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.
• Gentle, sensory-rich strategies — from music to baby massage — that help your baby feel safe and settled without depending on a dummy.

Whether you call it a dummy or a pacifier, you’ll discover practical tools to comfort your baby and build lasting connection right from the start.

👉 If you’ve ever wondered how to ease your infant without relying on dummies, this episode is packed with ideas to help you feel calmer and more confident.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of First Time Mum’s Chat. For links and resources mentioned, check the show notes at mybabymassage.net/podcast/193.

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 routine filled with predictability and fun
• Preparing them emotionally with engaging stories and baby-inclusive rituals
• Encouraging toddler-friendly bonding moments during baby care
• Celebrating their growing role and validating big emotions—without overwhelm

These positive steps for sibling bonding are gently explained, joyous, and especially designed for real-life family rhythms.

Whether you're desperate to ease toddler jealousy or simply seeking stress-free ways to bond your toddler with your infant, this episode is your roadmap to a loving, harmonious home.

Hit play to support your toddler in becoming the confident, caring big sibling they were born to be.

Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/192.

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 natural so it should be easy” isn’t the whole story, and why flexibility in feeding is a strength, not a weakness. You’ll walk away with clarity, reassurance, and practical tips you can use right now.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• 5 infant feeding myths that cause unnecessary guilt
• Why both breast and bottle feeding can build deep bonds
• How to respond when pain or challenges arise
• The truth about switching feeding methods
• How to focus on presence, love, and connection over method

Whether you’re navigating newborn days or adjusting feeding routines, this episode will help you breathe easier and trust yourself more. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/191.

#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. Press play to learn what they never warned you—and find comfort, community & clarity. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/190.

#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 best” isn’t always enough to ease mum guilt
• What helped one mum finally feel relief after switching to formula
• How to push back against judgment (internal and external)
• Reassurance that your baby being nourished and loved is what matters most

Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, doing both — or still figuring it out — this episode is a gentle reminder that your journey deserves compassion, not criticism.

Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/189.

#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 tools I’ve used time and again in my years of childcare — from playful tidy-up dances to Brain Gym-style movements that soothe both overstimulated toddlers and frazzled mums.

You’ll hear personal stories, simple strategies, and why movement — not control — is often the key to shifting chaos into calm. Whether you're dealing with toddler tantrums, daily resistance, or just need a reset of your own, this episode is packed with ideas to help you both thrive.

🎧 Press play to discover how to turn meltdowns into moments of joy — using these 5 genius reset routines for toddlers.

Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/188.

#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
• How music and movement support emotional growth
• Real-life stories to reassure and inspire your parenting journey

Host Helen Thompson, baby massage instructor and early childhood educator, shares her personal experiences and practical tips to help you support your little one with calm, confidence, and connection.

Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/187.

#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. Whether they’re wobbling, swaying, or clapping mid-walk, these joyful moments matter.

🎶 Tune in to discover playful ways to support your baby’s next steps—with connection, rhythm, and calm. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/186.