Surviving Tiny Humans: 10 Minute Triage for Postpartum & Newborn Care

Dr. Kailey Buller
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Surviving that first year with a newborn isn’t supposed to feel like an escape room, but between clickbait, contradictory advice, sleepless nights, and the unpredictability of babies… it often does. Surviving Tiny Humans is fast, evidence-based postpartum and newborn support from Dr. Kailey Buller; physician, author, and mom of two. Each episode is a mini “triage moment” — what's true, what matters, and when to be seen. Covering newborn sleep, feeding, illness, postpartum recovery, mental health, and everything in between, this show is your weekly dose of sanity from a doctor who gets it.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Newborn Sleep Myth #4: Sleep Training means "Cry It Out"

    When parents hear “sleep training,” many immediately think one thing: cry it out. But are sleep training and "cry it out" really the same thing? In this episode of the Surviving Tiny Humans podcast, Dr. Kailey Buller breaks down one of the most common misunderstandings in baby sleep. We unpack: Why sleep training became synonymous with cry-it-out in the first placeThe difference between extinction, modified extinction (Ferber), and total extinctionWhy night weaning and sleep training are not the same thingParent-present methods like pick-up/put-down, the sleep ladder, and the Sleep Lady ShuffleWhy some crying is often part of learning—but that doesn’t mean neglectHow temperament and family capacity matter more than internet opinions This episode also introduces a flexible, customizable approach Dr. Buller calls the “Block Method”—a simple, developmentally appropriate system that allows you to choose: how long you might expect baby to go between feeds how much reassurance you provide and how much independence you’re ready for Because sleep training isn’t one rigid method. It’s a spectrum of tools—and some families truly need those tools. Key takeaway: Sleep training is optional. Cry-it-out is one method—not the definition. And you’re allowed to choose the approach that protects both your baby’s sleep and your sanity. If this episode helped, take a look at the Sleep Quick Tools linked here: https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/sleep-quicktools These are easy-to-implement supports that can help decipher night wakings navigate sleep regressionscreate a sustainable (and fair) overnight plan Or, for more guidance on what to know and how to start supporting sleep, download the free “7 Lies You’ve Been Sold About Sleep Training” guide: https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/sleep7 And, as always, be sure to follow so you don't miss the next episode!

    12 min

  2. FEB 8

    Colic vs. "Normal" Crying -- What's Going On & What To Try

    Newborn crying can feel endless — and when you’re sleep-deprived, it’s hard to know what’s normal and what might be something more. In this episode of Surviving Tiny Humans, Dr. Kailey Buller breaks down the difference between typical newborn crying (yes, it can be hours a day) and colic, using the classic “rule of threes” — and explains why colic isn’t really a diagnosis so much as a description of how much crying is happening. We’ll walk through the most common reasons babies cry excessively, including: an overstimulated nervous system (and how to use the 7 S’s to soothe) reflux (what to look for, and how to troubleshoot) an immature GI system (and simple ways to help) You’ll also learn one of the most practical, low-risk things to try if your baby is colicky or fussy, like reducing cow’s milk protein (not lactose) in your diet or choosing the right type of hydrolyzed formula. And at the end, Dr. Buller shares one of the only supplements with solid evidence for helping colic . If you’re in the trenches with a baby who won’t settle, this episode will help you feel less helpless and more clear on what’s worth trying next. If you want an even deeper breakdown, Surviving Tiny Humans covers colic and troubleshooting in more detail: https://a.co/d/0hNEhhnH Resources mentioned: the 7 S’s, cow’s milk protein vs lactose, and the probiotic Lactobacillus Reuteri -- strain DSM 17938. And don't forget to follow the show so you don’t miss the next triage!

    11 min

  3. FEB 1

    Newborn Sleep Myth #3: Can Sleep Training Ruin Attachment?

    Does sleep training harm your baby’s attachment… or their brain? If you’ve ever heard “crying raises cortisol, cortisol is the stress hormone, so sleep training is harmful” and felt completely uneasy about the idea of prioritizing sleep — this episode is for you. In this 10-Minute Triage, Dr. Kailey Buller slows the fear down and breaks it apart with calm, evidence-based clarity. We’ll cover what secure attachment actually is (and what it isn’t), why cortisol gets misunderstood online, and what high-quality research shows about sleep training and long-term outcomes — including when there’s some crying involved. You’ll also hear what is associated with harm (hint: chronic stress, severe sleep deprivation, and untreated parental distress matter), why short stress isn’t the same as trauma, and when sleep training might not be the right move right now. If you’ve been stuck in the exhausted-anxious loop, afraid to make any change in case you “do damage,” consider this your permission to be precise — not dramatic. Grab the “7 Sleep Training Lies” guide linked here: https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/sleep7 Next up: Sleep training doesn’t have to mean cry-it-out — we’ll talk options and how to choose a method that fits your baby and your nervous system.

    11 min

  4. JAN 25

    Sex After Babies: Pleasure, Not Pressure

    Sex and intimacy after having a baby can feel… different. Your body has changed. Your hormones are shifting (especially if you’re breastfeeding). You’re exhausted. Your nervous system is stuck in care-mode. And somehow you’re supposed to just “get back to normal” at six weeks? Nope. In this episode, we talk about what’s actually happening postpartum that affects desire and comfort, why there’s no timeline you’re meant to follow, and how pressure—whether it comes from a partner, society, or yourself—often makes everything worse. We’ll also reframe what intimacy can look like right now (hint: it does not have to mean sex), how to tell when you might be ready to try physical intimacy again, and why pain is information—not something you should push through. Plus: a direct note for partners—because one of the biggest libido killers after baby isn’t hormones… it’s mental load. Support isn’t “extra.” It’s the foundation. If intimacy feels awkward, off your radar, or just not worth the effort right now—this episode is your permission slip to slow down. Bottom line: Intimacy after baby should be guided by pleasure, not pressure. There is no deadline. Free resources for postpartum recovery and reconnecting are linked here: https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/sex If this helped, follow the show so you don’t miss the next triage.

    11 min

  5. JAN 18

    Newborn Sleep Myth #2: Can You Sleep Train Before 1 Year? -- Or Should You Wait?

    One of the most common pieces of sleep advice parents hear is this: “You shouldn’t sleep train before one year old.” But is that actually true—and could waiting sometimes make things harder? In this episode of Surviving Tiny Humans: 10-Minute Triage for Your Baby, Body, and Mind, Dr. Kailey Buller breaks down where this belief comes from, why it persists, and what the evidence actually says. We talk about: Why sleep skills are regulation skills, not advanced cognitive tasks How babies begin learning sleep fundamentals from the very beginning What can happen when parents delay all sleep teaching out of fear or guilt Why gentle, age-appropriate sleep teaching is often easier earlier, not later What sleep teaching does (and does not) look like in young babies How sleep needs—and appropriate strategies—change from newborns to 4–5 months and beyond This episode walks through practical, developmentally appropriate approaches by age and explains how consistency, environment, routines, and small pauses can support healthier sleep without harming attachment or connection. Dr. Buller also shares her own experience navigating severe sleep deprivation—and why, for some families, structured sleep training can be safer and healthier than the alternative. Key takeaway: Sleep skills don’t suddenly become “safe” at one year old. There are ways to support healthy sleep—gently and responsively—much earlier than that. And sleep training is optional, but sleep deprivation doesn’t have to be the cost of avoiding guilt. Download the free “7 Lies You’ve Been Sold About Sleep Training” guide linked here: https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/sleep7 And follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming episodes breaking down sleep methods, night feeding, and how to protect connection while teaching sleep.

    11 min

  6. JAN 12

    Co-Sleeping Triage: A Reality Check

    Should you—or should you not—co-sleep with your baby? Most parents have heard the warnings: don’t do it, it’s dangerous, never even consider it. But real life doesn’t always match the ideal—and avoiding the conversation entirely can actually make things riskier. In this episode of Surviving Tiny Humans: 10-Minute Triage for Your Baby, Body, and Mind, Dr. Kailey Buller—physician, mom of two, and author of Surviving Tiny Humans—breaks down what really matters when it comes to co-sleeping, without shame or scare tactics. We cover: How common co-sleeping actually is (even when no one admits it) Why “accidental” sleep on couches or chairs can be higher risk than planned co-sleeping What safe sleep truly means—and how co-sleeping fits into the bigger picture Practical harm-reduction steps if co-sleeping is happening How to make safer choices in imperfect, exhausted, real-world situations This episode isn’t about telling you what you should do—it’s about helping you make informed decisions and avoid riskier setups when reality hits at 3 a.m. Key takeaway: Ideal sleep is great when it’s possible. But when it’s not, the safest available option matters more than guilt or shame. Because safe sleep isn’t one rigid rule—it’s thoughtful triage. If this helped, follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on setting up realistic sleep environments and navigating early-parent exhaustion!

    6 min

  7. JAN 5

    Breastmilk vs. Formula -- What Actually Matters

    Is breastmilk really better than formula? And if it is… why does this question feel so loaded? In this episode of Surviving Tiny Humans: 10-Minute Triage for Your Baby, Body, and Mind, Dr. Kailey Buller—physician, mom of two, and author of Surviving Tiny Humans—breaks down the medical reality, the emotional weight, and the systemic pressures behind infant feeding decisions. We talk honestly about: The actual medical differences between breastmilk and formula Why, for most healthy babies, those differences are smaller than you’ve been led to believe The most common barriers to breastfeeding—and why they’re usually systems failures, not personal ones Why “fed is best” often gets said… but not truly supported The benefits and trade-offs of both breastmilk and formula Why feeding doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing (hello, combo feeding and expressed breast milk) This episode also tackles the myth that not breastfeeding is a personal failure—and why praising breastmilk without supporting women (paid leave, access to lactation care, partner support, realistic workplaces) misses the entire point. Key takeaway: Feeding your baby is not a morality contest. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Your job is to nourish your baby and protect your family system. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, pump, combo feed, or change plans along the way—you are doing your job. If this episode helped, hit subscribe and join me for the next dose of sanity.

    10 min

  8. JAN 5

    Newborn Sleep Myth #1: You Should Never Let Your Baby Cry

    Few parenting beliefs are as emotionally loaded as this one: You should never let your baby cry. For many parents, this single idea creates exhaustion, anxiety, and deep guilt—along with the fear that one wrong decision could cause permanent harm. In this episode of Surviving Tiny Humans: 10-Minute Triage for Your Baby, Body, and Mind, Dr. Kailey Buller—physician, mom of two, and author of Surviving Tiny Humans—slows this myth down and triages it properly. We unpack where this belief comes from, what the evidence actually says, and—most importantly—how to tell the difference between responsive waiting and neglect (because they are not the same). In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why crying is communication—not automatically harm • The difference between protest, frustration, and true distress • What research says about crying, cortisol, attachment, and brain development • Why responding doesn’t always mean intervening immediately • How pausing—when done safely—can actually help babies learn sleep skills • Why your own nervous system, tolerance, and values matter too We also talk honestly about the emotional side of this: listening to your baby cry can feel unbearable, even when something is safe. And no parenting approach should force you to choose between guilt and exhaustion. Key takeaway: Crying alone is not necessarily harmful. But fear, shame, and chronic exhaustion absolutely are. If this episode helped, download the free “7 Sleep Training Lies” guide for a simple, reassuring breakdown of this myth and the others. You can find it here: https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/sleep7 And follow the show so you don’t miss the next triage -- where we switch gears for a minute to talk about that age old question: is breastmilk superior to formula?

    10 min

  9. JAN 5

    Should You Sleep Train Your Baby -- Or Is It Harmful?

    Few parenting topics carry as much confusion, fear, and guilt as sleep training. Is it cruel? Does it harm attachment? Should you avoid it completely—or is avoiding sleep help actually making things worse? In this episode of Surviving Tiny Humans: 10-Minute Triage for Your Baby, Body, and Mind, Dr. Kailey Buller—physician, mom of two, and author of Surviving Tiny Humans—kicks off a new mini-series called “7 Myths”, starting with the myths that keep parents stuck and exhausted when it comes to baby sleep. We reframe “sleep training” as sleep teaching—a skill that can be taught in many developmentally appropriate, responsive, and loving ways—and break down what the evidence actually says. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why sleep training isn’t automatically harmful or cruel What research says about attachment, brain development, and crying Why chronic sleep deprivation matters more than most parents are told The difference between responsive waiting and neglect Why there’s no single “right” method—and how to find what fits your family You’ll also hear a practical, no-pressure starting point for what to do tonight—without becoming a sleep expert or making drastic changes. Key takeaway: Sleep is not a luxury. It’s a biological need—for babies and parents. And there is no prize for suffering. Download the free companion guide “7 Lies You’ve Been Sold About Sleep Training” here: https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/sleep7 And subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode—where we dive deeper into the myth that trips parents up the most.

    11 min

  10. JAN 5

    Emergency ABCs: Do I need the ER? Or can I stay home?

    When your baby seems off, it’s hard to know whether you’re dealing with a true emergency… or something that feels scary but can safely wait. This episode is about helping you make that call with clarity and confidence. In this 10-minute triage, Dr. Kailey Buller—physician, mom of two, and author of Surviving Tiny Humans—walks you through the same simple framework used by paramedics and emergency departments every day: The Primary Survey, or Emergency ABCs. You’ll learn: How to recognize dangerous breathing vs normal baby noises What “circulation” means at home (hydration and colour) When behaviour changes really matter—and when to trust your gut Why inconsolable crying is always a valid reason to seek care The key fever situations that should never be ignored Most importantly, you’ll leave with a grounding checklist to ask yourself in stressful moments: Are they breathing normally, having wet diapers, and alert and consolable? If yes—you likely have time to think. If no—you go to the ER. If you would like my free, no-thinking-required ABC flowchart you can download it here: https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/infant-er-flowchart Because being cautious isn’t overreacting—and you’re never wasting anyone’s time by keeping your baby safe. Subscribe so you don’t miss the next triage.

    9 min

  11. TRAILER

    Intro to Surviving Tiny Humans

    If you're a new or expecting parent wondering what actually matters -- and what you can safely ignore -- you're in the right place. Parenting today comes with an overwhelming amount of advice: social media reels, late-night Google searches, well-meaning opinions from everyone you know... and somehow the pressure to do everything perfectly (including baking sourdough bread). In this podcast, physician and mom Dr. Kailey Buller offers practical, evidence-based, guilt-free triage for your baby, body and mind. We'll talk newborn sleep, feeding, postpartum recovery, hormones, mental health, relationships, and the many things that are surprisingly normal -- but rarely talked about. Most parenting decisions aren't black and white. There's more than one way to be a great parent. And you don't need to have it all together to be a loving, capable keeper of tiny humans. If you're looking for advice that feels grounding instead of overwhelming, hit follow. You're not meant to do this alone. Let's survive these tiny humans -- together.

    2 min

Trailer

About

Surviving that first year with a newborn isn’t supposed to feel like an escape room, but between clickbait, contradictory advice, sleepless nights, and the unpredictability of babies… it often does. Surviving Tiny Humans is fast, evidence-based postpartum and newborn support from Dr. Kailey Buller; physician, author, and mom of two. Each episode is a mini “triage moment” — what's true, what matters, and when to be seen. Covering newborn sleep, feeding, illness, postpartum recovery, mental health, and everything in between, this show is your weekly dose of sanity from a doctor who gets it.

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