We are sharing 4 episodes of Keeping Up With the Khuffashians with You over 4 weeks until Baby Tribe Season 5 is Back! When Anne playfully snatched my phone to type in her number, little did I know it was the beginning of a partnership not just in life but also in fostering deeper understanding of the medical world. Join us, Afif and Anne, as we intertwine the personal with the professional, sharing the colorful tapestry of our lives as a neonatologist and obstetric anesthesiologist. This is not...
Dec 24, 2024•39 min
Can mothers really juggle holiday chaos while sipping on a Christmas cocktail? Buckle up for a laughter-filled ride through our latest Baby Tribe episode as we explore the festive spirit and the exhilarating superpowers of motherhood. Anne takes centre stage, joined by Katie Mugan from nursingmama.ie, Laura Dowling, the Fabulous Pharmacist, and Aoife Harvey from Woman's Health Dublin, promising to sprinkle some innuendo that might just land us on Santa's naughty list. As we bid adieu to this sea...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 12
We are joined by Georgy Dillon, a personal trainer who made a fascinating leap from the world of estate agency to become a beacon of wisdom in perinatal fitness. Navigating the challenges and misconceptions of pregnancy fitness can be daunting, but Georgy is here to dismantle myths and empower mothers-to-be. Whether it’s tackling the dreaded pelvic girdle pain or busting myths around weightlifting during pregnancy, this episode is a friendly guide. We converse about real-life scenarios and strat...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Imagine juggling a flourishing radio career with the beautiful chaos of raising three children. Paula MacSweeney, our guest for this episode, knows exactly what that feels like. Join Anne and me as we engage in a lively conversation with Paula, where laughter mingles with heartfelt stories about navigating the challenges and joys of parenthood. With our distinctive styles—Anne’s spontaneity and my penchant for planning—we craft an enlightening discussion that touches on everything from the hilar...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Parenting is a wild ride, filled with laughter, chaos, and more than a few surprises. Ever wondered if there's truly a "right" way to navigate the unpredictable journey of raising children? Join us for a special live recording of the Baby Tribe podcast, where hosts Afif, a seasoned paediatrician, and Anne, an accomplished obstetric anaesthetist, promise candid insights and humorous anecdotes. From their unexpected meeting during a late-night lock-in to the trials of parenting, their story is a t...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Ranae von Meding, CEO of Equality for Children, shares her remarkable journey advocating for LGBTQ+ family rights in Ireland, rooted in her own experiences growing up in a religious household and facing personal health challenges. Her passionate fight for equality and legal recognition for LGBTQ+ families comes alive in our conversation, offering profound insights into the complexities of parenting within a same-sex relationship. Discover how Ranae's personal encounters with outdated laws and so...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Imagine adjusting to life in a new country while navigating the unpredictable waters of motherhood. That's the journey our guest, Alison Curtis, took on, bringing her Canadian warmth and insight to Ireland. As we chat with Alison, we explore her personal story—her encounter with pre-eclampsia, the unique hurdles of raising an only child, and her advocacy for extended breastfeeding. Motherhood often takes us on unexpected paths, challenging societal stereotypes and personal expectations along the...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode of Baby Tribe, we discuss experiences related to birth trauma, which include references to sexual abuse. This content may be challenging for some listeners, especially those with similar lived experiences. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please consider reaching out to a trusted professional or support organization. Years ago, Michelle Flynn, a clinical psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health, witnessed firsthand how birth trauma could trans...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Holly Cairns, the leader of the Social Democrats, joins us for an eye-opening conversation about her journey in Irish politics and her impending role as a mother. With a deep commitment to women's rights, Holly reflects on her pivotal roles in campaigns for marriage equality and the repeal of the Eighth Amendment. She sheds light on the challenges of balancing leadership with motherhood, offering a raw perspective on the intersection of personal and professional life while advocating for societa...
Oct 29, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Physiotherapist Aoife Harvey joins us to tackle an often-overlooked aspect of women's health: the pelvic floor. Have you ever wondered what really happens to your pelvic floor during pregnancy and how to safeguard it? Aoife sheds light on this crucial topic, offering invaluable insights into the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, the importance of exercises, and common complications like incontinence and perineal tears. We also touch on the broader landscape of maternal health, advocating...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Rediscover the joys and challenges of parenting as we reunite with former co-host Katie Mugan for an enlightening journey through the maze of modern parenthood. Have you ever wondered how to balance the chaos of multiple children’s sleep and feeding routines? Katie shares her personal anecdotes, including the delight and trials of a family road trip to France, as we explore the humour and intricacies of marriage and the creative ways to maintain sanity with "family cancelling headphones." The ep...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Ever wondered how to maintain that spark after the arrival of a new baby? Join us as sex and intimacy specialist Grace Alice O'Shea brings her expertise to the table, offering insights into managing expectations and rebuilding confidence postpartum. Motherhood often changes how women view their bodies, shifting from a sexual to a functional perspective. We tackle the impact of societal norms on body image and sexuality, discussing how the over-sexualization of female body parts affects perceptio...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 2
How do you find the strength to navigate an unimaginable loss? Join us on this heartfelt episode as we sit down with Michelle Ross, who courageously shares the emotional journey of her son Zach's premature birth and the time he spent in neonatal care. Michelle's story starts with the terrifying moment she went into labour unexpectedly at work, leading to Zach's early arrival at just 23 weeks and five days. Both harrowing and hopeful, this compelling narrative highlights the profound impact healt...
Sep 30, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Ever wondered what teens really think about mobile phone bans in schools? Well, we've got the inside scoop! This week, we flip the script and bring our teenagers, Maggie and Faisal, into the spotlight for a candid chat about the proposed mobile phone bans and social media restrictions for under-16s. Their insights will surprise you as they share how these changes could impact their daily lives and school routines. Plus, get ready for some family fun as we dive into a light-hearted debate about w...
Sep 24, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Discover the secrets to managing the emotional and logistical hurdles of returning to work after maternity leave. Join us as we sit down with Anne O'Leary, a certified executive coach, postpartum doula, and baby massage instructor, who imparts her wisdom on balancing professional ambitions with the joys and challenges of motherhood. From the excitement of reconnecting with colleagues to the anxiety and guilt of leaving your baby behind, Anne offers actionable insights and heartfelt advice to hel...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 29
We bring you an enlightening conversation with Dr. Emma Bagnall, a clinical psychologist and holistic sleep coach, who explains why maternal sleep is a cornerstone of overall family well-being. Dr. Bagnall shares her expertise on the cognitive impairments that can start with pregnancy-induced insomnia and restless leg syndrome, long before the baby arrives. We also discuss the societal pressures and conflicting advice that can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed, underscoring the need for bett...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Join us as Afif and Anne explore this intriguing question with leading dietitian Orla Walsh on the Baby Tribe Podcast. Together, we uncover the significance of maternal nutrition during the postpartum period. Through practical tips and real-life anecdotes, we emphasize the importance of maintaining energy levels and debunk common myths about supplements. We dive into humorous yet challenging experiences, like managing a baby with a voracious appetite that leaves you feeling like you're feeding t...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Join us for a compelling episode of the Baby Tribe podcast as we welcome the incredible Stefanie Preissner, host of the "Basically" podcast, alongside my wonderful wife, Anne Doherty. We open up about the joys and quirks of being married to someone from Mayo, Ireland, and Stefanie courageously shares her intimate journey through miscarriages and c-sections. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and the often unspoken challenges many parents face. Stefanie's raw recounting of the anxiet...
Aug 26, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Join me for an insightful episode where I welcome the brilliant Dr. Sarah Murphy, a doctor working in obstetrics and gynaecology. We explore the growing trends in labour induction and cesarean sections, with a particular focus on Ireland. Dr. Murphy brings her wealth of knowledge and balanced perspective to discuss how these trends compare to other first-world countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. We unpack the multifactorial reasons behind these rising rates and what th...
Aug 19, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 25
In this episode of Baby Tribe, we take on one of the most discussed and often misunderstood topics in neonatal care: the association between cesarean sections and infant outcomes. With so much information floating around, especially on social media, it’s easy to get caught up in myths and misconceptions about the impact of C-sections on newborn health. We delve into both the short-term and long-term outcomes for babies born via cesarean delivery, exploring the latest research and providing a bal...
Aug 12, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Join us on the first of a 3 part series as we explore the essential tips and advice you need for a smooth C-section experience. We share our personal stories—Anne's journey through two C-sections and Afif's emotional reflections—giving you a firsthand look at the physical and emotional impacts of this procedure. We also touch on the challenges we faced when our furry friend Buddy needed surgery and the incredible support we received from our community. Curious about the differences between epidu...
Aug 05, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Unlock the secrets to nurturing your baby's speech and language development with insights from Sarah Kelly, an experienced paediatric speech and language therapist. Sarah's journey from Montessori teaching to founding her own practice, Speak Easy, in Dublin provides a rich backdrop for understanding early communication milestones. This episode is an essential guide for parents eager to foster a communicative bond from the very beginning. Sarah offers clear advice on when to seek professional hel...
Jul 29, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Join us on the Baby Tribe podcast as we explore baby-led weaning (BLW) with our special guest, Aileen Cox-Blundell. She navigates the differences between BLW and traditional weaning approaches, sharing her personal stories about introducing solid finger foods to her daughter. We also examine how various cultures have seamlessly integrated this method for years, offering practical advice and heartwarming success stories to support parents through the transition to self-feeding. Nutrition is a cor...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 21
Can motherhood reshape what it means to lead? Join us on a thought-provoking journey with Sinead, the dynamic host of the podcast Stretchmarks. In our lively discussion, Sinead takes us through her remarkable transition from a demanding media career to finding her true calling at Every Mom. Her story is filled with inspiring moments of overcoming industry barriers and creating content that resonates deeply with parents, especially during the pandemic. Discover how she navigated the challenges of...
Jul 15, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Gain a comprehensive understanding of epidurals and their role in labour pain management. Join us on the Baby Tribe as we tackle listener-submitted questions about the procedure. We promise to provide you with clear, compassionate, and evidence-based information to help you navigate your pain relief options during labour confidently. Our discussion underscores that your choice of pain relief does not diminish your birth experience's strength or value. We begin by demystifying what an epidural is...
Jul 08, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Discover the underlying explanations for the sensations you experience throughout the various stages of labour. We cover a comprehensive range of pain relief methods tailored for labour, starting with non-pharmacological techniques. From the calming effects of hypnobirthing and relaxation techniques to the practical use of warm and cold packs, we cover it all. We also dive into acupressure, acupuncture, birthing balls, and TENS machines, backed by evidence-based practices. As we transition to ph...
Jul 01, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Unravel the mysteries of your baby’s gut health and leave behind the myths that cause undue worry. In this episode, we shine a light on the fascinating journey of a baby’s microbiome, from birth through the first year of life. With Anne Doherty joining me as co-host for the summer, we offer both scientific insights and warm anecdotes from our family life, making complex information accessible and relatable. Join us as we recount our children's delightful summer activities and Anne's memorable fi...
Jun 24, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Dr. Niamh Lynch and Dr. John Caird join us to discuss the critical subject of concussions in children, particularly those who are active in sports. Their professional journeys, from Dr. Lynch's path from the University College Cork to a paediatric neurology fellowship in Vancouver, to Dr. Caird's extensive dual practice in paediatric and adult neurosurgery, provide rich insights into the complexities of treating brain injuries and neurological conditions. Together, they illuminate the importance...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 16
What if you could protect your child's smile for a lifetime? Join us for an insightful conversation with our expert paediatric dentist, who reveals invaluable tips on preventing dental decay in kids, affecting nearly half of all five-year-olds. We share light-hearted personal stories about our own dental experiences and debate our favourite snacks—think peanuts, popcorn, and the ever-controversial bounty bar. This episode promises a blend of vital dental health information and the fun camaraderi...
Jun 10, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Is your child's mental health hiding in plain sight? This week's episode of the Baby Tribe podcast tackles the monumental subject of childhood mental health and parenting. We reflect on our own experiences growing up under protective parents and discuss how open communication can better equip children to handle life's challenges. We dive deep into cultural differences in parenting styles, the importance of fostering resilience, and why addressing mental health openly is crucial, especially given...
Jun 03, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 14
