What is pre-conception care?

Preconception care is about preparing yourself physically and emotionally for conceiving your precious baby. We believe healthy people make healthy babies. That means, the healthier you and your partner are, the healthier your eggs and sperm will be, consequently, the healthier your baby will be. This means undertaking lifestyle and diet changes and looking at improving longer term health issues to improve your overall health.

Click here to read more about pre-conception plans.

Are natural medicine approaches safe for babies and children?

We safely and successfully treat a range of issues affecting babies and children as part of our every day practice at FGHG using a range of evidence based and traditional approaches to health and well being. Our practitioners are extensively trained and highly experienced in the treatment and care of babies and children and we find children respond particularly well and quickly to natural medicine approaches.

Do you run fertility programs?

No. All of our treatments are geared to individual needs. Our practitioners will take a detailed case history to assess your particular needs – which are completely unique. You will always be treated as a unique individual with your own set of needs, circumstances, pressures and struggles. Our practitioners will do their best to meet these needs working in conjunction with your other health care providers.

How long has the clinic been established?

Fertile Ground Health Group was established at Francis Perry House private maternity hospital in Carlton in 2001. We moved to our larger premises in East Melbourne in December 2003.

Are all your practitioners female?

No. Peter Slipper is one of our TCM team practicing acupuncture and classical Chinese herbal medicine for 13 years. Rory Tope is a senior Osteopath with over 20 years’ experience and an expert in the treatment of pregnant and post-natal women, children and babies.

What do you do at your clinic?

We are a natural medicine practice. This means we are focused on restoring your health and your body’s ability to heal itself and function optimally. Through the use of physical therapies, herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, energetic work (e.g. acupuncture) and lifestyle approaches, we work to support and promote your innate ability to maintain good health, a vital body and a balanced mind. We believe healthy people make healthy babies so in ensuring your whole health is restored we also address the fundamentals of your fertility. We also address specific hormonal and fertility issues in both men and women where conception is not happening easily. Click here to see our blog article on our natural medicine philosophy.

What should I bring?

Your diary with dates of recent menstrual cycles; any Western medicine blood test or examination results (if available — if you are clear about them you can just report the results without hardcopy).

How long will my appointment take?

Initial consultations are all one hour for all modalities. This enables time for a comprehensive case history and exploration of your needs. Most subsequent appointments are half an hour with the exception of massage and acupuncture which are always one hour (you can also request a 90 minute massage). The Melbourne Acupuncture Multibed Project offers shorter appointments of 45 minutes. Read more about MAMP here. Longer than standard appointments are available on request.

How often do I have to come for an appointment?

This depends upon the problem being treated. Acupuncture treatments require regular appointments, usually at least once per week. Herbal appointments are less frequent, although the initial one or two appointments may also be one or two weeks apart to check on initial responses to the herbs. Herbal appointments for gynaecological conditions are usually about 4 to 6 weeks apart.