Pediatric naturopathic care in Erie, CO
Constipation and digestive concerns in children
Hard stools, tummy aches, holding it in, a child who eats three foods. Digestive trouble is the thing I see most, and it is almost never "just how they are."
What this looks like at your house
A toddler who cries on the potty. A six-year-old with a stomach ache every school morning. A baby who spits up after every feed. Withholding, accidents after a child was fully trained, a belly that looks bloated by dinner. Sometimes it comes with reflux, sometimes with eczema, sometimes with a child who has slowly narrowed their diet down to crackers and cheese.
By the time families call me they've usually tried more fiber, more water, and a laxative. Those can help in the moment. What they don't do is answer the question of why a child's digestion isn't working the way it should.
How I look for the cause
Constipation is a symptom, and a first visit is mostly me trying to understand what's driving it. That means a long conversation about diet, fluid intake, when it started, potty history, sleep, stress at school, and whether anyone else in the family has a sensitive gut.
Depending on what I hear, we may look at food sensitivities, the balance of bacteria in the gut, iron and magnesium status, thyroid function, or how much the child is actually eating and drinking. I don't run every test on every child. I run the ones the history points to, and I explain what each one would tell us before we order it.
What treatment usually involves
A plan for digestion is built in layers. First, comfort: getting stool moving so the child stops hurting and stops holding, using gentle approaches rather than something they have to take forever. Then the underlying pieces: food changes that are realistic for your family, the right kind of fiber and fluids, specific nutrients if testing shows a gap, and botanical or probiotic support chosen for that child.
Reflux in babies and toddlers gets its own approach, starting with feeding mechanics and what's in the diet before anything else. Picky eating that started with a sore belly usually loosens up on its own once the belly feels better, and I'll give you strategies for the table in the meantime.
Working with your pediatrician
Serious causes of constipation are rare, but they exist, and part of my job is knowing when something needs a specialist. I'll tell you plainly if I think your child needs imaging, a GI referral, or a prescription, and I'm glad to share what I find with your pediatrician.
Digestive concerns often travel with eczema and skin problems, with nutrient deficiencies, and with a child who catches everything. If your child has more than one of those, that is useful information, not a coincidence, and I'll look at them together.
Questions parents ask
My child has been on a daily laxative for months. Is that a problem?
Daily laxatives are sometimes the right short-term tool, and stopping them abruptly can make things worse. What I want to understand is why your child needs one, so we can work on that and reduce the laxative carefully as digestion improves. Never stop a prescribed medication without talking to the prescriber.
Could it be a food sensitivity?
Sometimes. Dairy and a few other foods are common culprits in young children. I look at the history first, and I only recommend removing a food when there is a good reason to, because unnecessary restriction creates its own problems for a growing child.
Do you see babies with reflux?
Yes. Reflux in infants is very common and usually improves with time, but feeding position, feeding volume, and what is in the diet can make a real difference in the meantime.
How soon should we expect a change?
Comfort often improves within a couple of weeks. Getting to the underlying cause takes longer, and I would rather set an honest expectation than promise a timeline I cannot control.
From parents
We love Dr. Lyle! My daughter has been going to Dr. Lyle since she was 6 months & it was truly the best decision i could’ve made for her! Dr. Lyle has been an absolute blessing for us, she is super supportive & understanding. My daughter has been having skin issues since birth and she has been determined to help us every step of the way. Whenever my daughter is sick, Dr. Lyle is very responsive and helpful. She really is the best & has your kiddos best interests at heart!
Dr. Lyle is just fantastic! In home or in office visits?! She spends so much time, is so caring and knowledgeable. We needed a blood draw for my child, and she was beyond patient, helpful with explaining, and respectful of my daughters fears surrounding the procedure. So nice to have a doctor who can help you make the best choices for your family, and meet children where they are. Super thorough! Looking forward to future appointments, strongly recommend.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Lyle!! She is kind, welcoming, professional, and extremely knowledgable. As a new mom of a 6 month old I was nervous about finding the best care for my little one, but I can say for certain we will be seeing Dr. Lyle for life. She understood my holistic preferences and provided us with wonderful advice in various areas of development. It is easy to tell she loves her work and is passionate about providing the highest level of care. I will send everyone I know her way!
Other things I help with
Eczema and skin concerns
Eczema that keeps coming back, dry patches, rashes and reactive skin. Looking at what is going on underneath, from gut to diet to environment.
Read about eczema and skin concernsImmune support and frequent illness
The child who catches everything. Back-to-back colds, ear infections, lingering coughs. Support for a body that is working too hard.
Read about immune support and frequent illnessDevelopmental concerns
Autism, ADHD, speech and sensory concerns. A whole-child look at nutrition, digestion and sleep alongside the care team you already have.
Read about developmental concernsNutrition and nutrient deficiencies
Low iron, low vitamin D, growth worries, selective eaters. Testing that tells you what is actually low and a plan a real family can follow.
Read about nutrition and nutrient deficienciesLet's talk about your child
A free 15-minute meet and greet, by phone. No charge, and you'll leave knowing whether I can help.
By appointment, Monday through Friday. Weekend visits available.