#368: Baby Led Feeding: What Parents Need to Know with Malina Malkani, R
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Release Date: 05/27/2025
#387: The Power of Failure and Quitting in Childhood Learning with Ana Fabrega
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Rethinking childhood education is more important than ever. In this inspiring episode, educator Ana Fabrega shares why traditional schooling is outdated and how parents can nurture creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills at home. She explains how systems like Synthesis are changing the future of learning through games and simulations, why failure is one of the most important gifts we can give our kids, and how parents can support curiosity outside of the classroom. You’ll walk away with practical tips for fostering independence, cultivating a love of reading, and encouraging kids...
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#386: Real Life Emergency Lessons Every Parent Should Hear with Shannon Tripp
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Medical emergencies with kids can feel overwhelming, but what if you knew exactly what to do? In this powerful and practical episode, pediatric ER nurse and mom of four, Shannon Tripp, joins us to share her real-world wisdom on how to handle scary moments with calm and clarity. You’ll learn how to differentiate between urgent care and ER visits, how to stay composed during a choking episode, when to worry about head injuries or broken bones and what symptoms matter most with fevers. We also dive into how to prevent three of the most common emergencies she sees in the ER, the one thing she...
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#385: What Most Pediatricians Don’t Tell You About Ear Infections With Dr. Elana Roumell
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Ear infections are one of the most common pediatric concerns, but treating them doesn’t always require antibiotics. In this solo episode, Dr. Elana walks you through natural ear infection remedies that support healing gently and effectively. She explains why the wait and see approach is often safer, when to see a provider, and how to know if ear tubes are really necessary. You’ll learn her favorite homeopathic remedies for fast relief, how to advocate for your child at the doctor’s office and what to do if infections keep coming back. If you’re ready to feel confident and...
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#384: What Moms Need to Know About Puberty and Mood Swings in Boys with Dr. Cara Natterson
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Puberty often begins earlier than most parents expect and shows up in subtle, easily missed ways. In this episode, we speak with bestselling author and pediatrician Dr. Cara Natterson to demystify the emotional, social, and physical changes boys go through during puberty. We discuss what early signs to watch for, why silence is often mistaken for disconnection, and how to keep communication open even when your child begins pulling away. You’ll learn what puberty really looks like (hint: it doesn’t start with facial hair), how hormones affect boys differently than girls, and what parents...
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#383 - Elana’s Birth Story Part 2 - Postpartum Healing and Tips for an Empowered Birth
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Postpartum recovery brings unique challenges and Elana opens up about the real-life adjustments of being a mom of four while nourishing a newborn. In this episode, she shares how she balances sleep deprivation, homeschooling and work while protecting her energy and finding joy in the newborn season. You’ll also hear her top tips for creating an empowered birth and recovery experience that leaves you feeling strong and supported. This is Part 2 of a two-part series. and the mindset lessons that set the stage for her postpartum journey. Topics Covered In This Episode: Navigating...
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#382: Elana’s Fourth Birth Story, Part 1 - Trusting the Process
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Birth stories are powerful and deeply personal, and in this episode, Elana opens up about the arrival of her fourth baby, Revi. From early labor and mindset shifts, to choosing a supportive birth team and trusting her intuition, Elana shares the details of her journey to a beautiful home birth at 42 weeks. You’ll hear how she navigated discouraging medical advice and outside influences, and the tools that made the biggest difference in her labor. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Be sure to also listen to Ep. 383 | Part 2, where Elana shares her postpartum experience and tips for a...
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#381: What Your Child’s Mouth Is Telling You About Their Health with Caity Hart
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Early airway health can shape your child’s long-term development more than you think. In this episode, myofunctional therapist and dental hygienist Caity Hart joins me to break down what parents need to know about expanders, guided growth appliances and how the mouth and airway are connected. We explore how structural oral issues like crowded teeth, mouth breathing and tongue posture can influence sleep, behavior and even facial development. Caity explains the difference between fixed and removable expanders, how to know if your child is a candidate and the importance of early assessment. We...
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#381: What Your Child’s Mouth Is Telling You About Their Health with Caity Hart
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Early airway health can shape your child’s long-term development more than you think. In this episode, myofunctional therapist and dental hygienist Caity Hart joins me to break down what parents need to know about expanders, guided growth appliances and how the mouth and airway are connected. We explore how structural oral issues like crowded teeth, mouth breathing and tongue posture can influence sleep, behavior and even facial development. Caity explains the difference between fixed and removable expanders, how to know if your child is a candidate and the importance of early assessment. We...
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#380: Pediatric Dental Health and Mouth Breathing: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Kalli Hale
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Snoring and mouth breathing are often dismissed, but for children, they can have life-altering effects. From behavioral challenges and ADHD-like symptoms to poor sleep, academic struggles, and even long-term health risks, airway issues can be the missing piece parents never considered. In this episode, dentist and airway health pioneer Dr. Kalli Hale uncovers how early intervention can reshape a child’s health, development, and future. You’ll learn what you can do to support crooked teeth and enlarged tonsils from an integrative approach, how orthodontics can go beyond braces to...
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#379: How Genetic Testing Helps You Personalize Healthcare & Vaccine Support With Natalie Samson
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Genetic testing is more than just ancestry results. It can be one of the most powerful tools for supporting your child’s long-term health and making informed medical decisions. In this empowering episode, Dr. Elana is joined by board-certified genetic counselor, Natalie Samson, to explore how DNA testing can help personalize everything from supplements to nutrition, vaccine protocols and emotional well-being. One of the most important parts of this conversation is how genetic insights can help assess vaccine risk. You’ll learn how inflammation markers, methylation, detox pathways and...
info_outlineStarting solids can feel like a confusing milestone but it does not have to be. In this episode, registered dietitian and infant feeding expert Malina Malkani joins us to unpack the latest research and practical strategies around baby led feeding, allergen introduction, and responsive feeding. Whether you are just starting solids or navigating food allergy concerns, this episode offers a reassuring and evidence-informed roadmap to help you feel confident in your feeding decisions.
We explore the difference between baby led feeding and traditional purees, when and how to safely introduce top allergens like peanut and egg, and how early feeding habits can shape a child’s long term relationship with food. Malina also shares common myths around choking, how to recognize readiness for solids, and why a flexible feeding approach often leads to less picky eating down the road.
This is a must listen for parents looking to reduce the overwhelm, ditch the food fears, and start solids with clarity and calm.
Topics Covered In This Episode:
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Baby-led feeding versus traditional purees
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How to prevent food allergies through early exposure
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Signs of readiness for solid food
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Responsive feeding and hunger cues
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How to reduce choking risk with first foods
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Safe ways to introduce peanut butter egg dairy and more
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How feeding flexibility supports picky eating prevention
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Tips for easing the mental load of starting solids
Show Notes:
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Follow @healthy.mom.healthy.kids on Instagram
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Pin healthymomhealthykids on Pinterest
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Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!
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Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s Substack Mindset + Metabolism where women can learn how to nourish their bodies, hit their health and body composition goals, and become the most vibrant version of themselves.
Are you confused about how and when to start your baby on solid foods, or looking for ways to reduce family mealtime stress? If you need guidance on navigating picky eating and feeding your kids well without losing sight of your own nutrition needs, you’ve come to the right place!
I help moms raise healthy, confident, adventurous eaters and tend to their own maternal nutrition needs as well. As a single mom of three girls and a registered dietitian nutritionist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition, I specialize in baby-led weaning and picky eating. If chaos, stress, and fatigue around food and feeding is what’s on your plate these days, I get it and have been there!
Nutrition is actually my second career. For my first 10 years post-Northwestern University undergrad, I worked in the performing arts (AEA, SAG-AFTRA) as a singer, actor, dancer and model based in New York. I traveled the country with national tours and appeared in regional theater and Off-Broadway shows, independent feature films and commercials. Throughout, I felt pressure from the industry 367.
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INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you!
Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only. All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.