Dr. Nicole Baldwin

Confessions of a "Type A" Dr. Mom

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  • Parenting
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  • This is Me
  • Media
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  • Parenting
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    Parenting,  Safety

    Should I Send My Child Back to In-Person School in the Fall?

    July 14, 2020 / No Comments

    It’s that time of year again. Time that parents start thinking about back-to-school preparations. THIS year, however, parents are facing VERY DIFFERENT decisions than in years past (oh, to be back to the days when picking out a new outfit or backpack was the most stressful decision that we had to make with our children at this time of year). And it’s not just parents that are grappling with the decision about what is best for their child this fall…schools, governments, and pediatricians everywhere are trying to figure this out as well. So while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some things that I think each family should consider…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    October 27, 2018

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  • Safety

    Summer Camp and COVID-19

    May 30, 2020 / No Comments

    Summer camp is a rite of passage for so many young children. I know many kids that have been going to the same camps year after year and each year they look forward to seeing their friends from across the country. As parents, we have already had to deal with so much disappointment from our children over missed activities, vacations, and time away from school and friends, that the decision of whether or not to take summer camp away is hard. Summer camps pose a unique risk for transmission of SARS-CoV2 as traditionally large groups of children from different communities gather and play together, share meals together, and often sleep…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    May 29, 2020

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    September 26, 2018

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    September 12, 2018
  • Safety

    Swimming Pools and COVID-19

    May 25, 2020 / No Comments

    As the weather gets warmer and parents search for activities to keep their kids (and themselves) from going completely bonkers, I have been getting questions from parents about whether or not they should take their kids to the pool this summer in the midst of a pandemic. First of all, no activity is 100% safe – each family must weigh risks vs. benefits. Also note that these recommendations are based on what we CURRENTLY know about SARS-CoV-2 (as of 5/25/2020) and may change as we get more data.  According to the CDC there is currently no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through water, so just the function of being…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Tales of a Toxic Sideline Parent

    September 18, 2018

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    October 14, 2018

    6 Tips For Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child

    October 3, 2018
  • Parenting,  Wellness

    Don’t Raise a Grumpy Jerk (or How to Teach Your Children to Have an Attitude of Gratitude)

    November 3, 2018 / 2 Comments

    I know that using the work “jerk” is not very kind or PC or whatever – and when I first started writing this post, I was going for the positive, heartwarming feelings about gratitude and how to foster that in our kids. But let’s be real – no one wants to raise a kid that is grumpy all of the time or that others perceive as rude or ungrateful. I think most parents can agree that we want to raise kind, loving, compassionate children who live happy and fulfilled lives (aka NOT grumpy jerks) but we don’t always know how to go about it. Stick with me – I’m here to…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Do’s and Don’ts When Talking To Your Kids About Shots

    September 13, 2018

    Daycare and COVID-19

    May 29, 2020
    school

    Should I Send My Child Back to In-Person School in the Fall?

    July 14, 2020
  • Parenting

    E-cigarettes: What Every Parent Needs To Know

    September 26, 2018 / 2 Comments

    I’m about to admit something kind of embarrassing. Until last spring, I didn’t really know that e-cigarette use was a huge deal and I had NO idea what a “JUUL” was or that “juuling” was something I should be concerned about as a parent and a pediatrician. As a routine, I always ask my teenage patients about their substance abuse habits (in Peds we often refer to these as the “Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll” questions): Do you smoke cigarettes? Do you use marijuana or other drugs? Do you drink alcohol? etc. I’m going to be honest here – I live under a bit of a rock and don’t read…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Be a Flu Fighter

    September 16, 2018

    Daycare and COVID-19

    May 29, 2020

    Halloween Safety 101

    October 27, 2018
  • Parenting

    Tales of a Toxic Sideline Parent

    September 18, 2018 / No Comments

    I have a confession to make. You know that parent on the sideline of the soccer game. The one who is super loud and likes to shout at her kid to “HUSTLE!!!” The one who doesn’t care what the coach TOLD her kid to do, she’s going to instruct them to do something completely different. That was me. I am embarrassed and ashamed to admit this about myself, but I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I am a recovering toxic sideline parent (the first step is to admit you have a problem, am I right?). What exactly IS a “toxic sideline parent?” I tried to find…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    September 16, 2018

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    May 29, 2020

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    October 14, 2018
  • Parenting

    Do’s and Don’ts When Talking To Your Kids About Shots

    September 13, 2018 / 4 Comments

    It’s that time of year again – flu clinic time. Every fall the sounds of crying children fill the halls of my office as they come in for their flu vaccines. So often I see or overhear parents trying their hardest to do what is best for their child, but making some pretty common mistakes. Here is a list of my most common DO’s and DON’Ts for parents when your child is getting a vaccine: DON’TS DON’T TELL YOUR KIDS THAT SHOTS DON’T HURT. That is a lie. Shots DO hurt. Getting a shot consists of a needle breaking the skin. It’s not a pleasant sensation. When parents tell children…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Don’t Raise a Grumpy Jerk (or How to Teach Your Children to Have an Attitude of Gratitude)

    November 3, 2018

    Change Your Life in 3 Easy Steps

    September 12, 2018

    6 Tips For Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child

    October 3, 2018

Meet Dr. Baldwin

Dr. Nicole Baldwin is a pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has worked in primary care pediatrics since completing her residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 2006. Dr. Baldwin is a wife and mother of 2 amazing children. She draws on her experience as a mom and a pediatrician to bring readers relevant, up-to-date information about parenting, child health and general wellness.

Check out my latest posts

  • schoolShould I Send My Child Back to In-Person School in the Fall?
  • Summer Camp and COVID-19
  • Daycare and COVID-19
  • Summer Vacation and COVID-19
  • Playdates and COVID-19

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dr.nicolebaldwin

You know how I always tell you guys how much I LOV You know how I always tell you guys how much I LOVE being a Pediatrician…

I love being a mom even more 😍

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there (especially mine).

#mothersday
I’m still here(ish). Working on getting back t I’m still here(ish). 

Working on getting back to my primary reasons for being on this platform…

Drop your parenting/health/wellness questions below 👇🏼

Oh - and be kind to yourself & to each other 😘

#choosekindness #choosejoy #drbaldwinsays #pediatrician #parenting
Hello friends! The INTERNATIONAL SENSATION that i Hello friends!

The INTERNATIONAL SENSATION that is #masksofflive is back this week and we’re here to answer your questions about ALL THE THINGS!

Drop your burning questions below 👇🏼 👇🏼 and don’t forget to set a reminder to join us LIVE on Wednesday 4/13 @ 8e/7c (because let’s be real…it’s way more fun LIVE 😘).
You know those books that take your breath away… You know those books that take your breath away…

I didn’t think I could get through this one. It begins on March 13, 2020 & is set during the pandemic…

Several pages into the story the memories, fear and overwhelm that I felt in those early days (and throughout much of the past two years) came FLOODING back. My heart WAS NOT ready for that. Enough time hasn’t passed. It’s not over. I wasn’t prepared to face those emotions yet again. 

And then just like she always does, @jodipicoult sucked me in and I cried the cathartic tears that I’ve been holding in for the past 743 days. 

So I wanted to hop back on to say that I’m still here, gang. I know I’ve been fairly absent lately - and that’s intentional. 

I need a break for my mental health. I need to read, binge Netflix, do laundry, clean my house, play with my puppy & enjoy my daughter’s last few months at home.

I’ll be back - at some point. And I’m sure I’ll sprinkle in tidbits here & there when the mood strikes. 

In the meantime - take care of yourself & be kind to each other. 

And if you’re in the mood for a good book (and mentally prepared to relive 2020), give this one a chance 😘.
POP QUIZ!! Do you know what ACEs are, what diseas POP QUIZ!!

Do you know what ACEs are, what diseases they are associated with, and how common they can be?

Do you know how YOU can play a role in preventing ACEs?

👉🏼 If NOT - watch this video and check out other resources about ACEs from @ameracadpeds @healthychildrenaap and @cdcgov 

#sponsored This post is made possible with support from the American Academy of Pediatrics through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All opinions are my own. 

#findyour3 #preventACEs #drbaldwinsays
My girl turns 18 years old this week!! She is cur My girl turns 18 years old this week!!

She is currently participating with @teamsquashcancer_lls to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Did you know that one person in the US is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma every 3 minutes!! Thankfully survival rates of these cancers have been improving thanks to research into new therapies.

@llsusa is the largest nonprofit dedicated to creating a world without blood cancers. They have invested more than $1.5 billion in cancer research since 1949.

Help me celebrate my baby's birthday by donating to LLS through the link in my bio.

#endcancer #leukemiaawareness #lymphomaaawareness @kendal_108
Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this one is a 3 parter that truly went OFF THE RAILS!!

This is Part 3 👏🏼

Part 1 - Community rates, vaccines for littles, and when is it OK to go maskless 😳

Part 2 - New Developmental Milestone guidance (see @kckidsdoc get triggered), Similac recall, and learn why a “tepid pool of filth” is #selfcare 

Part 3 - AFTER HOURS…Curling, Disney secrets, and of course Hell No/Let’s Go

#masksofflive
Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this one is a 3 parter that truly went OFF THE RAILS!!

This is Part 2 👏🏼

Part 1 - Community rates, vaccines for littles, and when is it OK to go maskless 😳

Part 2 - New Developmental Milestone guidance (see @kckidsdoc get triggered), Similac recall, and learn why a “tepid pool of filth” is #selfcare 

Part 3 - AFTER HOURS…Curling, Disney secrets, and of course Hell No/Let’s Go

#masksofflive
Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this one is a 3 parter that truly went OFF THE RAILS!! 

This is Part 1 👏🏼

Part 1 - Community rates, vaccines for littles, and when is it OK to go maskless 😳

Part 2 - New Developmental Milestone guidance (see @kckidsdoc get triggered), Similac recall, and learn why a “tepid pool of filth” is #selfcare 

Part 3 - AFTER HOURS…Curling, Disney secrets, and of course Hell No/Let’s Go

#masksofflive
The amount of stress I'm feeling these days is pal The amount of stress I'm feeling these days is palpable - anyone else with me???

When I'm feeling like I'm about to blow - these are a few things I've found that help me:

Taking a deep breath. I know it sounds cliche but closing my eyes for 10 seconds and taking a few deep breaths can really help bring my stress level down quickly.

Changing my scenery (if possible). Going to another room in my house or stepping outside can do wonders for my mood.

Completing a mundane task. Starting a load of laundry, unloading the dishwasher, or sorting through the mail are easy enough that I don't need to use much brain power and I get a sense of accomplishment when the task is completed.

Making a list. When my brain is going a million miles a minute with all the tasks I need to complete and I can feel my heart starting to beat faster, making a list helps to ground my thoughts and allows me to prioritize what needs to get done ASAP and what can wait.

PUTTING DOWN MY PHONE. This one is hard but I would say my phone is a HUGE source of stress for me (between texts, emails, and social media notifications I feel like I'm CONSTANTLY on my phone and sometimes I want to chuck it at the wall). When I can feel myself becoming overwhelmed I will often put my phone down and just walk away for a few minutes. It's hard but SO worth it!

So those are just a few things I do when I'm feeling overwhelmed. 

I'm curious to know what you've found that works best for you???

***If you are having thoughts of self harm, please call the 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HELLO to 741741
Just a few quick thoughts about the news from Pfiz Just a few quick thoughts about the news from Pfizer/FDA today. 

I know so many of you are bummed. I am too. 

I’m trying to trust the process...and I’m encouraged that the FDA wants to make sure they have all the data necessary to make this decision for our littles. 

Of note - I’m not privy to ANY insider info or data so I’m a stunned by this news as everyone else. 

We will get through this! In the meantime, please vaccinate/boost those family members that are eligible, wear masks when in high risk situations and be like Dory (aka just keep swimming 😘). 

*As always, questions are welcomed but bullying or antivaxx comments aren’t and users will be blocked*
Masks Off Live - Super Bowl Edition - Part 2…the Masks Off Live - Super Bowl Edition - Part 2…the one where we get TROLLED!!!

We covered:
✅Football
✅Hell No/Let’s Go
✅How pharma companies REALLY make $ (hint…it’s not from vaccines)
✅Football
✅When we can party like it’s 1999
✅What we’re watching/reading/etc.
✅Football

With a special cameo from @kckidsdoc ‘s son!

Check out part 1 for info about masks/Disney/vaccines for littles & pregnant mamas…and more FOOTBALL!!!

#masksofflive
Masks Off Live - Super Bowl Edition - Part 1 We c Masks Off Live - Super Bowl Edition - Part 1

We covered:
✅Football
✅Disney
✅Masks
✅Vaccines for littles & pregnant mamas
✅ COVID Red Flags
✅Football

Check out part 2 for our first ever TROLL, and your favorite game - Hell No/Let’s Go

#masksofflive @kckidsdoc
#tbt (is that even a thing anymore 😏) - 2005 O #tbt (is that even a thing anymore 😏) - 2005

Once a @bengals family, always a Bengals family 🧡🖤

We’re just going to pretend that those jerseys have @joeyb_9 ‘s name on the back 😘

#whodey #whodeynation #superbowl
ICYMI - I’m here…at a conference in Orlando wi ICYMI - I’m here…at a conference in Orlando with my bestie…and we will be giving each other crap the ENTIRE week 😜

#whodey #whodeynation @kckidsdoc
It all comes down to this, friends... Will this It all comes down to this, friends... 

Will this be the last #masksofflive ?

Will the entire 2 hours just be us trash talking?

Will we remain friends after Sunday?

Tune in to find out…

Oh - and drop your questions in the comments 😘
Masks off live - exhaustion edition…Part 2 Hone Masks off live - exhaustion edition…Part 2

Honestly I’m too tired to even come up with a catchy caption 😴

Guess you’ll have to watch to find out what we talked about…

#masksofflive @kckidsdoc
New year, new puppy, same friends…perhaps a BIT New year, new puppy, same friends…perhaps a BIT more exhausted than last year 🥱

#masksofflive Part 1
This is my angry face. Today is my OFFICIAL firs This is my angry face. 

Today is my OFFICIAL first day out of isolation and stop # 1 is the grocery store. 

The number of people walking around the grocery without masks is ASTOUNDING to me. 

Don’t get me wrong - this is nothing new in my neck of the woods - and admittedly it does seem like MORE people are wearing masks - but FOR THE LOVE, people!!! Do you not see the news?!?!

Maybe I’m just highly sensitive after just spending the past 11 days in isolation (yep…11 days because your first day of symptoms is day ZERO)…but if ANYONE should feel OK not wearing a mask…it’s me…and here I am…rocking my KF94. 

And all the parents walking around with unmasked kids has me 🤬🤬🤬.

So yeah - you wonder why we are so pissed and burnt out in medicine. This is why. 

Please - WEAR YOUR FREAKING MASK PEOPLE!!

#wearamask #drbaldwinsays
Current situation - seeing patients from home and Current situation - seeing patients from home and helping our nurses with phone calls because I’m STILL COVID + 😩😩😩

Yesterday was my day #6 and according to the CDC isolation guidelines (as of yesterday morning) I COULD have returned to work WITHOUT testing as my symptoms were “resolving.” 

This, however, made me uncomfortable because I was STILL having mild symptoms and I didn’t want to risk possibly getting any patients or staff at my office ill so I chose to do a rapid antigen test which was positive. 

What does that mean? Well, it means I still have enough viral load in my nose to turn an antigen test positive. It may or may not mean that I’m still contagious BUT with a higher viral load, we do know that this increases transmissibility SO I have chosen to be safe and continue my isolation for the full 10 days. 

And wouldn’t you know it AFTER I took my test, the CDC clarified their guidelines discussing testing after day #5 (they still aren’t requiring a negative test to end isolation early - which personally I find irresponsible- BUT they did give guidance for those who have a positive test after 5 days). 

So here is one of my concerns with the CDC guidelines - “RESOLVING” is very subjective. People might still feel ill BUT if they are better than they were in the beginning, they may count that as “resolving” even though they may still be contagious. I’m still experiencing nasal congestion. That’s it. Otherwise I feel fine. Am I still contagious - not sure 🤷🏻‍♀️. Am I willing to take the risk of spreading COVID further - NOPE. 

So that’s where I am. If you’re a patient of mine who has had to reschedule - I’m SOOO sorry! To my nurses and front desk staff having to do all the rescheduling - THANK YOU, you are the best! To my colleagues who have had to pick up for me - I really appreciate your support in this crazy time. 

Stay well, friends and remember NOTHING is “just a cold” right now. If you have sore throat, congestion, or mild cough PLEASE take a test!!
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