First Time Mum's Chat (Helen Thompson)

Over the many years I've worked as a childcare educator, I've seen a lot of change in how we do things and in the family unit. Being of an age where I knew life before the likes of mobile phones, computers and other devices, I'm often concerned with how they are used in this modern, fast-paced world of ours!

Increasingly I'm seeing a generation of children who expect to be entertained and who are clearly lacking creative imagination. This is of course hardly surprising when so many are raised from their beginnings knowing little more than instant gratification and a dopamine hit from pressing a button or viewing content.

I was thrilled this week to speak with Melissa Lowry, who has worked in the education space over many years, working with students, teachers, administrators and parents.

You'll hear Melissa and I chat about the impacts of technology on infant development and there's some great tips and insights shared from Melissa's wealth of knowledge and experience. You'll hear Melissa talk about:-

• The importance of keeping young children off of technology and media for their first 24 months.
• Why it's better for sensory awareness and development to avoid using earphones which block out all sounds around them.
• Why when exposing them to media it is crucial to ensure that it is only active (also known as slow) media, where there's an expectation of engagement.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

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"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

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Including tummy time in your daily routine is a great way to give your baby a great start in life and there are many benefits in doing so.

This includes assisting their development in lots of areas including crawling and hand-eye coordination whilst helping to strengthen their head and shoulder muscles.

In this episode, you'll find out all about tummy time including:-

• How to get started.
• Tips to encourage your baby and get the most out of it.
• Information on the many ways it benefits your baby.

Designing a nursery for your little one is something that is often an after thought for many parents and many moms often share their frustrations with me.

You really need to start with the planning of your nursery early on to ensure that you end up with something that works for both parent and baby! Also, with the current madness sweeping the world, don't assume that you can get hold of materials quickly and easily!

Trust me, you'll have plenty to keep you busy, once your little one has arrived so there's no better time to get started with your nursery design than right now.

To help with your baby nursery design, I was delighted to speak with Naomi Coe, the author of Your Perfect Nursery. Naomi is an interior designer, who specialises in nurseries so she knows her stuff and her book is a must for any expecting parent.

In this episode you'll hear Naomi share some great insights and tips on creating the nursery of your dreams. After all, it's your space where you should feel comfortable and cozy and safe and when you feel that way, then the baby will feel that way.

And much more!

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Returning to work after maternity leave is a stressful time for many mums.

You not only need to factor in how to juggle your working life with your home life. You've now got your little bundle of joy to factor into the equation and this can be a difficult time with many adjustments.

In this episode I speak with Millie Malum, a mother of two who has been through this, juggling a career with her family.

Millie's passion led her to write a book, 'Merging Parenthood and work: A new mum's guide to returning to work from maternity leave', which has recently been published on Amazon.

I am so excited to be speaking with Onnie Michalsky who is a licensed therapist and wellness coach for busy moms who desperately need a break but refuse to take one.

Onnie shares some strategies about how to handle the inevitable worries that accompany becoming a parent. It's not unusual for feelings of inadequacy to arise when you bring home a new baby and as you face each new stage of development.

In this episode, Onnie walks new parents through the process of identifying and challenging the worries and thoughts that are contributing to all the self-doubts.

Similarly to your physical body, part of your energy body connected to your physical body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy and postpartum and in this week's episode I'm exploring the area of energy centers or chakras with energy worker, workshop leader and author Lisa Erickson.

I've found going within and focusing on these chakras highly beneficial in helping to heal, achieve balance and awaken to your own greatness. Also if like me you have an often cluttered, busy mind and find it challenging to go into that quiet space then focusing on these chakras is a great way to overcome this.

As a mum in the early stages of your parenting journey finding time is hard right! You don't have hours at your disposal so you'll be pleased to hear that these are quick energy tools that you can easily include in your daily schedule! Lisa shares some great tips and strategies which are found in her Chakra Empowerment for Women book which are easy to follow including 3 simple exercises to begin working with your energy and chakras right now.

I've always been a big believer in getting into a regular routine of reading to children as soon as possible after they are born. This benefits their future development in many ways, and I've discussed this in a number of earlier episodes with some wonderful guests.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to meet a wonderful woman on Instagram whose handle is Nanny Miss Monique. I was intrigued after listening to Miss Monique participate in a live titled 'It's Never Too Early To Start Reading To Your Baby'. I loved her passion, and I asked her if I could talk with her on First Time Mums Chat.

I'm sure you'll find her passion as enthralling as I do and during our chat, I asked her what sort of books she would recommend to a mum with a baby aged from 0 - 6 months.

In this episode, you'll hear her share tips on reading to your little one, including:-

• Suggestions on the types of books to read to your little one.
• Suggestions of some specific book titles that she reads to a toddler in her care, and the benefits and the smiles that she got from that toddler.
• What colours a book should contain for children of this age,

And so, so, so much more.

Visit me here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast.

If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram. 

When it comes to building a bond with your little one, then a great way for you to do this is by introducing them to the water early on. In this week's episode I'm chatting with Jo Wilson. Jo is the founder of the child-development program in water; Aqua Sensory, and is a Developmental Play Practitioner, Aquatic Tutor and author.

Jo is passionate about what she does and during our chat, you'll hear her share some great tips and insights including:-

• Why you need to ensure that 100% of your attention is on your little one whilst they are in the water and why multitasking mustn't occur.
• Tips on how to tell when your baby is ready to explore the water further.
• Why it's extremely important to understand your baby's cues and behaviors so you can pick up on their subtle cues.

And much more...

Last week on First Time Mum's Chat I had my first of two chats about healing following birth trauma with Holistic Pelvic Care Practitioner and Restorative Pilates Instructor, Prudence Todd.

During that episode we discussed about healing your body and now in this week's episode Prudence and I are exploring healing emotionally after your birth when there's been trauma.

During our chat, you'll hear Prudence talk about:-

• Identifying what has been traumatic for you in your experience and not basing this on other people's perceptions or experiences.
• The importance of going from a highly critical inner dialogue to one that is loving, compassionate, supportive and nurturing.
• Why you need to learn to go within and connect with your body and build trust.

And so much more ...

Mums face quite a challenge when trying to navigate their new life after giving birth. In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat I'm exploring the challenge of financial stress which is something many of the mums I speak with face.

I'm talking with financial coach, Candice Bakx-Friesen, who is a mother of 4 active kids. You'll hear Candice talk about what steps you can take towards being, even a bit less stressed in your home as you commence your parenting journey.

Whether this is your first time becoming a parent or the 6th, you'll want to listen to Candice's pearls of wisdom.

Many women who have recently given birth, ask me about topics such as strengthening their bodies. I've interviewed a number of guests on the podcast who have shared their expertise in this area.

This week's guest Christina Whelan has a mission to shift the dialogue around movement, so that more women will get moving with the purpose of finding the freedom that a healthy body and mind will give them.

Christina teaches body awareness using tools including Pilates, the Franklin Method and Eldoa myofascial stretching. Through her training, she also helps women who are pregnant and/or postpartum to regain core control and to aid recovery.

Christina shares many pearls of wisdom in this episode including:-

• The importance of encouraging movement in your little one early on so they get the vibe towards beginning an active life, instead of a sedentary one.
• Tips to help moms begin their recovery after they've given birth and after six weeks has elapsed.
• Ways to improve your breathing and why it is so important to do this correctly.
• How Eldoa myofascial stretching helps strengthen your spine.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

This week, I am thrilled to be bringing you the 150th episode of First Time Mum's Chat. Please help me celebrate reaching this amazing milestone by sharing this episode with other mums.

Way back in January 2021, when I started the First Time Mum's Chat podcast, I had a goal to help mums who were about to become parents or who had just entered the daunting world of parenthood by providing a weekly episode with information, tips and tricks and resources to help.

I am proud of my track record over almost 3 years and looking back over the podcast, I've interviewed many wonderful women and let's not forget the handful of gents who have shared their expertise in a wide range of areas.

In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm talking with certified Academic Language Practitioner, Sarah Scheldt about why it is important to talk to your baby.

During our chat you'll hear Sarah talk about:-

• How you can start creating language development that leads to literacy development as early as the 3rd trimester of your pregnancy instead of waiting until after birth.
• Why you need to avoid the use of 'baby talk' and instead talk to your baby using your regular speech style.
• The importance of helping to develop their phonemic awareness using rhythms and melodies.
• The importance of encouraging your little one to develop their imagination to help them evolve into better problem solvers.

And much more...

#168 - I think it's fair to say that many of us spend too much time comparing ourselves to others, often coming up short! A lot of first time mums that I speak with face this issue and it's easy to go in a downward spiral isn't it, particularly when you're getting started in your parenting journey.

If you can relate to this, then you're going to find what Blanka Falk my guest in this episode has to say very interesting. Blanka is the host of the Renew Motherhood podcast and a mum of 4 located in Germany who faced her biggest challenge when child number 4 came along!

During our chat you'll hear us talk about:-

• The importance of going within and getting in touch with your intuition.
• The importance of being 100% present for your baby and how it will help deepen the bond between you for life.
• Being honest and allowing yourself to be vulnerable and accepting that you don't always have the answers.

And much more...

Check out the show notes here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/168. If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

When your little one is ready to start solids, they may experience challenges such as constipation. As a baby massage instructor I regularly teach parents techniques to help their little one through these challenges.

In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat, you'll hear tips on how to help prevent constipation in babies from Jennifer House, an author and Registered Dietitian from Calgary in Canada.

During our chat you'll also hear Jennifer share tips and insights including:-

• The importance of how you feed your baby and why you must learn to be responsive to their hunger and being full signals.
• Ways when your baby is starting solids to stop them from becoming picky eaters.
• How to determine whether your baby is gagging or choking.

And so much more ....

In this week's episode, I'm discussing the topic of postnatal depression with Lisa Quinney, a perinatal counsellor located in Melbourne, Australia.

Lisa had her baptism of fire when her second daughter was born and she faced a few years of postnatal depression. Lisa now supports families so they don't have to go through what she did and you'll hear her talk about her journey including the importance of:-

• Being honest with yourself and recognising that you have a problem and not being afraid or shy to go and get the necessary help.
• Accepting that you have a lot to learn about being a parent and a mother and you are not perfect.
• Finding a supportive doctor who doesn't simply dismiss postnatal depression and tell you to "toughen up and get on with it!".

And much more...

I've always found when communicating with your little one and navigating through those ups and downs of parenthood, that trying to think like they do is a big help. Yes, of course it's easier said than done.

Applying a good dose of empathy and thinking like they do often goes a long way and helps a lot.

In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat I'm talking with author, special educator and behavior therapist Chris Lake. Chris had his first child during the COVID pandemic and his interactions led him to write his book, Help Your Toddler Meet Their Milestones: 101 Behavior Hacks. During our discussion, you'll hear Chris talk about how his book helps parents learn how to help their child communicate, speak.

And much more!

There's a lot of debate on the topic of baby teething symptoms and possible ways to help with baby teething.

In this first episode of First Mum's Chat I speak with mother of four Hayley Brown who has had lots of experience dealing with baby teething symptoms.

I drew on Hayley's extensive experience as a mother and sought her opinion on a number of aspects of baby teething that many find challenging and found her experiences very insightful.

Here’s a snippet of what you’ll discover today to help with baby teething:-

• baby teething and diarrhea and how extensively they are linked
• the importance of looking after your baby's teeth and when to consult a dentist
• what kind of baby teething toys are useful
• tips on pain relief when dealing with baby teething symptoms

I'm sure you will find Hayley's down to Earth approach to baby teething symptoms refreshing which causes a lot of angst among parents.

Feelings and emotions such as anxiety, stress, overwhelm or burnout are no stranger to many of the mums I speak with and indeed, many an episode of First Time Mum's Chat has provided tips and strategies to manage them.

This week's guest Naomi Buffery, is a certified emotional health coach, mum and postnatal depression and anxiety survivor and I really like her approach to these topics. She's very much into helping people identify and deal with the underlying associated subconscious thoughts that trigger their responses and reactions.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Often when I'm speaking with moms about baby massage, they ask me whether it can help improve their little one's sleep. So I thought I would put together an episode specifically about how baby massage can help with sleep.

In this episode you'll hear me explain:-

• How baby massage is especially helpful as part of your baby's sleep routine.
• How to prepare the environment for baby massage and the importance of being in a good frame of mind.
• Some techniques to help your baby sleep better.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Pediatricians and other professionals emphasize the importance of talking and communicating with your baby and the amazing benefits that result from these interactions, including brain development, social skills, and improved cognitive development. However, what is often lacking is actually instructing parents how to do it and explaining to them why it is so important.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of my baby massage courses is showing parents how to read their baby's cues and get an understanding of their non-verbal communication and in this week's episode, I'm explaining why talking, communication and touch are so important and valuable for both you and your baby.

During this episode, you'll hear me talk about:-

• How you can encourage your child towards developing literacy and communication as soon as they are born.
• Why baby babbling is the key to early speech skills and how you can help encourage it more.
• Why you should avoid using baby talk and communicate with your baby in a similar way to how you do with other adults and friends,

And much more...

In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm doing something a little different!

In a recent podcast episode I spoke with eco-home chartered architect, Jane Leach. Before our interview, the topic of baby massage came up, since this is what I do and Jane explained that this was an important part of her daily routine when she was raising her son.

I thought it would be an excellent opportunity for you to hear from a mom, who practiced baby massage techniques from a very early age, talk about her experiences and how it helped her little one sleep better.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

A recurring theme that regularly comes up on First Time Mum's Chat is the importance of planning for your pregnancy and postpartum period with the right mix of people to support you.

You need to start putting this together now and not make the mistake that so many do, leaving it until after they're pregnant or have even given birth! Trust me, by then it's too late and you'll face a big struggle finding the time and energy for these tasks!

If you're at this time in your life then you'll want to listen to this week's guest who can help you "find your village" and provide essential help to you. Andrea Ippolito used her experiences from the challenges she faced during her own pregnancy and postpartum period to found a much needed service, which provides moms with a range of services delivered virtually. You'll hear Andrea:-

• Share the top 3 issues relating to breastfeeding that moms come to see them about.
• Why it's so important to have a lactation consultant to support you during pregnancy and as part of your postpartum care team.

And much more...

Nearly all of the moms that I speak with feel guilty that they are either not doing enough as a parent or that they aren't getting things right with their little one.

Guilt can be very destructive when left untreated and it's important to learn to eliminate guilt and shame in your life so you can be fully present to take care of your little one and move on!

In this episode, I speak with Alysia Lyons who is a mom's support coach. Alysia talks all about guilt and encourages you to examine your beliefs and how they might not be serving you. You'll hear some great tips and examples from Alysia in this episode.

#157 - In this episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm chatting with Dr. Emily Guarnotta. Dr. Emily is a licensed clinical psychologist specialising in maternal mental health and will shortly be launching an online practice aiming to reduce the barriers that mums often face when looking for support and therapy in areas such as postpartum anxiety or depression.

During our chat you'll hear us talk about the challenges of returning to work after maternity leave, which is often a hard time of readjustment for mums.

Check out the show notes here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/157.If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

This week on First Time Mum's Chat I'm chatting with Amanda de la Madriz who is a certified life & mindset coach. Amanda focuses on helping make motherhood easier for moms by helping them to create awareness around their thoughts.

During our chat you'll hear Amanda talk about:-

• How to increase your awareness of your thought process and learn how to let beliefs go that do not serve you in your life.
• Why you need to be gentle on yourself and get into the mindset of identifying that you're a good parent who like everyone else does have some bad days, instead of constantly focusing on the negatives.
• The importance of not letting overwhelm get on top of you and to always take care of yourself so you can be 100% present for your little one.

And much more...

Welcome to a very special episode of First Time Mum's Chat. Yes, this is the 50th episode of the podcast and I'm excited to have reached this amazing milestone! I'd like you to picture me blowing out the 50 candles on my virtual birthday cake.

Since January, 2021 I've talked with loads of amazing ladies from countries including Australia, the UK, Ireland, Canada and the US from all walks of life.

My goal is to help mums embarking on their parenting journey with helpful useful tips and insights to help them support their little ones and we've covered many great topics over these 12 months to help you!

In this episode I'm doing something different. Firstly, I'm going to look back over this year by sharing some snippets with you from some of the episodes and then to whet your appetites, you'll also hear some snippets from some episodes that are coming in the first few months of 2022.

Recently, I was surprised to learn that in the USA and Australia, that the cesarean rate is in excess of 30%. So more than one third of moms will experience a cesarean! Of course when you add the other routine labor interventions this percentage goes up.

I've wanted to talk with someone about how these routine labor interventions can cause problems for breastfeeding for some time and in this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat I'm delighted to be chatting with mother of 2, lactation consultant, childbirth educator, author, and volunteer breastfeeding counselor, Kelly Durbin about this very topic!

During our chat you'll hear Kelly talk about:-

• What routine labor interventions can cause problems for lactation?
• What happens when more than one intervention is used during a single birth experience, for the same mother.
• Lactation and breastfeeding don't seem to be related to the process of birth. How do labor interventions cause breastfeeding problems?

And much more...

This week's guest Dr. Ravi Rajaratnam, is a management consultant. So what does a management consultant have to offer someone commencing their parenting journey you ask?

Well, Dr. Ravi is an accomplished mentor, coach, and speaker, and specializes in mind and brain wellness and has spent decades teaching business leaders to reach their full potential. He realized that there is a common theme that kept popping up, their belief systems, which always led back to their childhood.

This led Dr. Ravi to write his book, Hardwiring vs. Rewiring, in which he reveals how to strategies to hardwire the right skills in your little one, during their early childhood development stages.

All new parents, anyone involved in the role of caregiving will learn a lot from Dr. Ravi in this episode.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Having a baby is a traumatic event in so many ways, right! Your body adjusts and changes so much during your pregnancy and now you've given birth, you need to ensure you take care of you and do what you can to return to normality.

For many women, issues such as bladder incontinence, pelvic floor weakness or prolapse occur and it's a difficult time. In this episode, I'm speaking with Tonie Lough, a personal trainer and author of "Getting to the Core of Postpartum Fitness".

Tonie talks about specific exercises you can use to retrain your natural system of core strength and bladder control. I hope you enjoy the insights that Tonie shares. 

Listen now because this episode has got some great insights for you.

👉 Check out Tonie's website here: https://www.momathomefitness.com

Now, if you're really serious about building a magical bond with your baby and enhancing your confidence as a new parent, I've got just the thing, it's my 4 simple baby massage routines cheatsheet, just click right here to get your hands on it.

👉 https://www.mybabymassage.net/babymassageroutines

👍 In the mood to tell about your experiences as a first time mum? Shoot Helen an email at support@mybabymassage.net

#153 - Imagine being pregnant and being sick up to 15 - 20 times per day at times, with what you thought was morning sickness. This was the day to day struggle that physiotherapist and holistic health practitioner Jes Reynolds endured for the first 5 months of her pregnancy!

During our chat you'll hear Jes talk about her frustrations with the medical system, feeling unsupported, facing endless appointments with specialists who could offer nothing to help her, finding nothing wrong and telling her just to accept it and get on with life!

In desperation, Jes took matters into her own hands and using her grit and determination worked out how to deal with the root cause of these stubborn symptoms.

Visit me here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast.

If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

Have you found that sometimes when organising activities for toddlers and children that it is easy to over complicate it? Whether it's looking for the Lego or craft materials or something else it can all get too hard when you're busy and just want to get something going now, to keep them occupied for a while!

If this sounds familiar then you're going to love this week's episode where I'm talking with guest Rachel Strivelli. Rachel is an Intuitive, writer and organic gardening coach.

You'll hear us talk about:-

• How introducing your kids to gardening gives them that all important connection with the earth and nature.
• How spending time in your yard or garden with your kids is an activity in itself requiring no planning or materials.
• How your child will learn to calm themselves and relax in their outdoor surroundings.

And much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Many of the moms that I speak with complain that their little ones are struggling with colic. I often see good results when I teach and assist them to introduce baby massage into their daily routine.

It's always seemed to me that there is a lot of mystery surrounding colic and I hear some interesting comments and experiences from moms all the time. These range from being told that it doesn't even exist through to doctors advising parents to just get on with it and stop complaining. I am sure you will agree with me that these comments are not overly helpful when your baby won't settle and is clearly distressed.

In this episode you'll hear me talk about how baby massage can help your little one when they are suffering from colic.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

#162 - In this episode, I'm bringing you an amazing woman, Suzzie Vehrs, who is a doula and childbirth educator.

Suzzie is passionate about helping moms have a safe and healthy birth and she also helps mums after they return home, supporting them as they start to navigate their way through the world of parenting.

During our chat you'll hear Suzzie talk about:-

• How she helps families
• Why you shouldn't feel guilty or anxious reaching out for help and why it's so important to do so
• The importance of valuing and looking after yourself and ensuring you are getting the nutrients you need.

Check out the show notes here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/162. If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

When I teach parents how to massage their babies I always urge them before massaging their little one to be extremely cautious when it comes to their choice of massage oils.

So I was very excited this week when I interviewed Ruth Casper, who is a qualified aromatherapist and reflexologist. I made the most of the opportunity and quizzed Ruth on various topics including essential oils and when it is safe to use them.

Ruth also shares information including:-

• 3 things to look for when assessing the quality of essential oils.
• What to ask essential oil vendors/suppliers to ensure their product is of good quality and suitable.

In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm chatting with Sandra Kwesell who has a background working with children, youth and families in settings including day treatment, counselling, education and therapeutic settings.

Sandra's life journey is the result of her brother's mental health issues that ended in his suicide at the age of 18.

Sandra has developed her Pillars for Success parenting program to find solutions for other families that hers could not and in this episode you'll hear Sandra talk about:-

• The 3 core reasons for challenging and defiant behaviour.
• Words that she refers to as the 'C' word which when removed from your vocabulary will remove the possibility of your child responding defensively or aggressively.
• Why she uses outcomes instead of consequences and why this avoids taking you down a path that is likely to lead to negative interactions and negative outcomes.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

I'm often asked by mums for advice on when to start brushing teeth for their babies. Many parents take the view that there is no need to worry about their baby's oral health prior to teething starting.

In this week's episode, I discuss a number of areas including:-

• When to start brushing your baby's teeth.
• When to introduce your child to toothpaste.
• The importance of getting into a routine early on.

Not surpisingly, healthy eating and nutrition are topics which often come up on First Time Mum's Chat and I've interviewed a number of wonderful ladies on these topics.

My observation is that the focus is often mainly on weight and of course for new mums, ensuring that their intake is beneficial to breastfeeding.

However, something that I feel is often neglected when eating regimes are being revised and planned is the topic of brain health. Too often, this takes a back seat and you'll hear from today's guest, holistic nutritionist and Brain Health Coach, Julie Gervais about why this is so important.

After all, by feeding our brains healthy nutrient dense foods, we are providing it what it needs to help us live fuller and richer lives.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

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Many of the moms I speak with find their postpartum recovery a difficult time, with often a lack of resources and information readily available to them.

For many, this is a scary, uncertain time and there's no instruction manual or welcome package to help you along is there?

Getting used to the new normal is hard and there are so often questions you need answers to, right!

This week's guest knows where you're coming from and has some excellent tips to help you. Leslie Abraham is a perinatal osteopath who is originally from France where she did her training and has lived in the USA since 2016.

When Leslie moved there, she noticed a lack of help and information available to women and decided to offer her wealth of knowledge to them.

You'll hear from Leslie on topics such as how to help heal tearing after birth. Be sure to listen to the end of the interview so you don't miss any of Leslie's excellent tips.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

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#161 - In this episode of First Time Mum's Chat I'm doing something a little different, a question and answer (Q&A) session.

I'm regularly asked questions by mums who are getting started in their parenting journey and I've assembled a number of questions that I'm often asked and posed them to a number of mums, many of whom I've spoken with on the podcast in the past. There are also several mums that I'm chatting with in coming episodes.

During the episode, you'll hear questions and answers relating to topics including:-

• Sleep
• Tummy Time
• Getting started as a parent
• Potty training.

I hope to continue including regular Q&A episodes in the podcast, so please send me your questions!

Check out the show notes here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/161. If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

Often when I'm speaking with moms the subject of their home comes up with frustrations often vented about why certain aspects of their home space simply don't work for them!

This isn't something I've given much thought or consideration to over the years, until I recently spoke with Jane Leach, who is an eco-home chartered architect. I learnt a lot during our chat about why moms so often experience these problems.

Since most architects and builders are male, women often feel ignored during the home design process. This is even more of an issue for moms who need a home that will help ease the daily battles getting everyone washed, dressed, breakfasted and out of the house.

Jane has created a way to help families design a vision for their home so they get a home that supports them in living their version of their best lives. She knows all about helping her clients begin their days without feeling frazzled, often by making simple changes to their homes.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

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#165 - In this episode. I'm chatting with author of the Bodywork Book Series, Susan Vaughan Kratz. Susan has 40 years of Occupational Therapy Experience and participates in clinical research of current innovative ways to assist her clients and families to overcome their difficulties. Her books offer real solutions that have helped real babies and real families and she routinely teaches these to parents seeking help with their little ones.

During our chat you'll hear Susan talk about issues including torticollis, umbilical cord issues, digestion issues including colic, reflux and constipation.

Check out the show notes here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/165. If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

A lot of the moms I talk with often ask me about ways they can improve their posture since they're often put to the test particularly whilst pregnant.

I know from experience that my posture is far from ideal and there is much I could do to improve it. In my opinion, one of the mistakes that many moms make is looking to attain a perfect posture!

This week's guest, Courtney McManus who is a personal trainer, has what I feel is a more realistic, practical approach and encourages moms to find different ways to move through postures so they are truly mobile and able to move.

You'll hear Courtney share easy to follow tips including:-

• Ways to improve your posture and feel more comfortable whilst bottle feeding or breastfeeding your baby.
• The benefits of 360 breathing and how to get started.
• How to exercise your feet to improve your balance and reduce aches and pains.

And much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

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I'm sure you will agree that it's always valuable to have all the facts at your fingertips so you are prepared, so why should childbirth be any different? This week I'm discussing this with special guest Gina Mundy.

Gina is an attorney that has specialised in childbirth cases for more than two decades. Gina wants to share mistakes that are made during labor and delivery with the world and has authored a book, drawing on her knowledge, to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby. Gina has poured her heart and soul into her book which took more than one year to put together, with thousands of hours invested.

During our chat you'll hear Gina talk about her book and the following topics that are covered:-

• The top 10 most common facts and issues in baby cases and how the drug Pitocin often plays a part.
• The importance of doing a birth plan to help you make better decisions which maybe necessary at a difficult, highly stressful time for mums.
• The importance of having someone who is there for you during this difficult time and able to make difficult decisions on your behalf if necessary.

And much more...

Self care for moms is something that many moms I speak with find challenging. With insufficient time in the day to deal with everything, particularly with the latest addition to the family, this is of course completely understandable.

I was thrilled to recently meet Charlotte Caunter who has a remarkable story to tell. Charlotte's experience for me is a reminder of the importance of looking after yourself and ensuring that you live your life, without the modern tendency to burn the candle at both ends.

For some years, Charlotte has been a holistic burnout coach for moms but she came from a background in mental health and lived a life that was go, go, go. At just 32, Charlotte found herself faced with one of the scariest things any of us can face, cancer!

I'm sure you'll find Charlotte's journey and how she turned her life around as amazing as I did. She's an amazingly positive lady with an amazing zest for life.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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#159 - Just try to imagine for a moment commencing your parenting journey with 7 children aged less than 3 years of age to feed and look after! This is exactly what life delivered to this week's guest, Katie Ferraro!

Katie had been struggling with feeding her first child only to discover that she was pregnant expecting quadruplets. Not surprisingly, her immediate worry was how was she going to feed another 4 needy little ones when she was struggling with just one!

During our chat you'll hear Katie explain how she came across baby led weaning and utilized her background as a nutrition professor to develop her hundred first foods approach. You'll hear Katie share many great tips and insights during our interview including:-

• How a baby-led weaning approach will save you both money and time
• How baby-led weaning helps your baby to develop a foundational love of food
• Why snacks and too much milk are the biggest saboteurs of the toddler diet

Check out the show notes here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/159. If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

I regularly receive enquiries from moms wanting to know more about cloth diapers versus disposables and have been on the hunt for someone to chat with on First Time Mum's Chat and I was delighted to recently connect with April Duffy, who runs a very busy community on Facebook which is entirely dedicated to cloth diapers.

This buzzing community has in excess of 50,000 members and what better place to start immersing yourself in the world of cloth diapers!

During our chat you'll hear April share loads of tips and insights including:-

• Details on the different types of cloth diapers available.
• The huge cost savings you can make by using cloth diapers over disposables.
• The different materials that cloth diapers are manufactured from and the advantages.
• How using cloth diapers often speeds up their potty training.

And much more...

This week, I'm talking with J'Nel Metherell who is a lactation consultant located in the UK about the obsessive weighing of newborns.

I was drawn to speak with J'Nel after reading a post she had written on Instagram about obsessive weighing. I could tell immediately that she had hit on a troublesome area because her post had plenty of comments from young mothers who clearly identified with its contents in their birthing journeys.

During our discussion, you'll hear J'nel talk about why "having blinkers on" and solely relying on the baby's weight when they are born often leads to decisions being made which cause both mums and babies unnecessary stress, setting them on a path that can lead to feeding and other difficulties.

Over the years I've often heard of craniosacral therapy and what it does and how it works has always intrigued me! I knew that it could do a lot for adults but also wondered whether parents could use it to help their little ones. I was unsure whether it was sufficiently gentle for that purpose when they are so tiny and fragile.

In this week's episode I'm chatting with mum of 2, Meaghan Beames, who is an Infant Craniosacral Therapist, specialising in providing gentle care to newborns, infants and young children.

During our chat you'll hear Meaghan talk about:-

• How incredibly gentle the craniosacral therapy techniques are and how safe they are even for infants to receive.
• How craniosacral therapy can help ease muscle and tissue tensions that cause babies to experience symptoms including colic, a shallow latch and a preference to turn their head to one side only.
• How craniosacral therapy works directly with the nervous system to give your baby fast relief of their troublesome symptoms.
• How craniosacral therapy can help with tongue tie tension.

And much more...

During my many years working in childcare and more recently with baby massage I've noticed many changes in the way people bring up their children.

Many of these trends are of course due to people being time poor, with both parents needing to work full-time in many households.

I am very concerned with a lot of the trends I see and I've dedicated this episode to this topic, since I feel very strongly about it. It is extremely important that parents set out clear boundaries for their children and show them how to operate within them.

This impacts their life in so many ways and it's important that this begins from day one! In this episode I talk about topics including:-

• Teaching our children respect from an early age.
• Avoiding an over reliance on television, computer games and other technology to entertain our children.
• Putting our children's needs before our own!

Check it out because I give you lots of suggestions on alternatives that I've used and seen used by others which are extremely effective.

One of the biggest challenges that many of the parents that I speak with face is being constantly tired or exhausted due to restless nights and time needed to settle their little one.

After looking after babies for many years I'm familiar with a lot of the traditional sleep programs and the practices they encourage such as crying it out. I don't know about you, but I've always found this practice heartbreaking.

I just think it's so sad to leave a baby to cry!

I was thrilled to recently meet Cara Tyrrell since we share a childcare educator background with similar experiences. Cara founded her business Core4Parenting an online community and course platform for parents and caregivers that follows the developmental path of the young child, while educating, empowering and engaging parents and caregivers to be their child's brain architect between birth and 5 years old, setting them up for success in school and life.

In this episode Cara talks about her sleep soothing system which is all about teaching babies their first life skill that they can do by themselves. I found what she has to say fascinating and wow, this is such a welcome change to the traditional sleep training programs!

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

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"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

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During their baby's earliest days, many mums are spooked by the different colors of poop they are faced with and they often ask me about first foods and what to give their baby.

Today, I'm delighted to welcome back Bekah Shephard, nurse and author of 'a Nurse in Your Purse' and we talk all about baby led weaning first foods and poop. Bekah shares some of her vast knowledge on these topics and you'll hear lots of insights from the front lines including:-

• What colors of poop to expect and when you are advised to seek outside help.
• Foods to give your baby to help them with constipation.
• When should you start your baby on solids.
• How to test their first foods to ensure there are no allergic reactions of any kind before including them in their diet.

If you're fighting feelings of misery, hopelessness and despair and your little one is difficult to get to sleep, awake for hours at night, waking frequently or fighting sleep then this episode of First Time Mum's Chat is just for you!

I'm chatting with sleep coach, mom-mentor, podcast host and mother of 5, Meredith Brough who shares her expertise on holistic sleep methods. Meredith has taken the best things out of the sleep training world and then totally meshed them in with the holistic world and has been referred to by her clients as the "Baby Sleep Whisperer".

You'll hear Meredith share:-

• How she specialises in helping high needs, very challenging babies sleep well using a very peaceful loving approach, utilising tear free methods.
• What to look out for in your child that could indicate signs of a sleep disorder.
• Tips and advice for a parent who is transitioning their child into their own room.
• Tips on how to build sleep pressure for kids with conditions such as autism who often don't like to be touched or cuddled.

And much, much more...

Helping expecting and first time mums prepare for what is ahead is my main goal of First Time Mum's Chat. This week's guest, Jessica Dawson is a mum who has been through it all. To help other mums who are about to embark on this journey, she published a book last month called 'Postpartum: The Expectations & Reality of the Fourth Trimester', which focuses on the often-overlooked fourth trimester.

Jessica's experience was that there are lots of resources out there for what to expect during pregnancy and how to raise a child, but there's not a lot of resources out there for new moms on what they're going to experience in the first couple of days, weeks and months postpartum and she wanted to help mums to bridge this gap!

Her book is a candid and compassionate guide that addresses the physical and emotional challenges that new moms face, offering practical advice, personal anecdotes, and expert insights to navigate this incredible journey with confidence.

In this episode Jessica and I talk about her book which is the number 1 new release on Amazon for:-

• Pregnancy and child birth.
• Maternity and women's health.
• And breastfeeding.

Something that is incredibly important when interacting with your little one during those early days is to do all your can to build trust and closen your bond with them. I teach parents how to improve their connection regularly via baby massage.

In this episode I'm talking about secure attachment parenting and why building a secure attachment bond is so important. I'm chatting with Dr. Diane Speier, an author, birth and postpartum professional with over 40 years experience.

You'll hear Diane share the history of secure attachment and we discuss how to improve the connection with your little one and ways to give them a healthy sense of self and build a loving, empathetic relationship.

And much more!

When it comes to the topic of children's development and behavior, there's lots of labels and we all have our own ideas of what's normal, don't we!

I was thrilled this week to speak with Dr Nerissa Bauer, a behavioral pediatrician and the owner and blogger of Let's Talk Kids Health.

Nerissa had some great insights and shared some fascinating experiences from her own parenting journey and I thoroughly enjoyed talking with her. I really like how she thinks outside of the box and encourages parents to be creative and meet their children where they are.

This week on First Time Mum's Chat I'm revisiting the challenges of balancing motherhood with work. I'm speaking with Nicole Cumberbatch who as a corporate VP in Florida faced a challenging transition to motherhood when she gave birth to her son.

During our chat, you'll hear Nicole talk about:-

• The challenges of managing her time balancing a busy work schedule versus the time needed for her young son.
• How as a successful woman her expectations that motherhood would be easy were quickly quashed.
• The challenges of handling employers who can be inflexible and lack empathy for new moms.

And much more ....

I know from questions that I regularly receive from parents that many find storytelling challenging. In this episode I spoke with Arona Gibbins, a mum of 5, who has a wide ranging background including teaching. Arona's background also includes training in the Rudolf Steiner approach to education.

Arona shares some great ideas around the use of language and literacy and how to encourage children and parents to develop their imaginations and storytelling.

Our discussions included:-

• Spontaneous ways to read to your baby and encourage their language skills.
• Ways to communicate with your baby in a fun and interactive way.
• Ways to encourage their participation in storytelling.
• Tips on how to engage them and encourage their creativity.

As someone whose background includes many years as a childcare educator, I've always been big on encouraging children to use their imagination and explore their world through play.

Perhaps with our modern tendency towards busyness, I've observed a tendency for parents to overcomplicate play.

If you've listened to some of my other podcast episodes, you'll know that I'm a fan of simplicity and being in touch with nature and this is no different when it comes to play.

I'm thrilled in this episode to be talking with Sarah Bolitho, who is a therapeutic play practitioner. Sarah and I have similar attitudes to play for children and you'll hear some great insights in this episode on areas including pretend play and how to use it to build the parent-child relationship and simplify the idea of what it means to play.

Play is an incredibly important part of your child's life and you'll hear why in this episode.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

When I ask parents about their experiences with tummy time, their reaction is often negative with comments such as “they don’t like it” or “they only want to remain on their tummy for a few seconds”.

In this episode, I’ve shared tips including some natural activities you can use to inspire your baby.

It’s a huge relief when your baby starts to sleep soundly through the night, and an opportunity to regain some normality with your own sleep opportunities!

So what do you do when baby sleep regression occurs and your baby, who’s been sleeping well, starts to refuse to settle? If your baby’s sleep pattern suddenly changes, then there’s no need to stress, it’s actually a healthy sign.

In this episode I talk with sleep consultant Catherine Thompson about what she likes to refer to as baby sleep progression.

I'm regularly asked by parents for advice and suggestions when it comes to their choice of nappies. I always try to do the right thing by the environment so topics such as cloth versus disposable nappies are often on my mind.

In this episode I cover topics including:-

• Different types of nappy.
• Cloth versus disposable nappies.
• The fit and comfort for your baby.
• What suits you and your lifestyle.

I often talk with parents who are finding bathtime challenging with a little one who clearly is not enjoying the experience.

In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm going to share a number of ideas relating to bathtime, which you can include in your daily bath time routines. I've used these during my many years working as a childcare educator, and they have always been popular with both parents and babies

.

During the episode, you'll hear me share:-

• A number of factors that could be causing your newborn to have negative associations with their bathtime.
• Important safety tips to ensure that your little one is kept safe and away from potential hazards during their bathtime.
• How often they should be bathed each week.

And much more!

This week on First Time Mum's Chat I'm talking about comfort and pain relief in birth with birth and postpartum doula, Janet Purcell.

Janet shares some excellent tips from her wealth of experience and if you are pregnant or in the family planning stages, then I highly recommend listening. You'll hear her share:-

• How devices such as TENS machines, birthing combs and acupressure balls help trigger non-painful stimuli to help distract your brain away from focusing on your uterus.
• How to use the force of gravity to make the whole birthing process easier and more comfortable.
• Suggestions on what your birth environment should look like and why it's so crucial to get this right.
• The importance of choosing the right birth partner to ensure you get that all important 100% unconditional support when you're giving birth.

And so much more...

As a mum, there's nothing more upsetting than watching your baby suffer with skin conditions such as eczema or diaper rash, right?

In this episode I speak with Bekah Shephard the author of 'A Nurse in Your Purse' and you'll hear some great tips on how to feel more empowered and prepared to care for your baby with their skin problems.

Bekah is a pediatric nurse and has seen what works in the trenches in her years of experience.

First time mums will get some great nuggets from this episode.

Being a new parent is stressful enough without having to check on your baby every few minutes!

Knowing your baby is safe gives you that peace of mind and a baby monitor can provide that extra pair of hands and ears.

In this episode, I share some ideas on what to look out for when selecting a baby monitor. You'll hear information on:-

• video/audio only monitors,
• video only monitors, and
• smart monitors which monitor breathing activity, movement and temperature.

The subject of healing your body after the trauma of birth is not surprisingly a topic that has been explored on First Time Mum's Chat in a number of episodes.

In this week's episode I'm talking with Prudence Todd, a previous Midwife and now Holistic Pelvic Care Practitioner and Restorative Pilates Instructor. Prudence helps women heal emotionally and physically after birth trauma in her healing sessions.

You'll hear Prudence talk about:-

• How women don't tune in enough to their pelvic floor and how releasing helps them in their postpartum healing journey.
• Why as a mother following birth, your pelvis carries so much emotion which can impact you physically.
• Why in our modern hustle and bustle lifestyle where we're all so busy, we need to learn how to take care of ourselves and not put everyone else first!
• Why you need to communicate your true needs openly and honestly and not ignore possible physical symptoms.

And much more....

Introducing your little one to the world of music is something I've always been a big believer in and something I regularly did during my childcare career to help calm and relax them. Singing to your child is an excellent bonding activity and there's no need to be put off if like me, you're no Celine Dion.

Your kids just want to hear you as you are and they don't care what you sound like!

In this episode I'm talking with Alison Newman, who is a singer, songwriter and mum to two boys. Alison works in early childhood in a kindergarten so it was fantastic to compare our experiences of working with kids and introducing music to them in that setting.

Alison shares some great tips and insights and you'll hear her talk about:-

• How singing to your little one does amazing things to their brain.
• How singing can expose your little one to words they may not have heard since it differs from everyday conversation.
• How singing can help calm your baby's nervous system if they are not settling.

And much more...

Not surprisingly, many of the moms I speak with are often nervous and frightened about the next stage of their lives after having their baby.

After all, there's lots for them to consider including caring for their newborn, recovering from birth, particularly where there's been any trauma and adapting to caring for their little one. And to add to the stress, their relationship is often put to the test as more and more time is demanded of them.

A postpartum doula provides crucial essential emotional, physical and mental support to new moms, easing the stress in their lives. Kristin Revere is the co-owner of a doula agency located in Michigan in the US and provides birth support and classes for new moms, including a new online course and they have students located all over the world. You'll hear from Kristin about their amazing community and the support they can provide to mums like you.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

There's nothing more frustrating than when your baby is suffering from problems such as eczema is there?

In this episode I speak with Renee Harris, a mother of 9, who helps moms fix their baby's skin without the use of lotions and drugs that can irritate them.

Renee is passionate about skin care and how it has helped her family and you'll hear some great tips.

I often highlight and discuss on First Time Mum's Chat the importance of having the right mix of people ready to support you when you've given birth and adapting to your new life with that additional member of your family that demands so much of your time!

Doulas provide invaluable support and assistance and in this week's episode I'm chatting with postpartum doula, Heather Magill. Heather brings calm, confidence and connection into the lives of families with new babies and you'll hear her talk about the wonderful support she provides to the families she works with.

You'll hear Heather talk about how doulas:-

• Help your entire family unit by taking care of your whole family's physical and emotional needs.
• Draw on their wealth of experience from supporting numerous families to help you, highlighting what they feel needs to be acted upon.
• Are great listeners and take the time to build meaningful relationships with the families they work with, instead of simply offering brief 10 - 15 minute appointments and then leaving them to their own vices.

And much more...

The journey of being pregnant and bringing children into the world is a challenging one. Imagine what it's like for a mum who is disabled in a wheelchair and on her own.

This week on First Time Mum's Chat I'm speaking with transformational and empowerment mindset coach Shanice Green who has brought up two amazing children whilst being wheelchair bound and with neurological conditions.

You'll hear Shanice talk about:-

• Her unique experiences as a mom and the importance of parenting your way and learning to adapt to your unique environment and needs.
• Why you must believe in yourself, learning not to take on board other people's judgments and not allow them to disempower you.
• How you can encourage and condition your little ones from an early age to develop a level of independence.

And so much more...

When it comes to planning for childbirth, many of the moms that contact me are well organised when it comes to their medical needs. However, what I've noticed is that often a lot of simple planning gets missed, resulting in stress, worry and overwhelm once baby has arrived.

This week's guest, Amanda Gorman is a mother of two and is a certified birthing from within childbirth educator. Amanda is passionate about helping moms prepare for childbirth and postpartum and offers loads of resources to help ease the load.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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Having a baby is an enormously stressful event on families in lots of ways. Of course there is the physical toll on the mother both before birth and postpartum but one area that is often neglected and underestimated, is the stress that the new arrival often causes to the parent's relationship and harmony.

In this episode, I'm talking with marriage coach, Tiffany Tuttle, who had her baby during COVID. You'll hear Tiffany talk about the stress it put on her relationship and how it almost led to the breakup of her marriage.

Tiffany and her partner refused to give up and together they brainstormed and came up with strategies to make their lives work whilst raising their baby. Tiffany is passionate about helping parents navigate their early stages in parenting to ensure their relationships continue to flourish and do not suffer and you'll hear some excellent tips and strategies in this episode which you won't want to miss!

So listen now because this episode is going to be a really important one for you.

👉 Check out Tiffany's Facebook Group here: https://facebook.com/groups/betterafterbaby1

Now if you're really serious about building a magical bond with your baby and enhancing your confidence as a new parent, I've got just the thing, it's my 4 simple baby massage routines cheatsheat, just click right here to get your hands on it.

👉https://www.mybabymassage.net/babymassageroutines

✍️ In the mood to tell about your experiences as a first time mum? Shoot Helen an email at support@mybabymassage.net

Many of the women I speak with find themselves lost after pregnancy which is hardly surprising. Not only do you need to recover from giving birth but you've also got another precious life to support and you hardly have the luxury of time on your hands to adapt to your new circumstances!

It's all about hitting the ground running isn't it!

This week's guest, mom of 2, Jill Wright, knows all about this after feeling lost and being thrown into a tailspin when her journey into parenting commenced. Jill is a mindset mentor, time management guru and alignment coach for moms and after re-aligning and rediscovering herself she embarked on a journey to share her knowledge and tools with other moms who were facing the same struggle with overwhelm, chaos and guilt.

During our chat you'll hear Jill talk about:-

• How intuition is the key to everything and how reconnecting with yours helps everything come more easily.
• How to learn to recognise those moments in your life where your intuition is aiming to talk to you.
• The importance of making quiet time so that your intuition's quiet voice has space to come out and really speak to you.

And much more...

I'm sure you'll agree that there's no shortage of educational resources to help mums during their pregnancy. However, these are sadly lacking after your little one is born and you're beginning your parenting journey. Studies show that many mums will face the challenges of baby blues, postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression and I feel it is extremely valuable for mums to have a better understanding of their causes.

In this week's episode, I'm speaking with mum of 2, Michelle Solger, who is a certified mental wellness coach and postpartum educator. You'll hear Michelle share some excellent tips and insights to help you understand these better including:-

• An explanation of what is going on in your body after giving birth with regards to your hormones and their role in your body.
• Some tips to help you recognise whether you are suffering those baby blues or whether it has reached the point of being postpartum depression.
• Why you must not be shy and ask for help when you need it.
• Tips on how to how to ensure you take care of yourself including dietary suggestions, probiotics and supplements that can help improve your mental health.

And much more....

When it comes to the topic of pregnancy and childbirth, our society has a lot of preconceived ideas as to what is considered acceptable and what isn't.

I always enjoy talking with women on First Time Mum's Chat who put society's general expectations to the test and this week's guest is no exception. When it comes to childbirth, mother of 9 Angie Taylor has done it all!

As you'll hear from her during our interview she refers to herself as a Fairy GodMentor which was suggested by her clients. She is a midwife, birth insider, an international board certified lactation consultant, a birth doula, life coach and more!

Angie's aim is to be there for families and help them navigate their way through all birthing options to create the best experience for their unique situation.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

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As a baby massage instructor, I'm a big fan of holistic health and the many wonderful ways it can help. Women's holistic health is no exception and there's some great help on offer for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

In this episode, women's holistic health practitioner Holly Leever talks about practices she uses including yoni steaming, alvedo abdominal massage and acupuncture.

Many mums feel scared, alone and overwhelmed when it comes to caring for their newborns. There's so much going on and it can quickly become exhausting.

Yes, they've got access to medical practitioners and midwives but who can they turn to for non-medical help?

I wanted to find out more about the whole world of doulas and I was thrilled to speak with Erin Carroll-Manning who helps mums recover from childbirth, manage household chores as well as anything else helpful in their postpartum recovery.

I'm regularly asked by mums for advice on potty training and I've been on the lookout for an expert in this area. If you're looking for help with potty training then you won't want to miss this week's episode.

I'm chatting with Kaley Medina who is a pediatric sleep consultant and Certified Potty Training Consultant. Kaley has developed a quick and really effective method to get children potty trained and during our chat you'll hear us talk about:-

• The 2 different methods of potty training and which one is recommended due to its general quick turnaround time.
• The number one reason that parents fail with potty training and how to avoid making this mistake.
• At what age should you commence potty training your little one.
• The 3 problems that you will encounter if you promise your child rewards for using their potty.

And much more...

In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm chatting with motherhood coach and mum of 3, Jenna Hodge. The commencement of Jenna's journey into parenthood wasn't an easy one and Jenna also discovered that child number 2 was on the way when her first was just 7 months old, adding to an already stressed household!

During our chat, you'll find hearing her approach to what she was faced with and how she dealt with it, very honest, open and inspiring.

When you're a new mom it's hard finding time for yourself isn't it! You hardly have a minute to breathe! Many of the moms I speak with yearn for opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors again and they often reminisce about hiking and other adventures.

Those with family either interstate or overseas also face the logistical challenges of finding the time and coping with the cost associated with visiting them.

Today's guest, Jodi Fried who is an empowerment coach for women, is no stranger to these challenges! Jodi lives in the United States but is originally from South Africa and with four children and a 30 hour flight to contend with, to visit great grandparents and other family, she's had some challenges to overcome!

In this episode Jodi shares some great tips and insights on how to find that spark again and to build that adventurous life you crave with your new family.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

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#160 - In this episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm re-visiting the area of baby/toddler sleep and I'm thrilled to be chatting with mum of 3, Occupational Therapist, certified Family and Infant Sleep Specialist and podcast host, Heather Boyd.

Heather's baptism of fire with sleep challenges came with her eldest son, who had sleep challenges when he was a baby. Heather has worked with babies throughout her entire career as an occupational therapist, but she knew nothing about the sleep area and needed to work out how to support her son.

During our chat you'll hear Heather talk about her journey and how she helps tired parents support their baby's sleep without sleep training using a holistic approach.

Check out the show notes here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/160. If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

I'm often asked for advice by parents who are struggling to cope with a colicky baby.

In this episode I share 10 tips that mums can use to help cope with a colicky baby. These include:-

• Speak with midwives and health nurses
• Put your baby upright in a sling
• Take the opportunity to relax and regain your energy when they do
• Don't be shy to ask others for assistance
• Network and connect with other mums through parenting groups etc.

Your journey as a mum is often a stressful one, right! Well imagine to add to the stress and overwhelm of your new parenting journey, discovering that one of your children has Celiac disease! This is what mum of 2, registered nurse and natural health professional, Laura Tate faced in her parenting journey and she quickly needed to find ways to structure a life that met her family's health needs.

During our chat, you'll hear Laura talk about her journey and the challenges she and her family faced, very much from the coal face and how she structured a life to accommodate them all including:-

• Tips and symptoms to look out for to help identify whether your little one has G.I. (gastrointestinal tract) issues.
• Suggestions on a range of celiac friendly flours and ingredients that are must haves for your larder for their diet.
• The massive adjustment that you need to make in your home environment to ensure that they cannot ingest gluten.

And much more...

It's a really big deal to bring another human into the world and many of the moms I speak with rush into this journey before planning and thinking ahead with their partner. Preparing for your pregnancy is extremely important and I urge you to think ahead and take steps to ensure you are both in the best of health and in the right mindset.

This week's guest Dr. Jane Levesque is a naturopathic doctor who specialises in fertility. Dr Jane helps her clients plan and think ahead and ensure they are in good health to minimise the likelihood of problems conceiving. Dr Jane's second pregnancy ended in a miscarriage so she's been through the feelings of loss, confusion, feeling broken and asking why me?

In this episode you'll hear Dr. Jane talk about:-

• The importance of preparing your body and ensuring both you and your partner are healthy.
• The importance of following your intuition and practicing self-empowerment, to ensure you have the birth experience you want.
• Ensuring you have the right mindset and are in the right space so you have success and a way better pregnancy!

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

In this week's episode, I'll be focusing on the topics of healthy eating and raising your children in a healthy nurturing environment.

You'll hear me talk about:-

• The dangers of feeding your family processed food and caffeinated drinks.
• Ways to encourage more family time and to avoid screen time during meal times.
• Why role playing is so vital when it comes to setting your children on the road to a lifetime of healthy eating.
• How you can avoid and reduce the risk of overeating and obesity by encouraging healthy eating habits.

And so, so much more...

In this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat I'm chatting with midwife Beau Wilson about active birthing.

I'm a big fan of holistic solutions and was fascinated when Beau told me all about the holistic childbirth education and support that she provides to families. I particularly like the way in which she empowers and gives both the mums and partners that she trains a level of independence, so they are prepared for the birth process with a good degree of confidence.

During our chat you'll hear Beau talk about:-

• The process of active birthing, including its many benefits such as the advantages of being active and upright and mobilizing the pelvis during the birth process.
• The many advantages of having a waterbirth for both mother and baby and you'll hear all about the process.
• The advantages of delayed umbilical cord clamping.
• How homeopathy can help mums have more control over their birth experience and treat things that they wouldn't be able to do in conventional medicine.

And much more...

For first time parents, childcare is a hot topic with a number of possible options available.

In this episode I discuss the pros and cons of finding a nanny vs daycare. The topics discussed include:-

• what to look for when choosing a child care centre
• what to look out for when choosing a nanny
• what kind of questions you need to ask a nanny or a childcare centre when you are evaluating them.

Whether your little one is on the way and you want to learn about how to plan a good bedtime routine or you've already given birth and are faced with sleep issues or queries, then this episode is for you!

This week on First Time Mum's Chat I'm chatting with pediatric sleep specialist, Hilliary Giglio. Hilliary battled with sleep issues with her child which left her sleep deprived and struggling. After experiencing an amazingly quick transformation when she sought help, Hilliary decided to make it her mission to help other parents faced with the same issues.

During our chat you'll hear Hilliary talk about:-

• Why bedtime routines signal to your little one's body and brain that sleep is coming, making them crucial for good sleep.
• Why you need to follow exactly the same steps in your bedtime routine each and every day without exception.
• Tips on when to schedule your little one's feeding and how it will impact their sleep cycle.
• How to help your little one sleep during the daytime and their naptimes.

And so much more ....

#167 - In this episode, I'm talking with Sukie Baxter, an equestrian, entrepreneur, and healer who is deeply passionate about how we humans craft a vibrant and meaningful existence in our complex, imperfect world.

We talk about anxiety and I'm sure that you'll find her take on this topic very interesting. During our chat you'll hear us talk about:-

• How being with animals and spending time in nature can help relieve states of anxiety or stress.
• The importance of becoming self aware, developing your internal compass and being in tune with your surroundings.
• The importance of developing sensory skills and being attuned to your body.
• Why it is so important to encourage movement in your little one and to challenge society's norms.

And much more...

Check out the show notes here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/167. If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.

There are lots of myths surrounding the terrible twos that I am constantly reminded of by parents. Many of the parents that I meet view the terrible twos as some sort of stage or milestone that they will inevitably face and be challenged with!

I've worked with numerous babies and toddlers over many years and I can assure you there is no magical behaviour change that occurs when that clock strikes midnight and their second birthday begins!

Every child develops at their own pace and what may be true for some may not apply to others. Why should we expect every child to be the same?

Children are learning all the time and there are going to be challenging times no matter what their temperament.

Perhaps a more positive way to look at the terrible twos is part of your child's learning journey where they are experimenting and learning about their boundaries for the first time!

In this episode you'll learn tips on how to view and handle the terrible twos in a more positive way.

A lot of the parents that I talk to via my baby massage classes, ask me whether everything is going as it should with their little one's development. I've been on the lookout for an expert to talk to who knows their stuff when it comes to baby development and in this week's episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm chatting with Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Munira Adenwalla.

Munira talks about how she helps babies to be able to get in and out of positions so they are comfortable with their bodies and explains how she contributes to their development by helping with all the little movements required to get up to sitting, standing and eventually crawling and walking.

During our chat you'll hear us talk about:-

• Why it's so important not to rush your baby to be doing their developmental milestones and let them take their own time.
• How a pediatric occupational therapist can help when babies are not meeting their developmental milestones or when your gut feeling is telling you that something isn't right.
• How a pediatric occupational therapist helps babies that are struggling with coming into sitting and crawling positions and to be more comfortable, relieving tension in their bodies.

And so much more....

In this episode you'll hear me share:-

• Tips on how to identify whether your baby is likely to be suffering from colic.
• Simple to follow baby massage techniques to help relieve your baby's colic.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

• Subscribe now!

I'm a big believer in complementary/alternative therapies which are about treating the whole person and not just symptoms or diseases. Earlier this year I interviewed midwife Beau Wilson who mentioned how she is beginning to help mums through their whole birth process education using homeopathy.

In this week's episode I'm exploring homeopathy and how it can help both mums and babies further with homeopath, Eugénie Krüger. Here's a couple of highlights of what you'll hear Eugénie talk about during our chat:-

• How homeopathy has no contraindications so can be used to help babies from the second they are born!
• How homeopathic remedies can help mums following a traumatic birth, such as a c-section.
• Details of homeopathic remedies that will help with issues including teething, sleep issues, colic and constipation.

And much more...

In this week's episode I'm exploring the importance of taking steps to restore your body's flexibility and normal range of movement as you go through your postpartum recovery period with mum of 2, yoga and flexibility teacher, Devin Garcia.

During our chat you'll hear Devin:-

* Talk about her online library of classes which is ideal for mums who are often time poor and unable to attend classes at a specific time.

* Share a number of yoga moves that you can use to help you begin to regain your flexibility after giving birth.

* Talk about the importance of improving your hip mobility to assist your overall body flexibility.

And much more...

Most weeks on first time mum's chat I speak with experts who share tips and insights on a range of topics to help moms commencing their parenting journey. In this week's episode, I'm doing something different.

I'm speaking with Seannon Jones a mom of four about her early stages in her journey as a parent. When Seannon had her youngest, she had a newborn, a 1 year old, a 2 year old and a 3 year old that was just about to turn 4!

I think it's safe to say that Seannon's introduction to parenting was something of a baptism of fire and I thought you would find it interesting to hear some tips and insights on her journey as a parent during her children's early years. If you're overwhelmed and finding it challenging, you won't want to miss this interview.

You'll hear Seannon talk about:-

• The importance of getting the help you need and not what others think you need!
• How being organised and having a schedule and routine helped.
• How your kids want to help you and why you should encourage them.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Many mums that I speak with feel lost when it comes to their postpartum period and I've spoken with a number of ladies on First Time Mum's Chat who've related how alone they felt and what they went through. This week's guest Sarah Bilger is a mom with an engineering background. Sarah felt so strongly after her own experience with the lack of support and lack of talk on all things postpartum when her daughter was born, decided to change her direction, becoming a postpartum doula.

In this episode you'll hear Sarah and I talk about postpartum nutrition and you'll hear Sarah talk about:-

• Ways that food should be prepared to really increase and accelerate your healing process and recovery during that transition into motherhood, particularly during the postpartum period.

• Why salads and other raw stuffs such as smoothies are best avoided during your postpartum period.

• Why you should prepare meals for yourself that contain as few ingredients as possible.

And much more!

During my many years working as a childcare educator I've come across kids with ADHD on many occasions and I've often found it tough knowing how best to support them.

Mother of twins Ashleigh Tolliver knows all about ADHD, since both her twins have it! I was thrilled to speak with her this week and she shared some innovative ways that parents can use to improve their interactions with kids with ADHD and achieve a win-win!

Through Parenting That Kid, Ashleigh helps parents find new ways to manage meltdowns, anxiety, stress, and brain differences.

#154 - I've spoken with a lot of great women on First Time Mum's who help families with their sleep but what's different about Kim Hawley who I'm chatting with today, is that her focus isn't just on helping your little one.

She helps entire families, which is so important because we all need our sleep right!

During our chat you'll hear Kim talk about how her holistic sleep support helps entire families optimise their daily routine, daily rhythms and environment to help improve sleep for all members of your household.

Visit me here at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast.

If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find @firsttimemumschat on Instagram.