My son had strep throat, his first major illness, all last week. It was the worst thing in the world to watch my 18 month old almost revert back to a baby- crying, only wanting to be held, sitting and watching TV (something he NEVER does) while holding his blankie and his paci, only wanting his mommy. I hated taking giving him his medicine, although it really helped, and could wait for this awful illness to leave his little body.
But here’s where my mind starting working- about a week before he came down with strep, he had been coughing a lot and, after taking him to his pediatrician, he was given two puffers to help open up his lungs and help him breathe- Ventolin and FloVent. I DID NOT want to give him these puffers. They’re adult medications. My sister and aunt have used both of them and have been more then sick because of them. Right on the package it gives the ADULT dosage and says nothing about a child dosage. It just felt so wrong. However, I wasn’t at the appointment when he was prescribed the puffers and I didn’t know what else to do. So, he got them. And then he got strep throat.
I’m not a doctor (duh). I’m not saying he got MORE sick because of the puffers. It totally took away his cough, which was the point. However, I can’t help but feel that my gut was right on this one and that giving my little guy an adult medication, no matter how helpful it may be, isn’t the right way to go.
So, it’s got me thinking about taking him to a Naturopath. Perhaps a more natural way of healing, at least as a first option, is the way to treat our children. I wouldn’t give up his pediatrician for anything- I genuinely think she’s wonderful- but I can’t justify giving him medication for every little problem that ails him.
Moms out there- what are your experiences with Naturopaths vs. Doctors for your children? Do you feel that alternate forms of medicine are the way to go- at least as a first choice? How do you feel about giving medicine to your children?
Very okay. agree with most people
Well, not totally sure about it btw…
i’ve used both and i think both have their merits. if regular medicine isn’t working, i think naturopathy is a great alternative. go to someone reputable and give it extra time to work because the treatments are much less severe. good luck!
I go to a naturopath and have taken my son (14 mths.) there in the past few weeks. I generally try most of the things that she recommends and have had very positive results. In my experience, natural remedies can sometimes take a little longer to take effect compared to over the counter or prescription drugs. I think we live in a society that wants things now (or 5 minutes ago, for that matter) so that can be a negative thing for many people. Naturopathy is also expensive and though most insurance plans cover the visits, they don’t cover the homeopathics or natural remedies. We still go to our family doctor at times, but have found that going to a naturopath means we often have remedies in the house from last time we were sick, etc. so we can try that first. I prefer not to give medicine to my son (or take it for myself) but I definately appreciate that there is a place for it. I will not not give my son medicine if it is what he needs, it is just not my first choice.
I haven’t seen a Naturopath for my kids (hasn’t been necessary), but I go myself and have found it very helpful. I agree with the pp, both have a place, and go with your gut.
We have 2 naturopaths that we see – mostly for Cuyler. One is a homeopathic dr who uses a lot of Chinese remedies.
The other gives us guidance with his diet and supplements.
Knock on wood, my kids are very healthy and we rarely see our family dr – who is AMAZING and completely respectful or our decision to seek “alternative” treatments and advice.
I just go with my gut when deciding who we need to see.
I’ve never been to a naturopath but all those around me do and swear by them. If Will’s current 7 week cough continues much longer…we’re going. He was also put on a puffer last year…I never even considered that it was an adult product…but I think it was. I think a healthy combo of both would be good! Poor dude – hope he’s feeling better!
our family is a firm believer in naturopaths because it works. We go to them in combination with our family doctor. We take what the doctor says seriously, then go to the naturopath and make our decision accordingly. Instead of cough syrup, we use honey, instead of VICS vapor rub we use castor oil and a humidifier.
I think as a parent you have to stick with your gut. If you don’t feel right about a prescription, don’t fill it. There are alternatives. Granted, naturopaths often push organic, hard to find items which can get pricey, so I think you just have to do what you think is best.