We recently connected with Rosia Parrish and have shared our conversation below.
Rosia, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from the profound life experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up as a latch-key kid in a “free-range parenting” environment, I was tasked with taking care of myself from an early age. While it was undoubtedly challenging, this experience cultivated in me a sense of self-reliance and resilience. It taught me to navigate life’s ups and downs independently and made me acutely aware of the challenges that others face when they must go it alone.
My journey through childhood addiction and an eating disorder were incredibly difficult chapters in my life. These struggles forced me to confront my vulnerabilities and witness the depths of human suffering. During my late teens, as I embarked on the path to recovery, I encountered individuals who offered me unwavering support, compassion, and understanding. Being in long-term recovery myself, I now have the privilege of extending that same support and compassion to others.
Through these experiences, I have gained a unique perspective on the human experience. I understand what it feels like to face adversity, grapple with personal challenges, and strive for independence and recovery. These insights have transformed me into a more compassionate and empathetic individual.
The loss of my mother to cancer was another profound and life-altering experience that deepened my wellspring of empathy. Witnessing her battle with the disease, supporting her through treatments, and ultimately saying goodbye illuminated the fragility of life. This painful journey provided me with insights into the struggles of those facing terminal illnesses and their families, allowing me to connect with a level of understanding that only personal loss can bring.
My own struggles with challenging pregnancies and births, including an emergency cesarean section, gave me a firsthand perspective on the complexities and uncertainties of bringing new life into the world. These experiences heightened my sense of compassion and empathy, as I intimately understood the physical and emotional challenges that pregnant individuals and new parents can face.
Furthermore, my journey towards motherhood was marked by profound loss, as it took me a decade to become pregnant due to an ovulatory disorder. During this period, I endured the heartache of infertility while simultaneously grappling with the grief of losing my mother and grandmother, both of whom passed away while I was pregnant with my baby girl. Effectively, my entire matriline had passed away before I gave birth.
These extraordinary losses deeply affected me and allowed me to relate on a profound level to my patients who were experiencing infertility and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. I intimately understood the frustration, grief, and despair that can accompany the desire to have a child. This personal journey equipped me to connect with my patients on an empathetic level that extended beyond medical expertise, providing them not only with the care they needed but also the understanding and support they craved during their fertility struggles.
Incorporating these experiences into my journey of empathy, I have emerged as a healthcare professional who not only treats patients but also walks beside them during their most vulnerable moments. My ability to relate to their pain, fear, and uncertainty is a testament to my remarkable capacity for compassion. Through my own life’s trials, I have forged a path of empathy that serves as a guiding light for those seeking comfort and understanding in their own journeys.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Dr. Rosia Parrish, a Naturopathic Doctor and Fertility Specialist deeply committed to helping individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to offer hope and holistic solutions to those facing fertility challenges. My approach focuses on identifying the root causes of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, and I provide personalized treatment plans to address these issues.
Additionally, my journey towards motherhood was marked by profound loss. It took me a decade to become pregnant due to an ovulatory disorder that required extensive treatment and patience to reverse. During this period, I endured the heartache of infertility while simultaneously grappling with the grief of losing my mother and grandmother, both of whom passed away while I was pregnant with my baby girl. Effectively, my entire matriline had passed away before I gave birth.
These extraordinary losses deeply affected me and helped me relate to my patients who were experiencing infertility and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. I understood the frustration, grief, and despair that can accompany the desire to have a child. This personal journey allowed me to connect with my patients on a level of empathy that extended beyond medical expertise, providing them with not only the care they needed but also the understanding and support they craved during their fertility struggles.
In addition to fertility care, I also offer naturopathic support for a wide range of health conditions, including digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, and more. My goal is to help my patients achieve optimal and lifelong health by addressing the underlying causes of their health concerns.
What sets me apart is my dedication to providing comprehensive and personalized care. I understand that every patient’s journey is unique, and I work closely with them to develop tailored treatment plans that align with their goals and values. Whether it’s supporting preconception health, optimizing fertility, or addressing complex health conditions, I’m here to guide and support my patients every step of the way.
For those experiencing fertility challenges, I specialize in uncovering commonly overlooked causes, such as PCOS, nutrient imbalances, immune dysregulation, and more. My aim is to empower my patients with knowledge and tools to improve their chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy.
If you’ve been struggling with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or other health issues, I encourage you not to lose hope. There are often solutions and opportunities for improvement that can make a significant difference in your journey. I’m here to provide compassionate and expert care to help you achieve your dream of starting or growing your family.
Feel free to visit my website at www.nawellness-boulder.com to learn more about my practice and the services I offer. Whether you’re just starting your family planning journey or seeking answers to longstanding fertility challenges, I’m here to support you on the path to better health and fertility.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been exceptionally impactful:
1. Empathy and Compassion: Personal experiences have profoundly shaped my empathetic and compassionate nature. Overcoming addiction, facing infertility, and coping with the loss of loved ones have all underscored the importance of connecting with patients on an emotional level. My advice to those early in their journey is to actively practice empathy in daily interactions, listen with an open heart, and consider seeking additional therapy and emotional support to enhance this essential quality. Seek opportunities to volunteer or work in settings where you can further develop your empathetic skills.
2. Medical Knowledge and Professional Training: This has been crucial in becoming a licensed and regulated health professional, enabling me to diagnose and treat patients. For those embarking on their journey, I strongly recommend investing in an accredited naturopathic medicine program or medical school. Focus on building a strong foundation in the basic sciences, and stay informed about advancements in treatments and technologies by regularly reading medical journals, attending conferences, and joining professional associations. If you aspire to specialize in fertility medicine, pursue certifications or specialized training in reproductive medicine to enhance your expertise. Additionally, networking with peers and mentors can provide valuable insights and support.
3. Clinical Experience and Mentorship: Gaining clinical experience through working and volunteering in healthcare settings is invaluable for developing practical skills. Furthermore, finding experienced naturopathic doctors or fertility specialists to mentor you is crucial. Mentors can offer guidance, share their insights, and help you navigate the complexities of the field. Building a professional network within the healthcare community, including fellow students, faculty members, and practicing professionals, can open doors of opportunity and collaborations that enhance your journey.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal patients are couples who find themselves navigating the complex challenges of unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or past unsuccessful IVF attempts. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to uncovering the root causes of their fertility struggles. They are ready and willing to invest not only their resources but also their time and effort into gaining a comprehensive understanding of their unique situation.
These individuals approach healthcare with an open-minded perspective, embracing a harmonious blend of holistic and naturopathic treatments alongside conventional medical interventions. They recognize the value of a multidisciplinary approach to fertility care and enthusiastically collaborate with a diverse healthcare team, which may include naturopathic doctors, fertility specialists, therapists, and other dedicated professionals.
Above all, ideal patients are proactive participants in their healthcare journey. They diligently adhere to prescribed treatment plans, proactively implement lifestyle modifications, and engage in informed decision-making. This proactive engagement ensures that their fertility care is not only thorough and comprehensive but also tailored to their specific needs. It is this proactive approach that maximizes their chances of realizing their cherished dreams of building a family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nawellness-boulder.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertility_nd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilityND
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosia/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fertility_ND
Image Credits
Stephanie Fassler Photography A Thing Called Love Photography ELC Photography
