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. 156: Frights, Farts and Fetch

In the special segment “Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition,” Shanna and Laura reveal embarrassing and shocking situations they’ve never been in before having kids, including the unexpected thing Laura got excited about, a scary situation Shanna found herself in, and more! Also, Shanna explains how she overcame some bedtime struggles with her toddler, and Laura reports on having a birthday while parenting. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, an...

Jun 28, 202155 min

Ep. 155: My OBGYN Said What?!

Laura reports on her epic adventure out of town with her toddler and newborn, and Shanna describes the rigamarole she went through to preserve her two-year-old’s nap. Also, in the segment “They Said What?!” Shanna and Laura both share tales about surprising things that their doctors have said to them. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 15 weeks old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

Jun 21, 202152 min

Ep. 154: My Baby Has a Flat Head

In the segment “What I Googled This Week,” Laura and Shanna reveal the parenting-related topics they have asked the internet recently, including toddler weight lifting, kids acting like animals and more! Also, Shanna reports on her 2-year-old’s behavior regression, and Laura reveals her strategy for fixing her baby’s flat head. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 14 weeks old. Learn more about ...

Jun 14, 202151 min

Ep. 153: Why Won't My Toddler Listen to Me?

Shanna and Laura quiz each other on the topics of mom brain, screen time, newborn abilities and more in the special segment “Stump the Mom.” Also, Laura deals with postpartum hair loss and mysterious breastfeeding issues, and Shanna tackles the problem of her kids not listening to her. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 13 weeks old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...

Jun 07, 20211 hr 1 min

Bonus: Breastfeeding, Milestones, Dream Feeds and More!

Laura and Shanna answer more listener questions! They cover dream feeds, baby milestones, the best thing someone has done for them since giving birth and more. They also answer several breastfeeding questions with the help of lactation professionals Heather O’Neal and Maureen Farrell from the Milk Minute Podcast! Milk Minute Podcast Website: https://breastfeedingforbusymoms.com/podcast/ Milk Minute Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/milk-minute-podcast-breastfeeding-chestfee...

Jun 03, 202138 min

Ep. 152: Is There a Perfect Sibling Age Gap?

In the special segment “Checkin’ the Inbox,” Laura and Shanna answer listener questions about everything from IVF, to sleep training, to sibling age gaps and more! Also, Shanna reports on a very unfortunate “first” for her toddler, and Laura talks about an ingenious way to keep toddlers busy. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 12 weeks old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...

May 31, 20211 hr 3 min

Ep. 151: The Ups and Downs of Going Out of Town

In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Shanna talks about her unusual phobia and how she handled it during a family vacation, and Laura recounts how she dealt with a potentially stressful weekend away from home. Also, Laura describes her family’s whirlwind week in the land of home-buying, and Shanna reports on her toddler’s increasing focus on fine-motor skill activities. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’...

May 24, 202151 min

Ep. 150: Sensory Overload

Shanna and Laura interview Alison Locke and John Nelson from the Sensory Overload podcast about their experience raising a daughter with autism. Also, Laura talks about tracking her newborn’s naps, and Shanna reports on her toddler’s reemerging separation anxiety. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 10 weeks old. Sensory Overload Podcast - https://sensoryoverloadpodcast.com/ Learn more about yo...

May 17, 20211 hr 11 min

Ep. 149: Rashes, Vaccines and Bedtime Routines

Laura reports on her newborn’s 2-month vaccinations and new bedtime routine, and Shanna talks about how her toddler’s potty-training reset has taken a surprising turn. Also, in the special segment “Mom Confessions,” they divulge some of their deepest, darkest, most hilarious mom secrets, as they dive into the topics of coffee, nightmares, pickles and more! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 9 ...

May 10, 20211 hr

Ep. 148: Parenting Mistakes

In the segment “Today I Learned,” Shanna and Laura discuss whether it’s possible to get pregnant when you’re already pregnant, and they talk about a rare childhood condition that makes combing kids’ hair harder than it already is. Also, Shanna recounts a parenting mistake that made her heart stop, and Laura reveals a big decision that was made in her household. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby ...

May 03, 202158 min

Ep. 147: A Newborn Sleep Victory

In the segment “Loose Ends,” Laura and Shanna give updates on topics they’ve left hanging in previous episodes, including whether Laura is still tandem nursing her newborn and two-year-old, whether Shanna’s girls still use any of the big-ticket toys she bought them during the pandemic, and more! Also, Laura celebrates her newborn’s longest stretch of sleep at night, and Shanna’s toddler has strong opinions about Shanna’s work-from-home lifestyle. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the ...

Apr 26, 20211 hr 2 min

Bonus: Pregnancy, Parenting and Trying to Conceive During a Pandemic

In part 12 of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Laura and Shanna hear from listeners around the world about what life has been like during the last year of the COVID pandemic. From trying to conceive to being pregnant, to parenting babies and more, the stories capture the challenges and unexpected joys of the lockdown. Also, Shanna and Laura give mini-updates about their lives during COVID. It’s been 13 months since the coronavirus pandemic has shut down schools, workplaces and al...

Apr 23, 202159 min

Ep. 146: Mom Hacks for Newborn Bath Time, Brushing Teeth and More!

In the segment “What the Hack?” Shanna and Laura share their favorite mom hacks, including the best way to give a newborn a bath, a super trick to get your toddler to cooperate while brushing teeth and more! Also, Laura reports on her six-week postpartum checkup at the OBGYN and on her newborn’s first developmental leap, and Shanna is shocked to discover what her girls had been up to when she was in a Zoom meeting. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 year...

Apr 19, 20211 hr 2 min

Ep. 145: Sneaking Up on Your Kids When They Sleep

In the segment “Gripe Water,” Laura and Shanna vent about the ridiculously annoying things they’ve come across lately, including a popular children’s book, tiny pockets and more! Also, Shanna reports on her toddler’s budding curiosity about human emotions, and Laura agonizes over her two-year-old’s nap regression from hell. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 5 weeks old. This episode's show n...

Apr 12, 20211 hr 5 min

Ep. 144: Nannies, Nuggets and Nefarious Namesakes

In the segment “Internet Insanity,” Shanna and Laura dive into the wild worlds of Nugget obsession, traitorous Facebook-group members, questionable baby names and more! Also, Laura reports on her monthly photo shoot with her four-week-old newborn and wonders if she should get a nanny for her toddler, and Shanna talks about being gaslit by her two-year-old. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 4...

Apr 05, 202155 min

Ep. 143: Language Leaps and Baby Blowouts

Shanna discusses her toddler’s recent language development, and Laura reports on her toddler’s struggles to adjust to having a new baby in the house. Also, in this week’s special segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura and Shanna talk about the parenting-related issues that have been keeping them up at night. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 3 weeks old. This episode's show notes - https://bi...

Mar 29, 202146 min

Bonus: One Year in COVID Lockdown

In part eleven of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Shanna and Laura check in on their lives one year into the COVID pandemic, including how they’re feeling about life in lockdown, thoughts about the future and more. They also share several BFPs that have arisen amidst the chaos of the last year. It’s been one year since the coronavirus pandemic has shut down schools, workplaces and all non-essential businesses in Los Angeles, where Shanna and Laura live. This episode's show notes...

Mar 28, 202140 min

Ep. 142: Baby’s First Checkup

Laura reports on her newborn’s two-week checkup at the pediatrician as well as her toddler’s potty training regression, and Shanna talks about overturning a major parenting decision with her toddler. In the special segment “Throwback,” Laura reflects on the time her mom helped her try to get a modeling agent in the mid-1990s. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 3 weeks old. This episode's show...

Mar 22, 202157 min

Ep. 141: Handling Toddler Nap Strikes

Shanna talks about her toddler’s new obsession with an unexpected vegetable, and Laura reports on her toddler’s growing interest in his baby brother as well as his recent nap strike. In the special segment “Throwback,” Shanna tells a story from her childhood about getting an acting agent in Phoenix, Arizona in the mid-1990s. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s baby is 2 weeks old. This episode's show ...

Mar 15, 202155 min

Ep. 140: First Week Postpartum

Laura reports on her first week with her new baby, including his sleeping and feeding routines as well as meeting his new big brother! Also, Shanna reports on a very unusual middle-of-the-night wakeup she had recently. In the special segment “Never Have I Ever,” Shanna and Laura reveal hilarious and embarrassing situations they’ve never been in before having kids. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura’s b...

Mar 08, 202158 min

Ep. 139: Laura’s Surprise VBAC Birth Story

Laura had her baby! In this episode, she talks about how it all went down, including whether she ended up having a VBAC or repeat C-section. Also, Shanna discusses her surprising decision about her toddler’s potty training. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura is 0 weeks pregnant and has a newborn! This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-139/ | Get social - Instagram - https://ww...

Mar 01, 20211 hr 2 min

Ep. 138: Was That a Braxton Hicks or a Real Contraction?

Laura is 8 days away from her scheduled c-section, and she just may have experienced her first real contraction. Also, her toddler has been having a potty training setback, and she explains why. Shanna tries to figure out a mystery rash on her 2-year-old and struggles to understand her burgeoning language. In the special segment “They Said What,” Laura and Shanna talk about emoji confusion, c-section incisions and cute and insulting things kids say. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for t...

Feb 22, 20211 hr 2 min

Ep. 137: Baby Kicks, Cervix Checks and Parenting Burnout

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura cover toddler hairdos, cervix ripening and more! Also, Laura talks about counting baby kicks, and Shanna reports on her toddler’s latest obsession. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura is 36 weeks pregnant. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-137/ | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcas...

Feb 15, 20211 hr

Ep. 136: Toddler vs Preschooler

Laura wonders if her baby is moving down in preparation for birth, and she celebrates her toddler’s second birthday! Shanna does some out-of-the-box activities to keep her kids entertained, and she wonders if she should stop referring to her 2-year-old as a toddler. Also, in the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Shanna and Laura quiz each other on fascinating baby- and parenting-related facts, including VBAC rates, fetal development and more. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week...

Feb 08, 202155 min

Ep. 135: Preparing for Baby #2

Laura is 34 weeks pregnant, and this week she talks about preparing her toddler for the birth of baby number two as well as planning for her hospital stay during the COVID pandemic. Shanna reports on her two-year-old’s emergence from a developmental leap. In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Laura recounts a terrifying tale of an unwelcome visitor, and Shanna talks about her herculean effort to bring joy to her daughters. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2...

Feb 01, 202159 min

Bonus: Listener Questions - Baby Names, Mom Guilt, Breastfeeding Tips and More!

Laura and Shanna continue their “Checkin’ the Inbox” segment from Episode 134 and answer more listener questions! They discuss favorite baby names, breastfeeding tips, mom guilt and more! This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-listener-questions-baby-names-mom-guilt-breastfeeding-tips-and-more | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigfatpositivepodcast/ | Email - [email protected] ...

Jan 27, 202148 min

Ep. 134: Unsolicited Advice, Parent Preference and More

In the segment “Checkin’ the Inbox,” Laura and Shanna answer listener questions about everything from dealing with unsolicited advice from family members to whether Laura will be going for a VBAC or planned C-section. Also, Laura talks about expressing and collecting colostrum in advance of giving birth, and Shanna reports on her daughter’s two-year sleep regression. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 23 months old. Laur...

Jan 25, 20211 hr 2 min

Ep. 133: Parenting Decisions You Can't Go Back On

This week, Shanna has regrets about some of her parenting decisions, and Laura finds out why she’s been feeling so much intense baby movement during her pregnancy. Also, in the special segment “Mom Confessions,” Shanna and Laura dive into the topics of hiding from your kids, shower secrets and more! Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 23 months old. Laura is 32 weeks pregnant. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpos...

Jan 18, 202147 min

Ep. 132: What Happens During a C-Section

Laura and Shanna dive into the fascinating worlds of c-section surgery, practice babies, embryo adoption and more in this week’s special segment “Today I Learned.” Also, Laura reports on a cookie-baking activity gone wrong, and Shanna describes her toddler’s second birthday party and 2-year check up at the pediatrician. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 23 months old. Laura is 31 weeks pregnant. This episode's show note...

Jan 11, 202159 min

Ep. 131: How to Build a Community as a New Parent

Shanna talks about the big surprise she had at 5:45 a.m. and discusses her toddler’s first haircut. Laura bemoans her painful week of pregnancy and marvels at the sweet phrases her toddler has started saying. Also, Shanna and Laura interview Karen Stoteraux and Kim-Lan Dovan from The Family Room about how to build connections and a community when you become a new parent. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 23 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 23 months old...

Jan 04, 202155 min