For parents

A new mother asks Dr. Ana about the overwhelming challenges of the newborn stage and declining mental health, seeking advice on how to cope with the immense transition.

Navigating The Challenges Of The Newborn Stage

Question: “Please, when does the newborn stage get easier? How to survive a newborn??? This is the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'm declining mentally.”

A non-parent seeks advice on how to interact effectively with an autistic child, prompting Dr. Ana to share essential tips on education, individual understanding, and parental support.

Supporting An Autistic Child As A Non-Parent

Question: "Do you have any tips on dealing with an autistic child as a non-parent?"

Dr. Ana’s Expert Answer

I am not sure if you are the child’s stepparent or if you are related to him in any way. In any case, my advice is that you educate yourself about two things.

Dr. Ana addresses concerns about overfeeding 6-month-old infants, outlining signs of overfeeding, prevention strategies, and healthy feeding guidelines.

Can Infants Eat Too Much?

Question: "Can infants eat too much? My daughter-in-law keeps trying to feed her baby (6 months) so often and doesn't believe me when I say it can be bad."

Dr. Ana’s Expert Answer

Yes, it is possible for babies to eat too much.

Signs A Baby May Be Overfed

These are the signs a baby may be overfed:

Dr. Ana addresses a parent's concern about their 17-month-old's speech, providing key developmental milestones for 18-month-olds and guidance on when to consult a doctor.

How Many Words Should a 17-Month-Old Say?

Question: “How many words should a 17-month-old say? I can't decide if my daughter is behind the curve or not.”

Discover how to support your son through anxiety with Dr. Ana's expert advice on recognizing symptoms, developing coping strategies, and fostering open communication.

Helping a 16-Year-Old Son With Anxiety

Question: "How can I help my 16-year-old son with anxiety?"

Dr. Ana discusses her perspective on gentle parenting and recommends evidence-based resources for parents seeking realistic advice.

Favourite Gentle Parenting Books and a Doctor’s Perspective

Question: "Do you have any favorite gentle parenting books?"

Struggling with depression as a new mother can feel isolating, but you are not alone; learn how to cope and find support for both you and your child.

How Can I Be a Better Mother While Dealing With Depression?

Question: “How can I be a better mother? I feel like I keep failing with my depression and feeling like I can't fully connect with my child (aged 1.5 years).”

Authoritative parenting is widely regarded as the most effective style, but does it have advantages over other approaches, such as authoritarian or permissive parenting? 

What Are the Advantages to Authoritative Parenting? 

Question: “As someone who grew up with the mindset of ‘spare the rod and spoil the child,’ are there any advantages to authoritative parenting as a style? Thank you!” 

Learn how to effectively co-parent with an ex, even when emotions are still involved, to ensure the best outcomes for your child’s well-being. 

How to Co-Parent When You Still Love Your Ex 

Question: “Hi Dr. Ana, I have a question about how to co-parent with someone you still love. I know my ex and I aren’t compatible anymore, but I still love him so much and I’m worried it will impact how we parent our son together.” 

Parenting expert Dr. Ana offers guidance to a mother concerned about her 17-year-old daughter's increasing alcohol use and how to approach the situation.

When to Seek Addiction Intervention for Teenagers?

Question: “My 17-year-old has been drinking alcohol more and more, and I'm worried it's becoming a dependency. At what stage should I look into addiction intervention for teenagers? She doesn't live with me and lives with her friends after they dropped out of school, and they enable this behavior.”