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

Bonus: Momming During Coronavirus

Laura and Shanna come to you in real time with a special bonus episode about parenting during a pandemic. The spread of coronavirus and subsequent COVID-19 has shut down schools, workplaces, large events and more in Los Angeles, where Shanna and Laura live, and they discuss what it’s been like in the last few days to be a mom to small children during one of the most unusual times in their lives. They also share several BFPs that have arisen amidst the chaos of the last week. This episode's show ...

Mar 14, 202038 min

Ep. 88: Why Is My Toddler Suddenly a Picky Eater?

When Laura’s toddler transforms from a food lover to a picky eater, she wonders if maybe she should have seen this coming, and Shanna’s work-from-home routine is upended when she and her daughters all fall sick at the same time. In this week’s special segment, “Gripe Water,” strangers in playgrounds, baby poop, internet behemoths and alphabet rugs make Laura and Shanna ask themselves, “Are you f-ing kidding me???” Finally, the moms reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 13 ...

Mar 09, 202059 min

Ep. 87: This Badass Mom Gives Us #momgoals

In the special segment “Internet Insanity,” Shanna and Laura discuss the baby- and parenting-related wackiness they’ve come across online recently, including hideous dolls, drug rings, bizarre baby products, outrageous breastfeeding advice and one incredible mom who deserves all the accolades ever. Also, Laura reports on her toddler’s latest explosion in language development, and Shanna wonders if it’s time to transition her toddler to one nap. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the we...

Mar 02, 202059 min

Bonus: Baby-Friendly Hospitals, Extended Breastfeeding and More!

In this bonus episode, Laura continues her conversation with lactation consultant Jessica Claire, IBCLC. They dive into the topics of baby-friendly hospitals, the best time to wean, extended breastfeeding and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27, 202028 min

Ep. 86: Weaning From Boobs, Bottles and Baby-Tracking Apps

Lactation consultant Jessica Claire, IBCLC, is back to discuss weaning from breastfeeding and answer listener questions! Also, Laura wonders if her baby is technically walking yet, and Shanna discusses her very un-scientific conclusion about why her toddler has been waking up screaming at night. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 13 months and 2 weeks old, and Laura’s baby is 12 months and 3 weeks old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodc...

Feb 24, 202057 min

Ep. 85: What Do Babies Dream About?

In the segment “They Said What!?!” Laura is taken aback by a stranger’s bizarre proposition, and Shanna gets mom-shamed into making an unnecessary purchase. Also, Shanna and Laura talk about baby dreams, receptive language, dropping bottles, and unusual baby obsessions. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 13 months and 1 week old, and Laura’s baby is 12 months and 2 weeks old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-85/ | Get social...

Feb 17, 202050 min

Ep. 84: Pumping the Brakes on Pumping Breastmilk

In the segment, “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura consult the internet for answers to their latest baby conundrums. Also, Laura talks about her baby’s remarkable new language ability, as well as her mixed feelings about quitting pumping, and Shanna reports on her toddler’s latest cute-as-hell behavior and how it is affecting working from home. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 13 months old, and Laura’s baby is 12 months and 1 week old. This ep...

Feb 10, 202047 min

Ep. 83: Beer, Poop, Showers, Murder

Things get stinky and murderous in this week’s special segment, “Never Have I Ever - Parenting Edition,” in which Laura recounts a dirty-diaper conundrum and Shanna talks about dealing with some unwanted guests in her home. Also, Shanna reports on her toddler’s latest motor development, and Laura discusses a very exciting event -- her baby’s first birthday!! Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 12 months and three weeks old, and Laura’s baby is one year old!...

Feb 03, 20201 hr 4 min

Ep. 82: Let's Get Medical: Baby X-Rays, Flu Tests and Swallowing Foreign Objects

Shanna and Laura go head-to-head in another exciting round of parenting-related trivia in the special segment “Stump the New Mom,” where they discover what foreign object is most commonly swallowed by kids and babies. Also, Laura talks about dropping her baby’s dream feed, and Shanna recounts her toddler’s dramatic trip to the pediatrician. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 12 months and two weeks old, and Laura’s baby is 11 months and three weeks old. | ...

Jan 27, 202055 min

Ep. 81: Baby Separation Anxiety: What to Do and What Not to Do

This week, Shanna feels stressed about her 12-month-old daughter’s newfound separation anxiety, and Laura talks about her visit to a co-working space that provides childcare. In the new segment “It Takes a Village,” Laura and Shanna ask their listeners to help them solve their current parenting conundrums. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is 12 months and one week old, and Laura’s baby is 11 months and two weeks old. | This episode's show notes - https://bigfa...

Jan 20, 202059 min

Ep. 80: First Birthday Parties, Convertible Car Seats and... Parenting Topless??

In the segment “Mom Wins!,” Shanna talks about how and why she ended up parenting topless in her backyard, and Laura describes the treacherous process of collecting baby urine. Also, Laura discusses her baby’s recent language development and switch to a convertible car seat, and Shanna reports on her baby’s first birthday party. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is 12 months old, and Laura’s baby is 11 months and one week old. | This episode's show notes - http...

Jan 13, 20201 hr 4 min

Ep. 79: Is Your Baby More Likely to Be a Boy or Girl?

Laura reveals a recent revelation that just may change her life, and Shanna reports on her 11-month-old baby’s walking skills. Also, in the segment “Today I Learned,” Shanna talks about some old-timey parenting advice that is just bananas, and Laura shares some surprising statistics about the likelihood of having a boy or a girl. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is 11 months and four weeks old, and Laura’s baby is 11 months old. This episode's show notes - htt...

Jan 06, 202059 min

Ep. 78: A Massive Mom Milestone

2020 is here, and Shanna and Laura are approaching a massive mom milestone - finishing the first year of parenting a new baby! They keep it real as they reflect on the last 12 months as new moms, from the joy, to the chaos, to the best books they’ve managed to read from cover to cover. Also, Laura talks about her 10-month-old son’s recent leap in language development, and Shanna describes her 11-month-old daughter’s new way of playing with toys. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the w...

Dec 30, 201957 min

Ep. 77: Am I a Terrible Mom?

In the segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura experiences bodily sensations that have her wondering if she’s pregnant again, and Shanna worries about disturbing news about a prescription drug that her baby took for months. Also, Shanna discusses her baby’s new sharing skills as well as an accident that had Shanna questioning her mothering skills, and Laura talks about her baby’s recent fever and gives an update about his lead and iron tests. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. ...

Dec 23, 201948 min

Ep. 76: Boobs, Bathrooms and Britches

In the segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna admit the amusingly scandalous parenting moves they’ve made recently. Also, Laura wonders if her baby actually said his first word or if it was just baby gibberish, and Shanna reports on her baby’s latest skills and fears. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is 11 months old and one week, and Laura’s baby is 10 months and one week old. | This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-76/ | Get s...

Dec 16, 201952 min

Bonus: More Burning Questions Answered, Part 2

In this special bonus episode, Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about conceiving through IVF, their babies’ nap schedules, the unexpected (and sometimes beautiful) things about new motherhood and much more. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-03/ | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigfatpositivepodcast/ | Email - [email protected] | Our mom-tested ultimate baby reg...

Dec 13, 201938 min

Ep. 75: The Living Nightmare of Daylight Savings

Shanna reports on how the end of Daylight Savings Time has turned her children into maniacs, and Laura talks about her baby’s impressive new climbing skills. Also, they discuss some hilariously terrifying parenting situations in this week’s special segment, “Gripe Water.” Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is 11 months old, and Laura’s baby is 10 months old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-75/ | Get social - Instagram - https://w...

Dec 09, 201949 min

Bonus: More Burning Questions Answered, Part 1

In this special bonus episode, Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about the impact of a second child on the relationship with the firstborn, managing an in-law’s request to be present at the birth, setting boundaries with family members and much more. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-02/ | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigfatpositivepodcast/ | Email - contact@bigfatpositivepod...

Dec 05, 201926 min

Ep. 74: Gimme Those Sloppy Baby Kisses

In the segment, “Internet Insanity”, Shanna and Laura skeeve you out with an unusual baby-related beauty treatment and creep you out with one baby’s bizarre lovey. Also, Laura talks about her baby’s first legit head cold, and Shanna wonders if her baby is experiencing a walking regression. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is ten months and three weeks old, and Laura’s baby is nine months and three weeks old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepo...

Dec 02, 201944 min

Ep. 73: The Struggle Is Real: Giving Medicine to a Baby

In the segment, “They Said What?!”, Shanna gets off-putting feedback about her baby’s size, and Laura receives mind-boggling comments about her baby’s gender. Also, Laura talks about battling the eight-to-ten-month sleep regression, and Shanna describes her struggle to give her sick baby medication. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is ten months and two weeks old, and Laura’s baby is nine months and two week old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatposit...

Nov 25, 201943 min

Ep. 72: Your Breastfeeding Questions Answered! Interview with Jessica Claire, IBCLC

Laura interviews lactation consultant Jessica Claire, IBCLC, who answers listener questions about everything from sore nipples to the Haakaa manual breast pump. Also, in the weekly check-ins, Shanna discusses her baby’s unusual new skill, and Laura reports on a receiving an unexpected result at her baby’s nine-month checkup. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is ten months and one week old, and Laura’s baby is nine months and one week old. | This episode's show ...

Nov 18, 201954 min

Ep. 71: Blue Breastmilk and Teething Conundrums

In the segment “What I Googled This Week,” Laura wonders why her breastmilk is blue, Shanna asks if she can put hand sanitizer on her baby, and both moms have questions about the mysteries of teething. Also, Shanna and her family evacuate their home to escape a wildfire, and Laura’s recent episode of “mom clumsiness” leads to an unexpected injury. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is ten months old, and Laura’s baby is nine months old. | This episode's show not...

Nov 11, 201944 min

Ep. 70: Is It Time for a Babysitter?

Laura approaches mom burnout, and Shanna is shocked at her baby’s newest vocabulary word. Also, in the special segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Shanna obsesses about the size of her baby’s feet, and Laura worries that her baby doesn’t show her enough affection. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is nine months and three weeks old, and Laura’s baby is eight months and four weeks old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-70/ | Instagram ...

Nov 04, 201951 min

Ep. 69: I'm Not Ready for a Toddler!

Laura and Shanna answer listener questions in the special segment, “Checkin’ the Inbox,” including questions about transitioning from purees to solid foods and why they don’t share their babies’ names on the show. Also, Shanna talks about how her nine-month-old daughter had a big week of firsts, and Laura discusses her eight-month-old son’s bout of hand, foot and mouth disease. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is nine months and two weeks old, and Laura’s baby...

Oct 28, 201951 min

Bonus Halloween Episode: Laura’s Spooky Story, Baby Costumes and Creepy Things Kids Say

In this bonus Halloween episode, Shanna and Laura reveal their babies’ very first Halloween costumes, creep each other out with stories about spooky things that have happened to them since becoming parents, and discuss the weird and creepy things kids say. | This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-halloween-episode/ | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigfatpositivepodcast/ | Email - contact@big...

Oct 24, 201923 min

Ep. 68: Mom Friends: How to Make 'em and Break 'em

Laura and Shanna talk about how to make mom friends and how mom friendships can go terribly, awkwardly wrong. Also, Laura describes how an unexpected medical procedure threw a wrench in her week, and Shanna describes how her baby’s stranger anxiety has reached excruciating new heights. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is nine months and one week old, and Laura’s baby is eight months and two weeks old. | This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast...

Oct 21, 201952 min

Ep. 67: When Do You Drop the Dream Feed?

Shanna talks about dropping her baby’s dream feed, and Laura discusses taking her first work gig as a new mom. In the special segment, “Today I Learned,” the new moms dive into fertility fraud and babies’ reptilian bodies in the womb. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is nine months old, and Laura’s baby is eight months and one week old. | This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-67/ | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/b...

Oct 14, 201950 min

Ep. 66: The Glitz and Sh*ts of Parenting

Shanna and Laura go from glitz and glamour to down and dirty in the special segment “Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition,” where Laura talks about her son’s first talent booking and Shanna talks about averting a poop disaster. Also, Laura talks about her baby’s first boo-boo from army crawling, and Shanna reports on her baby’s first artistic creation. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is eight months and four weeks old, and Laura’s baby is eight months old.| T...

Oct 07, 201946 min

Ep. 65: Raising a Baby Costs How Much!?

Laura and Shanna go head-to-head in another exciting round of trivia in the special segment “Stump the New Mom,” where they discover just how much money it will cost to raise their babies to adulthood. Also, Shanna talks about bringing her eight-month-old daughter to an important doctor’s appointment, and Laura discusses her first day away from her seven-month-old son. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is eight months and three weeks old, and Laura’s baby is se...

Sep 30, 201944 min

Ep. 64: A Disturbing Trip to the Grocery Store

Shanna and Laura divulge the embarrassing parenting moves they’ve made lately in the special segment, “Mom Confessions.” Also, Laura reports on her baby’s latest motor development, and Shanna talks about how quitting breastfeeding has taken a toll on her nerves. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s baby is eight months and two weeks old, and Laura’s baby is seven months and two weeks old.| This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-64/ | Get socia...

Sep 23, 201939 min