Frequently Asked Questions

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When should I schedule a Naturopathic Visit for my baby?

What follows is an ideal pediatric visit schedule.  The timing is flexible (e.g. if your child is already 5 years old, you can still schedule a Sick Baby Care, Vaccine Consult and Brain Boost visit).  This schedule does not replace the pediatric medical visits with your child’s pediatrician or medical doctor. 
  

*Note that the Vaccine Consultation and the Initial Naturopathic Visit can be replaced by a 2-hour Vaccine Consultation and Support visit, if Vaccines are your primary health concern.

*Note that the Vaccine Consultation and the Initial Naturopathic Visit can be replaced by a 2-hour Vaccine Consultation and Support visit, if Vaccines are your primary health concern.

 Before arrival of baby: 1-hour Vaccination Consultation and Support to discuss your options, questions and concerns regarding childhood vaccinations.  Parents-to-be are encouraged to schedule the visit before the baby arrives due to the complexity of this topic and the need for personal research and reflection.

6 weeks old: 30 minute Natural Baby Care to discuss how to select safe baby care products (e.g. soaps, toothpaste, sunscreen), list of recommended products included.  Discuss natural bathing, clothing and parenting strategies.

2 months old: schedule a 1-hour Initial Naturopathic Visit to discuss keeping your child healthy, breastfeeding concerns, natural baby care, developmental milestones or any health concerns you may have. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible if your baby has feeding or growth difficulties or any other symptoms that concern you.

4-6 months old: schedule a 30-minute Food Introduction for Infants to minimize your child’s risk of food allergies and associated chronic health conditions.

6 months old: schedule a 30-minute Sick Baby Care to discuss how to safely assess your child’s temperature, when to seek medical help and how to safely lower a fever and support your child’s immune system using natural medicines.

12 months old: schedule a 30-minute Healthy Toddler Visit to discuss natural parenting strategies for toddlers, transition to daycare, extended breastfeeding, developmental milestones, toilet learning and other health concerns.

18 months old: schedule a 30-minute Brain Boost Visit to help maximize your child’s learning potential in daycare/pre-school/school.

2 years old and older: schedule a 45 minute Annual Follow-up Naturopathic Visit to complete an annual physical exam to monitor growth and development and address/monitor any health concerns.

ANY TIME: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible if your child has an ear infection, skin rash, fever, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, teething, cradle cap or any other symptoms that concern you.

When should I schedule a Vaccination Consultation?

Ideally, Vaccination Consultations are scheduled during pregnancy so that you can take your time with your childhood vaccination decisions.  After your baby arrives, it is difficult to find the time to do research and have time to yourself to ponder this complex topic.  However, babies are always welcome to attend Vaccination Consultations. 

Vaccination Consultations should be scheduled 1-3 weeks before the next vaccination visit (which begins at 2 months5-7 weeks of age).  This allows enough time to begin natural vaccine support.  If parents intend to follow the recommended childhood vaccination schedule, a Vaccination Consultation at 5-7 weeks is recommended.  

Should my child also see a pediatrician?

I recommend that all my clients regularly visit their pediatirican or family medical doctor even if they are under the regular care of a naturopathic doctor.  Most family doctors will treat children, however, many parents are more comfortable with someone who specializes in treating children, therefore they opt for a pediatrician.

In the first few years of life, it is especially important to keep regular medical appointments.  Many people who are eventually diagnosed with a health condition show signs and symptoms for years prior to diagnosis.  These signs and symptoms are messages from the body saying that something is not right.  Identifying imbalances early is essential to preventing chronic health conditions.  Naturopathic doctors are trained to work with medical professionals to provide high-quality integrative health care. Please read Katia's letter to medical doctors and bring a copy to your next doctor's visit.

What if I have already decided not to vaccinate my child?

If you have already decided not to vaccinate your child, I suggest you schedule an Initial Naturopathic Visit for your child to discuss preventing infections and strengthening the immune system during times of high risk, (e.g. travel, daycare, school, flu season).  This appointment also enables you to schedule shorter visits to discuss other health concerns, (e.g., colic, eczema, flu).

What do you suggest if I have already decided to vaccinate my child?

If you have already decided to vaccinate your child, I suggest you schedule an Initial Naturopathic Visit for your child to discuss natural vaccine support strategies.  These treatments typically begin 1-3 weeks before each vaccine and continue for 1-3 weeks after each vaccine.

Are you for or against vaccinations?

I do not hold a strong opinion for or against vaccination.  My focus is on providing parents with information and resources regarding children’s vaccines in Canada and supporting them through their decision-making process through non-judgmental discussions.  Some of my clients decide to vaccinate their child(ren), others decide not to.  Regardless of their final decision, I do my best to offer the best natural health care possible.

What is the difference between a naturopath and a homeopath?

Naturopaths and homeopaths differ in their training and treatment scope, however, their underlying principle of using safe and natural medicine to help the body heal itself is shared by both professions. 

Homeopathic doctors use homeopathic medicine.  Naturopathic doctors use a variety of natural medicines including homeopathic medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture/acupressure, nutritional medicine, mind-body medicine, physical medicine and mind-body medicine.  Naturopathic doctors are also trained to be primary care providers.  That means that they can perform physical exams (including breast and gynecological), order lab tests and provide a diagnosis. Naturopathic medical schools provide 4-years of full-time training and require one year of clinical internship.  Before beginning naturopathic medical training, students are required to complete pre-medicine university training.  Naturopathic doctors are also required to successfully complete two sets of national licensing examinations and are required to continually update their skills and knowledge through continuing education.

Is naturopathic medicine covered by insurance?

Most extended health care plans now cover visits to licensed naturopathic doctors because employers and insurance companies are realizing that offering naturopathic benefits to their employees keeps people healthier and more productive. At the end of each visit, you will be provided with an invoice to submit to your health insurance provider.

Naturopathic visits are also tax deductible as medical expenses.

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