Pediatric Health
Parents come to me for a range of reasons, sometimes a formal diagnosis already in hand, sometimes a pattern that hasn't been named yet but clearly needs attention. Either way, pediatric concerns deserve the same thorough, investigative approach as any other case, adapted carefully for a child's developing body.
My approach to pediatric care is gentle, age-appropriate, and foundational, focused on diet, gut health, sleep, and targeted nutrient support where indicated, rather than anything invasive. I always work alongside your child's pediatrician or family doctor rather than in place of them, and every recommendation is tailored to your child's specific age, size, and health history.
Conditions I commonly support
Eczema and atopic dermatitis. Eczema in children has been associated with gut health, food sensitivities, and immune regulation. I look at these underlying factors alongside whatever topical or medical management your child's doctor has already recommended, rather than in place of it.
Recurrent ear, nose, and throat infections. Kids who seem to catch every cold or ear infection that goes around are dealing with a pattern worth investigating rather than just waiting out. Gut health, allergies or food sensitivities and immune resilience, as well as nutrient status can all play a role, and I look at the fuller picture alongside your pediatrician's care.
Constipation and functional digestive concerns. Chronic constipation, bloating, and irregular bowel habits are common in children and are frequently connected to diet, hydration, gut microbiome balance, or food sensitivities. I address these gently and specifically rather than assuming they'll simply be outgrown.
Food allergies and sensitivities. Diagnosed food allergies are always managed under your allergist's guidance. Where a pattern suggests a broader food sensitivity rather than a true allergy, I can help investigate and guide an appropriately supervised approach to identifying triggers.
Iron deficiency and anemia. Iron deficiency is common in children, particularly picky eaters and toddlers who've transitioned off formula. I work alongside your GP on testing and support iron repletion through diet and, where appropriate, supplementation dosed specifically for your child.
ADHD and Neurodivergence. For children with a formal ADHD diagnosis, I offer complementary nutritional support alongside your child's existing medical and behavioral care. Iron status, gut health, blood sugar patterns, and sleep quality have all been studied in relation to attention and focus, and addressing these can be a reasonable adjunct within a broader care plan.
Autism and neurodevelopmental conditions. I offer nutritional counseling, dietary support, and gut health investigation aimed at these specific, well-documented issues: reducing digestive discomfort, correcting nutrient deficiencies, and supporting overall nutritional adequacy. Where relevant, this may include organic acids testing to look at nutrient and metabolic markers connected to gut and nutritional status.
Growth concerns and failure to thrive. Where growth has stalled or a child isn't gaining as expected, I work closely with your pediatrician to review diet and nutrient status as part of the broader medical workup, rather than as a standalone approach.
Selective eating and feeding difficulties. Picky eating is extremely common, but persistent, significant feeding difficulty can sometimes point to underlying sensory, digestive, or nutrient-related factors. I help families identify practical, low-stress ways to broaden a child's diet and address any resulting nutrient gaps.
The gut-immune connection in kids
As in adults, a child's gut and immune system are closely linked. Early gut microbiome development plays a meaningful role in shaping long-term immune resilience, and conditions like eczema, recurrent infections, and digestive symptoms are frequently connected rather than separate issues. This is part of why I tend to look at gut health as a starting point across many of the conditions above.
Testing I may consider
Pediatric testing is used conservatively and only where genuinely indicated. Depending on the condition and your child's age, this may include:
Iron studies and other nutrient status testing (such as zinc or vitamin D), typically coordinated through your child's GP or pediatrician
Food sensitivity testing, in select cases where a clear pattern warrants it
Gut microbiome testing, for persistent or significant digestive symptoms
Organic Acids Testings (OATs), in neurodevelopmental disorders
Any recommendation is explained clearly so you understand exactly why it's being suggested, and testing decisions are always made conservatively with a child's wellbeing as the priority.
My approach
A pediatric consultation starts with understanding your child's full picture, diagnosis if there is one, diet, sleep, digestion, illness history, and anything you've already tried. From there, I build a gentle, age-appropriate plan that may include dietary guidance, targeted nutrient support, and practical changes that fit into family life, always in coordination with your child's existing medical care.