The Pediatric Specialists Medical Group

02/26/2026

Parents are frequently concerned about their child’s ear wax and want to know how to get rid of it. The good new is that you don’t need to nor should you get rid of ear wax. Ear wax is antiseptic, meaning it prevents infection, moisturizes the ear, and protects the ear drum from debris that has entered the ear canal. Some people will get ear wax impactions from time to time, but for most of us, if we’re hearing okay and are not having discomfort, we should let our wax be. This article has great information about ear wax if you want a more in-depth explanation.

Earwax, or cerumen, is a waxy substance found in your ears, but what does it do? Find out how earwax helps protect your ears from bacteria and other germs.

02/19/2026

Great information on why the back is best for sleeping infants.

When it comes to safe sleep practices, one fear we hear from parents is that if they put their baby on their back, they could choke if they spit up. It’s a scary thought, but understanding newborn physiology helps us see that babies are actually safer on their backs.

“When a baby is on their back, the windpipe (trachea) sits above the esophagus (the feeding tube),” explains WashU Medicine neonatologist Bryanne Colvin, MD. “If they spit up, gravity helps that fluid stay in the feeding tube or go back into the stomach, rather than pooling near the airway. On their stomach, that anatomy is reversed. When you combine this anatomical 'safety valve' with a baby's natural gag reflex, their body is remarkably well-equipped to keep their airway clear.”

While their anatomy provides protection, you can help your baby stay comfortable and manage spit-up with these safe habits:

The 20-Minute Rule: Hold your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after a feeding.

Burp Often: Take time to burp during and after feedings to reduce gas.

Stay Flat: Never use wedges or tilt the mattress. Propping a baby up can cause them to slide down, potentially compromising their breathing.

“It is completely natural to want to change your baby’s position when they seem uncomfortable,” says Dr. Colvin. “But you should feel confident that your baby's body is designed to stay safe on its back.”

02/19/2026

Ramadan Mubarak to all our patients who observe!

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day!

02/05/2026

This video gives a good explanation for why we have had vaccine mandates in this country to protect the welfare of the overall community. As mentioned in the video, we understand this can be a sensitive topic, but it is important. This post is not being shared for political debate, or to make a political statement, but to underscore the reason our practice, as well as most pediatric offices, require our patients to be vaccinated. Choosing to not vaccinate not only places your child at risk for serious, sometimes fatal diseases but also puts other people’s health at risk. Please know that we always strive to make your child’s health and wellbeing our number one priority.

01/30/2026

Dr. Gellady and Dr. Hasell have been hitting the slopes this week!

01/22/2026

Between colds, flu, and RSV there is a lot of snot out there! This article gives great information about how to help your infant or young child when they’re all stuffed up. Check out the video on how to use saline in the nose!

Nasal congestion from colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID can make it harder for babies to breathe—and sleep at night. Pediatrician and safe sleep expert Dr. Rachel Moon explains why and suggests safe ways to help your baby sleep when they have a stuffy nose.​

01/19/2026

The babies just keep on coming! Congratulations to our nurse practitioner Chris Pope on the birth of his 5th grandbaby this weekend. Maybe we should have waited on last weeks post, but he came a little earlier than expected😂. The baby, Chris’s son, daughter-in-law, big brother and big sister are all doing well up in St. Louis.

01/15/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Hernandez and our nurse practitioner Chris Pope on each becoming grandparents again! Dr. Hernandez had her second granddaughter last week and Chris had his second grandson (and 4th grandchild) in September.

😊❤️

01/08/2026

There has been a lot of news and confusion about the CDC changing their wording for certain vaccine recommendations. We will continue to follow the vigorously researched-based recommendations of the American Acadamy of Pediatrics. Follow the link for details of the AAPs recommendations on childhood immunizations as well as other good information about vaccines in general and why they are scheduled as they are.

Here's what to know about the recommended immunization schedule for children and teens. The schedule is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics and based on ongoing review of the most recent scientific data for each of the recommended vaccines and other immunizations. The schedule also recomm...

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! Wishing all our patients a healthy and happy 2026.

12/25/2025

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!