Sense by Meg Faure

• 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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• EPISODE 157- IVF for Baby #3: Caitlyn De Beer on Faith, Fertility & Finding Joy Again

  On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, join us for a deeply insightful conversation with the inspiring Caitlyn De Beer – life coach, author, speaker, NPO founder, and mum of two, now expecting her third baby after a significant gap. Caitlyn shares her unique and honest journey through secondary infertility and IVF, intertwined with her strong faith and evolving perspective on motherhood.Caitlyn's Journey to Baby #3 Having conceived her first two children (now 8 and 9) spontaneously (though the first took time), Caitlyn faced unexpected challenges when trying for her third. A history of pelvic nerve issues had previously made another pregnancy seem unwise, but after a successful nerve procedure restored her health, she and her husband decided to try again. When pregnancy didn't happen after months of trying, they sought help, leading them down the path of fertility treatment.The IVF Experience: Caitlyn candidly discusses their experience with ICSI (a specialised form of IVF), initially indicated due to her husband's factors. She describes the supportive environment of the fertility clinic but also the unexpected shock when her own egg retrieval yielded only five eggs of poor quality. Facing the possibility of the cycle failing completely, they received the news that one precious embryo made it. Caitlyn reflects on the emotional rollercoaster – the comfort of relinquishing control to the process, but also the profound loneliness, especially when keeping the journey private from others, including her older children. A Seasoned Mum's Perspective: Ten years on from her last pregnancy, Caitlyn shares how her approach to motherhood has shifted. This time, she's intentionally choosing to "take it slow," rejecting the pressure to "bounce back" or rush through the demanding early years. She emphasizes the wisdom of cocooning, setting realistic expectations, and knowing that the intense season of raising young children does pass, allowing time for personal and professional goals later. It's about savouring the moments and not needing to prove anything. Maternal Mental Health: Caitlyn underscores the importance of support systems for maternal well-being. She stresses building a "village" – whether through family, friends, antenatal groups, or paid help like nannies (even if it requires financial sacrifices). Partner involvement is key. Crucially, Caitlyn shares her own powerful story of recognising she wasn't coping after her second child and seeking help via her GP and antidepressants, highlighting the need to destigmatise seeking medical or therapeutic support when needed. Understanding and addressing your own emotional needs is fundamental.Why Listen? This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating fertility challenges, contemplating a later-in-life baby, seeking encouragement in their faith journey, or wanting practical advice on protecting maternal mental health and embracing a gentler approach to parenting.📌 Episode References:CONNECT WITH CAITLYN DE BEER: Instagram: instagram.com/caitlindebeerCONNECT 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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• EPISODE 156 - 🍼 Breast vs Bottle? The Truth About Feeding Twins 👶 Gassy, Fussy, Niggly: Solving the Mystery of Crampy Babies 💬 “Do I Stop Breastfeeding?” — The Honest Mom Chat You Need to Hear

  On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we welcome back radio personality Zoe Brown, just weeks after the birth of her twin boys, Jordan and Luke! Joined by specialist midwife and twin mum Tasha Perreard, Zoe shares her incredibly raw, real, and ultimately empowering twin birth story. If you followed our last chat, Zoe was hoping for a vaginal delivery despite one twin being in a transverse position – listen now to hear how her journey unfolded.The Birth Story: Trusting Instincts & Strong Support Zoe takes us minute-by-minute through her induction process in the Australian public health system. She candidly discusses the challenges – a slow start, needing oxytocin, and the surprise of feeling contractions despite the epidural. The climax arrives with the birth of Baby A, followed by a tense period when her cervix closed and Baby B needed help descending. Zoe highlights the crucial role of a strong-willed midwife who advocated for her wishes, leading to a successful vaginal delivery for both twins, against the odds. She shares the emotional moments, the relief, and the surreal feeling of meeting her boys.Postpartum Recovery & Unexpected Challenges The journey didn't end with the birth. Zoe opens up about her experience with postpartum preeclampsia, including the symptoms and necessary monitoring. She also discusses the physical recovery after a twin vaginal birth, including diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and the early days of regaining core strength and bladder control. We touch upon the importance of hospital debriefs and physiotherapy support.Newborn Feeding Journey: Realities of Twins How do you feed two newborns? Zoe shares her honest experience with combination feeding – breastfeeding, expressing, and formula top-ups, especially after one twin needed glucose support due to low blood sugar levels (linked to gestational diabetes). She talks about the different tandem feeding positions, the challenges of doing it solo, and the crucial support from her husband. Midwife Tasha Perreard offers a fantastic practical tip for managing bottle and pump part sterilisation to save time!Expert Advice: Relaxing the Schedule & Co-Sleeping Zoe asks the burning question many new parents face: when can you relax the strict three-hourly feeding schedule? Meg and Tasha provide clear guidelines based on babies regaining their birth weight, advising on letting babies lead the way at night while maintaining a rhythm during the day. They also discuss the sensitive topic of co-sleeping twins, weighing the SIDS guidance against the reality that twins are often calmer together, emphasizing safe sleep practices. Consider tracking your twins' progress and routines easily with the Parent Sense app.This episode is a must-listen for expectant parents (especially of multiples!)📌 Episode References & Links:📲 CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.comFacebook: facebook.com/MegFaure.SenseInstagram: instagram.com/megfaure.sense📱 Parent Sense Mobile App: Web: parentsense.app Google Play: Download for Android iOS App Store: Download for iOS💌 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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