Navigating Parenting with Confidence: Insights from Dr. Rebekah Diamond
Parenting is an incredible journey that comes with endless questions, anxieties, and unexpected challenges. No one knows this better than Dr. Rebekah Diamond, a pediatrician, author, and mother of two who has lived through the whirlwind of balancing professional expertise and personal experience. We had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Diamond about her parenting philosophy, the motivation behind her books, and what she wishes more parents knew.
Q1: Dr. Diamond, can you share a bit about what inspired you to write your first book, Parent Like a Pediatrician?
Dr. Diamond: My first book was born from my own struggles as a new mom. Despite being a pediatrician—someone who, by all accounts, should have felt prepared—I was overwhelmed. I had the resources, knowledge, and training, but when it came to applying it all while navigating sleep deprivation, postpartum emotions, and the realities of residency, it was much harder than I imagined. I felt my confidence eroding, not because I lacked knowledge, but because there wasn’t a voice telling me that it was okay to make decisions that were safe and felt right for me.
I wanted to write a book that bridged the gap between rigid medical guidelines and the lived experiences of parents. I wanted to say, "Here’s the best we know, but here’s how to adapt it for real life."
Q2: You often talk about balancing science with intuition. Why is that balance so important?
Dr. Diamond: The parenting world today is flooded with information, and while having access to data is great, it can be paralyzing. Parents are often taught to defer entirely to expert opinions or, conversely, to reject them altogether in favor of personal anecdotes. I believe the key is somewhere in between: use vetted, science-based guidelines as a toolkit, but learn how to assess what fits your situation best. Trust your gut, informed by reliable knowledge. That balance restores a parent’s confidence in their choices.
Q3: You mentioned that some parenting advice can feel prescriptive or black and white. Can you share an example where this mindset can be limiting?
Dr. Diamond: Safe sleep is a great example. The standard advice is to always place your baby on their back, alone, in a crib, and for many, that’s perfectly achievable. But what if it isn’t? What if, despite your best intentions, you’re exhausted and find yourself nodding off on the couch with your baby? That’s when I advocate for a harm-reduction approach. It’s not about disregarding the safest practices; it’s about knowing what to do if you can’t perfectly follow them. It’s crucial to avoid black-and-white thinking, especially when rigid adherence leads to more dangerous situations.
Q4: What misconceptions about breastfeeding did you encounter that changed your own approach?
Dr. Diamond: Oh, where to start! I didn’t realize how much preparation and support breastfeeding could require. I became an exclusive pumper with my first child because I didn’t know certain tips, like expressing colostrum before birth or avoiding pumping too early to help establish a supply. It wasn’t until I followed my own research-backed advice with my second child that I had a smoother breastfeeding experience. The takeaway? Breastfeeding can be wonderful, but it’s hard and doesn’t work for everyone. And that’s okay. The important thing is setting yourself up with the tools and support you need, without guilt if your path looks different.
Q5: How do you see societal pressures impacting parents today?
Dr. Diamond: Social media and modern parenting culture have created an environment where parents feel they need to meet impossibly high standards. Everything seems black and white, whether it’s about feeding, sleep training, or discipline. But the reality is full of shades of gray. The most damaging part is that parents are led to believe their intuition doesn’t matter or that they need validation at every turn. It’s essential to reclaim the understanding that parenting isn’t about following scripts; it’s about learning to be confident in the gray areas and making choices that align with your values and reality.
Q6: What advice do you have for parents trying to navigate the overwhelming amount of information out there?
Dr. Diamond: Find a few trusted sources and stick with them. The goal is not to absorb every piece of advice but to know enough to feel empowered to make your own decisions. And remember: it’s okay to tune out the noise. Social media can be great, but if it’s contributing to your anxiety, step back. Also, don’t underestimate the value of community and support—whether that’s talking to friends who are also parents or consulting with professionals who respect your values.
Dr. Rebekah Diamond’s blend of practical advice, medical insight, and personal stories remind us that parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s about equipping yourself with the knowledge to make informed choices and trusting that you know what’s best for your child.
For more insights from Dr. Diamond, be sure to check out her books, Parent Like a Pediatrician and her latest on toddler years, Eat Sleep Tantrum Repeat. If you want to keep the conversation going, listen to the full podcast here and make sure to give Dr. Diamond a follow on Instagram here and to give us a follow as well! Catch you next time!