MMD BLOG


CATEGORY:

Dr. Whitney

LET'S TALK ABOUT POOP: A HOLISTIC GUIDE WITH DR. ANN MING YEH

 Modern Mommy Doc


PUBLICATION DATE:

October 15, 2025

LET'S TALK ABOUT POOP: A HOLISTIC GUIDE WITH DR. ANN MING YEH

 Modern Mommy Doc

CATEGORY: Dr. Whitney

About the Episode:


In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney reconnects with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Anne-Ming Yeh—Stanford-trained pediatric gastroenterologist, integrative medicine specialist, and author of Constipation Conquered: A Holistic Guide to Your Child’s Constipation.


Together, they tackle a surprisingly common (and often frustrating) parenting challenge: constipation in kids. Dr. Yeh shares why she wrote her new book, how she blends evidence-based medicine with integrative approaches, and what parents can realistically do to help their kids—from picky toddlers to neurodivergent kids with unique needs.


You’ll learn:


  • The truth about common constipation myths (spoiler: laxatives aren’t evil).


  • How to know whether your child’s constipation is mild, moderate, or severe—and when to seek specialist care.


  • Simple prevention tips: the right balance of fluid before fiber, why leafy greens act like a “broomstick for your gut,” and how bananas might be binding.


  • Why the gut-brain connection matters, and how small daily rituals (from tea time to affirmations to Snoop Dogg’s kids’ album!) can actually support digestion.


  • The difference between “mush” (softening stool) and “push” (helping the colon’s muscles coordinate), and why some kids may need specialized therapies like biofeedback.


  • Why integrative medicine is about both/and—using food as medicine when possible, and leaning on safe medications when necessary.


This conversation is practical, reassuring, and yes—sometimes even funny. It’s a reminder that while poop may not be a glamorous parenting topic, helping kids feel comfortable, confident, and healthy in their bodies is always worth it.


Key Takeaways:


  • Constipation is common—and fixable. Kids struggle with it more than we talk about, but with the right strategies, families can find real relief.


  • It’s not just about prune juice. Effective care often blends food as medicine (fiber, leafy greens, fluids) with safe, evidence-based medications when needed.


  • Mush vs. Push matters. Some kids need stool softeners (“mush”), while others need help coordinating their muscles to pass stool (“push”). Understanding the difference is key.


  • Myths aren’t helping. Laxatives aren’t “evil” or addictive; Miralax and magnesium can be safe tools when used under guidance.


  • The gut and brain are connected. Stress, anxiety, and routines affect digestion. Building in calming rituals—anything from tea time to affirmations to dancing—can support “rest and digest.”


  • Sustainable changes beat quick fixes. Small, realistic dietary and lifestyle adjustments over time help kids develop healthier long-term habits.


  • Parents don’t have to choose sides. Integrative medicine means combining the best of conventional care with holistic approaches to meet families where they are.


About Our Guest


Dr. Anne-Ming Yeh, MD, is a Stanford-trained pediatric gastroenterologist and integrative medicine specialist. With decades of experience in both academic medicine and holistic care, she’s passionate about helping families navigate one of the most common (and often overlooked) childhood health issues: constipation.


Her new book, Constipation Conquered: A Holistic Guide to Your Child’s Constipation, combines evidence-based medicine with practical, approachable strategies parents can use at home. From demystifying myths about laxatives to offering food-based solutions and lifestyle rituals, Dr. Yeh equips families with tools to help their kids feel comfortable, confident, and healthy.


Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today?


📘 Pre-order the Book


Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body before it launches on October 20, 2025.
👉
www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books


🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus


When you pre-order, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with:


  • Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs”
  • How to talk about health without weight talk
  • What to do when your own inner critic shows up
  • How to interrupt diet culture at home
  • The first step to raising a body-confident kid—even if you didn’t grow up as one

    📩
    Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.

Raising Body-Confident Kids Starts at the Doctor's Office!

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By Dr. Whitney December 17, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for childre n and families. Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, so cial skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support. The conversation also tackles a critical and often overlooked issue: access. Dave Justus shares the personal motivation behind NeuroQure’s work and explains why the test is being launched at cost, with installment plans and employer subsidies, while the team works toward insurance coverage. The goal is to prevent families from losing precious years waiting for answers. Together, they emphasize a hopeful message for parents: families don’t need to wait for a future “silver bullet.” We already have therapies that work and getting kids connected to them earlier can change the course of a lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: Why early autism detection leads to lifelong changes—not just short-term gains What a 17-point IQ difference actually means for education, independence, and quality of life How early intervention can shift developmental trajectories as early as 6 months The science and validation behind current autism therapies Why NeuroQure is pricing testing at cost while pursuing insurance coverage How early clarity can reduce long-term strain on families, schools, and healthcare systems This episode is a powerful reminder that timing matters and that early access to answers can make an extraordinary difference for children and the families who love them. About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Gargus, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, with decades of experience researching the biological underpinnings of autism. His work has focused on translating well-established science into meaningful, real-world interventions that can improve lifelong outcomes for children. Dr. Gargus emphasizes that early, evidence-based therapies are already available—and that connecting families to them sooner can fundamentally change developmental trajectories. Dave Justus is a parent and the founder of NeuroQure, whose work is driven by personal experience navigating delayed autism diagnosis and intervention. Motivated by the belief that early clarity can spare families years of uncertainty, Dave is focused on expanding access to early testing through cost-based pricing and ongoing efforts to secure insurance coverage. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure families don’t have to wait for answers that could change everything. Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you order on our site, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid, even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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By Dr. Whitney December 17, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for childre n and families. Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, so cial skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support. The conversation also tackles a critical and often overlooked issue: access. Dave Justus shares the personal motivation behind NeuroQure’s work and explains why the test is being launched at cost, with installment plans and employer subsidies, while the team works toward insurance coverage. The goal is to prevent families from losing precious years waiting for answers. Together, they emphasize a hopeful message for parents: families don’t need to wait for a future “silver bullet.” We already have therapies that work and getting kids connected to them earlier can change the course of a lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: Why early autism detection leads to lifelong changes—not just short-term gains What a 17-point IQ difference actually means for education, independence, and quality of life How early intervention can shift developmental trajectories as early as 6 months The science and validation behind current autism therapies Why NeuroQure is pricing testing at cost while pursuing insurance coverage How early clarity can reduce long-term strain on families, schools, and healthcare systems This episode is a powerful reminder that timing matters and that early access to answers can make an extraordinary difference for children and the families who love them. About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Gargus, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, with decades of experience researching the biological underpinnings of autism. His work has focused on translating well-established science into meaningful, real-world interventions that can improve lifelong outcomes for children. Dr. Gargus emphasizes that early, evidence-based therapies are already available—and that connecting families to them sooner can fundamentally change developmental trajectories. Dave Justus is a parent and the founder of NeuroQure, whose work is driven by personal experience navigating delayed autism diagnosis and intervention. Motivated by the belief that early clarity can spare families years of uncertainty, Dave is focused on expanding access to early testing through cost-based pricing and ongoing efforts to secure insurance coverage. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure families don’t have to wait for answers that could change everything. Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you order on our site, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid, even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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