Episodes

  • 114: Home Birth: Choice, Safety, and What Informed Consent Needs

    114: Home Birth: Choice, Safety, and What Informed Consent Needs
    Jan 27 2026
    This week on The Baby Tribe, Afif and Anne return after the Christmas “break” (parenting, but with more chocolate) and ease back in with a totally non-controversial topic: home birth and free birth. We start by clearly separating free birth (no medical care, no trained attendant, outside healthcare infrastructure) from planned home birth (full antenatal care, risk assessment, trained midwife support, and an escalation plan). This episode is not about shaming women or taking choice away. It’s about risk, and what happens when birth stops being straightforward. We unpack what can go wrong for mothers, including postpartum haemorrhage and sepsis, and why peripartum deterioration can be sudden, making rapid multidisciplinary response crucial. Then we shift to babies, discussing why the initial steps of newborn resuscitation can happen at home, but more advanced interventions cannot, and why that matters when minutes count. We also talk about water birth, why labouring in water is different from delivering in water, and the rare but serious neonatal complications reported in the literature. Finally, we discuss Irish transfer realities using data from a recent audit of the HSE home birth service (2012–2021), including transfer rates and travel times, and why “transfer if needed” is not always the reassurance people think it is. If you’d like to support the podcast, subscribe to HeadStuff Plus for Baby Tribe Shorts, where we break down the science, the headlines, and listener questions. Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • New Season Coming Soon!

    New Season Coming Soon!
    Jan 23 2026
    New season of The Baby Tribe drops on HeadStuff Podcasts on Tuesday the 27th of January. Proudly Sponsored by BioGaia Ireland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    3 mins
  • 113: Understanding Infant Feeding & Growth

    113: Understanding Infant Feeding & Growth
    Nov 11 2025
    In this final episode of the year, we navigate the often perplexing world of baby growth patterns. New parents, it's time to take a deep breath! We’re here to reassure you that when it comes to your tiny human’s growth, the individual journey matters more than rigid centile expectations. From understanding why newborns might shed some birth weight initially, to celebrating those steady growth milestones, every story and insight is shared with the aim of easing your concerns. We even explore the cultural quirks of growth tracking, like the tales of our Irish babies and their adorably large heads causing quite the stir abroad! Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • 112: Emma Kehoe on Navigating Parenthood with Mindful Strategies

    112: Emma Kehoe on Navigating Parenthood with Mindful Strategies
    Nov 4 2025
    Life and mindfulness coach Emma Kehoe graces our latest episode with her unique journey from retail to mindful living, offering insights that could turn the tumultuous parenting experience into one of balance and joy. Emma's expertise shines as she discusses how mindfulness can empower parents to establish healthy boundaries and improve communication within their families. The episode is packed with relatable stories, from handling toddler tantrums with grace to reframing responses in challenging interactions. We explore the importance of patience and presence, offering practical tools for parents to maintain their sanity and humour amidst the demands of raising children. You can reach Emma on: https://empowerwithemma.com/ https://www.instagram.com/emmakehoe/ Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • 111: Dr Anne Doherty Unlocking the Truth About Epidurals

    111: Dr Anne Doherty Unlocking the Truth About Epidurals
    Oct 28 2025
    Anne, our resident expert anaesthetist, offers a candid look at the epidural procedure, breaking down the steps with precision and empathy. From the first sting of the local anaesthetic to the teamwork involved in ensuring comfort and safety, Anne and Afif shed light on how understanding the process can alleviate fear and guilt. For those curious about mobile epidurals, we explore the balance of pain relief and mobility along with the real-world challenges of making it accessible to all. Celebrate the resilience of women in childbirth and burst through the myths surrounding epidurals with our engaging, insightful episode that champions both clarity and comfort. Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • 110: Legal Insights and Support Strategies for Working Mothers

    110: Legal Insights and Support Strategies for Working Mothers
    Oct 20 2025
    Michelle Loughnane, an employment law solicitor, joins us to share her expertise on the overlooked yet prevalent issue of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. With insights drawn from her legal career and personal journey as a new mother, Michelle illuminates the challenges faced by pregnant employees. Her experiences working alongside the late Richard Grogan have enriched her perspective, allowing her to advocate passionately for women's rights in employment settings where their entitlements are often compromised. Proudly Sponsored by @happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 109: Guiding Families Through a Down Syndrome Diagnosis

    109: Guiding Families Through a Down Syndrome Diagnosis
    Oct 13 2025
    Unlock the keys to compassionate communication and discover transformative support for families with newborns diagnosed with Down syndrome. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Silvia Segales-Angel, an early intervention specialist from Down Syndrome Ireland, and Emer O'Sullivan, mother of the spirited Maisie. We'll shed light on the powerful Tell it Right program, which aims to guide healthcare professionals in delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis with empathy and clarity. Emer shares her candid experience, emphasizing the profound impact of language and early support on her journey with Maisie. Through this episode, we offer guidance on navigating the overwhelming influx of information, fostering a supportive environment where families can thrive together. For more information: https://downsyndrome.ie/ Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • 108: Professor Maeve Eogan on Insights into Sexual Assault Treatment and Care

    108: Professor Maeve Eogan on Insights into Sexual Assault Treatment and Care
    Oct 6 2025
    Professor Maeve Eogan, a leading voice in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Rotunda Hospital, offers her profound insights into the world of sexual assault treatment and care. As the national clinical lead for Ireland's Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs), she shares her expertise and personal experiences, shedding light on the patient-centred care that defines SATUs. Our conversation unveils the unique collaboration between maternity services and SATUs, particularly in instances of sexual assault during pregnancy, emphasizing the critical need for long-term support and trauma-informed care. For more information: https://www2.hse.ie/services/satu/ https://www.rapecrisisireland.ie/ To donate visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SATU25 Sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins