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#200 - What if calm isn’t something you need to create — but something that grows when you slow down and truly notice? In this milestone 200th episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, Helen Thompson reflects on five years of podcasting, decades of childcare experience, and what she’s learned about babies, overwhelm, and the quiet pressure first-time mums carry. Rather than doing more, this episode offers a gentle pause — a chance to reset, breathe, and reconnect with what really supports babies and the mums who care for them. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why babies respond so differently to calm versus overwhelmHow slowing down helps babies feel safe enough to be themselvesWhy “calm” is something babies grow into — not something they arrive withHow acknowledging a baby’s feelings builds trust and emotional securityA gentler rhythm for First Time Mum’s Chat as it moves forward Helen also shares why she’s expanding the podcast into YouTube, and how this next chapter is focused on deeper connection, visual learning, and creating space — not noise. Whether you’re listening while feeding, walking with the pram, or taking a quiet moment for yourself, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out. You are learning your baby. You are finding your rhythm. And you are doing enough. 🎧 Listen now and let this episode meet you where you are. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/200.

#199 - Baby walkers, jumpers, and exersaucers are some of the most popular baby devices on the market — but are they really helping your little one learn to stand and walk, or could they be holding them back? In this episode, Helen Thompson breaks down the surprising truths many parents never hear about how these devices impact a baby’s hips, posture, balance, and overall development. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience and her recent work with six-month-old twins, Helen gently explains why babies placed in upright positions before their bodies are ready often develop compensations like knee-locking, toe-walking, back-arching, and delayed milestones. You’ll hear why these devices aren’t “bad” — but why awareness matters, and how simple movements like rolling, wriggling, tummy time, and floor play build the strongest foundations for confident walking later on. Whether you already use baby gear like jumpers or you’re thinking of buying one, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance to help you support your baby’s natural development in a safe and empowering way. Helen also shares a special end-of-year update — including an exciting announcement about the upcoming 200th episode — and invites you to reflect on the key question of this episode: “Is my baby’s body truly ready for the positions these devices put them in?” Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/199.

#198 - If bedtime has started to feel stressful, tense, or full of tears (for you and your baby), you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 gentle soothing techniques that can help your baby feel safe, settle more easily, and relax into calmer, happier nights. You’ll learn: How to read your baby’s cues so you can support them before overwhelm hitsA simple jawline + toe reflexology routine to ease teething and tensionHow to use your breath and voice to help your baby regulateA calming back massage story that brings emotional grounding and connectionWhy your calm is the key ingredient — even when settling takes time If you’re ready to bring a little more peace into your evenings and feel more confident soothing your baby, this episode will help you build rhythms that truly support both of you. 👉 Show notes: mybabymassage.net/podcast/198

If you’ve ever stood in a baby store aisle thinking, “Which stroller is actually right for me?” — you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing 7 smart questions that every first-time mum should ask before buying a baby stroller, so you can avoid the overwhelm and choose one that truly fits your lifestyle. You’ll learn: ✅ How to find a stroller that matches your day-to-day routine — not just what looks good in the shop ✅ Simple ways to save money and skip costly “must-have” mistakes ✅ How to balance comfort, safety, and practicality without feeling pressured by trends If you’re ready to feel confident about your stroller choice and enjoy those first walks with your baby feeling calm and stress-free, this episode will help you shop smarter and spend wiser. 👉 Check out the show notes at mybabymassage.net/podcast/197.

If you’ve ever stared at a baby shopping list wondering, “Do I really need all this?” — you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 baby essentials I truly love and recommend for those first few months, plus the 4 popular items that usually just collect dust. You’ll learn: How to simplify your shopping list without missing what matters mostThe key baby items that make daily life calmer and easierCommon “must-haves” that end up forgotten after a few weeks If you’re ready to save money, reduce clutter, and focus on what really helps you and your baby thrive, this episode will help you start small and stress less. Check out the show notes at mybabymassage.net/podcast/196.

Discover three simple but powerful techniques that can transform your day-to-day with a newborn. In this episode, I talk with Hannah Eccles of Oscha Slings about how smart sling choices, safety tweaks, and wearing practices can calm fussiness, enhance bonding, and give you more freedom (yes, your hands back!). You’ll learn: Which fabric types help regulate baby’s temperatureHow to use positioning to soothe reflux or unsettled momentsConfidence-boosting tips for first-time mums just starting out If you’ve ever wondered “Will a sling really help me survive the early days?”, this is your answer. Tune in and walk away with real, actionable hacks you can try today.Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/195.

Are your white noise infant habits helping — or secretly wrecking sleep? I break down 5 costly mistakes with white noise sleep sounds and sound machines—and the quick fixes that make nights calmer, safer, and easier. Which one are you making? You’ll learn: The safe volume & distance rule that protects little earsWhen to use white noise—and when to switch it offA gentle 7-night fade to reduce dependence without tearsThe sleep sounds that soothe (and the ones that disrupt)How to avoid timer-click wake-ups and midnight panic If this helped, follow the show and share it with a tired mom — every play supports the podcast.Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/194.

Should you use a dummy for your newborn — or is there a gentler way to soothe them? In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, I’m exploring 7 shocking downsides of newborn dummies and sharing simple, calming alternatives that really work. You’ll learn: Why over-reliance on dummies can delay self-soothing and even affect speech.How newborn dummies can become a habit that’s tricky to break later.Gentle, sensory-rich strategies — from music to baby massage — that help your baby feel safe and settled without depending on a dummy. Whether you call it a dummy or a pacifier, you’ll discover practical tools to comfort your baby and build lasting connection right from the start. 👉 If you’ve ever wondered how to ease your infant without relying on dummies, this episode is packed with ideas to help you feel calmer and more confident. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of First Time Mum’s Chat. For links and resources mentioned, check the show notes at mybabymassage.net/podcast/193.

Ever wondered how to nurture sibling love without the sibling rivalry—or the tears? In this heartwarming episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, we share 5 powerful, practical steps you can take today to foster bonding newborn and toddler… and yes, you’ll do it without tears! We dive into: Creating a special helper role that makes your toddler feel big and importantEstablishing a comforting big sibling routine filled with predictability and funPreparing them emotionally with engaging stories and baby-inclusive ritualsEncouraging toddler-friendly bonding moments during baby careCelebrating their growing role and validating big emotions—without overwhelm These positive steps for sibling bonding are gently explained, joyous, and especially designed for real-life family rhythms. Whether you're desperate to ease toddler jealousy or simply seeking stress-free ways to bond your toddler with your infant, this episode is your roadmap to a loving, harmonious home. Hit play to support your toddler in becoming the confident, caring big sibling they were born to be. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/192.

Feeling unsure about your feeding choices? You’re not alone. In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, I share 5 pieces of infant feeding advice to help you let go of guilt and feel more confident — whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, combo feeding, or still figuring it out. We’ll bust some of the most common and harmful myths about feeding your baby, including why “breastfeeding is natural so it should be easy” isn’t the whole story, and why flexibility in feeding is a strength, not a weakness. You’ll walk away with clarity, reassurance, and practical tips you can use right now. What you’ll learn in this episode: 5 infant feeding myths that cause unnecessary guiltWhy both breast and bottle feeding can build deep bondsHow to respond when pain or challenges ariseThe truth about switching feeding methodsHow to focus on presence, love, and connection over method Whether you’re navigating newborn days or adjusting feeding routines, this episode will help you breathe easier and trust yourself more. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/191.

#190 - Discover the real, sometimes brutal truths behind the breastfeeding journey: Why pain, guilt & exhaustion don’t mean you’re “doing it wrong”What cluster feeding does to your mind and bodyThe hidden emotional toll few talk aboutSecret hacks that saved mum’s sanity 🍼 If you’ve ever wondered “Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?”, this feels like a supportive chat with your best friend. Press play to learn what they never warned you—and find comfort, community & clarity. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/190.

#189 - Feeling judged for how you're feeding your baby — or second-guessing every decision? You’re not alone. In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, I explore 5 common infant feeding difficulties that far too many mums face in silence — from painful breastfeeding and bottle-feeding guilt, to lack of support, emotional overwhelm, and the pressure to get it “right.” You’ll hear: Why “fed is best” isn’t always enough to ease mum guiltWhat helped one mum finally feel relief after switching to formulaHow to push back against judgment (internal and external)Reassurance that your baby being nourished and loved is what matters most Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, doing both — or still figuring it out — this episode is a gentle reminder that your journey deserves compassion, not criticism. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/189.

#188 - Is your toddler out of control — throwing meltdowns, resisting transitions, or bouncing off the walls with no off switch? You're not alone, and there is a way through it that doesn’t involve yelling, bribing, or giving up. In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, I’m sharing 5 genius reset routines that help bring calm, connection, and cooperation back into your day. These are real tools I’ve used time and again in my years of childcare — from playful tidy-up dances to Brain Gym-style movements that soothe both overstimulated toddlers and frazzled mums. You’ll hear personal stories, simple strategies, and why movement — not control — is often the key to shifting chaos into calm. Whether you're dealing with toddler tantrums, daily resistance, or just need a reset of your own, this episode is packed with ideas to help you both thrive. 🎧 Press play to discover how to turn meltdowns into moments of joy — using these 5 genius reset routines for toddlers. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/188.

#187 - Is your baby taking their first wobbly steps—or still hesitating to let go of your hand? In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, we explore what really helps babies move from unsure to unstoppable… without rushing them. You’ll discover: 7 gentle strategies to encourage walking confidenceWhy rhythm and repetition work wonders for coordinationWhen to step in—and when to lovingly let goHow music and movement support emotional growthReal-life stories to reassure and inspire your parenting journey Host Helen Thompson, baby massage instructor and early childhood educator, shares her personal experiences and practical tips to help you support your little one with calm, confidence, and connection. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/187.

#186 - Is your baby starting to pull up, cruise along furniture, or bounce to music? In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, I explore how rhythm, song, and simple play can help your baby build balance and confidence—without rushing those big milestones. I share one of my favorite nannying stories that shows just how magical movement and music can be in supporting your little one’s development. Whether they’re wobbling, swaying, or clapping mid-walk, these joyful moments matter. 🎶 Tune in to discover playful ways to support your baby’s next steps—with connection, rhythm, and calm. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/186.