pedsdoctalk

09/27/2025

Anybody else relate to this “new version” of downtime after becoming a parent - the 2–3 hours after the kids go to bed that turn into a marathon of meal prep, emails, scheduling appointments, and checking off the never-ending list? 🫠

By the time you look up, it’s bedtime for you. And let’s be real, those tasks aren’t always possible when kids are awake (try sitting at a computer with toddlers running around 😅).

Here’s what I’ve learned: before diving into that mountain of “tasky things,” pause and do one small thing for yourself. Text a friend back, sit in silence for five minutes, close your eyes - whatever helps you reset. It’s not selfish; it’s survival.

And whenever possible, shift daily household chores (dishes, laundry, sweeping) into the daytime with your kids around. Not only does it protect your limited free time, it also shows them what it takes to keep a household running, and as they grow, you can involve them too.

Parenting is relentless, but those tiny pauses can protect your peace.

Who else is “relaxing” this weekend for the sake of their mental health? 👇

09/26/2025

Swipe to see a Tale of Two Messages: Science vs. Spectacle

After an awful press conference filled with misinformation, the FDA released the first clarifying statement because well-science matters.

And then we have President Donald J. Trump pushing unverified medical claims on social media, advising the public on vaccine schedules and Tylenol use — completely disregarding medical consensus.

On the other, Dr. Martin A. Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, calmly lays out the scientific reality: no causal link has been established between acetaminophen and autism, and it remains the safest option during pregnancy among over-the-counter alternatives.

This isn’t leadership. It’s a circus.

09/26/2025

Amid the measles outbreak, there’s a question of how contagious the disease is and why some parents are choosing to vaccinate less.

Dr. Mona from shares why that is and how we can regain trust in vaccinations across the U.S.

09/24/2025

Vaccine news can feel overwhelming, but here’s the bottom line: the science hasn’t changed.

At the latest ACIP meeting (the CDC group that shapes the vaccine schedule), there was debate and even some confusion, but the core protections for kids remain strong. Hepatitis B at birth stays recommended, MMR + Varicella now come with clearer guidance, and COVID vaccines are shifting to shared decision-making.

I break it all down in my new newsletter — what changed, what didn’t, and what it really means for parents.

Do you usually keep up with vaccine updates, or only when it directly affects your child?

Parent-focused breakdown of ACIP vaccine updates on Hepatitis B, MMRV, and COVID-19, with context on what changed, what didn’t, and why it matters.

09/24/2025

Car seats can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces — straps, clips, rules, and advice that all seem to conflict. But at the end of the day, getting it right is one of the most important ways we keep our kids safe.

On this week’s podcast, I’m joined by my friend and child passenger safety technician Michelle Pratt from Safe in the Seat. We talk about the most common mistakes parents make (yes, even us!) and the simple fixes that make a huge difference.

We cover:�✅ Why practicing installation before baby arrives matters�✅ The “one-inch rule,” chest clip placement, and strap positioning�✅ Myths around rear-facing and when to actually turn forward�✅ The risks of aftermarket products that seem helpful but aren’t�✅ How to teach kids to advocate for their own car seat safety

Whether you’re installing your very first car seat or moving your big kid into a booster, this episode will give you confidence and peace of mind every time you buckle up.

Podcast Episode · The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom · 09/24/2025 · 1h 6m

09/19/2025

Our community has grown, and many newer followers don’t know that I went through secondary infertility and IVF to have Vera.
 
From my very first appointment with a fertility doctor to the day Vera was born was 724 days. To give perspective: we only did one retrieval and one transfer. For many, this process takes much longer.
 
My infertility was caused by severe scar tissue after a traumatic delivery and postpartum recovery with Ryaan. I developed a hydrosalpinx, where one fallopian tube was blocked and filling with fluid that leaked into my uterus, creating an unhealthy environment for an embryo. The only option was surgery to remove the tube. After that, we tried monitoring and other interventions, but eventually, IVF became the next step.
 
I chose to document my IVF journey on YouTube not only because it helped me process what we were going through, but also because I wanted to shine a light on what so many families face in silence. Every story is different, but if mine helps one parent feel less alone or gives someone insight into the highs and lows of treatment, it’s worth it.
 
If you’d like to see the whole journey from egg retrieval and transfer, to trimester updates and a Q&A where I answer the most common questions comment IVF YOUTUBE and I’ll send you the links.
 
How has infertility or IVF touched your life through your own story or someone you love? Talking about it matters.
Share this if it resonates.

09/15/2025

September is NICU Awareness Month. Almost 6 years ago, I became a NICU mom myself, and that experience will always be part of me.
What was supposed to be my golden hour turned into a hospital gown, a badge, and an ICU.
My full-term son had a stroke at birth and seizures. While he was in the NICU, I was sick and in an ICU myself.
That experience changed me forever. I’ve healed, but it will always be a part of me. The grief, the guilt, the machines, the alarms-it all felt so far from the start to motherhood I had imagined and dreamed of.
 
But here’s what I want NICU parents to hear:
Your love was never less because of wires, separation, or needing help.
Your love has always been enough.
 
On this week’ Follow-Up podcast episode, I sat down with two incredible NICU professionals-Dr. Kate Rubey (), a Neonatologist, and Katie Ross (), a NICU Occupational Therapist.
 
We talk about:
✔️ NICU interventions and what parents can expect
✔️ What happens on NICU rounds
✔️ What every parent should know when their baby is in the NICU
✔️ How to support your baby’s development and be part of their care
 
Comment PODCAST LINK below and I’ll send you today’s follow-up episode.

Share this to support a NICU family you know, and follow for more real conversations about parenting and child health.

09/15/2025

RFK Jr. promised to reveal the “cause of autism” by September. His answer? Tylenol use in pregnancy and folate deficiency.

Catchy headline? ✅
Solid science? ❌

Here’s what research actually shows:
✔️ Autism isn’t caused by one pill, vitamin, or skipped prenatal - it’s mostly genetic, with some smaller environmental factors.
✔️ Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is still the safest option for fever/pain in pregnancy. Untreated fever is far riskier.
✔️ Folate is essential for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida, not autism.
❌ Blaming moms for autism is not only wrong, it’s harmful.

The obsession with “finding a cause” tells us more about our culture’s fear of difference than about autism itself. Autism isn’t a horror story to prevent, it’s a neurodevelopmental difference that deserves support and inclusion. 💙

👉 Check out my latest YouTube video if you want the full breakdown where I cover the Tylenol studies, folate myths, and why these headlines are more about fear than facts.

Share this if you’re tired of scare tactics targeting parents.

RFK Jr. is making waves with claims that Tylenol use in pregnancy and low folate causes autism. It sounds like the “smoking gun” parents have been waiting fo...