Episodes

  • 122: Fear Less with Dr David Coleman: Are We Raising Anxious Kids?

    122: Fear Less with Dr David Coleman: Are We Raising Anxious Kids?
    Mar 24 2026
    A practical and honest conversation with clinical psychologist Dr David Coleman, author of Fear Less, on childhood anxiety. We explore why anxiety feels so common in children today, the difference between normal fear and something more serious, and how parents can support their child without overprotecting them. From the science behind anxiety to simple tools that actually work, this episode focuses on one key idea: your child doesn’t need to be fearless, they just need to know how to handle fear. Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • 121: Pregnant With Cancer: Emma’s Story of NICU, Chemotherapy, and Change

    121: Pregnant With Cancer: Emma’s Story of NICU, Chemotherapy, and Change
    Mar 17 2026
    When Emma McGuinness was pregnant with her second child, she discovered a swelling in her neck that turned out to be Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her son was delivered at 36 weeks and spent his first 14 days in neonatal intensive care. Just weeks later, Emma began six months of chemotherapy while caring for a newborn. In this powerful episode, Emma shares the reality of navigating cancer during pregnancy, the emotional experience of having a baby in NICU, and how her own experience exposed a gap in Irish maternity leave legislation. That gap ultimately led to a national campaign and a change in the law. This episode is recorded in collaboration with Daffodil Day in support of the Irish Cancer Society. To donate check out www.cancer.ie You can find Emma's page here: https://www.instagram.com/a_little_link/ Proudly sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • 120: NICU Explained: The Real Reasons Newborns Need Extra Care

    120: NICU Explained: The Real Reasons Newborns Need Extra Care
    Mar 10 2026
    When parents hear the word NICU, it can feel frightening. But the reality is that many babies who spend time there are simply adjusting to life outside the womb. In this episode, Afif and Anne break down the most common reasons newborns are admitted to the neonatal unit, including breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, infection checks, temperature regulation, and feeding challenges. Afif explains the physiology behind these issues and why most NICU stays are short and part of a baby’s normal transition after birth. If you’re expecting a baby or have ever wondered what really happens in NICU, this episode offers clarity and reassurance. Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • 119: Epidurals and the Myth of the Intervention Cascade with Professor Rachel Kearns

    119: Epidurals and the Myth of the Intervention Cascade with Professor Rachel Kearns
    Mar 3 2026
    Epidurals are often blamed for triggering a cascade of interventions, harming babies, and interfering with breastfeeding. But what does the actual evidence say? This week we’re joined by Professor Rachel Kearns, consultant anaesthetist and population health researcher, to unpack the data. From maternal morbidity and fever to neonatal outcomes and long term child development, we examine what large scale studies really show and where the myths fall apart. If you’re making decisions about pain relief in labour, this is the evidence based conversation you need. Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • 118: Doireann Garrihy on Becoming Rosie’s Mum

    118: Doireann Garrihy on Becoming Rosie’s Mum
    Feb 24 2026
    This week on The Baby Tribe, we’re joined by broadcaster and podcaster Doireann Garrihy for an honest and deeply personal conversation about pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of becoming a parent. Doireann shares her experience of induction on her due date, the moment plans changed in the delivery room, and what it felt like to hear that a C-section was needed. She reflects on the relief of hearing her daughter Rosie’s first cry, the unexpected challenges in recovery, and the surreal first night as a family of three. We also talk about feeding, the pressure new mothers put on themselves, and the “wins and losses” mindset that can quietly take over in those early weeks. Doireann opens up about the emotional weight of breastfeeding struggles, delayed milk, sleep deprivation, and how easy it is to become your own harshest critic. As always, we explore what it means when birth doesn’t go to plan, why emergency doesn’t always mean catastrophe, and how partners can play a vital role in advocacy and support. Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 117: Sophia Wren on Young Motherhood, Post Partum Depression, and Finding Comedy

    117: Sophia Wren on Young Motherhood, Post Partum Depression, and Finding Comedy
    Feb 17 2026
    Comedian and writer Sophia Wren joins The Baby Tribe to talk about becoming a mother in her early 20s, the shock of a precipitous labour, and what nobody tells you about the emotional aftermath. Sophia shares a painfully honest account of postpartum intrusive thoughts, fear, shame, and the moment she realised she needed help, plus how medication and support helped her rebuild her life from scratch. Afif and Anne explore why aftercare and being heard matter so much, how matrescence can trigger an identity quake even in “perfect on paper” situations, and why mental health treatment deserves the same normalisation as any other medical care. Sophia also tells the story of how a comedy course during a later crisis accidentally launched her career, leading to her acclaimed show Princess Melancholy. Funny, frank, and unexpectedly healing. You can find Sophia and all her shows throught her insta! https://www.instagram.com/sophiawrencomedy/ Proudly sponsored by https://www.happytummy.ie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 116: Pregnancy and Postpartum Skincare with Sara Stokes founder of SKN to SKN

    116: Pregnancy and Postpartum Skincare with Sara Stokes founder of SKN to SKN
    Feb 10 2026
    Pregnancy and postpartum can absolutely chaos your skin. This week we’re joined by Sara Stokes, founder of SKN to SKN, to break down hormonal skin changes, what ingredients to be cautious with in pregnancy (without the panic), and a simple 3-step routine that’s realistic when you’ve got about five minutes. We also talk matrescence, postpartum anxiety, and the pressure to “look fine” when you’re not. https://skntoskn.com/ Proudly sponsored by: happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • 115: Is Formula Harmful? Recalls, Switching Brands, and What the Evidence Actually Says

    115: Is Formula Harmful? Recalls, Switching Brands, and What the Evidence Actually Says
    Feb 3 2026
    In this episode, Afif and Anne unpack the recent formula recalls in Ireland and internationally, explaining what happened, what parents should do, and why recalls usually mean safety systems are working. They discuss switching formula brands, what changes are normal, when not to switch (especially with prescribed formulas), and clear guidance on safe formula prep. Finally, they tackle the big question: is formula harmful? They explain what the research actually shows about breast milk vs formula, why many headline claims are muddied by confounders, and why parents shouldn’t feel guilt or fear about feeding their baby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins