Q&A with Emily Hartsfield, ND

Dr. Emily Hartsfield is a  Licensed Naturopathic Doctor. Through her own family formation journey she discovered her passion for fertility and preconception care: this experience opened her eyes to the frustration and pain experienced by the 1 in 8 couples that struggle with infertility. Through being an ND, she is able to leverage her own learnings to help others achieve their family goals.

If you would like to learn more about working with Dr. Hartsfield, you can visit her website or email her at dremilyhartsfieldnd@gmail.com.

What does your practice focus on?

As a Naturopathic Doctor my main passion is natural fertility, preconception, and postpartum care. I also see pediatrics and general health and wellness. I am not a primary care physician and treat all patients in a Telemedicine format.

How did you decide to focus on these specific areas?

I had my own struggles with infertility. It opened my eyes to a world that I never thought a lot about. I really struggled on my own for a long time trying every natural option I could find. I did eventually become pregnant but that was after years of heartache. When I started medical school I knew it's the path I wanted to take. I want to help others in their fertility journey whether they are just wanting basic preconception care or have been struggling for a while. It is possible to get pregnant with natural fertility care which means patients often feel better and save more money in the long run.

I also help women in the postpartum time. This time is crucial to mom's and baby's health and well being and is often looked over by mainstream medical providers. I have a certificate in lactation education to assist moms with their changing bodies and can offer advice to any of their postpartum needs.

I see pediatric patients for wellness and nutrition counseling.

When did you decide you wanted to become an ND?

I've always been interested in natural health and several years ago I found myself burned out at a job I wasn't passionate about. I decided to follow my passion and get my doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine.

Is naturopathic medicine something you grow up with? Or did your family partake in more conventional healthcare?

I did grow up in a conventional healthcare setting. However, I fell in love with natural health care and knew there had to be a different way to treat a patient's health concerns. After dealing with my own health concerns and managing them with diet, lifestyle, and natural medicine I wanted to learn more in order to help other people.

What advice do you have for men and women who are considering pursuing a degree in naturopathic medicine?

For those looking to become an ND: do your research!

Make sure the school you're going to is nationally accredited with the CNME, and be certain that you are willing to dedicate the time to get a medical degree.

It's a lot of hard work and dedication but definitely worth it. I'm so happy when patients come to me saying how much they feel better and it is without the side effects many pharmaceutical medications can bring. When treating the patient's root cause they often see better outcomes.

What can new clients expect during their first few visits?

We will first get a thorough history of your health, as well as discuss what your goals are.  A deep understanding of these two areas are vital.

Once this foundation is set, we will review any lab work you have had and run new labs if we feel it is necessary or right for you. We will look at what you have already tried and talk about what your treatment options are.

Once history, goals, and labs are all complete, we will begin an individualized treatment plan that feels right for you.  

How do you like to communicate with your patients in between sessions?

They can email me or message me via a HIPPA compliant system in their patient portal.

What are your favorite tips and tricks for managing a hormonal imbalance?

Diet and lifestyle are huge. Sometimes the simplest changes can make the biggest impact.

What are the challenge areas in today’s health system for women trying to manage their hormonal health?

I think many mainstream providers are very quick to just put a woman on birth control when they complain about hormonal health concerns.

However, there is so much that can be done with diet, lifestyle, and natural medicine. I feel that women really have to be their own advocates when it comes to their health care. NDs already have all the tools needed to help them in many different ways.

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