47 - Real Emergency or Newborn Glitch? How to Know When to Head to the ER (and When to Breathe Instead) with Dr. Kailey Buller

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Ever wondered if your baby’s weird noises, twitchy movements, or late-night fussing are totally normal—or something to panic about? In this week’s episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb is joined by Dr. Kailey Buller, a double board-certified physician in family and emergency medicine (and mom of two), to demystify what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to head to the ER.

Together, they unpack the confusing world of newborn behaviors like those gremlin grunts, gagging fits, and twitchy limbs, and walk you through the real red flags that every new parent should know. You’ll learn how to spot signs of true emergencies, build confidence in your instincts, and approach those “is my baby okay?” moments with calm instead of chaos.

If you’ve ever found yourself googling “newborn breathing normal or not” at 2 a.m., this episode is your permission slip to step away from the panic spiral and tune into what’s really going on.

Key Takeaways:

• Most middle-of-the-night worries are not emergencies—babies are just weird little humans learning how their bodies work.
• True emergencies include fever in a baby under 30 days, trouble breathing, dehydration (no wet diaper for 12+ hours), or unresponsiveness.
• If your gut says something’s wrong, that visit is justified—even if it’s not urgent.
• You’re not supposed to be the expert in everything. You’re supposed to be the expert in your baby.
• Trust your instincts. You know your baby best.

Resources Mentioned:

• Surviving Tiny Humans by Dr. Kailey Buller https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/ 
• Doula Deb’s Rooted Rest Sleep Course — A gentle, evidence-based guide to building healthy sleep foundations without sacrificing connection.
• The First Year Support Program — Ongoing guidance for families navigating the ups and downs of the first year.

Or click here to learn more about how I can support you at www.douladeb.com!

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Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
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Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.