Moms certainly face a challenging time when faced with postpartum depression and anxiety. At a time in their life when they are at their most vulnerable and stressed and overwhelmed, they need support and understanding.

However, when they turn to others, the reaction often is "get yourself together and toughen up".

This week's guest Suzanne Yatim Aslam went through this journey with her two kids and her personal experience with postpartum depression and anxiety left her feeling alone and confused. She has put her personal experience into her book, Post Pardon Me which is written in the form of journal entries. You get to go inside Suzanne's head and she addresses the dark thoughts that so many mothers have but are too scared to say out loud. If you're struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety then don't miss this episode.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

The COVID pandemic has been a challenging time for us all and many of us have needed to find new ways to keep ourselves engaged and busy whilst stuck in our homes for long periods.

This week's guest, Aruna Lepore, is a mom of two and found herself in this exact situation and decided to embark on a journey as a writer. She even painted all the illustrations for her book, Peanut the Penguin and the book is already winning awards including the prestigious Creative Child Magazine 2022 Book of the Year Award and was the Wishing Shelf Book Award Red Ribbon Winner.

Aruna has strong views on parenting and you'll hear her recount her experiences from her two children's early days and how she built an inseparable bond and attachment with them.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Often when I'm speaking with moms about baby massage, they ask me whether it can help improve their little one's sleep. So I thought I would put together an episode specifically about how baby massage can help with sleep.

In this episode you'll hear me explain:-

• How baby massage is especially helpful as part of your baby's sleep routine.
• How to prepare the environment for baby massage and the importance of being in a good frame of mind.
• Some techniques to help your baby sleep better.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Many women who have recently given birth, ask me about topics such as strengthening their bodies. I've interviewed a number of guests on the podcast who have shared their expertise in this area.

This week's guest Christina Whelan has a mission to shift the dialogue around movement, so that more women will get moving with the purpose of finding the freedom that a healthy body and mind will give them.

Christina teaches body awareness using tools including Pilates, the Franklin Method and Eldoa myofascial stretching. Through her training, she also helps women who are pregnant and/or postpartum to regain core control and to aid recovery.

Christina shares many pearls of wisdom in this episode including:-

• The importance of encouraging movement in your little one early on so they get the vibe towards beginning an active life, instead of a sedentary one.
• Tips to help moms begin their recovery after they've given birth and after six weeks has elapsed.
• Ways to improve your breathing and why it is so important to do this correctly.
• How Eldoa myofascial stretching helps strengthen your spine.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Many of the moms that I speak with complain that their little ones are struggling with colic. I often see good results when I teach and assist them to introduce baby massage into their daily routine.

It's always seemed to me that there is a lot of mystery surrounding colic and I hear some interesting comments and experiences from moms all the time. These range from being told that it doesn't even exist through to doctors advising parents to just get on with it and stop complaining. I am sure you will agree with me that these comments are not overly helpful when your baby won't settle and is clearly distressed.

In this episode you'll hear me talk about how baby massage can help your little one when they are suffering from colic.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Most weeks on first time mum's chat I speak with experts who share tips and insights on a range of topics to help moms commencing their parenting journey. In this week's episode, I'm doing something different.

I'm speaking with Seannon Jones a mom of four about her early stages in her journey as a parent. When Seannon had her youngest, she had a newborn, a 1 year old, a 2 year old and a 3 year old that was just about to turn 4!

I think it's safe to say that Seannon's introduction to parenting was something of a baptism of fire and I thought you would find it interesting to hear some tips and insights on her journey as a parent during her children's early years. If you're overwhelmed and finding it challenging, you won't want to miss this interview.

You'll hear Seannon talk about:-

• The importance of getting the help you need and not what others think you need!
• How being organised and having a schedule and routine helped.
• How your kids want to help you and why you should encourage them.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Over the many years I've worked as a childcare educator, I've seen a lot of change in how we do things and in the family unit. Being of an age where I knew life before the likes of mobile phones, computers and other devices, I'm often concerned with how they are used in this modern, fast-paced world of ours!

Increasingly I'm seeing a generation of children who expect to be entertained and who are clearly lacking creative imagination. This is of course hardly surprising when so many are raised from their beginnings knowing little more than instant gratification and a dopamine hit from pressing a button or viewing content.

I was thrilled this week to speak with Melissa Lowry, who has worked in the education space over many years, working with students, teachers, administrators and parents.

You'll hear Melissa and I chat about the impacts of technology on infant development and there's some great tips and insights shared from Melissa's wealth of knowledge and experience. You'll hear Melissa talk about:-

• The importance of keeping young children off of technology and media for their first 24 months.
• Why it's better for sensory awareness and development to avoid using earphones which block out all sounds around them.
• Why when exposing them to media it is crucial to ensure that it is only active (also known as slow) media, where there's an expectation of engagement.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

When it comes to introducing children to science, many of us have pre-conceived ideas often from our own childhood experiences. Many of the mums I speak with expect it to be costly, complicated and even dangerous.

My school experience gave me a poor experience of science and I've always regretted that my teachers didn't encourage me more. Science can be an easy and fun activity for kids to do and explore their curiosity and you can get started when they are just toddlers.

This week's guest, Dr Stephanie Ryan, Ph.D. is a chemist, author and a mom who uses her background to create educational products and content. She can be found helping young kids explore the fascinating world around them. Dr Stephanie has taught science to all age groups, helping toddlers learn about their world. 

You'll hear some great tips and ideas from Dr Stephanie to help get you started introducing your toddler or preschooler to the exciting world of science, using materials mainly found within your own home.

And much more!

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Designing a nursery for your little one is something that is often an after thought for many parents and many moms often share their frustrations with me.

You really need to start with the planning of your nursery early on to ensure that you end up with something that works for both parent and baby! Also, with the current madness sweeping the world, don't assume that you can get hold of materials quickly and easily!

Trust me, you'll have plenty to keep you busy, once your little one has arrived so there's no better time to get started with your nursery design than right now.

To help with your baby nursery design, I was delighted to speak with Naomi Coe, the author of Your Perfect Nursery. Naomi is an interior designer, who specialises in nurseries so she knows her stuff and her book is a must for any expecting parent.

In this episode you'll hear Naomi share some great insights and tips on creating the nursery of your dreams. After all, it's your space where you should feel comfortable and cozy and safe and when you feel that way, then the baby will feel that way.

And much more!

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!

Have you ever taken the time to examine your messaging and belief systems? It's an extremely important step for us to all take in our lives to help us understand ourselves better and what makes us tick. There's no better time to get started than when you become a mum or are pregnant.

After all, the belief systems that you take on board about pregnancy, birth, motherhood, who you are as a person, your ability to cope with various situations, feels like a lot to try and overcome in a 9 month period.

You won't want to miss the wealth of information and insights shared by this week's guest Ria Oliver from the Maternal Wellbeing Foundation, who is an emotional health coach. Ria is passionate about helping mums thrive rather than survive in motherhood. You'll hear Ria talk about ways to enjoy your motherhood journey without anxiety, overwhelm or fear holding you back.

You'll hear Ria talk about:-

• Understanding and identifying the different types of anxiety that you are experiencing.
• Understanding your natural thinking style and how it can work against you.
• How being emotionally in control helps you to deal with change positively and confidently.

And much more!

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!