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

Latest Episodes:

Reflux Remedies: Exploring Craniosacral Therapy & Holistic Solutions Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure about your baby’s feeding challenges, this conversation is a validating, eye-opening listen.

I’m joined by Mallory Roberts, a licensed speech-language pathologist, infant feeding specialist, and craniosacral therapist. We dive into the misunderstood world of infant reflux including what’s really going on beneath the surface, why “they’ll outgrow it” isn’t always the full story, and how a holistic, body-based approach can change everything about how a baby feeds, feels, and thrives.

She joins me to discuss:

Why reflux is often misunderstood and why medication shouldn’t always be the first step
How feeding position, parental stress, and early body tension play a major role in symptoms
What craniosacral therapy is, and how gentle, connection-based care can transform feeding struggles

To connect with Mallory Roberts follow her on Instagram @thefeedingmom.method, check out all her resources at https://www.thefeedingmom.com/

00:00 – Intro

02:06 – What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

03:01 – Meet Mallory Roberts

07:45 – What’s Missing in Traditional Reflux Care

10:08 – Feeding Position Matters

12:14 – A Holistic Reflux Plan

17:47 – Red Flags for Reflux

23:10 – What Happens in a Craniosacral Session

28:00 – The Parent’s Energy Matters

33:13 – Where She Places Her Hands (and Why)

37:11 – How to Find a Therapist (or Learn Yourself)

41:23 – Final Encouragement for Parents

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

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: What Makes ISR Lessons So Different? Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

What’s the real difference between ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) and traditional swim lessons and is one really safer?

In this episode, I sit down with a certified ISR instructor to break down what ISR actually is, how it works, and why it’s not the “throw-your-baby-in-the-pool” method people assume it is. With drowning being the leading cause of accidental death in kids ages 1–4, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent near water.

We cover:

The history and science behind ISR
How ISR teaches self-rescue and survival skills
How it compares to traditional swim classes (including one-on-one lessons)
Why lessons are just 10 minutes a day and why that works
Common misconceptions: trauma, tears, and floating myths
What to look for in a swim instructor
When babies and toddlers can safely start ISR

Whether you’re a pool owner, beach-goer, or just a parent exploring water safety, this episode will help you make informed decisions and feel more confident in protecting your child around water.

Listen to the original, full episode.

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

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

Why "They'll Eat if They're Hungry" Doesn't Always Work for Picky Eaters Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

“They’ll eat if they’re hungry.” This CAN be true for many kids when it comes to feeding and picky eating, but for some kids it’s not great advise. I welcome Dr. Taylor Arnold, a PhD, registered dietician, and founder Growing Intuitive Eaters and she is on a mission to foster a healthy relationship with food and teach adults how to talk to kids about food in a positive way.

She joins me to discuss:

Why this advice can lack a lot of nuance
When to know or be concerned your child may have an underlying issue regarding feeding solids
Why online guidance around feeding sometimes lacks necessary nuance

To connect with Dr. Taylor Arnold follow her on Instagram @growing.intuitive.eaters, check out all her resources at https://msha.ke/growingintuitiveeaters

00:00 – Intro

01:29 – Meet Dr. Taylor Arnold

03:45 – Let’s Break It Down: Why That Phrase Fails Some Kids

06:09 – Medical and Sensory Red Flags to Watch For

08:11 – So What Should Parents Do Instead?

10:56 – Red Flags That Signal It’s Time to Act

13:32 – A Pediatrician and Parent’s Perspective on Feeling Brushed Off

15:05 – Feeding, Sleep, and Behavior: The Pediatric Trifecta

15:58 – A Final Feeding Pet Peeve: School Nutrition Assignments

20:03 – Final Takeaway: If You’re Not Being Heard, Get Louder

21:54 – Where to Find Dr. Taylor Arnold’s Free Resources

22:55 – Dr. Mona’s Closing Reflections

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

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)

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: Unlearning and Re-parenting Together Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

This episode is personal.

My husband and I sit down for an open, honest, and vulnerable conversation about what it means to reparent ourselves while raising our son. It’s a raw look at how childhood experiences—good and bad—shape us as adults, and how we can consciously break harmful cycles for the next generation.

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ What “reparenting” really means—and why it’s not about blame, but awareness and healing
😡 How anger, yelling, and emotional reactivity from childhood show up in our parenting—and what we’re doing to change it
🧠 The long-lasting impact of body image comments, even when they seem “harmless”
📊 Navigating comparison, perfectionism, and pressure—especially in achievement-focused households
❤️ The power of modeling emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and growth mindset for our son
🔄 How we still slip up—and how accountability and grace keep us moving forward

This episode is for any parent who’s looked in the mirror (or at their child) and thought: I want to do things differently.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being conscious. It's about healing. And it’s about choosing a more connected, compassionate way to parent—starting with ourselves.

🎧 Listen in, reflect with us, and share with someone who's breaking cycles too.

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

Parenting Burnout: Science-Backed Strategies to Thrive, Not Just Survive Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Ever felt like you’re running on fumes, snapping at your kids, or just going through the motions of parenting with no joy left in the tank? You’re not broken. You’re burned out.

In this episode, Dr. Flora Sinha joins me to break down what parenting burnout really is from a psychological and physiological perspective and why it’s so common (especially for moms). More importantly, she shares actionable, research-backed strategies to help you move from survival mode to a place of more clarity, connection, and peace.

We discuss:

The difference between normal exhaustion and true burnout
What’s not helping (looking at you, hustle culture)
How to find small but powerful pockets of recovery in real life
Mindset shifts and scripts to release the guilt and reclaim your joy

If you would like to listen to Dr Flora's the Beyond podcast series, receive her free newsletters, sign up for her REwritten coaching program, you can do all of that here: https://linktr.ee/florasinhamd

Follow Dr. Flora on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drflorasinha/

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

03:03 Personal Stories + Signs to Watch For

08:20 Burnout, Depression, and the Guilt Spiral

14:23 The Pressure to Do It All

22:48 Micro Breaks, Macro Relief

29:41 Boundaries, Self-Talk, and Asking for Help

36:01 Starting Small + Next Steps

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: Making Pumping Work at Work Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Returning to work while breastfeeding? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own either.

In this episode, we break down the essentials of pumping and transitioning back to work with your feeding goals intact. Whether you're just starting to think about pumping or already mapping out a return-to-work plan, this episode covers what you need to know to make it work at work—with less stress and more support.

We discuss:

🍼 Your legal rights to pump at work (hint: it’s not an “accommodation”)
🧾 What to talk to your employer and HR about before returning
👜 A practical packing + pumping checklist for the workday
🕒 How much time to block off (spoiler: 30-minute breaks are ideal!)
🧊 Storage, cleaning, and coolers—figuring out logistics for any job site
💡 When and how to start pumping before you return to work
💞 Tips for building a freezer stash without spiraling into oversupply
🧠 Encouragement for the emotional side—because this transition is a lot

Most importantly? We bust the myth that it’s “all or nothing.” If you need to supplement with formula, that’s okay—and you can absolutely still nurse at home and pump what you can. Flexibility is not failure.

Whether you're planning ahead or feeling overwhelmed, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and equipped for the next step in your breastfeeding journey.

🎧 Tune in and share with another working parent who needs this pep talk!

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

Zoom Out Parenting: The Mindset Shift Every Overwhelmed Parent Needs Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Is parenting starting to feel like one giant checklist you’re constantly failing?

In this episode, I introduce a powerful mindset shift called Zoom Out Parenting, a way to ditch the guilt, the hyper-tracking, and the unrealistic expectations that make modern parenting feel overwhelming. From picky eating to screen time guilt, wake windows to milestone anxiety, I explore why we spiral into perfectionism and how to step back and focus on what actually matters.

You’ll learn:

What Zoom Out Parenting really means
Why zooming in too closely fuels guilt and anxiety
Real-life examples of how to reframe everyday parenting struggles
The one question that can stop a parenting spiral in its track

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 – Welcome & Episode Intro

01:05 – Why We Need to Zoom Out

02:18 – What Zooming Out Really Means

03:06 – When Tracking Becomes Hypervigilance

04:04 – Guilt, Control, and Letting Go

05:05 – Zoom In vs. Zoom Out: Real Parenting Examples

08:03 – Development Is a Landscape, Not a Checklist

09:20 – The Cost of Always Zooming In

09:56 – Tips to Reframe in Real Time

10:39 – Zooming Out Isn’t Denial—It’s Clarity

11:03 – Intentional Parenting Over Perfect Parenting

11:43 – Final Thoughts & Takeaway

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: Pelvic Floor Care After Baby Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever brushed off leaking when you laugh, pain during sex, or lingering constipation as “just part of being a mom,” this episode is your permission slip to stop normalizing what’s treatable.

I’m joined by a pelvic floor physical therapist who breaks down why your pelvic floor deserves attention—not just after vaginal birth, but after any pregnancy. We talk about how these muscles are essential to everyday life: from pooping and peeing to core strength, intimacy, and even your mental health.

You’ll learn:

Why peeing a little when you sneeze isn’t something to just “deal with”
The truth about C-sections and pelvic floor dysfunction
How scar tissue can impact your recovery—and what to do about it
Simple tricks to improve pooping and peeing posture (yes, even your toddler can benefit!)
Why lifting while holding your breath can be sneaky pelvic floor sabotage
What “power peeing” is—and why you should stop doing it

Whether you’re newly postpartum or years into motherhood, it’s never too late to prioritize this part of your health. This conversation is all about demystifying pelvic floor therapy and empowering you with proactive, shame-free strategies to feel better in your body.

💛 Know better, do better—and let’s break the silence around postpartum recovery.

Check out Dr. Sara's new book!

Floored: A Woman's Guide To Pelvic Floor Health At Every Age And Stage The definitive guide to pelvic floor health, written by pelvic floor physical therapist and creator of the Vagina Whisperer, Dr. Sara Reardon.

⁠Pre-Order Today! ⁠ Save 15% with code FLOORED:15

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

Allergy Tests: When It’s Needed and When It’s Not Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wondered whether your child really needs an allergy test? Or have you been tempted by those flashy direct-to-consumer kits, this conversation is a must-listen. Let’s tackle the rise of at-home “food sensitivity” tests, the difference between IgE and IgG, and why a detailed history matters more than any panel of results.

In this episode, I’m joined once again by pediatric allergist Dr. Dave Stukus to break down what parents really need to know about allergy testing. From food allergies to seasonal sniffles, we dive into when testing is actually helpful—and when it leads to confusion, false positives, and unnecessary food restrictions.

We discuss:

Why most at-home food sensitivity tests are misleading—and what to do instead
When allergy testing is truly helpful (and when it backfires)
How to tell the difference between food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities

To connect with Dr. Dave Stukus follow him on Instagram @allergykidsdoc, check out all his resources at https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/find-a-doctor/profiles/david-r-stukus

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

01:16 – Why History Matters More Than Tests

03:00 – When Should You Test?

05:26 – False Positives and the Limits of Testing

07:03 – Blood vs. Skin Testing: What's the Difference?

09:07 – Eczema in Infants: To Test or Not to Test?

11:01 – Seasonal Allergies and the Right Time to Test

12:08 – Myth: “Allergy Tests Aren’t Reliable in Infants”

14:20 – The Problem with Food Sensitivity Tests

17:13 – The Red Flags of Unvalidated Testing

20:07 – The Real Harm of Over-Testing

22:35 – Final Takeaway: Ask Questions, Follow the Science

23:27 – The Truth About Panel Testing

25:10 – Can You Test for Seasonal Allergies Year-Round?

26:05 – Where to Follow Dr. Stukus

26:53 – Dr. Mona’s Reflection and Wrap-Up

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 Hidden Impact of Poor Sleep Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Does your child snore, mouth breathe, or seem “wired” instead of tired? Are they struggling with sleep—or is something bigger going on?

In this follow-up episode with sleep expert Dr. Shelby Harris, we dive deep into the connection between sleep, behavior, and diagnoses like ADHD. If you’ve ever felt unsure whether your child’s sleep issues are causing daytime struggles—or if the behavioral struggles are disrupting sleep—this episode is for you.

We cover:

🧠 How sleep deprivation can mimic ADHD symptoms
😴 When to suspect sleep apnea—and what signs often get missed
👃 Why mouth breathing in babies and toddlers isn’t “just cute”
🕵🏽‍♀️ The questions to ask before jumping to medication or a diagnosis
💊 A balanced, science-based look at melatonin (when it can help—and when to pause)
🛏️ Real-life stories from Dr. Shelby and Dr. Mona’s parenting journeys

Plus:
💬 How sleep quality impacts everything from emotional regulation to anxiety—and what to look out for at every age.

This episode is all about empowering you with information, not guilt. Because before we assume it’s “just behavior,” we need to explore what’s happening at night.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your child’s sleep. It just might be the missing piece.

Struggling with your child's sleep? The Essential Guide to Children's Sleep: a Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage offers expert tips and easy tools for every age and stage-so you (and your kid) can finally rest.

Written by three psychologists (Drs. Roth, Shale and Harris) who are specialists in pediatric behavioral sleep medicine and child psychology, this book is packed with information to help anxious kids and tired parents learn the necessary tips and tricks to help everyone on the road to better sleep.

Listen to the full, original 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

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