- Paediatric naturopathy works alongside your GP or paediatrician, not instead of them.
- Naturopathic therapies for children are non-toxic, safe and effective when prescribed correctly by a qualified practitioner.
- New paediatric patients see Marisa for a 45-minute consultation.
- Consultations are available online Australia-wide, or face to face at our Moonee Beach clinic near Coffs Harbour in NSW and our Williamstown clinic in Melbourne’s inner west.
- Common focus areas include recurrent ear infections and colds, and digestive issues from colic and reflux to bloating and constipation.
- Any acute infection should be assessed by a GP first, with naturopathic support provided alongside recovery.
Every parent recognises that helpless feeling when their child keeps getting sick. Whether it is a recurring ear infection, a tummy that is always upset, or a cold that far overstays its welcome. While conventional medicine is effective in managing symptoms and can help your little one feel better, it does not always have the time or resources to ask why they keep happening.
This is where paediatric naturopathy can really save the day. It is not a replacement for your GP or paediatrician, but will work alongside them to support your child’s health more holistically. Here at Naturopathic Wellness, we provide children’s naturopathic treatment for a range of illnesses, with a focus on promoting wellbeing and restoring balance within the body.
Gentle, Non-Invasive Treatments for Kids
When they first approach us for naturopathic treatment for their children, many parents have the same concern: are natural therapies actually safe for them? The good news is that naturopathic therapies for children, as they are for adults, are non-toxic, safe, and effective when prescribed correctly.
They draw upon:
- Herbal medicines
- Nutritional supplements
- Dietary and nutritional advice
- Recommended lifestyle changes
Dosages of medicines and supplements should be carefully calibrated by a qualified practitioner.
Our founder, Marisa, takes all new paediatric patients through a 45-minute consultation. This may include discussion of your family and medical history, and your child’s diet, nutrition, and exercise levels.
Through this extensive fact-finding, she can then work to identify the root cause of ongoing problems and provide suggestions for both short and long-term relief.
Where You Can See Us
We know that getting a young child to an appointment is not always simple, so we have made access as flexible as possible. You can see Marisa in one of three ways:
| Consultation type | Location | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Anywhere in Australia | Families in regional areas, parents without childcare, and children who are currently unwell or unsettled in unfamiliar surroundings |
| Face to face | Moonee Beach, 45 Heritage Dr, NSW 2450, just north of Coffs Harbour | Families on the NSW Mid North Coast |
| Face to face | Williamstown, 66 Stevedore St, VIC 3016 | Families across Melbourne and the western suburbs |
Both clinics operate by appointment only. If you are based in Victoria, you can read more about our children’s naturopathy services in Melbourne, and NSW families can find details of the Coffs Harbour clinic here.
Online consultations are identical in depth to in-clinic appointments. For many parents, the ability to have the appointment at home, with a child in a familiar and relaxed environment, actually produces a better consultation than a clinic visit would.
Addressing Recurrent Ear Infections and Colds
When it comes to addressing recurrent ear infections and colds, naturopathy asks: why is your child’s immune system struggling to defend itself? Antibiotic treatment does a good job of treating the immediate infection but will not strengthen the immune system or address other potential contributors.
This is where naturopathy can work well. Naturopathic therapies work to strengthen your child’s immune system from the inside out, which may include:
- Immune-supportive herbs such as elderberry or echinacea
- Dietary adjustments
- Nutritional support for zinc and vitamin D
Naturopathic medicines can also help clear metabolites that remain after the infection has been killed. A useful metaphor is that antibiotics are similar to putting your rubbish bin out, but they do not clean up after themselves. Naturopathic lymphatic medicines are your garbage truck that removes the metabolites from your system.
Remember that any acute infection should first be assessed by a GP, with naturopathic support provided alongside the recovery process, not instead of it. Raising Children Network has clear guidance on when to seek medical care for a middle ear infection.
Support for Digestive Issues in Children
Digestive problems are among the most common issues we treat at our children’s clinic. These can range from colic and reflux in infants to bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities in older children.
Your child’s gut microbiome is still developing throughout their childhood, which provides a particularly impactful window for naturopathic support.
This all starts with food. A naturopathic approach can include certain moderated herbal supplements, dietary changes, and, where appropriate, detoxification programmes. Naturopathy will also help to identify any food intolerances like dairy and gluten, which are among the most common drivers of childhood digestive symptoms. For older children and adults alike, this often overlaps with our gut health services.
Helping Your Child Thrive Without Over-Medication
There is a growing conversation among Australian parents about the risks associated with over-reliance on prescription medication in childhood. That is not to say that medication is not important, but some conditions can be well managed with lifestyle changes and natural support.
Naturopathy is built on the principle of prevention rather than cure, aiming to build a healthy body and immune system that will fight off diseases more easily. With its individualised approach, it can complement the care your child is already receiving through conventional medical routes.
If you have a little one who is perpetually poorly and are considering a naturopathic approach, you can book an online consultation via our website, request an appointment at either our Moonee Beach or Williamstown clinic, or give us a call on 0412 292 171.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a paediatric naturopath?
A paediatric naturopath is a qualified naturopath who supports children’s health using nutrition, herbal medicine, supplements and lifestyle guidance. The aim is to identify the root cause of recurring problems and work alongside your GP or paediatrician rather than replacing them.
Where can I see a paediatric naturopath?
Marisa consults online with families anywhere in Australia, and face to face at two clinics: Moonee Beach at 45 Heritage Dr, NSW 2450, just north of Coffs Harbour, and Williamstown at 66 Stevedore St, VIC 3016, in Melbourne’s inner west. Both clinics are by appointment only.
Is naturopathy safe for children?
Naturopathic therapies for children are non-toxic, safe and effective when prescribed correctly. Dosages of medicines and supplements must be carefully calibrated by a qualified practitioner for a child’s age and size.
How long is a children’s naturopathy consultation?
All new paediatric patients see Marisa for a 45-minute consultation, which covers family and medical history along with your child’s diet, nutrition and exercise levels. This is available either online or in clinic.
Should I see a GP before a naturopath for my child?
Yes for anything acute. Any acute infection should first be assessed by a GP, with naturopathic support provided alongside the recovery process rather than instead of it.