The Baby Tribe

We all grow up with a version of how life is supposed to go. Meet someone, settle down, have kids. But what happens when that version doesn’t unfold the way you expected? In this episode, comedian Aideen McQueen joins us for a funny, honest, and deeply personal conversation about identity, addiction, recovery, and coming to terms with not having children. From always imagining herself as a mother to confronting that reality in her 40s, Aideen shares the emotional complexity of grief, acceptance, and finding purpose in unexpected places. This isn’t a story about giving up. It’s a story about redefining what a meaningful life looks like and discovering that care, connection, and fulfilment can exist in many different forms. FInd Aideen and info on all her shows at: https://www.instagram.com/comedymcqueen/ Sponsored by Happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting is hard enough… so when did “wellness” become another thing to get right? In this episode, we’re joined by Clare McKenna, host of Alive & Kicking and author of Would You Be Well?, to unpack the modern obsession with wellness and why, for many parents, it’s doing more harm than good. We explore Clare’s journey from chasing diets, routines, and “perfect health” to realising that wellness had quietly become another source of pressure. Together, we talk about how social media, unrealistic expectations, and guilt-driven habits are shaping how we think about health… and why so many parents feel like they’re getting it wrong. Afif shares his own experience of going all-in on fitness and achieving the goal… only to feel worse. Anne reflects on how motherhood reshapes identity, routine, and self-care in ways nobody prepares you for. This episode is about stripping things back. Not perfection. Not optimisation. Just figuring out what actually works in real life. If your version of wellness is making you feel worse… it might be time to rethink it. Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Sleeping like a baby” is one of the biggest myths in parenting. In this episode, we strip back the noise around infant sleep and look at what the science actually tells us. From circadian rhythm development to night waking, we explain why babies don’t sleep the way we expect them to, and why that doesn’t mean anything is wrong. We explore the full spectrum of sleep training methods, from cry-it-out to so-called “gentle” approaches, and break down what they are really doing: not changing biology, but changing behaviour. We also examine the evidence behind sleep training, what improves (parent perception, sometimes sleep onset), what doesn’t (night waking), and why the conversation around “self-soothing” is often misunderstood. Finally, we talk about the modern sleep industry, the rise of rebranding, and how vulnerable parents are being sold solutions to a problem that may not exist in the first place. No guilt. No ideology. Just clarity. Proudly Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becoming a parent changes how you see everything. In this episode, we’re joined by Hilary McGann (News by Hil), journalist and creator, to talk about what happens when someone whose job is to understand the world becomes a mother in it. Hilary shares her deeply personal journey through a complicated and anxiety-filled pregnancy, including emergency surgery, ovarian torsion, and the constant fear of losing her baby. What follows is a powerful reflection on resilience, perspective, and what it really means to become a parent. We also explore how parenthood reshapes our relationship with the world around us: Does the news hit differently after having a child? How do you stay informed without becoming overwhelmed? And how should we talk to our children about a world that often feels chaotic? This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about motherhood, information overload, and finding balance in a noisy world. Proudly Sponsored by @happytummy.ie and @biogaiaireland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week on The Baby Tribe, Afif and Anne return after the Christmas “break” (parenting, but with more chocolate) and ease back in with a totally non-controversial topic: home birth and free birth. We start by clearly separating free birth (no medical care, no trained attendant, outside healthcare infrastructure) from planned home birth (full antenatal care, risk assessment, trained midwife support, and an escalation plan). This episode is not about shaming women or taking choice away. It’s about risk, and what happens when birth stops being straightforward. We unpack what can go wrong for mothers, including postpartum haemorrhage and sepsis, and why peripartum deterioration can be sudden, making rapid multidisciplinary response crucial. Then we shift to babies, discussing why the initial steps of newborn resuscitation can happen at home, but more advanced interventions cannot, and why that matters when minutes count. We also talk about water birth, why labouring in water is different from delivering in water, and the rare but serious neonatal complications reported in the literature. Finally, we discuss Irish transfer realities using data from a recent audit of the HSE home birth service (2012–2021), including transfer rates and travel times, and why “transfer if needed” is not always the reassurance people think it is. If you’d like to support the podcast, subscribe to HeadStuff Plus for Baby Tribe Shorts, where we break down the science, the headlines, and listener questions. Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New season of The Baby Tribe drops on HeadStuff Podcasts on Tuesday the 27th of January. Proudly Sponsored by BioGaia Ireland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode of the year, we navigate the often perplexing world of baby growth patterns. New parents, it's time to take a deep breath! We’re here to reassure you that when it comes to your tiny human’s growth, the individual journey matters more than rigid centile expectations. From understanding why newborns might shed some birth weight initially, to celebrating those steady growth milestones, every story and insight is shared with the aim of easing your concerns. We even explore the cultural quirks of growth tracking, like the tales of our Irish babies and their adorably large heads causing quite the stir abroad! Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life and mindfulness coach Emma Kehoe graces our latest episode with her unique journey from retail to mindful living, offering insights that could turn the tumultuous parenting experience into one of balance and joy. Emma's expertise shines as she discusses how mindfulness can empower parents to establish healthy boundaries and improve communication within their families. The episode is packed with relatable stories, from handling toddler tantrums with grace to reframing responses in challenging interactions. We explore the importance of patience and presence, offering practical tools for parents to maintain their sanity and humour amidst the demands of raising children. You can reach Emma on: https://empowerwithemma.com/ https://www.instagram.com/emmakehoe/ Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne, our resident expert anaesthetist, offers a candid look at the epidural procedure, breaking down the steps with precision and empathy. From the first sting of the local anaesthetic to the teamwork involved in ensuring comfort and safety, Anne and Afif shed light on how understanding the process can alleviate fear and guilt. For those curious about mobile epidurals, we explore the balance of pain relief and mobility along with the real-world challenges of making it accessible to all. Celebrate the resilience of women in childbirth and burst through the myths surrounding epidurals with our engaging, insightful episode that champions both clarity and comfort. Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Loughnane, an employment law solicitor, joins us to share her expertise on the overlooked yet prevalent issue of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. With insights drawn from her legal career and personal journey as a new mother, Michelle illuminates the challenges faced by pregnant employees. Her experiences working alongside the late Richard Grogan have enriched her perspective, allowing her to advocate passionately for women's rights in employment settings where their entitlements are often compromised. Proudly Sponsored by @happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock the keys to compassionate communication and discover transformative support for families with newborns diagnosed with Down syndrome. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Silvia Segales-Angel, an early intervention specialist from Down Syndrome Ireland, and Emer O'Sullivan, mother of the spirited Maisie. We'll shed light on the powerful Tell it Right program, which aims to guide healthcare professionals in delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis with empathy and clarity. Emer shares her candid experience, emphasizing the profound impact of language and early support on her journey with Maisie. Through this episode, we offer guidance on navigating the overwhelming influx of information, fostering a supportive environment where families can thrive together. For more information: https://downsyndrome.ie/ Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor Maeve Eogan, a leading voice in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Rotunda Hospital, offers her profound insights into the world of sexual assault treatment and care. As the national clinical lead for Ireland's Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs), she shares her expertise and personal experiences, shedding light on the patient-centred care that defines SATUs. Our conversation unveils the unique collaboration between maternity services and SATUs, particularly in instances of sexual assault during pregnancy, emphasizing the critical need for long-term support and trauma-informed care. For more information: https://www2.hse.ie/services/satu/ https://www.rapecrisisireland.ie/ To donate visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SATU25 Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices