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

Dr. Mona Amin
  • 4.9 (1.5K)
  • 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. 3d ago

    Fear Sells—But the Facts Matter: Making Science Go Viral

    In this episode, I sit down with a scientist and science communicator who has spent the last five years in the middle of online health conversations, especially during and after the pandemic. We talk honestly about why accurate information often feels boring on social media, while fear based content spreads fast. This is not a conversation about blaming parents or shaming curiosity. It is about understanding how trust works, why it has been strained, and what actually helps people feel safe enough to learn. We also get real about the mistakes science and medicine made during the pandemic, especially using black and white language around safety and effectiveness. We talk about why nuance matters, why people are capable of understanding complexity when it is explained well, and why showing up as a real human, not a polished authority figure, is one of the most powerful tools we have right now in public health communication. In this episode, we cover: Why misinformation spreads faster than accurate health information online How fear, outrage, and certainty drive engagement on social media The role trust plays in whether people believe data at all Why “safe and effective” language backfired for many families How oversimplifying science pushed people away instead of helping Financial conflicts of interest and why they matter when evaluating health claims The pattern of fear first, product second in wellness content Why credentials alone do not guarantee honesty or accuracy How being relatable and human builds more trust than perfection What science communicators can do differently moving forward Why we need more doctors and scientists showing up online, not fewer To connect with Dr. Noc follow him on Instagram @dr.noc, check out all his resources at linktr.ee/dr.noc and follow him on Substack: drnoc.substack.com/subscribe 00:00 – Why Fear Spreads Faster Than Facts Online 01:36 – Introducing Dr. Morgan “Dr. Noc” McSweeney 03:00 – Meeting Dr. Noc and Finding Science Communicators Online 05:38 – Dr. Noc’s Background in Pharmaceutical Science and Biotech 06:21 – Why He Started Creating Science Content During the Pandemic 06:59 – The Learning Curve of Creating Educational Content Online 07:23 – Why Science Must Be Communicated Beyond Academia 08:04 – Social Media as a Public Health Battleground 08:24 – Why “Just Showing the Data” Often Doesn’t Work 09:07 – The Real Problem: Trust in Science and Institutions 09:47 – How People Decide Who to Trust Online 10:03 – Why Most People Don’t Understand How Clinical Trials Work10:51 – How Extreme Messaging During the Pandemic Hurt Trust11:45 – Why Saying “Benefits Outweigh Risks” Builds More Trust58:46 – Final Thoughts: How Truth Can Still Win Online 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 4m

  2. 5d ago

    The Follow-Up: Early Days of Breastfeeding

    The early days of breastfeeding can feel overwhelming when you are recovering, tired, and trying to sort out what is normal. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my conversation with Melissa Mancini, RN, IBCLC, to talk through what helps in those first days and weeks, from prenatal prep to milk production, skin to skin, feeding cues, and cluster feeding. In this episode, we cover: How to prepare for breastfeeding before baby arrives Why prenatal breastfeeding education matters What is normal in the first few days of milk production How prolactin and oxytocin support breastfeeding Why skin to skin can help with feeding and supply What supply and demand really means for milk production When feeding on demand makes sense When more structured feeding may be recommended Why cluster feeding is common in the early weeks What kind of support can make breastfeeding feel more manageable Want more? Listen to the original, full 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

    13 min

  3. May 20

    When Politics, Values, and Parenting Collide with Sharon McMahon “America’s Government Teacher”

    In this powerful and honest conversation, I sat down with Sharon McMahon to talk about something so many parents are quietly carrying right now - political exhaustion, moral tension, and the question of how to raise good humans in divided times. We unpack the difference between disagreement and dehumanization, politics and morality, optimism and hope. Sharon shares why feeling defeated is not a personal failure, how overwhelm is often by design, and why focusing on one or two issues can be more impactful than trying to care about everything at once. We also talk about boundaries in relationships, modeling values for our kids, coalition building, and what it really means to believe that the future is not finalized. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between politics as policy and politics as moral harm When “agree to disagree” no longer works How dehumanization differs from simple disagreement Why burnout and fear can make us easier to manipulate The difference between optimism and hope Why you do not have to care about everything equally How to focus your advocacy without burning out Coalition building and how real change actually happens Setting boundaries with family and friends during political tension Teaching children family values without demonizing others Why small joys and rest are part of long term resilience To connect with Sharon McMahon follow her on Instagram @sharonsaysso, check out all her resources at https://sharonmcmahon.com/ and buy her new book “We Are Mighty”: https://sharonmcmahon.com/book  00:00 Why Optimism Is Not the Goal 00:33 Meet Sharon McMahon, America’s Government Teacher 01:43 Politics, Morality, and the Questions Parents Are Asking 03:11 Why Sharon Started Teaching Government Online 05:30 How to Stay Informed Without Losing Your Peace 08:20 Why You Do Not Have to Care About Every Issue Equally 12:37 When Politics Stops Being Policy and Becomes Right vs Wrong 18:01 When Agree to Disagree Stops Working 24:06 Boundaries, Family Conflict, and Not Demonizing People 29:17 Teaching Kids the Difference Between Disagreement and Dehumanization 33:09 How Fear, Burnout, and Hopelessness Make People Easier to Manipulate 35:34 What Real Advocacy Looks Like Beyond Voting 40:29 Coalition Building and How Change Actually Happens 44:31 Sharon’s Children’s Book and Why Agency Matters for Kids 50:58 What Gives Sharon Hope Right Now 52:34 Small Joys, Rest, and Building Resilience 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 1m

  4. May 18

    The Follow-Up: How to Achieve Practical Optimism

    Practical optimism is not about pretending everything is fine or forcing happy thoughts when life feels hard. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my conversation with Dr. Sue Varma, psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and author of Practical Optimism, to break down what it really means to build a hopeful mindset that is grounded in action, not denial. We talk about how optimism differs from toxic positivity, why some people seem to move through hard things with more resilience, and how this way of thinking can be practiced, even if it does not come naturally. In this episode, we cover: What practical optimism actually is How it differs from toxic positivity and pessimism Whether optimism is something you are born with or something you can practice The eight pillars of practical optimism The three Ps of pessimism and how to spot them Why purpose, self-compassion, and emotional regulation matter How optimism can support mental health, relationships, and parenting Ways to start shifting your mindset in everyday life 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

    13 min

  5. May 13

    The Parenting Revolution Around Puberty: How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty Without Shame

    Parents often want to talk to their kids about puberty and periods, but many don’t know where to start. In this episode, I’m joined by pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Dr. Charis Chambers to talk about how we can change the way families approach these conversations. From stigma and misinformation to the fear of saying the wrong thing, we break down why avoiding these discussions can leave kids confused, scared, or learning from the wrong sources. We discuss how to introduce puberty and body changes in age-appropriate ways, why boys should be included in these conversations, and how parents can shift from one awkward “talk” to an ongoing dialog that builds trust. Dr. Chambers also explains the science behind periods, addresses common misconceptions about hormonal therapy, and shares powerful stories from her clinical experience that highlight why this education matters for a child’s long-term relationship with their body and health. In this episode we discuss: ✔️ Why many kids feel scared when their first period starts ✔️ How to start puberty conversations earlier and more naturally ✔️ Why boys should learn about periods too ✔️ The difference between privacy and secrecy when talking about bodies ✔️ How stigma around periods gets passed down through generations ✔️ Why hormonal therapy is often misunderstood ✔️ How open conversations build trust between parents and kids To connect with Dr. Charis Chambers follow her on Instagram @theperioddoctor, check out all her resources at https://theperioddoctor.com and buy her new book: https://www.amazon.com/Period-Puberty-Parenting-Revolution-Conversation/dp/1464233802?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn1W3WTCmZ7O5OBTdANGfFNf3Qt3tBhR3ysalxz3dPwNe50CLKDpwfK9vbRiY_aem_POnDC67y5COyXEaA3xsKVQ  00:00 Why Puberty and Period Talks Matter 02:16 Meet Dr. Charis Chambers and Her New Book 04:01 Why She Wrote The Puberty and Period Parenting Revolution 06:17 Why Kids Need to Learn About Bodies From Parents First 08:42 Is There Such a Thing as Talking Too Early About Puberty? 10:54 Why Boys Need to Be Part of Period Conversations Too 12:35 Privacy vs Secrecy, How Parents Can Normalize Periods 14:00 How Media and Shame Shape Period Stigma 18:40 Why This Needs to Be an Ongoing Conversation, Not One Talk 22:31 How to Explain Anatomy Without Making It Awkward 28:15 What Happens When Kids Are Left in the Dark About Periods 33:54 Hormonal Therapy vs Birth Control, What Parents Should Know 41:29 How to Build Trust When Parents Feel Nervous or Behind 45:05 What Dr. Charis Hopes This Book Changes for Families 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

    54 min

  6. May 11

    The Follow-Up: Anxiety or Are They Just Shy?

    Many parents worry when their child seems shy. But is it actually shyness, or something more? In this episode, we unpack the difference between a “slow to warm” temperament and an anxiety disorder. We talk about why labeling kids as shy can unintentionally limit them, how social expectations play a role, and what supportive parenting really looks like in those hesitant moments. We discuss: • What “slow to warm” actually means • The key difference between temperament and anxiety • Why the word shy can become a self-fulfilling label • How to support kids in new or overwhelming situations • The importance of preparation and gentle exposure • When behavior differences across settings may signal anxiety • Signs of selective mutism and more serious anxiety concerns • Why evidence-based therapy should include parent involvement 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

    13 min

  7. May 6

    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

  8. May 4

    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
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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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