In this final episode of the year, we navigate the often perplexing world of baby growth patterns. New parents, it's time to take a deep breath! We’re here to reassure you that when it comes to your tiny human’s growth, the individual journey matters more than rigid centile expectations. From understanding why newborns might shed some birth weight initially, to celebrating those steady growth milestones, every story and insight is shared with the aim of easing your concerns. We even explore the cultural quirks of growth tracking, like the tales of our Irish babies and their adorably large heads causing quite the stir abroad! Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life and mindfulness coach Emma Kehoe graces our latest episode with her unique journey from retail to mindful living, offering insights that could turn the tumultuous parenting experience into one of balance and joy. Emma's expertise shines as she discusses how mindfulness can empower parents to establish healthy boundaries and improve communication within their families. The episode is packed with relatable stories, from handling toddler tantrums with grace to reframing responses in challenging interactions. We explore the importance of patience and presence, offering practical tools for parents to maintain their sanity and humour amidst the demands of raising children. You can reach Emma on: https://empowerwithemma.com/ https://www.instagram.com/emmakehoe/ Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne, our resident expert anaesthetist, offers a candid look at the epidural procedure, breaking down the steps with precision and empathy. From the first sting of the local anaesthetic to the teamwork involved in ensuring comfort and safety, Anne and Afif shed light on how understanding the process can alleviate fear and guilt. For those curious about mobile epidurals, we explore the balance of pain relief and mobility along with the real-world challenges of making it accessible to all. Celebrate the resilience of women in childbirth and burst through the myths surrounding epidurals with our engaging, insightful episode that champions both clarity and comfort. Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Loughnane, an employment law solicitor, joins us to share her expertise on the overlooked yet prevalent issue of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. With insights drawn from her legal career and personal journey as a new mother, Michelle illuminates the challenges faced by pregnant employees. Her experiences working alongside the late Richard Grogan have enriched her perspective, allowing her to advocate passionately for women's rights in employment settings where their entitlements are often compromised. Proudly Sponsored by @happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock the keys to compassionate communication and discover transformative support for families with newborns diagnosed with Down syndrome. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Silvia Segales-Angel, an early intervention specialist from Down Syndrome Ireland, and Emer O'Sullivan, mother of the spirited Maisie. We'll shed light on the powerful Tell it Right program, which aims to guide healthcare professionals in delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis with empathy and clarity. Emer shares her candid experience, emphasizing the profound impact of language and early support on her journey with Maisie. Through this episode, we offer guidance on navigating the overwhelming influx of information, fostering a supportive environment where families can thrive together. For more information: https://downsyndrome.ie/ Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor Maeve Eogan, a leading voice in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Rotunda Hospital, offers her profound insights into the world of sexual assault treatment and care. As the national clinical lead for Ireland's Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs), she shares her expertise and personal experiences, shedding light on the patient-centred care that defines SATUs. Our conversation unveils the unique collaboration between maternity services and SATUs, particularly in instances of sexual assault during pregnancy, emphasizing the critical need for long-term support and trauma-informed care. For more information: https://www2.hse.ie/services/satu/ https://www.rapecrisisireland.ie/ To donate visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SATU25 Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special live show from Smock Alley Theatre, Afif and Anne share hilarious parenting fails, marriage confessions, and the story of how they first met. They’re joined by writer and creator Stefanie Preissner, who opens up about her autism diagnosis, motherhood, and her new TV project The Walsh Sisters. Later, Dr Nicola Fox-Hamilton dives into one of the biggest modern parenting challenges—kids, phones, and digital literacy. From tantrums to TikTok, this episode is packed with honesty, humour, and big conversations every parent needs to hear. Proudly Sponsored by www.Happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we embark on a whimsical journey with the multifaceted Graham Smyth, a musician, DJ, and broadcaster with a passion for the vibrant fusion of music and early childhood development. Graham's latest project, "Music for Babies to Rave and Sleep To," is a delightful concoction of toy instruments, baby sounds, and electronic beats. Inspired by his nephew, Graham has turned his classical training in piano and percussion into a playful and engaging musical experience that captivates both infants and their parents. His unique approach seeks to fill the void in children's music by offering something enjoyable for all ages, free from the headache-inducing tunes often associated with the genre. https://grahamsmyth.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-babies-to-rave-and-sleep-to Proudly Sponsored by www.Happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

105: Emma Doran on Comedy, Motherhood, and Family Dynamics We had an absolute blast chatting with Emma Doran on Baby Tribe. From becoming a mum at just 18 to building a thriving career in comedy, Emma shared the ups, downs and laugh-out-loud moments that have shaped her journey. She opened up about finding humour in the chaos of parenting, the viral sketches that made us cry with laughter, and how social media has helped her connect with audiences by celebrating the madness of everyday family life. Emma spoke honestly about resilience, family support, her relationship with her own mum and dad, and the awkward truths of sex ed that we all secretly relate to. We also got a glimpse into her new show Emmaculate, inspired by her own experiences of raising kids across different ages while juggling the comedy stage. This conversation is heartfelt, funny, and full of those “thank God it’s not just me” moments. You’ll laugh, nod along, and maybe even feel a bit empowered too. Proudly Sponsored by www.Happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Baby Tribe, Afif and Anne sit down with Sophie Morris, entrepreneur, nutrition coach, and author of Sophie’s Swaps, to talk about supermarket savvy, consumer awareness, and family food choices. Sophie shares her journey from Kooky Dough founder to one of Ireland’s most-followed voices on food labels, explains why packaging claims can be misleading, and offers simple, budget-friendly swaps that help parents shop with less stress and more confidence. We discuss what “ultra-processed” really means, the limits of current research, and why balance matters far more than perfection. This is an episode about awareness, not food policing; the goal is to empower families with information, not add guilt. Ultra-processed food evidence is observational, additives in the EU are regulated, and convenience foods have their place. If food chat feels heavy, mind yourself and skip, and for personalised guidance always seek a registered dietitian. Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadcaster and podcaster Louise McSharry joins the Baby Tribe Podcast to share her witty, honest take on modern parenting. From managing ADHD while juggling motherhood and creative work, to unapologetically choosing joy, Louise highlights the importance of balance and self-compassion. Our chat delves into the raw realities of early parenthood, loneliness, medical challenges, and the pressure of “perfect” parenting, while stressing the value of empathy, honesty, and community support. We also discuss raising tech-savvy, emotionally intelligent kids, setting healthy boundaries, and preparing the next generation with kindness and resilience. Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your tickets for the Baby Tribe Live! https://smockalley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656691 Join us for an insightful exploration of maternal and fetal medicine as we welcome Dr. Ann McHugh, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with a specialization in maternal and fetal health. With her extensive experience at the National Maternity Hospital and Mater Hospital in Dublin, Dr. McHugh brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. She shares her journey, from earning her PhD in fetal cardiology to her international fellowship experiences. Dr. McHugh discusses the significance of antenatal screening and testing, the advantages of dedicated multiple birth clinics, and how she balances her demanding career with family life. Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your tickets for the Baby Tribe Live! https://smockalley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656691 Unlock the secrets to transforming your child's mealtime from a battle into a harmonious experience with Samantha Forrest from Fussy Food Plates. Discover practical strategies to manage fussy eating with patience and creativity, as we explore the roots of picky eating and the role of parental influence. We'll share personal stories that bring humour and relatability to the daunting task of catering to fussy eaters, including the unexpected joy of a child discovering pepperoni pizza for the first time. Find Samantha: https://www.fussyfoodplates.com/ Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Baby Tribe is taking a 2 week break and is back on August 19th! In the mean time, enjoy an episode of Keeping up with the Khuffashians, usuallu nehind a paywall. Join us as we celebrate 17 years of marriage and the rich tapestry of life that comes with it, including the complex role of parenting and the ever-evolving conversation around healthcare. As we share personal stories from our family life, like the “princess puzzle” incident and supermarket tantrums, we open up about the trials and triumphs that come with raising children. Listen in as we discuss the importance of setting boundaries and understanding the normalcy of childhood behaviour, all while navigating the waters of misinformation that can make parenting all the more challenging. We shine a light on Autism Awareness Month. Together, we tackle common myths and misconceptions surrounding autism, specifically addressing the debunked theories linking vaccinations, paracetamol use during pregnancy, and epidurals to the condition. So, whether you’re a healthcare professional, a parent, or simply someone intrigued by the nuances of human development, this episode is a rich blend of personal anecdotes and professional knowledge that promises to enlighten and entertain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your tickets for the Baby Tribe Live! https://smockalley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656691 Ever wonder if your co-host thinks you're a bit controlling? On our 100th episode of the Baby Tribe podcast, Anne and I—Afif—pull back the curtain on our playful banter and sometimes fiery dynamics that have captivated you, our amazing audience. Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on the humble beginnings of our podcast despite Anne's initial skepticism, and how we reached this milestone of sharing laughs, lessons, and parenting chaos. Get ready for some behind-the-scenes action as we recount the editing challenges, memorable guest appearances, and our knack for sidestepping controversy with a dose of humour. With a hundred episodes under our belt, we celebrate our evolution from mere podcasters to a reliable resource for parents worldwide. Along the way, we share hilarious parenting stories that involve emergency C-sections, social media mishaps, and our children’s curious antics that keep us on our toes. Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Check out my substack: https://profafif.substack.com/publish/home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us on September 3rd for Baby Tribe Live! Tickets available now: https://smockalley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656691 Unlock the secrets of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns and understand the critical nuances of this life-altering condition. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of encephalopathy, explaining how it affects the brain function of infants and the symptoms that manifest as a result. Learn about the innovative treatment of therapeutic hypothermia, a revolutionary method that offers hope and healing for newborns. Meet Betsy Pilon, a mother whose compelling story and advocacy work sheds light on the personal side of HIE. Her journey with her son Max, who was born with this condition, highlights the importance of a strong support system and the challenges faced by families navigating the healthcare landscape. We discuss the emotional turbulence and communication hurdles often encountered within the NICU, emphasizing the need for improved support and understanding for parents. Explore the critical role of early intervention and diagnosis for infants at risk of conditions like cerebral palsy. We delve into the significance of early physiotherapy and the impact of organizations like Hope for HIE, which provide essential resources and community for affected families. As we discuss global collaboration efforts in HIE research, you'll gain insight into how international partnerships and technological advancements are paving the way for better outcomes. Hope for HIE: https://hopeforhie.org/ Proudly sponsored by: https://www.happytummy.ie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your tickets for the Baby Tribe Live! Wednesday September 3rd at 8pm in Smock Alley Theatre. https://smockalley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656691 Prepare to uncover the hidden layers of endometriosis with skincare guru Jennifer Rock, affectionately known as the Skin Nerd, and the insightful Dr. Niamh Daly. This engaging episode promises to unravel the complexities of living with endometriosis, as Jennifer bravely shares her personal experiences, from the first signs of distress to the life-altering decision of undergoing a hysterectomy. Dr. Daly complements this narrative with expert advice on the importance of emotional support and a holistic approach to this often-misunderstood condition. Proudly Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Esteemed dermatologist Professor Caitriona Ryan shares her wealth of knowledge on skin health during pregnancy and beyond, guiding us through the myriad of changes our skin undergoes during these pivotal stages of life. Hormonal acne, stretch marks, and melasma are just a few of the challenges discussed, with Professor Ryan offering practical solutions and expert advice for managing these conditions. Her insights lend confidence to expectant and new mothers navigating the complex interplay between skin and hormonal shifts. From the nuances of neonatal skin conditions to debunking misconceptions about skincare during pregnancy, this episode is a treasure trove of invaluable knowledge. Professor Ryan's personal anecdotes and professional experiences offer a refreshing perspective, advocating for simplicity and reliability in skincare choices. Whether you're a new mom or navigating perimenopause, this episode equips you with the tools to maintain healthy skin, enriched by Professor Ryan's expert advice and compassionate approach. Proudly Sponsored by: https://www.happytummy.ie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned content creator and entrepreneur Louise Cooney joins us for a lively conversation. We explore more profound themes of parenthood, where the online world meets the realities of raising children. Louise provides her unique perspective on the delicate dance between sharing family moments and maintaining privacy in the digital age. We touch on the evolving identities of parents as their children grow and gain independence, pondering how this transformation can be both challenging and fulfilling. We celebrate the beauty of family memories and the quirks of toddlerhood, capturing those precious and often hilarious moments parents cherish. Louise shares her experiences with both the joys and surprises of wedding planning, and we explore the origins of her virtual book club, Open Book, which became a podcast during the pandemic. Finally, we touch on important topics like online criticism and the hope for a more positive digital space, wrapping up with an expression of gratitude for the lessons life and home renovation projects bring. Proudly Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Siobhan Corcoran, a distinguished consultant obstetrician at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, as we tackle the intricate subject of preterm birth. Dr. Corcoran brings her expertise to the table, sharing insights from her work at the preterm birth prevention clinic, and her pivotal role in the PREPOP study, which explores the potential of oral probiotics in reducing spontaneous preterm birth among high-risk pregnancies. Our discussion highlights the delicate balance between extending pregnancies safely and my role as a neonatologist caring for those who arrive too soon. The episode sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges of late preterm births, particularly the impact on families who navigate both practical and psychological hurdles. We explore the myriad health issues that contribute to preterm births, including infection and inflammation, and discuss prevention strategies that underscore the importance of robust maternal health and targeted antenatal care. Dr. Corcoran and I delve into the complexities of identifying high-risk pregnancies, touching on the debate surrounding universal cervical length screening and the need for a personalized approach to care. As we focus on prevention, we examine the multifaceted strategies available, from preconceptual counselling and lifestyle modifications to the use of cervical cerclage and progesterone interventions. Our conversation underscores the importance of a holistic approach to maternal care, integrating emotional support and mental health resources for parents. With Dr. Corcoran's valuable insights, we reflect on the broader implications for neonatal outcomes, long-term development, and the support systems crucial for families facing the uncertainties of preterm birth. Preterm Birth Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4S53qMaaomixfTzQSwvZYk?si=PWaSIFwmTYGDUN1t2HAPkA Proudly sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices