The Baby Pro Podcast

Join us on the latest episode of the Baby Pro Podcast as we explore the tender practice of co-sleeping and bed sharing, featuring our special guest, Zoe Ayre. Zoe is an author renowned for her children’s literature, thought provoking essays and soulful social media posts. Her latest book, released in April 2023, “I Will Always Help You Sleep,” and her Instagram presence as “The Respectful Mum,” offers insights into nurturing and respectful parenting approaches from infancy. She shares advice and experiences about the joys and challenges of gentle parenting. During our discussion, Zoe guides us through the intricate and comforting dimensions of nighttime parenting while we also tackle the cultural taboos, safety concerns, and the profound bonds that are strengthened through these nighttime practices.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Co-sleeping and bed sharing can enhance parent-child bonds through shared sleep experiences.
• Cultural perspectives on co-sleeping vary widely with Western societies often promoting independence and other cultures viewing shared sleep as a natural part of parenting.
• Addressing the stigma and criticisms around bed sharing is important as many parents quietly practice it despite fear based messaging.
• Safe bed sharing practices such as the cuddle curl position can prevent parents from rolling onto the baby and facilitate easier breastfeeding.
• The Safe Sleep 7 guidelines can help parents create a safer bed sharing environment by considering factors like sobriety, smoking and the baby’s health.
• Parents should make informed decisions about their family’s sleep arrangements without succumbing to societal pressures or external judgment.

Connect with Zoe:

Website: Home - The Respectful Mum

Instagram: Instagram (@therespectfulmum)

Tiktok: TheRespectfulMum- Zoe Ayre's Creator Profile

Amazon: I Will Always Help You Sleep (US version): A Gentle Parenting Storybook Series

Connect with Shelly: Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: One third of women have health complications after birth:

One-third of women experience health problems overlooked during childbirth, study says

A new parent or soon-to-be parent, if you’ve ever wondered about the challenges of breastfeeding and the emotional toll it can take? In this episode of the Baby Pro Podcast, Shelly and Maria dive deep into the breastfeeding world and talk about their own experiences. But one question emerges, what valuable lesson can we learn from Shelly's journey?

Unexpected challenges arose for Shelly during her breastfeeding days starting from difficulty latching to supply issues and emotional struggles. She stresses the significance of looking out for support and being crystal clear about the hardships although it seems uncomfortable. She also advises medical professionals to practice curiosity all the time and stay proactive in searching solutions for breastfeeding challenges.

Let’s navigate with Shelly and Maria the ups and downs of motherhood and realize valuable insights on the Baby Pro Podcast. From birth plans to feeding journeys, their presence can be counted on at all times to support us in every step of the way. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn from Shelly's powerful breastfeeding journey.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Observe flexibility and adaptability in the journeys of birth plans and feeding as things don't always stick in accordance to plan.
• Potential issues may come in the way such as latch problems, low milk supply, and painful conditions like mastitis which make breastfeeding a challenging and difficult journey to deal with.
• Seek a second opinion from trusting sources like lactation consultants or specialists other than medical professionals who may not fully realize or spot the issues.
• Conquering breastfeeding difficulties and making mother and baby experience better are possible when considering various techniques and approaches that can deal with tie release or addressing ties.

Connect with Shelly:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/shellytaftibclc/

Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Resources Mentioned:

Woman Gives Birth After Uterus Transplant - Cleveland Clinic

Understanding Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex

Mastitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Chestfeeding if you’re trans or non-binary - NHS

Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments & Prevention

Duct Ectasia

Have you been told to avoid certain foods while breastfeeding? Or told you have to consume more of other foods? Listen in as Shelly goes over the four most common myths about nutrition and breastfeeding.

In this episode of the Baby Pro podcast, Shelly discussed nutrition myths that leave nursing moms scratching their heads, cutting through the fog of misinformation surrounding breastfeeding diets, as she debunks the age-old tales of gassy veggies and the impact of caffeine and alcohol on milk supply. We also celebrate a monumental step forward for breastfeeding athletes with the Paris Olympics providing much-needed accommodations for nursing mothers for the first time. Whether you're an elite athlete or a mom juggling the daily hustle, our discussion on breastfeeding challenges and the power of support will resonate with you.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• How athletes and Olympians balance motherhood and competition.
• Clarifying misconceptions about breastfeeding mothers' diets and its effects on breastfed babies.
• The difference between cluster feeding and low milk supply, offering guidance on identifying each situation.
• Concerns over gassy foods, caffeine, and alcohol consumption, and the necessity of a healthy diet for quality milk production.
• Staying hydrated for milk production and dispelling excessive water consumption is necessary for breastfeeding.

Connect with Shelly: website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned:

Breastfeeding Athletes Are Finally Taken Seriously By Paris Olympics

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Dr. Quantrilla Ard to unravel the mysteries of preeclampsia, a condition that can impact expecting parents. Discover the signs, risks, and proactive measures to safeguard maternal and fetal health. Gain insights into the latest research and practical advice for a healthier pregnancy journey.

Shownotes:

Today's guest on the Baby Pro podcast is Dr. Quantrilla Ard, a passionate and energetic public health professional with a background in behavioral science. She thrives on working with people and possesses valuable qualities like adaptability and problem-solving skills. Her extensive experience includes conducting various research activities such as focus groups, interviews, and needs assessments for both individuals and communities. Driven by her passion for helping others, she has served as an advocate for various populations in roles ranging from consultant to Senior Clinical Analyst. Dr. Ard's expertise extends to research and data analysis, involving data collection, mining, and utilization of tools like SPSS and Microsoft Excel in academic and health settings. Notably, she is dedicated to addressing disparities in Black infant and maternal health.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
• Symptoms of preeclampsia include headaches, blurred vision, upper right quadrant pain, and swelling.
• Preeclampsia is a serious condition and one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.
• Black women and women of color are five times more likely to develop preeclampsia and have more severe cases.
• Preeclampsia can also occur postpartum and requires ongoing monitoring and care.
• Advocacy, sharing stories, and participating in research studies are important in addressing preeclampsia and improving outcomes.

Connect with Dr. Ard:

Twitter: qyard08

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thephdmamma

Website: Home of The PhD Mamma

Connect with Shelly:

my website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Instagram: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Resources Mentioned:

Article: Over the counter birth control:

FDA approves first over-the-counter birth control pill in the U.S.

Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time, tells us the ins and outs of how screen time impacts your child's emotional development.

Andrea Davis is a seasoned former secondary education teacher who has successfully transitioned into a screen time guide. As the founder of Better Screen Time, she offers tried and tested strategies from her own experiences as a mother of five. She is on a quest to assist parents in reducing their tech-related concerns and enhancing their connection with their children. She has authored the book “Creating A Tech-Healthy Family” - offers the necessary tools, resources and discussion topics for crafting your Family Technology Plan. This aids in establishing sound tech boundaries and instills a heightened sense of confidence in your capability to raise children in the digital era.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Explore the influence of screen time on kids and its role in molding their growth and wellness.
• Discover valuable methods to supervise your child’s screen usage in order to encourage good habits and a balanced approach.
• Uncover the potential hazards of social media for children and learn strategies to ensure their digital safety.
• Analyze the significance of establishing limits on screen time and its role in fostering a more beneficial digital setting for your child.
• Understand the possible dangers linked with excessive use of screens and explore strategies to counteract these risks to safeguard your child’s health and wellness.

Connect with Andrea Davis:

Instagram account - Instagram (@betterscreentime)

Facebook group - Better Screen Time Group | Facebook

Website - Better Screen Time | Andrea Davis — Better Screen Time

Course Homepage - Better Screen Time

Connect with Shelly:

my website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Instagram: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Resources Mentioned:

Article: Toddler Milk Formulas Lack Nutrients:

Powdered milk ‘formulas’ for toddlers are lacking in nutrients, warns American Academy of Pediatrics