Well Child Visits

We Offer

Benefits of a Well Child Visit:

We routinely hear from parents an appreciation for the different perspective and information they receive at a Naturopathic Well Child Visit compared to a medical-only focus. The 45 minute visit includes a physical exam, and time for targeted discussion on your child’s health and development. A strong relationship with a medical doctor is also an essential part of your child’s health care team – both professions bringing different skills to the table. Childhood is the only time you have the opportunity to lay a foundation of healthy habits that will last a lifetime: from how much screen time feels normal, to how many veggies and how much sleep. Coming to natural health later? That’s ok, we are excited to support you. Un-healthy habits can be changed, it just takes a little more effort.

Raising Concerns: The very first part of any well-child visit is to discuss any concerns you may have, or any that arise from the visit. Bring along a list of your top 3-5 concerns to discuss. As this visit is intended as a health check-up, it is also common to have no real concerns present at the time of the visit. Naturopathic supports may be suggested, as well as recommendations to seek the support of other professionals when indicated. Common concerns seen and supported include colic and nursing, to anger, anxiety, acne, insomnia, eczema, ADHD and more.

Prevention: Optimal guidelines are reviewed in terms of nutrition, sleep, immunity and safety to help support the overall health of your child. These themes shift from baby-centric (sharp corners, baby gates, etc) to child (bike helmets, hand washing, immunity, etc.) and adolescent (peer pressure, acne, menstruation, school achievement, risky behaviours, etc).

Tracking Growth & Development: Age specific milestones are assessed, and you can see how much your child has grown since their last visit. Discuss social behaviours, learning patterns, and what to expect in the next developmental period.

Team Approach: A strong foundation and relationship with your Naturopathic Doctor will help in supporting optimal physical, mental and social health for your child. Professional guidance in addressing your first cold or fever, to supporting a child with mental emotional concerns. You have the option to coordinate visits and treatments with our resident CranioSacral Therapist, Laura Patrick RMT, who focuses on paediatrics. Learn more about Laura’s approach here. (Link to Laura’s cranio page).

Specialized Testing: If indicated, assessing for allergies (skin scratch test) and food sensitivities may be suggested and can be done on site. Urinalysis can also be done on site, and specific blood work from Calgary Lab Services can be purchased to expedite the process of attaining necessary information to better understand concerns around your child’s health. Lifestyle, dietary and supplemental supports based on genetic assessment are also available.

Child Focused Care: Our favourite supports to recommend come in the form of home remedies, diet and lifestyle advice you can implement right at home.

When indicated, many of the therapies we use for adults can be adapted for use in children, with a professional knowledge of safety based on a child’s age and size. Herbs, nutrients and homeopathics are all available as chewable, powder or liquid forms, and even intravenous forms when necessary (for older children, athletic performance or more serious concerns around nutrition, hydration or immunity). People of all ages love body work, and our clinic provides Bowen Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Acupressure, Acupuncture (for older children) and Massage.