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

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. 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

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! 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

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. 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

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 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

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. 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

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. 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

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

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. 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

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 Stukus03:50 – Myth: Delay Introducing Allergenic Foods06:23 – Feeding Should Be Fun, Not Fearful08:05 – Are Babies More at Risk for Severe Reactions?10:15 – Parking Lot Peanut Butter & Allergy Anxiety11:01 – Benadryl vs. Modern Antihistamines13:02 – What a True Food Allergy Looks Like15:31 – The Truth About Food and Eczema18:13 – The Exception, Not the Rule22:19 – Eczema and Future Allergy Risk24:11 – When to Start Solids for Prevention25:08 – Why Food Allergies Are Rising27:55 – 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. 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

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. 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