First Time Mum's Chat

#203 - Has your toddler started getting upset more quickly than before, leaving you wondering where these big emotions are coming from? In this episode of First Time Mum's Chat, Helen Thompson explores what's often happening beneath those sudden tears, frustrations, and emotional reactions that can seem to appear out of nowhere. You'll discover why toddlers often struggle to make sense...

#202 - When your baby cries and nothing seems to work… it can feel overwhelming. Have you ever stood there while your baby cries and suddenly felt completely overwhelmed — unsure what to do next? In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, Helen Thompson explores why those moments can feel so intense in early motherhood and shares five powerful reminders that can help you pause, breathe, and reconne...

#201 - You’ve probably said “calm down,” “you’re fine,” or “use your words” today — almost every parent has. But what if these common phrases are actually making it harder for your child to feel safe, understood, and emotionally secure? In this episode, Helen shares simple language shifts inspired by gentle parenting and positive parenting approaches that help babies and toddlers regulate emotions...

#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...

#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 m...

#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 hits A simple jawline + toe reflexolo...

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 wha...

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 most The key baby items that make daily life calmer a...

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 temperature How to use positioning...

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 ears When to use white noise—and when to switch it off A gentle 7-night fade to reduce...

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. G...

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 important Establishing a comforting big sibling...

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 natu...

#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 body The hidden emotional toll few talk about Secret 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....

#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...

#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 too...

#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 confidence Why rhythm and repetition work wonders for coordination When to step in—and when to lovingly let go Ho...

#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....

#185 - Is your baby showing signs of rolling over? Discover three simple, expert-backed techniques to support and encourage this vital developmental milestone. From rhythmic play to gentle massage, learn how to make your baby's journey to rolling both fun and effective. Tune in now to empower your baby's growth with confidence! Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podc...

#184 - Struggling with tummy time? You're not alone. In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, certified baby massage instructor and childcare educator Helen Thompson introduces the new series, "Move, Play, Grow," and shares 5 powerful ways to transform tummy time from a daily battle into a bonding experience that builds your baby's strength, confidence, and curiosity. Learn why th...

#183 - In this eye-opening episode of First Time Mum's Chat, I'm joined by parenting expert and podcast host Ann McKitrick to uncover the fascinating world of infant communication - from subtle cries and facial expressions to scent, gaze, and touch. With 30+ years of experience in early childhood development, Ann brings heartfelt stories and practical insights that will shift the way you u...

#182 - In this episode of First Time Mum's Chat, host Helen Thompson welcomes Joss Goulden, a Level 2 Aware Parenting Instructor with over 30 years of experience supporting families. They delve into understanding children's behaviors, emphasizing that actions like tantrums are often a child's way of communicating underlying needs and emotions. Joss shares insights on interpreting these...

#181 - Ever wished your baby came with an instruction manual? While they might not have words yet, babies are amazing little communicators! In this episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, I’ll help you decode your baby’s non-verbal cues so you can better understand their needs—before the crying starts. You’ll discover: ✔ Early hunger signs (beyond crying!) that can make feeding time easier ✔ Subtle disc...

#180 - In this episode of First Time Mum's Chat, host Helen Thompson delves into the nuances of infant communication, focusing on how to interpret your baby's various cries. With her extensive background as a childcare educator and baby massage instructor, Helen offers practical insights to help you distinguish between cries signaling hunger, fatigue, or discomfort. She emphasizes the impo...

#179 - In this episode of First Time Mum's Chat, host Helen Thompson delves into the challenges of toddler bedtime routines. Building upon insights from the previous episode on newborn sleep, Helen offers practical strategies to help your toddler recognize their own sleep cues and establish a peaceful, independent bedtime routine. Tune in to transform bedtime struggles into a calming experienc...