The Baby Playbook

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or your baby's health. Most moms are told to push through pregnancy aches and postpartum discomfort — but what if there was a gentle, evidence-backed way to support your body through every stage? Dr. Amy Norman, a pre...

Most parents are never prepared for the profound grief of losing a baby — yet so many face it silently. Hannah’s story of baby loss, her journey with Olive & Kin, and her pivotal insights into supporting grieving parents will change how you navigate loss, compassion, and connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly help someone in their darkest moments, or how to hold space without judgmen...

Most couples underestimate the seismic shift that a new baby can trigger in their relationship—and the survival tactics that can get your connection through it. On this episode, renowned couples therapist Biannka Brannigan reveals the hidden neurological and emotional dynamics that threaten intimacy once children arrive—and exactly how to prepare for and navigate these changes before the baby’s fi...

Losing a baby is one of the most profound and complex grief journeys. This episode reveals the nuanced reality behind pregnancy and baby loss—beyond the statistics, into the raw, emotional truth. If you've experienced loss or know someone who has, what you're about to hear could change how you understand, support, and find your own healing process. Nikolina shares her deeply personal story...

Most new moms are caught in the whirlwind of trying to "bounce back" after pregnancy, but what if that pressure is actually doing more harm than good? Jen Dugard, a prenatal and postnatal fitness specialist, and founder of MumSafe, shatters the myth of instant postpartum transformation and shares why chasing the "pre-baby body" can be a dangerous distraction from truly healthy...

Most parents don’t realize that common issues like feeding difficulties, mouth breathing, and sleep problems in babies are all connected — often rooted in oral dysfunction and jaw development. In this episode, Dr. Shereen Lim, a Perth-based dentist and author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive , reveals how early interventions can change your child's health trajectory for good. You’ll discover the hidden s...

Traveling with babies or young kids might seem daunting, but with the right mindset and smart planning, it can be an adventure rather than a challenge. Forget the perfect Instagram reel—Emma Wilson reveals her no-fuss strategies for stress-free trips with little ones, showing how flexibility and preparation turn travel from overwhelming to enjoyable. In this episode, Emma shares her extensive firs...

Most women walk into birth overwhelmed by fears and myths — but it doesn't have to be that way. Moran Liviani, an experienced doula from Brisbane and author of Before You Give Birth, reveals how empowering preparation and the right support can transform one of life's most intense experiences into a celebration of strength and resilience. Imagine walking into your birth space feeling confid...

Most parents underestimate the importance of baby first aid — until an emergency strikes. What if a quick, informed response could be the difference between a crisis and a saved life? If you're a new parent or expecting your first child, this episode is an urgent must-listen. Learn why mastering baby-specific first aid skills from the start isn't optional—it's essential for every caregiver’s peace...

Most new parents feel overwhelmed by the countless opinions and confusing information about baby skincare — but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, skincare expert and founder of Aroma Baby, Catherine Cervasio, reveals how to choose safe, gentle products that protect your baby’s uniquely sensitive skin, based on three decades of experience working with neonatal dermatology and hospita...

If you're navigating loss, unexpected trauma, or simply need a story of unbreakable strength, this episode will change how you see adversity and grace. After experiencing a complex twin pregnancy with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh shares the heartbreaking moment she lost one of her twin boys at 24 weeks—and the powerful journey that followed. From the fear and grief...

Putting the focus on ourselves as new parents, once the baby is born is hard. We tend to neglect every aspect of our being in the chaos of the new baby and the overwhelm of what is now required of us.  But this can be dangerous - especially for new mums - who can very easily fall into burnout and nutrition deficiency at a time at which our bodies need love and nurturing.  This week I sit down with...

Postpartum is hard to describe. It’s chaotic, it’s magical, it’s challenging, it’s confusing… it’s a lot.  And that ‘a lot’ can be incredibly overwhelming at times. Mentally challenging.  So many of us mums (and dads) go through some form of struggle when it comes to postpartum mental health. I am one of those mums!  So in today’s episode I speak to Psychologist Miram Boulos about what we can expe...

If you have just given birth, and carried a child through pregnancy, your health and wellbeing needs attention and should be a priority for you - just as much as the baby’s!  So todays episode is all about how you can make sure you are checking up on your health and keeping things in check with your GP.  I speak to GP-obstetrician Dr Kavya Chaganti who has interest and expertise in female health a...

When I was pregnant with my second - remember asking myself ‘Will I have enough love for both my baby and my toddler?’.  The answer to that question is of course YES! But another question that popped up which was a little harder to answer was how my toddler felt about the new baby.  First-borns can have a lot of mixed feelings about the new baby. Both pre and post arrival! Navigating their new rel...

Baby Sleep!?!? What in the world is that all about.  It’s all good and well when your baby comes home from the hospital and is sleeping like all the time… It’s seems so easy and relaxing. But eventually this changes - and figuring out how to give your baby good settled rest (and a chance for yourself to get some as well) becomes the main part of your being.  This week I sat down with Baby Sleep Gu...

The newborn phase is such a rollercoaster - but just when you think you have a slight grip on sleep, milk and settling… your little one is about to kick off their solids journey.  Introducing food to your little one can be a little daunting. At what age do you start? How often? Do you try purees or baby led weaning? And what’s the best high chair around?  To tackle these questions and so much more...

On this episode of The Baby Playbook Podcast , I sit down with psychologist Stephanie Alexander to explore the often-overlooked signs that you might be struggling with your mental wellbeing during the peri and postnatal period. Stephanie shares practical guidance on what to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed, how to ask for support, and actionable ways friends and family can provide meaningful help....

In this episode of The Baby Playbook , we’re joined by Eimear Colleran, co-founder of the Maggie App — a brilliant new tool helping parents discover free, local, community-based activities for babies and young children. Eimear shares the story behind Maggie, how it’s making life easier for new parents, and why getting out and about with your baby is so valuable — not just for little ones, but for...

In this episode of The Baby Playbook , your host Nikolina Kharoufeh dives into one of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — milestones in your baby’s first year: starting solids . 🍎🥄 Nikolina shares her personal journey of introducing solids to her little one — the wins, the messes, and the moments that taught her what really matters. From knowing when your baby is ready, to choosing...

In this episode of The Baby Playbook Podcast , we’re joined by nutritionist Cat Dean to dive into one of the biggest milestones in your baby’s first year — starting solids ! Cat shares her expert insights on how to choose nutrient-dense foods to support your baby’s growth and development, plus practical tips for making mealtimes positive and low-stress for both you and your little one. We’ll cover...

In this episode of The Baby Playbook , we’re joined by sleep expert and experienced midwife Jazz Kostov , who shares practical, compassionate advice on how mums (and dads!) can optimise rest during the newborn phase. We talk about: Why sleep looks different in the fourth trimester Tips for maximising rest even with broken sleep How to tune into your baby's natural rhythms The myth of "sle...

In this episode of The Baby Playbook Podcast , we're joined by baby sleep expert Jazz Kostov to talk all about baby sleep on the go — because life doesn’t stop when you have a baby, and neither should your ability to get out and enjoy it! Whether it’s a coffee run, a day out with friends, or a family road trip, we dive into practical strategies that help parents support healthy naps and sleep...

In this episode of The Baby Playbook Podcast , we sit down with experienced childcare and early learning educator Michelle Danguilan to talk about one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of early childhood: the relationship between parents and their child’s carers . Michelle shares practical advice for building open, respectful communication with your child’s educators, why consiste...

In this episode, I sit down with author Nicki Esler Gill, the brilliant mind behind My Body, My Rules —a children’s book that introduces the vital concept of consent in an accessible and empowering way.  We dive into why having conversations about consent early on is so important, how parents and caregivers can approach this topic with young children, and the best moments to start these discussion...