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. 13h ago

    How Fathers Can Raise Confident Kids (Even If No One Showed You How) with former Navy Seal Sniper Instructor Brandon Webb

    As a pediatrician and mom, I know firsthand how easy it is to get overwhelmed by standard parenting tips and the pressure to have a perfect family life. In a culture obsessed with quick fixes and curated social media fairy tales, so many couples feel like they are constantly falling short. On this channel, my goal is to share the beautiful, unglamorous reality of making relationships work. We cannot just hope for a happy marriage and connection to happen by chance…we have to be intentional about creating it. That is why I love bringing authentic guests onto the podcast to share real, unfiltered relationship advice. In this episode, I’m sitting down with former Navy SEAL sniper instructor and author Brandon Webb to talk about his brand new book, Puddle Jumpers. Brandon reminds us that we don’t have to succumb to public judgment or relationship anxiety. Real growth happens in our everyday routines, like setting core family values, prioritizing intentional quality time, and learning how to celebrate failure. By breaking down the illusion of perfection and working through messy parenting moments, we can move past the comparison trap and build a resilient, peaceful home. Why treating presence as an intentional choice rather than a balancing act is the key to lasting connection with your children. How choosing fewer distractions and putting down your phone can completely eliminate family disconnect and parenting anxiety. Easy, practical ways to establish a united co-parenting front and protect intentional habits like individual father-child trips. Why elite military instructors, pediatricians, and parents must embrace failure and small stressors as necessary stepping stones to confidence. Breaking down the distinct transition from a dictator parent to a counselor role as your children mature into adulthood. How a legendary Olympic coach used a mental management curriculum to teach positive self-talk, self-reflection, and unshakable grit. How to find joy in the mundane, unglamorous phases of parenting—like letting your kids jump in a messy mud puddle. Connect with Brandon Webb on Instagram @brandontwebb, visit his substack: https://brandontwebb.substack.com and buy his book Puddle Jumper: a.co/d/04S5vsnX 00:00 – Intro: Why Small Daily Challenges Build Confidence in Kids 02:45 – Meet Brandon Webb: Navy SEAL Sniper Instructor, Author, and Father of Three 03:37 – Brandon's Origin Story: Sailboat Childhood, Leaving Home at 16, and What It Taught Him About Fatherhood 09:33 – Why Parenting Content Ignores Dads and Why That Needs to Change 11:17 – What Navy SEAL Mental Training Has to Do With Raising Resilient Kids 15:22 – Why Modern Dads Feel Like Strangers in Their Own Homes (And How to Fix It) 21:01 – Ask Better Questions: Why "How Was Your Day?" Is a Dead End 25:09 – How Your Words Become Your Child's Inner Voice 28:36 – Ordinary Magic: Why Letting Kids Do Small Hard Things Is the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do 33:03 – Co-Parenting After Divorce: Staying a United Front When It's Hard 39:23 – How to Know When to Push Your Kid and When to Back Off 44:06 – Madison's Letter: The Return on Investment of Showing Up as a Parent 49:46 – Modeling Emotional Regulation: Kids Learn What They Live 53:22 – From Boss to Coach: How Your Parenting Role Has to Shift as Kids Get Older 58:11 – Final Advice for Dads: Be Present, Ask Better Questions, and Raise Good Decision-Makers 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 10m

  2. 2d ago

    The Follow-Up: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

    In this episode, Dr. Mona is joined by Chelsea and Caitlin, the founders of Mama Psychologists, to unpack a crucial topic that many new mothers face: the difference between the "baby blues" and more serious perinatal mood disorders. Together, they challenge the misconception that postpartum anxiety and depression always look like crying on the floor. Instead, they discuss the subtle, real-world signs—like the inability to hand your baby to a loved one without a racing heart or a mental to-do list that won't shut off at 3:00 AM. The "Baby Blues" vs. Postpartum Disorders: While the baby blues are an incredibly common reaction to the massive hormonal shifts right after birth, symptoms that persist, worsen, or significantly disrupt daily functioning may signal postpartum anxiety or depression. Signs of Postpartum Depression: Key red flags include a persistent low mood, an inability to enjoy things you used to love, and struggling to meet basic needs like eating, drinking, or showering. Signs of Postpartum Anxiety: This often manifests as racing thoughts, an intrusive "worst-case scenario" mindset, physical agitation (like a racing heart or tension), and difficulty turning off your mind to rest, even when the baby is sleeping. The Timeline Myth: Postpartum mood disorders don't always appear in the early weeks; they can frequently emerge four months postpartum or even later. Seeking support is vital, no matter how much time has passed since giving birth. Breaking the Silence: Many moms suffer in silence due to guilt, shame, or fear of judgment. Finding a safe person to talk to is the first step toward healing because suffering quietly is not a badge of honor. 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

    12 min

  3. Jun 10

    The Courage to Commit, Why Choosing Less Can Give Us More in Life and in Parenting with Andrew East and Shawn Johnson East

    As a pediatrician and mom, I know firsthand how easy it is to get overwhelmed by standard parenting tips and the pressure to have a perfect family life . In a culture obsessed with quick fixes and curated social media fairy tales, so many couples feel like they are constantly falling short . On this channel, my goal is to share the beautiful, unglamorous reality of making relationships work . We cannot just hope for a happy marriage and connection to happen by chance…we have to be intentional about creating it. That is why I love bringing authentic guests onto the podcast to share real, unfiltered relationship advice. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East and former NFL player Andrew East to talk about their brand new book, The Courage to Commit. Shawn and Andrew remind us that we don’t have to succumb to public judgment or relationship anxiety . Real growth happens in our everyday routines, like setting core family values, prioritizing weekly date nights, and learning how to celebrate failure . By breaking down the illusion of perfection and working through messy parenting moments, we can move past the comparison trap and build a resilient, peaceful home. Why treating commitment as an intentional choice is the key to lasting peace in marriage. How choosing fewer things and narrowing your focus can completely eliminate FOMO and relationship anxiety . Easy, practical ways to establish family values and protect intentional habits like weekly date nights . Why elite athletes, pediatricians, and parents must embrace failure as a necessary stepping stone to success. Breaking down the distinct voices in their new book, The Courage to Commit, and the inclusion of data-driven research. How a legendary gymnastics coach used reverse psychology to teach self-reflection and grit. How to find joy in the mundane, unglamorous preparation phases of parenting and family life. To connect with Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East follow them on Instagram @shawnjohnson and @andrewdeast and buy their new book, “The Courage to Committ”: https://thecouragetocommit.com/#pre-order  00:00:00 – Commitment vs. The Highlight-Reel Culture 00:01:22 – Introducing Shawn Johnson East & Andrew East 00:03:49 – Behind the Scenes of a Three-Year Book Journey 00:05:49 – Balancing Two Different Voices in Marriage & Writing 00:07:14 – Overcoming the Flaws of Modern Swipe Culture 00:11:11 – Why Society Hacks Relationships but Grinds in Sports 00:15:51 – The Ulysses Analogy: Drowning Out Distractions 00:18:42 – Defining Core Family Values & Setting Boundaries 00:23:07 – Choosing Depth Over Endless Variety 00:30:52 – Why the Cost of Maintenance is Cheaper Than Starting Over 00:37:11 – Knowing When to Persevere vs. When to Quit 00:50:11 – Finding Beauty in the Mundane, Unglamorous Moments 00:54:16 – Where to Buy The Courage to Commit & Final Review Call 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 2m

  4. Jun 8

    The Follow-Up: Identifying and Treating Eczema

    Eczema is common, frustrating, and often misunderstood. In this episode, we break down what eczema actually looks like at different ages, how specialists determine severity, and why treatment should always start with strengthening the skin barrier. We discuss: • How to recognize eczema, including how it differs in infants vs older children • How doctors determine mild, moderate, and severe eczema • When allergy testing is appropriate — and when it is not • Why blanket food panels can cause more harm than good • The risk of false positives and unnecessary elimination diets • How to build an eczema action plan • First-line skincare strategies that actually work • The role of moisturizers, emollients, and when prescription treatments are needed 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

    16 min

  5. Jun 3

    Raising Kids in a Country with Gun Violence: What Actually Helps with Moms Demand Action

    As a pediatrician, I spent years looking at firearm safety through a clinical lens—as a major public health crisis and a tragic statistic. But after practicing in South Florida during the Parkland shooting and becoming a mother myself, the stakes became deeply personal. My husband is an ER doctor who sees the devastating aftermath of gun violence firsthand, and as a parent, I refuse to accept that this is now the leading cause of death for American children. We cannot just treat the symptoms of this crisis in our clinics; we have to get out ahead of it, which is why I expanded my platform to advocate for change outside the exam room. Connecting with grassroots leaders like Angela Ferrell-Zabala reminds us that we don’t have to succumb to helplessness or political polarization. Real change happens in our everyday lives—like normalizing a simple question about secure firearm storage before a playdate, or supporting local legislation in our own backyards. Advocacy is a massive ecosystem, and as parents and healthcare providers, our voices carry immense weight. By breaking down political divides and working together, we can move past the noise and build a world where our children are safe to just be kids. What we discuss: Why treating gun violence as a public health issue is the key to real safety reform. The truth behind the leading cause of death for children in America and how to change it. How Moms Demand Action became a leading volunteer movement against gun violence. Easy, non-confrontational ways to ask other parents about safe firearm storage before playdates. Why ER doctors, pediatricians, and parents must work together to prevent gun injuries. Breaking down the impact of America’s historic federal gun safety legislation. How grassroots advocates are successfully outlawing 3D-printed firearms and machine gun conversion kits. How to find common ground and have constructive conversations with responsible gun owners. To connect with Angela Ferrell-Zabala follow her on Instagram @momsdemandaction and @FerrellZabala, check out all her resources at https://momsdemandaction.org/ and text “READY” to  64433. 00:00 – Introduction 02:18 – Meet Angela Ferrell-Zabala 04:19 – Shifting from Helplessness to Action 08:35 – The Diverse Impact of Gun Violence 13:58 – Finding Common Ground Across Political Lines 19:07 – Pressing Legislative Priorities & Recent Wins 24:39 – Simple Ways for Parents to Advocate 28:44 – Finding Joy and Closing Thoughts 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

    53 min

  6. Jun 1

    The Follow-Up: Strength Training While Pregnant

    Strength training in pregnancy can feel confusing with so much mixed advice online. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my conversation with Amy Kiefer and Krystle Holland of Expecting and Empowered to talk about how movement can support your body during pregnancy, prepare you for postpartum recovery, and help with the real physical demands of motherhood. We also cover warning signs to watch for after birth, why returning to exercise too quickly can backfire, and how to think about strength in a way that supports healing, not pressure. This episode is a helpful listen for anyone who wants a more practical, realistic approach to movement during and after pregnancy. In this episode, we cover: Why strength training can support the body during pregnancy How movement may help reduce common pregnancy aches and pains The connection between prenatal fitness and postpartum recovery Why mobility and pelvic floor function both matter before labor What to know about exercise clearance during pregnancy and postpartum Warning signs like leaking, pelvic pressure, or increased bleeding Why a slow return to activity matters after birth How pelvic floor therapy can support recovery The physical demands of motherhood and functional strength Letting go of bounce-back pressure and focusing on long-term health 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

  7. May 27

    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

  8. May 25

    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
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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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