"My teachers made me a pediatrician, but my baby made me ‘bacchon_ki_doctor’—I had to relearn everything while raising her."
1. You’re known as @bacchon_ki_doctor to millions online. What inspired your journey as a pediatrician and parenting influencer?
Honestly, it all began as an experiment suggested by my husband—he encouraged me to start sharing my knowledge online. So, I can't say someone inspired me exactly. But if you ask who deserves the credit, it would be my elder daughter. My teachers made me a pediatrician, but my baby made me “bacchon_ki_doctor.” I had to learn so much while raising her.
2. What’s one common myth about child health or parenting that you wish more people would stop believing?
That there’s a universal “right” or “wrong” in parenting. There isn’t. It’s a personal journey between you and your child. You always do the best you can in your unique circumstances—for yourself and your little one.
3. You’ve created a child-friendly environment in your clinic. What small changes can parents make at home to reduce doctor-related anxiety in kids?
First and foremost, stop telling kids things like, “The doctor will give you an injection!” or using hospital visits as threats. I often hear things in the OPD like, “If you eat that chocolate, the doctor will admit you to the hospital or give you a shot.” This kind of fear creates a major barrier between children and doctors. There’s a big difference between discipline and fear—don’t confuse the two.
4. With rising cases of allergies in children, what preventive steps can parents take early on?
There are several factors behind the increasing prevalence of allergies. One simple step parents can take is to allow their children more contact with nature. And unless medically necessary, don’t impose unnecessary food restrictions.
5. How do you balance scientific accuracy with accessibility when creating content for such a large, diverse audience?
It’s definitely a challenge, but I try my best. Some topics—like care for preterm babies or neurodivergent children—are too case-specific to generalize, so I avoid discussing them publicly. I also make it very clear to my audience that social media is for awareness only. For personal issues, they should always consult their local doctor.
6. Has social media ever changed the way you practice medicine or how parents interact with you?
Social media hasn’t changed how I connect with my patients or their parents, but I’ve noticed a shift in how parents perceive me. There’s a lot more respect and courtesy now. Earlier, I was just a young doctor in a new town. Today, I feel heard—and valued.
7. What’s something young pediatricians or aspiring medical influencers should keep in mind before stepping into the digital space?
Don’t create content just to gain followers. Focus on genuinely helping people who may not have access to the right information. And don’t copy others—only share content that’s true to your expertise and values.
8. Lastly, if your patients could name a cartoon character that best represents you, who would it be—and why?
I think the kids already find “Doc Aunty” funny enough! Many of them can’t stop giggling or chatting as soon as they walk into my OPD. I can’t think of a specific cartoon character, but their laughter is all the representation I need!
Bio:
Dr Madhavi Bharadwaj is a well-known paediatrician with keen interest in child development and behaviour. She has done her MBBS from LHMC Delhi and post graduation from prestigious Maulana Azad medical College, Delhi University. She holds diploma on Allergy , asthma and immunology from prestigious CMC Vellore.
Passionate about child growth and development,she understands the age appropriate behaviour and challenges like no other.
Interviewed by: Shrishti Chandra
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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