Nutrition for the Early Years

Send us Fan MailIf your kid plays a sport and is also a picky eater — this episode is for you.ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is showing up more and more in young athletes, and the patterns almost always start years before anyone names them. The 14-year-old recovering from her second stress fracture? Her food restriction started at age three or four.In this episode, I sit down with Katie Syvarth, RD, CSSD — a board-certified sports dietitian based in Kentucky — to walk through what ARFID actually looks like in young athletes, why under-fueling and stress fractures so often travel with it, and what parents of young picky kids should be paying attention to right now — long before anyone is talking about diagnoses.We trace Katie's case study of a teen athlete recovering from her second stress fracture all the way back to age three. The signs were there. They're often there for the kids in YOUR home too — they just look small at the time.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:- How ARFID is different from typical picky eating in athletes- The "food funnel" — when the list of safe foods gets shorter, not longer- Why under-fueling and stress fractures often travel together- Why ~90% of young athletes are under-fueled (and what to do about it)- How sensory issues, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and OCD overlap with ARFID- What to do at the table TODAY with your young, picky athlete- Why pressure tactics backfire (and what works instead)- How to advocate for your young athlete if you're not being heard- How to find an ARFID-informed dietitian or therapistABOUT KATIE SYVARTH, RD, CSSD:Katie is a board-certified sports dietitian and the founder of Nutrition at Play, based in Kentucky. She works with athletes of all levels — from high school competitors to endurance athletes — on under-fueling, disordered eating, body image, and ARFID. She blends performance nutrition with an all-foods-fit, intuitive approach.🔗 Connect with Katie:Website: nutritionatplay.comInstagram: @nutritionatplayGet Katie's FREE Download!📩 Loved this episode? Join the newsletter for weekly support straight from me — completely different content from the podcast.👉 newstorynutrition.com⭐ If this episode helped you, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other parents find the show.Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailIf the idea of introducing peanut butter to your baby sends your heart rate up — this episode is for you.As a pediatrician and registered dietitian, I've sat across from families who are genuinely terrified of allergen introduction. Their fear makes complete sense. But fear doesn't get the final vote. A plan does.In this episode, I walk you through two real families from my practice, the landmark science that completely changed how we introduce allergens, and exactly what to do based on your baby's individual risk — so you can move forward with confidence instead of anxiety.In this episode:✔ Why the old "delay allergens" advice tripled peanut allergy rates — and how the science did a full 180✔ The LEAP trial: what it found, why it matters, and what 86% risk reduction actually means for your family✔ The dual allergen exposure hypothesis — why your baby's skin is the real risk factor (not family history alone)✔ Eczema and food allergy: what the connection is and why I treat eczema aggressively from the very first weeks✔ Exactly how and when to introduce peanut butter and egg at home — by risk category✔ Myths I hear every week that have no evidence behind them — including breastfeeding, hypoallergenic formula, and pregnancy diet✔ What to do if YOU have a food allergy and you're terrified of passing it to your babyRisk categories covered:→ No eczema / no family history: introduce at home around 6 months, no testing needed→ Mild to moderate eczema: introduce early at 4–6 months, no testing needed, focus on skin care first→ Severe eczema: consult your pediatrician and/or allergist before introducing; testing may come firstRoberts G, Bahnson HT, Du Toit G, et al.  J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2023;151(5):1329-1336.Logan K, Bahnson HT, Ylescupidez A, et al.  Allergy. 2023;78(5):1307-1318.Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW.  Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281.Islam N, Chu AWL, Sheriff F, et al.  JAMA Pediatrics. 2026 (published online Feb 9, 2026)Wang HZ, Hayles EH, Fiander M, Sinn JK, Osborn DA. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025;6:CD006475.Du Toit G, et al.  New England Journal of Medicine. 2015;372(9):803–813.PreventAll Trial Horimukai K, Morita K, Narita M, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;134(4):824–830.Dual Allergen Exposure Hypothesis Lack G.  J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;129(5):1187–1197.Early Skin Moisturization & Eczema Prevention Simpson EL, Chalmers JR, Hanifin JM, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;134(4):818–823. For education purposes only- consult your medical care provider for personalized recommendations.Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailEpisode 17 | Body Image Issues Start at Age 5 — What Parents Can Do Right NowHere's something that stops parents in their tracks when I say it in clinic: body image concerns can show up as early as age 5. Not 13. Not even 10. Five.That means by the time most of us think we need to start "the conversation," our kids have already been building a relationship with their bodies for years — shaped by what they hear, what they see, and what happens around food at home.This episode isn't about fear. It's about getting ahead of it — with science, not pressure.I'm a pediatrician and dietitian with 30 years of asking questions about how kids relate to food and their bodies. Body image is not a topic I can leave to chance, and I don't think you should either. The good news? The research on prevention is actually really hopeful. Small, consistent shifts in language and environment make a meaningful difference — and you don't need to be a therapist to make them.In this episode we cover:When body image awareness actually starts (the research will surprise you)What puts kids at higher risk — and it's not what most people assumeSpecific language shifts to make at the table and in front of the mirrorHow to talk about bodies, food, and movement in ways that build respect, not fearThe signs that tell you it's time to ask your pediatrician for a referralBook Recommendation:Your Body is Awesome by Sigrun Danielsdottir, Illustrated by Bjork Bjarkadottir→ Save this episode. Share it with the parents in your life who have kids under 10. This is the one to get to them before they need it.Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailEpisode 16 | Why Kids Have Big Feelings They Can't Explain: Understanding InteroceptionHave you ever watched your child completely fall apart — hungry, overwhelmed, or just off — and they couldn't tell you why? They weren't being dramatic. Their nervous system literally didn't have the language yet.That's interoception. And in this episode, I'm breaking it all the way down.Interoception is your body's ability to sense what's happening inside — hunger, fullness, a racing heart, a tight chest, the need to move. It's the sixth sense nobody talks about, and it turns out it has everything to do with how our kids eat, regulate emotions, and eventually learn to trust their own bodies.This one is close to my heart. As a pediatrician and dietitian, I see the downstream effects of poor interoceptive awareness every single week in clinic — and most of the time, no one has ever named it for these families.In this episode we cover:What interoception actually is (and why it's not woo — it's neuroscience)How hunger and emotional signals share the same internal wiringWhy kids who struggle to "calm down" often also struggle at the tableThe low-pressure ways you can support this at home without a therapy degree→ If this episode landed for you, share it with another parent or save it for the next time your kid has a meltdown you can't explain. That moment is exactly when you'll want this.Book Recommendations: Listening To My Body by Gabi GarciaA Little Spot: Emotional Regulation Box Set by Diane AlberJoin the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailOverwhelmed by the formula aisle? Dr. Liz Daniels, pediatrician and registered dietitian, shares her practical 3-step framework for choosing baby formula with confidence. This episode cuts through the conflicting advice to help you understand what really matters when selecting formula for your baby.What You'll LearnThe 3-Step Framework: How to evaluate any formula using Dr. Liz's clinical decision-making processUnderstanding Breast Milk: What's actually in breast milk and how formulas compareDecoding Labels: What to look for in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats on formula labelsWhen to Switch: How to know if your current formula is working or if adjustments are neededCost vs. Quality: Why expensive doesn't necessarily mean betterKey Takeaways✓ All formulas on shelves in the US meet strict nutritional and safety standards✓ Start with a standard formula (lactose-based, intact protein) unless there's a specific reason not to✓ Aerophagia (swallowing air) can cause symptoms that mimic formula intolerance✓ If you switch between formulas, it's safe - you won't harm your baby. But it is important to get support if symptoms aren't improvingTopics CoveredCarbohydrates in formula: lactose vs. alternatives, HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides)Protein types: intact, partially hydrolyzed (gentle), extensively hydrolyzed (hypoallergenic)Fat sources: MFGM (milk fat globulin membrane) and palm oil considerationsWhen to call your pediatrician about formula concernsOrganic vs. non-organic formulasThe role of probiotics and prebioticsReferenced EpisodeEpisode 8: Probiotics in InfantsJoin the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailDid you know your baby's veggie preferences start forming before their first bite of solid food? In this episode, Dr. Liz Daniels explores the fascinating science of flavor development, from pregnancy through the toddler years. Learn practical strategies to help your little one actually enjoy vegetables, understand the "beige stage," and discover why cultural approaches to baby feeding offer valuable lessons.Key Topics Covered:Early Flavor DevelopmentHow babies detect flavors through amniotic fluid starting at 8 weeksThe role of the olfactory system in taste preferencesFragrance compounds (vanilla, garlic, carrot, anise) detectable in uteroFlavor transmission through breast milk (1-4 hours after maternal consumption)Cultural Approaches to First FoodsThe Science of Exposure8-20 exposures needed for flavor acceptanceWhy variety matters more than hitting "100 foods under one"The critical texture window at 8-9 monthsPractical Feeding TipsHerbs and spices are safe for babies Vegetables first vs. fruits first doesn't matter as much as frequencyDifferent preparation methods count as valuable exposureThe Beige Stage (Neophobia)Typically starts 18-24 months, can last months to yearsDevelopmental autonomy and need for controlWhy kids reject previously loved foodsLow-pressure strategies: invitation without expectationKey Takeaways:✓ Keep eating veggies during pregnancy and breastfeeding✓ Offer the same veggie 8-20 times in different preparations✓ Use family spices and seasonings from the start✓ Don't give up during toddler rejection phases✓ Focus on exposure and invitation, not expectation✓ Your job: provide variety. Their job: decide what to eatResources Mentioned:Episode 12: Introducing SolidsJoin the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailNewborn Poop 101: What’s Normal, When to Worry, and Why Baby StrainsWondering if your newborn’s poop is normal? In this episode, I break down newborn and infant poop—what’s normal, what’s not, and when you actually need to worry.As a pediatrician and registered dietitian, I walk you through what to expect in the first days and weeks of life, including the transition from meconium (black, sticky stool) to typical yellow stools, and how often newborns should poop. I explain why it’s common for stool patterns to change—and why growth, feeding, and overall symptoms matter more than any single diaper.We also cover common parent concerns like:baby poop color (green, yellow, dark, pale)how often a newborn should poopbaby straining to poop but stool is softwhen poop frequency drops (even up to a week)mucus or blood in stoolI explain key red flags that may need medical attention, including poor weight gain and blood in the stool, and what those findings can mean.You’ll also learn about infant dyschezia—a common developmental phase around one month where babies strain, cry, and turn red before passing a soft stool. I’ll explain why this happens and how to support your baby without over-intervening.Plus, practical tips to make life easier (like preventing diaper blowouts and knowing when to size up).If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?” while staring at a diaper—this episode is for you.Timestamps00:00 Newborn Poop Intro 00:19 Podcast Welcome 01:11 Why Poop Questions 03:55 Meconium and Early Days 07:16 When to Worry 08:23 Blood and Mucus 10:12 Straining and Dyschezia 13:24 Helping Baby Poop 15:11 Poop Colors and Frequency 17:40 Diaper Blowout Tips 18:43 Wrap Up and ResourcesJoin the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailStarting Solids: What to Know Before You BeginIn this foundational episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, I walk you through the stage before starting solids—because introducing food is about more than just the first bite.If your baby is approaching the 4–6 month window, or you want to feel more confident before starting solids, this episode is for you. I break down what readiness actually looks like, how nutrition needs begin to change in infancy, and how I think through common questions like rice cereal, allergen introduction, water, cups, and baby-led weaning versus purées.This is one of those episodes you may want to save and come back to.In this episode, I cover:Developmental readiness for solidsWhy tummy time matters for feeding skillsWhat the tongue extrusion reflex is and why it mattersIron needs in infants, especially for breastfed babiesWhy solids do not reliably help babies sleepWhen and how to start practicing with cups and waterThe role of cereal todayBaby-led weaning versus purées—and why many families do bothEarly introduction of peanut and eggWhat the LEAP trial changed about infant feedingFirst food ideas and what a simple baby plate can look likeKey takeawaysStarting solids isn’t just about age—it’s about readiness, skill development, and understanding your baby’s changing nutritional needs.In this episode, I explain why head and trunk control matter, why oral play and table exposure can start before true feeding, and why introducing solids too early doesn’t necessarily add benefit. I also share how I approach common infant feeding questions in real-life pediatric practice, including how I think about iron, allergen exposure, and balancing purées with baby-led weaning.My goal is for you to walk away feeling more confident about:how to tell if your baby is readywhat nutrients matter most in this stagehow to begin allergen introduction thoughtfullyhow to keep the process simple, low-pressure, and developmentally supportiveA few reminders from this episodeBabies should be sitting with good support and head control before starting solids in a meaningful way.Milk remains the nutritional cornerstone through the first year.Breastfed babies need more intentional iron support through complementary foods... for them, feeding before 1 is more than just fun!Solids are not a sleep solution.Water at this stage is for skill-building, not hydration replacement.Rice cereal isn’t “bad,” but grain variety matters.Baby-led weaning and purées can absolutely coexist.Early peanut and egg exposure reduce allergy risk in many infants.First foods don’t have to be complicated.My first food Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when your kid refuses milk?Milk is one of the easiest ways to deliver calcium, protein, and vitamin D to growing kids. But kids are kids—and sometimes they just don’t like it.In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I approach this situation in clinic with families.  Because the goal isn’t forcing milk.The goal is meeting your child where they are while still covering the nutrition they need to grow well.I share the story of a toddler from my practice who absolutely refused milk after turning one—and how we worked through it step by step until his nutrition needs were fully covered without daily mealtime battles.If your child refuses milk, or you’re worried about calcium or vitamin D intake, this episode will give you a simple playbook so you can stop overthinking it.In This Episode I Cover• Why milk is such an efficient nutrition source for toddlers • How much calcium and vitamin D kids actually need • When chocolate milk or flavored milk can actually be a helpful bridge • One toddler food I love that can provide 400+ mg of calcium • What to do when kids refuse dairy entirely • Why vitamin D can be hard to get from food alone • When I start recommending supplementsThe 5 Strategies I Use When Kids Won’t Drink MilkStrategically flavoring milk to bridge toward plain milkUsing yogurt and fermented dairy optionsLooking beyond dairy for calcium (like tofu and beans)Building calcium into foods toddlers already enjoySupporting vitamin D when food sources fall shortSometimes kids refuse milk for a season. That doesn’t mean their nutrition is doomed.With the right approach, we can still support strong bones, healthy growth, and balanced nutrition—without turning every meal into a negotiation.Resources MentionedBaked Tofu Recipe (great calcium source for toddlers)If This Episode Helped YouIf you found this helpful, please leave a rating or review and share the episode with another parent who might be navigating toddler nutrition.And if you want more encouragement like this each week:Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailMilk for kids: does it really “do a body good”?In this episode, I break down the science behind milk in childhood nutrition so you can support your littles growth with ease.We’ll talk about:Why I ask about milk at every well-child visitThe nutrients most kids are actually low in (hint: it’s not protein)Why vitamin D and calcium matter for bone growth, immune regulation, and muscle functionHow milk delivers fat, protein, calcium, and vitamin D efficiently in a small appetite windowWhat amounts toddlers (1–2 years) and kids (4–8 years) actually needLactose intolerance — what it really means and why most young kids tolerate dairy just fineA2 milk explained (what it is and what we do — and don’t — know)Gut health concerns and what the literature actually supportsPlant milk vs cow’s milk: soy, pea, oat, almond, coconut — protein differences, phytates, and absorptionHere’s my big takeaway:Milk isn’t mandatory. But it is incredibly efficient.Two cups can meet most of your child’s daily calcium needs and provide meaningful vitamin D in a way that’s consistent, accessible, and easy for parents. And in a fast-paced world of snack foods and nutrition noise, efficiency matters.If your child loves milk? You likely have less to worry about than you think.If your child refuses milk? Stay tuned — the next episode is all about how to meet calcium, vitamin D, and protein needs without dairy.As always, this is guilt-free guidance for feeding your family — grounded in pediatric nutrition science and real-life practicality.Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more parents can find calm, evidence-based support.Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailYour toddler won’t eat meat. They push away vegetables. They live on fruit, crackers, milk, and the occasional bite of something random — and now you’re wondering if they’re getting enough protein, enough iron, enough for their brain development. Maybe your pediatrician mentioned a multivitamin with iron. Maybe you’ve already Googled “iron deficiency in toddlers”.In this episode, I take you behind one very common question I hear in clinic: “My toddler is picky. Should I give a multivitamin?” But as we unpack it, you’ll see that it’s rarely just about the vitamin. It’s about the anxiety underneath it.We’ll talk through:What normal toddler picky eating actually looks likeHow pediatricians screen for iron deficiency anemiaWhy hemoglobin doesn’t always tell the whole storyHow much protein toddlers really need (and why milk often covers it)When a multivitamin with iron makes sense — and when it doesn’tRed flags for something more serious like ARFID or sensory feeding challengesHow pressure at the table quietly makes picky eating worseMost toddlers between ages 2–7 go through a selective eating phase. It’s developmental. It’s tied to autonomy. And it’s incredibly triggering for parents who care deeply about nutrition. If your child’s growth is steady but you still feel worried, this episode will help you sort through what’s objective… and what might be coming from comparison, social media noise, family comments, or your own history with food.Because sometimes the real work isn’t changing the child’s plate. It’s calming the parent’s nervous system.You don’t need urgency. You need context. You need a plan that feels grounded and sustainable. And you deserve more than just a product recommendation.If feeding your child feels stressful or messy right now, I created a free guide to walk you through the hidden mental barriers that drive mealtime tension and help you reset with confidence. You can download “When Feeding Feels Messy”  here or at newstorynutrition.com.You don’t have to do this alone. And you definitely don’t have to solve picky eating with just a vitamin.Questions about multivitamins? Take a listen to Episode 6!Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailDo babies need probiotics?In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, I’m breaking down what the evidence actually says about probiotics in infancy, newborn nutrition, and infant gut health.I get asked about this all the time — especially in those early weeks when babies are gassy, fussy, stooling differently, or just hard to read. Parents want to support digestion, immune health, growth and development, and allergy prevention. But the claims around probiotics can feel confusing.This episode walks you through the same conversation I have with families in my office.We’ll talk about:How the infant gut develops in the first month of lifeThe role of breastmilk, HMOs, prebiotics, and probiotics in infant feedingWhat pediatric nutrition research says about colic, digestion, eczema, and immune healthDifferences between breastfed and formula-fed babiesWhen probiotics may benefit preterm infantsWhy strain specificity mattersAnd how I think through feeding decisions step-by-step before recommending supplementsIf you’re navigating newborn nutrition, combo feeding, formula choices, or trying to reduce feeding anxiety while making thoughtful decisions, this episode will help you cut through the hype and focus on what truly supports child health.My goal is always the same: guilt-free feeding rooted in real science — so you can nourish your baby with confidence and support their healthy relationship with food from the very beginning.Subscribe for evidence-based pediatric nutrition guidance on infant feeding, toddler nutrition, picky eating, appetite, growth, and raising children with a healthy relationship with food.Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailProtein is everywhere in kids’ food—but how much do children actually need? In this episode of The Lunchbox Reformation, I explain pediatric protein needs from ages 1–8, why toddlers often get enough protein without trying, and how adult high-protein trends can create unnecessary stress around kids’ eating.Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailPicky eaters don’t automatically need multivitamins—and in this episode of The Lunchbox Reformation, pediatrician and dietitian Dr. Liz Daniels explains how to tell the difference between real nutrient gaps and normal toddler eating patterns. Learn which nutrients actually matter for kids’ growth, what multivitamins typically miss, and how everyday foods can support nutrition without added stress or guilt.Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailIf you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, pumping, or worried about your milk supply, this episode is for you.Lactation supplements—foods, herbs, and products marketed to increase breast milk—are everywhere. From lactation cookies and brewer’s yeast to fenugreek teas and moringa capsules, parents are often told these supplements are the key to making “more milk.” But do lactation supplements actually work?In this episode of The Lunchbox Reformation, I walk through what the science really says about common lactation supplements—and why many don’t live up to the marketing.You’ll learn:Which popular lactation supplements show little to no measurable increase in milk volumeWhy perceived increases in supply don’t always match actual milk productionWhich supplements show some promise—and where the evidence is still limitedWhy frequency of milk removal matters more than any supplementHow pumping schedules, latch quality, time, sleep, and structural support affect supplyWhy breastfeeding is not “free,” and how to advocate for the support you needI share personal experiences from my own breastfeeding journey—highlighting the emotional, logistical, and time costs that are rarely discussed but deeply felt.The grounded takeaway: no lactation supplement replaces frequent, effective milk expression. Supplements may be supportive, but they are never first-line treatment—and struggling with supply is not a personal failure.This episode is for parents who want:science over social media claimscalm reassurance instead of pressurepractical, real-life feeding guidanceEnjoying the show? Follow or subscribe to The Lunchbox Reformation so you never miss an episode.Want to keep the conversation going? Find me on Instagram @drliznewstorynutrition.Want to learn more about me? Come visit my site!Extra studies:Ammar M, Russo GL, Altamimi A, Altamimi M, Sabbah M, Al-Asmar A, Di Monaco R. Moringa oleifera Supplementation as a Natural Galactagogue: A Systematic Review on Its Role in Supporting Milk Volume and Prolactin Levels. Foods. 2025 Jul 16;14(14):2487. doi: 10.3390/foods14142487. PMID: 40724308; PMCID: PMC12294722.Foong SC, Tan ML, Foong WC, Marasco LA, Ho JJ, Ong JH. Oral galactagogues (natural therapies or drugs) for increasing breast milk production in mothers of non-hospitalised term infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 May 18;5(5):CD011505. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011505.pub2. PMID: 32421208; PMCID: PMC7388198.Jia L, Brough L, Weber JL. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast-Based Supplement and Breast Milk Supply: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial. Matern Child Nutr. 2025 Sep 11:e70112. doi: 10.1111/mcn.70112. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40932299.Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I explain newborn digestion and feeding in the first month of life, including breastmilk, formula, poop patterns, reflux, and why uncertainty is normal. Learn what’s developing inside your baby’s gut and how confidence comes with time—not perfect tracking.00:00 – Welcome & Why the First Month Feels So ConfusingWhy tracking feeds, poop, and sleep helps identify patterns—but rarely provides day-to-day certainty in the newborn stage.03:30 – You’re Not Doing It Wrong: Newborn Immaturity ExplainedWhy even highly informed parents feel unsure, and how newborn digestive immaturity—not lack of knowledge—drives most early feeding questions.07:00 – How Much Newborns Actually Eat (and How Fast It Changes)Stomach size, feeding volumes by day of life, and why babies may seem extra sleepy or unsettled when intake hasn’t caught up yet.11:00 – Colostrum vs Mature Breastmilk: What Changes and Why It MattersProtein density, volume shifts, and how early milk aligns with a newborn’s developing digestive system.15:30 – Stomach Acid, Reflux, and Gastric EmptyingWhy newborn stomach acid starts low, increases over time, and how this explains sour burps, reflux, and spit-up.20:00 – Fat Digestion in Newborns (Lipase, Bile, and Absorption)How breastmilk supports fat digestion when pancreatic enzymes and bile production are still immature.26:00 – Lactose, Enzymes, and Common Feeding MythsWhy most newborns are not lactose intolerant and what “enzyme immaturity” actually means.30:30 – Immune Protection Through BreastmilkHow antibodies in colostrum (IgA, IgM, IgG) survive digestion and support early immune development.36:00 – Gut Permeability & Why Newborns Absorb DifferentlyWhy newborn intestines are more permeable, what that means for nutrient absorption, and why hydration matters.40:30 – Poop, Motility, and Why It Changes So MuchNormal differences in stool patterns, gut movement, and why poop is a poor report card on feeding success.45:30 – Breastfed vs Formula-Fed Poop (and Why Both Are Normal)How substrate differences affect stool, gas, and transit time—and why change doesn’t equal failure.50:30 – Formula Safety, Predictability, and When It’s HelpfulWhy formula works well despite digestive immaturity and how its consistency can be supportive for families.55:00 – Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) & Gut Microbiome DevelopmentWhat HMOs do, why they soften stool, how they feed gut bacteria, and how formulas now incorporate them.1:01:30 – When Digestive Symptoms Are Red FlagsPoor growth, blood or mucus in stool, true malabsorption—and when pediatricians want to know more.1:06:30 – Crying, Gas, and the Six-Week PeakWhy fussiness isn’t always digestive, how mechanics matter, and what’s normal in early infancy.1:11:30 –Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailBreastfeeding doesn’t always go as planned—and when it doesn’t, many parents are left carrying unnecessary guilt, shame, and confusion about formula feeding. In this episode of The Lunchbox Reformation, I explore the emotional and clinical realities of breastfeeding struggles, supplementation, and transitioning to formula.Drawing from my own experience as a new mom in medical training and over a decade of pediatric practice, I walk through common early breastfeeding challenges, including latch issues, tongue and oral movement concerns, head and neck restriction, breech positioning, and milk supply anxiety.Most importantly, this episode reframes infant feeding away from performance and perfection. I offer compassionate guidance for parents who are supplementing or choosing formula, emphasizing that the “best” formula is often the one your baby tolerates well—and that a regulated, supported parent–infant dyad matters far more than meeting an idealized feeding goal.This conversation is for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, adopting, supplementing, or grieving a feeding journey that didn’t look the way they expected. The takeaway is clear and grounding: how you feed your baby does not define your worth as a parent—attunement, observation, and care do.Register here for the science of breastmilk and formula masterclass!Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailWhat you eat postpartum supports the breastfeeding parent more than breastmilk itself. Dr. Liz Daniels explains postpartum nutrition, breastmilk composition, and which nutrients truly matter for recovery and infant health.Postpartum nutrition is often framed as a way to “optimize” breastmilk—but that framing creates unnecessary pressure for parents. In this episode of The Lunchbox Reformation, we break down what postpartum nutrition actually affects when breastfeeding, and what the body regulates automatically.You’ll learn why breastmilk composition is far more resilient than social media suggests, how carbohydrates, fats, and protein support the parent more than the milk itself, and which micronutrients—like iron, vitamin D, iodine, choline, and omega-3s—deserve attention during postpartum recovery.This episode is for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or supporting a new parent and wants evidence-based clarity without fear-based feeding advice. The takeaway is simple but powerful: your body handles milk production—nutrition supports you while it does that work.If this resonates with you, please subscribe and/or follow for more. I would love your feedback - leave a comment and let me know what you think!Register for the Breastmilk and Formula Masterclass here!Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Send us Fan MailFeeding your kids has a way of stirring up your own childhood food memories—old wounds, fears, and the pressure to “get it right.” In this first episode of The Lunchbox Reformation, Dr. Liz Daniels shares her origin story and why pediatric nutrition must go far beyond labels, ingredients, and rigid rules.As a board-certified pediatrician and registered dietitian, Dr. Liz reflects on formative moments from her early career—patients who taught her that food is never just food, and families navigating illness, barriers, and impossible choices. These experiences ultimately led her from nutrition into medicine, motherhood, and pediatrics, where she saw firsthand how deeply feeding decisions are shaped by systems, access, time, and emotion.This episode lays the foundation for the podcast: real nutrition science without clickbait, compassionate conversations about barriers to health, and support for parents who want to nourish the whole child—without fear, guilt, or whiplash from conflicting advice.If you’re a parent who:Feels confident reading labels but still doubts your decisionsWants better nutrition for your kids without diet cultureFeels overwhelmed by nutrition claims and influencer adviceIs trying to “rewrite” the food story you grew up withYou’re in the right place. This is where the Lunchbox Reformation begins.Register for the Breastmilk and Formula Masterclass in January 2026 here!Join the list for early bird pricing!"Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price!NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!