Access more resources from Tina Jenkins

• Improve your fertility during lockdown
• Who’s Tina Jenkins, Naturopath? 
• Museli Recipe by Tina Jenkins
• Peanut butter Protein Balls
• Winter Warmer Soups
• Roast Tomato Soup
• Quinoa Salad with Yoghurt Dressing
• Delicious nutritious chicken broth

• Free RecipEbook – Tina’s Super Soups

Get to know your practitioner – Interview with Tina Jenkins

What inspired you to pursue a career as a fertility focused naturopath?

I have always been interested in fertility, however, when I started working at an IVF clinic as a naturopath in Singapore this really confirmed that my passion and interest in fertility was exactly what I wanted to focus on.

What do you love about being a fertility naturopath?

I love working with women or couples to help achieve their dream of having a family. I particularly love meeting patients’ babies after they have had a challenging journey to become a parent. I also love seeing my patients return again to start trying for baby number 2 or 3 and working with them to expand their family again. One of my favourite memories is when I was working in Singapore and just before I left to move back to Australia, one of my patients bought in her 3 children to say goodbye to me.  I had supported her with each of her pregnancies and to see all her children together was such a beautiful reminder of why I love the work I do.

How many years of experience do you have as a fertility naturopath?

I finished my naturopathic studies in 1995 and spent the first few years of practice working overseas in Hong Kong and then Singapore in chiropractic clinics. I was then really fortunate to begin work in an IVF clinic as a naturopath and so really started to specialise in fertility from then on. So all up, I’ve been in practice for around 28 years with the fertility focus for about 26 years. 

What types of conditions do you frequently see good results with in your patient group?

I see a lot of success with PCOS especially around fertility but also for those patients not trying to conceive but wish to regulate their menstrual cycle or reduce symptoms such as acne.

Within your special interest for treating people during (IVF/pregnancy etc) are there particular conditions you love to treat or have had good results with?

I love seeing patients with any fertility-related issues, however, I have a particular interest in PCOS and endometriosis. I have seen so many patients with these conditions who have been told they won’t conceive naturally go on to have 2 or 3 babies naturally conceived.

How do you stay up to date in your field of fertility naturopathy?

Attending conferences/webinars, reading journal articles and monthly collaborative meetings with our team of fertility naturopaths. I am a member of the Fertility Society of Australia which also means I am privy to up to date information in the medical field and changes within the IVF environment. I am also fortunate to work as a Clinical Supervisor for final year Naturopathy students at Torrens University so I am always working in an environment of constant learning and staying abreast of current advances within the fertility world. As it is really my area of interest I love reading journal articles and will often in my spare time, sit down and read new research in the area of fertility.

What are the top 3 things you recommend to anyone trying to conceive / who is pregnant / who has had a baby? 

For anyone trying to conceive:

1. Don’t give up. We generally expect it to take 6-12 months for conception to occur. However, if you do have a history of any conditions that may impact fertility (e.g. endometriosis, PCOS etc) or for women over the age of 35 years old then it is important to seek help after 6 months of trying. 
2. Put yourself in the best place possible to achieve a pregnancy. Eat well (cut out takeaway foods, alcohol, cigarettes, fried fatty and sugary foods and eat lots of veggies, fish, nuts and seeds and whole grains), exercise regularly (this is especially important if your weight is above the healthy range as excess weight around the abdominal area can negatively impact fertility in both men and women) and introduce measures to help reduce the impact of stress (e.g. massages, regular exercises, deep breathing techniques, yoga, meditation etc). If you are trying to conceive in a heterosexual relationship then these suggestions are important for both the female and male partner.
3. See a fertility naturopath to discuss preconception care and individualise a plan to support your fertility. This will often involve checking your nutrient levels and also looking at what other factors may be impacting on your ability to conceive. 

For anyone pregnant:

1. Listen to your body. You are growing a baby and that takes a lot of energy so get additional rest when you need to (this is especially so in the first trimester where fatigue is common). This may involve going to bed an hour earlier or taking on less socially. 
2. Maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce risk of various complications during pregnancy so seek support around what you should/shouldn’t be eating. This can be particularly challenging during the first trimester and your naturopath can offer dietary suggestions that you may be able to incorporate even when you have gone off eating certain foods due to nausea.
3. Regular massages in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimester can be wonderful to help relax muscles, ease pregnancy aches and pains and also assist in sleep.

For anyone who has had a baby:

1. Ask for support from friends and family. This may be asking them to come over and watch bub whilst you nap or it may involve cooking a meal or doing your washing. Often friends and family would love to help so asking for that support can make a world of difference to how you cope. 
2. Whilst some degree of fatigue is normal for a new parent, seek help if you are feeling exhausted and/or overwhelmed. Sometimes particular conditions affecting energy may be more common in the post-partum period (e.g. thyroid problems) so getting checked out and having some blood tests can be helpful. 
3. Regularly take some time for yourself. Being with your bub 24/7 can be incredibly rewarding but can also be exhausting. Ask a friend/family member to look after bub whilst you do something for yourself. This may be going to the hairdresser or going for a walk on your own or meeting up with another friend. 

What are some of your favourite fertility / IVF / pregnancy / postpartum resources that you share with you patients?

The number one would be our book “Create a Fertile Life” which has step by step guidelines around what you can do to improve your fertility. Or alternatively the condensed free version of this, which is our e-book –  12 step guide to create your fertile life.
Download the free 12 Step Guide to Create Your Fertile Life

What things do you do (almost) everyday for your own good health?

Having clear boundaries with work and life. Regularly doing things that make me happy. Eating a healthy diet. Exercising regularly. Not taking on too much; saying no when I am feeling overloaded. Meeting up with friends and family regularly. 

English only.

Can I see you in person or via Telehealth? 

I consult both in person and via Telehealth.