The consultation
Often the whole family is in my practice; this family medicine gives me a good overview of what is going on. Parents consult me not only for longer-term complaints but also in acute situations such as an ear infection or febrile convulsions. They consult me about the options of limited or no vaccinations and about the possibilities of de-stemming vaccinations.
Homeopathic treatment of babies and children requires its own approach. Besides what you as a parent tell me about the symptoms and besides any physical examination, I will gather important information by observing the child during the consultation.
I watch how the child engages with me. Some children stayon on their mother’s lap, hide behind h her back or do not dare to answer. Others might wait for a while and then start playing and involve the parent or me. Yet other children want to know all sorts of things about me, curiously pull out my things or even climb into my bookcase.
How much a child can tell on his/her own depends on his/her age and the ease with which your child talks.
What is covered in a homeopathic consultation in general can be read in the Dutch webpage
‘Het consult’.
In addition to the information you would share with your GP about your child I pay special attention to when the symptoms started in your child’s life and whether a connection can be detected. The symptoms show your baby’s or child’s specific reaction to an illness; each child’s reaction is slightly different.
In addition, the following points are discussed in detail:
Pregnancy, birth, the first months of life and any reactions to vaccinations, disease history and family disorders, sleep patterns, nursery or school and emotional development. What makes your child different from his peers?
In homeopathic treatment of babies and children, it is important to know what belongs to normal development at a certain age and what information is typical for your child. This provides valuable information for the choice of homeopathic remedy.
When a homeopathic treatment catches on, you see not only that the symptoms diminish considerably or disappear altogether but also that the child’s general resistance improves. Parents often articulate this with phrases like:
‘My child is well again.
In the past, my child always got sick in autumn, now it only has a runny nose.
My child is now ready for the next step in his development.
Many parents purchase a homeopathic home and travel pharmacy. In acute cases, they can consult me by phone; they then usually have the homeopathic remedy I prescribe at hand immediately.