Meet Natalia

I was 6 years old when I had heart surgery. It's one of my earliest memories, waking up from recovery with faces hovering all around me whispering my name. I can still see the bright fluorescent ceiling lights to this day.

 

My own journey with CHD is one of the reasons I got into medicine. I wanted to learn more about heart health and how to educate and support people through their healing. I started my career in Naturopathic Medicine and quickly developed a special interest in Paediatrics. For the past 8 years I have been working with children and their families in supporting them through everything from mental health, sensory and neurological conditions, disordered eating and hormone support. 

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Then I got pregnant with my second son, Ian, and it came as a shock when the doctors told us he had a severe congenital heart defect. This news came in a year where my mother passed away unexpectedly and I had a stillbirth with my daughter. I felt hopeless, scared, and alone. 

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Ian had his first heart surgery at 2 weeks old, then his second at 6 months. Along the way I noticed gaps in the unanswered questions I had about specific diets, supplements, and nutrient depletions from medications he was on. I also noticed little support and guidance to the parents alone the way. I thought to myself, perhaps others had similar experiences and questions go unanswered.

 

My goal going forward is to provide a safe and welcoming space for you to ask questions, share your story, and be heard. From providing scar healing and nutritional support to children, to providing mental health and hormone support to the parents, I want to show you that there is room for hope, that it's ok to be scared and that you are not alone. 

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