Vitamin K Shot: Separating Science from Social Media Myths
Why do newborns get a vitamin K shot—and why has it become the center of so much misinformation online? If you’ve ever hesitated about this newborn standard, this is the episode that brings clarity and calm.
In this episode, I welcome Dr. Jessica Knurick who has a PhD in Nutrition Science to break down the real reason this shot is recommended at birth, the science behind preventing Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), and where social media gets it wrong. From safety concerns to conspiracy theories, we’re cutting through the noise with evidence, history, and a healthy dose of common sense.
We discuss:
Why the vitamin K shot is critical for preventing dangerous bleeding in newborns.
The science behind VKDB and how misinformation spreads online.
Evidence-based answers to common myths about vitamin K shot ingredients and safety.
To connect with Dr. Jessica Knurick follow her on Instagram @drjessicaknurick, check out all her resources at https://www.jessicaknurick.com/
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – Intro and Welcome
01:45 – How Dr. Knurick Got Involved in Vitamin K Education
03:00 – “Eyes and Thighs” and What’s Actually in That Bundle
04:10 – What Does the Vitamin K Shot Actually Do?
09:35 – Is VKDB Really That Rare? Let’s Do the Math
12:00 – Real Clinical Cases of VKDB
14:55 – A Pediatrician’s Perspective on Preventable Harm
17:05 – Why Babies Bleed Without Trauma
20:20 – Shot vs. Oral Vitamin K: What the Data Says
23:00 – Compliance, Safety, and Why Simplicity Matters
25:10 – Advice for Parents Feeling Overwhelmed by Conflicting Info
28:00 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Knurick
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
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37:19
The Follow-Up: The Default Parent Dilemma
Ever feel like you're the one who just knows when the Band-Aids are running low? The one who remembers the pediatrician’s number, tracks school spirit days, and anticipates every snack, schedule, and meltdown?
You might be the default parent—and you’re not alone.
In this week’s Follow-Up episode, we dig into the invisible labor of parenting: who carries it, how it ends up falling on one partner (often moms), and what it takes to shift those dynamics without resentment.
We talk about:
What the default parent role actually is—and how to know if you're in it
Why moms in particular fall into this role (hint: it’s not just about who works more)
How cultural expectations of “intensive mothering” set us up for burnout
The slow unraveling of guilt, identity, and control so many of us face
Practical strategies and mindset shifts that help partners share the load
Whether you're feeling overstretched or trying to find more balance in your home, this episode is a validating, honest, and empowering listen.
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16:01
Why Food Allergies Are Rising—and What Actually Helps
Are you still hearing that you should wait days between introducing new foods—or that food causes eczema? Are you stressed about feeding your baby the top 9 allergens?
In this episode, I sit down with pediatric allergist Dr. Dave Stukus to bust the biggest myths about food allergies. We’re talking real science, not fear: when to introduce allergens, why elimination diets can do more harm than good, and what’s actually driving the rise in allergies today.
We discuss:
Early allergen introduction helps prevent food allergies.
Food doesn't cause eczema—here’s what actually does.
Vaccines don’t cause allergies—here’s what’s behind the rise.
To connect with Dr. Dave Stukus follow him on Instagram @allergykidsdoc, check out all his resources at https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/find-a-doctor/profiles/david-r-stukus
00:00 – Meet Dr. Dave Stukus03:50 – Myth: Delay Introducing Allergenic Foods06:23 – Feeding Should Be Fun, Not Fearful08:05 – Are Babies More at Risk for Severe Reactions?10:15 – Parking Lot Peanut Butter & Allergy Anxiety11:01 – Benadryl vs. Modern Antihistamines13:02 – What a True Food Allergy Looks Like15:31 – The Truth About Food and Eczema18:13 – The Exception, Not the Rule22:19 – Eczema and Future Allergy Risk24:11 – When to Start Solids for Prevention25:08 – Why Food Allergies Are Rising27:55 – Final Takeaways & Stay Updated
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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39:49
The Follow-Up: The Truth About Cry-It-Out and Cortisol
You’ve probably heard the claim that sleep training—especially methods like "cry-it-out"—can flood babies with toxic stress. But is that actually what the science says? In this episode, I sit down with a leading developmental expert to unpack the research on cortisol, stress, and infant development. We cover how the stress response system works, what truly qualifies as toxic stress, and why common fears about sleep training may be missing important context. Whether you're team sleep-train or not, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and evidence-backed guidance.
Key Takeaways:
Cortisol is a normal, necessary hormone that helps us respond to stress.
Not all stress is toxic—especially when it’s brief and supported by a caregiver.
There's no evidence linking sleep training with long-term harm.
Misinterpreting small or flawed studies can create unnecessary fear for parents.
Sleep training, when developmentally appropriate, can be a positive and adaptive experience for both babies and parents.
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16:15
How to Parent Strong-Willed Kids Without Power Struggles
Do you have a strong-willed child? How do you know you have one? Are you approaching their behavior in a positive way? I have recorded a solo episode about strong-willed children and power struggles and I always enjoy it when I can chat with fellow parenting coaches about it.
I welcome back Zack Kasabo who is a certified school counselor and parent coach. He was on the show before talking about how to encourage positive behaviors in kids without enabling them.
We discuss:
Misconceptions about strong-willed children and parenting strong-willed children
The power of “mutual submission"
The number one rule when addressing strong-willed children
To connect with Zack Kasabo follow him on Instagram @coachkasabo, check out all his resources at https://coachkasabo.info/
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – Modeling Cooperation00:22 – Intro: Parenting Strong-Willed Kids00:50 – Meet Zack Kasabo02:28 – What Makes a Child Strong-Willed?05:00 – Reframing Strong-Willed as a Strength06:45 – The Problem with Labels08:18 – Parenting Starts with You09:44 – Breaking Generational Patterns12:11 – Power Struggle Example: Clean Your Room14:10 – Why Lectures Don’t Work17:27 – Teaching Through Experience20:21 – Start Before Grade School22:02 – Don’t Ignore “Normal” Behavior23:05 – Final Tips & Where to Find Zac24:11 – Encouragement for Parents
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
About The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom
The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 50 Parenting Podcast in the U.S., this show delivers expert-backed guidance on child development, health, illness, behavior, feeding, and sleep—giving parents the confidence to navigate every stage from baby to teen.
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
Listen to The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom, Seriously?! with Sarah Beeny and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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