Laura Birek, Shanna Micko

Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Kids EN ↓ 463 episodes

Getting a big fat positive pregnancy test (your BFP!) is just the beginning of a wild, emotional and often funny ride into parenthood, and "Big Fat Positive" is here for you through it all. On this weekly podcast, hosts Shanna and Laura share their pregnancies and parenthood in real time, starting at just eight weeks pregnant. They tell hilarious true stories, tackle tough parenting topics, share favorite tips and products, explore the wild and wacky corners of parenthood, and bring in expert guests for trustworthy insight on pregnancy, babies, mental health and more. Whether you’re newly preg...

Author

Laura Birek, Shanna Micko

Category

Kids

Podcast website

art19.com

Latest episode

Jul 6, 2026

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Episodes

Ep. 138: Was That a Braxton Hicks or a Real Contraction? 22.02.2021

Laura is 8 days away from her scheduled c-section, and she just may have experienced her first real contraction. Also, her toddler has been having a potty training setback, and she explains why. Shanna tries to figure out a mystery rash on her 2-year-old and struggles to understand her burgeoning language. In the special segment “They Said What,” Laura and Shanna talk about emoji confusion, c-sect...

Ep. 137: Baby Kicks, Cervix Checks and Parenting Burnout 15.02.2021

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura cover toddler hairdos, cervix ripening and more! Also, Laura talks about counting baby kicks, and Shanna reports on her toddler’s latest obsession. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s toddler is 2 years old. Laura is 36 weeks pregnant. This episode's show notes - http...

Ep. 136: Toddler vs Preschooler 08.02.2021

Laura wonders if her baby is moving down in preparation for birth, and she celebrates her toddler’s second birthday! Shanna does some out-of-the-box activities to keep her kids entertained, and she wonders if she should stop referring to her 2-year-old as a toddler. Also, in the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Shanna and Laura quiz each other on fascinating baby- and parenting-related facts, inc...

Ep. 135: Preparing for Baby #2 01.02.2021

Laura is 34 weeks pregnant, and this week she talks about preparing her toddler for the birth of baby number two as well as planning for her hospital stay during the COVID pandemic. Shanna reports on her two-year-old’s emergence from a developmental leap. In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Laura recounts a terrifying tale of an unwelcome visitor, and Shanna talks about her herculean effort to brin...

Bonus: Listener Questions - Baby Names, Mom Guilt, Breastfeeding Tips and More! 27.01.2021

Laura and Shanna continue their “Checkin’ the Inbox” segment from Episode 134 and answer more listener questions! They discuss favorite baby names, breastfeeding tips, mom guilt and more! This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-listener-questions-baby-names-mom-guilt-breastfeeding-tips-and-more | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook -...

Ep. 134: Unsolicited Advice, Parent Preference and More 25.01.2021

In the segment “Checkin’ the Inbox,” Laura and Shanna answer listener questions about everything from dealing with unsolicited advice from family members to whether Laura will be going for a VBAC or planned C-section. Also, Laura talks about expressing and collecting colostrum in advance of giving birth, and Shanna reports on her daughter’s two-year sleep regression. Finally, they reveal their BFP...

Ep. 133: Parenting Decisions You Can't Go Back On 18.01.2021

This week, Shanna has regrets about some of her parenting decisions, and Laura finds out why she’s been feeling so much intense baby movement during her pregnancy. Also, in the special segment “Mom Confessions,” Shanna and Laura dive into the topics of hiding from your kids, shower secrets and more! Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 years old, and Laura’s...

Ep. 132: What Happens During a C-Section 11.01.2021

Laura and Shanna dive into the fascinating worlds of c-section surgery, practice babies, embryo adoption and more in this week’s special segment “Today I Learned.” Also, Laura reports on a cookie-baking activity gone wrong, and Shanna describes her toddler’s second birthday party and 2-year check up at the pediatrician. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 2 y...

Ep. 131: How to Build a Community as a New Parent 04.01.2021

Shanna talks about the big surprise she had at 5:45 a.m. and discusses her toddler’s first haircut. Laura bemoans her painful week of pregnancy and marvels at the sweet phrases her toddler has started saying. Also, Shanna and Laura interview Karen Stoteraux and Kim-Lan Dovan from The Family Room about how to build connections and a community when you become a new parent. Finally, they reveal their...

Ep. 130: Birth Control, TV Time and Hot Tubs 28.12.2020

In the segment “Loose Ends,” Laura and Shanna give updates on topics they’ve left hanging in previous episodes, from whether Laura has reinstated TV time for her toddler, to what Shanna has done with her frozen embryos and more! Also, Laura wonders if her fetus is growing in spurts, and Shanna agonizes over her toddler’s potty-training regression. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the w...

Bonus: 2020 Wrap Up - Our Biggest Laughs, Challenges and Hopes 27.12.2020

As 2021 approaches, Shanna and Laura are wrapping up a chaotic and joy-filled year of parenting, and in this bonus episode, they reflect on the last 12 months as moms of little ones who’ve transitioned from babies to full-fledged toddlers. They keep it real as they look back on 2020, from the biggest laughs, to the deepest challenges, to their hopes for the new year, to their favorite podcasts to...

Ep. 129: Our Favorite Mom Hacks 21.12.2020

Shanna and Laura introduce a brand-new segment called “What the Hack?” in which they talk about all their favorite mom hacks. They discuss everything from tricks to calming newborns to potty training tips and more! Also, Shanna rejoices about finally solving her toddler’s early morning wakings, and Laura bemoans her toddler’s skipped naps. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Sha...

Ep. 128: False Positive Pregnancy Tests 14.12.2020

Laura discusses the very unsettling pregnancy hazard of tripping over everything, and Shanna talks about receiving unexpected pregnancy test results. Also, in the segment “Gripe Water,” Shanna and Laura serve up all their passionate complaints about toothbrushes, trimesters and more! Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 23 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 22...

Bonus: “They Said What?!” 11.12.2020

Shanna and Laura bring you more “They Said What?!” stories about the weird, funny or outrageous things people have said to them about pregnancy, parenting or trying to conceive. They also include listener stories about all the wacky, wild and offensive things people have said to them recently! This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-they-said-what | Get social - Instagra...

Ep. 127: Big Feelings 07.12.2020

In this week’s special segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura and Shanna have big feelings about inadequate toddler proofing and unusual children’s toys. Also, Shanna talks about being thrust into potty training by her take-charge toddler, who has decided it is go-time, and Laura discusses her toddler’s response to stressful times, which reveals itself in big feelings and big meltdowns. Finally, th...

Ep. 126: Sexually Charged Pregnancy Newsletters 30.11.2020

Laura reports on her pregnancy glucose screening and her toddler’s emerging communication skills, and Shanna talks about her toddler’s unexpected reaction to a recent visit with her grandparents. Also, in the special segment “Internet Insanity” Shanna and Laura discuss pregnancy newsletters that won’t let up on the sex talk and what to do with lost baby teeth. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and B...

Ep. 125: False Labor or Gas Pain? 23.11.2020

Shanna talks about having mixed feelings about her toddler’s blossoming independence, and Laura reports on her late-night rendezvous with stomach cramps that had her wondering if she was unexpectedly going into early labor. Also, in the special segment “They Said What?!” Laura and Shanna discuss talking toys and tattling preschoolers. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s...

Bonus: Shanna and Laura’s Holiday Gift Guide 18.11.2020

Shanna and Laura give you a head start with your holiday shopping by discussing some of their very favorite items for newborns, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, new parents, pregnant people and those trying to conceive. They also share their plans for the upcoming holiday season. Our holiday gift guide - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/gifts This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodca...

Ep. 124: Nesting Isn’t Just for the Birds 16.11.2020

This week, Laura talks about her pregnancy nesting instinct kicking into overdrive, and Shanna wonders if she should drop her toddler’s nap. Also, in the special segment “Throwback,” Shanna reflects back on the time in 1996 that she spontaneously got a haircut, how it all went wrong, and how her mom saved the day. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 22 months...

Ep. 123: Dealing with Toddler Sleep Regression 09.11.2020

Shanna discusses her toddler’s sleep regression and how a very unexpected event at bedtime messed up her plan to get things back on track. Laura talks about experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions and her tips for getting them to subside. Also, in the special segment “Throwback,” Laura rewinds back to the mid-90s to tell a story about how her mom handled a very disappointing situation. Finally, th...

Ep. 122: Should I Have a VBAC? 02.11.2020

This week, Laura considers having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and she reports on her conversation with her OB-GYN about the option. Shanna discusses her toddler’s new favorite vocabulary word and her emerging interest in using the potty. Also, in the segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura reveal the odd, hilarious and possibly embarrassing parenting-related topics they hav...

Ep. 121: Parenting with Kindness, Even When It’s Hard AF 26.10.2020

In the segment “Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition,” Laura and Shanna reveal some wild, hilarious and unexpected things they’ve done since becoming parents. Also, Shanna talks about implementing a new parenting practice based on advice in the book “Raising Your Spirited Child,” and Laura discusses how her toddler’s imaginative play has ramped up lately. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs f...

Bonus: Halloween Fun and Fortune-Telling 23.10.2020

Shanna and Laura get in the Halloween spirit by divulging their plans for a socially distanced holiday in this out-of-the-ordinary year, revealing their families’ costumes and sharing some special Halloween-themed BFPs. They also get prophetic in the special segment “ESP with BFP,” where they consult a special oracle about the future. This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bo...

Ep. 120: Oh Sh*t, It’s Potty Time 19.10.2020

Laura talks about her exciting week of potty training her toddler, feeling baby kicks and going to her 20-week anatomy scan. Shanna reports on her toddler’s progress toward the two-year milestones and her newfound ability to express defiance. Also, in another exciting round of “Stump the Moms,” Shanna and Laura grill each other with baby- and parenting-related trivia questions, diving into the top...

Bonus: Pregnancy Do-Overs, COVID Baby Showers, Frozen Embryos and More 16.10.2020

Laura and Shanna wrap up their “Checkin’ the Inbox” segment from Episode 118 and answer more listener questions. They discuss frozen embryos, pregnancy do-overs, COVID baby showers and more! This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-more-listener-questions-purees-adoption-teen-moms-and-more | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Facebook - https...

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