14 episodes

Raising a child is as exhilarating as it is exhausting. It must be easier for my kid’s doctor, right? Two pediatricians embark on their own 18-year journeys to answer that very question… Maybe more than 18 years. We’ll see…
Join Dr. Valerie Lawrence and Dr. Philip Magcalas as they pool their collective experiences to help you plan, commiserate, and provide reassurance from before the baby is even born, to everything that comes after.

Science-based guidance from people who get it.

Episodes every other week, with bonus mini-episodes in weeks in between.

Who Needs Sleep‪?‬ Two Tired Docs

    • Kids & Family
    • 4.9 • 15 Ratings

Raising a child is as exhilarating as it is exhausting. It must be easier for my kid’s doctor, right? Two pediatricians embark on their own 18-year journeys to answer that very question… Maybe more than 18 years. We’ll see…
Join Dr. Valerie Lawrence and Dr. Philip Magcalas as they pool their collective experiences to help you plan, commiserate, and provide reassurance from before the baby is even born, to everything that comes after.

Science-based guidance from people who get it.

Episodes every other week, with bonus mini-episodes in weeks in between.

    Feed, Feed, Repeat! Part 2: Newborn Feeding

    Feed, Feed, Repeat! Part 2: Newborn Feeding

    Feeding a newborn can be one of the more challenging parts of you and your infant getting to know each other. But however you get your baby the nutrition they need, there are some classic tips, tricks, and things to expect.
    In this, the second part of our newborn feeding episode, we discuss topics like:
    -Choosing a durable, safe, cleanable bottle (we recommend glass!)
    -Expect the unexpected! Nobody knows exactly which nipple type your infant is going to prefer, so there's no need to buy absolutely everything ahead of time. Partially because...
    -You are going to lose things!
    -Choosing a formula for your baby (hint: most of them are pretty much the same, because it's the law!)
    -Safety of formula is not assured, if it has had tp be shipped from overseas, unfortunately.
    -How to make (and how not to make!) that formula
    -Vitamin D is important for all newborn babies, not just breastfed babies!
    -Plain water is dangerous for newborns, even if it's hot out...
    -Safe breastmilk storage can be a but confusing, but storage bag packaging often has got your back (and ours!), in a pinch!
    It can be a overwhelming, but you are in good company! Reach out to your child's doctor, your lactation consultant, your ob/gyn, and friends and family for support!
     
    Want to hear more specifically about breastfeeding? Feel free to go back to. to the first part at https://www.twotireddocs.com/newbornfeeding1 and stay tuned for a dedicated breastfeeding episode, coming soon!
    For resources and guidance for specific portions of a child's life, check out the many resources at https://www.healthychildren.org (https://www.healthychildren.org) and scroll down to click "Prenatal," "Baby," "Toddler," "Preschool," "Grade school," "Teen," or "Young Adult," and then go from there!
     
    If you enjoy this episode, take a listen to our other episodes, and look out for the new episodes in the weeks to come. We would love it if you shared our show with anyone who you think would find it useful!
     
    Did we not quite answer your question? Contact us at 313-364-YAWN or at twotireddocs@gmail.com or leave us a message at https://www.twotireddocs.com (https://www.twotireddocs.com/)

    • 36 min
    "Big Emotions, Tiny Fists," Strategies for Dealing with Toddler Aggression

    "Big Emotions, Tiny Fists," Strategies for Dealing with Toddler Aggression

    Toddlers can go from happy and playful to punching or hitting without missing a beat.
    So what do you do when big feelings merge with lack of impulse control, and a toddler gets aggressive? In this episode, we answer a listener question that invites us to explore this very thing.
    Topics include:
    "My toddler is usually wonderful! Why do they suddenly get so aggressive?" (Hint: It's normal!)
    Sometimes being happy is as much of a trigger as being angry.
    Redirect and distract, when you can!
    Be clear when behavior is harmful or dangerous. Otherwise, wait it out until they can really listen, and validate a child's feelings.
    It's normal to feel overwhelmed, disappointed, or angry. Let your child know that!
    Avoiding trying to reason with a toddler mid-meltdown.
    A simple "No," without further explanation isn't effective in the long term.
    Support your toddler, and give them other outlets for their emotions.
    Dr. Val harbors a fervent dislike of participation trophies.
    ...and more!
     
    For resources and guidance for specific sections of a child's life, check out the many resources at https://www.healthychildren.org and scroll down to click "Prenatal," "Baby," "Toddler," "Preschool," "Grade school," "Teen," or "Young Adult," and then go from there!
    If you enjoy this episode, take a listen to our other episodes, and look out for the new episodes in the weeks to come. We would love it if you shared our show with anyone who you think would find it useful!
    Did we not quite answer your question? Contact us at 313-364-YAWN or at twotireddocs@gmail.com or leave us a message at https://www.twotireddocs.com (https://www.twotireddocs.com/)

    • 36 min
    Feed, Feed, Repeat! Part 1

    Feed, Feed, Repeat! Part 1

    Pretty much all you have to do for a newborn is keep them fed and growing. It's nature, so it should be easy... right?
    Well, it's complicated...
     
    Your hosts have dedicated an entire two-part episode to the process that is feeding a newborn. In this, the first part, we discuss:
    -How much your newborn infant needs to eat, and how often.
    -How to know your infant is getting enough, in the first few days of life.
    -When might you need to supplement?
    -I want to breastfeed, but is formula okay, if my baby needs it? (Hint: You do what's best for you and your baby!)
    -Expecting that your newborn baby knows exactly what to do for feeding, but maybe not yet how to do it well...
    -When to pump, and when to offer pacifiers.
    -"Nipple confusion" and whether or not it is actually a real thing...
    -When the baby relies on you for nutrition, make sure you have as much help and support as possible for everything else!
     
    Want to hear more specifically about the formula side of things? Stay tuned! More on that in Part 2!
    But don't worry, you got this!
     
    For resources and guidance for specific portions of a child's life, check out the many resources at https://www.healthychildren.org and scroll down to click "Prenatal," "Baby," "Toddler," "Preschool," "Grade school," "Teen," or "Young Adult," and then go from there!
     
    If you enjoy this episode, take a listen to our other episodes, and look out for the new episodes in the weeks to come. We would love it if you shared our show with anyone who you think would find it useful!
    Did we not quite answer your question? Contact us at 313-364-YAWN or at twotireddocs@gmail.com or leave us a message at https://www.twotireddocs.com (https://www.twotireddocs.com/)

    • 27 min
    Taking Care of a Newborn, or, "Extreme Makeover! Home Addition!"

    Taking Care of a Newborn, or, "Extreme Makeover! Home Addition!"

    You've spent months preparing for a newborn, mentally and physically (and financially!), and suddenly a brand new member of your family has made it into your home!!!  So.... What do we do now?
    In this supersized episode, your hosts help navigate the waters of getting your newborn baby (and you!) situated at home.
    We talk about things like
    -Sleep-wake cycles (or lack thereof, at this point!)
    -Expected feeding schedule
    -What should my baby be doing, for pooping and peeing?
    -The challenges of "safe sleep"
    -Finding time to do, well, anything...
    -When to see the pediatrician regularly, and when to call for help!
    -Weird things newborn babies do
    -Is it colic? Is it constipation? Is it none of the above? What is this baby doing?
    -The weird noises newborns make when they breathe
    ...and more!
     
    For a more in depth discussion on safe sleep, SIDS, and why the policy is the way it is, visit https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
    For resources and guidance for specific sections of a child's life, check out the many resources at https://www.healthychildren.org and scroll down to click "Prenatal," "Baby," "Toddler," "Preschool," "Grade school," "Teen," or "Young Adult," and then go from there!
     
    If you enjoy this episode, take a listen to our other episodes, and look out for the new episodes in the weeks to come. We would love it if you shared our show with anyone who you think would find it useful!
    Did we not quite answer your question? Contact us at 313-364-YAWN or at twotireddocs@gmail.com or leave us a message at https://www.twotireddocs.com (https://www.twotireddocs.com/)

    • 54 min
    Toddler v. Sibling: Another Challenger Approaches...

    Toddler v. Sibling: Another Challenger Approaches...

    The toddler temperament presents a unique parenting challenge, but adding another child into the mix is a whole different animal.
    Today, your hosts invite Healthy Steps specialist, Christy Bezrutczyk, MSEd, CLC, to help them answer a listener question about just what to do, when a toddler and a little sibling find themselves at odds.
    Together, they delve even deeper into the topic, and discuss things like:
    How do we approach the "toddler versus the world" mindset?
    How do we prepare a toddler (and ourselves!) for a change at home, and a change in the family, like the impending arrival of another child?
    What tools can we use to manage behaviors and provide support, that we can carry on to even later in life?
    How are these tools useful in our other relationships?
    When can we expect toddlers to actually be able to share?
    And what am I supposed to do, in the meantime?
     
    If you enjoy this episode, take a listen to our previous shows, and look out for the next episodes in the weeks to come. We would love it if you shared this episode with anyone who you think would find it useful!
    Didn't answer your question? Contact us at 313-364-YAWN or at twotireddocs@gmail.com or leave us a message at https://www.twotireddocs.com (https://www.twotireddocs.com/)
     
    Our guest today, Christy Bezrutczyk, MSEd, CLC has a background in special education and spent decades providing support for children through the Early Intervention Program. She is currently working as a Healthy Steps specialist, a certified lactation consultant, and teaches at SUNY Plattsburgh.
    She is employed at Mountain View Pediatrics, in Plattsburgh, New York, online at h (https://www.southdalepeds.com/)ttps://mvpediatrics.com.
    For more information on the Healthy Steps program and the resources that it provides to children through their primary care office, visit https://www.healthysteps.org

    • 35 min
    The Good, The Bad, and The Dirty - Talking Allergies with an Allergist!

    The Good, The Bad, and The Dirty - Talking Allergies with an Allergist!

    Today, we answer a listener question on immune system health, allergies, and sensitivities in children, with the help of our very first guest, allergy/immunology specialist, Dr. Britta Sundquist!
    Dr. Sundquist talks with your hosts about things like:
    Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and unscented products, and which ones might be more helpful,
    The relationship between exposures and sensitivities later in life,
    The origin of gut "flora" bacteria, and developing a diverse "microbiome,"
    The "hygiene hypothesis," and how that relates to allergies,
    And the importance of kids just getting dirty, on a regular basis (hint, the kid will make it easy for you!).
     
    If you enjoy this, stick with us! There is more on these topics to come...
    Didn't answer your question? Contact us at 313-364-YAWN or at twotireddocs@gmail.com or leave us a message at https://www.twotireddocs.com (https://www.twotireddocs.com)
     
    Our guest today, Dr. Britta Sundquist, is a practicing board-certified allergist, who takes care of patients from infancy through adulthood.
    She is currently employed at Southdale Pediatrics in Minnesota. For more information, visit https://www.southdalepeds.com (https://www.southdalepeds.com)

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 Ratings

triplestriplekids ,

Totally great

Really informative podcast from highly reputable physicians. Worth the listen!

MDs, but lost parenting to 3! ,

Seriously, good tips in here!

Ok, so my hubby and I may both be physicians, but we are not pediatricians and things fall apart when we try to put out these baby/toddler fires. This podcast is great because 1) Drs Val and Phil keep me laughing and 2) there is actually useful pieces of advice to use right away. That Feb 2 “Toddler v Sibling” podcast with guest speaker Christy really helped us learn how to diffuse situations with our middle child and her jealousy feelings toward her little 2 year old brother. Oh and 3) I like that the episodes aren't too long, just 30 min :)

Coolhand Ra ,

Very good parenting podcast!

I rarely leave reviews, but I really like how these two doctors break down the parenting process. After our first two kids, I thought I had this "parenting thing down," but with this third one I found I still have much to learn. This is a podcast that's in my rotation about things that didn't come up with my first two kids as well as some things that I needed reminding. Great job. Can't wait for more!

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