Pediatrics Now for Parents

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 bre...

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 lo...

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...

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 atrop...

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...

In this episode Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Ian Mitchell about common chest wall differences in children — pectus excavatum (sunken chest) and pectus carinatum (pigeon chest). They cover causes, family patterns, and when to seek care.

Dr. Mitchell explains non-surgical options like bracing and the vacuum bell, surgical repair with the Nuss procedure, typical recovery, activity limits, and the importance of listening to the child...

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 b...

Host Holly Wayment interviews this highly experienced pediatric psychiatrist .  Dr. Boddapadi  explains that autism has no single cause — it’s multifactorial, involving strong genetic risks and environmental factors.  Vaccines have been ruled out as a cause, and  evidence  shows a very weak association with Tylenol.

The conversation emphasizes taking care of maternal health, discussing medications with clinicians, following evidenc...

Its back! Host and Executive Producer Holly Wayment interviews Jacklynn Ware of Project YES, a free, evidence-based online mental health resource for teens with short, anonymous modules that cover mood, anxiety, body image, safety planning, and more.  Its back, better than ever, right when teens need it more that ever.  And that includes the option of watching a video of the "World's Most Adorable Porcupine" chomp on a pumpkin.

Acc...

Join Host Holly Wayment and UT Health San Antonio and University Health's Infectious disease specialist Dr. Deena Sutter.   They discuss recent Chikungunya outbreaks, how mosquito-borne viruses (chikungunya, dengue, Zika) spread, and who is most at risk. Dr. Sutter explains symptoms—especially Chikungunya’s debilitating joint pain—and severe outcomes for newborns and the elderly.

Dr. Sutter reviews practical prevention: remove stan...

Join Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now as she delves into the transformative power of self-compassion with expert Dr. Karen Bluth. Discover how self-compassion can help teens combat anxiety, depression, and stress, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Dr. Bluth shares insights from her extensive experience, and practical tools for parents and educators to support teens, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, common huma...

Join Holly Wayment and Dr. Ted Wu on Pediatrics Now for Parents as they delve into the critical topic of sepsis, a potential risk for children following viral infections. Dr. Wu, a seasoned pediatrician and father, who works in the pediatric ICU, discusses the progression of this serious condition and its symptoms, often resembling the flu or a cold. He emphasizes the importance of early detection, citing signs like altered mental ...

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment is joined by Dr. Ted Wu, a seasoned pediatric critical care physician, to discuss crucial topics surrounding child safety and health. With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Wu shares insights on the importance of prevention, particularly in avoiding accidental injuries in children.

The conversation delves into water safety, highlighting the significant risks asso...

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment explores essential vaccine insights with infectious disease expert, Dr. J.B. Cantye, who is also a father of three. Discover updated COVID-19 and flu vaccination recommendations for children, understand the significance of the three-dose COVID vaccine regimen, and learn why both flu and COVID vaccines should be prioritized for your kids' health. Dr. Cantey shares the...

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, hosted by Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio and University Health, we discuss the pressing topic of measles, which is on the minds of many parents. Joining the discussion is Dr. Jason Bowling a leading expert in infectious diseases with 15 years of experience, who provides a deep dive into the current measles outbreak. 

Bowling and Wayment explore ...

Part Two Join Holly in this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents as she delves into the transformative practice of motivational interviewing with expert Dr. David Roberts. Discover how this unique approach can aid parents in effectively communicating with their children, addressing common parenting struggles, and nurturing intrinsic motivation in kids. Whether it's breaking down resistance or guiding adolescents towards healthier ...

Join Holly and Dr. David Roberts, a tenured associate professor of psychiatry at UT Health, as they dive into the transformative approach of motivational interviewing or M. I.

Discover how this technique empowers parents to help their children to make positive health choices by reflecting.  Whether it’s helping children with dietary challenges or adolescents navigating chronic conditions, motivational interviewing offers a unique w...

Balancing Fatherhood and Leadership: Insights from Paypal and Venmo's Head of Customer Service

Join mother and host Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now for Parents as she talks with Matthew Anderson, a father of five and Vice President of Customer Service for PayPal and Venmo. Anderson shares his personal experiences and offers valuable advice on navigating the overwhelming world of medical information, stressing the importance of part...