Pediatric naturopathic care in Erie, CO
Immune support for the child who catches everything
Some illness is normal, especially in the first years of daycare and school. A child who is sick more often than well, with one cold rolling into the next, deserves a closer look.
The pattern parents describe
An ear infection every other month. A cough that lingers for weeks after every cold. Strep more than once a season. Antibiotics, then a stomach upset from the antibiotics, then another illness. Parents tell me they've stopped planning anything because someone is always sick.
Young children do get sick a lot, and some of that is simply exposure. What I'm listening for is a body that isn't recovering fully in between, or that seems to be working harder than it should.
What I look at
Sleep, first, because a child who isn't sleeping well can't fight anything off. Then nutrition: iron, vitamin D, zinc and a handful of other nutrients are directly involved in how well the immune system works, and they are commonly low in children, especially selective eaters. Then digestion, because a large part of the immune system lives in the gut, and repeated rounds of antibiotics can leave it depleted.
I also ask about the environment: allergies, air quality at home, daycare exposure, and stress. Testing, when it's useful, is aimed at the nutrients and the immune markers the history points to.
How I help
Support for the immune system is mostly about removing what's getting in its way and giving it what it needs: restoring nutrients that testing shows are low, rebuilding the gut after antibiotics, improving sleep, and using botanical medicine that is appropriate for a child's age and weight. I also teach parents what to do at the first sign of a cold, so a two-day sniffle stays a two-day sniffle.
Sick visits are part of my practice. When your child comes down with something, I can see them at home or by video and help you manage it, and tell you clearly when it's time for urgent care or the ER.
Alongside your pediatrician
Recurrent ear infections, repeated strep and asthma-type symptoms all have conventional pathways your pediatrician manages, and I work alongside that care. I'll share what I find, and I'll tell you when a specialist visit is the right next step.
Children who get sick often are frequently also dealing with nutrient deficiencies and with digestive concerns. Those pages describe how I approach each. For children with developmental differences, a narrow diet and poor sleep make frequent illness even more common, and I take that into account. And because I come to your house, a sick visit doesn't mean dragging a feverish child to a waiting room.
Questions parents ask
How many colds a year is normal for a young child?
More than most parents expect, particularly in the first year or two of daycare or preschool. What concerns me is not the number alone but how the child recovers between illnesses and whether infections keep needing antibiotics.
Do you do sick visits?
Yes, at home or by video, and the price is on the pricing page. I will also tell you plainly when something needs urgent care or the emergency room instead.
Do you prescribe antibiotics?
No. When a child needs an antibiotic, that comes from your pediatrician or urgent care, and I will say so. My work is helping the child recover fully and get sick less often.
Do you talk about vaccines?
That is a conversation for your child's pediatrician, and I do not make vaccine recommendations. My focus is nutrition, digestion, sleep and the everyday supports that help a child's immune system do its job.
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
Constipation and digestive concerns
Chronic constipation, tummy aches, reflux, picky eating that started with a sore belly. Finding out why, not just softening stool.
Read about constipation and digestive concernsEczema 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 concernsDevelopmental 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.