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How to Discuss CAM Use with Your Child's Pediatrician
Discussing CAM With Your Pediatrician
Parents often do not tell pediatricians or other health care providers that their child is receiving CAM. It is important, however, that families speak with their child's health care provider about any CAM therapy being used or considered. Providing a full picture of what is being done to manage your child's health will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care provider about CAM, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign at nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk. When seeking care from a CAM practitioner, it is important to ask about the practitioner's:
** Experience in delivering care to children ** Experience working with other providers, including physicians, to ensure coordinated care ** Licensing (some states have licensing requirements for certain CAM practitioners, such as chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists).
Additional Points To Consider
In addition to asking your child's physician what is known about whether a therapy works and is safe for children, consider these points when making decisions about using CAM in children:
*** Ensure that your child has received an accurate diagnosis from a licensed health care provider and that CAM use does not replace or delay conventional medical care.
*** If you decide to use CAM for your child, do not increase the dose or length of treatment beyond what is recommended. More is not necessarily better.
*** If your child experiences an effect from a CAM therapy that concerns you, contact your child's health care provider.
*** Store herbal and other dietary supplements out of the sight and reach of children.
*** If you are a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding, remember that some CAM therapies may affect your fetus or nursing infant.
For More Information
NCCAM Clearinghouse
The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615Web site: nccam.nih.govE-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
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