Pediatrix & Obstetrix Clinicians in the News

In addition to the highly specialized care our clinicians provide to patients across the country every day, many also serve as go-to expert sources for top national and regional media outlets. Pediatrix® and Obstetrix® clinicians regularly contribute to news articles, sharing their expertise to help educate readers on popular and trending topics related to women's and children's health, as well as unique stories of innovative patient care. 

Here's a roundup of some of the latest stories:

Kiersten Sippio, psychologist, spoke with Parents about a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics highlighting the mental and emotional development challenges many children face and offering guidance to help pediatricians better support kids and their families. Limited access to health care remains a major obstacle for many families. "One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of professionals who are specifically trained to work with children and families," said Dr. Sippio. "Working with children requires a specialized skill set," she said. "It is not simply individual therapy adapted downward." Parents also play an important role in supporting their children's mental and emotional well-being. "Most parents would not ignore concerns about delayed speech, slowed growth, vision problems or persistent physical symptoms – and the same level of attention should apply to emotional regulation, behavior, coping skills, relationships and a child's overall sense of well-being," said Dr. Sippio.

Anushka Chelliah, M.D., maternal-fetal medicine specialist, spoke with Romper about how to support a new mom who's struggling. Even in the absence of a formal diagnosis, "many new mothers feel very exhausted and overwhelmed," said Dr. Chelliah. "They may feel lonely, or a loss of identity, given so much of themselves are consumed with motherhood." Proactive check-ins can help. If she says she's "OK" but something feels wrong, Dr. Chelliah recommended addressing the matter sensitively: "I know you, and you don't seem fine – do you want to talk about what's been hard?" 

Zachary Hoy, M.D., pediatric infectious disease specialist, spoke with Fox News about the rise in rotavirus cases among infants and young children. "Rotavirus is spread via the fecal-oral route, meaning that a person comes into contact with virus droplets from contact with other children or adults, or from contact with objects such as toys that have been contaminated with the virus from someone who is sick," said Dr. Hoy. "This can lead to outbreaks, especially at schools where many young children share the same toys." In severe cases, the virus may cause seizures from dehydration and electrolyte loss. "Younger children do not have the reserves that older children and adults have, so they can become more dehydrated quicker and develop more severe electrolyte imbalances, leading to more severe infections," said Dr. Hoy.

Fadiyla Dopwell, M.D., developmental-behavioral pediatrician, spoke with The Bump about the benefits of outdoor play for children. Outdoor play offers kids "physical exercise and the release of energy that's often challenging to contain in an indoor setting," said Dr. Dopwell. Taking playtime outside can also support emotional regulation. "Even a short walk outside can help," she said. "Toddlers with more challenging temperaments often calm down when given opportunities to safely run and explore outdoors." Outdoor social activities, such as visiting parks or playgrounds, support the development of a child's social skills. "Through these interactions, they learn the nuances of joint interactive play – the give and take of playing together and sharing," explained Dr. Dopwell. "They also develop their language and social communication skills by inviting others to play, responding to others' invitations and engaging in reciprocal conversations."

Summer Okimoto, certified nurse-midwife, spoke with Parents about postpartum body myths. One common myth is that breastfeeding always leads to quick weight loss. "All weight loss patterns can be normal," said Okimoto. "Focus on nourishment and recovery rather than rapid weight loss." Another myth is that all diastasis recti cases will heal on their own. "A gap more than 2 to 2.5 finger widths or poor tension may be abnormal," she said. "If there's minimal improvement by 8 to 12 weeks postpartum, pelvic floor PT is recommended."

To view additional news stories, visit our newsroom. 

Members of the media, we invite you to view our multispecialty media panel and request an expert source.