As part of our appreciation for the businesses that support breastfeeding, The Family Journey will highlight one per week. See below to learn more about the ways Dr. Caron supports the breastfeeding pair.
TFJ: What services do you provide or products do you offer?
Dr. Caron: I am a naturopathic doctor providing holistic health care to adults and children in Northern Colorado. I offer exams, including well-child visits, food allergy testing and other basic testing, homeopathic prescribing, herbal medicines, clinical nutrition and much more.
TFJ: How does your business support the nursing relationship?
Dr. Caron: First, I welcome children to accompany their parent or sibling to their visit if the parent desires it. Breastfeeding mamas never need to worry about leaving a baby with someone else when they have an appointment for themselves or another child.
Second, I actively encourage mamas to breastfeed on demand in the office. As a mother to three breastfed children myself, I know that babies don’t eat on schedule and I am certainly not offended by breastfeeding!
Third, for mothers who might be having difficulty with breastfeeding, I offer natural therapies which can support milk supply or heal sore nipples.
Fourth, I offer solutions for babies who may have food allergies or sensitivities which may be discouraging their mom from continuing to breastfeed. It can be a challenge to figure out which foods are responsible. I have a lot of experience with this kind of detective work!
Fifth, I have developed a network of providers who I can refer a breastfeeding mother to if needed. Whether they need a post-partum doula, a certified lactation consultant, an acupuncturist, or a medical doctor, I can help them find the right practitioner.
TFJ: Describe a situation when you feel your dedication to being a BreastFeeding Friendly business made a difference for a client/customer.
Dr. Caron: Many times a woman will seem unsure whether or not to nurse her child in the office. Maybe she is new to it, maybe she is worried about my comfort level, maybe she isn’t sure if it’s “appropriate” behavior for a doctor’s office. As soon as I say “Please, nurse whenever you need to!” I see the relief on her face, and we both get to enjoy a much happier baby. I regularly check ears, lungs, and skin while a little one is happily eating!
I also have children in my practice who were struggling with severe eczema, hives, reflux, or other symptoms when they first came to see me. I have been able to help their mothers adjust their diets in order to remove the offending foods. Once the foods are eliminated from the breastmilk, symptoms improve and in many cases resolve. It may be a simple idea, but it isn’t always an easy process, and it is sometimes nearly impossible for a new mom to do it all on her own.
Additional info
I am licensed in Oregon, as Colorado does not yet regulate naturopathic doctors. When it comes to unregulated providers, always know their training so that you know what kind of care you can expect. You can learn all about me and about naturopathic medicine on my website, www.drlorrainecaron.com .
Twice each year I offer Kids’ Wellness Weekends, with discounted well-child exams. Look for the next one in November!
I will be participating in a Health and Safety Fair at Cool Beans Playhouse on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 3:00 – 5:00. There will be door prizes, giveaways, crafts, and more! This will be a fun learning event for the whole family. Only $5 per child and as always adults are FREE.
Look for me at another children’s health fair in August. I’ll have information coming soon on my website and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Dr.Lorraine.Caron.ND .