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

Latest Episodes:

Breastfeeding Tips Pediatricians Don’t Always Share (with a Fellow IBCLC and Pediatrician) Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Think your pediatrician has all the breastfeeding answers? The truth is, most don’t and that’s not a knock on them. It’s a reflection of the limited lactation training in pediatric residency.

That’s why I sat down with Dr. Lauren Hughes, founder of Bloom Pediatrics and a double threat: pediatrician and IBCLC. Together, we unpack the myths, the mental load, and the real deal about breastfeeding support that parents deserve but don’t always get in those early days.

We talk about:

Why pediatricians often give confusing (or just plain wrong) advice around lactation
How the term “nipple confusion” creates shame instead of support and what’s really going on with flow preference
How pumping, pacifiers, and supplementation can all fit into a successful feeding planWhy protecting a parent’s mental health is just as important as protecting their milk supply

To connect with Dr. Lauren Hughes follow her on Instagram @bloomdcp and check out all her resources at https://www.drlaurenhughes.com/

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – Intro

03:08 – Meet Dr. Lauren: Pediatrician and IBCLC

05:29 – Breastfeeding Training Gaps in Pediatrics

07:57 – What Parents Deserve in Feeding Support

10:20 – How DPC Supports Better Lactation Care

12:11 – Why Pediatricians Should Also Be IBCLCs

14:23 – The Pacifier Panic: When to Introduce It

17:13 – Formula Stigma and Feeding Shame

20:11 – Healing from Birth and Feeding Trauma

22:30 – “Science Milk”: Reframing Formula

24:12 – How to Talk About Pacifiers (Without Judging Moms)

26:25 – Exclusive Pumping is Still Breastfeeding

27:58 – The Role of Policy in Feeding Goals

29:11 – Supplementing Wisely: When and How

31:15 – Pumped Milk vs. Formula: Stop the Math Game

33:18 – Babies Aren’t Robots

35:15 – The Problem with Overtracking Feeds

36:05 – Protecting Supply: What Pediatricians Miss

37:11 – Triple Feeding: What Actually Helps

40:33 – The Sleep Trap: Prioritizing Baby Sleep Over Supply

41:08 – Realistic Overnight Routines for Pumping Parents

42:54 – Twin Feeding Realities + Supply Building

43:34 – Time Limits at the Breast: Who Are They For?

45:46 – One Last Myth: Formula Before Bed = Better Sleep?

47:19 – Final Words: Your Worth Isn’t Measured in Ounces

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: The Trouble with Triple-Feeding Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Triple feeding (nursing, pumping, and supplementing) might sound like a solid plan on paper. But for many parents, it turns into a nonstop cycle that’s physically draining, mentally exhausting, and emotionally overwhelming.

In this Follow-Up episode, Dr. Mona talks with lactation consultant and author Victoria Facelli about why triple feeding is often recommended, why it’s not always sustainable, and what we should be doing instead.

They discuss:

The real reason triple feeding gets suggested so often (even by well-meaning pediatricians and lactation consultants)
Why it can feel like torture and rob families of sleep, sanity, and bonding
How to protect both milk supply and mental health
What responsive feeding really looks like—and why connection matters more than perfection

This episode originally aired in honor of World Breastfeeding Week, and it’s here to remind you: feeding your baby shouldn’t mean losing yourself.

Check out Victoria's book (now available in paperback) Feed the Baby: https://www.amazon.com/Feed-Baby-Inclusive-Bottle-Feeding-Everything/dp/1682689662/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Listen to the original, full episode.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Screens in Education: Balancing Necessity and Well-Being Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Conflicted about your child using screens in school? From iPads in kindergarten or digital homework apps in middle school we’ll cover how to balance the reality of tech with what your child truly needs developmentally.

I’m joined by Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., former teacher, author, and “The Screen Time Consultant,” who’s leading the charge on tech-intentional parenting and education. Together, we unpack how screens in schools have gone from occasional tools to everyday defaults and why that shift might be hurting our kids more than helping them.

We talk about:

How the pandemic accelerated a trend that was already in motion: more tech, younger kids, fewer real-life skills
What we’re giving up when screen-based learning replaces play, paper, and people
The difference between being anti-tech and tech intentional and how to advocate for your child without feeling adversarial

To learn your rights about opting out check out https://edtech.law/

To connect with Emily Cherkin follow her on Instagram @thescreentimeconsultant, check out all her resources including her newsletter at https://thescreentimeconsultant.com/. Emily also offers free monthly webinars: https://thescreentimeconsultant.com/events

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – From No Phones to Full Screens: A Teacher’s Wake-Up Call

01:09 – When iPads Replaced Pencils in Kindergarten

03:13 – Meet Emily: Educator, Parent, Screen Time Consultant

06:28 – Skills Before Screens: Why Development Comes First

07:52 – Big Tech in a Sweater Vest? Yep, That’s EdTech

09:15 – Kids Know How to Copy-Paste, But Not Type

10:34 – Safety & Inappropriate Access in Schools

11:06 – Pre-Screen Childhoods vs. Today’s Reality

12:08 – Is All This Tech Really Necessary in Schools?

14:09 – If It’s So Great, Why Don’t Tech Execs Use It?

15:15 – Learning Takes Struggle, Not Just Speed

17:15 – Libraries, Labs, and What We’ve Lost

18:29 – Kids’ Data for Sale? Yes, Even in School Apps

19:15 – Turning Down Big Tech as a Pediatrician

21:13 – Less is More, Later is Better

23:58 – Bring Back the Computer Lab

26:25 – Opting Out: The Power of One (Fish)

29:18 – Parenting with Intention in a Screen World

33:02 – Why Asking for Paper is “Revolutionary” Now

35:01 – Home Habits that Protect Kids

38:24 – Final Takeaway: You’re Not Alone

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: What Causes Picky Eating Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Most parents think picky eating starts in toddlerhood. But according to Jenny Best, founder of Solid Starts, the roots go much deeper and earlier.

In this Follow-Up episode, Jenny and I dig into the real reasons picky eating happens, what behaviors unknowingly contribute to it, and why feeding is so much more than just offering food. It’s emotional. It’s behavioral. It’s developmental. And yes—it’s totally fixable.

Together they discuss:

Why gagging isn’t always a red flag (and how it helps build skills)
The science behind chewing and why purees don’t teach it
How spoon-feeding past a certain age can delay oral development
Why how we feed is just as important as what we feed
The sneaky role anxiety and pressure play at mealtimes
What Jenny wishes more pediatricians (and parents) understood

Listen to the original, full episode.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early Puberty: Causes, Endocrine Disruptors, and What’s Actually True Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Do you know what a bone age is? If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling over early puberty headlines or wondering if plastic cups and lavender lotion are harming your child’s hormones this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Hart Unger, a pediatric endocrinologist, mom of three, and co-host of the Best of Both Worlds and Best Laid Plans podcasts. Together, we cut through the confusion and misinformation around early puberty, endocrine disruptors, and what’s actually backed by science.

We dive into:

What early puberty actually looks like including what’s normal vs. concerning, the difference between true puberty and adrenal changes, and when to seek evaluation.
Real vs. rumored causes like the roles of body fat, genetics, and endocrine disruptors like BPA and lavender without spiraling into fear or guilt.
When medical treatment is needed, when reassurance is enough, and why chasing puberty “delays” can sometimes do more harm than good.

To connect with Sarah Hart-Unger check out all her resources at https://linktr.ee/the_shubox

And enjoy our previous episode: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/i-wish-my-kid-was-a-little-bit-taller-height-and-kids/

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – Intro: Why earlier puberty headlines are everywhere 01:45 – Meet Dr. Sarah Hart-Unger: Pediatric endocrinologist and mom 04:30 – What is actually considered early puberty? 06:10 – The rise in early puberty: Is it real or just more noticed? 08:00 – Are endocrine disruptors to blame? 10:45 – The role of stress, trauma, and environment 13:10 – What “normal” puberty looks like across ages and genders 15:40 – Should you be worried about lavender lotion and plastic cups? 18:30 – What parents Google vs. what pediatricians actually test for 21:00 – What’s a bone age scan, and when is it helpful? 23:00 – When to worry: True red flags for early puberty 25:40 – The problem with over-testing and over-fearing 28:10 – Why Dr. Hart-Unger prioritizes calm, not panic 30:00 – Navigating puberty in boys vs. girls 32:45 – Language for talking about puberty without shame 35:00 – Helping your child feel confident in a changing body 37:10 – Final thoughts and what Dr. Hart-Unger wants parents to remember

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: Kindergarten Readiness Is Not What You Think Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

If the phrase “kindergarten readiness” sends you into a spiral of flashcards and phonics drills, this one’s for you.

In this follow-up episode, I chat with Susie Allison (@busytoddler), former kindergarten teacher and mom of three, to reframe how we think about school prep. Spoiler: it’s not about who can write their name in cursive or recite the alphabet backwards.

We talk about:

Why academic checklists miss the bigger picture
The real skills that help kids thrive in school (like asking for help and taking turns)
Why earlier isn’t always better when it comes to reading
How to raise kind, confident kids without burning yourself out trying to be their full-time teacher

Whether your child is starting kindergarten soon or you’re just feeling the pressure to “keep up,” this episode is your permission slip to focus on what actually matters.

🎧 Download, follow, and share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder.

📌 Want the full episode? Head to pedsdoctalk.com for more!

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Problem Isn’t Just BMI: How Weight Bias Is Harming Kids in the Exam Room Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever felt confused, judged, or overwhelmed by how weight is discussed at your child’s doctor’s visits? Whether your child is in a larger body, a smaller body, or somewhere in between this episode is for anyone who wants to raise healthy kids without harmful messaging.

I’m joined by Dr. Tommy Martin, a physician, educator, and passionate advocate for reframing weight and health conversations with compassion and clarity. Together, we explore why BMI was never meant to guide pediatric care, how weight bias shows up in medical settings, and what parents can do to protect their child’s body confidence without ignoring health.

We dive into:

Why BMI was never meant for individual kids and how outdated growth charts still shape care today
The lasting harm of weight bias in healthcare, from missed diagnoses to internalized shame as early as age 3
How to reframe conversations around health without numbers or labels and practical ways to advocate for your child

To connect with Dr. Tommy Martin follow him on Instagram @dr.tommymartin, check out all his resources at https://link.me/dr.tommymartin

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – Intro: Why weight conversations in pediatrics matter 02:10 – Meet Dr. Tommy Martin and his backstory 04:50 – Growing up in a larger body and the roots of weight stigma 06:45 – Subtle messages kids absorb at the doctor’s office 09:00 – Hurtful comments from family, peers, and culture 13:45 – Dr. Mona’s story: Smaller body, different pressure 15:30 – The impossible standards of body image 17:00 – Why pediatricians weigh kids and how Dr. Mona reframes it 18:30 – Dr. Tommy’s patient-first approach to weight discussions 21:45 – What BMI gets wrong (and how it still shows up) 25:20 – The harm of casual body comments 27:00 – Genetics, hormones, and the science of food noise 30:00 – The stigma and science behind GLP-1 medications 33:00 – How Dr. Mona talks to families about elevated labs without shame 40:00 – Why she never sets weight goals for kids 43:00 – Helping kids fuel for function, not aesthetics 46:00 – Modeling healthy habits in everyday life 48:00 – Weight bias in healthcare and missed diagnoses 50:00 – Long-term harm of labels like “obese” or “underweight”

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: My Birth Story Changed Everything Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Five and a half years ago, I became a mother.
But the day my son was born wasn’t the best day of my life... it was the worst.

In this deeply personal Follow-Up episode, I revisit the story that changed everything for me: my traumatic birth experience with my son Ryaan, the complications that followed, and how it impacted me as a mother, a pediatrician, and a human.

Whether your birth went sideways slowly or spiraled in an instant—this episode is for you.

I share:

The moment I knew something was wrong
What I experienced during 13 painful days in the hospital
How trauma shaped my identity, my anxiety, and my approach to parenting
The invisible grief many parents carry
Why birth trauma deserves to be seen, supported, and spoken about

If you’ve ever felt like your story didn’t “count” because you survived… this one is for you.

💛 You are not alone. Your story matters. And healing is possible.

Listen to the original, full episode.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don’t Scroll, Stay Safe: Summer Water Safety Tips Every Parent Needs Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever assumed that being near your child at the pool meant they were safe, this episode might just change the way you see water forever.

I’m joined by Lindsay Mondick, Director of Aquatic Safety for the YMCA of the USA and a lifelong advocate for drowning prevention. We talk about what drowning really looks like (spoiler: it’s not like the movies), why so many tragic incidents happen with adults present, and how something as simple as putting your phone down can be the difference between life and death.

She joins me to discuss: • Why drowning is quick, silent, and often missed even with supervision nearby • The “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign and what every caregiver needs to know • How to build layers of water safety from swim lessons to life jackets to water watchers

Whether you’re a pool regular, weekend beachgoer, or backyard splash pad fan—this conversation is a must-listen for every parent this summer.

To connect with the YMCA follow them on Instagram @ymca; TikTok @ymcaofficiall; Facebook @TheY and YouTube @ymca. Learn more at Phonesdowneyesup.org

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – 01:18 Why This Conversation Matters

01:19 – 02:37 Meet Lindsay: A Lifelong Water Safety Advocate

02:38 – 04:35 The Pandemic’s Impact on Drowning Risk

04:36 – 06:14 Why Proximity Isn’t Enough

06:15 – 08:32 Active Supervision: What It Looks Like

08:33 – 10:16 Are Lifeguards Enough?

10:17 – 12:14 Strong Swimmers Still Need Supervision

12:15 – 13:41 The Hidden Dangers of Lakes and Open Water

13:42 – 15:53 What Drowning Really Looks Like

15:54 – 19:55 The Power of Prevention and Real-Life Stories

19:56 – 22:31 Swim Lessons: How Early Is Too Early?

22:32 – 27:14 Teaching Adults to Swim (And Why It Matters)

27:15 – 30:07 Bridging the Gap in Underserved Communities

30:08 – 32:04 One Simple Habit That Can Save a Life

32:05 – 36:15 Minimizing Distraction Without Guilt

36:16 – 39:10 Final Thoughts + Taking Action

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: The Science Behind Why Your Child Copies You Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

You’ve probably seen it—your toddler pretending to cook after watching you in the kitchen, or mimicking your sighs after a long day. It’s not just cute—it’s neuroscience. In this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Mona sits down with educator Chris Lake to unpack mirror neurons, the brain’s fascinating mechanism for learning through observation.

Together, they explore how these neurons shape everything from crawling and speech to empathy and emotional regulation—and how everyday moments of modeling can support your child’s development more than any app ever could.

Whether you’re wondering how screen time affects speech, why your toddler copies your every move, or how to introduce new toys and skills more effectively, this conversation offers both science and simple strategies for parents to put into practice.

What You’ll Learn:

The surprising research behind mirror neurons and observational learning
Why our kids learn best through watching (not just being told)
How mouth-gazing helps with speech development—and why screens fall short
Why modeling behaviors like sharing and play matters more than we think
The link between demonstration, confidence, and child mastery
The truth about screen time’s impact on social and language skills

Listen to the original, full episode.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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