Unlock the secrets of your child's respiratory health as we team up with Prof. Basil El Nazir, the paediatric respiratory physician and cystic fibrosis expert, to guide you through the maze of coughs and colds that every parent dreads. Discover the breakthrough RSV vaccine that's set to revolutionize how we protect our littlest ones from this common and sometimes serious virus. It's a deep-dive into managing conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis, with takeaways that promise to resonate with...
May 27, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 13
In this episode, Dr. Orla Walsh and the hosts delve into the world of children's eating habits. They explore the common issue of picky eating, sharing personal anecdotes and tips for encouraging diverse diets without pressure. They highlight the importance of patience, small portions, and involving kids in meal prep to cultivate adventurous eaters. The discussion shifts to the challenges faced by Generation Z, including the impact of social media, the pandemic, and societal pressures on eating d...
May 20, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Ever felt like you needed a translator to understand what your teen is saying? Well, today's digital terrain is no less perplexing, which is why we've got a cyber psychologist, Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, on board to steer us through the maze of gaming, social media, and screen time. We're cracking the code on those baffling acronyms and emojis, while also laying down some serious groundwork on how to parent amidst pings, posts, and pixels. Navigating the waters of modern teenage communication requi...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 11
As parents, we all start out with a playbook that seems destined for revision. During this episode, we can't help but chuckle over the transformations we've seen in ourselves—from the meticulous planners fretting over every sniffle our firstborns encountered, to the more assured, adaptable guardians of our later children. Our discussion traverses this relatable metamorphosis, offering support and shared laughter to those in the midst of their own parenting odyssey. Navigating the healthcare syst...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Discover the transformative power of touch and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting as we take you through the highs and lows of raising little ones. Our conversation brings laughter and empathy to your parenting journey, whether you're navigating the NICU or just trying to get an apology out of a toddler. We share how the simplest gestures, like the hand hugs and bonding squares in the neonatal ward, can forge unbreakable bonds and significantly improve health outcomes for both babies and p...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 9
Unlock the mysteries of preterm birth and its lifelong impact on health with our latest Baby Tribe podcast episode. We're joined by an expert in adult respiratory and intensive care, who brings a wealth of paediatric knowledge to the table, and together we offer a beacon of hope to parents of preterm infants. From the laugh-inducing tales of my car's 'romance mode' to a discussion on the minimal academic differences between preterm and full-term children, this episode is a rich tapestry of humou...
Apr 22, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Some misconceptions about parenting and child development need to be put to rest. That's precisely what Katie and I tackle head-on in our latest Baby Tribe podcast episode. We zero in on one tenacious falsehood: the supposed link between vaccines and autism. We demystify the science and underscore the dangers of such misinformation, including the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles. But our chat isn't all serious business; we weave in light-hearted tales of forgetfulness and the mayh...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Listen in as we shine a light on the various types of sugars infiltrating the diets of infants and toddlers. With a paediatrician's eye for detail, we break down the definitions of free sugars and their less-known counterparts, emphasizing the importance of understanding what goes into our children's meals. From breastfeeding versus formula feeding to the introduction of solid foods, we dissect how early dietary choices can shape taste preferences and future eating habits. Moreover, we confront ...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Ever feel like you're running a marathon trying to keep your kids active, and you're not even the one breaking a sweat? Tune in as we tackle the hurdles of holiday health and activity with our energetic offspring. We're joined by the powerhouse herself, Anna Geary, whose athletic prowess and wisdom as a mother shine a light for us on and off the field. Together, we'll explore the thrill and spills of encouraging sports participation amidst Easter break chaos, society's screen time skirmish, and ...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 5
Unlock the secrets to balancing family life with the digital world as we take a heartfelt look at parenting in the era of screens. We share relatable stories that are sure to bring a smile—from our children's amusing digital faux pas to the moments we've all guiltily handed over a tablet to buy some peace and quiet. Yet, we also tackle the tougher topics, like the research that probes into screen time's impact on child development, and confess our own struggles in an age where technology is both...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Unlock the secrets to bolstering your child's development through the joyous realm of play, as we share insights that traverse from rolling balls to screen time's intricate dance with young minds. This episode encapsulates the essence of nurturing cognitive growth and problem-solving skills, all while balancing the digital world with the irreplaceable benefits of physical activity. Together, we tackle the all-too-familiar parental challenge of managing playtime during school breaks, like the Eas...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Join us on the Baby Tribe podcast where Katie and Afif unpack the intricate tapestry of parenting styles, shaped by cultural backgrounds and generational shifts. Listen in as we share personal tales and explore how parenting techniques, such as the classic counting method, are redefined across cultures. From Irish to Arab parenting nuances, and from managing diverse disciplinary needs within a single family to examining the Irish mommy stereotype, we navigate the multifaceted journey of raising ...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Well, we finally reconnected after what felt like an eternity, we didn't expect our catch-up to be a riotous journey through the rollercoaster of parenting. From the tender early years to the eye-rolling teen phase, we share the comical, yet profound shifts in our kids' views of us, alongside the evolution of our parenting tactics - because, let's face it, what works for child number one is a whole new ballgame by the time child number four comes along. Adjusting our rhythms and learning to laug...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Buckle up for an enlightening journey as we navigate the complex world of parenthood and obstetrics with the exceptional Anne Doherty, a consultant anesthesiologist specializing in high-risk obstetric anesthesia. Ever wonder how a healthcare professional, specifically an anesthesiologist, experiences the maternity ward from both sides? From the joys and challenges of raising two teenagers, to shedding light on the critical role of anesthesiologists in the birthing process, Anne provides a unique...
Dec 05, 2023•50 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of Christmas in a household with two different faiths? Join us, your hosts Katie and Afif , as we share a slice of our own life, blending our faiths during the Christmas season and even throwing a beloved Irish tradition into the mix. But that's not all, with Afif's glitter-phobia and our mutual love for the Late Late Toy Show, there's a lot to hear - and laugh about! We also dive deep into the world of parenting, from teething troubles to the emoti...
Nov 28, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this Episode, we share insights on the intricacies of antibiotics, their use and misuse, and the alarming reality of resistance that stems from overuse. Whether it's the pressure on medical practitioners to prescribe, or the misconceptions among parents about antibiotic use for their children, we're tackling it all and advocating for the crucial role of antibiotic stewardship. We also dive into the world of fitness with personal trainer Siobhan O'Hagan, especially as it pertains to new parent...
Nov 21, 2023•50 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this essential episode of, we delve into the critical topic of car seat safety for our littlest passengers. We unravel the complexities of choosing the right car seat, ensuring proper installation, and understanding the latest safety guidelines. We also sit down with Minister Helen McEntee, Ireland's Minister for Justice, to explore her career in politics, her parenting journey including her experience of being the first ever member of the cabinet to take maternity leave. Minister McEntee ope...
Nov 14, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Flathead syndrome: We unravel the mystery behind plagiocephaly, a condition that causes a baby's head to appear unusually flat. We discuss the symptoms, causes, and different types of plagiocephaly: positional and craniosynostosis. Katie & Afif assure us that this condition doesn't put pressure on the baby's brain nor affect their development and also share practical advice on proactive measures like "tummy time" and changing the baby's sleep position. We then have an interview with Dr Niamh...
Nov 07, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Ever thought about the toll gestational diabetes could take on newborns? We offer an enlightening perspective on the risks of gestational diabetes such as preterm labor, larger than average babies, breathing issues, and low blood sugars. As we navigate this complex terrain, we aim to simplify these medical matters into easy-to-understand dialogues, giving expectant mothers the much-needed reassurance they're seeking. Our guest today is Professor Fergal Malone, Consultant Obstetrician and former ...
Oct 31, 2023•57 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Join us this week on Baby Tribe as we immerse ourselves in a comprehensive conversation about pediatric food allergies. We're thrilled to have Professor Jonathan Hourihane, a globally recognized allergy specialist, enlightening us on this topic. As we talk about introducing solids, breastfeeding, and allergy-inducing foods, Professor Hourihane sheds light on the recent research suggesting the benefits of early introduction of specific foods to infants, diverging from traditional norms. Delving i...
Oct 23, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Ever wondered why the media portrays babies sleeping amidst fluffy pillows and cuddly teddy bears as adorable, when in reality, such actions could potentially increase their risk if SIDS? Let's debunk the glittering misconceptions the media feeds, and have an honest conversation about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the importance of safe sleep practices for infants. Join us as we dissect the 'Back to Sleep' campaign. Switching gears, we interview Paula MacSweeney from Today FM where we ...
Oct 16, 2023•58 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Are you curious about the hot debate surrounding baby physiological monitors? We get into the nuances of these devices, exploring both traditional models and advanced physiological monitors, which track your baby's heart rate, oxygen levels, and more. While they may seem like a godsend for anxious parents, we uncover some truths, questioning if they are just heightening parental anxiety and leading to unnecessary consequences. Remember, monitors aren't a substitute for safe baby sleep practices ...
Oct 09, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode, we start off with a deep dive into childhood fever, debunking common myths and providing practical advice on how to monitor your child's temperature without the constant worry. Our conversation then transitions with Dr Doireann O'Leary to a reflective exploration of the unexpected surprises and challenges that come with parenthood. The involvement of grandparents, the overwhelming sea of information, and the importance of professional advice are all up for discussion. We aim to ...
Oct 02, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, we explore the increasing incidence of preterm births and the difficulties they bring along, particularly in feeding. By sharing our personal experiences and emphasizing the necessity of parental education, we hope to shed light on these issues. Be it the need for supplemental feeding, watching out for symptoms of underdeveloped lungs, or the apnea of prematurity, we leave no stone unturned. To add another layer of depth to our conversation, we invited Sabrina Hill – a hairdress...
Sep 25, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Ever wondered about the invisible world within us that's influencing our health and wellbeing? We're talking about our gut microbiome. This episode will help you understand the role it plays in everything, from our mental health to issues like colic and reflux in babies. We'll debunk myths, discuss the influence of mothers on their baby's microbiome, and much more. It's all about understanding the power of the tiny organisms living inside us. We're thrilled to host the incredibly versatile Joann...
Sep 18, 2023•58 min•Season 2Ep. 5
We're setting sail on a journey through the complex sea of new parenthood, with a special focus on baby health and vaccinations. This episode is chock-full of insights, from navigating the current vaccination schedule to the importance of informed decisions when it comes to protecting your little one. We'll also touch on good hygiene practices to accompany live vaccines, and address symptoms and treatments for dreaded RSV in babies. Our special guest is Maria Tempany - a mother of three, a devot...
Sep 11, 2023•47 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Ever wondered about the myriad of developmental checks that babies go through after they leave the hospital? This episode of Baby Tribe offers a step-by-step walk-through of this critical yet often overlooked aspect of newborn health. We touch on the importance of a midwife's role, the heel prick test, and the comprehensive head-to-toe check carried out by a doctor, to ensure your baby is on the right track. Pivoting on from infancy, we journey into the world of toddler development and the diffe...
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Ever thought about how COVID could possibly be impacting the development of babies? This episode unpacks a study suggesting that the pandemic babies might be at a developmental disadvantage compared to their pre or post-pandemic peers. Our own experiences of parenting during the pandemic provide a unique lens to this discussion, as well as underline the universality of these challenges. Our special guest for this episode, Kelly Horrigan, shares her journey as a mother in these challenging times....
Aug 28, 2023•50 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 2 of the Baby Tribe Podcast! In this first episode of the new season we speak the incredible Ailbhe Garrihy. With her captivating journey in the realm of parenting and entrepreneurship, Ailbhe has become a beacon of inspiration for many. From navigating the world of social media as a doting mother to setting sail on the scenic Dublin Bay, Ailbhe's story is one will resonate on multiple levels. We also discuss the nuances that are often missed by the media when discussing breast...
Aug 21, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this final episode of the season, we dive deep into the world of infant toilet training and constipation with the renowned expert, Ann Costigan. Join us as we explore the secrets and strategies behind helping parents navigate this often challenging aspect of their child's development. The episode begins by delving into the basics of infant toilet training and the common misconceptions surrounding this topic. Ann emphasizes the importance of recognizing each child's unique readiness cues and h...
Jun 12, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 16
