Boston Children's Answers Parentcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast, we focus on a crucial subject for expecting parents: prenatal care. Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by nurse Olivia Oppel, the Clinical Coordinator at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center. Together, they provide valuable advice and insights on monitoring fetal development to help expecting parents navigate the journey to parenthood with confidence. Listen or watch the episode for answers to questions like: • What is prenatal screening? • What types of prenatal tests are available? • What can an ultrasound detect, and what are the different ultrasound levels used? • When can parents first see the fetus's anatomy during a prenatal scan? • When are abnormalities typically detected in prenatal testing? • Which prenatal tests involve more detailed procedures? • When do genetic counselors typically get involved to discuss possible genetic testing? • What factors should parents consider when choosing which prenatal tests to undergo? • If something unusual is found during prenatal screening, what are the next steps for parents? • What is a maternal fetal medicine specialist? • What forms of advanced imaging can help diagnose fetal issues in utero? • Can some conditions be treated in utero? • Who makes up the multidisciplinary care team at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center? • How does the team plan for delivery and post-birth care? • Does Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center collaborate with obstetric hospitals? • What innovations are advancing the field of fetal surgery and medicine? Whether you’re expecting or know someone who is, this episode offers expert insights into how to navigate the excitement and unknowns of pregnancy with confidence and care.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children and young adults worldwide. But what should you do if your child is diagnosed with diabetes, and how can you best care for them? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold sits down with Dr. Katherine Garvey, director of the diabetes program and clinical chief for diabetes at Boston Children's Hospital, to explore these questions. Together, they address important topics like: • What are the different types of diabetes? • What causes type 1 versus type 2 diabetes? • Is diabetes genetic, and are some populations more at risk? • What are the key signs and symptoms parents should look out for? • How common is diabetes in children, and how is it diagnosed? • What are the latest treatments and technologies available for managing diabetes? • What happens if diabetes isn’t properly managed? • Who makes up the Boston Children's care team for kids with diabetes? • How does physical activity affect diabetes care? • How can parents support their child’s emotional well-being while managing diabetes? • What cutting-edge research is being conducted on diabetes? • What are Dr. Garvey’s doctor's orders for parents managing their child's diabetes? With the right tools, education, and support, diabetes doesn't have to hold your child back. Tune in to learn more about how you can help your child thrive.

Genes provide information/instructions that influence everything about you and your child, from the color of your eyes to the intricate functioning of your body. When a gene is missing or doesn’t work correctly, it can lead to various health issues. Enter gene therapy — a revolutionary technique that uses a person’s genes to treat or even cure diseases. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Christine Duncan, medical director of clinical research and clinical development, at Boston Children’s Gene Therapy Program. Together, they delve into the transformative impact of gene therapy on pediatric health care, especially in addressing rare diseases. Explore key questions with them, such as: • What are genetic mutations? • How does gene therapy work? • What makes gene therapy unique as a form of treatment? • Which pediatric diseases have FDA approved gene therapies today? • How does one learn if a gene therapy clinical trial exists for a specific condition? • Is gene therapy considered a safe approach? • What does the future of gene therapy look like? Get ready for a fascinating journey into the world of gene therapy and its profound impact on the future of health care — especially for kids.

Did you know there is a dedicated team within some hospitals whose sole mission is to make the experience the best it can be for your family? Join host Dr. Jennifer Arnold in a conversation with Caitlin McGowan, a member of Boston Children’s Child Life Services Department. In this episode, they delve into the invaluable support provided by child life specialists, addressing key questions such as: • How do child life specialists identify ways to make the hospital experience easier for patient families? • What innovative tools and therapies do child life specialists use? • What techniques do child life specialists use to alleviate stress for young patients? • How do child life specialists help educate families? • How do child life specialists tailor their methods based on the age of the child? • How do child life specialists help parents and health care providers have challenging conversations? The Child Life Services team is a versatile group that uses play, music, creative arts, and technology to help patients and families adjust to and understand health care. Tune in and discover how they're dedicated to making your entire family's health care journey more manageable.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects the ability to pay attention and regulate impulse control. If your child has ADHD, they’re not alone: It is the most common neurodevelopmental condition in childhood, affecting up to seven percent of school-aged kids. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Anne Arnett, a scientist in Boston Children’s Division of Developmental Medicine. Together, they answer questions about ADHD, including: • What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD? • What causes ADHD? • When is ADHD usually diagnosed? • What are the different subtypes of ADHD? • What kinds of treatment are available for kids with ADHD? • What are the potential risks or consequences if ADHD is untreated? • How can we support kids with ADHD at home and in school? Kids with ADHD need to learn to self-regulate and direct their attention appropriately. Getting them the support they need — and having a little extra patience — will help them succeed.

You may not realize it, but you could know someone with cleft lip or cleft palate — conditions that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. That’s because while these diagnoses can be an unwelcome surprise for families, they are very treatable. In this episode, our host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses cleft lip and cleft palate with Dr. Carolyn Rogers-Vizena, an attending physician in Boston Children's Cleft and Craniofacial Center and the Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery. Together, they share information and recommendations for families, answering questions like: • What are cleft lip and cleft palate, and what is the difference between them? • How and when are cleft lip and cleft palate diagnosed? • What causes cleft lip and cleft palate? • What are some misconceptions related to cleft lip and palate? • What are the treatment plans for cleft lip and cleft palate? • Who is part of the care team for cleft lip and cleft palate? • How is simulation involved in surgical training for cleft lip and palate? • What are some possible complications if a child is not treated? • What research is currently being conducted in this area? It may sound like a daunting diagnosis, but both cleft lip and cleft palate can be repaired and cared for over time.

As any parent can attest, ear infections are very common in kids. In fact, 80% will have at least one ear infection before reaching adulthood. But just because it's common doesn't mean it's easy for a child (or their parent) to endure. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses ear infections with Dr. Eliot Shearer, a physician at Boston Children's Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, which provides comprehensive care for ear, nose, and throat disorders. Together, they share advice for families and answer questions such as: • What are the signs and symptoms of an ear infection? • What’s the difference between an earache and an ear infection? • What are the different kinds of ear infections? • Are some people predisposed to having ear infections? • How are ear infections treated — do they ever go away without treatment? • What can parents do to help decrease the risk of their kids getting ear infections? • What are chronic ear infections, and how are they treated? • What are the risks of not treating chronic ear infections? If your child has frequent ear infections, please make sure that you take the time to discuss them with your pediatrician. You may want to consider further action, such as meeting with an otolaryngologist like Dr. Shearer to discuss treatment options.