Dr. Nicola’s Natural Preconception Program™ , developed by Dr. Nicola McFadzean, is a program that prepares both parents for healthy conception and pregnancy. It is a preventive program that addresses nutritional, lifestyle and environmental factors, noting their importance in the development of a healthy baby.
The impetus for this program came from Dr. Nicola’s work with children with autistic-spectrum disorders (ASD). In the United States today, 1 in 160 children are diagnosed with autism. Autistic-spectrum disorders have reached epidemic proportions, with devastating social and financial impacts on families as well as the health care and school systems.
In her work with these kids, Dr. Nicola commonly hears parents express concerns and questions as to whether they should have more children, and if they do, what are their chances of having another child on the spectrum? Knowing the challenges of caring for an autistic-spectrum child, they wonder how they can maximize their chances of having a neurotypical (NT) child in the future.
Many people believe that autism and other developmental issues are pre-determined, and a matter of genetics, which cannot be changed or influenced. This is not entirely true. Firstly, genetic predispositions can be addressed through specific supplementation to support weaknesses in certain pathways. Secondly, many of the influences on your child’s health, even in utero, are environmental. Therefore working on providing as healthy an environment as possible for your baby is the key to ensuring an NT child. It is never too early to start – your baby’s first environment is the womb. Your baby’s first nourishment comes from mom’s body. Therefore, if mom’s body is not well nourished, or is compromised by toxic burdens such as heavy metals, this will be passed on to baby and can affect every aspect of their development.
The role of heavy metals
More and more Dr. Nicola believes that heavy metal toxicity is the primary causative factor in autistic-spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Certainly, other systems and areas are affected, such as with food allergies and immune deficiencies, but the heavy metal burden is key. A child’s first exposure to heavy metals is through mom in utero. Vigorous assaults through other environmental sources come soon after birth. If mom can cleanse her body of heavy metals, and address further toxic burden from dental or other sources, she is minimizing the exposure of her child. The importance of this cannot be emphasized enough.
Is Dr. Nicola’s Program just for parents of autistic kids? Who else can benefit?
No, not at all. Every prospective parent, even those who have not had ASD children, can benefit from Dr. Nicola’s Natural Preconception Program™. No one living on planet earth is free from toxic exposures. None of us have perfect nutrition. More and more women are waiting longer to have children, perhaps climbing the rungs of the career ladder first, which puts additional strains and stressors on the body, all of which can affect the health of baby. Dr. Nicola’s Natural Preconception Program™ is also useful for parents who might be using donor sperm and/ or eggs, surrogates etc – whoever is contributing the genetic information, and whoever is contributing the “house” for the baby, should all be involved in the process.
There are several stages in Dr Nicola’s Natural Preconception Program™. Each couple will go through a slightly different process, as the program is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the prospective parent or couple.
* Assessing Goals and Timelines
* Functional Diagnostic Testing
* Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling
* General Detoxification Program
* Heavy Metal Detoxification aka Chelation
* Maintaining a Healthy Home
Sample protocols have been provided as examples. Actual programs will depend on the individual, test results, timing, etc.