Dr. Valerie Penton, Naturopathic Doctor

05/26/2026

Denmark made a decision. No more cry it out. No more leaving babies alone to self soothe. The national consensus shifted.

The US has not followed.

Here is what happened. A national study combined with a petition signed by 723 Danish psychologists forced the change. The evidence was clear. Leaving a baby to cry alone elevates cortisol. Repeated exposure alters stress regulation. Attachment security suffers. The brain pays a price.

Denmark listened.

In parts of the United States, cry it out is still recommended. Pediatricians suggest it at four months. Sleep trainers push it earlier. Parents are told that responding to every cry creates a clingy child. That is not science. That is a cultural hangover from the 1990s.

The research has moved on. Denmark just proved it.

Babies do not self soothe. They learn to stop signaling. That is different. That is learned helplessness. A baby who stops crying has not learned calm. They have learned that no one is coming.

You do not need to bed share. You do not need to never sleep train. But you do need to know what the actual research says. And the research says that leaving a young infant to cry alone is not neutral. It has a cost.

Denmark chose the science. The rest of the world is catching up slowly.

05/13/2026

Recent independent research discovered significant levels of lead, arsenic and mercury in various toothpastes created by Colgate—specifically "Hello" kids' brands and some Colgate Total products. These are among THE MOST HARMFUL substances on earth to the human nervous system.

Key Details of the Allegations:

Contaminate Products: Lawsuits focus on "Hello" branded kids' toothpaste (e.g. Unicorn Sparkle, Dragon Dazzle) and some Colgate Total Whitening products.

The Claims: The suits allege that Colgate failed to disclose the presence of these heavy metals, which are KNOWN neurotoxins, while marketing the products as safe even for children.

Independent Testing: Plaintiffs claim independent lab tests found lead levels ranging from 236 to 658 parts per billion in the tested products as well as the presence of mercury and arsenic.

There is no known safe level of lead or mercury exposure. Legal Action: The lawsuits, often filed in California and New York federal courts, seek damages for consumers and allege violations of state consumer protection laws.

This should NOT be taken lightly as these neurotoxins can literally accumulate in the human body increasing risk of sickness. Take great care of yourselves friends!

Source: Barton et al. v. Colgate-Palmolive Co., Case No. 3:25-cv-02833, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California; Browne v. Hello Products LLC, Case No. 7:25-cv-05698, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; Hagens Berman, Colgate Toothpaste Heavy Metal Contamination Investigation (2025)

12/14/2025

12/09/2025

If you are between 2-4 months post partum and experiencing noticeable hair loss, you are not alone! This is a common biological process called Postpartum telogen effluvium (TE). TE is normal, temporary hair shedding after childbirth, typically starting 2-4 months postpartum, caused by dramatic hormonal shifts (dropping estrogen/progesterone) that push many hair follicles into a resting (telogen) phase simultaneously, leading to widespread, diffuse hair loss that usually resolves within several months as hormones balance. While it’s self-limiting and hair regrows, gentle hair care, managing stress, and ensuring good nutrition (protein, iron, vitamins) can help manage it, though no specific treatment stops it. 

How it unfolds:
* Shifting hormones: During pregnancy, high estrogen levels keep hair in the growing (anagen) phase longer. After birth, these hormones drop rapidly, causing many hairs to enter the resting (telogen) phase and fall out together.
* Shedding Pattern: You’ll notice excessive shedding when brushing, in the shower drain, or on your pillow, but it’s diffuse (all over), not patchy.
* Timing: Shedding usually peaks around 3-4 months postpartum and lasts a few months, with most women recovering full fullness. 
Management & Care
* Be Gentle: Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive brushing, and heat styling; use a wide-tooth comb.
* Careful of those tiny mighty infant fists that can hold onto hair tightly and not want to let go 😂
* Nutrient-Rich Diet: Focus on protein, fruits, and vegetables; address deficiencies in iron, B12, and folic acid if present.
* Manage Stress: Self-care, relaxation, and adequate sleep can help.
* Camouflage: Lighter conditioners or layering can make hair look fuller. 

When to See a Doctor
* If shedding seems excessive or prolonged.
* To rule out other conditions like thyroid issues or nutrient deficiencies.

11/24/2025

If you or someone you know is in a dangerous domestic situation please reach out to one of the many supports available in Newfoundland and Labrador. This time of year can be a season of increased stress and need for support.

The Office for the Status of Women and the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador are pleased to partner...

11/24/2025

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_groupastrep_inst_adult

Different kinds of infections can happen after childbirth. Group A streptococcus is one kind that can cause serious infections in the blood or body tissues. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of an infection.

11/22/2025

Join me in welcoming the newest Naturopathic Doctor (ND) to Newfoundland, Dr. Emily Burt 🩺
Dr. Burt will be practicing out of Gander and will no doubt be an amazing addition to our community.
We are excited to have you Dr. Burt!

✨Introducing Dr. Emily Burt, ND ✨

Dr. Burt is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor joining Gander Chiropractic Integrative Health and is thrilled to begin offering naturopathic care here in Gander. 🌿💚

She completed her Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University before earning her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. Having grown up in Gander, returning to serve her community feels incredibly grounding and full-circle.

Dr. Burt takes an individualized, collaborative approach to care and firmly believes naturopathic medicine works best alongside conventional treatment — not in place of it. She has a special clinical interest in integrative cancer care, supporting individuals through all stages of their cancer journey—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship. Her approach focuses on improving quality of life, minimizing treatment-related side effects, and helping patients feel more grounded, empowered, and supported during times of uncertainty.

Alongside her oncology-focused work, Dr. Burt maintains a broad general practice, frequently supporting patients with digestive concerns, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, pain, stress, and general wellness goals. Her care is evidence-informed and rooted in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and mind-body medicine—blending science with empathy and deep respect for the body’s innate ability to heal.

To celebrate her start at Gander Chiropractic Integrative Health, Dr. Burt is offering 15-minute complimentary meet-and-greet visits for anyone curious about naturopathic medicine or her approach to care. ✨

Dr. Burt is accepting new patients, starting Monday, November 24th! Online booking is now available! ⬇️⬇️

https://ganderchiropractic.janeapp.com/locations/integrated-health/book #/staff_member/23/treatment/101

09/07/2025

A great class being offered in Gander!

Do you p*e when you sneeze? Although this is common it is not normal! Your pelvic floor health can affect all aspects of your life; back pain, painful s*x, urinary infections just to name a few.

You don’t have to live like this. Come educate yourself and get stronger in 6 weeks with a weekly class, at home videos to watch and workouts to do. Many women of all ages have done so in the past, with great results!

Classes are on Wednesday mornings 9-10. Starting Sept. 10th!

Inbox me for details if interested or have any questions.

09/06/2025

Breastfeeding women experience so much

no one warned me that breastfeeding might make me feel angry.

not weepy.
not soft.
not serene.

but… tense.
edgy.
like everything outside this room
was too loud, too much, too close.

turns out,
there’s a name for it
‘lactation aggression’

your body produces prolactin to make milk.
and with it,
a quiet undercurrent of hostility—
just enough to keep the world at arm’s length.
just enough to say:
‘not now. not her. not us’

in the past,
it protected the baby from threats.
today,
it just makes you snap at your partner
for asking what’s for dinner.

it doesn’t mean you’re broken.
it means your body is working.

still,
it’s hard.
hard to explain the mood swings,
the short fuse,
the way your skin feels too thin and too tight
all at once.

so if you’re breastfeeding
and feeling easily irritated,
off,
not like yourself

it’s not just you.
you’re not crazy.
you’re not a bad mom.

you’re just in it.
and your body is louder than usual.

The Breastmilk Queen - Amy McGlade

05/25/2025

🥳 Repost from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine:

Naturopathic medicine is now formally recognized as part of Canada’s evolving primary care landscape.

We’re pleased to share that naturopathic doctors are featured in the newly released Compendium of Roles in Team-Based Primary Care, officially launched in April 2025 by the Canadian Health Workforce Network.

This national publication profiles the wide range of professionals contributing to modern primary care — now including naturopathic doctors and their role in collaborative, patient-centered care.

This achievement reflects the leadership of CCNM faculty and alumni, and the continued collaboration between CCNM, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and other integrative health partners.

Read the Compendium here: https://pulse.ly/ql8acmk7rh