Episodes

  • S4E1: A Mother's Journey: Navigating the NICU, Heartbreak, and Healing

    S4E1: A Mother's Journey: Navigating the NICU, Heartbreak, and Healing
    Sep 30 2024
    How do you find the strength to navigate an unimaginable loss? Join us on this heartfelt episode as we sit down with Michelle Ross, who courageously shares the emotional journey of her son Zach's premature birth and the time he spent in neonatal care. Michelle's story starts with the terrifying moment she went into labour unexpectedly at work, leading to Zach's early arrival at just 23 weeks and five days. Both harrowing and hopeful, this compelling narrative highlights the profound impact healthcare providers can have during such critical times. During Zach's time in the NICU, Michelle and her family faced overwhelming fear and uncertainty while clinging to moments of hope and progress. Listen as Michelle recounts the roller coaster of emotions, including the vital support from NICU staff and the camaraderie formed with other parents. The gratitude she expresses for the medical team's expertise underscores the vulnerability and trust placed in those caring for her fragile newborn. This segment truly captures the essence of community and resilience during Zach's early life struggles. In the final chapter, Michelle offers a touching reflection on coping with the loss of Zach and finding ways to honour his memory. Through annual celebrations and family traditions, she has woven his presence into their lives, providing comfort and a path toward healing. We also discuss the crucial role of compassionate support from healthcare providers and the importance of talking openly about loss. Michelle's story not only provides solace to those in similar situations but also underscores the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Tune in for an episode that is as uplifting as it is poignant. Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • S3E30: Teen Insights on Mobile Phone Bans, Social Media, and Parenting in the Digital Age

    S3E30: Teen Insights on Mobile Phone Bans, Social Media, and Parenting in the Digital Age
    Sep 24 2024
    Ever wondered what teens really think about mobile phone bans in schools? Well, we've got the inside scoop! This week, we flip the script and bring our teenagers, Maggie and Faisal, into the spotlight for a candid chat about the proposed mobile phone bans and social media restrictions for under-16s. Their insights will surprise you as they share how these changes could impact their daily lives and school routines. Plus, get ready for some family fun as we dive into a light-hearted debate about who the better cook is—Mom or Dad—and who’s the strictest parent. Bullying is a tough topic, but it's one we couldn't shy away from. With Maggie and Faisal's help, we explore the role of social media and mobile phones in bullying among teens. Is technology to blame, or is it just the tool? Our discussion delves into the importance of addressing the behaviour itself and fostering open communication between parents and children. By sharing their personal experiences, Maggie and Faisal highlight how our family’s approach has empowered them to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. From the nostalgia of our first phones to the pivotal role digital communication played during the pandemic, we reflect on how technology has shaped our lives. Maggie and Faisal recount their earliest experiences with smartphones and how their usage evolved over time. We also discuss the balance between monitoring and independence, emphasizing the importance of teaching responsible digital habits. Tune in to hear how online gaming became a lifeline for social interaction during lockdowns and why educating kids about online safety is more crucial than ever. This episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a fresh perspective on parenting in the digital age! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • S3E29: Minding the Mother Series (3 of 3): Finding Your Work-Motherhood Balance with Anne O'Leary

    S3E29: Minding the Mother Series (3 of 3): Finding Your Work-Motherhood Balance with Anne O'Leary
    Sep 16 2024
    Discover the secrets to managing the emotional and logistical hurdles of returning to work after maternity leave. Join us as we sit down with Anne O'Leary, a certified executive coach, postpartum doula, and baby massage instructor, who imparts her wisdom on balancing professional ambitions with the joys and challenges of motherhood. From the excitement of reconnecting with colleagues to the anxiety and guilt of leaving your baby behind, Anne offers actionable insights and heartfelt advice to help you navigate this complex transition. Journey with us through personal anecdotes and real-life experiences as we unpack the contrasting emotions and logistical headaches that come with stepping back into the workforce after having children. We reflect on the overwhelming guilt and the small victories, providing practical steps to manage these emotions. Anne emphasizes the importance of understanding why you work and the long-term benefits for your children in seeing you as a strong, independent individual. Through these narratives, we aim to offer both comfort and guidance to mothers facing similar struggles. We also tackle the chaos of juggling household responsibilities and professional duties, offering strategies to be more present with your children, even after a long day. Get tips on equitable distribution of chores and maintaining professional boundaries, all while ensuring you have a robust support system in place. With Anne's expert advice, learn how to create a balanced family dynamic that allows each member to retain a sense of self, and discover the crucial role of structured support systems in making this transition smoother. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to finding balance and support during one of the most challenging times in a parent's life. Website: https://theparentnest.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_parentnest/ The Circle - Online Resource Hub & Community for parents returning to work: https://theparentnest.com/the-circle/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • S3E28: Minding The Mother Series (2 of 3): Unlocking Maternal Sleep with Dr. Emma Bagnall

    S3E28: Minding The Mother Series (2 of 3): Unlocking Maternal Sleep with Dr. Emma Bagnall
    Sep 9 2024
    We bring you an enlightening conversation with Dr. Emma Bagnall, a clinical psychologist and holistic sleep coach, who explains why maternal sleep is a cornerstone of overall family well-being. Dr. Bagnall shares her expertise on the cognitive impairments that can start with pregnancy-induced insomnia and restless leg syndrome, long before the baby arrives. We also discuss the societal pressures and conflicting advice that can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed, underscoring the need for better, more compassionate support systems. Pregnancy comes with its own unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to sleep. Hormonal fluctuations can cause a variety of discomforts like heartburn, pelvic girdle pain, and leg cramps, making restful sleep seem like a distant dream. We dive into practical ways partners can offer effective support. The emotional toll of these physical challenges is significant, and we emphasize the importance of self-kindness and maintaining a daily routine to navigate this transformative period more gracefully. The episode further explores the severe impacts of sleep deprivation on mothers, affecting everything from mental health to relationships and cardiovascular well-being. Dr. Bagnall discusses innovative strategies like power napping and the "coffee nap" technique to help mothers regain some much-needed rest. We also offer insights into safe co-sleeping practices and evidence-based sleep coaching methods, stressing the importance of maternal mental health and overall family-cantered sleep strategies. Dr Bagnall's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/themotheringpsychologist/ Dr Bagnall's website: Nurtured Nights Network — The Mothering Psychologist Safe Co-sleeping: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S3E27: Minding The Mother Series (1 of 3): Your Essential Post Partum Nutrition Guide with Orla Walsh

    S3E27: Minding The Mother Series (1 of 3): Your Essential Post Partum Nutrition Guide with Orla Walsh
    Sep 2 2024
    Join us as Afif and Anne explore this intriguing question with leading dietitian Orla Walsh on the Baby Tribe Podcast. Together, we uncover the significance of maternal nutrition during the postpartum period. Through practical tips and real-life anecdotes, we emphasize the importance of maintaining energy levels and debunk common myths about supplements. We dive into humorous yet challenging experiences, like managing a baby with a voracious appetite that leaves you feeling like you're feeding twins. This episode also promises valuable advice on maintaining a balanced diet amidst the chaos of caring for a newborn, from high-fibre breakfast choices to the lifesaving convenience of slow cookers for dinner prep. As we navigate the labyrinth of postpartum challenges, we highlight the importance of monitoring iron levels and other critical nutrients. Orla provides expert insights on managing cravings without resorting to calorie counting and the benefits of quality calories for new mums. We also address the emotional and societal pressures surrounding postpartum body image, offering strategies for coping with hormonal fluctuations and the unrealistic expectations often portrayed in social media. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking for a supportive community and actionable tips to optimize your postpartum wellbeing. Subscribe, share your thoughts, and become a part of our creative and curious tribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • S3E26: Navigating Parenthood: Stefanie Preissner's Journey Through Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Early Parenting

    S3E26: Navigating Parenthood: Stefanie Preissner's Journey Through Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Early Parenting
    Aug 26 2024
    Join us for a compelling episode of the Baby Tribe podcast as we welcome the incredible Stefanie Preissner, host of the "Basically" podcast, alongside my wonderful wife, Anne Doherty. We open up about the joys and quirks of being married to someone from Mayo, Ireland, and Stefanie courageously shares her intimate journey through miscarriages and c-sections. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and the often unspoken challenges many parents face. Stefanie's raw recounting of the anxiety and isolation during subsequent pregnancies, compounded by COVID-19 restrictions and her unique experience with an anterior placenta and interoception issues related to autism, offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of parenthood. From understanding the importance of monitoring reduced fetal movement to the visceral experience of a membrane sweep, we discuss the essential medical aspects with empathy and honesty. We then shift gears to talk about the unpredictability of childbirth and the diverse choices parents face. From humorous tales of labour during the Queen's funeral to the beauty of hypnobirths and the importance of respecting individual birth preferences, our discussion is both light-hearted and profound. We touch on early parenting challenges, the balance of technology in children's lives, and the silent grief of pregnancy loss, emphasizing the need for compassionate acknowledgment in healthcare. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the multifaceted journey of parenthood, blending humour with raw truths and deep insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • S3E25: Inside the C-Section Experience (3 of 3): Understanding Labour Induction, C-Sections, and VBAC with Dr. Sarah Murphy

    S3E25: Inside the C-Section Experience (3 of 3): Understanding Labour Induction, C-Sections, and VBAC with Dr. Sarah Murphy
    Aug 19 2024
    Join me for an insightful episode where I welcome the brilliant Dr. Sarah Murphy, a doctor working in obstetrics and gynaecology. We explore the growing trends in labour induction and cesarean sections, with a particular focus on Ireland. Dr. Murphy brings her wealth of knowledge and balanced perspective to discuss how these trends compare to other first-world countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. We unpack the multifactorial reasons behind these rising rates and what they mean for expecting parents. Listen in as we examine the factors contributing to the increase in labour inductions, from medical advancements and societal changes to personal circumstances and maternal health concerns. Dr. Murphy and I discuss the outcomes associated with inductions, including the risks of cesarean sections, and highlight the importance of maternal choice and individualized care. We also address the significance of respectful and informative discussions between healthcare providers and expecting parents, ensuring that decisions are made collaboratively and with clear understanding. Finally, we turn our attention to cesarean section recovery and the considerations for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Dr. Murphy provides essential advice for moms considering a subsequent pregnancy after a C-section, emphasizing proper healing and recovery techniques. We explore the success rates and risks associated with VBAC, stressing the importance of early consultation with obstetric teams. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice, empowering you to make informed decisions on your maternity care journey. Follow Dr Murphy here: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahjmurphy/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • S3E24: Inside the C-Section Experience (2 of 3): Uncovering the Real Impact of C-Sections on Newborn Health

    S3E24: Inside the C-Section Experience (2 of 3): Uncovering the Real Impact of C-Sections on Newborn Health
    Aug 12 2024
    In this episode of Baby Tribe, we take on one of the most discussed and often misunderstood topics in neonatal care: the association between cesarean sections and infant outcomes. With so much information floating around, especially on social media, it’s easy to get caught up in myths and misconceptions about the impact of C-sections on newborn health. We delve into both the short-term and long-term outcomes for babies born via cesarean delivery, exploring the latest research and providing a balanced, evidence-based perspective. From concerns about respiratory issues to potential links with conditions like allergies and autism, we’re here to shed light on what the science really says. Join us as we debunk common myths and help you understand the true implications of cesarean sections, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions or simply gain a deeper understanding of this critical aspect of neonatal care. Papers Discussed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9578586/ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2020.00286/full Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins