Navigating the challenges of parenting can be difficult, especially when it comes to making choices that affect our children’s health. As a pediatrician and mother of three, I felt the weight of this responsibility deeply when I began introducing solid foods to my twins. Initially, my choice of plastic bowls and spoons seemed harmless enough,
Health
When embarking on the journey of trying to conceive (TTC), many individuals and couples find themselves overwhelmed by the plethora of information, myths, and societal expectations surrounding pregnancy. The narratives we often hear—like the miraculous stories of someone getting pregnant after a single encounter—can create unrealistic expectations. It’s crucial to separate Fact from fiction and
Breastfeeding, a natural and instinctive process, often brings a multitude of questions for new parents unsure of their path. Achieving a successful breastfeeding experience can feel daunting, particularly as one grapples with concerns about the baby’s feeding routine. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I passionately serve as a resource for families striving
The safety of infant nutrition has become a critical concern for parents and caregivers, especially amidst growing reports of toxic heavy metals contaminating baby food. Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury are known to pose significant risks to neurological development and overall health in children. In light of this alarming reality, many are
Emotional courage is a fundamental, yet often overlooked, attribute that empowers individuals to fully articulate and experience their emotions, even in the face of discomfort or adversity. At its core, emotional courage entails an honest acknowledgment of both positive and negative feelings, supporting the notion that every emotion is a vital component of personal development
Pregnancy is often portrayed through a lens of sheer joy and excitement, particularly when it comes to the anticipation of welcoming a newborn into the family. However, reality often diverges greatly from this idealized vision. My own journey through pregnancy was marred by a blend of emotions that I struggled to articulate—especially with my second
As parents navigate the diverse landscape of health news, the resurgence of infectious diseases often triggers concern, particularly regarding the measles virus. Once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, measles has recently seen a notable uptick in cases, leading to alarm amongst parents and caregivers. However, before succumbing to panic, it’s crucial to
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has unveiled an unsettling trend: the infant mortality rate in the United States has increased for the first time in nearly two decades. In 2022, a distressing total of 20,577 American infants succumbed before reaching their first birthday, translating to a mortality rate of
As children grow, recognizing their developmental milestones is crucial for parents and pediatricians alike. Developmental milestones act as markers that help gauge a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive progress. While they are not an absolute measure—each child develops at their own pace—these milestones provide valuable insights and alert caregivers to areas where additional support may
Morning sickness, a term that often evokes images of shaky mornings and queasy feelings, is an experience shared by a significant number of individuals during pregnancy. Research indicates that approximately 80% of pregnant individuals report some level of morning sickness, making it a remarkably common phenomenon. Generally, this discomfort tends to set in around the