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. 130: Birth Control, TV Time and Hot Tubs

In the segment “Loose Ends,” Laura and Shanna give updates on topics they’ve left hanging in previous episodes, from whether Laura has reinstated TV time for her toddler, to what Shanna has done with her frozen embryos and more! Also, Laura wonders if her fetus is growing in spurts, and Shanna agonizes over her toddler’s potty-training regression. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 23 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 22 months old. Laura is 29 weeks preg...

Dec 28, 202055 min

Bonus: 2020 Wrap Up - Our Biggest Laughs, Challenges and Hopes

As 2021 approaches, Shanna and Laura are wrapping up a chaotic and joy-filled year of parenting, and in this bonus episode, they reflect on the last 12 months as moms of little ones who’ve transitioned from babies to full-fledged toddlers. They keep it real as they look back on 2020, from the biggest laughs, to the deepest challenges, to their hopes for the new year, to their favorite podcasts to listen to when their kids allow. This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-...

Dec 27, 202052 min

Ep. 129: Our Favorite Mom Hacks

Shanna and Laura introduce a brand-new segment called “What the Hack?” in which they talk about all their favorite mom hacks. They discuss everything from tricks to calming newborns to potty training tips and more! Also, Shanna rejoices about finally solving her toddler’s early morning wakings, and Laura bemoans her toddler’s skipped naps. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 23 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 22 months old. Laura is 28 weeks pregnant. Th...

Dec 21, 202059 min

Ep. 128: False Positive Pregnancy Tests

Laura discusses the very unsettling pregnancy hazard of tripping over everything, and Shanna talks about receiving unexpected pregnancy test results. Also, in the segment “Gripe Water,” Shanna and Laura serve up all their passionate complaints about toothbrushes, trimesters and more! Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 23 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 22 months and 1 week old. Laura is 27 weeks pregnant. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositi...

Dec 14, 20201 hr 1 min

Bonus: “They Said What?!”

Shanna and Laura bring you more “They Said What?!” stories about the weird, funny or outrageous things people have said to them about pregnancy, parenting or trying to conceive. They also include listener stories about all the wacky, wild and offensive things people have said to them recently! This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-they-said-what | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigfatpositiv...

Dec 11, 20201 hr

Ep. 127: Big Feelings

In this week’s special segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura and Shanna have big feelings about inadequate toddler proofing and unusual children’s toys. Also, Shanna talks about being thrust into potty training by her take-charge toddler, who has decided it is go-time, and Laura discusses her toddler’s response to stressful times, which reveals itself in big feelings and big meltdowns. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 22 months and 1 week old, and Laura’...

Dec 07, 20201 hr 1 min

Ep. 126: Sexually Charged Pregnancy Newsletters

Laura reports on her pregnancy glucose screening and her toddler’s emerging communication skills, and Shanna talks about her toddler’s unexpected reaction to a recent visit with her grandparents. Also, in the special segment “Internet Insanity” Shanna and Laura discuss pregnancy newsletters that won’t let up on the sex talk and what to do with lost baby teeth. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 22 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 21 months old. Laura is ...

Nov 30, 20201 hr 3 min

Ep. 125: False Labor or Gas Pain?

Shanna talks about having mixed feelings about her toddler’s blossoming independence, and Laura reports on her late-night rendezvous with stomach cramps that had her wondering if she was unexpectedly going into early labor. Also, in the special segment “They Said What?!” Laura and Shanna discuss talking toys and tattling preschoolers. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 22 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 21 months old. Laura is 24 weeks pregnant. This ep...

Nov 23, 202051 min

Bonus: Shanna and Laura’s Holiday Gift Guide

Shanna and Laura give you a head start with your holiday shopping by discussing some of their very favorite items for newborns, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, new parents, pregnant people and those trying to conceive. They also share their plans for the upcoming holiday season. Our holiday gift guide - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/gifts This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-shanna-and-lauras-holiday-gift-guide | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.c...

Nov 18, 202058 min

Ep. 124: Nesting Isn’t Just for the Birds

This week, Laura talks about her pregnancy nesting instinct kicking into overdrive, and Shanna wonders if she should drop her toddler’s nap. Also, in the special segment “Throwback,” Shanna reflects back on the time in 1996 that she spontaneously got a haircut, how it all went wrong, and how her mom saved the day. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 22 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 21 months old. Laura is 23 weeks pregnant. This episode's show notes - ...

Nov 16, 202053 min

Ep. 123: Dealing with Toddler Sleep Regression

Shanna discusses her toddler’s sleep regression and how a very unexpected event at bedtime messed up her plan to get things back on track. Laura talks about experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions and her tips for getting them to subside. Also, in the special segment “Throwback,” Laura rewinds back to the mid-90s to tell a story about how her mom handled a very disappointing situation. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 21 months old, and Laura’s toddler i...

Nov 09, 202059 min

Ep. 122: Should I Have a VBAC?

This week, Laura considers having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and she reports on her conversation with her OB-GYN about the option. Shanna discusses her toddler’s new favorite vocabulary word and her emerging interest in using the potty. Also, in the segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura reveal the odd, hilarious and possibly embarrassing parenting-related topics they have asked the internet recently, including pressing questions about chicken nuggets, VBACs, vacuuming ...

Nov 02, 20201 hr 2 min

Ep. 121: Parenting with Kindness, Even When It’s Hard AF

In the segment “Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition,” Laura and Shanna reveal some wild, hilarious and unexpected things they’ve done since becoming parents. Also, Shanna talks about implementing a new parenting practice based on advice in the book “Raising Your Spirited Child,” and Laura discusses how her toddler’s imaginative play has ramped up lately. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 21 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 20 months old. Laura is 20 we...

Oct 26, 202055 min

Bonus: Halloween Fun and Fortune-Telling

Shanna and Laura get in the Halloween spirit by divulging their plans for a socially distanced holiday in this out-of-the-ordinary year, revealing their families’ costumes and sharing some special Halloween-themed BFPs. They also get prophetic in the special segment “ESP with BFP,” where they consult a special oracle about the future. This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-halloween-fun-and-fortune-telling | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcas...

Oct 23, 202053 min

Ep. 120: Oh Sh*t, It’s Potty Time

Laura talks about her exciting week of potty training her toddler, feeling baby kicks and going to her 20-week anatomy scan. Shanna reports on her toddler’s progress toward the two-year milestones and her newfound ability to express defiance. Also, in another exciting round of “Stump the Moms,” Shanna and Laura grill each other with baby- and parenting-related trivia questions, diving into the topics of lion sex, domineering children’s librarians, twins and more. Finally, they reveal their BFPs ...

Oct 19, 20201 hr

Bonus: Pregnancy Do-Overs, COVID Baby Showers, Frozen Embryos and More

Laura and Shanna wrap up their “Checkin’ the Inbox” segment from Episode 118 and answer more listener questions. They discuss frozen embryos, pregnancy do-overs, COVID baby showers and more! This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-more-listener-questions-purees-adoption-teen-moms-and-more | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigfatpositivepodcast/ | Email - [email protected] | Our ...

Oct 16, 202039 min

Ep. 119: Terrible Twos, Here We Come!

This week, Shanna reports on her toddler’s feisty confidence and tiffs with her sister, and Laura shares tips on how to beat pregnancy reflux. Also, in the segment “Mom Wins!,” Laura tells a tale of her ninja-like instincts that saved her toddler a trip to the ER, and Shanna recounts the time she attempted to chase down the elusive Magical Christmas Truck. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 21 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 20 months old. Laura is 18 w...

Oct 12, 202054 min

Bonus: More Listener Questions - Purees, Adoption, Teen Moms and More!

Laura and Shanna continue their “Checkin’ the Inbox” segment from Episode 118 and answer more listener questions! They discuss the transition from purees to solid foods, adoption, pregnancy modifications when you have a toddler, advice for teen moms and more. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-more-listener-questions-purees-adoption-teen-moms-and-more | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/big...

Oct 09, 202035 min

Ep. 118: You Asked. We Answered!

In the segment “Checkin’ the Inbox” Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about everything from sleep loss, to sore boobs, to hemorrhoids during pregnancy and more! Also, Laura reports on her unexpected reaction to people commenting on her pregnant belly and reveals her shocking decision about her toddler’s screen time, and Shanna talks about her toddler’s out-of-control biting behavior and budding sense of humor. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 20...

Oct 05, 20201 hr 3 min

Ep. 117: Toddler Independence Is Terrific (and Terrifying)

In the segment “Today I Learned,” Laura and Shanna dive into the topics of a controversial birthing practice, how to remove an item stuck in a toddler’s nose, the truth about digital pregnancy tests and more! Also, Shanna reports on her mixed feelings about her toddler’s growing independence, and Laura talks about her daredevil toddler’s unique way of dealing with getting hurt. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 20 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 19 mon...

Sep 28, 20201 hr 12 min

Ep. 116: Plus-Size Pregnancy with Jen McLellan

Shanna and Laura talk with the founder of Plus Size Birth and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast, Jen McLellan, about the challenges plus-size people face when pregnant, her journey to becoming an advocate for plus-size pregnancy, advice on finding body-positive care providers and more! You can find Jen and all her resources at https://plussizebirth.com. Also, Laura reports on feeling baby kicks much earlier in her second pregnancy than in her first, and Shanna talks about her toddler’s favorite new...

Sep 21, 20201 hr 8 min

Bonus: Pandemic Preschool and Prenatal Checkups

In part nine of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Shanna and Laura check in on how they’re doing during the coronavirus pandemic. Shanna talks about her decision to homeschool her kids for preschool, and Laura reports on what her prenatal visits to her OBGYN are like at this time. They also include a listener story and a listener question about making the decision to try to conceive during the pandemic. They also share several BFPs that have arisen amidst the chaos of the last wee...

Sep 18, 202053 min

Ep. 115: Why Is My Toddler Biting People?

In the segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna divulge some of their deepest, darkest, most hilarious mom secrets, as they dive into the topics of dirty diapers, lying to toddlers, forbidden pregnancy foods and more! Also, Shanna discusses her toddler’s new habit of biting people, and Laura talks about trying to stop the medication she’s taking for her morning sickness. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 20 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 19 months ...

Sep 14, 202059 min

Ep. 114: Pregnancy Scans, Toddler Manners and Mom Rage

In the segment “Gripe Water,” Laura and Shanna vent about the parenting-related things that send them into a rage spiral, including a beloved children’s toy and a widely shared meme. Also, Laura reports on her recent NT scan, and Shanna talks about her toddler’s newly budding manners (and head banging). Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 19 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 19 months old. Laura is 13 weeks pregnant. This episode's show notes - https://big...

Sep 07, 202057 min

Ep. 113: Allowing Your Toddler to Struggle

In the new segment “Loose Ends,” Shanna and Laura provide updates on past topics from the podcast, including what’s going on with Laura’s son’s modeling agent, how Shanna solved her toddler’s 5:00 a.m. wake-ups, whether the moms have resolved their parenting conundrums from past “It Takes a Village” segments and more. Also, Shanna talks about how difficult it can be to watch her 19-month-old learn new skills, and Laura discusses the pregnancy exhaustion and anxiety that sent her spiraling at bed...

Aug 31, 20201 hr 5 min

Ep. 112: Is Laura’s Baby a Boy or Girl?

Laura reports on the results of her NIPT test, including the sex of her new baby! She also talks about experiencing an unusual side effect of early pregnancy that caught her by surprise. Shanna discusses spontaneously transitioning her 19-month-old to a toddler bed and bemoans her daughter’s new 5:00 a.m. wake ups. Also, in the special segment “Internet Insanity,” the moms report on hilarious and questionable TikToks as well as some very uncool Facebook algorithmic behavior. Finally, they reveal...

Aug 24, 20201 hr

Ep. 111: Pregnancy Super-Smell and Toddler Insults

Laura and Shanna report on the unusual, funny or shocking things that people have said to them recently in the special segment, “They Said What?!” Also, Shanna reports on her toddler’s growing ability to express her desires and new interest in mimicking those around her, and Laura talks about her unfortunate combo of pregnancy symptoms as well as her toddler’s first major tantrum (over THE MOST important thing). Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 19 months...

Aug 17, 20201 hr

Bonus: Laura’s Early Pregnancy Diary (Weeks 4-9)

From weeks four to nine of her new pregnancy, Laura checks in about what she has been going through in the earliest days after getting her BFP for baby number two. She talks with Shanna about her tips for dealing with first-trimester nausea, how she’s handling pregnancy fatigue while also parenting a toddler, steps she’s taking to reduce symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) pain and more! This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-lauras-early-pregnancy-diary-weeks-4-9 | Ge...

Aug 15, 202049 min

Bonus: Laura’s TTC Diary

Laura and Shanna check in over the course of four months on Laura’s journey of trying to conceive baby number two. Laura shares from the moment she decided to take out her IUD to the moment she shared her BFP with Shanna. She discusses deciding with her husband to go for baby #2, some hiccups in the road due to the coronavirus, her tried and true ovulation tracking kit, the dreaded two week wait and more! This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-lauras-ttc-diary | Get ...

Aug 13, 202037 min

Ep. 110: Deciding to Have Another Baby

In this week’s special segment “Big Topic,” Shanna and Laura dive into the topic that family members and strangers alike just LOVE to ask us about: “Are you going to have another baby?” Also, Laura talks about her toddler’s expanding vocabulary and his newfound reptilian buddies, and Shanna comes clean about her quarantine exhaustion and marvels at her toddler’s blossoming confidence. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 19 months old, and Laura’s toddler is...

Aug 10, 202052 min