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

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Ep. 119: Terrible Twos, Here We Come! 12.10.2020

This week, Shanna reports on her toddler’s feisty confidence and tiffs with her sister, and Laura shares tips on how to beat pregnancy reflux. Also, in the segment “Mom Wins!,” Laura tells a tale of her ninja-like instincts that saved her toddler a trip to the ER, and Shanna recounts the time she attempted to chase down the elusive Magical Christmas Truck. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs...

Bonus: More Listener Questions - Purees, Adoption, Teen Moms and More! 09.10.2020

Laura and Shanna continue their “Checkin’ the Inbox” segment from Episode 118 and answer more listener questions! They discuss the transition from purees to solid foods, adoption, pregnancy modifications when you have a toddler, advice for teen moms and more. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-more-listener-questions-purees-adoption-teen-moms-and-more | Get social...

Ep. 118: You Asked. We Answered! 05.10.2020

In the segment “Checkin’ the Inbox” Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about everything from sleep loss, to sore boobs, to hemorrhoids during pregnancy and more! Also, Laura reports on her unexpected reaction to people commenting on her pregnant belly and reveals her shocking decision about her toddler’s screen time, and Shanna talks about her toddler’s out-of-control biting behavior and b...

Ep. 117: Toddler Independence Is Terrific (and Terrifying) 28.09.2020

In the segment “Today I Learned,” Laura and Shanna dive into the topics of a controversial birthing practice, how to remove an item stuck in a toddler’s nose, the truth about digital pregnancy tests and more! Also, Shanna reports on her mixed feelings about her toddler’s growing independence, and Laura talks about her daredevil toddler’s unique way of dealing with getting hurt. Finally, they revea...

Ep. 116: Plus-Size Pregnancy with Jen McLellan 21.09.2020

Shanna and Laura talk with the founder of Plus Size Birth and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast, Jen McLellan, about the challenges plus-size people face when pregnant, her journey to becoming an advocate for plus-size pregnancy, advice on finding body-positive care providers and more! You can find Jen and all her resources at https://plussizebirth.com. Also, Laura reports on feeling baby kicks much...

Bonus: Pandemic Preschool and Prenatal Checkups 18.09.2020

In part nine of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Shanna and Laura check in on how they’re doing during the coronavirus pandemic. Shanna talks about her decision to homeschool her kids for preschool, and Laura reports on what her prenatal visits to her OBGYN are like at this time. They also include a listener story and a listener question about making the decision to try to conceive...

Ep. 115: Why Is My Toddler Biting People? 14.09.2020

In the segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna divulge some of their deepest, darkest, most hilarious mom secrets, as they dive into the topics of dirty diapers, lying to toddlers, forbidden pregnancy foods and more! Also, Shanna discusses her toddler’s new habit of biting people, and Laura talks about trying to stop the medication she’s taking for her morning sickness. Finally, they reveal th...

Ep. 114: Pregnancy Scans, Toddler Manners and Mom Rage 07.09.2020

In the segment “Gripe Water,” Laura and Shanna vent about the parenting-related things that send them into a rage spiral, including a beloved children’s toy and a widely shared meme. Also, Laura reports on her recent NT scan, and Shanna talks about her toddler’s newly budding manners (and head banging). Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 19 months old, and L...

Ep. 113: Allowing Your Toddler to Struggle 31.08.2020

In the new segment “Loose Ends,” Shanna and Laura provide updates on past topics from the podcast, including what’s going on with Laura’s son’s modeling agent, how Shanna solved her toddler’s 5:00 a.m. wake-ups, whether the moms have resolved their parenting conundrums from past “It Takes a Village” segments and more. Also, Shanna talks about how difficult it can be to watch her 19-month-old learn...

Ep. 112: Is Laura’s Baby a Boy or Girl? 24.08.2020

Laura reports on the results of her NIPT test, including the sex of her new baby! She also talks about experiencing an unusual side effect of early pregnancy that caught her by surprise. Shanna discusses spontaneously transitioning her 19-month-old to a toddler bed and bemoans her daughter’s new 5:00 a.m. wake ups. Also, in the special segment “Internet Insanity,” the moms report on hilarious and...

Ep. 111: Pregnancy Super-Smell and Toddler Insults 17.08.2020

Laura and Shanna report on the unusual, funny or shocking things that people have said to them recently in the special segment, “They Said What?!” Also, Shanna reports on her toddler’s growing ability to express her desires and new interest in mimicking those around her, and Laura talks about her unfortunate combo of pregnancy symptoms as well as her toddler’s first major tantrum (over THE MOST im...

Bonus: Laura’s Early Pregnancy Diary (Weeks 4-9) 15.08.2020

From weeks four to nine of her new pregnancy, Laura checks in about what she has been going through in the earliest days after getting her BFP for baby number two. She talks with Shanna about her tips for dealing with first-trimester nausea, how she’s handling pregnancy fatigue while also parenting a toddler, steps she’s taking to reduce symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) pain and more! This episod...

Bonus: Laura’s TTC Diary 13.08.2020

Laura and Shanna check in over the course of four months on Laura’s journey of trying to conceive baby number two. Laura shares from the moment she decided to take out her IUD to the moment she shared her BFP with Shanna. She discusses deciding with her husband to go for baby #2, some hiccups in the road due to the coronavirus, her tried and true ovulation tracking kit, the dreaded two week wait a...

Ep. 110: Deciding to Have Another Baby 10.08.2020

In this week’s special segment “Big Topic,” Shanna and Laura dive into the topic that family members and strangers alike just LOVE to ask us about: “Are you going to have another baby?” Also, Laura talks about her toddler’s expanding vocabulary and his newfound reptilian buddies, and Shanna comes clean about her quarantine exhaustion and marvels at her toddler’s blossoming confidence. Finally, the...

Ep. 109: Is My Toddler Getting Enough Exercise? 03.08.2020

In the segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura bugs out about a creepy-crawly situation, and Shanna worries that her toddler and preschooler are not staying active enough during quarantine. Also, Shanna reports on her quest to get her toddler’s eczema under control, and Laura discusses rotating her toddler’s toys in and out. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is...

Ep. 108: When Setting Toddler Limits Feels Limitless 27.07.2020

In the brand new segment “Throwback,” Shanna and Laura tell stories from their own childhoods about fake curls and fake friends, and they reflect on how those situations influence their parenting today. Also, Laura talks about the exhaustion that comes from constantly setting limits with her toddler, and Shanna reports on her toddler’s increased independence and over-the-top tantrums. Finally, the...

Ep. 107: The Struggles and Snuggles of Toddler Separation Anxiety 20.07.2020

Shanna talks about the ups and downs involved in her toddler’s most recent bouts of separation anxiety and sleep regression. Laura reports on her toddler’s new ability to retell his favorite books and their fun adventure playing in the river in Fresno. In the special segment, “It Takes a Village,” Laura and Shanna ask for listener help with their latest parenting conundrums, including bedtime tant...

Ep. 106: Why Is My Toddler Screaming? 13.07.2020

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Laura and Shanna consult the internet for answers to their latest parenting conundrums, including unusual toddler injuries, soup, race horses and pop stars. Also, Laura reports on her toddler’s hilarious new habit of talking in his sleep, and Shanna bemoans her toddler’s new obsession with screaming at the top of her lungs. Finally, they reveal th...

Bonus: How to Stay Calm in the Chaos of COVID-19 09.07.2020

In part nine of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Shanna and Laura interview meditation expert, IVF warrior and mother of five Josephine Atluri, who shares her wisdom about how to find your calm in the swirl of coronavirus chaos. She explains the importance of self-care and taking time to breathe, she gives tips on how to stay centered while parenting during the pandemic, and she of...

Ep. 105: Bizarre Experiences Only a Parent Would Have 06.07.2020

Laura and Shanna explore the topics of bodily fluids, bugs and poisonous plants in this week’s special segment, “Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition.” Also, Shanna talks about how her toddler has started expressing strong preferences that are sometimes comical and offensive, and Laura discusses her toddler’s budding ability to make connections and mimic feline behavior. Finally, they reveal their...

Ep. 104: Does Birth Order Influence Personality? 29.06.2020

Shanna and Laura go head-to-head in another exciting round of “Stump the New Mom,” in which they dive into pregnancy brain, birth rates and more. Also, Shanna questions whether her 17-month-old’s personality is affected by her role as second child, and Laura talks about her toddler’s new daredevil tricks in the living room and the rule she’s enacted to prevent his bodily harm. Finally, they reveal...

Ep. 103: Our Mom Instincts Saved Lives 22.06.2020

In the segment “Mom Wins,” Laura and Shanna each tell a harrowing tale of how they used their mom instincts to save their babies. They also share some lighter and more hilarious mom wins that they have had recently. Also, Laura reports on her toddler’s new climbing skills, and Shanna talks about her pediatrician’s advice about cutting dairy from her toddler’s diet. Finally, they reveal their BFPs...

Ep. 102: Tips for Toddler Mealtime 15.06.2020

Laura reports on her recent use of Ellyn Satter’s philosophy of feeding children and talks about the effect it’s had on her vegetable-ignoring toddler. Shanna discusses her 17-month-old’s newfound assertiveness and sound-effect skills that indicate her toddler may have a future as a foley artist. Also, in the segment “Today I Learned,” Shanna and Laura share some fun facts about vaginas, royal bir...

Ep. 101: Our Deep, Dark Mom Secrets 08.06.2020

In the segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna divulge some of their deepest, darkest, most hilarious mom secrets. Also Laura talks about her son’s recent run-in with a coffee table (literally), and Shanna reports on her efforts to cure her daughter’s eczema. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 17 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 16 months old. This epi...

Bonus: Dads Tell All - Part 2 05.06.2020

Laura and Shanna continue the conversation with their husbands Corey and Steve in this special bonus episode that continues where Episode 100 left off! Steve and Corey answer more listener questions and talk about the challenges of fathering a newborn, parenting books and more. They also spill the dirt on Shanna and Laura’s biggest quirks! This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.c...

Listen to the Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP) podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.