Sense by Meg Faure

• Episode 162 - Nina's Newborn Journey (4 Weeks): Naming Baby Joshua, Tummy Troubles & Sleep Secrets

  On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we reconnect with Nina Clark, mom of two, as her new baby, Joshua (yes, "Tiny" officially has a name!), hits the four-week mark. Nina shares the sweet story behind his name reveal.Meg and Nina then explore the common challenges of this tender age:Decoding Fussiness: Why do 4-week-olds get fussy? Meg discusses newborn communication, gut immaturity (and how it relates to lactose digestion), and the often-overlooked impact of overstimulation, especially in the evenings.Feeding Facts: Learn about appropriate feeding schedules for a four-week-old, when and how to gently stretch feeds (if baby is gaining weight well), and the limited role of maternal diet changes.Sleep Strategies: Meg debunks the myth of late bedtimes for newborns, explaining why an early bedtime (between 5:30-7:00 PM) is crucial for setting good circadian rhythms and preventing overtiredness. She also touches on creating a simple, effective bedtime routine and the smart use of dummies.Stimulation Smarts: Discover what kind of stimulation is truly beneficial for a newborn (hint: emotional engagement is key!) and how to avoid overwhelming their developing senses.This episode is packed with practical, reassuring advice for parents navigating the beautiful, yet often demanding, first month with their new baby.About Our Guest:Nina Clark: a boy mom of two - born and bred in South Africa and back on these fair shores after a solid stint in London. Which is where my sleepwear and bedding business, Nightire, started. Everything is made of 100% organic bamboo - for functional yet fashionable bedtime gearEpisode References and Links:📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.CONNECT WITH MEG FAUREWeb: megfaure.comSocial Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/Parent Sense mobile app:Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsLeave a 5* rating and review on Apple PodcastsFollow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing listFor episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

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• Episode 161 - Constipation in Kids: Why Posture & Play Matter as Much as Prunes!

  In this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we launch our brand new "Feeding Sense" segment! Paediatric dietician Kath Megaw takes over as guest host. She is joined by Nicole Comninellis, a paediatric physiotherapist. Nicole has a special interest in neurodevelopment and infant digestion. Together, they tackle one of parenting's most common challenges: constipation in babies and toddlers. Understanding Constipation from a Physio's Perspective Kath Megaw introduces the topic, noting that dietary advice alone doesn't always solve constipation. Nicole Comninellis explains how constipation presents differently depending on age. Factors include whether it's a new or chronic issue, and if the child was full-term or preterm. Nicole highlights that repeated stress can create negative neurological pathways. This makes constipation more likely to recur.The Mind-Body Connection in Constipation Nicole explains that stress triggers the "fight or flight" response which inhibits digestion. Helping infants feel safe and calm is key. This allows them to develop a positive internal sense (interoception) of their bodies. For toddlers, autonomy, sensory processing, and personality play a big role. New experiences like starting school or a new sibling can also cause withholding.Practical Strategies for Preventing and Managing Constipation Kath and Nicole discuss actionable tips for parents.For Infants: Understanding normal poo variations is important. Varied holding positions and allowing free movement are crucial. Responding to baby's cues when they need to poo, perhaps by picking them up to let gravity assist, can make a difference. For Toddlers: Beyond a balanced diet and hydration, establishing routines around natural body reflexes (like the urge to poo after meals) is helpful. Encourage chewing as this stimulates the gut. Ample movement, play, and exercise are vital. Tummy massage can aid motility and provide comfort. Creating a safe, supportive, and calm bathroom environment is essential. Positioning: For toddlers using a potty or toilet, ensuring their feet are supported and knees are above their hips is very important. Teaching children to relax rather than just push can also be beneficial.Why You Should Listen This "Feeding Sense" episode offers a holistic view of constipation. Kath Megaw and Nicole Comninellis provide expert insights. They explain that movement, posture, and emotional well-being are as vital as diet. The episode is packed with practical, compassionate strategies. These can help prevent constipation from becoming a chronic issue. It's about making pooing a positive, stress-free experience for your child.Kath Megaw is a leading paediatric dietician with over 20 years of experience in infant and child nutrition. She is the co-author of the book Allergy Sense and specializes in guiding parents through complex feeding challenges. Follow her on Instagram at @nutripaeds or visit www.nutripaeds.co.za for more resources.Episode References and Links:📚 Allergy Sense – A comprehensive guide to managing infant and childhood allergies📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.

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• Episode 160 - Breast vs Bottle? The Honest Mom Chat You Need to Hear | Guests Zoe and Tasha

  On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we welcome back twin mom Zoe Brown and twin specialist Tasha Perreard. Zoe's twins are now five weeks old. This stage often brings confusing topics like crampy tummies and breastfeeding decisions. This episode unpacks digestive issues and feeding choices. If your baby is fussy, gassy, or has reflux, this is for you. We discuss real reasons for discomfort. Topics include lactose intolerance versus cow's milk protein allergy. Solutions like drops and body work are explored. We also address the honest question of when to stop breastfeeding. This is especially relevant for moms of multiples.Wins and Challenges with Five-Week-Old Twins Zoe shares her wins as her five-week-old twins thrive. Her husband is back at work. Finding her own rhythm alone with the babies was a key moment. She emphasizes the incredible value of support. Her mom's arrival has been a huge help, offering crucial nighttime relief. Tasha validates the need for extra hands with twins. She notes parents often have unrealistic expectations. Settling two babies is a mammoth task. It is okay to need and accept help. Building a "village," even if it means paying for support, is vital. Zoe shares how she proactively scheduled friends to visit. This provided company and practical help during her first week alone.Understanding and Soothing Crampy Tummies Zoe describes one twin, Luke, as constantly grunting and pushing. He struggles more with wind. Meg and Tasha delve into reasons for unsettled babies. Tasha explains that babies' digestive systems are immature for the first 12 weeks. How babies feed is a major factor. Incorrect latch on breast or bottle can cause them to swallow air. This leads to wind and reflux. Assessing tongue function and oral ties is important. Sometimes, a mother's diet can affect baby's comfort, especially with cow's milk protein allergy. Babies can also struggle to digest lactose due to insufficient lactase enzyme. Products like Colief or Telament drops can help. The "Windy" tool can assist in releasing trapped gas. Tasha strongly recommends body work like chiro or osteopathy. This can relieve tension and discomfort in newborns. Meg adds that primary lactose intolerance is common. Overfeeding can also contribute to discomfort. She suggests spacing feeds to allow digestion.Navigating Breastfeeding and Formula Decisions with Twins Zoe openly discusses her breastfeeding journey. She has been exclusively pumping. Her twins seem to spit up more with her breast milk. They appear more settled on formula. This has led to a challenging emotional decision about continuing to pump. She feels a love-hate relationship with expressing. The support group she attends has been helpful. Hearing other moms' experiences provides perspective. Why You Should Listen This episode offers invaluable, real-world advice for parents of newborns. Zoe's honesty about her struggles and triumphs is deeply relatable. Tasha provides expert, practical solutions for common issues. Meg offers a compassionate and informed perspective on making difficult parenting decisions, The discussion empowers parents to make confident, guilt-free choices about feeding their babies. This is a reassuring and informative listen for any new parent.📌 Episode References & Links:📲 CONNECT WITH MEG FAUREWeb: megfaure.com📱 Parent Sense Mobile App:Web: parentsense.app💌 Support the Podcast: Subscribe or listen on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & review on Apple Podcasts.

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• EPISODE 159 - Navigating the Journey to Two: A Mom's Honest Story

  On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we welcome Nina Clark. Nina is a mom of two young children. She shares her real and relatable parenting journey. Nina joins Meg to discuss the transition from one child to two. She offers insights that resonate deeply with parents navigating this stage.Moving from One to Two Children Nina candidly shares her experience welcoming her second baby, nicknamed Tiny. Her first son, Max, is nearly three years old. Falling pregnant with Tiny was surprisingly fast compared to her journey with Max. This brought unexpected emotions for Nina. She talks about mourning the exclusive relationship she had with Max. They shared a very close bond during their time in London with limited support. Adjusting to the idea of dividing her attention was a real process. Meg acknowledges this often unspoken feeling of loss many mothers experience. They discuss the guilt and changing expectations placed on the firstborn.Managing Toddler Transitions and Sibling Relationships Meg and Nina explore practical strategies for helping a toddler adjust. Introducing the new baby gently is important. Spending dedicated one-on-one quality time with the older child is crucial. They remember this attention more than the infant does. Meg suggests having a box of books ready during breastfeeding. This turns feeding time into shared story time for the toddler. Getting the older child a doll can also help them process the change. The importance of involving the other parent is highlighted. Research shows involved fathers can reduce sibling rivalry. Nina discusses Max's current preference for her, especially at bedtime. Meg explains favourite parent phases are normal and often shift.The Power of Connection: Watch, Wait, and Wonder Meg introduces the "Watch, Wait and Wonder" strategy. This involves dedicated playtime with the toddler using special toys. The parent follows the child's lead without directing the play. This technique helps fill the child's emotional tank. It fosters connection and helps them feel seen and heard. Just 15 minutes of this focused, child-led play can make a difference. It can also help navigate parent preference phases. Giving the child power during play meets their need for autonomy.Birth Experiences: UK vs. South Africa & The Reality of Bonding Nina compares her two birth experiences. Her first was in the UK under the NHS. The second was recently in Cape Town, South Africa. While the UK birth was positive, the aftercare during COVID was challenging. Staff shortages and isolation created stress. Her South African birth offered more support and a private setting. Nina shares her experience with epidurals in both countries. She also honestly discusses her bonding experience with both babies. It wasn't an instant rush of overwhelming love for either child. For Nina, bonding has been a "slow burn" process. Meg validates this, explaining the wide range of normal bonding experiences. The pressure to feel instant connection isn't always reality. Having family support ("the village") this time has pros and cons. It's helpful but also means less quiet nesting time compared to her first.Why You Should Listen This episode offers an incredibly honest look at becoming a mother of two. Nina's vulnerability about her feelings and experiences is refreshing. Meg provides expert insights and practical, actionable strategies. Listeners will find validation for their own feelings. They will gain tools to navigate toddler adjustments and sibling dynamics. This conversation tackles the real, often unspoken, challenges and joys of expanding your family. It is a must-listen for expectant parents or parents adding to their family.

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• Episode 158 - When the Wheels Fall Off | Julia 10 Month Check In

  Join Meg Faure and regular guest Julia this week as they catch up on life with 10-month-old Aurelia and nearly four-year-old Santi. Julia shares the exhaustion of navigating Aurelia’s current sleep disruptions, likely caused by a combination of illness, teething, and developmental leaps towards walking. Meg offers practical tips and reassurance for getting through these common 10-month hurdles.Decoding 10-Month Sleep ChallengesAurelia, usually an easy baby, has been struggling with night wakings and sometimes fighting bedtime. Meg breaks down the potential causes:Basic Needs: Persistent colds might lead to glue ear (congestion causing pressure). She recommends a quick pharmacy check and discusses saline solutions or decongestants if needed. Coxsackie virus (hand, foot & mouth) is also currently rife and could cause irritability. Iron levels are crucial post-6 months; Meg suggests dietary sources (spinach, red meat) or supplements like Floradix, and shares a recipe from the Weaning Sense book.Sleep Schedules: At 10 months, babies consolidate to two naps. Meg advises capping total day sleep (around 2-2.5 hours) and potentially shortening the afternoon nap if the morning one is long, to prevent night waking from undertiredness. Dropping the third nap is essential if that hasn't happened yet.Sensory & Development: Babies working on new motor skills (like pulling up/walking) often have disrupted sleep. Providing ample movement (vestibular) and deep pressure (proprioceptive) input during the day, like swinging, can help. Milestones & Sibling ComparisonsJulia notes how differently Aurelia and Santi approach milestones. Santi was a speedy crawler, while Aurelia is more focused on pulling up to stand. Meg shares fascinating insights on milestone consolidation: sometimes, babies who achieve gross motor milestones like walking earlier (even 9 months!) might be less coordinated later than those who take longer, as slower consolidation builds a stronger foundation. It’s a reminder not to rush development.The Primary School Pressure CookerThe conversation takes a significant turn as Julia discusses Santi turning four and the looming decisions about schooling. Both Meg and Julia express concerns about the pressure to enter expensive private school systems early, driven by commercial interests and parental fears. They discuss the option of public schools for primary years, allowing for diverse experiences and less academic pressure.Slowing Down & Work-Life BalanceJulia shares her recent positive experience of pulling back slightly on work commitments. By getting extra help, she’s found more capacity as a parent and reduced stress.Why Listen?Packed with practical sleep tips for the common 10-month regression, insights into developmental milestones, a thought-provoking discussion on early education choices, and relatable honesty about work-life balance, this episode offers valuable sense and support for parents navigating these stages.📌 Episode References:CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Facebook: facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: instagram.com/megfaure.senseParent Sense Mobile App: Web: parentsense.app Google Play: Download for Android iOS App Store: Download for iOS

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