Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

Boston Children's Hospital
  • 5.0 (29)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast is where the world comes for answers. For families who want to know a little bit about everything when it comes to raising healthy kids, we’re ready to help! Join our host, Dr. Jennifer Arnold — a neonatologist, mom, and former star of the show The Little Couple, as she guides us through each topic. Hear from Boston Children’s experts as they share insight and tips for navigating the common concerns parents might have when it comes to their child’s wellbeing. From injury prevention to managing chronic pain to mental health challenges, we’ve got you covered.

  1. JAN 30

    How should I feed my baby?

    Feeding a newborn comes with a lot of questions and opinions. In this episode, Dr. Arnold is joined by Kim Barbas, Director of the Lactation Support Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, to talk through breastfeeding, breast milk, and formula feeding and help parents make informed, confident choices that work for their baby and their family. Topics covered include: Why is breastfeeding often recommended? How does breast milk support infant nutrition, immunity, and gut health? How can breast milk benefit medically complex babies? What are the benefits of formula feeding? What are common myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding? How long do experts recommend breastfeeding? What is colostrum, and why is it important? What are the most common breastfeeding challenges, and how can they be addressed? What tools and resources can help parents succeed with breastfeeding? What challenges can come with formula feeding? How does Boston Children’s Hospital support families with lactation and feeding needs? What rights do parents have when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping? How should breast milk be stored safely at home and on the go? What current research is shaping how we understand infant nutrition? Feeding a baby is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Whether families choose breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, the goal is to support the health and well-being of the baby and the family.

    28 min

  2. 12/30/2025

    Could a clinical trial help my child?

    Clinical trials can feel intimidating, especially for children with rare conditions. In this episode, Dr. Arnold talks with Dr. Rachel Grace, hematologist and researcher at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Together, they explore how pediatric clinical trials work, the protections in place for children, and what participation means for families, answering questions such as: • What is a clinical trial, and how does it fit into pediatric research? • How are clinical trials different for children compared with adults? • Why is it important to study children separately from adults? • What protections are in place to keep children safe in clinical trials? • What are the different phases of a clinical trial, and why does each matter? • Why are multicenter trials important in pediatric research? • What myths or misconceptions exist about clinical trials in children? • How might participating in a clinical trial benefit my child? • What are the possible risks of participating in a clinical trial? • How does care provided as part of a clinical trial differ from routine clinical care? • How do researchers determine whether a child is eligible for a clinical trial? • How can families find clinical trials their child may be eligible for? • What practical steps can parents take to prepare their child for a trial? • What are Dr. Rachel Grace’s Doctor’s Orders related to clinical trials? Clinical research drives medical progress and participating can help improve outcomes for all children. Always consult your child’s health care provider before making decisions about medical care or trial participation.

    38 min

  3. 11/26/2025

    Could my child’s stomach pain be IBS?

    Stomach pain is one of the most common reasons that children visit their doctor. When it occurs repeatedly, parents may wonder if irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could be the cause. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Beate Beinvogl, pediatric gastroenterologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, about IBS, how it’s diagnosed, and how families can support children in managing symptoms. Key questions addressed include: • What are disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI)? • What is IBS, and how does it affect children and teens? • How common is IBS in children and teens? • What symptoms should parents watch for? • How do doctors diagnose IBS? What tests are typically needed? • What causes IBS? • What are the treatment options available for children and teens diagnosed with IBS? • When should families see a specialist? • How is IBS treated at Boston Children’s? • What research is currently underway on pediatric IBS? • What are Dr. Beinvogl’s “doctor’s orders” for managing IBS? With early evaluation, consistent routines, and the right support, children with IBS can live well, stay active, and feel better.

    32 min

  4. 10/30/2025

    Are my child’s eating habits a sign of something serious?

    When children start skipping meals or suddenly change how they eat, it can be a cause for concern. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with talks with Dr. Tracy Richmond, director of Boston Children’s Eating Disorders Program, about how parents can recognize early warning signs of disordered eating and get help before things escalate. Key questions addressed include: • What are common myths related to eating disorders? • How is disordered eating different from an eating disorder? • What are the different types of eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia? • What warning signs should parents watch for in children and teens? • How common are eating disorders, and which children and teens are at higher risk? • How do social media, gender, and cultural pressures influence the development of eating disorders? • How can parents talk with their children about food and body image without shaming or stigmatizing? • Which type of provider should parents reach out to first? • What kinds of treatment are available? • What are the potential long-term consequences of untreated eating disorders? • What research is currently happening in this area? • What are Dr. Richmond’s “Doctor’s Orders” for fostering a healthy relationship with food? Early recognition and intervention can make a real difference. With guidance from experts, parents can help children build healthier eating habits, develop a positive body image, and strengthen overall well-being.

  5. 09/30/2025

    Does My Child Have a Concussion?

    Concussions in children can be tricky to recognize, and knowing how to respond can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Michael O’Brien, director of Boston Children's Sports Concussion Clinic, explains how concussions happen, signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical steps to help your child recover safely. Whether your child plays sports or just had an accident, this episode gives clear guidance on when to seek care, how to support recovery, and how Boston Children’s helps children return to school, sports, and everyday life. Key questions addressed include: • What is a concussion, and how is it different from other brain injuries? • How common are concussions in children and teens? • Which sports carry the highest risk for concussion? • What signs and symptoms should parents look for after an injury? • Which concussion myths are outdated or incorrect? • How are concussions diagnosed? • How does computerized testing (also called baseline testing) aid in diagnosis? • How are concussions treated and what does recovery look like, including school and screen time? • When can an athlete safely return to sports? • How does Boston Children's care for children with concussions? • Can helmets and other protective gear prevent concussions? • What new research is happening in this field? • What are Dr. O’Brien’s “Doctor’s Orders” for concussion care? Successful concussion recovery focuses on three goals: 1) avoiding new collisions until fully healed, 2) minimizing impact on school, and 3) preventing physical, psychological, or social setbacks. The best way to achieve these goals is to have your child evaluated promptly whenever a concussion is suspected.

  6. 08/22/2025

    How can I protect my child from ticks and Lyme disease?

    Ticks are tiny, but the worry they bring can feel huge, especially when it comes to Lyme disease. In this episode, Dr. Arnold talks with pediatric neurologist Dr. Molly Wilson Murphy about what every parent should know to keep kids safe while enjoying the outdoors. They cover questions like: • How do I know if my child is at risk after a tick bite? • What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease? • Are all ticks dangerous? How can you tell the difference? • Where are ticks most common, and what outdoor areas require extra caution? • What are the best ways to protect kids - and yourself - from tick bites? • How should you do a thorough tick check after being outside? • What should you do if you find a tick attached to your child? • How is Lyme disease diagnosed and treated? • What can happen if Lyme disease isn’t treated? • Can pets bring ticks into the home, and how can families stay safe? • What’s new in Lyme disease research? Spending time outside is important for kids’ health and wellbeing, but a few simple steps can make it safer: dress appropriately, use repellents, do tick checks, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

  7. 07/31/2025

    What is dyslexia, and why is it often misunderstood?

    When a child struggles to read, parents are often left with more questions than answers. Could it be dyslexia? Will it hold them back? And how can families and schools step in early to help? In this episode, Dr. Arnold sits down with Dr. Margaret Pierce, an oral and written language specialist who diagnoses and supports kids with dyslexia. They unpack what dyslexia really is (and what it’s not), and how to ensure kids with dyslexia get the support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. You’ll learn: • What is dyslexia, and why is it so often misunderstood? • What are the earliest signs, and how do symptoms change with age? • How does dyslexia impact learning? • Are some kids more at risk than others? • What are the most common myths that persist about dyslexia? • How are schools screening for dyslexia? • What kinds of supports might be included in an IEP for a child with dyslexia? • How does Boston Children’s Learning Disabilities Program support kids with learning challenges? • How does dyslexia impact confidence and emotional health? • What new research is shaping how we diagnose and treat dyslexia? • What are Dr. Pierce’s Doctor’s Orders to help kids diagnosed with dyslexia? This episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and practical tips for parents who want to help their child build skills and self-confidence on the road to reading.

  8. 06/27/2025

    How do I cope with the loss of my child?

    In this moving episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold speaks with Dr. Richard Goldstein, director of the Robert’s Program on Sudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital. They discuss the unimaginable experience of losing a child and how families can begin to cope. Dr. Goldstein shares what he’s learned about grief, healing, and staying connected after loss. Together they address the following questions: • How often does child loss occur in the U.S., and how many of these losses remain medically unexplained? • What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? • Who is most at risk for sudden unexplained infant death? • How does the loss of a child affect a parent’s identity and emotional well-being? • What is role of confusion in grief, and how do parents experience it? • How can friends and family support grieving parents without causing more pain? • What is prolonged grief disorder? • How might the grief experience differ between parents and within couples? • How does the death of a sibling affect surviving children? • What is the dual process model of grief and how does it help parents cope? • What are transitional objects of grief? • How does the Robert’s Program help families? • What kinds of questions do grieving parents need help answering? • What emotional and practical resources are available for bereaved families? • What research is being conducted about unexplained pediatric deaths? Grief is not something to fix — it's something to carry. Listen to the full episode to hear how parents can move forward while keeping their child's memory alive.

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5
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About

The Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast is where the world comes for answers. For families who want to know a little bit about everything when it comes to raising healthy kids, we’re ready to help! Join our host, Dr. Jennifer Arnold — a neonatologist, mom, and former star of the show The Little Couple, as she guides us through each topic. Hear from Boston Children’s experts as they share insight and tips for navigating the common concerns parents might have when it comes to their child’s wellbeing. From injury prevention to managing chronic pain to mental health challenges, we’ve got you covered.

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