Dr. Aliya Visram - Wellbe @draliyavisram @hello.wellbe

I’m a big fan of Wellbe (obviously!) You’ve created a sanctuary for pregnant women (and beyond), which I was lucky enough to become familiar with during my first pregnancy. Tell me about your journey to building your Wellbe hive!

THANK YOU!

My hive started with two busy bees - my sister and myself ; and an idea that started with an injured mama needing help.

I was treating my sister’s back - she was a new mama and was experiencing unbearable pain postpartum. While I was helping her feel better - she said “she wished every new mama and every woman had an Aliya” and that was the idea that started it all.

We wanted every single mother, family, person to have their “person” who they can call when they need help - whether its a massage, an acupuncture treatment, chiro care or even therapy. Wellbe offers all of those things but it also offers a connection, a relationship and more than anything a community.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I LOVE TO DIVE! Being 15 ft underwater is my 2nd happy place. (my first happy place is being in my clinic)

Tell us about your family. How was your postpartum journey?

I’m lucky to have two energetic little humans - 7 year old Will and almost 10 year old Rosie. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since my first - sometimes it feels like I just had her.  My postpartum journey after my 2nd little human was a tough road. I lost my father, my BFF, my person just a few months before my son was born in 2016. Navigating loss and birth was the hardest thing I’ve had to get through in my entire life. I was a high functioning depressed person for a year before I realized I needed help.

I know many women go through this; I want them to know three things: 1. They are not alone. 2. There is help and a way forward. 3. They will get through it.

What are your top tips for recovery postpartum?

Surround yourself with support and help. Take it when offered and do whatever you can, whatever it takes to care for yourself.

What are your favourite snacks for postpartum?

Looove lactation cookies with a cup of fennel tea.
Fennel tea (according to my indian grandmother) helps with easing baby’s gas issues.
Lactation cookies - milk producing and scrumptious?! We love!

What’s one ingredient you put in everything?

Oooh a touch of cinnamon goes a long way. It brings out flavours, it warms things up and it battles inflammation!

What are three things you can’t live without (the postpartum version)?

1. Cute waterbottle
2. Comfy clothes/PJs
3. Lip balm - love the LaNeige Lip sleeping mask

What are you most excited about in your life right now?

Going shopping with my almost 10 year old daugther - who apparently has more style than me!

Your affirmation for today?

I can be vulnerable. I can be feminine. I can be strong. Those things are not mutually exclusive.