Melissa McDonald Naturopath
Melissa McDonald
Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy (BHSc)
Meet Melissa
I became a naturopath because of my own health journey. In my early twenties, I struggled with acne, ADHD, hormonal symptoms and PMDD, and became frustrated with simply managing symptoms without understanding the why behind them.
That experience sparked my passion for naturopathy and the connection between hormones, gut health, nutrition and overall wellbeing.
After more than 10 years in the health and wellness industry, and now navigating motherhood myself, my approach is shaped by both clinical knowledge and lived experience. I'm here to help women connect the dots, understand their bodies, and feel supported in their own skin.
Who I work with
Mums navigating postpartum recovery and depletion
Babies and children needing support with gut, skin, immune and nervous system health
Women experiencing PMS, PMDD and hormonal concerns
Women experiencing fatigue, burnout and chronic gut issues
Families looking for a whole-person, food-first and evidence-informed approach
What I help with
For mums: postpartum depletion, fatigue, burnout, PMS, PMDD, hormonal health and gut health.
For babies and children: gut health, digestion, immunity, allergies, eczema and other skin concerns, nutrition and nervous system support.
Why I love this work
When a client returns after a month and tells me they're feeling more like themselves again, it's one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Supporting someone who has been struggling for months or years, and watching them move toward feeling well again, is a reminder of why I became a naturopath in the first place.
A bit more about me
I became a first-time mum in 2025, and motherhood has changed the way I practise as a naturopath. Experiencing the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, postpartum and early motherhood has given me a much deeper understanding of what women need during this stage of life. As a mum to a daughter, I feel a special responsibility in helping women care for themselves while also raising the next generation of women.
Outside of clinic, surfing has always been a big part of my life and my connection to the Blue Bay community. Since becoming a mum, I've been finding my way back to the water and reshaping that part of my identity. I also love being in nature — gardening, bush walking, camping, and exploring new surf spots — and I'm creative at heart, with a love of design, ceramics, and (slowly) learning to sew.
My philosophy
"Just start with one thing." You don't need to overhaul your whole diet, take ten supplements, or change your entire lifestyle overnight. We focus on what will make the biggest difference, start there, and build from it. Small, consistent changes can create meaningful shifts over time.
Before your appointment
You'll receive a health history form by email to complete beforehand, giving me time to review your history so we can make the most of our session together.
You don't need blood tests before your first appointment — if you already have recent pathology or a GP referral for testing, feel free to bring it along and we'll review it together.
Your first consultation is about getting to know you: your symptoms, lifestyle and goals, and working out together where to start.