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

Dr. Mona Amin
  • 4.9 (119)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 30 Parenting Podcast in the U.S., this show delivers expert-backed guidance on child development, health, illness, behavior, feeding, and sleep—giving parents the confidence to navigate every stage from baby to teen. Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works. Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!

  1. 4D AGO

    The Myth of the "Perfect" Mom: Embracing Ambivalence in Motherhood

    Motherhood is often painted as pure joy, endless patience, and unconditional love. But what about the moments of frustration? The resentment? The overwhelm? The quiet thought of, “I love my child… but this is really hard.” In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist Dr. Margo Lowy to talk about maternal ambivalence – the completely normal experience of holding love and difficult emotions at the same time. We unpack the difference between ambivalence and indifference, why so many mothers feel guilt for being human, and how naming these emotions actually strengthens connection rather than weakens it. If you’ve ever questioned yourself because motherhood didn’t feel magical 100 percent of the time, this conversation will feel like exhaling. We discuss: • What maternal ambivalence really means and why it’s misunderstood • Why loving your child and feeling frustrated can coexist • The myth of the “perfect, selfless mother” • How social media fuels unrealistic expectations • Why naming difficult emotions reduces shame • The power of community and choosing supportive voices • How humor and lightness protect us in hard seasons • Why responding instead of reacting changes everything • The importance of modeling emotional honesty for our children To connect with Dr. Margo Lowy follow her on Instagram @drmargolowy, check out all her resources at https://drmargolowy.com/ and buy her books: https://drmargolowy.com/book/  00:00 – Intro: Why Difficult Feelings in Motherhood Matter 01:21 – Introducing Dr. Margo Lowy and Maternal Ambivalence 02:57 – What Maternal Ambivalence Actually Means 06:00 – Ambivalence vs Indifference: A Critical Difference 07:49 – The Myth of the Perfect, Selfless Mother 09:08 – Why Suppressing Difficult Emotions Backfires 11:01 – Letting Go of Perfection in Parenting 13:09 – The Moment You Realize Your Child Is Separate From You 17:08 – Do Fathers Experience Parenting Ambivalence Too? 19:03 – Why Parenting Plans Rarely Go as Expected 22:49 – The Power of Community and Support in Motherhood 29:11 – Social Media and the Pressure to Be the “Perfect Mom” 33:30 – How Accepting Imperfection Strengthens Parenting 43:16 – Naming Ambivalence and Finding Compassion for Yourself 49:22 – Final Takeaway: Why Naming Your Feelings Changes Everything 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

    55 min

  2. 6D AGO

    The Follow-Up: Is EMDR for Me?

    A question I get often is: “How do I know if EMDR might be right for me?” In this episode, we break down what EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) actually is, who it can help, and what a session really looks like. Originally developed to treat PTSD, EMDR is now used to support people struggling with birth trauma, childhood experiences, anxiety, panic, phobias, depression, parenting triggers, and more. You do not need a formal diagnosis to benefit from it. Many parents come in simply feeling reactive, overwhelmed, or triggered in ways they do not fully understand. We discuss: • How trauma and intense experiences are stored in the brain • Why certain parenting moments can feel disproportionately triggering • What “reprocessing” actually means • The science behind bilateral stimulation and REM sleep • The phases of EMDR therapy • What safety and preparation look like before starting • What a session may involve, including eye movements, tapping, or tones • Why EMDR is about healing, not retraumatizing Want more? 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! 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

    15 min

  3. APR 29

    Why Self-Love Starts in Childhood (And How Caregivers Shape It)

    In this solo episode, I reflect on a question that stopped me in my tracks: Why am I not worthy of my own love? Inspired by the passing of James Van Der Beek and a clip that deeply moved me, this conversation opens up a bigger discussion about self-love, self-worth, and how both begin taking shape in childhood. As a pediatrician and mom, I share why helping our children build a strong sense of worth may be one of the most important things we ever do. We talk about how unconditional love, emotional validation, secure attachment, and the way we speak to our kids, and ourselves, all shape the inner voice they carry for life. I also explore how comparison, shame, performance-based praise, and dismissed emotions can quietly chip away at self-worth over time. What I discuss: Why self-love and self-worth begin forming in childhood How unconditional love helps children feel secure and worthy The link between secure attachment and lifelong self-worth Why tying worth to grades, behavior, or achievement can backfire How dismissed emotions can shape a child’s inner voice The harm of comparison, and what to say instead Why kids learn self-love by watching how we treat ourselves Small ways parents can model self-compassion at home How the way we speak to our children becomes the way they speak to themselves 00:00 Intro, The Inner Voice Kids Carry for Life 01:16 The James Van Der Beek Question That Sparked This Episode 04:43 Why Self-Love Shapes a Child’s Whole Life 08:06 How Self-Worth Gets Chipped Away in Childhood 09:58 Unconditional Love and Secure Attachment Build Self-Worth 11:54 Why Kids Should Not Tie Their Worth to Achievement 13:17 Emotional Validation, Comparison, and Protecting a Child’s Sense of Self 15:45 How Kids Learn Self-Love by Watching Us 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

    22 min

  4. APR 28

    The Follow-Up: Dads and Postpartum

    We talk a lot about maternal mental health postpartum. But we do not talk enough about dads. In this episode, my husband joins me for an honest conversation about paternal mental health, birth trauma, pressure, and what it felt like to become a father while navigating medical complications and the early days of the pandemic. We discuss the silent expectations placed on fathers to be “the strong one,” to go back to work quickly, to provide, and to hold everything together — often without anyone asking how they are actually doing. This episode is about normalizing the fact that postpartum mental health affects both parents. We talk about: • Why paternal mental health is often overlooked • The impact of traumatic birth experiences on dads • The pressure to return to work quickly, especially in medicine • Sleep deprivation, financial stress, and identity shifts • How the pandemic intensified anxiety for healthcare workers • Why therapy is not just for crisis, but for maintenance • Reparenting yourself while parenting your children • How prioritizing mental health makes you a more present partner and parent Want more? 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! 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

    15 min

  5. APR 22

    IVF, Ovulation, and Fertility Facts and Myths Everyone Should Know with Dr. Lucky Sekhon

    This week on The PedsDocTalk Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Lucky Sekhon, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, OB-GYN, and author of The Lucky Egg, for a conversation about the fertility basics so many adults were never actually taught. We talk about the fertility knowledge gap, what ovulation really means, how to time intercourse more effectively, and when it may be time to stop waiting and get support. We also get into one of the biggest misconceptions people hear all the time, that every fertility treatment is IVF. Dr. Sekhon breaks down the difference between cycle tracking, medicated IUI, and IVF, and explains what the fertility workup is actually looking at, from ovulation and uterine structure to sperm factors and age-related egg quality. We discuss: • Why so many adults reach the point of trying to conceive without really understanding fertility • Signs in your cycle that may be worth paying attention to earlier • Why the fertile window is smaller than many people realize • Why temperature tracking alone may miss the best timing • What ovulation predictor kits are actually picking up • What lifestyle habits may help support fertility • The difference between prenatal vitamins, folic acid, and fertility supplements • When to see a fertility specialist based on age, cycle regularity, and how long you’ve been trying • How IVF differs from IUI and other treatment options • The emotional reality of infertility and secondary infertility To connect with Dr. Lucky Sekhon follow her on Instagram @lucky.sekhon check out all her resources at https://theluckyegg.com and buy her new book: https://linkly.link/2TYtU 00:00 IVF myths and the truth about IVF babies 00:00:56 Welcome and why this fertility conversation matters 00:04:31 The fertility knowledge gap nobody teaches 00:06:37 Ovulation basics and the small fertile window 00:09:20 Who Dr. Lucky’s book is really for 00:11:34 Why fertility advice online can make people more anxious 00:14:42 How to actually track ovulation 00:17:53 Why temperature tracking can miss the moment 00:19:19 Lifestyle habits that support fertility 00:23:32 Supplements, prenatal vitamins, and what may actually help 00:25:38 Does stress really cause infertility? 00:26:52 When to stop waiting and see a fertility specialist 00:30:15 Dr. Mona’s secondary infertility story 00:32:42 What IVF is, and how it differs from IUI 00:39:35 The emotional reality of IVF and fertility preservation 00:42:22 Why sharing infertility stories helps, and hurts 00:45:43 What happens at the first fertility specialist visit 00:49:55 IVF stigma, false guarantees, and harmful myths 00:56:42 Are IVF babies different? What the data actually says 01:00:11 Final takeaways and where to find Dr. Lucky 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

    1h 8m

  6. APR 20

    The Follow-Up: I Just Had a Baby, Now What?

    Bringing home a new baby can feel equal parts joyful and overwhelming. In this Follow Up episode, I revisit a favorite past conversation, I Just Had a Baby, Now What?, and share practical newborn guidance through the lens of both a pediatrician and a mom. We talk about what newborns really need in the early weeks, how to recognize common cues for hunger, sleep, and interaction, and why simple routines like feeding, diaper changes, tummy time, and cuddles matter more than perfection. I also share insights from a recent parent survey in partnership with Angelcare and Diaper Genie about the products and routines families say helped them most in those early months. I discuss: What the fourth trimester means The core needs of a newborn Reading hunger, sleep, and play cues Why babies cry, and it is not always hunger Feeding on demand in the early weeks Simple routines that support connection Easy ways to engage your newborn Why holding your baby does not spoil them How to ease stress in the newborn stage To learn more about Angelcare and Diaper Genie products visit https://diapergenie.com and https://angelcarebaby.com. And don’t forget to follow @angelcare and @diapergenieofficial 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! Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    18 min

  7. APR 15

    How to Stop Passing Your Emotional Baggage to Your Kids

    Parents carry their past into their parenting, often without realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with relationship therapist and author Eli Harwood to talk about how emotional baggage forms, how it quietly shows up in the way we respond to our kids, and what it actually looks like to break those patterns in real time. We get honest about triggers, shame, defensiveness, and the parts of ourselves we learned to tuck away long before we ever had children. Eli breaks down how emotional inheritance works, why our bodies react before our brains catch up, and how to shift from reactive parenting to connected parenting. This isn’t about perfection or never getting activated. It’s about noticing, pausing, and choosing something different so our kids don’t have to carry what we never had support for. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I passing this on?”, this conversation will help you see the patterns with compassion and give you tools to change the story. What we talk about: Why emotional baggage forms and how it shows up in parenting How your childhood coping strategies become adult triggers The difference between reacting and responding Why kids activate the parts of us we haven’t healed How shame keeps patterns going Practical steps to interrupt the cycle Why slowing down is the most powerful parenting tool How to repair with your child when you slip into old patterns To connect with Eli Harwood follow her on Instagram @attachmentnerd, check out all her resources at https://www.attachmentnerd.com/ and buy her book “How to Deal with Your ___ So Your Kids Don’t Have To: https://www.amazon.com/Deal-Your-____-Kids-Dont/dp/1632175967  00:00 – The Core Idea: Kids Feel What We Don’t Heal 05:23 – From Secure Kids to Secure Parents 09:18 – The Five Gifts of a Secure Parent14:06 – Showing Up Without Making Kids the Burden23:14 – When Your Stuff Spills Out 25:58 – Hidden Baggage: Denial, Over-Apologizing, and Self-Doubt 27:28 – Bias, Blind Spots, and Long-Term Connection 36:40 – Emotional Maturity in Real Life 41:17 – “I Want Mommy”: Rejection and Attachment Preferences 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

    58 min

  8. APR 13

    The Follow-Up: Extinction Sleep Training

    Sleep training can feel like a lightning rod topic, especially when it comes to the cry it out method. In this episode, I talk with a mom who used extinction sleep training with both of her sons at different ages. She shares what it actually looked like night by night, why other methods did not work for her family, and how sleep training ultimately changed their home for the better. In this conversation, we cover: • What the extinction method actually looks like • How long crying lasted and what progress looked like • Why Ferber did not work for her baby • The role of timing and developmental readiness • When night feeds may be appropriate to drop • Why sleep quality affects mood, tantrums, and regulation • How to handle judgment around sleep choices Want more? Listen to the full, original episode called Momma Needs Some Sleep! How different moms approached sleep-training where we discuss various approaches to sleep-training. 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

    12 min
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4.9
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119 Ratings

About

The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 30 Parenting Podcast in the U.S., this show delivers expert-backed guidance on child development, health, illness, behavior, feeding, and sleep—giving parents the confidence to navigate every stage from baby to teen. Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works. Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!

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