The Baby Tribe

120: NICU Explained: The Real Reasons Newborns Need Extra Care

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

119: Epidurals and the Myth of the Intervention Cascade with Professor Rachel Kearns

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

118: Doireann Garrihy on Becoming Rosie’s Mum

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

117: Sophia Wren on Young Motherhood, Post Partum Depression, and Finding Comedy

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

116: Pregnancy and Postpartum Skincare with Sara Stokes founder of SKN to SKN

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