"The first 1000 days... from conception to birth and the months following it, determines our baby's gut health..." Now the question is, How do I improve my child's gut health? Is it too late? Kath Megaw (@nutripaeds) renowned paediatric dietitian, is our guest this week, and explains the importance of the Gut Brain Axis. How does it play a role in our general well-being? Which everyday ailments are due to poor gut health? In this week's episode we hear about new research relating to the Gut Brain Axis. Find out the difference between refined & unrefined foods, what NOT to eat, and so much more! Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

"It's best to avoid strangers kissing your baby... dental health - or ill-health - from everyone, is being passed on..." Dr Tshepiso Mfolo says it like it is! She's our guest this week, and a professional Dentist. But, How do we ensure good dental health, from Day One? Is it even necessary to check baby's gum, or baby teeth... it's going to fall out anyway, and new teeth will grow in its place... What's the Top Myths and Do's for Dental Health, for my baby? Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

"My late Mom taught me, everything happens in God's time... so I learnt how to appreciate being present, and patient, despite tough times..." says DJ Sabby, our very special studio guest this week. Join us for a truly heartwarming journey to learn more about Family Life with DJ Sabby. From the experience he had in hospital when his dad passed when he was just 10, to finally becoming a Father himself decades later. DJ Sabby shares his most honest story, and tells us: What does it mean to be a Dad today? Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

'Narcissism at home is often modelled by the Parent.' Our kids pick up from our emotional responses and interaction with other people - which, in turn, shape our children's mental health and personality traits. But, how serious of a problem is Narcissism? And is Narcissistic Personality Disorder the same thing? Our expert Guest this week is Psychiatrist, Dr Gagu Matsebula. With his many years of experience in mental health treatment, he explains how the spectrum of Narcissism works. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

'Love is the Foundation from which we build everything in life, and it starts at home..." Powerful words of wisdom, from our guest this week - American author & life coach, and fellow Mom, Sonia Jackson Myles. Could we Learn to Love better? How do we love ourselves better? Understanding and embracing the basic meaning of Love, says Sonia, starts at home, in our family life. As children, we learn from our parents - and our kids learn about Love from us. It's the foundational structure that determines how successful we become in life. And Sonia agrees, without Love, we are broken people - it brings that wholesome gratitude to life - especially important as Parents and teachers to our children. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

A.I. ...How do I use it, without risking my own security or harming my children? It’s a fine line, between harmful content, and helpful advice... But how exactly does Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and ChatGPT work? Is it safe? In today's exciting world of non-stop technological innovation, it's a real challenge to stay up to date, and safe. Digital media expert, Sarah Hoffman, is here to help. With her vast experience as a social media lawyer she explains how A.I., ChatGPT and online safety could help us - but also warns of the pitfalls. Also see her project, Klikd.co.za, and how it helps Parents and their Children to be educated about digital media, the internet and using Apps on our mobile phones. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

The following episode contains sensitive subject matter for someone that has lost a loved one. We have interviewed professional experts on each topic, and taken extra care to cover the subjects with sensitivity. How do we prepare for the unthinkable? The passing of a child is a horror scenario - but this week's guest is here to help us find a gentle approach. When the most tragic of events might happen, how do we handle the funeral process? This is Part 3 in our Bereavement Series. In this episode we are joined by Sonja Smith, one of South Africa's most experienced undertakers. With her gentle approach and sensitive understanding, she highlights the key elements that we need to consider, in case a child or parent pass on. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

How do I improve my child's eating habits? When does their picky eating become a health problem? Should I consider a dietician for guidance? Let's take a feeding holiday! Pause, step back and re-evaluate! It's a simple strategy and might be the magic trick that changes everything! To understand this concept better, take a listen to this week's fascinating podcast with renowned paediatric dietician, Kath Megaw - founder of Nutripaeds (@nutripaeds) and author of several books on this topic, the latest being "Mindful Meals," written in collaboration with clinical psychologist, Dr Jenny Rose (@drjennyrose). https://www.nutripaeds.co.za Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

The following episode contains sensitive subject matter for someone that has lost a loved one. We have interviewed professional experts on each topic, and taken extra care to cover the subjects with sensitivity. What should I do if there's suddenly an emergency? A child falling into a swimming pool, someone having a seizure or heart attack, or an accident...? Do I have my area's EMS phone numbers, or the nearest ambulance service? Do I know CPR? What about medical aid info? These aspects could be the crucial seconds we need to save someone's life. In this fascinating episode we are joined by two experienced Paramedics, Wayne Broodryk & Brandon Botha, from Altor EMS, to talk about the most important Tips to remember during an Emergency. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

Breastfeeding: Do we worry for no reason? Is this a natural process or what? How do I find my comfort & peace of mind, and express like I should? There are many elements to consider during pregnancy, and when baby has arrived, to ensure my breastfeeding goes well. Refilwe Maponya, an experienced Midwife & Neonatal specialist, is our guest this week. She brings her wealth of knowledge to put our minds at ease. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

When we face the loss of a loved one, especially a child, or a parent, it might be the most confusing process in our lives - and chances are, most of us are just not prepared for such events to ever happen. Sometimes, all we need is a little guidance to work through difficult times, together. Join us for this special Bereavement Series where we speak to professional counsellors & experts, to be better equipped - mentally, emotionally, and for the actual practical implications - when a loved one passes. Our guest this week, Carin Marcus, shares her knowledge as a Clinical social worker (with over 25 years of experience) on bereavement. Over the next few months, we'll be presenting our support series for handling grief in various circumstances. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM. The following episode contains sensitive subject matter for someone that has lost a loved one. We have interviewed professional experts on each topic, and taken extra care to cover the subjects with sensitivity.

It's a tiny smile that could be worth a lifetime of joy! Discover the fascinating journey of healthy teeth & gums - and Why it's so important to ensure we have good oral health, even before we are pregnant. Thanks to Curaprox, this week's Guest helps us to really understand the role that our Dental health plays in long-term health & vitality. Paediatric Dentist, Dr Coené Bezuidenhout, explains why the first 1000 days matter - but even more important: the fact that baby's oral health is entirely affected by How healthy Mom's teeth & gums are. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

In this week's Podcast We ask some important Questions: "Am I standing in the way of my parenting? Am I Over-thinking it?" With our guest, Psychoanalyst & Psychotherapist, Andy Cohen, we discuss the basics of parenting - from the joy of becoming parents, to the complexity of anxiety. Andy's latest book, "Parenting Psychoanalysed: Letters to a Parent," is launching in May. To secure your pre-order, send an email to this address: andy@globalmicro.co.za Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Buzz like a Bee for the First Day of School! Grade 1 Teacher, Emily Dearham (@beeingthefoundation), is our special guest this week - and this made our hearts so warm & happy - she is calming our nerves, helping us with wonderful tips, to be prepared for Big School for our little one! It's exciting, and it's daunting at the same time, but hearing from a Teacher will help you to better understand how to be ready for school - and Away goes the nerves and the worries! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Telling stories to our children like a quirky aunt, full of colourful animation, squeaking sounds and a symphony of songs, is exactly the Rhythm our children need, says our equally colourful guest this week, Lynn Joffe (@author_storyteller). Her brainchild, Solid Gold Story Time, was recently awarded the Podcast of the Year in the inaugural South African Podcast Awards, under the auspices of the South African Podcasters Guild. A remarkable achievement, and this week she brings her powerful stories to our audience to help us understand why storytelling with our children is so important for their mental health & development. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

I never thought a discussion about pacifiers (dummies), and thumb sucking would open my eyes to the incredible ways in which those aspects influence my child's dental health, breathing and speech. It's the irony of the passive lurker: how a (wrong) dummy habit could alter the entire palate of my child's mouth, leading to a variety of health problems later in life. In this Podcast we are joined by TWO experts - paediatric dentist, Dr Farah Seedat, and Janay-Alexander Gilchrist, a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Breathing Method Practitioner. "Please trust in nature, we are created to heal naturally!" says Janay. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

When should I go for a Mammogram? What if I'm healthy and not worried about anything? Do I still need to go for a check-up? What about treatments if something is wrong? As Mothers and Women, we bring new life into this world, but it's also our responsibility to stay healthy - and that includes having healthy breasts. Early detection and professional treatment give millions of women the chance to avoid the spread of breast cancer. But what should I do? In this Podcast, Mammographer & Radiographer, Tumi Phiri, helps us to better understand Breast Cancer. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Moms-to-be... How do We prepare? Which experts should We listen to? What is the safest way to give birth? Should We consider a C-section? Or is natural better? What if there are complications? In this podcast, We explore the Secrets to Easier Labour, with our special guest - Cape Town based Doula, Nishaat Jano, from Back to Nurture. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

What does it mean when Our children are always talking to themselves? whether during playtime, at home, or loudly in public... In this captivating Podcast, educational psychologist, Megan Tucker, explains Why 'self-talk' among Our children could be an important part of their development. But when does it become a problem, that needs our intervention, or professional help? Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Let's learn the ABC... Adult Before Children, because it starts with me as the parent (the adult) teaching my kids without knowing it - simply by speaking to them, the sounds they hear from Day 1... How we teach as parents, is the WIN: what's important now? What do I need to look at, and address, as the parent in this moment. Engaging with our children - how we use words, and display actions, become their first level of education - way before school begins. Veteran Teacher & Author, Renee Lighton, joins Elana this week, and shares a few excellent ideas to stimulate critical thinking with our kids and use everyday items around the house to teach maths, organisation, and self-regulation. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.