The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

In this special “East Meets West” follow-up, I sit down with an inspiring pediatrician from India to explore how different cultures approach vaccines, public health, and the doctor-patient relationship. We talk about: Vaccine acceptance in India vs. the U.S. How trust and education impact vaccine decisions What India’s polio success story can teach us The power of gratitude and connection in medic...

In this episode, I’m getting deeply personal about something so many of us carry but rarely talk about: mom guilt. After speaking at the Mom 2.0 Summit and leaving home with a sick child, I found myself questioning everything—again. Can I be a present, loving mom and still pursue the work that lights me up?  I explore the tension between purpose and presence, and how we can reframe guilt as a sign...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Aliza Pressman (@raisinggoodhumanspodcast), developmental psychologist, author, and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast, to break down her science-backed framework for parenting: the 5 R’s — Reflection, Regulation, Rules, Repair, and Relationship. These five simple but powerful principles aren’t just theory — they’re practical tools you can apply to everyda...

There is a lot of terminology and misconceptions thrown around in the pediatric sleep world especially on social media. Can they self- settle? Are wake windows a real thing? And what about regressions?  I welcome back Sujay Kansagra who is a pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine physician at Duke who has dedicated his life to helping kids (and their parents) sleep better. He knows sleep and the...

Whether you're preparing for birth or in the thick of postpartum recovery, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice. We’re joined by Liesel from Mommy Labor Nurse (@mommy.labornurse) to answer some of the most common questions about labor, C-sections, vaginal delivery, and what actually happens after the baby is born. We cover: How to advocate for yourself during labor (without c...

Buzzwords like “non-GMO” and “all natural” can make a product appear like a good choice but with confusing marketing how do we curb the overwhelm and make good food decisions for our kids? Whether you're navigating snack aisles or Instagram reels, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants real, evidence-based guidance on feeding their family well. I’m joined by Dr. Adrian Chavez, who...

In this The Follow-Up episode with the incredible team behind @biglittlefeelings, we're diving deeper into the everyday power struggles parents face — food throwing, hitting, biting, meltdowns, and more. I'm joined by Kristin and Deena to break down practical, compassionate scripts for managing these challenging behaviors without yelling, shaming, or losing your cool. You’ll learn: What to actuall...

What does it really mean to parent with data—and how do you do it without losing your mind?  Let’s unpack the power and pitfalls of data-driven parenting in a world full of misinformation and clickbait. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by studies, headlines, or trying to “do it right,” this episode will bring clarity, nuance, and a whole lot of reassurance. Today, I’m joined by Emily Oster, an econ...

Is America REALLY less healthy than it used to be? Or is that just a myth?  Lately, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement has been romanticizing the past—but was it really a "healthier" time? 🤔 Higher infant mortality, shorter life expectancy, and limited medical advancements suggest otherwise. Today, I’m joined by Nini Munoz, Science & Risk Communicator, and Dr. Jessica Knurick, Dietiti...

Every child deserves to feel understood and included! Teaching kids about neurodiversity early fosters empathy, reduces stigma, and helps them embrace differences. By normalizing accommodations and shifting perspectives, we create a more accepting world where everyone can thrive.  Today, I’m joined by Laura Petix, a Neurodivergent Occupational Therapist, to discuss how we can build a future of tru...

How can parents create an emotionally safe space for their child when their home is no longer secure? Environmental crises like the LA fires have displaced families, leaving parents navigating uncertainty while trying to comfort their children. Today, I’m joined by fellow pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, who experienced the loss of his own home, to discuss how we can support children in processing tr...

No parent ever wants to end up in the Pediatric ICU; but we know it happens and we want you to be informed and know what to expect.  I invited my social media friend and Pediatric Critical Care Doctor, Dr. Anita Patel on the show to chat about the Pediatric ICU and what to expect.  We discuss:  The common reasons children end up in the Pediatric ICU and what to expect  The questions to ask your ca...

Is dental health genetic, or can I help prevent issues? Can I pass cavity-causing bacteria to my child? When should my child stop using a pacifier or bottle? Does mouth breathing affect dental health? This week, I welcome Dr. Ashley Lerman, a board-certified pediatric dentist, to answer all these dental questions and more. Throughout our discussion she encourages a balanced, judgement-free approac...

Cold and flu season can be especially tough on parents, with sleepless nights, restless children, and the constant challenge of managing symptoms like congestion and cough. A humidifier, paired with soothing steam, can be a game-changer in making those difficult nights more manageable. This week, I welcome Stacey Ishman, a pediatric otolaryngologist, to discuss the benefits of humidification and V...

Talking to kids about the news requires honesty while maintaining a sense of security. Open conversations help build trust, allowing kids to ask questions and process difficult topics in a supportive environment.  This week, I welcome Rebecca Jarvis, contributing anchor at Good Morning America, to discuss how parents can provide age-appropriate explanations for real-world concerns while ensuring t...

Unresolved childhood wounds can influence your reactions and relationships with your children. By breaking generational cycles and cultivating self-awareness, parents can create more empathetic, connected and supportive environments for their families. This week, I welcome back Bryana Kappadakunnel, author of the book Parent Yourself First, to discuss how to combine self-compassion, accountability...

My daughter struggled with diaper rash after diaper rash until I switched her to Coterie diapers. Diapers are on our babies’ sensitive skin 24/7 and finding a product that is high-quality, clean and safe will ensure their skin health. This week, I welcome Jess Jacobs, the CEO of Coterie, to discuss a healthy skin care routine for your baby and how Coterie’s innovative brand challenges industry nor...

There has been a growing shift of young male voters towards right-wing politics, driven by feelings of alienation from progressive narratives that often overlook and dismiss their struggles. The right has capitalized on this by promoting hyper-masculine ideals that resonate with this demographic. This week, I welcome back Ruth Whippman, author of the book Boy Mom, to discuss how to foster emotiona...

Balancing family life with personal ambitions is no small feat, especially when career pauses are part of the journey. Redefining success and embracing your evolving identity can be powerful steps toward personal growth—even during time away from paid work. This week, I welcome Neha Ruch, the founder of Mother Untitled, the leading platform for ambitious women leaning into family life, to discuss...

I believe resilience is about teaching children to handle challenges, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks while respecting their emotions. We can model resilience by demonstrating healthy coping skills, fostering a growth mindset, and helping children develop emotional awareness and problem-solving abilities. By supporting them through difficulties and validating their feelings, we empower...

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, I’m reflecting on some of my favorite guest appearances on other shows. New episodes will be back on January 8th! This past June, I had the pleasure of joining Danielle and Whitney on The Sakara Life Podcast, where we delved into pediatric nourishment and explored ways to help our children become mindful eaters. During the episode, we discussed: What it...

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, I’m reflecting on some of my favorite guest appearances on other shows. New episodes will return on January 8th! This past March, I had the pleasure of joining Dr. Shelby Harris on the Sleep Talking with Dr. Shelby podcast, where we explored why the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” isn’t always realistic. During our conversation, we discussed: Why...

Did you know while hospitalization is uncommon, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies under 1? RSV season is typically fall – spring but can vary by local areas and today I'm sharing about a preventative antibody which can help protect against severe RSV lung infections. I'm joined by Shawn Johnson East and Dr. Natalie Barnett, Vice President of Clini...

There’s more to being rich than the number in your bank account, but finances are still important. Stress around money can impact our parenting, and kids are quick to notice. How can we talk to them about budgets and responsible spending without passing down our anxiety? This week, I welcome Farnoosh Torabi, a personal finance expert, to discuss how to foster open and honest conversations about mo...

A new baby creates new roles…parent, of course, but also grandparent. A happy family dynamic starts with proactive discussions before baby is even born about the roles both parent and grandparent will have and everyone’s expectations. This week, I welcome Dee Dee Moore, a grandparenting expert, to discuss how to foster healthy relationships and promote open communication between new parents and th...