A Sydney naturopath charged with allegedly giving advice to a mother who almost starved her eight-month-old baby to death has appeared in court.

Marilyn Pauline Bodnar, 60, is charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and aiding or abetting the boy’s mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in failing to provide for her child.

On Friday, Magistrate David Degnan rejected a bid from Bodnar’s defence to have witnesses including the boy’s mother and doctors cross-examined during the committal.

Police allege the mother sought health treatment advice from Bodnar about her baby’s eczema and was advised to stop all medical and dermatological treatments for her son.

In May last year the baby was admitted to hospital with severe malnourishment and developmental issues.

The Leppington naturopath has previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.

She refused to comment when reporters questioned her as she left court on Friday.

The mother has pleaded guilty to failing to provide for her child, but has had a grievous bodily harm charge dropped.

Bodnar’s bail was continued and her case was adjourned to return to Campbelltown local court on 6 July.