Before You Book
Everything you'd want to know first
What actually happens in an appointment, how to prepare, and the practical details. Read the lot, or skip to the quick answers at the bottom.
01 /
Does my child need to come?
Not always. Both ways work, so pick whatever suits your family.
If they don't come
The first appointment is a long, detailed conversation about your child's health, development, birth history, nutrition, sleep, behaviour and family history. Doing all that without also keeping a small person entertained is easier. It also means you can raise sensitive things without them in the room.
If they do come
Having them there lets me observe them, build a bit of rapport, and do any physical assessment. With older children it also helps them buy into the plan we make, which matters more than people expect.
Either way, my aim is for paediatric appointments to feel relaxed for the child and for the adult looking after them.
02 /
How do I prepare?
- Fill out the intake form properly. The fuller the picture, the more we get done.
- Send through recent pathology, specialist letters, growth charts or allergy testing.
- Bring a list of current medications and supplements, with brands and doses.
- Have a think about your three biggest concerns. We can cover more, but knowing the priority helps.
03 /
What we cover in the first appointment
Your first consultation is about more than symptoms. It's about getting to know you.
We'll go through your health history, family history, lifestyle, nutrition, stress, sleep, and whatever might be contributing to how you're feeling. You should leave feeling heard, and with a clear plan.
We'll usually cover:
- Your current health concerns and goals
- Your full medical and family health history
- Digestion, energy, sleep and mood
- Your diet, lifestyle and daily routines
- Any current medications and supplements
- Any recent pathology or functional testing
- For children: development, birth history, feeding and behaviour
Every consultation is personalised, so we focus on what matters most to you.
04 /
What I might recommend
After your appointment you'll have:
- A personalised treatment plan built around your goals
- Practical nutrition and lifestyle recommendations
- Herbal and nutritional supplement guidance, if appropriate. I don't always prescribe them. When I do, they come as liquids, capsules, chewable tablets, gummies and powders, so we can find a form your child will actually take
- Clear next steps and realistic priorities
- Ongoing support between appointments where needed
Small consistent changes do more than perfect ones. That's the whole approach.
05 /
How long until we see change?
Honestly, there's no standard timeline. Your history, your symptoms, your nutrition and your life are yours, so your response will be too.
Some people notice a shift in energy, digestion, sleep, mood or behaviour within the first couple of weeks. For others it's slower, particularly when symptoms have been around a long time, or when there are a few things to work through at once.
So rather than waiting on one big outcome, we watch for the small signs:
- Steadier energy
- Better digestion and more regular bowels
- Improved sleep
- Fewer or milder symptoms
- Better mood and resilience
- Changes in appetite or cravings
- A clearer sense of what your body needs
Your first appointment sets the foundation. After that we use your feedback and symptom tracking to see how you're responding.
The aim isn't to rush your body. It's to work out what it needs, make the changes, watch what happens, and build something that lasts.
Quick answers
The practical details
I see clients in person at Hygea Apothecary on Bolton Street, Newcastle, and online via Zoom anywhere in Australia. Bookings run through Hygea's system, so their name is what you'll see at checkout.
Ready to begin?
Whether you are here for your child or finally for yourself, I would love to see you. Appointments in person in Newcastle, NSW, or Telehealth anywhere in Australia.
Let's help your family flourish, together.