On Call With Dr. Anselm Anyoha

Episode-80-Why Is My Baby Yellow? A Pediatrician Explains Newborn Jaundice

In this episode of Encore with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we break down one of the most common—and anxiety-provoking—newborn conditions: jaundice in newborns.
Jaundice causes a yellow discoloration of a baby’s skin and eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin, a natural by-product of red blood cell breakdown. Dr. Anyoha explains why newborns are especially prone to jaundice, highlighting the combination of increased bilirubin production and an immature liver that is still learning how to clear it efficiently.
The episode walks parents through the difference between physiologic (normal) jaundice and pathologic jaundice, explaining when jaundice is harmless and when it can become dangerous. Dr. Anyoha discusses how pediatricians decide when treatment is needed, using factors such as the baby’s age in hours, bilirubin level, gestational age, rate of rise, and underlying causes like ABO or Rh incompatibility.
Parents also learn what to expect from phototherapy, how long hospital stays usually last, what happens after discharge, and why close follow-up matters. Common concerns about breastfeeding and breast milk jaundice are addressed, with reassurance that breastfeeding should usually continue.
The key takeaway is clear: jaundice is common and usually manageable. With vigilant monitoring, good feeding, and timely treatment when needed, most babies recover fully and thrive.

Episode-79-Why Won’t My Baby Stop Crying? A Pediatrician Explains Infantile Colic

n this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we take a clear, compassionate look at infantile colic, one of the most frustrating and exhausting challenges in early infancy.
Colic is defined as prolonged, inconsolable crying in otherwise healthy babies, typically beginning around three weeks of age and resolving by three to four months. Dr. Anyoha explains how colic differs from normal crying, including its classic pattern of intense, often evening-time episodes that persist despite feeding, diaper changes, and soothing.
The episode walks parents through what colic looks like in real life, what families commonly try before seeking medical care—such as gripe water, formula changes, and soothing techniques—and how pediatricians carefully evaluate crying babies to rule out illness, infection, feeding problems, or gastrointestinal conditions.
Dr. Anyoha also addresses the most common question parents ask: What causes colic? While the exact cause remains uncertain, possible contributors include digestive immaturity and heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Importantly, parents are reassured that colic is benign, does not harm brain development, and resolves on its own.
Practical coping strategies are emphasized, along with emotional support for overwhelmed caregivers. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: colic is temporary, parents are not to blame, and seeking support is essential during this demanding phase of early parenting.

Episode-79-Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: How Low Iron Affects Growth and Brain Development

In this episode of on call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we focus on anemia in babies and young children, with special attention to iron-deficiency anemia, the most common and preventable form worldwide.
Dr. Anyoha explains anemia in simple terms, highlighting how iron is essential for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the brain and body. When iron levels are low, children may experience fatigue, poor growth, delayed development, learning difficulties, and behavioral changes—sometimes without obvious symptoms.
The episode explores common causes of iron-deficiency anemia, including low iron intake, prematurity, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without supplementation, excessive cow’s milk consumption, and infections or parasitic diseases in resource-limited settings. Parents learn what signs to watch for, why anemia is often missed, and how routine screening during pediatric visits plays a critical role in early detection.
Dr. Anyoha also discusses diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, emphasizing iron supplementation, iron-rich foods, appropriate milk intake, and follow-up testing. The key message is clear: anemia is common, but early recognition and treatment protect brain development and help children reach their full potential

Episode-78--Your Baby Smiled at You! Why the Social Smile Is a Major Developmental Milestone

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we explore one of the most joyful and meaningful early milestones in infant development: the social smile.
Many parents notice early smiles in newborns and wonder whether they “count.” Dr. Anyoha explains the difference between reflex smiles and a true social smile, which typically begins around 6 to 8 weeks of age and becomes well established by 12 weeks. This social smile is a baby’s first intentional form of communication—an early sign of brain development, emotional awareness, and social engagement.
The episode discusses why social smiling matters, what it tells pediatricians about a baby’s vision, hearing, neurological function, and social-emotional development, and how everyday interactions—such as eye contact, talking, singing, and smiling back—help strengthen this milestone.
Dr. Anyoha also addresses common parental concerns, including what to do if a baby isn’t smiling yet, when to seek guidance from a pediatrician, and why evaluation does not mean panic. The episode closes by reminding parents that social smiling is more than a cute moment—it’s the beginning of communication, bonding, and lifelong relationships.

Episode-77-Leaving the Hospital and Seeing the Pediatrician: Your Baby’s First Visit Explained

Your baby’s first visit to the pediatrician is one of the earliest and most meaningful milestones of parenthood. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we walk parents through what happens at that first appointment, why it matters, and how it helps families feel confident during the earliest days of a newborn’s life.
Typically scheduled when a baby is three to five days old, this visit often marks the first time new parents leave the house with their newborn—car seat carefully buckled, questions swirling, and emotions running high. Dr. Anyoha explains that this visit is not just a medical checkup; it is the beginning of a long-term partnership between families and their pediatrician.
The episode explains what pediatricians assess during this visit, including weight, length, head circumference, and how those measurements help track healthy growth and early brain development. Parents learn why it is normal for newborns to lose some weight after birth and how pediatricians look for healthy trends rather than single numbers. A full newborn physical exam is also reviewed, including reflexes, muscle tone, hip stability, umbilical cord healing, and circumcision care when applicable.
A major focus is feeding guidance. Dr. Anyoha addresses common worries about breastfeeding and formula feeding, feeding frequency, vitamin D supplementation, and hunger cues. Parents are reminded that newborns typically feed every two to three hours, day and night, and that feeding on demand is key in the early weeks.
The episode also covers newborn sleep and crying, helping parents understand that irregular sleep patterns and frequent crying are normal forms of communication, not signs of failure. Gentle soothing strategies—skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, holding, and talking softly—are discussed as ways to comfort babies while strengthening bonding and emotional security.
Finally, Dr. Anyoha highlights warning signs pediatricians watch for, such as excessive weight loss, poor feeding, breathing difficulties, or signs of infection, and explains when parents should reach out for help. The episode closes with reassurance: most babies are healthy, most parents are doing far better than they realize, and confidence grows with time, guidance, and support.

Episode-76-Separation, Trauma, and Resilience: Understanding the Child’s Experience

Separation from caregivers is one of the most powerful and painful experiences a child can endure. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we explore how caregiver separation affects children emotionally, psychologically, and developmentally—and why protecting the caregiver-child bond is essential for healthy growth.
Drawing on decades of pediatric practice and training in infant mental health and child development, Dr. Anyoha explains that children rely on caregivers not only for food and safety, but for emotional security and a sense of predictability. When separation occurs—whether due to divorce, illness, incarceration, immigration policies, war, or natural disasters—children often experience loss, confusion, and fear, regardless of the reason.
The episode examines how separation affects children at different developmental stages. Newborns and infants may struggle to form secure attachments. Toddlers may cry inconsolably or regress in skills. School-aged children may show behavioral or academic difficulties, while adolescents may withdraw, become depressed, or express distress through anger and risk-taking behaviors. Younger children are especially vulnerable, but no age group is immune.
Dr. Anyoha also discusses the psychological consequences of separation, including anxiety, aggression, depression, oppositional behavior, and long-term relational difficulties. Foundational work by John Bowlby on attachment and maternal deprivation is referenced, alongside modern neuroscience, confirming that prolonged separation can leave lasting emotional scars into adulthood.
Importantly, the episode emphasizes hope and recovery. Children are resilient, and healing is possible when protective factors are in place—early reunification when safe, consistent and nurturing substitute caregivers, stable routines, and access to mental health support such as play therapy. Pediatricians play a crucial role by identifying early signs of trauma, supporting families, and advocating for stability and reunification.
The episode concludes with a powerful message for parents, clinicians, and society: children need caregivers not only to survive, but to flourish. Minimizing unnecessary separation, responding quickly when it occurs, and ensuring every child has a dependable, loving adult is a shared responsibility.

Episode-75-Is It Gas or Something Serious? Understanding Abdominal Pain in Toddlers

Belly pain in toddlers—also called abdominal pain in young children—is one of the most common and most confusing concerns parents face. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we explore why tummy pain in toddlers is so difficult to interpret, how it often presents in subtle ways, and how parents and pediatricians work together to separate harmless causes from serious conditions.
Toddlers cannot clearly describe pain. Instead, belly pain may show up as sudden crying, pointing to the stomach, curling up, brief withdrawal from play, or nighttime discomfort. Dr. Anyoha explains why this developmental stage makes diagnosis challenging and why pediatric care relies heavily on parental observation, careful examination, and pattern recognition—part medicine, part listening, and part detective work.
The episode reviews common benign causes of belly pain in toddlers, including gas, constipation, dietary changes, and early diarrhea. These causes are frequent and usually resolve with simple measures such as hydration, fiber, and time. However, parents are also guided through red flag symptoms that should never be ignored, including persistent or worsening pain, vomiting, fever, abdominal swelling, blood in the stool, lethargy, or refusal to eat. Serious conditions such as intussusception and appendicitis, though less common, are discussed as important considerations.
Dr. Anyoha also explains how pediatricians evaluate belly pain even when toddlers resist examination—using play, observation, parental insight, and imaging like ultrasound when needed. Parents are emphasized as essential partners in diagnosis, often providing the most valuable clues about timing, triggers, diet, and symptom patterns.
The episode concludes with practical guidance on treatment and prevention, including dietary balance, regular bowel habits, hydration, and avoiding common myths or cultural practices that may delay proper care. Most importantly, parents are reminded to trust their instincts. While most toddler belly pain is harmless, pain that behaves unusually deserves medical attention. The goal is always the same: relieve discomfort, protect health, and help children return to play, growth, and joy.

Episode-75-Why Is My Child Crying and Pulling Their Ear? A Pediatrician Explains

Ear pain in children is one of the most common—and most stressful—reasons parents seek urgent medical care. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we unpack why ear pain can appear suddenly, cause intense distress, and leave families feeling anxious, especially at night.
Dr. Anyoha explains that ear pain does not always mean an ear infection. While middle ear infections (otitis media) are common, ear pain in children can also be caused by fluid behind the eardrum, swimmer’s ear, teething, sore throat, sinus congestion, or even dental issues. That’s why pediatricians take a careful, step-by-step approach—listening to parents, examining the ear, and looking beyond it to find the real source of pain.
The episode walks parents through how pediatricians decide on treatment, emphasizing that not every ear infection needs antibiotics. Pain control, close monitoring, and targeted treatments—such as ear drops for outer ear infections—are often the best approach. Comfort matters, because children heal better when they feel better.
Finally, the conversation highlights practical ways parents can help prevent recurrent ear infections, including staying up to date on vaccinations, avoiding secondhand smoke, managing allergies, encouraging breastfeeding when possible, and avoiding bottle-feeding while a child is lying flat.
This episode reassures parents that seeking care is not overreacting—it’s advocating. With good communication and partnership between families and pediatricians, most children recover quickly and comfortably.

Episode-75-Helping an Anxious Child: Symptoms, Causes, and What Really Works

In this episode of Encore with Dr. Anselm and Johar, we talk about anxiety in children—what it looks like, why it happens, how pediatricians recognize it, and what parents can do to help.
Anxiety is more than normal childhood worry. When fear and worry become persistent, they can affect a child’s school performance, sleep, friendships, and confidence. Many children don’t say “I’m anxious.” Instead, anxiety often shows up as stomach aches, headaches, nausea, trembling, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or repeated “I don’t want to go” moments—especially before school, social events, or new situations.
You’ll learn the common types of childhood anxiety, including separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and specific phobias. The episode explains how pediatricians detect anxiety during routine visits by observing behavior, listening carefully to parent concerns, and using validated childhood anxiety screening questionnaires to identify patterns of worry, avoidance, and physical symptoms.
We also cover what contributes to anxiety—often a mix of temperament, genetics, stress, trauma or bullying, family modeling, and avoidance patterns—and why early support matters. Evidence-based treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches coping skills and gradually reduces avoidance, and in some cases, medication, especially for moderate to severe anxiety or when therapy alone isn’t enough.
A key takeaway for parents: untreated anxiety can slowly shrink a child’s world, leading to avoidance, academic struggles, social withdrawal, and increased risk of depression in adolescence. But when anxiety is recognized early and treated properly, children can rebuild confidence, resilience, and joy.
This episode is designed to inform and empower parents, not alarm them. Anxiety is common, real, and treatable—and children can thrive with the right support.

Episode-74-Why Childhood Vaccines Matter: The Infections They Stop Before They Start

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we take a clear, calm, and evidence-based walk through the real diseases childhood vaccines prevent—and why they still matter, even when parents rarely see them anymore.
Many parents ask: Why does my child need so many vaccines? What are these diseases really like? And what happens if a child gets one? This episode answers those questions in plain language, without fear-mongering and without medical jargon.
We explain how serious vaccine-preventable diseases affect children, including diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, Hib, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, HPV-related cancers, and rotavirus. Parents learn what symptoms look like, how quickly some of these illnesses can become life-threatening, and why many of them were once leading causes of childhood death and disability.
This discussion also highlights an important truth: vaccines have made these diseases rare—but not gone. When vaccination rates drop, outbreaks return. Immunization protects not only individual children, but also infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Special attention is given to newer and often misunderstood vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine (a powerful cancer-prevention tool) and the rotavirus vaccine (a simple, oral vaccine that prevents severe dehydration in infants). We also explain why vaccine timing matters, especially for fast-moving infections like meningitis.
This episode is about understanding, prevention, and protection. Vaccines work quietly in the background, allowing children to grow, learn, and thrive without facing diseases that once caused widespread suffering. In short: vaccines prevent illness before parents ever have to witness it—and that’s exactly the point.