This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with regular guest Nina Clark as her son, Josh, hits the dynamic 7.5-month mark. Nina shares an honest update on a recent sleep regression, her questions about crawling, and the challenges of feeding a "social butterfly."

This episode is a must-listen guide to navigating this active and exciting stage:

The Crawling Question: Is your baby pulling up to stand but not yet crawling? Meg explains why crawling is a critical milestone for long-term development and why there's a wide range of "normal" (from 7.5 to 11.5 months).

Sleep Regression Hacks: Josh has started waking for 1-2 hours in the middle of the night. Meg provides a 5-point checklist for troubleshooting sleep issues, including the importance of movement, iron and magnesium supplements, deep pressure (weighted blankets), and ruling out congestion (glue ear).

Feeding a Social Butterfly: Nina shares her struggle with breastfeeding a distractible baby. We discuss the pros and cons of snacky feeds versus a more structured routine.

Iron & Your Baby's Health: Learn why iron is so important after six months and how to know if your baby might need a gentle supplement like Floradix.

This is a relatable and info-packed conversation for any parent with a baby on the move!

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 gear.

Episode References and Links:

Book: Weaning Sense by Meg Faure and Kath Megaw

Supplements Mentioned: Floradix Liquid Iron, Floradix Magnesium, CalMag Tissue Salts

📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

THE PARENT SENSE APP

📱 Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app : 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 podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list
• For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

Welcome to Season 8 of Sense by Meg Faure! In this powerful solo episode, Meg takes us back to the very beginning: the moment of birth. She explains the profound "sensory explosion" a newborn experiences as they transition from the calm, muted womb into our bright, loud, and unpredictable world. Understanding this is the key to a calmer, more confident start to your parenting journey.

Key discussion points include:

• The Newborn's Reality: What does birth really feel like for a baby? We explore the overwhelming sensory input they face.
• Your Baby's 8 Senses: An introduction to all eight sensory systems, from touch and sight to the lesser-known vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses.
• The Science of "Habituation": Learn why your baby startles easily and gets overwhelmed, and why their brain can't yet filter out unimportant information like an adult's can.
• Your Role as a Sensory Filter: Discover how you can act as your baby's external regulator, using simple techniques to create a calming environment.
• Secrets from the Womb: Meg explains why swaddling, white noise, rocking, and dim lights work so well—because they replicate the soothing sensory sanctuary of the womb.

This episode is a foundational guide for any expectant or new parent, providing the "why" behind your newborn's behavior and the practical tools to help them settle into our world with sense and connection.

Take the guesswork out of parenting with Meg’s expert-led routines. 📲 Download the Parent Sense App https://parentsense.app/

About Meg Faure: Meg Faure is a renowned Occupational Therapist, bestselling author of the 'Sense' series, and the founder of Parent Sense. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Meg specializes in baby care, sleep, and sensory processing, helping parents globally navigate the journey from pregnancy to toddlerhood with science-backed "sense." megfaure.com

Episode References and Links:

• Discount Code: Use SENSE50 for 50% off in the Parent Sense 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 to listen on Apple, Youtube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list

For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we close out Season 7 with a raw, honest, and incredibly powerful conversation. Meg is joined by Dr. Katlego Lekalakala (Dr. Kat), a beloved South African doctor and founder of "Clueless Mums," just four days before the birth of her second child. Dr. Kat opens up about her high-risk pregnancy journey, sharing her experience with gestational diabetes, a short cervix, and the profound emotional challenges of antenatal anxiety.

This is a must-listen for any expectant mother, offering:

• Real Talk on Second Pregnancies: Dr. Kat discusses the surprising differences between her first and second pregnancies, from intense nausea and fatigue to the emotional weight of a high-risk diagnosis.
• Gestational Diabetes Explained: Learn about the causes, risks for both mother and baby, and the best strategies for managing the condition through diet and self-care.
• Navigating Antenatal Anxiety: A candid conversation about the prevalence of anxiety and depression during pregnancy, the importance of asking for help, and preparing a support system for the postpartum period.
• Advocacy in Healthcare: Dr. Kat shares how she learned to collaborate with her medical team, feel in control of her pregnancy, and advocate for her own health needs.

This episode is a tribute to maternal resilience, offering medical insight, emotional honesty, and a powerful reminder that it's okay to struggle, and it's essential to ask for help.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Katlego "Kat" Lekalakala is a South African medical doctor specializing in Public Health and the founder of the parenting platform, Clueless Mums. She is a passionate advocate for accessible health education, empowering parents and teens to take control of their well-being. A wife and mother to her daughter Nia, Dr. Kat shares her personal and professional insights with honesty and warmth. You can follow her journey on Instagram at @DrK_Selikane.

Episode 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 FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social 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 podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list

For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with twin mom Zoe Brown and expert nurse Tasha Perreard as Zoe's boys hit the 6.5-month mark. This episode is a deep dive into the exciting and sometimes anxious transition when babies start rolling, which brings big changes to sleep routines and safety.

Key discussion points include:

• The Rolling Milestone: Zoe shares the joy and terror of her boys "rolling like little tumbleweeds." We discuss why this is a crucial developmental step and how to manage the transition out of swaddles and sleep positioners.
• Safe Sleep for Mobile Babies: Is it okay for your baby to sleep on their tummy? Meg and Tasha provide clear, reassuring advice on safe sleep once your baby can roll independently.
• Managing Different Sleepers: One twin sleeps through the night, but the other wakes frequently. We explore how sensory profiles impact sleep and offer practical solutions, like using a small weighted blanket for a more sensitive baby.
• Surviving "Dummy Runs": Tasha shares a game-changing tip for teaching your baby to find and replace their own dummy, helping to reduce night wakings.
• Daytime Routines & Sitting: Learn how to structure naps at this age and get creative tips for helping your baby practice sitting, like using a simple cardboard box for support.

This is a must-listen for any parent with a baby approaching the mobile stage, packed with expert advice and relatable moments.

About Our Guests:

• Zoe Brown: A well-known media personality and new mother to 6.5-month-old twin boys, Jordan and Luke. She shares her real-time experiences and questions on her parenting journey as a regular guest on the podcast.
• Tasha Perreard: A neonatal nurse and twin specialist based in Cape Town. As a twin mom herself, Tasha provides expert insights and practical advice for parents of multiples. You can find her practice, The Well Mother and Child Clinic, on Instagram @wmc_clinic.

Episode 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 FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social 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 podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list

For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we have an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with best-selling author and life coach, Caitlyn De Beer. As a mother of three who recently welcomed her third child at 40, Caitlin shares her profound journey, contrasting the experience with having her first two children and revealing the wisdom she's gained.

This episode is a must-listen for mothers at any stage:

• Motherhood in the thirties: Caitlyn gets real about the differences, from physical recovery to a newfound sense of presence and letting go of perfection.
• From Two Kids to Three: We discuss the practical and emotional transition of adding a third child to the family and how the dynamic shifts.
• The Power of Family Time: Learn about Caitlyn's new family devotional, "At the Well," a tool designed to bring families together weekly for conversation, connection, and faith.
• Starting Solids (Again!): A discussion on weaning a third baby, and how the approach has become more organic and less rigid over time, with a focus on gut health and real food.
• Sleep & Different Personalities: Caitlyn shares how she's navigating sleep with her "settled" baby, highlighting how different each child's temperament and needs can be.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder to embrace the season you're in, be present, and find joy in the simple, connected moments of family life.

About Our Guest:

Caitlyn De Beer is a best-selling South African author, life coach, preacher, and international speaker. A wife and mom of three, she previously lectured in Psychology at the university level. Caitlyn is passionate about inspiring individuals and audiences to live faith-filled lives. When she's not speaking or writing, you can find her on a run with her family, enjoying a quiet glass of wine, or finding inspiration at her beach house. Her new book, "At the Well," is a weekly family devotional designed to foster deeper faith and connection.

Episode References and Links:

• Book: "At the Well: A family devotional" is available at https://walkoutonthewater.com/ and on Instagram @caitlyndebeer.
• 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social 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/

For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

In this episode, we tackle the reality of a social butterfly's "milk strike," the crucial window for allergen exposure, and how to safely navigate baby-led weaning.

Must-Knows for Parents:

• Why just four milk feeds a day is enough for a healthy 6.5-month-old.
• The life-saving difference between choking and gagging during solids introduction.
• The importance of quickly introducing variety and allergens (like peanuts and fish) to build a healthy gut and prevent future picky eating.
• Simple activities to prepare your baby for crawling.

Nina Clark is a boy mum of two and the founder of Nightire, a sleepwear and bedding business specializing in 100% organic bamboo. Originally from South Africa, Nina joins Meg to share her honest and relatable journey navigating life with a second baby, Josh, as a busy entrepreneur.

Recommended Resources:

• Books: Weaning Sense and Feeding Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure.
• Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download the Parent Sense App here: https://parentsense.app/

Connect with Meg Faure

Web: megfaure.com Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
• Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts.
• Email episode feedback or guest nominations to [email protected].

From Beige to Buffet: Navigating Toddler Food Battles with Kath Megaw

Are you stuck in a daily battle over broccoli? Is your toddler’s diet consisting almost entirely of pasta, chips, and air? You are not alone.

In this episode of Sense by Meg Faure, Meg is joined by regular guest Julia, whose 4-year-old son Santi has firmly entered his "beige food era." To help navigate this hurdle, Meg brings in renowned paediatric dietitian and Weaning Sense co-author, Kath Megaw.

Together, they unpack the psychology behind picky eating, why pressure at the table backfires, and Kath’s revolutionary "Buffet Style" strategy.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Beige" Phase: Why toddlers naturally limit their palate between ages 2 and 5.
• Control Dynamics: How to hand autonomy back without compromising nutrition.
• The Toolkit: Strategies including the "Smorgasbord" approach and color charts.
• Nutritional Rehab: When to worry and how to use multivitamins effectively.
• Sensory Personalities: Why "social butterflies" and "slow-to-warm-up" children eat differently.
• Grandparents & Travel: Navigating treats and routine disruptions.

If you are exhausted by mealtime negotiations, this episode is your permission slip to stop the pressure and start having fun with food again.

Download the ParentSense App for expert advice and flexible routines tailored to your child.

About Our Guests:

• Kath Megaw: A Paediatric Dietitian, guest host of "Feeding Sense," and co-author of Weaning Sense and Mindful Meals.
• Julia: Mom to Santiago and Aurelia, sharing her honest and relatable parenting journey on the podcast.

Episode References & Links:

Books:

• Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure

ParentSense App:

• Download the all-in-one baby care app: ParentSense App

Connect with Meg Faure:

• Website: megfaure.com
• Instagram: @megfaure.sense
• Facebook: Meg Faure Sense

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe: Listen on your favorite platform.
• Review: Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts.
• Get Involved: Email [email protected] with feedback or guest nominations!

If you've ever tried to juggle two little ones, manage nap schedules, and still find time for yourself, this is your episode! Meg Faure is joined by regular guest Nina Clark, mum to five-and-a-half-month-old Josh and three-year-old Max, for an honest chat about the juggle of two under four.

Nina shares her real-world, adapted success with Josh's sleep, moving him from contact naps and being fed to sleep to independent sleep—showing how to make the advice your own. This conversation is an empathetic guide to easing the pervasive maternal guilt when splitting attention between siblings. Plus, they dive into the surprising power of less structure and why embracing boredom and unstructured time is the biggest gift you can give your toddler, fostering creativity and self-play.

About Our Guest:

Nina Clark is a boy mum of two, born and bred in South Africa. She recently returned to Cape Town after a solid stint of nearly nine years living in London. While abroad, Nina founded Nightire, her successful sleepwear and bedding business crafting functional yet fashionable bedtime gear from 100% organic bamboo.

Nina joins Meg Faure on Sense by Meg Faure to share her honest and relatable journey into motherhood times two, including the transition back to South Africa and navigating life with a second baby.

Episode References and Links:

Book: Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure

Toy Recommendation: Toniebox (Screen-free audio player)

📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

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 podcasts Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, co-author of Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense, Kath Megaw, takes over to host a powerful and practical conversation with award-winning Paediatrician Dr. Candice Shah. They dive into the crucial link between nutrition, immunity, and early childhood development, focusing on the vital period of the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

Dr. Shah and Kath break down how parents can intentionally break the cycle of repeated illness and poor nutrition by focusing on simple, holistic strategies. They reveal the five VIP nutrients essential for brain and immune system growth (and the sixth that aids absorption!), discuss the miracle of the gut-brain axis, and advocate for making food a space of connection over perfection. This episode is a supportive, practical guide to feeling less overwhelmed and more empowered about your child's health.

About Our Guests:

• Kath Megaw: A Paediatric Dietitian, guest host of "Feeding Sense," and co-author of "Weaning Sense" and "Mindful Meals." Kath is passionate about helping families navigate the complexities of childhood nutrition with practical, evidence-based advice.
• Dr. Candice Shah is an award-winning Paediatrician based at NET Care in One City Hospital, known for her holistic approach to child health and her focus on the first 1000 days. She has been recognised with the African Excellence Award for her collaborative approach that empowers families from various cultures and backgrounds.

Episode References and Links:

Books: Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure

📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social 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 podcasts Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we tackle a topic that causes immense stress for many parents: picky eating. Meg is joined by paediatric nutritionist Natalia Stasenko, creator of the innovative Easy Bites app, to delve into the 'perfect storm' of toddler feeding, understand its roots, and offer practical, compassionate solutions for bringing peace back to the table.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the complexities of their child’s eating habits:

• The "Perfect Storm": Understand why picky eating typically peaks between 12 and 24 months, driven by natural developmental shifts and changing nutritional needs.
• Beyond a Phase: Learn how to identify when picky eating might be more than just a typical stage, exploring intrinsic factors like sensory sensitivities, temperament, gastrointestinal issues, and when to consider conditions like ARFID.
• The Parent's Role: Unpack how parental anxiety profoundly impacts mealtime dynamics and contributes to feeding challenges, creating a "horrible cycle" that needs to be short-circuited.
• Two Keys to Calmer Meals: Discover the foundational principles of "safety and connection" as the core of a positive, bidirectional feeding relationship, allowing nutrition to sometimes take a backseat to long-term well-being.
• Responsive Feeding & Division of Responsibility: Gain practical insights into creating a structured yet flexible mealtime environment where parents provide what, when, and where, and children decide how much or whether to eat.
• Maximizing Accepted Foods: Learn strategies for using your child's favorite foods as a "safety blanket" while gently introducing variety and fostering natural curiosity in fresh ways.
• The Power of Shared Meals: Why eating together as a family is crucial for fostering a child's intrinsic curiosity and a healthy, playful relationship with food, moving away from restrictive "boundaries."
• The Easy Bites App: Learn how Natalia's digital tool provides personalized guidance, recipes, and psychological support to integrate the responsive feeding approach into busy family lives, complete with questionnaires and developmental timelines.
• Exclusive Offer: A special promo code for 6 months free access to the Easy Bites app!

About Our Guest: Natalia Stasenko: A paediatric nutritionist, guest lecturer at Columbia University, and co-author of child nutrition books like Baby-Led Weaning and Real Baby Food. After struggling with feeding her firstborn, Natalia specialized in feeding problems in children and now supports families in her private practice in New York and London. She is the creator of the Easy Bites app, designed to democratize knowledge and empower families to raise generations of happy and confident eaters.

Episode References and Links:

• 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.
• 📱 Easy Bites App – Natalia Stasenko's app for personalized picky eating guidance. Download it here: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1562987724&code=PARENTSENSE2025
• 🎁 Exclusive Promo Code for 6 months FREE Easy Bites App access: PARENTSENSE2025 (no spaces, no punctuation). Apply in the app store after download.