Nemours Expert, Author at Nemours Blog | Expert Health and Wellness Guidance for Parents

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Image of newborn who is the 300th birth in the Nemours Children's Health Advanced Delivery Unit in Delaware.

300 Births and Counting: Inside the Nemours Advanced Delivery Unit

The advanced delivery unit (ADU) at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware recently reached a major milestone — welcoming 300 babies into this world! Expectant parents can take comfort in the comprehensive multidisciplinary care model of the Nemours Advanced Delivery Program, which is designed for babies diagnosed with medical conditions before birth that require a post-delivery intensive care unit stay. This planning ensures that newborns’ medical needs are met, allowing access to nationally renowned pediatric specialists and providing families with necessary support and guidance during a critical time. The story of baby Ricky’s family illustrates the program’s benefits, as they chose to plan his arrival at the Nemours Children’s ADU after he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD) before birth. When a Family Learns Their Baby Needs Extra Care Most commonly, families learn their unborn baby will need specialized care during a routine prenatal ultrasound. Ultrasounds during pregnancy are often […]

Pediatric cancer patient bonding with family in nature showcasing the importance of emotional support during care.

Emotional Support Matters for Families Facing a Pediatric Cancer Diagnosis

Nemours Children’s Health cancer research shows parents and providers may disagree on how to prioritize support The Emotional Side of Childhood Cancer Care When a child is diagnosed with cancer, parents and care teams share the same goal: making sure the child gets the best care possible. But pediatric cancer care goes beyond treatment. Children and families facing a cancer diagnosis often need psychosocial resources like mental and emotional support. New cancer research from Nemours Children’s Health shows that while both parents and healthcare providers agree that these resources are important, they don’t always agree on which ones should come first. Inside the Research: Exploring Priorities in Family Support In 2015, experts and cancer advocates, including Nemours Children’s researchers, published the first Standards for the Psychosocial Care of Children with Cancer and their Families. These guidelines define best practices for this area of pediatric oncology care and how to best […]

Young pregnant woman lying on sofa at home, looking at the ultrasound scan photo of her baby.

Planning for a Baby: How to Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy 

The decision to become pregnant is a significant life choice. By working with healthcare experts in advance, you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy and a positive outcome. If you’re planning to conceive, consider scheduling a preconception consultation with your healthcare provider several months to a year before attempting to get pregnant. This allows time to implement any necessary lifestyle adjustments or prenatal testing they recommend. If you have concerns or anticipate a high-risk pregnancy, talk to your doctor to see if they recommend consulting a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist for any extra guidance and care. What is Preconception Care? Preconception care is taking proactive steps to optimize your health before getting pregnant, which evidence suggests can significantly impact the possibility of a healthy pregnancy. In fact, as the clinical evidence continues to support this idea, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has developed an online preconception […]

Father checking on his sick daughter at home who might have COVID, RSV, or the flu.

Comparing Flu, COVID-19, and RSV: A Guide for Parents

Does your child keep getting colds? Runny noses? A cough that just won’t go away? How can you tell if it’s COVID-19, the flu, or RSV? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, even healthy kids get about 6–10 colds each year.  There are a number of different viruses that make the rounds, especially during fall and winter months, and here are some things to watch for when it comes to making decisions about diagnosis, home care, and potential visits to the doctor. What are flu symptoms, COVID symptoms, and RSV symptoms? There is a lot of overlap between symptoms. This means some of the symptoms of flu, COVID, and RSV can appear similar to other respiratory illnesses, up to and including the common cold. It would require a test to confirm a diagnosis for flu, COVID, or RSV. Plus, it’s also possible to have more than one of the […]

Kissing bug on a leaf that carries Chagas disease

What to Know About the Kissing Bug and Chagas Disease

More than 7 million people worldwide are estimated to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (or T. cruzi), the parasite that causes Chagas disease. In the United States, the number of cases is relatively low but appears to be growing, especially in certain regions. According to experts at UCLA Health, approximately 45,000 people in Los Angeles County are infected, among more than 300,000 in the United States, and fewer than 2% of them are aware they carry the parasite. However, these reports are not as current as the clinical community would like, given the calculated risk of exposure. This has led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to advocate for reclassifying certain states as endemic (en-DEM-ik) areas where infected parasites live and potentially transmit the disease. What is Chagas disease? Chagas (SHAH-gus) disease is caused by the T. cruzi parasite, which is harbored by approximately a dozen species of bloodsucking triatomine bugs, commonly referred […]

girl making a face while eating a vegetable

Tips for Helping Your Picky Eater Enjoy Healthy Foods

You are at your pediatrician’s office for a well-visit, and the doctor asks you to describe your toddler’s diet. You want to say they eat a variety of healthy foods, but in reality, your child refuses to look at anything green or remotely healthy and is hooked on pizza, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese. Does this sound familiar? Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and we’re here to help! Let’s work together to find creative ways to get more fruits and vegetables into your picky eater. Better Tricks for Better Eating Habits You may have heard about ways to sneak healthy options into foods your child already likes, such as zucchini in muffins and blended broccoli into spaghetti sauce. While this is a great way to increase fruit and vegetable intake, there may be more long-term benefits in helping your child learn to want to eat these foods. To […]

young girl gamer sits at a computer with a Feel Free kratom drink

Feel Free Drinks and Kratom: Essential Information for Parents

People often assume that natural products are harmless or non-addictive. However, natural products can have side effects just like pharmaceuticals. In March 2025, Botanic Tonics’ CEO reported that Feel Free had surpassed a quarter of a billion dollars in annual sales profitability during its third year. According to NielsenIQ data, as of July 2024, Feel Free held the No. 1 spot for eight consecutive quarters in the ‘Shelf Stable Energy & Supplements in Convenience’ category. By August 2025, Botanic Tonics stated it had sold over 129.7 million servings of Feel Free. Yet, despite its commercial success, some users have begun to question the product’s true cost, with some even referring to it as “Feel Trapped” due to concerns over dependency or side effects. What are the ingredients in Feel Free CLASSIC? Unlike pharmaceuticals, natural products like Feel Free aren’t subject to rigorous regulation, leaving consumers uncertain about their actual composition. […]

A young boy with a bandana and an IV drip beside him draws with crayons. He in indoors, sitting at a desk in a treatment centre.

How to Support a Child or Family with Cancer: Expert Q&A

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — a time to honor the strength of children and their families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Alongside doctors and nurses, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in supporting young patients and their families cope with the emotional and developmental impacts of cancer, guiding them through what can be an overwhelming journey. In this Q&A, we had the opportunity to speak with Joli Craver, one of our Child Life Specialists at Nemours Children’s Health, who works in the PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Joli provided valuable insights for friends, classmates, neighbors, and extended family who are looking to offer meaningful support. Whether it’s knowing what to say, how to help, or simply how to be present, her perspective can help you feel more confident in showing up for children with cancer and their families during their most challenging moments. […]

Young Girl is using inhaler for asthma symptom relief during Asthma Peak Week in September

Asthma Peak Week: Why It Happens and How to Stay Healthy

As we turn the calendar page to September, one challenge looms: the arrival of “Asthma Peak Month,” with the third week being “Asthma Peak Week” where asthma triggers are at their highest of the year. This period marks a significant increase in asthma symptoms. Combined with the extra stress and exposures of children heading back to school, understanding why this peak and week happens can help you better prepare your child for the possibility of more asthma attacks. Understanding Asthma Peak Week Asthma peak week, typically the third week of September, marks a critical period when the number of asthma attacks spikes dramatically. Although it affects people of all ages, this phenomenon is particularly notable among children. The transition back into the classroom, for example, exposes kids to a variety of new allergens and irritants (plus viruses), which can trigger or worsen their asthma symptoms. That’s because one of the […]

Naloxone (Narcan): A Lifesaving Tool for Families

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a powerful and life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Opioids are a type of medicine often prescribed to manage pain, but they can be dangerous if misused. Millions of families in the United States have lost a loved one due to an overdose, but in the case of opioid overdoses, we have a tool that can help. The American Academy of Pediatrics called on pediatricians to help reduce these tragic losses by educating families about overdose prevention. By learning about naloxone, you can be better prepared to protect your loved ones and save a life. What is Naloxone? Naloxone is a medication designed to quickly reverse the effects of opioids, such as fentanyl, heroin, and prescription pain medications like oxycodone. Narcan is simply a brand name for naloxone, which is why you may hear it used interchangeably. It works by blocking the opioids […]

Pediatric ENT examining the mouth of a baby using a medical spatula in doctor's office to check for lip tie or tongue tie

Understanding Lip and Tongue Ties: A Guide for Parents

As a parent, it’s natural to have concerns about your child’s development, and conditions like lip and tongue ties can be confusing, especially with the images they evoke of a tongue-tied baby. Anywhere from 1% to 11% of newborns have signs of tongue tie, or ankyloglossia (ang-kuh-low-GLOSS-ee-uh), according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Lip and tongue ties aren’t cause for a lot of worry on their own, but they can affect feeding, speech, and oral health, or even be indicators of related conditions. Here are some other common questions about lip and tongue ties, including how to recognize the signs, their potential impact, and what to consider when making treatment decisions. What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?  Which Parts of the Mouth Are Affected? How Do I Know If It’s a Lip or Tongue Tie? Identifying lip and tongue ties can be challenging. Tied tongue in newborns is often […]

Pregnant woman getting RSV immunization

Protecting Your Baby from RSV: Immunization Options

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus (or “RSV”) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Is RSV contagious? Yes, it’s considered highly contagious because it spreads similarly to the common cold. For example, RSV can spread when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes near you or your baby. It can also spread when you or your baby touch surfaces contaminated with RSV droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone can get RSV, but most people are infected for the first time as infants or toddlers. Protecting children from RSV involves exploring new immunization options for moms and babies. What Is RSV? RSV is a common and widespread virus. In most regions of the United States, RSV season starts during fall and peaks in the […]

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