Join us as we open up about the comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments from our family life, and how these experiences shape our relationships. We share a laugh over our driving antics and reveal the candid, yet adorable, language faux pas of our son, while also touching on the challenges of parenting our teenage daughter. Listen in as we recount these personal anecdotes with a blend of humour and reality that any family can relate to, giving you a peek into the chaotic, yet joyous, balance of work, parenting, and maintaining a loving partnership.

As we navigate the often misunderstood world of labour and postpartum care, we aim to shed light on epidurals' true impact on labour progression and breastfeeding, backed by current studies and medical insights. From debunking the myth of a 'lazy baby' due to pain relief choices to emphasizing the significance of immediate bonding after a cesarean section, our conversation is geared toward empowering mothers with knowledge and confidence. Tune in for an informative session that breaks down misconceptions and encourages a guilt-free approach to birth and breastfeeding, reassuring moms that their presence and connection with their newborn is paramount for a healthy start.

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We are sharing Episodes of Keeping Up with the Khuffashians from Behind the Headstuff Plus Paywall until Baby Tribe Returns on Tuesday January 21st!

As the laundry folded itself into comedic heaps, my partner and I navigated the quirky misadventures of domestic life, offering our listeners a peek behind the curtain where professional expertise meets the chaos of family dynamics. Warmed by laughter and the nostalgic glow of my mother's household preservation tactics, we share insights into the tender balance that shapes our relationships and daily living. From the light-hearted anecdotes of shared chores to the profound influence of our childhoods, we reveal how these experiences craft the narrative of our approach to family and work.

The digital age has parents wading through a sea of screens, often leaving us wondering about the impact on our kids' burgeoning language skills. We dissect a pivotal JAMA Pediatrics study with our analytical scalpels, scrutinizing its findings on the interplay between screen exposure and the verbal milestones of little ones. Lena technology comes into the mix as a novel way to eavesdrop on the acoustic environment of children—innovative, yes, but not without its own set of limitations and potential biases. We navigate these complex waters with a critical eye and a supportive stance, understanding the guilt that weighs on modern parents while advocating for a balanced approach to tech usage.

In our final act, stories of our own kids paint vivid portraits of language development in diverse screen time environments. We chuckle over the universal slip-ups of parenthood and the endearing eccentricities of our family's Irish lingo, all while underscoring the irreplaceable value of reading to children. This episode isn't just about the data; it's about the heartwarming, relatable journey through parenting, the stumbles, the triumphs, and everything in between. Join us for a hearty discussion that's sure to resonate with anyone who's ever faced the juggling act of raising kids in our ever-connected world.

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Happy New Year HeadStuff Listeners!

As a special New Year’s treat, we’ve compiled the very best moments from all our HeadStuff shows into one episode. Relive the laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments of 2024!

To find your favourite HeadStuff shows go to the timestamps below.

This is a HeadStuff Podcast produced by Hilary Barry. Edited by Claire Patena. Hosted by Hilary Barry and Jack Kelly.

1:40 - The Lovely Show 

4:55 - Young Hot Guys 

6:24 - Listen, I’m, Delicious 

8:00 - The G Spot 

10:11 - The Baby Tribe 

13:08 - Fad Camp 

15:59 - For Tech Sake 

18:16 - The Greatest Matter 

19:55 - Double Love 

21:35 - Keep It Tight 

23:37 - Agony Rants 

26:30 - I Know That Face

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As we take a break over Christmas we have released another episode of Keeping Up with the Khuffashians for you to listen to!

Embark on a riveting exploration of how the tapestry of our lives—woven with threads of family, medicine, and culture—influences us from the moment we are born. Alongside us, Anne and Afif, you'll venture into the intimate and complex world of maternal health and birth, seen through the lens of our personal experiences at the Rotunda Hospital. Our conversation transcends the professional, as we unfold the charming blend of Arab and Irish heritage within our own family, and how this multiculturalism enriches our children's identities.

Imagine navigating life with not one, not two, but three passports! Our son Faisal's globetrotting potential as the ultimate "spy" may bring a chuckle, but we also delve into the serious implications of discrimination and acculturation on developing minds. We share insights from a study that sheds light on how a mother's encounters with prejudice during pregnancy might echo through her child's brain, affecting areas linked to emotional well-being and social interactions. The narrative weaves in our daughter Maggie's experiences, too, as we celebrate and scrutinize the dynamics of a family with a rich cultural palette.

As we recount a harrowing emergency scenario, we tap into the raw and universal emotions that surface during times of crisis. The poignant story of a healthcare team's race against time after a pedestrian accident serves as a reminder of life's inherent fragility. We're all interlinked, our shared experiences and struggles uniting us in an unspoken bond. Join us for this powerful episode that not only examines the intricate connections between our brains and our backgrounds but also honors the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartbreaking circumstances.

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We are sharing 4 episodes of Keeping Up With the Khuffashians with You over 4 weeks until Baby Tribe Season 5 is Back!

When Anne playfully snatched my phone to type in her number, little did I know it was the beginning of a partnership not just in life but also in fostering deeper understanding of the medical world. Join us, Afif and Anne, as we intertwine the personal with the professional, sharing the colorful tapestry of our lives as a neonatologist and obstetric anesthesiologist. This is not your average medical podcast; it's a journey through the captivating intricacies of the human body, with a twist of family lore and the occasional banter about our day-to-day.

Ever wondered about the tiny tenants that call your body home? The microbiome is a hot topic, but we're not here to oversimplify it. Instead, we're breaking down the complexities of these bacterial ecosystems, explaining their profound impact on everything from your immune system to your mental health. Our shared stories and discussions uncover the delicate dance between our bodies and the microorganisms they host. And yes, we might get a little passionate about the subject—bear with us; it's all part of the fun.

We wrap up with a heartfelt shoutout to our five steadfast listeners— you know who you are. Your unwavering support is the backbone of this quirky expedition into the world of medical marvels and the occasional home improvement aspiration. Whether this is your first encounter with our podcast or you've been here since the very start, we're thrilled to have you along for the ride. So, settle in, and let's keep the conversation lively, informative, and full of surprises.

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Can mothers really juggle holiday chaos while sipping on a Christmas cocktail? Buckle up for a laughter-filled ride through our latest Baby Tribe episode as we explore the festive spirit and the exhilarating superpowers of motherhood. Anne takes centre stage, joined by Katie Mugan from nursingmama.ie, Laura Dowling, the Fabulous Pharmacist, and Aoife Harvey from Woman's Health Dublin, promising to sprinkle some innuendo that might just land us on Santa's naughty list. As we bid adieu to this season, we're gifting you four unlocked episodes of Keeping Up With the Khuffashians to keep the holiday cheer alive during our break.

 Join us as we tackle the intricate dance of balancing societal expectations and personal responsibilities that many women face. We shine a spotlight on the remarkable multitasking abilities of women, while also addressing the unfair pressures they endure. Through candid stories and amusing anecdotes, we aim to highlight the importance of sharing responsibilities within families and the need for societal changes that truly support women's multifaceted roles. From the bittersweet task of telling kids the truth about Santa Claus to parents finding themselves locked in peculiar situations by their clever toddlers, this episode promises a rollercoaster of hilarity and heartfelt moments.

 Our conversations take a cheeky turn as we delve into quirky anatomy topics and the joys and trials of intimate relationships, with a playful nod to the pursuit of the G-spot and the uniqueness of human bodies. We also serve up practical tips on pelvic floor health and breastfeeding during the festive season, encouraging a balanced diet full of fibre – yes, kiwis may just be your new best friend! So grab your favourite holiday drink, get comfy, and prepare for a merry mix of humour, honesty, and Christmas magic.

 Proudly Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie

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We are joined by Georgy Dillon, a personal trainer who made a fascinating leap from the world of estate agency to become a beacon of wisdom in perinatal fitness. Navigating the challenges and misconceptions of pregnancy fitness can be daunting, but Georgy is here to dismantle myths and empower mothers-to-be. Whether it’s tackling the dreaded pelvic girdle pain or busting myths around weightlifting during pregnancy, this episode is a friendly guide. We converse about real-life scenarios and strategies to maintain an active lifestyle while pregnant, emphasizing the importance of listening to our bodies and adapting routines. It’s all about staying informed, consulting specialists, and understanding that pregnancy doesn’t mean fragility but adaptability.

 As we transition to postpartum recovery, we explore the four R’s: Rest, Recover, Reconnect, and Rebuild, essential for any new mom. Georgy shares practical advice on nurturing pelvic floor health and how to gradually reintroduce exercise post-birth. From gentle breathing techniques to rebuilding core strength, these discussions aim to equip our listeners with the knowledge to embrace their postpartum bodies compassionately. We wrap up with a candid conversation on societal pressures, the realities of postpartum health, and the importance of self-care amidst the chaos of new motherhood. Join us for a hearty episode filled with laughs, empathy, and valuable takeaways.

 Prenatal exercise and its effects on postpartum mental health: systematic review and meta-analysis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39508925/ 

 Maternal and Fetal Cardiovascular Responses to Acute High-Intensity Interval and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Exercise During Pregnancy: A Randomized Crossover Trial. Sports Medicine. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37213048/ 

 Impact of heavy resistance training on pregnancy and postpartum health outcomes Previtt et al 2023

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36331580/ 

 Impact of postpartum physical activity on cardiometabolic health, breastfeeding, injury and infant growth and development: a systematic review and meta-analysis

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2024/10/07/bjsports-2024-108483#

 You can find Georgy here:

https://www.instagram.com/georgydillon_pt/

https://www.georgydillonpt.com

Proudly Sponsored by:

https://www.happytummy.ie/

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Imagine juggling a flourishing radio career with the beautiful chaos of raising three children. Paula MacSweeney, our guest for this episode, knows exactly what that feels like. Join Anne and me as we engage in a lively conversation with Paula, where laughter mingles with heartfelt stories about navigating the challenges and joys of parenthood. With our distinctive styles—Anne’s spontaneity and my penchant for planning—we craft an enlightening discussion that touches on everything from the hilarity of childhood memories to the more serious topics like managing stress and unsolicited parenting advice.

 A moment of particular poignancy comes as we dive into the emotional complexities surrounding ectopic pregnancies. We explore the profound impact of loss, the strength found in vulnerability, and the importance of compassionate support systems. Paula shares her own journey through this difficult experience, offering insights into how empathy and understanding can ease the path through grief and recovery. We also unravel the medical nuances of rare pregnancy scenarios, emphasizing the need for correct terminology and the shared experiences of isolation many feel during early pregnancy loss.

 The conversation then shifts to the digital realm, where the internet's dual nature becomes apparent. Social media emerges as both a sanctuary of empathy and a battleground of negativity. We recount stories of solace found online, where shared experiences unite communities and provide a modern village of support. As we wrap up, we celebrate the strength found in these connections, the distinctive birthing experiences, and the unique joys of motherhood. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling and the comfort of knowing that we are never alone on this parenting adventure.

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Parenting is a wild ride, filled with laughter, chaos, and more than a few surprises. Ever wondered if there's truly a "right" way to navigate the unpredictable journey of raising children? Join us for a special live recording of the Baby Tribe podcast, where hosts Afif, a seasoned paediatrician, and Anne, an accomplished obstetric anaesthetist, promise candid insights and humorous anecdotes. From their unexpected meeting during a late-night lock-in to the trials of parenting, their story is a testament to love's resilience and the unpredictable paths it can create.

In this heartwarming episode, we unravel the mysteries of newborn sleep patterns and the seemingly chaotic needs of infants. While parenting books might promise solutions, Afif and Anne share their real-life experiences of adapting to their daughter's unique rhythms, emphasizing that following your child's cues can lead to more peace and less stress. They also explore the quirks of teenagers' sleep habits and how these changes impact family dynamics, stressing the importance of flexibility and understanding throughout the different stages of a child's life.

Beyond the daily rollercoaster of parenting, we discuss the challenges of balancing work and family life, especially for mothers who often bear the brunt of societal expectations. There's a deep dive into the neurological differences in parental responses to a baby's cries, shedding light on the science behind our instincts. Additionally, the episode touches on the vital topic of social media influence and how to sift through the noise to find credible parenting information. With humour and honesty, Afif and Anne create a supportive community space where parents can feel connected and reassured, knowing they're not alone in their parenting adventures.

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Ranae von Meding, CEO of Equality for Children, shares her remarkable journey advocating for LGBTQ+ family rights in Ireland, rooted in her own experiences growing up in a religious household and facing personal health challenges. Her passionate fight for equality and legal recognition for LGBTQ+ families comes alive in our conversation, offering profound insights into the complexities of parenting within a same-sex relationship. Discover how Ranae's personal encounters with outdated laws and societal norms have shaped her mission, and learn about the progress and setbacks in achieving broader legal protections for LGBTQ+ families.

We unravel the intricacies of reciprocal IVF, a fertility method that brought hope yet highlighted significant legal challenges for same-sex couples in Ireland. Ranae opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of navigating these obstacles and sheds light on the substantial changes in the legal landscape over recent years. From the Children and Family Relationships Act of 2015 to the ongoing hurdles and triumphs, this episode offers a candid portrayal of what it takes to achieve equal parental rights in a society still catching up with the needs of its diverse families.

Additionally, we dive into the dual nature of advocacy work, exploring both the power and pitfalls of social media as a platform for change. Ranae reveals the emotional and psychological toll of fighting for human rights, both in the realm of LGBTQ+ issues and broader global concerns, such as advocating for Palestinians. Through her story, we envision an ideal Ireland—a place where all families, regardless of background or conception method, are recognized and protected. Whether you're navigating similar challenges or supporting the cause, this episode paints a vivid picture of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

You can reach Renae at: https://www.instagram.com/ranaevonmeding/

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