Securely Attached9 Des 2025

Breath-holding spells in children: What's normal, what's not, and how to stay calm with pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman

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:

🔗 Dr. Caity Gilman

🎧 Listen to Caity's first episode about vaccine safety

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

🔗 drsarahbren.com

📱 @drsarahbren

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do if your child is afraid of going to the doctor

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament, personality, and parenting with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping "Big Reactors" learn to regulate and manage their intense emotions with Claire Lerner

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