A pediatrician is an important figure when it comes to raising a child. Parents rely on the pediatrician to provide accurate answers to their questions. But medicine, like other practices, has different methods and approaches, so when you are choosing a pediatrician select one who shares your beliefs. Pediatricians should be patient in answering your questions as well as validating your concerns, and while doctors may be experts in their field, the parent-doctor relationship should be a partnership.

Like other doctors, there are pediatricians who practice holistic medicine. These doctors have received medical degrees and have continued their education with holistic coursework. Holistic doctors use conventional medicines and immunizations, but they also consider the whole child and how he or she fits in the environment. Doctors who practice holistic or complementary medicine encourage patients and families to include lifestyle as part of the healing process and encourage prevention over treatment if possible.

Complementary medical practitioners may also include positive visualization, chiropractic, and probiotics as part of their regimen. They work with parents on other alternative treatments for chronic illnesses to help alleviate the cause rather than the symptoms. Often, there are natural and herbal remedies that can relieve a baby's discomfort, from diaper rash to colic. Ask your doctor or visit your local health-food store to see what remedies they can suggest.

Another option to traditional medicine is seeking the services of a doctor of osteopathy (DO). Dos obtain education similar to traditional medi-cal doctors and can perform the same duties. The difference lies in their approach to medicine — much like a holistic practitioner, a DO tends to take a step back when diagnosing a problem to look at the big picture. They tend to become general-care practitioners, focusing on preventive medicine and psychological and social factors relating to their patients.