Episodes
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If you are a new parent, feeding your newborn can raise a lot of questions. But don’t worry, this episode covers everything you need to know to make sure your baby is getting all the nutrients needed, whether you're using breast milk or formula.
In this episode, host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez talks to Amanda Shumway, the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Manager for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
Arizona WIC Program 24 Hour Breastfeeding Hotline
To participate in the Arizona WIC Peer Counseling Program or to work with WIC Registered Dieticians, you must be enrolled in the WIC program. Find out if you qualify here.
To find out if you are eligible to join the WIC Staff Breastfeeding Boot Camp, contact Amanda Shumway at [email protected] or Zarina Ahlstrom at [email protected]
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Are you a parent struggling to get your little one to fall asleep? Well, you're not alone! Sleep is essential for a child's healthy development and well-being, but sometimes it can be a real challenge. One safe and effective way to help children fall asleep is by giving them melatonin.
Jessica chats with Dr. Rupali Drewek, the medical director of the Sleep Disorders Program at Phoenix Children's Hospital and a board certified pediatrician. Dr. Drewek answers all important questions about melatonin and explains sleep hygiene.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Missing episodes?
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Are you planning to have a party with family and friends? We have a guide to help make sure your celebration is safe for kids who may be in attendance. Jessica sits down with Emily Flanigan, the Program Strategy Specialist of Children's Health at First Things First, to discuss how to keep kids safe during family gatherings, especially when alcohol and breakable dishes are involved.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Home Safety Checklist
Household Safety for Babies
First Things First
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Regular home maintenance can prevent accidents before they happen. It's easy to stay on top of these necessary chores by setting yearly reminders. That way, you won't fall behind on checking to make sure things like plumbing vents and traps are in working order for the year.
Jessica speaks with Adam Rodriguez, the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Director at the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System at the Arizona Department of Health Services, about how to keep your home safe for you and your family.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Fire Safety
AZDHS: Home Safety Tips
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Infant Sensory Screenings measure a newborn’s hearing and seeing. When hearing loss is detected early on, families can start exploring interventions sooner to support their little ones as they grow up.
Jessica chats with Morgan Scadden, Sensory Screening Program Manager with the Arizona Department of Health Services, about the screening process and why it's important to take the screening seriously.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
NTRC: Arizona Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Information
AZDHS Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Baby Hearing.org
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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It can feel like a headache to figure out what car seat is right for a child. Rear-facing car seat, combination seat, or booster seat? That’s why we made this follow-up car seat episode, to help parents safely buckle their kiddos in the car and know when it’s time to transition from a car seat to a booster seat.
Yomaira Castillo chats with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez about resources available to help parents with car seats.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
NHTSA: Find The Right Seat
Safe Kids Worldwide: Ultimate Car Seat Guide
Safe Kids Arizona
Season 1 The Parenting Brief: Buckle Up! Car Seat Safety
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls according to data from the CDC. That’s because the traditional signs of autism are often difficult to detect depending on the gender a child is assigned at birth. Our guest explains the signs parents should look for and what to do if they think their little one may be showing signs of autism.
Jessica speaks with Dr. Christopher J. Smith, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center's Chief Science Officer, to learn more about the different ways autism can present in children.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center: Resources and Guides
Arizona Early Intervention Program
The Parenting Brief: Early Intervention for Autism
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
Guest: Christopher J. Smith, Ph.D.
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You may have seen an announcement for product recalls on the news or even received notice of a recall from a product you’ve bought in the past. It’s critical to stay up to date about these recalls so that you can have a safe and healthy home environment.
Jessica sits down with Teresa Murray, the Consumer Watchdog for the Arizona PIRG Education Fund and author of the Safe At Home Product recalls report, to find out more about product recalls and tools parents can use to easily get recall alerts.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
U.S. PIRG: NEW REPORT: Product recalls
SaferProducts.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission: Recalls
The Parenting Brief: Lead Poisoning: Signs, Risks, and Prevention
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can't make enough insulin during your pregnancy. It can be scary for many folks but the good news is – the condition is treatable and often goes away after pregnancy.
Jessica speaks with Raquelle Weight, a Staff Development Specialist at the Arizona Department of Health Services in the Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity, to explain how this condition can affect your pregnancy and ways to prevent it from developing.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
ADHS: Diabetes Program
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Routine doctor appointments are important to make sure your kiddo grows up healthy, but navigating the medical system can be overwhelming. This episode explains how often to expect a doctor's visit, how to find the right provider for your family, and what you should know about telehealth pediatrician check-ups.
Jessica speaks with Dr. Miran Song, an Arizona pediatrician and a board member of the Arizona chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, about what parents should expect when searching for a healthcare provider for their little one.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Arizona Chapter of theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics: Dr. Miran Song
Arizona Health Start Program
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Good sleep gives your little ones the chance to dream and the energy they need to explore the world around them. Today’s episode reviews crib safety reminders to give you peace of mind while your kiddos sleep tight.
Yomaira Castillo sits down with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to discuss everything you need to know about crib safety. They talk about everything from creating safe sleep environments to accessing safe cribs and more.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Safe Kids Arizona
Learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep
Contact us: AZDHS Injury Prevention
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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The health and safety of children is a top priority for families. Enrolling in health insurance makes going to the doctor much more accessible. But it can be difficult to find an insurance plan that meets your little ones’ needs and fits your family budget.
We visit with Mark Schafer, the Program Support Administrator at the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, to discuss the low-cost health program called the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn the ins and outs of coverage options and how your family can enroll.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
KidsCare - Arizona's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
AHCCCS Covered Services
AHCCCS Available Health Plans
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Do you worry if your child is getting enough nutrients? Or maybe you know that your kiddo is supposed to “eat healthy” but don’t exactly know what that means. In this episode, learn how to put together a nutritious meal for your little ones. Plus discover helpful tools you can use to budget and plan meals for the family.
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Alan Brown, the WIC Training Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services in the Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity. Alan shares his knowledge as a registered dietitian to help you build a nutrient-filled meal plan for your family.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Arizona Health Zone
Arizona WIC Program
MyPlate
Arizona SNAP
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Let’s face it, potty training can be a messy and difficult process. When is the right time to start? How can you help your child avoid accidents? And what should you do if your little one just won’t go? This episode answers those questions and more.
Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez visits with Erica Desper, the founder of Confident Parenting. Erica is a potty training expert who shares her tips to make the potty training process easier for everyone.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Guest: Erica Desper
Five Things to Consider Before Potty Training
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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In this episode, get the safety tips and shopping advice you need to help you make safe holiday gift-buying decisions for your children.
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Teresa Murray, Consumer Watchdog for Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and author of the Trouble in Toyland 2022 report, to talk about how to avoid buying counterfeit or recalled toys and how to spot safety hazards in the toy aisle.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Guest: Teresa Murray
Trouble in Toyland 2022 Report
Consumer Product Safety Commission: Recalls
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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For some parents, pregnancy may come as an unplanned surprise. And not all families find themselves in a position to care for a newborn. However, there are resources available to help expecting parents avoid a crisis situation.
Safe Haven laws allow parents to safely surrender their newborn to a designated Safe Haven provider. For people who find themselves in a position where they are not ready or are unable to care for a baby, this law protects newborns and helps keep them safe until their care can be determined.
Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez speaks with Heather Burner, the Executive Director of the National Safe Haven Alliance, to learn more about these laws, the impact they have on families, and the resources available to Arizona families.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Arizona Safe Baby Haven Foundation
National Safe Haven Alliance
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Cleaning is the gift that keeps on giving because there’s always something more to do. But when you have a baby or toddler in your home, this chore can seem nearly impossible. Add to the equation mop buckets, cleaning chemicals, and other supplies, and before you know it, you could have a safety hazard in the making.
For cleaning hacks and safety tips, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez visits with Adam Rodriguez, the manager of the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program at the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System at the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System at the Arizona Department of Health Services
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Cases of syphilis are on the rise in Arizona, particularly among pregnant people and newborn babies. If left untreated, a pregnant person can pass syphilis to their unborn child, which may lead to negative health outcomes. In some cases, syphilis can result in stillbirth or newborn death.
In this episode, learn about the best ways to protect yourself from syphilis, the symptoms, and available testing and treatment options. Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is joined by CDC epidemiologist Bree Anderson to share with parents the best ways to keep themselves, and their baby, safe and healthy.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrate all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Arizona Syphilis Outbreak: Women and Babies
Syphilis and Pregnancy
Testing and Prevention
CDC Fact Sheet: Congenital Syphilis
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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Dad figures play an important role not just in their immediate family, but in their broader community, too. Hear how involved dads can enrich the lives of children, help kids make better decisions, and prepare them for success later in life.
Allan Stockellburg speaks with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez for the third and final part of a three-episode series on fatherhood. He shares research that explains why involved dads are good for communities and families.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrate all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Guest: Allan Stockellburg
Parent Aid
Love Like A Dad
Parent Aid Facebook
Parent Aid Instagram
Dads Do It All
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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One of the most important relationships when raising a child is the relationship you have with your co-parent. Any partnership can lead to disagreements on the “right” way to do things but it’s important to recognize that children benefit from learning different approaches to life from both their mom and dad.
Allan Stockellburg rejoins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez for the second part of a three-episode series on fatherhood. They talk about why communication and understanding between parents are key to building a positive environment for your little one, and the differences between maternal and paternal parenting styles.
Host:
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV. She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrate all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.
Links:
Guest: Allan Stockellburg
Parent Aid
Dads Do It All
Strong Families AZ
Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez
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