By Marco Ceccarelli
Fertility specialist and founder of FertilityCare and NaProTechnology (Natural Procreative Technology) in Perth, Dr Amanda Lamont, opened a new practice at the beginning of this year – much to the delight of couples experiencing sub-fertility problems.
The Magnificat Fertility Centre is located in the suburb of City Beach and is currently headed by Dr Lamont, with Dr Antoinette Torre set to join her in the following months.
“The aim is to make FertilityCare and NaProTechnology more available and accessible. I have really enjoyed being involved in this work again and am excited to bring my new learnings of the past few years to further improve the care we can offer,” said Dr Lamont.
“While it has been present in Perth all this time, the service had not been advertised, so people may not have been aware that it was, in fact, available. I would like to make it easier for people to access natural fertility methods while offering something that is ethically acceptable and is generally good medicine,” she added.
Dr Lamont set up FertilityCare – a method that combines natural fertility awareness with a medical treatment program (NaProTechnology) – at St John of God Subiaco in 2002, with the intention of helping people reach full procreative health.
In 2006, the practice was moved to the suburb of Yokine where it grew until 2012, when Dr Lamont was forced to travel overseas for family reasons.
Since then, two specialists in the field, Drs Catherine Hurworth and James Kho, have continued running NaProTechnology services in Perth – Dr Hurworth from the Perth Hills until December 2013 and Dr Kho from his Thornlie practice, to date.
On the eve of her comeback, Dr Lamont reiterated the benefits of the FertilityCare program, particularly for those interested in Natural Family Planning methods that are in line with the Catholic ethos.
“Teaching women and couples about their fertility and bodies, so they know what is happening, and to identify the problems when they occur, this is the aim of the FertilityCare system.
“The NaProTechnology program is about restoring normal fertility, not overstimulating, not suppressing, just keeping the fertility functioning normally, investigating and treating any disease processes. If there is something wrong, then it is treated, fertility is restored to normal and then people can conceive naturally, without needed artificial intervention.
“NaProTechnology management plans can include the use of natural and other hormonal medications, supplements, surgery, if required, and consultation with dieticians, counsellors and other allied health professionals according to the specific needs of each person involved.”
Conscious of the great challenges that come with the infertility and sub-fertility journey, including miscarriages and problems linked to conception, Dr Lamont pointed to other benefits of FertilityCare that can strengthen unity between spouses.
“The process of helping couples through infertility and sub-fertility needs to empower them in knowledge, information and control on levels other than physical ones.
“FertilityCare and NaPro technology is very much about that – trying to strengthen the relationship through very difficult circumstances.”
Looking back at FertilityCare and NaProTechnology’s origins in Perth, particularly its affiliation with St John of God Hospital’s mission and values, Dr Lamont pointed to the profound respect for life and its Creator as the driving force of the program.
“As Catholics, we have a deep appreciation for life and lay emphasis on God’s hand in the creation of every person and the dignity of each little embryo.
“With this also comes an understanding and a sensitivity towards the suffering caused by sub-fertility.”
Dr Lamont summed up the establishment of her new practice as another step in her personal vocation and reflected on her calling as mother and her ability to balance the two honourable vocations of home life and work life.
“I’ve tried to escape many times but God keeps calling me and wants me to do this work.
“FertilityCare really is a family ministry for us, as I depend on the support and help of my husband, children and parents to allow me to offer what I can with FertilityCare. It is an ever-changing balance between family and work.
“The vision for the work of FertilityCare and NaProTechnology in Perth would be, God willing, for multiple centres around the city to offer this service,” she concluded.
FertilityCare and NaProTechnology are available from the Dr Lamont’s new centre in City Beach, and from Dr Kho’s rooms in Thornlie. The FertilityCare charting system, an integral part of NaProTechnology, is taught in Perth by Loretta Spadaccini (Stirling) and Nicole Syed (Melville). Details for all centres in Australasia are available on www.fertilitycare.com.au.
To find out more about FertilityCare and NaProTechnology, visit www.fertilitycare.com.au and www.naprotechnology.com