In this podcast episode, 'The Sensory Spectrum: Understanding Your Social Butterfly' I, Meg Faure, invite you to explore the world of sensory-seeking babies, often  known as "social butterflies." Join me as we dive into their behavior, gaining insights into understanding and nurturing their unique sensory needs. Nurturing Milk and Sleep Habits in Sensory-Seeking Babies Sensory-seeking babies are naturally curious, even during breastfeeding. They often show an interest in bottles and solid foods. I'll emphasize the importance of milk for babies under six months and share tips for managing sleep, which can be challenging for these little explorers. Balancing Stimulation and Preventing Overstimulation While sensory seekers thrive on stimulation and social interaction, it's essential to find the right balance. I'll discuss recognizing signs of overstimulation and ensuring they have the downtime they need. Remember, their boundless curiosity is entirely normal. Avoiding Labels and Seeking Support I strongly advise against rushing to label children with disorders. Instead, consider consulting an occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration if needed. They can provide personalized guidance to support your child's sensory needs. This podcast, 'The Sensory Spectrum: Understanding Your Social Butterfly' provides practical insights into the world of sensory-seeking babies, highlighting that their unique sensory profiles are a natural part of their development. As parents, we can navigate this journey with love and understanding.

In our podcast, "Unlocking the Secrets of Parenting Together with Love Languages," I, Meg, an Occupational Therapist and author of the Sense Series books, had the pleasure of discussing pregnancy, the postpartum period, and parenthood with Carly, an esteemed clinical psychologist specializing in maternal mental health. Now, let's dive into the highlights of our conversation. Antenatal Period: Managing Expectations Before embarking on parenthood, it's essential to recognize that many of us have idealized expectations about pregnancy and postpartum life. Carly introduced "matrescence," a phase akin to maternal adolescence marked by hormonal changes and emotions. Normalizing these experiences combats feelings of isolation and anxiety that new parents often face. Carly's Courses for Expecting Parents Carly shared insights into her courses, "Oh Baby WTF" and "Ready, Steady, Baby," which prepare parents for postpartum life, address shifts in the parental partnership, and promote effective teamwork by understanding each other's love languages. Navigating "Sweat Equity" in Early Parenting We discussed "sweat equity" in early parenting, where both partners contribute financially or through caregiving. Carly stressed open communication about these contributions and the importance of partnership comfort and understanding. Where to Find Carly's Resources Explore Carly's resources at https://onthecouchwithcarly.com/ and the Parent Sense App. These courses form a supportive community to help you navigate parenthood challenges. So, as fellow parents, Carly and I crafted the "Unlocking the Secrets of Parenting Together with Love Languages" conversation, aiming to provide valuable insights as you navigate pregnancy and parenthood. We're here to support you every step of the way.

In this episode of the "Parenting in the Digital Age" podcast, I'm your host, Meg Faure, joined by my guest, Bailey Georgiades. We'll be diving into the world of screen time and its impact on our children's development. Join us as we share insights, tips, and strategies for navigating the digital landscape while raising healthy, balanced kids. Screen Time Concerns We didn't shy away from addressing the uneasiness many parents feel when confronted with the topic of "screen time." Acknowledging the integral role screens play in our daily lives, we dived into the dual nature of screens, discussing their educational benefits but also their potential drawbacks, especially for young children. Our primary concern lay in the fact that screens often fall short when it comes to providing the sensory stimulation and emotional engagement crucial for early childhood development. Impacts on Cognitive and Emotional Development I delved further into the gold standard for healthy brain development in children, highlighting the pivotal role of sensory stimulation and emotional engagement, particularly for those under three. I explained that screens frequently lack the full spectrum of sensory and emotional engagement necessary for optimal development. Additionally, I tackled the misconception that children can learn language solely from screens, emphasizing that language truly flourishes within the context of relationships and interactive communication. Strategies for Managing Screen Time Our discussion then turned to practical strategies to help parents effectively manage their child's screen time. We suggested setting age-appropriate limits, such as prohibiting screens for children under one year and gradually increasing screen time as they grow older. I underlined the importance of curbing screen time, even for older children, and choosing age-appropriate, slower-paced content that fosters cognitive and emotional growth. Balancing Screen Time as Role Models Bailey and I openly addressed the challenge of setting screen time limits for our children when we, as parents, wrestle with our screen addiction. We stressed the importance of modeling healthy screen behavior, including refraining from using screens at the dinner table or during family activities. I encouraged parents to be mindful of their screen use around children, as even brief moments of disengagement can impact a child's emotional well-being. Screen-Free Zones and Quality Family Time We also shared our recommendations for creating screen-free zones and times within the home, such as during dinner and bedtime. Our personal anecdotes highlighted the significance of disconnecting from screens during holidays and car rides to create quality family time. I underscored the importance of acknowledging that "good enough" parenting—setting standards, embracing imperfection, and consistently repairing our relationships regarding screen time—is more beneficial than striving for perfection. In closing, Bailey and I urged parents to remain conscious, establish standards, embrace their imperfections, and continually repair their relationships with their children concerning screen time. We emphasized the importance of striking a balance between screen use and essential moments of human connection in today's digital age. Thank you for joining us in this episode of the "Parenting in the Digital Age" podcast!

In this episode of the Sense by Meg Faure podcast; "Thriving Toddler: Taming Tantrums & Sleep Solutions", I welcomed my guest, Cassidy, to explore various aspects of toddler development and effective parenting techniques. Our discussion revolved around Cassidy's 18-month-old son, Max, as she sought guidance on managing toddler tantrums, nurturing language development, and addressing sleep issues. Join us as we dive into these crucial topics and offer insights into raising a thriving toddler. Toddler Development and Word Explosion: Cassidy began by sharing Max's remarkable progress with language development. I highlighted the significance of "serve and return" in fostering language skills, emphasizing the importance of active listening and responding. We discussed how to gently correct a child's pronunciation without discouraging their attempts to communicate. Toddler Tantrums and Emotions: The conversation shifted to dealing with toddler tantrums and emotional outbursts. Cassidy described Max's challenging moments, and I offered valuable advice on the ABC method, setting boundaries, implementing time-outs effectively, and understanding the underlying causes of tantrums. We stressed the importance of maintaining a loving and connected relationship even during discipline. Additionally, the Positive Boundaries course was referenced in the context of setting effective boundaries for toddlers. Sleep Challenges and Solutions: Sleep issues were another key concern. Cassidy shared her experiences with Max's sleep regressions and disruptions caused by environmental factors like a broken heater and noisy radiators. I advised on maintaining a consistent sleep routine, considering Max's day sleep patterns, and addressing nighttime awakenings caused by nightmares or discomfort. I suggested using a nightlight and incorporating deep pressure techniques to comfort Max. For additional sleep-related guidance, Cassidy mentioned the Sleep Sense course. Conclusion: This podcast; "Thriving Toddler: Taming Tantrums & Sleep Solutions" delved into essential aspects of toddlerhood, from sensory personalities, language development, tantrums to sleep challenges and emotional well-being. By emphasizing the "serve and return" approach, maintaining connection during discipline, and addressing sleep hygiene, parents can navigate the exciting and sometimes challenging journey of raising a thriving toddler. To access any of our courses, download the Parent Sense App, where you will find all of the mentioned courses, and use the discount code EP76 to get a 25% discount on either Sleep Sense Crash Course, Sensory Personalities, or Positive Boundaries. Remember, we're here for you on the parenting journey. You've got this!

In this podcast episode, "Expert Tips Feeding Your Premature Baby in NICU" I, Meg Faure, engage in a heartfelt conversation with Tove, a mother who recently welcomed her third child prematurely. We delve into Tove's NICU journey and gain valuable insights from pediatric dietitian Kath Megaw. Challenges and Uncertainty with a Premature Baby: Tove shares her experience with premature birth and the accompanying anxiety. Her role as a mother to a special needs child adds complexity. NICU Care and Feeding: Our conversation takes a significant turn with the addition of pediatric dietitian Kath Megaw. She emphasizes the critical role of breast milk and discusses the dual approach of breastfeeding and tube feeding for optimal growth. Kath also sheds light on the transition from tube feeding to breastfeeding and the beneficial use of dummies (pacifiers) in NICU care. Emotional Struggles and the Path Forward: Our podcast uncovers the emotional challenges parents of premature babies often face. Tove candidly shares her feelings of relinquishing control and the daunting prospect of leaving the hospital without her baby. In response, Kath Megaw provides practical advice on milk stimulation and proper nutrition. Journeying Home after NICU and Maintaining Milk Supply: In the final part of our discussion, we explore the emotional aftermath of going home without her baby. Tove expresses concerns about maintaining her milk supply, and Kath Megaw provides insights into ideal NICU visiting times. We conclude with heartfelt gratitude to Tove and Kath Megaw, highlighting their immense support for parents on similar journeys. Conclusion: This podcast "Expert Tips Feeding Your Premature Baby in NICU" equips parents with insights into both the emotional and medical aspects of premature births, serving as a valuable resource for those caring for premature NICU infants. Additionally, don't forget to download the Parent Sense App, which aids in tracking and offers tailored articles for parents of premature babies.

In this enlightening episode "Navigating Milk Allergies in Babies" of my podcast, "Sense by Meg Faure," I had the pleasure of engaging in a candid conversation with registered dietitian Kath Megaw. We dove deep into the complexities surrounding cow's milk protein allergies in infants. With Kath's extensive knowledge and experience, we aimed to debunk misconceptions, differentiate between allergies and lactose intolerance, and stress the significance of accurate diagnosis for effective management. Kath shared invaluable insights into formula feeding for babies with cow's milk protein allergies, offering guidance to mothers on identifying suitable formulas and avoiding unnecessary changes. Our discussion also extended to breastfeeding mothers, as we provided advice on adjusting diets to ease discomfort for allergic babies. We explored the gradual introduction of allergens during breastfeeding and delved into the hydrolyzed nature of breast milk proteins, which aids in tolerance. As our conversation progressed, we shifted our focus to introducing solid foods to infants with cow's milk protein allergies. Kath shared practical strategies to help parents expose their babies to various textures and flavors. We delved into alternative yogurt options, like coconut, soya, and almond-based varieties, catering to diverse dietary needs while introducing unique textures. Additionally, we introduced the Parent Sense app, an innovative tool designed to offer practical guidance on establishing baby routines. This app empowers mothers to input sleep and feeding preferences, which it then dynamically adjusts to create a personalized routine for each baby. This resource is particularly valuable for parents who seek a flexible routine without unnecessary rigidity. Throughout the podcast "Navigating Milk Allergies in Babies", Kath Megaw and I aimed to provide empathetic advice, offering practical insights and expert guidance tailored to mothers grappling with cow's milk protein allergies in their babies. We concluded the episode with gratitude for Kath's expertise and encouraged our listeners to connect with her through her website, "Nutripaeds," for further support and assistance. If you're looking for comprehensive assistance in managing your baby's allergies along with a flexible routine, I invite you to download the Parent Sense app.

In this engaging podcast episode "Demystifying Gentle Parenting", hosts Meg and Bailey delve into the world of gentle parenting, exploring its core principles and dispelling common myths. They tackle the delicate balance between discipline and connection, highlighting the significance of setting boundaries and addressing challenging behaviors with empathy. The conversation begins by introducing gentle parenting as a philosophy rooted in empathy, respect, understanding, and boundaries. Meg and Bailey stress the importance of effective communication and building secure parent-child relationships while clarifying that gentle parenting doesn't equate to permissiveness. The hosts then address the misconception that gentle parenting is permissive parenting. They emphasize the distinctions between these approaches and caution against the pitfalls of permissiveness, underlining the negative impacts it can have on both the child's development and the parent-child relationship. The podcast continues with insights into establishing discipline within the gentle parenting framework. The hosts discuss strategies like validating a child's emotions, setting firm boundaries, and offering choices to uphold mutual respect while addressing challenging behaviors. They acknowledge that consequences may be necessary at times, aligning with authoritative parenting principles. As the conversation evolves, Meg and Bailey share personal experiences and insights about responding to difficult behaviors gently. They stress the importance of assessing each situation individually, understanding the child's perspective, and acknowledging parental imperfections. They highlight that being open about both successes and failures as parents fosters stronger relationships with children. In the conclusion, the hosts reflect on the podcast's themes, emphasizing the need for empathy, kindness, and firm boundaries in gentle parenting. They underscore that parenting is a journey of continuous learning and growth, encouraging listeners to navigate the complexities of raising children with patience and understanding. Throughout the episode "Demystifying Gentle Parenting", Meg and Bailey offer practical advice and valuable insights, inspiring parents to embrace the principles of gentle parenting while maintaining essential boundaries and building strong connections with their children. For more comprehensive support and resources tailored to your parenting journey, don't forget to explore the Parent Sense app. This app provides a wealth of expert guidance, personalized recommendations, and even access to the course on positive boundaries, all designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to provide the best care for child.

In the podcast series "Sense by Meg Faure," host Meg Faure delves into the intricate world of sensory sensitivity in babies. Through a comprehensive exploration of this topic, she offers valuable insights, practical strategies, and emotional support to parents navigating the challenges of caring for sensory-sensitive infants. Unveiling Sensory Sensitivity Meg Faure, an experienced occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration, introduces the concept of sensory sensitivity in babies. She emphasizes her background in sensory integration and highlights her commitment to sharing her expertise. Meg addresses the emotional struggles parents often face when dealing with these babies and promises guidance on identifying sensory sensitivity, understanding its origins, and offering practical solutions. Managing Sensory Sensitivity Sensory-sensitive babies exhibit heightened responses to stimuli, leading to inconsolable reactions. These infants struggle with daily activities such as feeding and sleeping due to sensory overload. Meg offers strategies like creating a calming environment and routines to alleviate this impact. Routine establishment promotes predictability, preventing overstimulation. Meg recommends strategies for supporting sensory-sensitive babies, including reducing sensory inputs and introducing calming techniques like massage, deep pressure, and white noise. She addresses concerns about diagnoses and emphasizes the benefits of seeking professional help from sensory integration specialists. In the final segment, Meg underscores the importance of professional guidance and emotional support. She discusses how a sensory diet—a structured series of sensory experiences throughout the day—contributes to self-regulation. Meg also addresses the emotional toll on parents and advocates for open communication and seeking external support. To access even more valuable insights and practical advice for caring for your sensory-sensitive infant, be sure to download the Parent Sense app. This app offers a wealth of resources, including expert guidance and personalized recommendations to help you navigate this parenting journey with confidence. By utilizing the knowledge gained from Meg Faure's podcast, combined with the support of the Parent Sense app, you can empower yourself to provide the best care for your precious little one. Through a comprehensive exploration of sensory sensitivity, Meg Faure's podcast offers parents knowledge, practical strategies, and emotional support. By understanding the impact of sensory sensitivity, identifying its signs, and implementing effective management strategies, parents can better navigate the challenges of caring for their sensory-sensitive infants.

Today I sit down with Stormme and Nolo from Mindful Return South Africa to talk about a mother's journey from career woman to mom and balancing the two roles. Mindful Return is a global program aimed at supporting new mothers transitioning back to work. Originally founded in the United States by a new mom who faced challenges returning to work after having her first child, the South African division is managed by Stormme and Nolo. Stormme and Nolo are both qualified attorneys. They were drawn to the program because after having children, they realised that there were numerous resources and information available during pregnancy and childbirth, but there was a lack of support and guidance for new mothers regarding the transition back to work. Mindful Return aims to address this gap. Common challenges when returning to work The super moms talked about some of the common struggles mothers face when returning to work. Including not knowing what they can ask for in terms of work arrangements and flexibility. And a general lack of information about topics like maternity leave, managing sick days, work-life balance, breastfeeding and expressing at work and more. We then delve into maternity leave and how to have conversations with your boss or manager about flexible work arrangements. Stormme and Nolo share some great tips with moms about how to have those conversations. They recommend being confident and clear about your needs and expectations. Coming prepared with a wish list of what you want in terms of maternity leave, flexible work arrangements, and other support. They also stress the importance of not to apologizing for asking and to communicate assertively. Choosing childcare and preparing to go back to the workplace  I ask them to share some tips about how moms can prepare for going back to work. The moms talk about how mothers should understand that it's normal to feel separation anxiety. They can expect to have various emotions about returning to work. They should give themselves time to adjust and lean into their support system. Whether it's daycare, nursery schools, nannies, or co-parenting. There is no right or wrong answer. The best choice of child care depends on what works well for the family. I love this nugget of advice that the Mindful Return ladies offer listeners! I asked them what advice they had for moms facing challenges in managing work and family responsibilities. Nolo and Stormme agree that moms should recognize that they are not giving away their child's care. Rather, they are doubling the love and being excellent role model by pursuing their careers. They also say that building trust and communication with caregivers is vital to ensure that the child's needs are met while they are at work. I personally have lived the journey of a career mom and absolutely love the insights these ladies have to share. I'm also a huge proponent of the concept of a mindful return to work and all that entails. That's why we will be launching a short Mindful Return course on the Parent Sense app for moms needing guidance to make the transition smoothly. Download the Parent Sense app to be the first to know!

Perinatal distress, postnatal depression, baby blues...how much do we really know about a women's mental health and wellness when becoming a mother? I am so excited to share this podcast with you because I sit down with Clinical Psychologist, Linda Lewis to shed light on motherhood's hidden struggle - perinatal distress. Linda is a leading expert in the field and the author of one of my favourite parenting books, When Your Blessings Don't Count. She shares an absolute treasure trove of wisdom in our chat and this is a MUST if you're battling with expectations versus reality after the birth of your baby. Perinatal distress vs Postnatal depression Linda starts us off by telling us her personal story of perinatal distress after the birth of her two children. After navigating the darkness without the support she needed, Linda went on to qualify as a psychologist and write her book to help other women who felt alone. She then makes the distinction between the different nuances that mothers experience between depression, anxiety, distress and baby blues. She talks about the stigma and the pressure moms feel to be completely happy after birth when that is not always the case. Linda also helps us understand the difference between feelings brought on by hormonal changes and chemical imbalances. I've shared my story before of the extreme anxiety I experienced after the birth of my first child. I describe the complete and utter feelings of overwhelm to Linda, and just how isolated I felt even though I had the support of my husband and mother. She shares the staggering statistic that at least 90% of women experience baby blues or anxiety after birth. But surprisingly, it's not a topic of conversation. Linda believes that there's a conspiracy of silence around the subject because of the enormous shame and judgement a mother experiences if she feels disconnected from motherhood or her baby. Risk factors for perinatal distress Linda goes on to summarises the risk factors for perinatal distress and some of the warning signs to look out for. She explains that if you experienced distress, depression or anxiety during your pregnancy, your risk of perinatal distress increases dramatically. Linda goes on to say that if you experienced a loss of pregnancy or have undergone fertility treatment, you are also more susceptible to experience anxiety or depression. Linda explains the importance of ruling out biological factors, too. Sub-optimal functioning of the thyroid can mimic symptoms of anxiety and depression and moms should have their thyroid checked as part of the discovery phase if they're feeling overwhelmed or in despair. She also explains that personality can increase your risk of perinatal distress. If you like control, are a perfectionist or thrive with predictability - you may feel out of sorts when a new baby arrives. I relate to this completely because until my first child was born, my life was planned and organized and I liked control. And when James came along I had to suspend control because babies don't read the book! You're not alone We then spend some time talking about how to find support.I pick Linda's brain for some tips and advice for moms out there who are feeling the weight of this burden and don't know how to get out from under it. Linda talks about the value of support groups and moms being there for each other. She refers to a New York Times article that called support groups "one of the most powerful interventions. It's the support that women provide to one another that helps them to feel so much less alone in this really challenging journey." Linda then shares some profound wisdom about the three factors that contribute to PND and perinatal anxiety and they are: birth, breastfeeding and bonding. These three things come with so much societal pressure. How you give birth, when you give birth, whether or not you breastfeed, how long you breastfeed for. Whether you fell in love instantly or had a more gentle build when bonding with your baby. Linda and I agree that there is so much pressure to get these things 'right' when in fact, there is no such thing. We close off our incredible chat with Linda sharing some tips for how friends and family can support moms who are battling and shares more of how to reach her. Moms, remember you are a force of nature and you are not alone! Listen for more of this insightful chat with Linda Lewis now and reach out to her on [email protected].