First18: Well Child Checks

Naturopathic support for your babes first 18 months of their life.

Welcome to
the First 18!

I am here to walk with you on your parenting journey. My name is Hillary Dinning and I’m a naturopathic doctor focused on children’s health. My passion for supporting children comes from the idea that if we can support these little ones’ systems from day one, we will have thriving little brains and bodies growing into vibrant teens and healthy adults free of chronic health conditions.

That’s bold, isn’t it? I know!

And I believe so strongly that this is true.

This belief is what has fueled the development of ‘The First 18’.
Read on parents!

Support on
your parenting journey.

First 18 is a program run by myself, Dr. Hillary Dinning, designed to support babe’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being during their first 18 months of life. It’s designed to empower parents by giving them knowledge of babe’s health and encourage them to trust that their intuitive care, is exactly what their babe needs.


What Does the Program Entail?

The First 18 includes four stages of support as you and your new baby grow together. At each stage, I have curated 1-on-1 appointments centred around key developmental milestones to ensure your new family is thriving!

Looking for an online solution? The First 18 is also available in an online program with hours of on-demand videos on key topics, downloadable materials to guide you through various stages, and curated resources and tools for babe!

Initial Appointment

This is for you, pregnant mamas and papas! At 36+ weeks, book in for an initial appointment. This will give us the chance to talk about postpartum prep, resources for those early days for you and babe and much more. At this appointment, we will map out our subsequent visits throughout the program. Have your own naturopath? Great work on supporting yourself through pregnancy :) No need for this appointment – move on to First Stage!

In-person or Digital

First Stage

Often times, the first three months is called the fourth trimester. This is because babe is waking up to the outside world while parents are enfolding into their new definition of family and learning how to…well….parent a tiny human! Amongst the feeling of total awe and amusement, this stage comes with lots of ups and downs, questions, late-night runs to the store for odds and ends, and more questions.

My Support Includes:

  • How to build your trusted healthcare team – who to reach out to and when

  • Breastfeeding support and tools to use

  • Developmental milestones to watch for

  • Digestion: how are the new pipes working?

  • Skin: what is this rash telling me?

  • Parents: remembering who you are!

  • Let’s talk vaccinations – how to support the body. Holy moly, loaded conversation, isn’t it? Doesn’t have to be!

The First 8 Weeks

Second Stage

In this time, babe is becoming a tiny human and growing out of their smunch face by the day! Development within the first 6 months is astounding, watching babe coo for the first time, potentially roll over, or even shed a smile! Their emotional needs develop along with their digestion, skin, sleep habits and more.

My Support Includes:

  • Sleep: How best to support

  • Digestion: what the poop is going on?

  • Immune system: baby’s first fever and more!

  • Skin: What are we noticing and how to navigate support

  • Solid food introduction

The First 6 Months

Getting into a Groove. Here in lies more big changes. Babe will most likely start eating solid foods – one of the most important steps taken for their overall growth, development, and health. They may also enjoy a mad game of peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake – take your pick! They may become more vocal and at this point they may be crawling, pulling themselves up on furniture and, oh my goodness, walking! Watch out world :)

My Support Includes:

  • Getting daycare ready: immune and transition support

  • Digestion: Now what? Post solid food introduction

  • Developmental milestones: what is going on inside their little minds?

  • Acute care as needed – questions about babe’s digestion, skin, temperature, development, sleep, eating, you name it, let’s talk about it!

  • Ongoing phone call support as needed

Third Stage

6 to 12 Months

Fourth Stage

Baby, look at you go! At this point, babe may start to spend more time outside of the core family. This is a time to talk all things immune system, emotional development, and ongoing acute care. 

My Support Includes:

  • Developmental milestones: I’m no longer a baby!

  • Behavioural tendencies: hints of independence?

  • Foods and liquids, liquids and foods

  • Weight gain: when to be concerned and what to look for

12 to 18 Months

Join the First18
Online Program!

All the content of the First18 delivered through 20+ hours of video, downloadable guides
and references to support your babe and ensure your family is thriving!

Common Questions.

Find out who the First18 was made for, and the best way to get started on your parenting journey with Naturopathic support!

  • For all parents and their little ones!

    It’s for those first time parents – this program can give you the opportunity to feel supported in your initial parenting journey.

    It’s for those second/third/fourth/fifth time parents looking for more information to support their little one’s foundation of health.

    It’s for those wanting structured checkpoints to check in about their children’s health.

    It’s for those wanting to feel supported to trust their own ability to raise healthy, strong and vibrant beings.

  • Enrollment in the First 18 can be done by calling 403-910-1133 or booking online

Lets work together!