The Best Birth Podcast Episode 24 - Baby Steps : Insights on Entering the World and Growth Milestones with Pediatrician Dr. Jon Schmidt
INTERVIEW OVERVIEW
Dr. John Schmidt, a pediatrician, discusses various topics related to raising young children. He emphasizes the importance of partnering with parents and provides insights on common concerns and questions. The conversation covers the role of a pediatrician in the birth room, delayed cord clamping, cord blood banking, jaundice in newborns, vitamin K shot, eye ointment, circumcision, lactation support, tongue ties, and feeding concerns. In this conversation, Dr. Schmidt discusses various topics related to infant feeding and development. She emphasizes the importance of allowing babies to eat when they're hungry and paying attention to their growth curve and velocity. She also provides insights into managing reflux in infants and the potential impact of altering the mother's diet while breastfeeding. Dr. Schmidt addresses common questions about newborn procedures, the vaccine schedule, and the benefits of reading to children. She encourages parents to trust their instincts and build a relationship with their pediatrician for better guidance and support.
TAKEAWAYS
Partnering with a pediatrician can provide support and guidance for parents in raising their children.
Delayed cord clamping is generally recommended, but the timing should be discussed with the OB and consider the baby's specific situation.
Cord blood banking is a personal choice and its long-term value is uncertain.
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, and monitoring bilirubin levels and ensuring adequate feeding can help manage it.
The vitamin K shot is important for preventing bleeding in newborns and is considered safe.
Eye ointment is used to prevent infections in newborns and is generally recommended.
The decision to circumcise is often influenced by cultural factors, and the medical benefits include a reduced risk of urinary tract infections.
Lactation support can be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, and pediatricians can help evaluate and address any issues.
Tongue ties can affect breastfeeding, and the decision to clip them depends on individual circumstances.
Weight loss in newborns should be monitored, and a personalized approach is necessary to ensure adequate nutrition.
Feeding concerns in older babies and toddlers may be related to behavior and should be addressed with patience and guidance. Allow babies to eat when they're hungry and pay attention to their growth curve and velocity.
Managing reflux in infants involves quantifying the amount of spit-up and considering growth chart trends.
Altering the mother's diet while breastfeeding may or may not make a significant difference in managing reflux.
Newborn procedures such as vitamin K, erythromycin ointment, and vitamin B shot have specific benefits and considerations.
Following the recommended vaccine schedule is supported by extensive surveillance data and provides effective protection against diseases.
Reading to children from an early age promotes brain development, creativity, and bonding.
Parents should trust their instincts and build a relationship with their pediatrician for guidance and support.
WORDS OF WISDOM
"Partnering with parents and caring for their kids"
"The OB is in charge until the baby comes out"
"Delayed cord clamping is the standard of care"
"Learn to eat when you're hungry."
"Reflux is a normal thing."
"When to start an acid blocker."
CHAPTERS
00:00 Partnering with a Pediatrician: Raising Confident Children
02:19 Navigating the Birth Room: The Role of a Pediatrician
04:07 Understanding Delayed Cord Clamping and Cord Blood Banking
06:17 Managing Jaundice in Newborns: Bilirubin Levels and Feeding
09:45 The Importance of the Vitamin K Shot and Eye Ointment
14:38 Circumcision: Cultural Factors and Medical Benefits
21:21 Monitoring Weight Loss in Newborns: Ensuring Adequate Nutrition
23:46 Feeding Concerns in Older Babies and Toddlers: Addressing Behavior
26:40 Managing Reflux in Infants
30:55 Considerations for Altering the Mother's Diet while Breastfeeding
34:49 The Benefits of Following the Vaccine Schedule
42:54 The Power of Reading to Children
45:33 Trusting Your Instincts and Building a Relationship with Your Pediatrician
TALKING POINTS
pediatrician, raising children, birth room, delayed cord clamping, cord blood banking, jaundice, vitamin K shot, eye ointment, circumcision, lactation support, tongue ties, feeding concerns, infant feeding, growth curve, growth velocity, reflux, mother's diet, breastfeeding, newborn procedures, vaccine schedule, reading to children, trusting instincts, relationship with pediatrician
RESOURCES
The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Demonte Chapman
Dr. Jon Schmidt
Dr. Schmidt loves partnering with parents in caring for their kids as a Pediatric doctor. He is passionate about efficiency and hopes to support the service line by improving workflows. Dr. Schmidt has 5 kids who enjoy riding horses in Oakley, Skiing at Alta, and Hiking in Glacier. In his spare time, he can be found in his wood shop or welding a new project.
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