Holistic Pediatric Care
After baby is born, most mothers are vigilant on providing the best environment for their baby to be healthy. However, many factors play a role in the development of your child. For example, baby’s immune system may be weakened by poor nutrition, teething, passive smoking, poor sleep habits, and day care. Avoid overstimulating young children by restricting time with “plugged” appliances which may lead to attention deficit issues as the child matures. Additionally, having a strict regular sleeping schedule will help the child’s natural circadian rhythm remain balanced, which promotes restful sleep habits. If day care is a necessity, keep in mind that a larger facility increases the chance for infection.
Nutritionally, it is best for baby to feed on breast milk. Cautiously introduce common food inducing allergies slowly, such as cow’s milk products, wheat, soy, peanuts, and corn, especially if the packaging does not specify that it is non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO). Foods like wheat ideally should not be introduced into the child’s diet until around 9-12 months of age. Also, be aware of familial allergies, as they tend to have a genetic predisposition. Limit fruit juice or use it diluted, as it may lead to hypoglycemia and then eventually Type II Diabetes. Best rule of thumb: If it’s in a box or wrapped in plastic, you shouldn’t be eating it.
Other allergies like dust mites, mold, and pet dander may affect your child’s well-being, and need to be taken into account. Toxic chemicals in household cleaners, carpet, paint, detergents, plastics, etc. can contribute to asthma, weakened immunity, colicky behavior, and ear infections so look for products that are non-toxic which is good for your baby and the environment. Remember that as children learn by directly experiencing their environment through all of their senses including touch and taste, they will be putting everything possible into their hands and mouth. Make sure that chemical toxins are not getting ingested. There is no doubt that certain plastics (if not all) leach chemical called xenoestrogens into all food and beverages, more so after repeated use of heating (like in the microwave) so be cautious of pacifiers and other plastic bottles/toys.
Children begin the process of teething between three and nine months old. However, many “symptoms” accompany this normal milestone. It is common for a teething child to have runny clear mucus, ear irritation, fever, picky eating, disruptive sleep patterns, and even bowel irritation like diarrhea or constipation. If your child exhibits these symptoms, be aware that it may not be a viral or bacterial infection but simply the body’s natural response to teething.
However, young children may also suffer from acute nasopharyngitis (“common cold”), which is the most common infectious condition of children. Be aware that the first 24-72 hours of the infection is the worst part of the cold duration and it is more severe in younger children because their immunity is still developing. Children that are on probiotics like Bifidobacterium lactis (Bifidus) tend to have stronger immunity because the probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora (especially important for C-section babies who do not pass through the birth canal and get inoculated with mother’s flora). It is normal to expect a slight elevation of fever in the evening hours since the body normally raises temperature during this period. Additionally, some natural home remedies, like avoiding dairy and sugar, as well as using one part vinegar and two parts water in a humidifier to help clear nasal congestion. Ideally, avoid putting your child on antibiotics which can have multiple side effects, both short and long term.
Chronic tonsillitis is also very common amongst young children. Symptoms include recurrent or persistent sore throat, obstruction to swallowing and breathing, sense of dryness and irritation. It is important to be aware that most hypertrophic tonsils actually are normal in size and the child will “grow in” to the tonsil size. Similarly to the home remedy for the common cold, a vaporizer or humidifier with a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts water can be cleansing and disinfecting.
Asthma episodes are most often brought on by exposure to irritants such as cold air, noxious fumes (including smoking) and allergies. As opposed to the common cold cough, this cough is tight and non-productive. Also present is wheezing, which is worse on expiration of breath, and increased heart rate. Natural treatments include concentrated cranberry juice, Ivy extract, and eliminate animal dander and passive smoking around child. Avoid steroidal inhalers if possible as they can cause kidney disease, sterility in boys, and Crohn’s disease in girls.
Ear infections can also be common in small children due to the shape of the pediatric ear canal and can easily be confused with teething symptoms. Therefore, it is important to have a culture test performed to confirm a bacterial infection before placing the child on antibiotics. Clinical signs and symptoms include pulling on ear or general area, inflammation, decreased hearing, possible earache, and possible fever. Because probiotics are not passed through breast milk, supplement with Bifidus (“good” bacteria) especially if your child does need to take antibiotics, which kill the “good and bad” bacteria in the body. Additional home remedies include olive and garlic oil drops in the ear with cotton balls or a warm compress over the ear for pain relief. Many studies also indicate the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical (neck) region to open the ear canal and allow the fluid to drain.
Although there may be times that medications are required for treating your child’s symptoms, respect the body’s natural healing process and support the immune system whenever possible for prevention and wellness. A healthy baby is the best defense against common childhood diseases!
