Pediatrics Now for Parents

👉 From the Front Lines to Family Life: How to Build Resilience in Ourselves and Our Kids — with Benjamin Hall

Journalist Benjamin Hall joins Pediatrics Now to recount his 2022 injury in Ukraine, the rescue and medical care that followed, and the vital role his family played in his recovery. He reflects on resilience, teamwork, and the strength people find in crisis.Hall also discusses turning his experience into a children’s book about courage, truth, and standing up for others, and shares practical messages for families and communities about supporting loved ones through hardship.

“My Brain Feels Better”

Parents Lisa and Craig recount their son Ryan’s sudden, devastating onset of PANS—extreme OCD, emotional contamination, refusal to leave home, or even the couch.
Today we’re talking about PANS and PANDAS. These are conditions in which a child’s immune response to an infection—sometimes strep—can trigger sudden changes in behavior or psychiatric symptoms like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, or tics. It’s uncommon, but when it happens the changes can be dramatic, which is why awareness among parents and pediatricians is important.
Immunologist Dr. Anthony Infante describes using targeted autoimmune testing (Cunningham panel) and IVIG antibody infusions, which gradually restored Ryan’s sleep, hygiene, and social life and ultimately returned him to a healthy, functioning young adult.

Constipation, Stomach Pain and other Tummy Troubles

Host Holly Wayment talks to Pediatric GI specialist Dr. Anandini Suri who explains that constipation in children is often behavioral, frequently starting with rushed toilet training. She recommends patient toilet training, proper toilet posture with a stool under the feet, limiting screen time during bathroom visits, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate fluids, and regular outdoor activity.
For belly pain, try simple breathing exercises (for example, inhale 6 seconds, hold 3, exhale 8) and seek medical care if pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by blood. See a pediatrician if your child has fewer than three to four soft stools a week or if home measures don’t help. Probiotic or prebiotic drinks are generally safe but not proven to relieve constipation.

What’s that lump or bump in my child’s neck?

In this episode Host Holly Wayment talks with pediatric oncologist Dr. Shafqat Shah explains why most lumps and bumps in children’s necks are caused by common infections and usually resolve with time and supportive care. She reviews where lymph nodes are located, typical symptoms, and home care tips.
Dr. Shah also covers warning signs that need prompt evaluation — persistent or growing nodes, hard or fixed lumps, supraclavicular locations, prolonged fevers, weight loss, or other systemic symptoms — and explains when to call your pediatrician or seek emergency care.

Listen to Your Gut: Practical GI Tips for Busy Parents

Dr. Sarah Marucci joins Pediatrics Host Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now for Parents to explain common gut symptoms, warning signs that need medical attention, and why everyday choices matter more than trendy supplements. They discuss diet, probiotics, fermented foods, H. pylori testing, and how gut health uniquely affects girls and women.
Practical takeaways: focus on fiber and varied foods, watch for bleeding or sudden weight loss, keep open conversations with kids about bowel habits, and seek care when symptoms persist.

Newborn Screening Explained: How a Few Drops Save Lives

Host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Alice Gong where she explains explains newborn screening: a few drops of blood (done at 24–48 hours and again at 7–14 days in Texas) detect dozens of conditions early so babies who look well can get life-saving treatment.
The episode covers blood screening, hearing and critical congenital heart disease checks, common conditions like PKU, new treatments such as gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, and the importance of timely follow-up with your pediatrician.

Whooping cough outbreak and a tough flu season predicted

Host Holly Wayment speaks with pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Deena Sutter about pertussis (whooping cough) and the approaching flu season. They explain how pertussis spreads, why maternal Tdap during pregnancy protects newborns, and when exposed family members should get antibiotics or seek care.
They also discuss signs of severe illness in infants, practical tips like nasal suctioning for young babies, and the importance of timely vaccinations—especially flu shots—to reduce severe cases and hospitalizations this season.

Sunken or Pigeon Chest? A Parent’s Guide to Pectus

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, I’m talk with Dr. Ian Mitchell about two common chest wall differences in children—pectus excavatum (a sunken chest) and pectus carinatum (a chest that sticks out).
If your child has recently been diagnosed, this conversation will help you better understand what it means, what to expect, and what your options are. And if you’ve simply noticed a difference in your child’s chest, we’ll walk through when it’s something to keep an eye on—and when to seek care.
We cover what causes these conditions, whether they run in families, and the different treatment options—from non-surgical approaches like bracing or a vacuum bell, to surgery when needed—and what recovery looks like.
Just as important, we talk about how this can affect a child’s confidence and why listening to their feelings matters just as much as the physical side.
Clear, reassuring guidance for parents—whether you’re just noticing something or already navigating a diagnosis.

Goat Milk Formula FDA Approved: What Parents Should Know

Join Host Holly Wayment and national feeding expert Dr. Cynthia Blanco,  where Dr. Blanco explains the FDA approval of goat milk infant formula, how it compares to cow's milk and human breast milk, and why breastfeeding remains the optimal nutrition for babies.
She urges parents to use only FDA-approved infant formulas (not whole milk), follow pediatric advice, be patient with common infant issues like reflux or colic, and ensure babies are thriving and gaining weight.

Understanding motor and vocal tics

Learn how to recognize tics, when to see your pediatrician, and why most tics are harmless and treatable. Videotaping movements and getting the right diagnosis are key first steps.
Dr. Sheldon Gross explains common motor and vocal tics, their impact on a child’s well-being, and when referrals to specialists may help. The focus is on support, evaluation, and simple steps parents can take.