Gut Feelings: Supporting Your Child’s Digestive and Emotional Health

Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach before a big test or an important event? That fluttery sensation isn’t just nerves—it's a sign of your brain and gut working together. For children, this connection can be even more pronounced, with emotions, stress and other factors sometimes showing up as digestive issues.

When digestive problems begin to disrupt daily life, it’s important to look beyond the symptoms and uncover the underlying causes. That’s why Brynn O’Laughlin, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at LifeBridge Health takes a comprehensive approach to care, considering the whole child—not just their stomach.

The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than Just Butterflies

Your child’s digestive system and brain are constantly communicating. This connection, called the gut-brain axis, explains why stress, anxiety or even a sleepless night can affect your child’s stomach as much as their mind.  

For some children, this connection can lead to common digestive complaints, such as:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Reflux
• Diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

These symptoms can make it harder for kids to concentrate in school, enjoy activities or get a good night’s rest. By understanding the root causes—whether it’s a specific condition or heightened gut sensitivity—families and their care teams can develop personalized plans to support both physical and emotional health.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Dr. O’Laughlin focuses on improving a child’s quality of life by addressing four key areas:

• Diet: Certain triggers, like caffeine or spicy dishes, can irritate sensitive digestive systems. “In the same way that certain smoke alarms are more sensitive, certain GI tracts are,” she explains.
• Sleep: Establishing consistent sleep routines helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Exercise: Even short daily walks can activate the digestive system and ease symptoms.
• Stress management: Practices like mindfulness, structured downtime or therapy can reduce emotional triggers affecting digestion.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, treatment options may range from natural remedies, like ginger and peppermint oil, to advanced therapies or medications. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is often key. 

"Every touchpoint with a patient can make a difference,” Dr. O’Laughlin explains. So, she and many other pediatric gastroenterologists work closely with pediatric neurologists, psychologists and primary care physicians to provide truly holistic care.

Words of Encouragement for Families

Digestive challenges can feel isolating for children and parents alike. “These struggles are more common than people realize,” says Dr. O’Laughlin. “But because they’re not talked about much, it can feel like you’re the only one going through it.”

Her advice for parents: Avoid asking your child too frequently if they’re in pain, as this can unintentionally keep their focus on it. Instead, acknowledge their feelings when they share them and focus on positive, actionable steps forward.

Above all, Dr. O’Laughlin reassures families that they are not alone. With the right care and support, children can overcome these challenges and thrive.

Meet Dr. Brynn O’Laughlin

Dr. O’Laughlin recently joined LifeBridge Health’s pediatric gastroenterology team, bringing a compassionate, whole-child approach to care. A Florida native, she earned her medical degree at Florida International University, served as Chief Pediatric Resident at the Medical University of South Carolina, and completed her pediatric gastroenterology fellowship at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she was Chief Fellow.

Her clinical interests include inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal pain and constipation—conditions often tied to the gut-brain connection.  

Now in Baltimore with her husband, a LifeBridge Health surgeon, and their one-year-old, she looks forward to supporting local families. “I chose LifeBridge Health because of its commitment to patient-centered care and its supportive environment that enables physicians to make a meaningful impact.”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If your child is struggling with digestive issues, help is just a click away. Schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Laughlin today to start your journey to better health.