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. 10h ago

    Your Daughter’s Period Is a Vital Sign, And Why We Shouldn’t Ignore It with Fertility Specialist and Author Dr. Natalie Crawford

    As a pediatrician, I was not asking enough questions about my patients' periods. We ask when the last one was. We rarely go deeper than that. And after this conversation, I will never approach it the same way again. I sat down with my friend and colleague Dr. Natalie Crawford, reproductive endocrinologist, fertility specialist, and author of The Fertility Formula. Here is what I want every parent raising a girl to understand: the menstrual cycle is not just a monthly inconvenience. It is one of the most important windows into your daughter's hormonal health, her long-term fertility, and her overall wellbeing. And the symptoms we keep brushing off as "just puberty" or "just a bad period" are often the first clues to conditions that will matter deeply later in life. In this episode, we cover: Why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign and what that means for the girls in your life The warning signs parents and pediatricians too often dismiss as normal What a first period should actually look like, and when irregular cycles need to be taken seriously Hypothalamic amenorrhea: the condition linked to over-exercising, under-eating, and chronic stress that silently affects estrogen during some of the most critical years of development PCOS in teens: why it does not always look the way doctors expect, and why so many girls get missed Thyroid disease and how it shows up in the menstrual cycle before anything else Endometriosis in adolescents: when period pain is not normal and what to do about it Why birth control is sometimes the right treatment but not always the full answer How to advocate for your daughter when you feel dismissed at the doctor's office The referral path from pediatrician to OB to specialist, and when to push for more Connect with Dr. Natalie Crawford on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, visit her site https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/ and buy her new book: https://a.co/d/0byHPtzr Here is the revised list of 20 chapters, spaced out chronologically to cover the entire duration of the provided text for "Podcast Natalie Crawford Final.mp3.txt": 00:00:00 The Paternalistic History of Women's Health 00:01:19 Introducing Dr. Natalie Crawford & The Fertility Formula 00:02:56 The Stigma of Cycle Tracking and Menstrual Shame 00:04:53 Dr. Mona's Personal Battle with Secondary Infertility 00:06:00 Overcoming the Unknown and Paternalism in Medicine 00:08:11 Empowering Younger Women to Advocate for Their Bodies 00:10:27 Raising Children to Trust Their Physical Cues 00:11:32 Dr. Crawford's Personal Experience with Pregnancy Loss 00:13:13 Shifting Medical Research Toward Natural Fertility 00:16:33 Cultivating Fast Vulnerability in Doctor-Patient Bonds 00:18:15 The Ovarian Vault and the Biology of Puberty 00:20:25 The Brain-Ovary Dance: Follicular vs. Luteal Phases 00:21:59 Static on the Walkie-Talkie: Environmental Disruptors 00:23:40 Red Flags: School Refusal and Endometriosis Risk 00:26:03 Beyond the Basics: Upgrading Pediatric Screening Questions 00:30:11 Deep Dive into Hypothalamic Amenorrhea 00:33:14 The Metabolic Realities of Living with PCOS 00:41:43 The Diagnostic Criteria for PCOS and Clinical Workups 00:44:16 Thyroid Disease and Its Impact on Reproductive Hormones 00:48:15 Long-Term Health Risks Linked to Untreated Infertility 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: Raising a Flexible Eater

    If your toddler begged for mac and cheese, took one bite, and declared it disgusting, this episode is for you. Picky eating is one of the most common and most stressful phases of childhood, but the good news is there are real, practical things you can do before it starts and when you are already deep in it. Dr. Mona sits down with Jennifer Friedman, registered pediatric dietitian, picky eating expert, and founder of Feeding Picky Eaters, to break down what actually works at the dinner table and why letting go of control might be the most powerful thing you can do as a parent. In this episode, we cover: The three things you can do right now to prevent picky eating before it starts Why the feeding relationship matters more than any single meal How to get out of a menu rut without overhauling everything The stoplight food method to bring variety back to the table Why flexibility with food is a muscle, and how to build it in your kids The Division of Responsibility and why trying harder at the table often backfires How to let go of mealtime expectations so everyone can actually enjoy the meal Want more? Click here for the 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. Jun 17

    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: https://go.shopmy.us/p-65451601 (paid link) 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

  4. Jun 15

    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

  5. 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://go.shopmy.us/p-65451639 (paid link) 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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