Tummy Time Without Tears: 5 Powerful Ways to Build Confident Little Movers!
#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 those tiny early movements matter more than you think—and how to nurture them with rhythm, connection, and joy.Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/184.
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Is Your Infant Talking? 4 Cues That Build Early Connection
#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 understand your baby’s needs.💡 You’ll learn:What your baby’s gaze, grimace, and coos are telling youWhy picking up your baby when they cry builds trust, not “spoiling”How a baby’s sense of smell deepens attachmentWhy singing the right song can soothe even the most distressed newbornWhat it truly means to “dance” in tune with your baby's cuesWhether you’re navigating sleepless nights or wondering how to connect more deeply with your little one, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, reassured, and seen.Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/183.
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3 Signs an Infant Tantrum Isn’t Bad Behavior But a Cry for Help
#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 behaviors and offers strategies to respond with empathy and connection, aiming to foster a nurturing environment for both children and parents.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on nurturing your child's emotional well-being and enhancing your parenting journey. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/182.
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3 Newborn Cues Most Parents Miss – Spot the Signs Before the Tears Start!
#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 discomfort cues that signal gas, tiredness, or temperature changes✔ How to use touch—like baby massage—to soothe and bond with your little oneI’ll also share real-life stories from my experience as a childcare educator and nanny to help you recognize and respond to your baby’s unique signals. Trust me, learning this “secret language” can make parenting feel so much easier!🎧 Hit play and start tuning into your baby’s amazing ways of communicating!Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/181.
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The #1 Mistake Parents Make When Responding to Newborn Crying Sounds – Do You?
#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 importance of responding empathetically to these cues to foster a strong parent-child bond. Tune in to enhance your understanding of your baby's needs and strengthen your connection.Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/180.
Commencing your parenting journey is a big life changer and in this podcast I share tips and strategies to help and inspire you so you can build confidence in your parenting and forge a magic bond with your little one. Getting started as a mum is often a lonely, daunting journey and many feel alone and unsupported and lack a support network or village. For more than two decades, Helen Thompson has made it her mission to fill this gap and support mums as a childcare educator and more recently as a baby massage instructor. In every single value-packed episode, Helen will be your guide, sharing ways to help you in areas including postpartum, breastfeeding/lactation, self-help and healing your body and mind after giving birth so that you can learn ways to relax and gently ease into your parenting journey. It’s a mix of interviews and solo shows from Helen you’re not going to want to miss. Hit subscribe, and get ready to change your life.