Healing Our Children Naturally: Naturopathic Care for Pediatrics
Childhood is full of changes and growth. Our little ones are resilient and have incredible healing capabilities – but sometimes their system needs a little push support. Naturopathic medicine can address a wide array of health concerns that your child may be facing, and the great thing is that naturopathic therapies are not limited to one age group - from newborn to toddler to adolescent to teenager - there are natural ways to help your kids live healthy and fulfilling lives.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a non-invasive and preventative form of primary healthcare. Rather than focusing on treating symptoms, naturopathic medicines aims to identify and treat the root cause of a condition by looking at the whole person. Naturopathic doctors are trained healthcare providers with the expertise to diagnose, treat and manage acute and chronic conditions. Naturopaths use a health promoting model that is individuated, evidence-based and patient-centred, to provide you a bright approach to help you achieve your health and wellness goals!
In terms of treatment, naturopathic medicine provides many tailored options. Common tools used in treatment can include clinical nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle modification, botanical medicine, acupuncture, cupping, homeopathy and more.
Our Bright naturopaths also utilize testing such as bloodwork, physical exams and functional testing to gain better insights into your health picture to create a tailored and individualized treatment plan.
What does a Pediatric Naturopathic Appointment look like?
The first appointment will involve a lot of talking with your little one (and parents/caregivers, of course). Naturopathic doctors are like detectives - we want to gather as much information about your child’s health as possible - that also includes information gained through a comprehensive physical exam, especially for concerns such as earaches, a cough, tummy pain and rashes. Following the consultation, you will receive an individualized and evidence-based treatment plan designed specifically for your child.
Naturopathic Care for Children, Infants & Teens
Naturopathic medicine can lend a helping hand for many health concerns. Whether you are looking to support a health condition such as asthma, help boost their immune system and reduce their frequency of colds, or get to the root cause of chronic ear infections, naturopathic care can help!
Naturopathic medicine may help with:
Colic
Diaper rash
Teething
Eczema
Cradle cap
Asthma
Rashes and other skin conditions
Constipation and diarrhea
Stomach pain and digestive disturbances
Chronic infections (ear, throat etc.)
Failure to Thrive
Immune support
Poor sleep and insomnia
Respiratory support
Colds and flus
Viral infections
Appetite improvement and picky eating
Mental health and mood disorders
Allergies
Acne
Puberty support
Modalities used for the pediatric population:
Nutrition
Botanical medicine
Hydrotherapy
Supplementation
Lifestyle modifications
Stress management
Homeopathy
Acupuncture (for teenagers)
Naturopathic doctors also perform newborn and well child assessments! This is a great way to check in and have a comprehensive physical exam completed to ensure that your little one is meeting all their developmental milestones.
An Important Reminder
Naturopathic medicine is designed to meet you where you are at. Appointments are a no judgment zone, and we are looking to educate and empower you to take control of you and your family’s health - not change your entire lifestyle.
Whether you are looking for support with a particular health concern your child has, seeking to optimize overall health, or simply need a listening ear - we are here for you. Our Bright naturopathic doctor will ensure you and your family receive the best care possible using safe, effective and evidence-based treatments. Let’s work together to help your little ones feel happy, healthy and bright!
WRITTEN BY: Dr. domenique barbaro, ND (She/Her)
Disclaimer
The advice provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a naturopathic doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.