Breath-holding spells in children: What's normal, what's not, and how to stay calm with pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman
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Show Notes
Pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman joins me this week to unpack breath-holding spells, those frightening moments when a child turns blue or pale, goes limp, or briefly loses consciousness during intense emotion or dysregulation or pain.
Together we explore:
- The two types of breath-holding spells and what triggers each of them.
- Are certain children more prone to these episodes based on genetics, temperament, or other factors?
- What should parents do in the moment to keep their child safe, and how to know when it's time to call their pediatrician.
- What parents can do after a spell to comfort their child.
- Do these spells cause any long-term harm, or are they truly benign?
- How to support your child's emotion regulation and frustration tolerance between episodes.
If you're currently navigating breath-holding spells, or you simply want to feel more prepared for the unexpected moments that come with raising little ones, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance from both a pediatrician and a fellow parent who has lived this experience firsthand.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:
🎧 Listen to Caity's first episode about vaccine safety
LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:
📱 @drsarahbren
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🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do if your child is afraid of going to the doctor