Bringing Up Baby

Today I'm diving into one of the most emotionally charged topics in parenting: sleep training and attachment. Does sleep training actually harm your bond with your baby? What does the research really say about crying, responsiveness, and secure attachment? We're breaking down the myths, shares what experts in child development and pediatric sleep research have found, and explores why attachme...

Thinking about dropping a nap? Before you do, there are a few signs your baby or toddler might still really need it . In this episode, Ashley shares some common situations where parents assume it’s time to drop a nap — but it’s actually too soon . From short baby naps to toddlers who are still sleeping great overnight, you’ll learn a few quick clues that the nap is still serving an important purpo...

If your baby falls asleep at bedtime — only to wake up 30 to 45 minutes later — you’re likely dealing with a false start. In this episode, we break down exactly what false starts are, why they happen, and what they may be telling you about your baby’s sleep. False starts are common, and they’re usually explainable. Most often, they’re linked to: Overtiredness Not quite enough sleep pressure Daytim...

Cord blood banking isn’t something most parents think about—or even hear about—until after they’re already pregnant. In this episode, I chat with Sofia Magana from Healthcord Cryogenics to break it all down in a clear, easy-to-understand way. We talk about what cord blood actually is, why some families might consider banking it, and what the process looks like at birth. We also go over the differe...

If you find yourself worrying about what's to come in regards to your baby's sleep, you're not alone! Have you ever heard about "The 4-Month Sleep Regression?"  I know... Silly question. But whether it's your baby about to be ~4 months of age, you are planning how you'll get them to sleep without being swaddled or wondered if you'll ever feel ready to put them in a crib in their own room, thi...

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “is this normal?” in the middle of the night, this episode is for you. In this episode, Ashley breaks down some of the most common baby behaviors that cause parents stress, anxiety, and second-guessing — and explains why many of them are actually developmentally normal. Normal doesn’t always mean easy, but understanding what’s typical can help reduce unnecess...

In this episode, Osteopath Kaitlyn Sobey breaks down what’s really happening in babies labelled with reflux or colic, and how some birth experiences can create tension that affects feeding, digestion, and comfort. We explore common signs of tension parents can spot at home, when collaboration between an osteopath and lactation consultant is most helpful, what changes to expect after treatment, and...

In this episode, we chat with speech-language pathologist Juliana McLaren about how babies develop chewing and feeding skills. Juliana breaks down when and how chewing emerges, what really matters when starting solids, and how different feeding approaches — from baby-led weaning to spoon-feeding — shape oral development. She also shares practical tips for supporting your baby’s feeding journey, an...

Learn about what you can do to support your little one (and yourself!) during this weekend's fall time change to end Daylight Savings Time. In this episode, I'm covering my best tips and we're troubleshooting real life scenarios and specific recommendations based on your baby's age. For more information: Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep Website : www.birthbabysleep.ca Instagram and F...

Curious about low intervention birth? Join me and Doula Liz Burns for a real, no-fluff conversation about what it actually means to have a low intervention birth — and what it doesn’t. We’ll unpack common myths, talk through hospital policies, and share practical insights to help you feel informed, empowered, and confident in your choices. Just a heads up: This isn’t about telling you how to give...

In this episode, we're chatting with perinatal therapist, Madeleine Stobbe about what really happens to our relationships after having a baby. We get into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming changes that come with new parenthood — from communication struggles to shifting roles and expectations. She shares some super helpful tips, real talk, and go-to resources for staying connected wi...

What has been your biggest challenge in parenthood so far? What experience/moment made you feel the most confident as a parent? Our guest, Jess Clerke answers these questions so thoughtfully. She also talks about the dream vs. reality of her personal journey to parenthood and so much more. Welcome back, Jess! Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth | Baby | Sleep Website | Instagram | Facebook Guest:...

I have to say, I think this is a pretty cool episode! Meet Dr. Drew Weatherhead. She's an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University and she specializes in early childhood language and social cognitive development. Her research focuses on infants and young children learn to communicate, understand others, and navigate the social world. in this episode, Dr. Weatherhead is answering questions like:...

Does how you're carrying Baby in pregnancy actually predict their gender? Does heartburn in pregnancy mean that Baby will have lots of hair? Lastly, but perhaps what many individuals who are pregnant worry about often... Is lying on your back during your pregnancy really that harmful?? We're looking at what the research says and discussing! Join in :)   For more information: HOST: Ashley Cool...

If you are pregnant and preparing for childbirth, it's very likely you have questions and/or are worried about tearing or needing an episiotomy as you push Baby out.  This episode is for you! Kelsey and I are chatting about what it means to tear or have an episiotomy during childbirth, what the research says on the rates of these occurring and we break down what you can *maybe* do to prevent...

From sleep to hydration and more, this episode covers four very important topics on keeping baby safe when it starts getting hot out there.  Get access to our Bringing Up Baby Resource Bundle for extra information and more content, including a sample temperature chart.  Want to join myself and Edwena Kennedy of My Little Eater for our Solids & Sleep Workshop ?? Find the details and s...

For a different spin on our show, I'm chatting today about Birth Baby Sleep's annual event - The Pregnancy & Parenting Expo - which we just wrapped up last month. Listen in to hear about why we do it, how it went, what was learned and what's to come! For more information: HOST: Ashley Cooley , owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support Services Website | Instagram | Facebook

Hear what Kelsey did to help her through her first trimester, as well as what the research says is actually helpful/not helpful in the first few months of pregnancy.   For more information: Learn more about the Pregnancy & Parenting Expo HERE ! HOST: Ashley Cooley , owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support Services Website | Instagram | Facebook GUEST: Kelsey Marr , PhD,...

Dr. Kelsey Marr is back with us to share some very important points about alcohol and cannabis recommendations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We're getting into what research is currently out there on these topics and what it's telling us so you can make the right decision for you and your family. We're answering questions like: Is there a safe level of alcohol being consumed during pregnancy...

Welcome to Episode 100!! We're welcoming back Dr. Kelsey Marr to the Bringing Up Baby podcast! In this episode, we're uncovering ALL the research and details on Epidurals. We're answering questions like: - Is it too late to get an epidural during labour? - How is the epidural administered? - What are the risks and benefits? - What is a "walking epidural"? - Is it more likely to require a C-Section...

If your little one is an independent sleeper (or you're working on it) you may be wondering what you can do to continue in this direction despite a skipped nap here and there.   This one's for you!   For more information: HOST: Ashley Cooley , owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support Services Website | Instagram | Facebook Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Prod...

They say, "It takes a village to raise a child" ... and they're right! But sadly, they're not all likely to come knocking at your door. That's why in this episode we're uncovering some of the amazing services/providers that can support you somewhere along the way. Download our perinatal resource list HERE !  For more information: HOST: Ashley Cooley , owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Educat...

What do you think? Does it feel like it makes sense to wake a sleeping baby? In general, I don't think it's necessary and in fact it can actually sometimes be harmful to the goal of "better sleep" to wake a sleeping baby.  However. However, there are absolutely times when this may be necessary for the wellbeing and overall better sleep for Baby. Listen in as I divulge all the info so you can...

Have you ever had to create boundaries with anyone when it comes to your pregnancy, birth, or how you want to parent? Exactly. In this episode, our friend Kelsey Marr and I are chatting about when, how and why you may want to create and communicate your boundaries with those around you.   For more information: HOST: Ashley Cooley , owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support Se...

Let's discuss this eat-play-sleep routine we all hear about. In a nutshell... It can be helpful but it doesn't always work out so well. What to do instead? I'll share my thoughts in this episode ;)   For more information: Pregnancy & Parenting Expo - Sunday, May 25th at the Halifax Forum. Click HERE for more details and follow @pregnancy_parenting_expo on Instagram. HOST: Ashley Cooley ,...