Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey - podcast cover

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

Laura Birek, Shanna Mickobigfatpositivepodcast.com
Big Fat Positive is a smart and funny podcast about two best friends who found out they were pregnant at the same time. The show follows the moms-to-be on their journey through pregnancy and into new motherhood, week by week. With weekly check-ins, special guests and segments such as "OMG I’m Freaking Out," hosts Shanna Micko & Laura Birek recount the often hilarious and always honest highs and lows of being a pregnant woman and new mom..

Episodes

Ep. 33: Why Do I Want to Eat My Baby?

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Shanna and Laura discuss fascinating facts they’ve recently learned about pregnancy and parenting, diving into the topic of uterine transplants and answering the question, “why do I want to eat my baby?” Also, Laura gives an update on week one with her newborn and talks about how long feedings take over night, and Shanna talks about the mom guilt she is feeling because of her ongoing difficulty with breastfeeding and her newborn's physical discomfort. Fi...

Feb 18, 201942 min

Ep. 32: Laura’s Breech Baby Birth Story (39 Weeks Pregnant and 4 Weeks Postpartum)

In this week’s special segment, "Big Topic," Shanna and Laura dive deep into a very exciting event… Laura’s c-section delivery of her baby boy! She reports on her nerves and anxiety the night before, what the experience was like to deliver a breech baby, breastfeeding after delivery, baby's first bath, and unexpected challenge after returning home from the hospital and more. Also, Shanna reports on her newborn's struggles with acid reflux and the advice the pediatrician gave her to improve it. F...

Feb 11, 201952 min

Ep. 31: Figuring Out Your Parenting Philosophy (38 Weeks Pregnant and 3 Weeks Postpartum)

It’s less than 24 hours ‘til Laura’s c-section, and she talks about what she’s been up to in the last days and hours before her delivery, and Shanna reports on her latest attempts to get her newborn to gain weight, including a new galactagogue and a helpful support group. In this week’s special segment, "They Said What?!," Shanna and Laura flip the script on the segment's regular format to share the best parenting and pregnancy advice they’ve received, diving into the topics of Janet Lansbury, r...

Feb 04, 201936 min

Ep. 30: Struggling to Breastfeed (37 Weeks Pregnant and 2 Weeks Postpartum)

Shanna reports on her struggle to produce enough breastmilk to help her newborn gain weight, and Laura discusses decorating her baby’s nursery and sustaining an unexpected injury. In this week’s special segment, “What I Googled This Week,” the moms-to-be divulge the pregnancy-related topics they asked the Internet about recently, diving into the topics of using traditional Chinese medicine to try to turn a breech baby, experiencing discomfort while recovering from a c-section and more! Finally, ...

Jan 28, 201936 min

Ep. 29: Pregnancy Isn't All Wonderful (36 Weeks Pregnant and 1 Week Postpartum)

Laura reports on the status of her breech baby, and Shanna discusses being on an emotional roller coast postpartum and talks about her newborn’s struggle to gain weight. In the segment “They Said What?!”, Shanna and Laura talk about what shocking and frustrating things people have said to them recently about pregnancy and breastfeeding, including questions about breastfeeding and more. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 36 weeks pregnant, Shanna is 1 week postpartum,...

Jan 21, 201938 min

Ep. 28 - Shanna's C-Section Birth Story (35 and 39 Weeks Pregnant)

In this week’s special segment, "Big Topic," Shanna and Laura dive deep into the highly anticipated event… Shanna’s birth! Shanna talks about what it was like to have a planned c-section birth, what her hospital stay was like, how the baby is doing and more! Also, Laura reports on her baby shower and discusses her birth plan for her breech baby. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 35 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is no longer pregnant! Topics discussed in this episode: -...

Jan 14, 201948 min

Ep. 27: What Happens if My Water Breaks? (34 and 38 Weeks Pregnant)

Shanna’s delivery day is four days away, and she discusses the thoughts and emotions she's having about being so close to meeting her new daughter. Also, Laura talks about her recent visit to the pregnancy chiropractor to help with her symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) pain and attending a childcare and breastfeeding class. Also, in the special segment “Checkin’ the Inbox,” the moms-to-be answer listener questions about what they plan to do with the podcast after giving birth. Finally, they reve...

Jan 07, 201943 min

Ep. 26: Spinning Breech Babies (33 and 37 Weeks Pregnant)

Laura reports on having a breech baby and whether her doctor is concerned about it at this point, and Shanna discusses getting weekly nonstress tests to check her baby's heart rate. Also, in the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” the moms-to-be divulge the pregnancy-related topics they asked the Internet about recently, including the topics of turning a breech baby, what to do with a newborn and more. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 33 weeks pregnant, and...

Dec 31, 201838 min

Ep. 25: Drinking While Breastfeeding (32 and 36 Weeks Pregnant)

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Shanna and Laura discuss fascinating facts they’ve recently learned about pregnancy, diving into the topics of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding and whether pregnancy is contagious. Also, Shanna reports on starting her maternity leave, and Laura discusses her mini baby shower and blessingway. Finally the moms-to-be reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 32 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 36 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -W...

Dec 24, 201840 min

Ep. 24: Shocking Facts About Pregnancy and Newborns (31 and 35 Weeks Pregnant)

In the special segment “Stump the Preggo,” Shanna and Laura duel it out in a shocking and hilarious round of the pregnancy trivia game, diving into the topics of popular baby names, strange facts about newborns, the most babies born to one woman and more. Also, Shanna reports on how her third-trimester pregnancy cravings have gotten more intense, and Laura talks about the stress of meeting work deadlines while in the third trimester. Finally, the moms-to-be reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the wee...

Dec 17, 201838 min

Ep. 23: Is My Baby Moving Enough? (30 and 34 Weeks Pregnant)

In the special segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura reports on her worries about baby kick counts, and Shanna admits her astrological anxieties. Also, Laura checks in about managing work while being in the third trimester, and Shanna reports on all the people who have been giving her unsolicited opinions on her pregnancy. Finally, the moms-to-be reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 30 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 34 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 30 of pre...

Dec 10, 201836 min

Ep. 22: How Not to Make a Birth Plan (29 and 33 Weeks Pregnant)

In the special segment “Internet Insanity,” things get wacky as Laura and Shanna share the unusual things they've come across in the online world of pregnancy, including a shocking contributor to the pregnancy forums and an-over-the-top birth plan. Also, Shanna reports on having a baby sprinkle to celebrate her second child, Laura talks about trying to figure out the best place to hold her baby shower. Finally, the moms-to-be reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 29 weeks pregnant, a...

Dec 03, 201846 min

Ep. 21: Shanna's Infertility and IVF Story (28 and 32 Weeks Pregnant)

In this week’s “Big Topic,” Shanna discusses her journey of trying to conceive, which includes a long, circuitous route through infertility, pregnancy loss, reproductive endocrinologists and IVF. Laura discusses the intricate baby-name spreadsheet she created, and Shanna talks about her 32-week growth scan and feeling her baby's hiccups in utero. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 28 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 32 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this epis...

Nov 26, 20181 hr

Ep. 20: What Is Lightning Crotch? (27 and 31 Weeks Pregnant)

Laura reports on checking in with her OBGYN about her pubic symphysis pain, and Shanna talks about her third trimester pregnancy anxiety and shares a an unsettling prediction that her 2.5-year-old made about her pregnancy. Also, in honor of Thanksgiving, Shanna and Laura give up the pregnancy grousing and share things they are thankful for in a Gratitude Slam! Finally, they dive into the topics of lightning crotch and pilates when they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 27 weeks p...

Nov 19, 201834 min

Ep. 19: Getting Your Home Ready for Baby (26 and 30 Weeks Pregnant)

In the new segment, “Checkin’ the Inbox,” Laura and Shanna answer a listener question about how to handle your baby's bodily functions and share a listener story about a shocking thing that a stranger recently did to her baby. Also, Shanna discusses getting her house and nursery ready for her new baby, and Laura checks in on making pregnancy friends. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 26 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 30 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episod...

Nov 12, 201838 min

Ep. 18: Caffeine During Pregnancy (25 and 29 Weeks Pregnant)

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura admit the pregnancy topics they recently asked the Internet about, including a question about the effects of caffeine consumption during pregnancy, and preparing for an emergency. Also, the Shanna reports on feeling emotional and overwhelmed during the third trimester, and Laura discusses the results of her pregnancy glucose test. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 25 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 29...

Nov 05, 201841 min

Ep. 17: Baby Showers vs. Baby Sprinkles (24 and 28 Weeks Pregnant)

Shanna talks about her upcoming baby sprinkle, and Laura reports on clearing out her non-maternity clothes. Also, in the special segment “Internet Insanity,” they discuss the wild and wacky things going down online in the world of pregnancy, including unusual beliefs about the effect of too much tickling during pregnancy, decorating pregnant bellies, gender reveals gone wrong, and Halloween costumes for pregnant people. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 24 wee...

Oct 29, 201841 min

Ep. 16: What Do Baby Kicks Feel Like? (23 and 27 Weeks Pregnant)

In the special segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura and Shanna discuss what is sending them into a tizzy this week in their pregnancies, diving into the topics of hormone-induced anger, pregnancy brain and more. Also, Laura reports on finally feeling her baby’s movements and having an unexpected reaction to them, and Shanna reports on doing a three-hour gestational diabetes test after having failed her glucose screening. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 23 w...

Oct 22, 201835 min

Ep. 15: Weird Things People Say When You're Pregnant (22 and 26 Weeks Pregnant)

Laura reports on her interview with a doula and how it didn't go as expected, and Shanna talks about the physical challenges of being pregnant, including insomnia and body aches. Also, in the new special segment “They Said What?!” Laura and Shanna share the shocking or ridiculous things people have said to them about pregnancy, including some choice words about breastfeeding, placentas and more! The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 22 weeks pregnant, and Shanna i...

Oct 15, 201842 min

Ep. 14: Should I Get Vaccinated While Pregnant? (21 and 25 Weeks Pregnant)

Shanna and Laura learn about vaccines during pregnancy during their interview with pharmacist, immunization specialist and fellow pregnant person Keri Hurley-Kim! Also, Laura discusses her unexpected reaction when people tell her “congrats” about her pregnancy, and Shanna reports on feeling and seeing her baby's fetal kicks and punches. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 21 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 25 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week...

Oct 08, 201836 min

Ep. 13: Do Babies Cry in the Womb? (20 and 24 Weeks Pregnant)

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Laura and Shanna divulge the embarrassing pregnancy issues they asked the internet about, including questions about indigestion during pregnancy and whether babies cry in the womb. Also Shanna talks about adjusting to her new body and pregnant belly, and Laura reports on her 20-week anatomy scan. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 20 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 24 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this epis...

Oct 01, 201835 min

Ep. 12: Tips for Trying to Conceive (19 and 23 Weeks Pregnant)

In this week’s special segment “Big Topic,” Laura discusses her journey of trying to conceive, including the details of her methodical approach to getting pregnant and the product she believes helped her get pregnant quickly. Also, Shanna discusses announcing her pregnancy on social media, and Laura talks about getting her home ready for her new baby by nesting. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 19 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 23 weeks pregnant. Topics discus...

Sep 25, 201831 min

Ep. 11: Telling Your Child You're Pregnant (18 and 22 Weeks Pregnant)

Laura reports on her pregnancy nausea becoming associated with one of her favorite pastimes, and Shanna talks about telling her 2.5-year-old daughter that she is going to be a big sister. Also, in the new special segment "Stump the Preggo," Shanna and Laura quiz each other on fascinating pregnancy-related trivia, including the topics of blood volume during pregnancy, which country reports the highest rate of twins and more! Finally, the moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. La...

Sep 24, 201831 min

Ep. 10: Childbirth Fears - Interview with a Nurse Midwife (17 and 21 Weeks Pregnant)

Shanna and Laura interview nurse midwife and fellow pregnant person Teresa Keirns! Teresa answers some of their burning questions about giving birth as they dive into the topics of delivering babies, pregnancy nausea, c-sections, pooping during childbirth, baby gender vs. sex and more! Also Laura and Shanna both report on how to handle being sick during pregnancy, and Shanna talks about how her pregnancy is really starting to show. Finally, the moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the ...

Sep 18, 201844 min

Ep. 9: How to Decide if You Want Kids (16 and 20 Weeks Pregnant)

Shanna reports on her 20 week anatomy scan and how her previous missed miscarriages affect her experience of this pregnancy, and Laura discusses getting parenting advice from friends, including info about the first poop after childbirth. Also, in the special segment "Big Topic," the moms-to-be dive deep into a discussion about how to decide if you want kids. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 16 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 20 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in thi...

Sep 17, 201834 min

Ep. 8: Pregnancy Cravings and Fun Facts About Fetuses (15 and 19 Weeks Pregnant)

Shanna and Laura discuss pregnancy cravings, headaches and placentas, and they make a discovery about one more thing their pregnancies have in common. Also, in the special segment "Today I Learned," the moms-to-be share fun and fascinating facts they have learned recently about their developing fetuses, diving into the topics of what babies can taste and what coats their skin while they are in utero. Finally, they share their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) for the week. Laura is 15 weeks pregnan...

Sep 11, 201832 min

Ep. 7: Babymoon Bliss and Nursery Nightmares (14 and 18 Weeks Pregnant)

Laura reports on entering the second trimester and taking a babymoon to Hawaii, and Shanna describes feeling her baby move. Also, in the special segment "What I Googled This Week," embarrassment abounds as Shanna and Laura admit the pregnancy topics they asked the internet this week, including the topics of sore butts, peeing while sneezing and more. Finally, the moms-to-be also divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 14 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 18 weeks pregnant. T...

Sep 10, 201831 min

Ep. 6: End of the First Trimester! (13 and 17 Weeks Pregnant)

Shanna reports on how pregnancy has affected her appetite, and Laura discusses being at the tail-end of the first trimester. Also, in the special segment "Internet Insanity," things get wacky as Shanna and Laura discuss what’s going down in the online baby forums, including fake pregnancy tests, old wives' tales and and more! Finally, the moms-to-be divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 13 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 17 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episod...

Sep 05, 201834 min

Ep. 5: Will I Love This Baby As Much As My First? (12 and 16 Weeks Pregnant)

Laura reports on going to her nuchal translucency (NT) scan and seeing fetal movement during the ultrasound, and Shanna discusses how her pregnant belly “popped” so much earlier than it did in her first pregnancy. In the special segment, “OMG I’m Freaking Out!” the moms-to-be discuss what pregnancy related issues they have been worrying about recently, including revealing pregnancy to employers and whether it's possible to love your second baby as much as the first. Finally, they divulge their h...

Sep 03, 201831 min

Ep. 4: Thinking About Baby Names (11 and 15 Weeks Pregnant)

Shanna reports on visiting her OBGYN and feeling anxious about her second trimester screening, and Laura talks about dealing with a tragedy while pregnant. In the special segment "Internet Insanity," things get wacky as Shanna and Laura discuss what’s going down in the online baby forums - hormones and husbands and dogs, oh my! Finally, the moms-to-be divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 11 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 15 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this epis...

Aug 28, 201827 min