MamaDoc BabyDoc

Your thyroid may be small, but during pregnancy it plays a big role—for both you and your baby. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we break down thyroid disorders in pregnancy in a clear, reassuring way. We'll talk about what the thyroid does, how pregnancy changes thyroid hormone needs, and what happens when levels are too high or too low. We cover common conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperth...

Confused about which prenatal vitamin to take? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Renda and Dr. Rachel cut through the marketing hype to answer the questions every pregnant person asks: What actually matters in a prenatal? Do I need a prescription or is over-the-counter fine? What do I do if I can't keep it down? They break down the "big three" nutrients every prenatal should have—folic acid,...

Is your child's eye red, goopy, or itchy? Don't panic—it might be pink eye, but not all pink eye is the same! In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we break down everything parents need to know about conjunctivitis. We'll talk about the most common causes—viral, bacterial, and allergic—plus how to tell them apart, when your child is contagious, and when it's time to see a doctor. Learn which cases...

Magnesium is one of those unsung heroes of pregnancy care. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we break down how magnesium supplementation can help with everyday pregnancy discomforts—like headaches, leg cramps, constipation, and insomnia—and why it may be worth asking your doctor about. We also take a deeper dive into the role of magnesium in the hospital setting, where it's used to treat seriou...

Parents worry about everything —but some things just aren't worth the stress. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we talk about the common concerns that make parents anxious but usually earn a reassuring "I don't care" from your pediatrician. From little quirks to harmless habits, we'll sort out what truly matters for your child's health and what you can confidently let go of.

In this informative and compassionate episode, an OB/Gyn and pediatrician team up to discuss how a cesarean section can affect future fertility. We break down what the latest research says about C-sections and their potential impact on conception, pregnancy spacing, and risks in future pregnancies. With clear explanations and practical tips, we'll help you understand the facts, separate myths from...

In this heartfelt episode, Rachel opens up about the arrival of her second baby, Elora. She takes us behind the scenes of her pregnancy and delivery—sharing the highs, the challenges, and the unexpected moments that shaped her journey this time around. From preparing for birth with a toddler at home to the emotions of meeting baby Elora for the first time, Rachel offers an intimate and honest look...

Can you really tell the baby's sex based on the shape of your belly? Does heartburn mean your little one will be born with a full head of hair? And what about all those other "grandma warnings" passed down through generations? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we put the most popular old wives' tales to the test. With a mix of evidence, experience, and a little bit of humor, we'll tackle the qu...

Should you really be "eating for two"? Is that morning coffee safe? What about sushi, exercise, flying, or even soaking in a hot bath? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we take a closer look at some of the most common pregnancy myths and separate fact from fiction. With evidence-based guidance, we'll break down what's safe, what to avoid, and how to make choices that keep both mom and baby heal...

Ready to meet your baby but waiting (and waiting) for labor to start? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we explore natural, evidence-based ways that may help encourage labor to begin. From movement and acupressure to the role of intimacy and relaxation, we separate fact from fiction and share what research really says. Whether you're preparing for birth or supporting someone who is, this episod...

In this second episode of our series on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, we move beyond the diagnosis to focus on what comes next. We break down how these conditions are managed, what they mean for timing and mode of delivery, and the implications for maternal health after pregnancy. From evidence-based treatment strategies to long-term wellness considerations, MamaDoc BabyDoc guide you throug...

High blood pressure in pregnancy isn't just a number—it can signal serious complications that put both mom and baby at risk. In this episode, we unpack the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension. We'll discuss how these conditions are diagnosed, why they matter, and how they're managed to protect both maternal and fetal heal...

Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath—childhood asthma is more common than you might think, but with the right plan, it's manageable. In this episode, we break down the different classifications of asthma in children, talk through treatment strategies from mild to severe, and explain why every child with asthma needs a personalized action plan. Whether you're a parent navigating your child's fir...

Is that wheeze just a cold—or something more? This week on MamaDoc BabyDoc , we're breaking down everything you need to know about asthma in children . From understanding what asthma actually is to recognizing early signs in infants, we cover the most common symptoms, triggers, and related conditions like eczema, allergies, and exercise-induced wheezing. We also explain how to tell the difference...

In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we're talking about some of the most common requests on modern birth plans— delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin contact, skipping the eye ointment, and the vitamin K shot . Are these preferences backed by science, or are they just trends? Dr. Renda Knapp, OB-GYN, and Dr. Rachel Schultz, pediatrician, break down the latest evidence behind each of these...

Is it safe to travel while pregnant? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , Ob/Gyn Dr. Renda Knapp and pediatrician, Dr. Rachel Schultz break down everything you need to know before booking that trip during pregnancy. Whether you're planning a babymoon, heading to a family gathering, or traveling for work, we'll talk about when it's safe to go, when it's best to stay close to home, and what precauti...

In this episode of the MamaDoc BabyDoc Podcast, OB/GYN Dr. Renda and her daughter, pediatrician Dr. Rachel, dig into one of the most talked-about—and often misunderstood—topics in childbirth: home birth vs hospital birth . We break down the actual data, risks, and benefits behind each setting. Who qualifies as a good candidate for home birth? What are the emergency backup plans? How do outcomes co...

Welcome back to the MamaDoc BabyDoc Podcast! In this episode, OB/GYN Dr. Renda teams up with her daughter, pediatrician Dr. Rachel—who's pregnant with baby #2!—to dive into the  fourth trimester : those raw, beautiful, and often overwhelming first three months after birth. We're talking about what your body really goes through postpartum, the emotional rollercoaster, newborn sleep (or lack of it),...

Is your baby spitting up all the time—and you're not sure what's normal and what's not? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , pediatrician Dr. Rachel and OB/GYN Dr. Renda (who also happen to be daughter and mother!) break down baby reflux, spit up, and everything in between. From burping techniques to bottle feeding tips and signs of more serious conditions like GERD or pyloric stenosis, this episo...

Welcome back to the  MamaDoc BabyDoc podcast! Today's episode is a special one — Rachel (your favorite BabyDoc and board-certified pediatrician) is sharing some big personal news: she's expecting baby number two! With two under two on the horizon, Rachel gets real about the joy, the fear, and all the messy, beautiful emotions that come with growing a family. From gender disappointment to pregnancy...

Keeping Kids Safe: Preventing Injury and Protecting Young Lives In this essential episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we're shining a spotlight on child safety —because the most heartbreaking tragedies are often the most preventable. Join Dr. Renda Knapp, OB/GYN and mom, and Dr. Rachel Schultz, pediatrician and fellow parent, as we break down the  leading causes of injury and death in children , from inf...

Thinking about having a baby? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we're talking all about preparing for pregnancy and why preconception health matters. From starting prenatal vitamins to optimizing your physical and emotional well-being, we walk you through the steps to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy journey. Whether you're ready now or just starting to think about the future, this episo...

In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we dive into the often-overlooked reality of postpartum recovery. From physical healing after childbirth to the emotional rollercoaster that follows, we break down what really happens after the baby arrives. We share honest, evidence-based insight into everything from bleeding and breastfeeding challenges to baby blues and identity shifts. Whether you're a new...

In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we're diving deep into a topic that affects millions but is often misunderstood— infertility . Dr. Renda Knapp and Dr. Rachel Schultz will walk you through how infertility is diagnosed, when to seek help, and what your treatment options might look like. From lab work and imaging to medications, IUI, and IVF, we break down the science and the emotional journey b...

In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we're tackling a common (and often confusing) concern for new parents: belly pain in newborns. Is it gas? Colic? Constipation? Or something more serious? Dr. Renda Knapp, an Ob/Gyn and Dr. Rachel Schultz, a pediatrician walk you through how to recognize different types of tummy trouble, what signs to watch for, and when to worry. We'll talk about soothing strat...