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Episode 190 with neonatologist, author and podcast host, Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie who talks about her new book,  We talk about the challenges of parenting, particularly in the newborn phase. She emphasizes the importance of bonding with babies, the role of community support, and the impact of modern technology on parenting. Dr Joanna offers practical advice for navigating the early days of parenthood. The discussion highlights that while parenting can be overwhelming, focusing on relationships and being present can lead to fulfilling experiences.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, I’m joined by Dr. Larry Waldman, a behavioral psychologist and author of Who's Raising Whom?, to unpack how behavioral psychology can make parenting easier — and more effective. We talk about how small, consistent changes in how we respond to our children can lead to big shifts in their behavior.

You’ll learn:

• Why kids sometimes misbehave just to get attention — and how to turn that around
• How to use praise and logical consequences that actually work
• Why consistency matters more than perfection

Whether you’re dealing with whining, ignoring, or sibling chaos, this conversation is full of practical tools to help you parent with less stress and more confidence.

📘 Learn more about Dr. Waldman’s work at topphoenixpsychologist.com
📚 Books mentioned: Who's Raising Whom?, Coping with Your Adolescent, Love Your Child More Than You Hate Your Ex

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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Bedwetting is incredibly common—but it’s also often misunderstood, leaving families feeling frustrated, confused, or even ashamed. In this episode, pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch joins Dr. Jessica Hochman to demystify nighttime wetting and offer real, evidence-based guidance for parents.

They explore:

• Why bedwetting happens (hint: it’s not your child’s fault)
• When to worry and when to wait
• The truth about bedwetting alarms and medications
• A promising new non-drug device called Soluu that could reshape how we treat bedwetting

Whether you're in the thick of it with your child or just want to be prepared, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and plenty of practical tips.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with therapist and screen-time educator Julie Frumin about the digital world kids are growing up in—and how to push back. They explore the rise in anxiety, sleep deprivation, and attention issues linked to screens, and how we can respond as parents and communities. Julie shares her personal story, professional insights, and her work with Healthier Tech and MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction). From delaying smartphones to modeling unplugged behavior to creating phone-free spaces, this conversation is filled with realistic, empowering tools to help kids—and adults—reclaim their time and well-being.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

In this episode of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh about his brand-new book, Between a Shot and a Hard Place. They discuss vaccine decision-making in today’s polarized climate, the importance of listening to parents, and how to navigate thoughtful conversations rooted in care and trust.

Dr. Hochman also shares her own perspective as a pediatrician who strongly supports vaccines and believes in creating space for respectful questions and dialogue.

If you're a parent looking to make informed, confident choices about your child’s health—or simply curious about how to talk about vaccines with more nuance—this is a conversation for you.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 📘 Between a Shot and a Hard Place by Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh:
  https://www.amazon.com/Between-Shot-Hard-Place-Warsh/dp/1662959710
• 🌐 Dr. Warsh’s website:
   https://integrativepediatricsandmedicine.com
• 📱 Follow Dr. Warsh on Instagram:
   https://www.instagram.com/drjoelgator/
• 🎧 Related Episodes:
   Episode 180 & 181 of Your Child is Normal with Dr. Paul Offit – for a science-forward perspective on vaccines.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with pediatric hospitalist and mom of three, Dr. Padget Skogman, for a refreshingly honest conversation about raising healthy kids in a very imperfect world. They dive into the real-life challenges of nutrition, screen time, and daily routines—offering practical, judgment-free advice for families who want to feel better without burning out.

Dr. Skogman shares how her experience as a physician and a mother shaped her views on food, wellness, and the importance of small, sustainable changes. The episode covers everything from lunchbox negotiations to decoding wellness trends, helping parents cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

Whether you're overwhelmed by wellness culture or just trying to get your kids to eat a vegetable, this episode is full of relatable moments and empowering guidance.

Connect with Dr. Padget Skogman:
Instagram: @padgetskogmanmd
Substack: padgetskogmanmd.substack.com
Website: padgetskogmanmd.com

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Zapf, a podiatrist who’s been treating kids’ feet for nearly 40 years. We cover the most common foot concerns I hear from parents—how to tell what’s normal, when to worry, and what you can do to support healthy feet at home. In this episode you'll hear tips on ingrown toenails, shoes, feet hygiene, Severs disease, plantar warts, and more!

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

This week on Your Child Is Normal, I’m joined by pediatric dietitian Cinthia Scott, co-author of Baby Leads the Way, to talk about starting solids, baby-led weaning, early allergen introduction, picky eating, and how to reduce the pressure we put on ourselves as parents. We cover practical tips like the “smush test,” how to reframe gagging, the myth of “food before one is just for fun,” and how to raise adventurous eaters without mealtime battles.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

In this episode, I'm joined by Melani Ladygo to explore the RIE approach — a respectful, relationship-based way of communicating with children from infancy onward. Developed by Magda Gerber in the late 1970s, RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) is built on the idea that even the youngest babies deserve to be treated as capable individuals, with mutual respect at the core.

Melani shares how RIE gives parents a practical framework for setting boundaries without being either too harsh or too permissive. We talk about what respectful caregiving actually looks like with infants and toddlers, how to respond to challenging behaviors like hitting, biting, and tantrums, and why staying calm and connected matters so much — even when emotions run high.

If you're looking for a parenting approach that blends empathy, clear boundaries, and authentic connection, this conversation will offer both inspiration and real-world tools you can start using right away.

👉 To learn more about RIE or find a certified RIE associate near you, visit RIE.org.

👉 To find Melani Ladygo check out her website

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

In Part 2 of my conversation with vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit, we take a deep dive into the most frequent vaccine questions families ask pediatricians today. We cover concerns like giving multiple vaccines at once, whether it’s safer to space out shots, why certain vaccines are given at birth, and how to explain the roles of preservatives like aluminum and thimerosal. Dr. Offit offers clear, evidence-based answers while also showing understanding for the emotions and uncertainty many parents feel.

Dr. Paul Offit is a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania, and the co-inventor of the RotaTeq vaccine. He’s served on the FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee and is one of the leading voices in vaccine education. His guidance has helped shape vaccine policy worldwide—and I couldn’t be more thankful he joined me for this conversation.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.