ARTICLES RELATED TO:
All Blogs

Spring 2026 is shaping up to be a tough allergy season based on January and February’s roller coaster temperature shifts from early warmth to sudden cold snaps, which set the stage for intense pollen production in some areas. And with tree pollen arriving weeks ahead of schedule and pollen counts predicted to spike rapidly across the East Coast, parents need to plan ahead to minimize seasonal allergy suffering. The good news? You don’t have to wait for the sniffles and sneezes to start. The best way to care for allergies in kids is to track what’s happening outside, get ready for pollen season inside, and see the doctor (if needed) to manage allergies early. By taking action before the pollen bomb hits in March and April, you can help your children breathe easier and enjoy spring the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. When is allergy season? In the United […]

If you’ve been following the conversation around plant-based diets for children, you may have noticed something significant happened in 2025. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics — one of the world’s largest and most respected organizations of nutrition professionals — updated their position on vegetarian and vegan diets, and the change has sparked considerable discussion in the plant-based community. What does this change actually mean for families raising plant-based kids? Has the science changed, or just the messaging? And most importantly, what should parents take away from this shift? Let’s break down what happened and explore what this means for your family’s plant-based journey. Why do people choose to follow plant-based diets? There are several reasons why someone may choose to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, including religious reasons, health reasons, preferences or tolerances, environmental reasons and sustainability, and animal rights. There are also health benefits associated with plant-based […]

Discovering you’ve been referred to a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding this pivotal step in your prenatal care journey can transform uncertainty into empowerment. Whether you’re facing a high-risk pregnancy, managing a chronic condition, or simply need specialized monitoring, an MFM specialist brings advanced expertise to support both you and your growing baby. Here’s what that referral means and what you can expect next. What is Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)? Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are dual-board-certified obstetricians with advanced training in high-risk pregnancy, and many people also use the term high-risk obstetrician for MFM specialists. There’s an additional layer to the MFM meaning beyond just the acronym. The hyphen in maternal-fetal medicine represents medicine that treats maternal and fetal health as fundamentally linked. It’s an approach to care that recognizes you can’t truly focus on outcomes for the baby without also caring for the mother, and […]

When Sarah’s parents first learned about their unborn daughter’s diagnosis, they faced a future filled with unknowns. Sarah was diagnosed with arthrogryposis while still in utero, marking the beginning of a journey that would require extraordinary medical expertise. “Upon learning that our unborn child would have a physical disability, we began trying to plan for the unknown,” shares Sarah’s mom, Kerstin. “We soon realized that the unknowns would continue, and we had to embrace each one as they came.” Finding the Right Team As Sarah grew, so did the challenges. “Life changed and we sought out the best for Sarah,” Kerstin explains. “She had difficulty eating, difficulty moving her limbs, and was not meeting the developmental milestones. As she grew and became more complex, we realized we needed a more comprehensive team of doctors.” At an arthrogryposis conference, the family met orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Reid Nichols and physical therapist Reenee […]

At just 18 months old, Carli was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, beginning a journey filled with uncertainty. Despite normal MRIs and no birth trauma, her mobility challenges grew more severe over time. By age 9, walking had become exhausting. After years of searching for answers, Carli’s family found hope at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware, where Dr. Wade Shrader confirmed that surgery could improve her mobility and quality of life. In January 2025, Carli underwent a major procedure followed by months of rehabilitation. Recovery was tough, but Carli wasn’t alone. Enter Luna, Monk, Pumpkin, and Ali — therapy and facility dogs who became Carli’s companions, comforters, and cheerleaders during her recovery. Whether lying beside her during painful moments or walking with her after surgery, these furry friends brought smiles, strength, and healing. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is just one example of the holistic care Carli received. Music and art therapy, games […]

You’ve probably heard the news lately about measles outbreaks in the U.S. Although the disease was declared eliminated here in 2000, there have been increasing outbreaks across the country since 2024. In fact, 2025 saw more confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. than in any year since 1991. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have already reported more than 982 confirmed cases in just the first two months of 2026, with the most occurring in South Carolina and Utah. With cases on the rise, parents must understand measles and know what they need to do to prevent and spot it in their children. Vaccinations: The Best Protection Against Measles Measles is a highly contagious virus and it’s not just a rash and a fever. It can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5. The large majority of people who get measles are unvaccinated (so […]