Healthy Beginnings Podcast
Healthy Beginnings Podcast is a Rwanda-based production by LF Media, hosted by pediatrician Dr. Edgar Kalimba. It offers evidence-based conversations about children's health, family wellbeing, and health systems, aiming to help parents and caregivers navigate health with clarity. New episodes are released weekly.
Episodes
Healthy Beginnings Special: Preparing for Pregnancy & Your Baby's First Weeks
How do you prepare for pregnancy—and are you really ready for life with a newborn?From choosing the right supplements and medical tests to understanding breastfeeding, vaccinations, and postpartum recovery, preparing for a baby involves much more than packing a hospital bag.In this special episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba is joined by private midwife Aude Kaze for a practical conve
Should You Go to a Clinic, Health Center, or Hospital? Every Parent Should Know
When your child becomes sick, do you know where to seek medical care?Should you visit a clinic, a health center, or go straight to the hospital? Making the right choice can save valuable time, reduce unnecessary costs, and help your child receive the right level of care as quickly as possible.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains how the healthcare system works and help
Is My Baby Normal? Colic, Reflux, Sleep & Other Newborn Questions
Why won't my baby stop crying? Why do they spit up after every feed? Why won't they sleep through the night?Every new parent has questions—and many wonder whether their baby is developing normally.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba answers some of the most common questions submitted by parents of newborns. From infant colic and reflux to newborn sleep patterns and f
My Child Isn't Like Other Children—Could It Be Autism?
My child doesn't respond when I call their name. They avoid eye contact. They seem overwhelmed by sounds, textures, or changes in routine. Should I be worried?In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba helps parents understand autism spectrum disorder in a clear, compassionate, and evidence-based way. We explore the early signs of autism, explain why every autistic child is diff
Is Screen Time Hurting Your Child’s Brain? What Parents Need to Know
Are screens affecting your child’s developing brain?Phones, tablets, cartoons, and educational videos have become part of everyday childhood—but many parents are left wondering: how much is too much?In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explores the relationship between screen time, sleep, behavior, and early childhood development.We discuss what science says about screen exposu
Can My Baby Feel My Stress? The Truth About Parenting & Mental Health
Can your baby tell when you're stressed?Many parents work tirelessly to protect their children while ignoring one important part of their child's wellbeing—their own mental health.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explores how caregiver mental health shapes a child's emotional development from infancy. From postpartum depression and anxiety to parental burnout
Can Babies Have Mental Health Problems? What Every Parent Should Know
Can babies and young children experience mental health challenges?Many parents assume mental health is something that only affects teenagers and adults. But emotional wellbeing begins much earlier—starting in infancy.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explores children's mental health and emotional development, helping parents understand how early experiences shape emoti
Post-Pregnancy Skin Problems: Rashes, Itching & Hormonal Changes
Why does your skin change so much after giving birth?Many mothers expect sleepless nights and exhaustion—but few are prepared for the rashes, itching, eczema flare-ups, skin irritation, and other unexpected changes that can appear after pregnancy.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains why postpartum skin changes happen, what's considered normal, and when they may si
My Child's Eczema Won't Go Away—What Am I Missing?
Why does eczema keep coming back?Many parents assume eczema is simply dry skin—but eczema is much more complex than that. It can affect a child's sleep, comfort, confidence, and quality of life.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains what eczema really is, why some children develop it, and what parents can do to reduce flare-ups and better manage symptoms.From geneti
My Baby Has a Rash—Should I Be Worried?
Why do babies get rashes so easily?From heat rash and diaper rash to baby acne, drool rash, and allergic reactions, skin problems are one of the most common reasons parents worry about their children.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains why baby skin is different from adult skin, why rashes happen so often, and how parents can tell the difference between a harmless ras
Antibiotic Resistance Explained: The Dangerous Habits Making Medicines Stop Working
Why are some infections becoming harder to treat?Antibiotic resistance is growing around the world—and everyday habits like self-prescribing antibiotics, reusing old medicine, and sharing antibiotics with family members are part of the problem.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains what antibiotic resistance actually means, how it develops, and why the misuse of antibiot
Are We Overusing Antibiotics? The Dangerous Habit Parents Need to Know About
Antibiotics save lives—but are we using them too much?In many homes, antibiotics have become the go-to treatment for almost everything: coughs, colds, fever, sore throats, and stomach illnesses. But antibiotics do not cure every infection—and overusing them can create serious long-term problems.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explores the growing culture of antibiotic misu
If Vaccines Work, Why Are Vaccinated Kids Still Getting Sick?
If vaccines work, why do vaccinated children still get sick?It’s one of the most common questions parents ask—and one that often causes confusion and doubt.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains how vaccines actually work, why no vaccine is 100% perfect, and why vaccinated children can still develop some illnesses.Vaccines are designed to protect children from the most d
Can You Vaccinate a Sick Child? Fever, Missed Vaccines & What Parents Should Know
Can you vaccinate your child when they’re sick? What happens if you miss a vaccine? And when should you worry about fever after vaccines?These are some of the most common—and most important—questions parents ask.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba breaks down real-life vaccine concerns that families face every day. From mild illness and missed doses to fever after vaccination,
Childhood Vaccines Explained: Are They Safe, Necessary, and Too Many?
Are childhood vaccines really necessary? Are they safe? And are babies getting too many too soon?In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba answers the most important—and most difficult—questions parents have about early childhood vaccines.Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine, preventing millions of deaths every year. But confusion, fear, and misinformation
Is My Baby Too Fat? Understanding Baby Weight & What’s Normal
Is my baby too fat?It’s a question many parents quietly worry about—especially when their baby looks bigger than others.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains how to understand baby weight and growth in a healthy and balanced way. From growth charts to feeding patterns, this episode helps parents separate normal variation from real concerns.Many babies go through periods
Picky Eaters: Why Your Child Won’t Eat (And What Actually Works)
My child refuses to eat. Is this normal?Fussy eating—also known as picky eating—is one of the most common concerns parents face. It can be frustrating, stressful, and sometimes worrying.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains why some children become picky eaters, what is actually happening during this stage of development, and what parents can do to support healthy eatin
How to Wean Your Baby: When to Start & What Parents Get Wrong
When should you start weaning your baby—and how do you do it properly?Weaning is one of the biggest transitions in early childhood, and many parents feel unsure about when to begin, what foods to introduce, and how to do it safely.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains how to approach weaning with clarity and confidence. From timing and nutrition to common mistakes and m
Is It Too Soon to Give Your Baby Cow’s Milk? When It’s Safe Explained
When can I give my baby cow’s milk? It’s a common question—and getting it wrong can affect your child’s nutrition and health.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains when it is safe to introduce cow’s milk, why timing matters, and what parents should understand about infant nutrition in the first year of life.Many families introduce cow’s milk too early, not realizing the
I Chose Formula Feeding—Am I a Bad Mother? Breastfeeding vs Formula Explained
I’ve chosen to give my baby formula. Does that make me a bad mother? Few topics in parenting carry as much pressure, judgment, and confusion as feeding decisions.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explores the realities of breastfeeding and formula feeding—what the science says, what matters most for your child, and how parents can make informed decisions without guilt.Health
My Baby Won’t Stop Coughing — Should I Give Antibiotics?
My baby keeps coughing. Should I give antibiotics?It’s one of the most common questions parents ask when their child has a persistent cough.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains what a cough in babies and young children actually means, what causes it, and when antibiotics may—or may not—help.Many childhood coughs are caused by viral infections, meaning antibiotics won’t
How Do You Know If Your Child Is Growing Properly? Child Growth & Development Explained
Is my child growing normally? It’s one of the most common—and most worrying—questions parents ask.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains how to understand your child’s growth beyond the chart. From height and weight to nutrition, development, and environment, we explore what healthy growth really looks like—and when to be concerned.This episode is designed to help parent
What Is a Healthy Start for a Child? Early Childhood Health
Health decisions don’t start in hospitals—they start at home.In this first episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explores what a truly healthy start in life means for children and families. From early childhood development and prevention, this episode lays the foundation for lifelong health.Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family
