261: Parenting Stress and Coping with Your Child's Medical Condition

Hearing that your child has a medical diagnosis throws a new kind of stress and strain into the parenting arena. Whether the diagnosis is transient or severe, increased parental anxiety is a common issue that presents many twists and turns. Today’s guest shares a pediatrician’s perspective on supporting parents’ mental health through this process. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Kelly Fradin is a pediatrician and the author of Advanced Parenting: Helping Kids Through Diagnoses, Differences, and Mental Health Challenges. She is a mother of two and a child advocate based in New York City. 

Currently the Director of Pediatrics at the Atria Institute, she was inspired to become a doctor because of her experience of surviving childhood cancer. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, and she has dedicated her career to caring for children with complex medical conditions, using her skills in academic clinics, private practice, inpatient units, and schools. In addition to sharing information from her new book, Dr. Fradin shares realistic and powerful parenting advice and children’s health information on her Instagram account: @adviceigivemyfriends. 

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Kelly’s childhood cancer journey opened her eyes to the mental health needs of parents

Why we should normalize and talk about the challenges that come with new parenthood–and anticipate that trying times will come

Why it is important to have an honest relationship with your doctor and your child’s doctor

How feeding challenges come up for a new baby as a very common issue and diagnosis

How a child’s diagnosis can lead to excessive worry, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts

How a more serious diagnosis and a larger medical care team lead to a more complex responsibility and anxiety

Why parents should NOT try to “do it all” themselves but should accept help and delegate responsibilities to others

How a NICU experience can impact parents’ mental health (While in the NICU, don’t be afraid to ask for what you need!)

What the reality is in coping with a diagnosis and the stigma that follows in the “what’s next?” phase

Why it helps fight feelings of isolation to be open with your circle of family and friends

Why it’s OK to give yourself permission to feel anger in addition to frustration and sadness

How a couple may experience their child’s diagnosis in very different ways 

What Dr. Fradin’s book shares about information and coping strategies for parents

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Kelly Fradin: Website, Instagram, and Book

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

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