuncturists). As sperm quality can fluctuate a couple of tests will be required. If a man has a history of local injury, fevers, severe mumps or hormonal irregularities then it is worth contacting an andrologist for detailed investigations. Whereas women appear to take a pragmatic approach to fertility tests and investigations, men can be sensitive so address the situation cautiously.

CHECK YOUR WEIGHT

In women, being overweight can raise oestrogen levels and cause a greater chance of luteal phase defect (LPD) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).  In men, it can contribute to subfertility. http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/healthyweightcalculator.aspx

THE AGE FACTOR

Conception is not always an option for women under 30 years old; if that’s the case for you, and you are over 30 now, focus on what can be improved and don’t dwell on what cannot. Maternal age does affect quality of eggs and conception rates. Women are born with all the eggs they are going to produce throughout their life, and the quality does decline with age. There are significant drops in female fertility at 35 years, again at 38 years, and then at 40 years. Conception is possible, but maybe less predictable. Basic factors like reduced energy and sex drive occur as people get older, which do not help the situation.

TRY ACUPUNCTURE

Research has shown acupuncture:

●         Increases libido and energy

●         Regulates cycles

●         Increases blood flow to uterus

●         Improves sperm quality

●         Improves IVF success rates by up to 60%

●         Alleviates stress

– see www.thelittleclinic.co.uk

DON’T….

SMOKE OR TAKE RECREATIONAL DRUGS

I only forbid two things when trying to get pregnant, that is smoking and taking recreation drugs. Not negotiable.

BINGE DRINK

Consume in moderation (¼ bottle wine, or a beer 3-4 times per week).

WHEN SHOULD YOU START TESTING?

The older you are, the sooner you should start testing (not necessarily IVF). If you are:

●         Under 35 years old, after one year of regular, unprotected sex

●         Over 35 years, from 6 months

●         Over 38 years of age, consider testing sooner

If you suffer from other factors, such as amenorrhoea (no periods), oligomenorrhoea (abnormally light or infrequent periods), endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease infections, HIV+, undescended testes, diabetes and epilepsy medication, consider testing as soon as possible.

WHAT TYPE OF TEST?

●         Sperm test – 25% of infertility cases are due to sperm defects. At least two tests will be required.

●         Cycle Day 3 (CD3) – blood test for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol (can indicate potential premature menopause)

●         Cycle Day 21 (CD21) – blood test to confirm ovulation occurred by measuring progesterone levels 7 days after ovulation.

●         AMH – anti-Mullerian hormone blood test. Establishes ovarian reserve (remaining eggs).

●         Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) levels – blood test.

●         Genito-urinary medicine– go to an NHS GUM clinic (www.nhs.uk ). Chlamydia can be symptomless and cause infertility. HIV, Hep B & C tests are required before IVF cycles.

●         Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) – Check uterus and fallopian tubes not blocked.

WHERE TO GO?

●         Easiest is your GP for blood & semen analysis and hysterosalpingogram (HSG) referral.

●         Go to a GUM clinic for chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted infections (STI).

●         Go private if you feel that your GP is not proactive, or you are aware of any existing menstrual, sperm or medical conditions.

Contact Lynda to discuss your options, at the www.chelseanaturalhealth.co.uk on 020 7352 3087 or use the form above to email Lynda directly. See also www.thelittleclinic.co.uk

Charisse Cooke, counsellor, has been studying and working in the field for over fifteen years. Her specialties of relationships, anxiety, depression and addiction have seen her set up three treatment centres and be a regular commentator in the media. Now focusing on her private practice and writing on the experiences she has had over the years, she offers an integrative and positive approach to individuals, couples and families.

She is a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and FDAP (Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners).

To book appointments with Charisse please use the form above to contact her via email, or call her direct on 07508389701 (it is not currently possible to book with her via the on-line booking system).

Chinese medicine is a collection of ancient healing techniques designed to treat an individual holistically.  Its three main branches – herbal medicine, acupuncture and tui na massage aim to both redress underlying imbalances that cause ill health and also to tackle particular symptoms.  It can be used in all stages of life to deal with illness, whether severe or mild, and to prevent illness by improving health.

Chinese medicine has been evolving for over 4000 years.  It is rooted in the ancient philosophy and culture of China and reflects a world view in which all things are inextricably interrelated.  At the human level this means that not only is a person inseparable from his or her environment, but also that there is no true division between the mind, emotions and physical body.

According to Chinese medicine well-being and good health arise when the various systems within the individual are in equilibrium.  Ill-health arises out of imbalance or disharmony which Chinese medicine explains through analogies to the natural world around us.  By helping redress these imbalances, Chinese medicine seeks to get to the root causes of ill health and not merely to suppress the outward manifestations and symptoms.

Chinese medicine is a highly flexible system which can be used:

• in the treatment of chronic or serious conditions either alone or in support of western medicine;
• in the early stages of illness or for mild ailments; or
• to prevent illness and promote good health.

Chinese medicine can be used for a wide range of conditions such as fertility problems, skin problems, migraine, gynaecological problems, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and pain related problems, among many others.

Chinese medicine has developed far beyond its early origins and is now used alongside western medicine in China as a frontline therapy in modern state hospitals.  A large amount of research is carried out both to quantify the efficacy of particular herbal medicines and acupuncture procedures, and also to identify the biomedical mechanisms behind particular therapeutic effects. Much of this research has supported the clinical findings of Chinese doctors over the centuries and some has also identified new ways in which traditional medicines can be used.

While this type of research has been carried out predominantly in China, Japan and South Korea, in Europe and the United States western bioscientists are increasingly recognising Chinese medicine as a valuable resource for the future development of modern medicine.

Leo Dening practices Chinese medicine here at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, Fulham Rd, SW10.

One branch of Chinese medicine is Chinese herbal medicine.  The use of plant products is the origin of most medical systems around the world, and Chinese medicine is no exception.  Indeed, despite Chinese medicine having become best known in the west for acupuncture, in China, herbal medicine has always been the most important part of Chinese medicine.

Herbs used in Chinese medicine are each considered to have particular properties which can be used in the treatment of illness.  During a consultation a practitioner will formulate a Chinese medicine diagnosis from which he or she can tailor a unique herbal formula to suit an individual’s specific requirements.  Traditionally, dried herbs are boiled up or ground.  Today, concentrated powders, pills, capsules and tablets are also available.

Chinese herbal medicine has a huge array of uses is commonly used for infertility, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, gastrointestinal problems including IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, gynaecological problems, and rheumatological conditions among many others.

Leo Dening practices Chinese herbal medicine here at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic as part of his Chinese medicine practice which embraces, predominantly acupuncture, tui na massage and Chinese herbal medicine.

Tui na (pronounced tway nah) is an ancient Chinese massage technique based on similar principles to acupuncture.  It is still widely used in China today.

Tui na is typically used as a remedial form of massage, for conditions such as back and neck pain, tension, stress, insomnia, sports injury, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder and many others.  It is also beneficial for relaxation and general well-being.  The practitioner uses his hands and arms to encourage energy to flow freely.  This helps to redress any imbalances and to restore the patient to health.

For patients who prefer not to have acupuncture, tui na can be a suitable replacement.

Leo Dening practises tui na massage here at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic as part of his wider Chinese medicine practice which embraces, predominantly acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and tui na massage.

Leo Dening is a highly qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine.  He practises all aspects of Chinese medicine – herbal medicine, acupuncture, tui na massage, moxibustion, cupping, nutritional and lifestyle advice, and qi gong.  He is able to design a treatment programme using whichever of these are best suited to the patient.

Leo has practiced at private clinics in both London and Bath, having previously had experience at one of China’s foremost Chinese medicine hospitals and in treating chronic pain at an NHS pain clinic, also in London.

He has extensive experience of treating a wide variety of conditions and his areas of specialist interest include the use of Chinese medicine for infertility and dermatology.  He also has considerable experience treating conditions such as digestive problems, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and pain related problems, among many others.

Leo takes a keen interest in modern developments in orthodox western medicine, as well as in Chinese medicine.  He actively seeks to forge links between Chinese and western medical practitioners.  Where he believes western medicine may be appropriate, he advises patients to consult their GP.

Leo practises qi gong (also written as chi kung – a type of Chinese exercise) daily and believes that this routine helps him approach life in a calm frame of mind and increases his sensitivity to his patients’ conditions.

Leo is a member of both the ATCM (Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine), the largest professional body for Chinese medicine in the UK, and the RCHM (Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine), a professional body specifically for qualified Chinese herbal medicine practitioners.  As a member of these bodies, he adheres to their strict codes of conduct and practice.  This means his patients can be reassured of the highest levels of safety, professional and ethical conduct, and continuing professional development.

For a more detailed biography including details of his qualifications please see www.leodening.com/practitioner and for testimonials from his patients see www.leodening.com/testimonials.

Leo is very happy to provide more information and to discuss any queries you may have.  To do this, or to book an appointment please contact him on 07891 602916, book online or use the form above to contact Leo.

We are delighted to welcome Lynda Mathewson onto the team here at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic.  Lynda is an acupuncturist with a special interest in fertility and obstetrics.

Lynda worked and travelled extensively throughout China and the Far East before returning to study at the London School of Traditional Acupuncture (LCTA ). Lynda practised at the NHS Gateway Clinic (in Clapham North) and on Harley Street, before settling in Wimbledon. Since the birth of her son, Lynda has been involved with the post natal support of Clapham & District National Childbirth Trust (NCT). She is currently undergoing Antenatal Diploma training with the Wimbledon & Wandsworth NCT.

Lynda works Tuesday and Thursdays, and adhoc to existing pregnant clients, or IVF clients.

• Lynda Mathewson