Elena Shea

Elena Shea

Board-Certified Pediatrician and IBCLC

Dr. Elena Shea is a board-certified general pediatrician in Reston, Virginia. Dr. Shea is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is board eligible in Breastfeeding Medicine. She is the cohost of Your Friendly Neighborhood Pediatrician, a podcast about child health for moms from moms and the founder of PedsMomLife, an online community where she helps new parents navigate the trials and joys of the first year of parenthood.

Co-authored

A newborn baby, recently circumcised and wearing a hospital identification bracelet on its wrist, is sleeping while gently holding an adult's finger. The baby is dressed in a white outfit and is lying on a white surface.

Baby Circumcision Myths and Facts

Newborns (0 - 2 months)

Reviewed

A newborn baby wrapped in a white blanket with teal and pink stripes is lying down and crying, possibly due to a tongue tie. The baby's eyes are closed, and their mouth is wide open. The background is out of focus.

What Is Tongue-Tie and How to Treat It

Newborns (0 - 2 months)
A baby with blonde hair is standing and holding onto a floral patterned chair, reaching an exciting developmental milestone. Wearing a floral dress with ruffles, the baby fits perfectly in the light and airy room adorned with sheer white curtains.

Developmental Milestones: Is My Child On Track?

Babies (3 - 11 months)
A baby in a light blue outfit lies on its back on a soft surface, holding and drinking from a bottle filled with milk. The baby has brown hair and is looking at the camera. The background includes blurred windows with bright light coming through, creating a serene scene perfect for this moment.

How To Recognize a Milk Allergy in Your Baby

Babies (3 - 11 months)
A young child, engrossed in infant activities, plays with a colorful abacus on a table in a bright room. The child, wearing a blue shirt, is focused on moving the beads. A yellow cup with a red triangle sits on the table next to the abacus, catering to their cognitive needs.

22 Ways To Increase Your Baby’s Brain Development

Babies (3 - 11 months)
A child with curly hair is sleeping on their side, resting on a pillow. The background shows a wooden surface and some bright light coming from a window. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help achieve such peaceful and relaxed sleep for kids.

Sleep Hygiene for Kids: How To Help Your Child Get Enough Sleep

Sleep
A toddler wearing a gray shirt and blue shorts with white patterns is taking steps with the support of an adult's hands, showing signs baby will walk soon. The barefoot adult in dark pants stands on a light blue rug, with a playpen and toys visible in the background.

When Do Babies Start Walking?

Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
A baby wearing a white shirt and light-colored shorts is smiling while sitting on a white blanket on grass. The background is filled with green trees and bright sunlight. The baby, who appears to be the perfect example for those wondering "when do babies start sitting up," seems to be in a park or garden.

When Do Babies Sit Up? What You Need To Know

Babies (3 - 11 months)
Close-up of a child sucking on their thumb. The child has large, brown eyes and is looking towards the left side of the image. The background is softly blurred with hints of green and white, suggesting an outdoor setting.

Thumb-Sucking Child: The Pros, Cons & How to Stop It

Babies (3 - 11 months)
A baby in a diaper stands with slightly bent knees on a soft gray surface indoors, showcasing those adorable first attempts of standing up. In the background, a bag and some baby items, including a pink container, can be seen. The focus remains on the baby's legs and feet.

When Do Babies Start to Stand? Milestones and What to Expect

Babies (3 - 11 months)
A baby in a white onesie is in a standing position, holding onto a light gray couch while smiling. In the background, there is a white table with a vase of flowers and a coffee cup. The room is bright and has a cozy ambiance with neutral colors.

When Do Babies Start Pulling Up?

Babies (3 - 11 months)