Author: Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

My foundation as a practitioner was built by my past work experiences, the exceptional clinical and classroom education at Bastyr University, and incredible opportunities to work alongside seasoned naturopathic doctors and midwives both here and abroad. My philosophy as a practitioner is that each person, family, and community truly has the power to heal itself, and my job is to educate, guide, challenge, and provide counsel throughout that process. I practiced as a naturopathic family physician and my specialties are pediatrics, perinatal health, and family care for many years. And now I have turned my work toward teaching, mentorship, and cultivating leadership in myself and others. I am a Senior Lecturer at the Universty of Washington in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and really do love my role as teacher in everything that I do. And when I am not busy with all of these things, I enjoy life in the PNW with my son Rohan. For more information on the clinic, visit: www.eastsidenaturalmedicine.com
Musing, Parenting

Can you love your little self?

Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

I have an eight year-old so I think a lot about what they are doing right now at this time in their lives. Sure, they are growing and farting a lot. But mostly, I am curious about their inner lives and how that plays out into adolescence and adulthood. Is he going to be OK? Will he always know his worth and how loved he is? Will he hold himself as dearly to himself as I see, appreciate, and love him? Will he know that he deserves to? If you are reading this and wondering about self-love, self-worth, and self-care, … Continue reading Can you love your little self?

Adolescent Health, Immune Health, Nutrition, Pediatrics, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Self Care

Happy Acupuncture Week 2019!

Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

I love talking about how acupuncture has been part of my life for 16 years, even before @jp.boisvert brought it full circle to our clinic and home We have used acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tui na, gua sha, and cupping for years to treat fevers, stave off colds, deal with whiplash and sticky shoulders, vanquish back pain and migraines, and generally manage our health for a long time It’s true that we also take care to move our bodies and sleep, but I definitely credit acupuncture and Chinese medicine with our family’s pretty rocking health. And I credit @jp.boisvert for … Continue reading Happy Acupuncture Week 2019!

Parenting, PediatricsLeave a comment

The Pediatric Teaching Clinic starts again this week!

Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

Hey all, we took a little break beween Summer and Fall Quarters, but the Pediatric Teaching Clinic starts back up this upcoming week. We have moved the day and time to Thursdays 2:00pm to 5:00pm and you can schedule online via our Patient Portal. We had a great time with our inagural run of the Pediatric Teaching Clinic this Summer and are looking forward to working with our new team of students this Fall! #docere #naturopathicpediatrics #nds4vaccines #teacherforlife Continue reading The Pediatric Teaching Clinic starts again this week!

Events, Fitness, Natural Childbirth, Parenting, Pediatrics, Postpartum, Pregnancy

Miles For Midwives!!

Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

I am personally involved in planning this wonderful event that helps support birth in Washington State and the local non-profit Families of Color – Seattle. Better yet, Rohan and I are run/walking! Join us on Oct. 19th at Marymoor Park for a family-friendly run/walk 5K! Strollers and leashed pets are welcome to join in on this community enriching event! Register for the race at https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Redmond/WAMilesforMidwives5K To learn more about Miles for Midwives please visit our website: https://www.wamilesformidwives.com/ We are also looking for sponsors. If you are interested or know a business who might be, please let me know. I would LOVE to … Continue reading Miles For Midwives!!

Events, Natural Childbirth, Postpartum, Pregnancy

Join us for the MAWS Clinical Update!

Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

We are getting together on Thursday September 26th to discuss new changes to our laws and legend drugs for Licensed Midwives in Washington state. If you are a midwife, an aspiring midwife, or other birth attendant serving families in WA State, please come learn more about how this affects midwives, their support teams (including doulas), and families! #washingtonmidwives Continue reading Join us for the MAWS Clinical Update!

VaccinationsLeave a comment

Here it is…conversations on Vaccinations…check it out!

Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

It’s never an easy thing to decide to put your thoughts and ideas out into the world. And sometimes it’s just the right moment to expand the conversation beyond the one-on-one dynamic or the usual echo chambers. Thanks to @BBrozy and @keoniteta for inviting me to come chat with them, share some thoughts, and contribute to the ongoing conversation on #vaccinations. Check it out and let me know what you think! Click here to listen: Vaccinations with Dr. Sunita Iyer ND _________________________ Stay tuned for two new episodes coming up on The Well Man’s Podcast this Fall! Continue reading Here it is…conversations on Vaccinations…check it out!

Adulting, Grief & Loss, Natural Childbirth, Parenting, Postpartum, PregnancyLeave a comment

The Birth of Postpartum

Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

Hey y’all, I recently spoke on a podcast with my fantastic colleague Dr. Adam Rinde about postpartum care, stories, and how people’s lives have changed mine. And maybe how we can get better as a healthcare system, providers, and community in the way that we care for postpartum people. He has written this really incredible piece on postpartum depression and hormonal influences, linked here: https://www.soundintegrative.com/post/is-postpartum-depression-an-estrogen-receptor-issue The way to get to our episode on his podcast, One Thing, is linked in the article (you can access via Apple or Android). Take a listen and tell me what you think! Apple listeners: … Continue reading The Birth of Postpartum

Adulting, Grief & Loss, Musing, Parenting, Pediatrics, Postpartum, PregnancyLeave a comment

The Birth of Grief

Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM

A new mom and her baby had come in for their first well-child visit and her son was just 3 days old.  Mom was tired and overwhelmed as many new parents are.  She was sitting by the window, changing her son’s diaper and just watching him, and she sighed a long, heavy sigh.  And just gazed at her son quietly as he wiggled around.  There was no slow smile or beaming pride.  Just deep sadness.   What clinical guidelines, healthcare, and social convention tell us is that she was exhibiting signs of postpartum depression.  While that may also have been true, … Continue reading The Birth of Grief