Sense by Meg Faure

• 7 Months In: Sleep Struggles, Stomach Bugs & Silver Linings

  On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we delve into the ever-changing world of parenting an 7-month-old. Join Meg and returning guest Julia as they discuss the week's challenges, triumphs, and those delightful "grey areas" of babyhood.Tummy Troubles & Sleep Strategies:Julia shares her experience with baby Aurelia's recent tummy bug, highlighting the importance of recognizing early signs and managing dehydration. Meg offers expert advice on navigating night wakings, including a step-by-step approach to soothing and when to offer a feed. They discuss the challenges of frequent night wakings and the importance of flexibility in parenting.Mealtime Musings & Milestone Moments:The conversation shifts to mealtimes, with Julia sharing a positive experience of family dining out. Meg emphasizes the benefits of baby-led weaning and social eating for fostering healthy eating habits. They also discuss the exciting milestone of self-feeding and how it can enhance family mealtime experiences.Rolling, Crawling & Letting Go:Julia and Meg explore Aurelia's developmental progress, highlighting her newfound rolling skills and the anticipation of crawling. Meg explains the importance of proprioceptive and vestibular input for gross motor development and sleep. They also discuss the upcoming milestone of learning to let go of objects and the impact it has on play and interaction.Why This Episode Matters:This episode offers valuable insights for parents navigating the complexities of babyhood. Tune in to discover:How to recognize and manage a tummy bug in babies.Effective strategies for handling night wakings.The benefits of baby-led weaning and social eating.The importance of movement and sensory experiences for development.Understanding and celebrating key milestones in your baby's first year.Key takeaways:Dehydration is a serious concern with tummy bugs: Keep your little one hydrated with a rehydration solution. You can find a recipe in the ParentSense app or by asking our chatbot, Aya, on WhatsApp.Not all night wakings require a feed: Try soothing your baby with a dummy or offering cooled boiled water before resorting to a feed.Embrace self-feeding: Encourage your baby to explore food and participate in family meals, fostering social eating habits and reducing fussy eating later on.Movement is crucial for development: Provide opportunities for your baby to roll, crawl, and explore their environment, promoting gross motor skills and healthy sleep.Flexibility is key: Remember that every baby is different and their needs are constantly evolving. Embrace the grey areas and adapt your approach as needed.Join us on this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure for a relatable and informative discussion about the joys and challenges of parenting an 7-month-old.Resources mentioned in this episode:ParentSense App: Download the app for personalized routines, daily tips, and expert advice.Aiah Chatbot: Connect with Aya on WhatsApp for instant answers to your parenting questions.Connect with us:Instagram: Follow us for daily parenting inspiration and tips.Website: Visit our website for more resources and support.Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! We appreciate your support in helping us reach more parents.

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• Episode 150- Twin Tales: From Tandem Nursing to Toddlerhood

  On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we journey to France to uncover the joys and challenges of raising twins abroad. Clarise, a South African mom raising 19-month-old twin boys in France, shares her unique experiences and invaluable insights.Twin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Clarise’s journey began with a spontaneous twin pregnancy—a surprise discovery during her first ultrasound. She shares her experience of navigating a planned C-section, a common practice for twin births in France, and highlights key differences between the French and South African healthcare systems. With longer paternity leave and a supportive hospital environment, she reflects on how these factors shaped her postpartum experience. Clarise also dives into the realities of tandem breastfeeding, syncing feeds and wake windows, and her approach to weaning.Embracing French Parenting Practices French parenting is known for its emphasis on natural approaches and fostering early independence. Clarise offers a fascinating look into childcare norms in France, including minimal screen time, child-led play, and creating a safe yet stimulating environment for exploration. She also discusses how the French crèche system introduces a wide variety of foods early on, encouraging adventurous eating habits from a young age.The Unique Twin Bond One of the greatest joys of parenting twins is watching their bond develop. Clarisse shares heartwarming anecdotes about her boys’ early interactions, how they learn from and support each other, and the balance between nurturing their connection while encouraging their individuality. She highlights the importance of fostering independence and confidence in each child while celebrating the special twin relationship.Why You Should Listen This episode is a must-listen for parents of twins—or anyone curious about raising children in a different cultural setting. Clarise’s story offers practical takeaways and real-life insights on:✅ Navigating a twin pregnancy and birth abroad ✅ Establishing routines and syncing sleep schedules ✅ Tandem breastfeeding and weaning strategies ✅ Encouraging the twin bond while fostering individuality ✅ Minimizing screen time and promoting independent play ✅ Creating a safe and enriching environment for toddlersJoin us for this heartwarming and informative conversation about twin parenting in France—because raising two is a unique adventure worth exploring!

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• Episode 149- Navigating 7 Months: Baby Sleep, First Foods & Mom Challenges

  On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we catch up with Julia as she navigates 7 months of motherhood with baby Aurelia. At this stage, babies become more independent, explore their surroundings, and develop new skills. Julia shares her experiences with Aurelia’s sleep patterns, feeding journey, and the emotional challenges of balancing work and family life. This episode offers valuable insights for parents adjusting to life with a 7-month-old.Understanding Gagging vs. ChokingGagging is a natural reflex that helps babies manage food textures. Julia recalls moments when Aurelia gagged, triggering initial anxiety. Meg reassures parents that gagging is common and offers guidance on recognizing the difference between gagging and choking. She encourages parents to stay calm and avoid unnecessary intervention.The Emotional Side of Motherhood: Mom Grief vs. Mom GuiltJulia opens up about her emotional struggles balancing work and parenting. Instead of "mom guilt," she describes feeling "mom grief", mourning the time she cannot get back with Aurelia. Meg reflects on the challenges all mothers face in making career and family choices. They emphasize that there is no perfect balance, only what works best for each family..This episode provides a real, relatable look at life with a 7-month-old, covering sleep struggles, feeding progress, and the emotional journey of motherhood. Julia’s honesty and Meg’s expert advice offer reassurance to parents navigating similar experiences. If you’re looking for practical tips and heartfelt discussions, this episode is a must-listen!Additional Content: https://parentsense.app/product/attachment-and-good-enough-parenting/https://parentsense.app/product/get-confident-with-choking-online-course/https://megfaure.com/podcasts/get-confident-with-choking-with-sammy-davies-ep24-s2/https://megfaure.com/podcasts/motherhood-mental-health-navigating-the-emotional-journey-s66/

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• Episode 148-Birth Your Way: Navigating C-Sections, Natural Birth & Informed Choices

  On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we explore the complex and deeply personal journey of birth with Dr. Mama Aso Peprah, a leading gynecologist and advocate for maternal empowerment. Birth is a transformative experience, yet many women feel uncertain about their options. South Africa has one of the highest C-section rates in the world, and many mothers are left questioning whether they truly had a choice. Dr. Mama Aso shares expert insights on birth choices, medical interventions, and the steps women can take to feel empowered in their birthing experience. Understanding South Africa’s High C-Section Rate South Africa’s private healthcare system has one of the highest C-section rates globally, reaching up to 75% in private hospitals. Dr. Mama Aso explains the key drivers behind this trend, including fear-based decision-making, medical convenience, and hospital policies. She highlights the World Health Organization’s recommendation that C-section rates should ideally be around 15% to balance safety and necessity. The Power of Informed Birth Choices Mothers should feel in control of their birth experience. Dr. Mama Aso emphasizes that knowledge is power when navigating delivery options. She encourages expecting moms to educate themselves, ask questions, and advocate for the birth they want. She also discusses the importance of choosing a supportive healthcare provider who respects personal preferences. How Fear Impacts Labor and Birth Fear can significantly slow labor progression, often leading to unnecessary interventions. Dr. Mama Aso explains how stress hormones like cortisol interfere with oxytocin, the hormone responsible for contractions. She shares strategies to reduce fear, such as breathing techniques, movement, and emotional preparation, to help labor progress more naturally. The Role of Medical Interventions in Birth While medical interventions can be life-saving, some increase the likelihood of a C-section. Dr. Mama Aso discusses common interventions such as inductions, epidurals, and fetal monitoring, explaining how they impact labor. She also provides guidance on when interventions are necessary and when they may be avoidable. Steps to Take for a Positive Birth Experience Mothers can take practical steps to increase their chances of a vaginal birth if they choose. Dr. Mama Aso highlights the benefits of birth preparation, movement during labor, and having a strong support team, such as a doula or midwife. She also stresses that every birth—C-section or vaginal—can be empowering when the mother is informed and involved. This episode is a must-listen for any expecting mother who wants to feel empowered and informed about birth. Dr. Mama Aso provides expert advice on navigating birth choices, overcoming fear, and advocating for the best possible experience. Whether you’re planning for a vaginal birth, considering a C-section, or simply exploring your options, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to birth your way. Tune in now for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation!

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• Episode 147-Motherhood & Mental Health: Navigating the Emotional Journey

  On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we explore Motherhood & Mental Health with Dr. Jess Stanbridge, a specialist psychiatrist passionate about supporting new mums. Motherhood is a transformative journey, but it also comes with emotional challenges that are often overlooked. From the science behind postpartum mental health to the power of storytelling, we dive into the real experiences of new mums. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand maternal mental health and the importance of self-compassion. The Science Behind Motherhood & Mental Health Motherhood physically changes a woman’s brain. Dr. Jess explains how the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, actually increases in size after childbirth. This can lead to heightened anxiety and emotional sensitivity. Understanding these biological shifts can help mums recognize that their emotions are a natural part of postpartum life. The Power of Storytelling in Maternal Well-Being Dr. Jess and Meg discuss how sharing experiences helps mothers feel less alone. Storytelling provides emotional relief and reduces feelings of shame or inadequacy. Meg shares how tracking real mums on the podcast has shown that speaking openly about struggles leads to stronger mental resilience. Recognising Postpartum Anxiety and Depression New mothers often struggle to identify when normal emotions become something more concerning. Dr. Jess outlines the differences between baby blues, postpartum depression, and perinatal anxiety. She explains red flags to watch for, such as persistent sadness, obsessive thoughts, and difficulty sleeping even when the baby is asleep. The Role of Medication in Postpartum Mental Health Many mums resist medication due to societal pressure to do everything “naturally.” Dr. Jess breaks down how treatments like Eglanol can support anxious mothers, aid breastfeeding, and improve overall well-being. She reassures mums that prioritizing mental health benefits both mother and baby. The Juggle of Motherhood, Career, and Identity The pressure to “do it all” is overwhelming. Meg and Dr. Jess discuss the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers. They emphasize the importance of embracing imperfection, finding balance, and making peace with the inevitable challenges of modern motherhood. This episode of Sense, by Meg Faure sheds light on the emotional complexities of early motherhood. Motherhood & Mental Health are deeply connected, and understanding this link can help mums navigate their journey with more confidence and self-compassion. If you’re a new mother or supporting one, this conversation offers practical insights and emotional reassurance. Tune in for an open, honest discussion on thriving in the reality of motherhood.

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