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

Latest Episodes:

Vitamin K Shot: Separating Science from Social Media Myths May 28, 2025

Show notes

Why do newborns get a vitamin K shot—and why has it become the center of so much misinformation online? If you’ve ever hesitated about this newborn standard, this is the episode that brings clarity and calm.

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Jessica Knurick who has a PhD in Nutrition Science to break down the real reason this shot is recommended at birth, the science behind preventing Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), and where social media gets it wrong. From safety concerns to conspiracy theories, we’re cutting through the noise with evidence, history, and a healthy dose of common sense.

We discuss:

Why the vitamin K shot is critical for preventing dangerous bleeding in newborns.
The science behind VKDB and how misinformation spreads online.
Evidence-based answers to common myths about vitamin K shot ingredients and safety.

To connect with Dr. Jessica Knurick follow her on Instagram @drjessicaknurick, check out all her resources at https://www.jessicaknurick.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 and Welcome

01:45 – How Dr. Knurick Got Involved in Vitamin K Education

03:00 – “Eyes and Thighs” and What’s Actually in That Bundle

04:10 – What Does the Vitamin K Shot Actually Do?

09:35 – Is VKDB Really That Rare? Let’s Do the Math

12:00 – Real Clinical Cases of VKDB

14:55 – A Pediatrician’s Perspective on Preventable Harm

17:05 – Why Babies Bleed Without Trauma

20:20 – Shot vs. Oral Vitamin K: What the Data Says

23:00 – Compliance, Safety, and Why Simplicity Matters

25:10 – Advice for Parents Feeling Overwhelmed by Conflicting Info

28:00 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Knurick

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!

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 Default Parent Dilemma May 26, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like you're the one who just knows when the Band-Aids are running low? The one who remembers the pediatrician’s number, tracks school spirit days, and anticipates every snack, schedule, and meltdown?

You might be the default parent—and you’re not alone.

In this week’s Follow-Up episode, we dig into the invisible labor of parenting: who carries it, how it ends up falling on one partner (often moms), and what it takes to shift those dynamics without resentment.

We talk about:

What the default parent role actually is—and how to know if you're in it
Why moms in particular fall into this role (hint: it’s not just about who works more)
How cultural expectations of “intensive mothering” set us up for burnout
The slow unraveling of guilt, identity, and control so many of us face
Practical strategies and mindset shifts that help partners share the load

Whether you're feeling overstretched or trying to find more balance in your home, this episode is a validating, honest, and empowering listen.

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

Why Food Allergies Are Rising—and What Actually Helps May 21, 2025

Show notes

Are you still hearing that you should wait days between introducing new foods—or that food causes eczema? Are you stressed about feeding your baby the top 9 allergens?

In this episode, I sit down with pediatric allergist Dr. Dave Stukus to bust the biggest myths about food allergies. We’re talking real science, not fear: when to introduce allergens, why elimination diets can do more harm than good, and what’s actually driving the rise in allergies today.

We discuss:

Early allergen introduction helps prevent food allergies.
Food doesn't cause eczema—here’s what actually does.
Vaccines don’t cause allergies—here’s what’s behind the rise.

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

00:00 – Meet Dr. Dave Stukus
03:50 – Myth: Delay Introducing Allergenic Foods
06:23 – Feeding Should Be Fun, Not Fearful
08:05 – Are Babies More at Risk for Severe Reactions?
10:15 – Parking Lot Peanut Butter & Allergy Anxiety
11:01 – Benadryl vs. Modern Antihistamines
13:02 – What a True Food Allergy Looks Like
15:31 – The Truth About Food and Eczema
18:13 – The Exception, Not the Rule
22:19 – Eczema and Future Allergy Risk
24:11 – When to Start Solids for Prevention
25:08 – Why Food Allergies Are Rising
27:55 – Final Takeaways & Stay Updated

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)

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 Truth About Cry-It-Out and Cortisol May 19, 2025

Show notes

You’ve probably heard the claim that sleep training—especially methods like "cry-it-out"—can flood babies with toxic stress. But is that actually what the science says? In this episode, I sit down with a leading developmental expert to unpack the research on cortisol, stress, and infant development. We cover how the stress response system works, what truly qualifies as toxic stress, and why common fears about sleep training may be missing important context. Whether you're team sleep-train or not, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and evidence-backed guidance.

Key Takeaways:

Cortisol is a normal, necessary hormone that helps us respond to stress.
Not all stress is toxic—especially when it’s brief and supported by a caregiver.
There's no evidence linking sleep training with long-term harm.
Misinterpreting small or flawed studies can create unnecessary fear for parents.
Sleep training, when developmentally appropriate, can be a positive and adaptive experience for both babies and parents.

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.

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

How to Parent Strong-Willed Kids Without Power Struggles May 14, 2025

Show notes

Do you have a strong-willed child? How do you know you have one? Are you approaching their behavior in a positive way? I have recorded a solo episode about strong-willed children and power struggles and I always enjoy it when I can chat with fellow parenting coaches about it.

I welcome back Zack Kasabo who is a certified school counselor and parent coach. He was on the show before talking about how to encourage positive behaviors in kids without enabling them.

We discuss:

Misconceptions about strong-willed children and parenting strong-willed children
The power of “mutual submission"
The number one rule when addressing strong-willed children

To connect with Zack Kasabo follow him on Instagram @coachkasabo, check out all his resources at https://coachkasabo.info/

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 – Modeling Cooperation
00:22 – Intro: Parenting Strong-Willed Kids
00:50 – Meet Zack Kasabo
02:28 – What Makes a Child Strong-Willed?
05:00 – Reframing Strong-Willed as a Strength
06:45 – The Problem with Labels
08:18 – Parenting Starts with You
09:44 – Breaking Generational Patterns
12:11 – Power Struggle Example: Clean Your Room
14:10 – Why Lectures Don’t Work
17:27 – Teaching Through Experience
20:21 – Start Before Grade School
22:02 – Don’t Ignore “Normal” Behavior
23:05 – Final Tips & Where to Find Zac
24:11 – Encouragement for Parents

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 Makes a Marriage Work May 12, 2025

Show notes

In this honest and personal episode, I’m joined by my husband, Gaurav, as we open up about what makes our marriage work—especially through the chaos of parenting, career shifts, and everyday life.

We talk about:

The power of balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses
How we’ve navigated trauma, including our son's birth and postpartum period
Our nightly “State of the Union” check-ins—and why they’ve changed our relationship
What we’ve learned about love languages, communication styles, and unmet expectations
How we’ve moved from trying to “fix” each other to simply understanding and growing together

Marriage isn't always picture-perfect—and that’s exactly why these kinds of conversations matter. Whether you're partnered, married, or navigating love while raising kids, this episode offers a real-world look at building connection, even in the messy moments.

Want more? Listen to the full episode at PedsDocTalk.com

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

Expert Insights and Real Stories for Parents Navigating This Rare Food Allergy May 07, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever felt alone navigating an FPIES diagnosis—or if you’re wondering what FPIES even is—this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Dr. Taylor Arnold, pediatric dietitian and mom of two children who had FPIES, and Dr. Manisha Relan, board-certified allergist and immunologist. Together, we break down what FPIES actually is, why it’s so often misdiagnosed, how it differs from typical food allergies, and what families can do to manage it confidently. Whether you're a parent seeking answers or a clinician wanting to deepen your understanding, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling more empowered, prepared, and less alone.

We discuss:

What FPIES is, how it differs from typical food allergies, and why diagnosis is often delayed.
Navigating food introductions, managing reactions, and reducing anxiety around FPIES.
Practical tips for daycare, social situations, and long-term support for children with FPIES.

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

To connect with Dr. Manisha Relan follow her on Instagram @pedsallergymd, and check out all her resources at https://www.101beforeone.com/ and her new book: https://go.shopmy.us/p-65453938 (paid link)

Additional Resources:

https://fpiesfoundation.org/

https://www.fpies.org/

https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/what-is-a-food-allergy/food-protein-induced-enterocolitis-syndrome-fpies/

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 This Matters

02:00 – Meet the Experts

03:05 – What FPIES Is and Isn’t

08:20 – Hallmark Symptoms & Why It’s Missed

10:10 – Personal Story: Misdiagnosis & Learning Curve

15:00 – Diagnosing FPIES

18:30 – What Causes FPIES?

20:00 – What Parents & Pediatricians Should Know

23:30 – Figuring Out Food Triggers

25:00 – Managing Feeding Anxiety After Diagnosis

29:00 – Preventing Nutritional Deficiencies

32:00 – Practical Tips for School, Daycare & Social Events

35:00 – Emotional Support for Parents

38:00 – Outgrowing FPIES & What Comes Next

42:00 – Final Takeaways & Encouragement

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: How Phones and Social Media Impact Kids May 05, 2025

Show notes

In this insightful follow-up episode, Dr. Mona is joined by Bill Brady—CEO of Troomi Wireless and a father of five—for a powerful conversation about the realities of kids and phones. They discuss the benefits of tech, the very real risks of social media, and how parents can introduce devices with intention. From self-esteem and screen-time addiction to practical steps for safe tech use, this episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the digital age.

What We Cover:

The pros and cons of giving kids phones
Why it’s not about a specific age, but developmental readiness
The impact of social media on teen mental health and self-esteem
Why kids today are facing an “always on” culture of bullying
How to safely ease children into tech (and what that actually looks like)
The importance of parental controls, gradual access, and media literacy
Dr. Mona’s take on being a content creator—and the mental health toll it can take

Want more? Enjoy the full episode at ⁠PedsDocTalk.com⁠

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

Raising Kids After Watching Adolescence on Netflix: What Every Parent Needs to Know Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

After watching the Netflix series Adolescence, I was left gutted, moved, and full of questions—just like many of you who reached out. “I watched it. I was shocked. I was moved… but now what do I do with these big feelings I’m having and this information?” Whether you’re raising a boy or a girl, this show forces us to reckon with disconnection, violence, and parenting in the digital age.

In this conversation, I sit down with Ruth Whippman and Dr. Zabina Bhasin to explore what the show reveals about masculinity, emotional disconnection, and how boys are often left emotionally starved in today’s culture. We talk about parenting, school systems, and online influences—and most importantly, how we can start doing better for our kids.

We discuss:

How the Netflix series Adolescence reflects the emotional isolation many boys experience—and why it’s a cultural crisis.
How masculinity, parenting, school systems, and online influences shape how boys express (or suppress) their feelings.
Practical, compassionate strategies to help parents, educators, and adults raise emotionally safe, connected boys in today’s world.

To connect with Ruth Whippman follow her on Instagram @ruthwhippman, check out all her resources at http://www.ruthwhippman.com/, join her Substack: I Blame Society and purchase her book Boy Mom (paid link). Ruth Whippman has previously been on the PedsDocTalk Podcast: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/masculinity-and-politics-exploring-the-connection-between-gender-ideals-and-voting-trends/

https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/raising-boys-and-redefining-toxic-masculinity-and-how-it-impacts-friendships-and-emotional-health/

To connect with Dr. Zee follower her on Instagram @drzee_md and @listen2thekidz_, and check out all her resources at https://www.dr-zee.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 Introducing Guests: Ruth Whippman and Dr. Z – Experts on masculinity, emotional safety, and parenting.

00:02:59 Themes from the Show

00:06:06 Cultural Crisis

00:07:28 Emotional Starvation

00:09:43 Nature vs. Nurture

00:11:51 Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys

00:15:17 Cultural Messaging

00:20:00 Behavioral Conditioning vs. Biology

00:24:11 Friendships, Brotherhood, and Vulnerability

00:30:44 Teaching Emotional Literacy

00:35:40 Hope for the Future

00:42:10 The Need to Be Seen

00:50:11 Action Steps for Parents

00:56:00 Closing Reflections

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: Vaccines, Trust, and Pediatric Care Across Continents Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

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 medicine
Why kindness matters just as much as science

This is more than a conversation about medicine — it’s a shared love letter to the families we care for, and a reminder that compassion, respect, and a simple “thank you” can cross any border.

Whether you're a parent, pediatrician, or just curious about how different systems work, this episode will leave you with hope and a deeper appreciation for the healing power of human connection.

Want more? Enjoy the full episode at PedsDocTalk.com

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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