Sense by Meg Faure: Real Life Parenting
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How Parent Sense Is Building aiah, a Safer, Smarter AI Parenting Companion S9 | E235
5 november 2026 · 34 min
What happens when decades of parenting expertise meet artificial intelligence? In this episode, Meg Faure and Tove de Chazal Gant are joined by Bertha Kgokong to take us behind the scenes of aiah, Parent Sense's AI parenting companion. Lees meer
They unpack how the idea began, why generic AI tools aren't enough when it comes to parenting advice and how the team is building a more reliable, expert-led solution using a carefully curated knowledge base and rigorous testing.
From supporting parents at 2 am to making trusted guidance more accessible to families who might otherwise go without it, this is a conversation about the possibilities, and responsibilities, of AI in parenting.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
How the idea for aiah began, long before ChatGPT became mainstream.
Why generic AI tools can be unreliable when answering parenting and health-related questions.
How aiah draws on a curated library of trusted parenting resources rather than the unrestricted internet.
What Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) means, and how it helps AI provide more grounded answers.
Why aiah is designed to say “I don't know” when it cannot find a reliable answer.
How the team tests and evaluates aiah's responses against Meg's expert knowledge.
How AWS Bedrock provides an enclosed environment for the AI system.
How AI could make trusted parenting support more accessible, particularly for underserved and isolated parents.
What the future of personalised AI parenting support could look like.
Why human expertise and robust safeguards remain essential as AI becomes part of family life.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introducing aiah and the story behind its development
02:00 Where the idea for an AI parenting companion began
05:00 Why generic ChatGPT wasn't enough for parenting advice
08:00 Building a trusted, curated knowledge base
11:00 What is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)?
14:00 Why aiah needs to know when it doesn't know
17:00 Testing, evaluating and refining aiah's answers
2…
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Emotional Regulation in Children: Tantrums, Self-Soothing, Play & Gentle Parenting S9 | Ep234
29 oktober 2026 · 43 min
How do children learn to manage big emotions, and what can parents do to help? Lees meer
In this episode of The Sense by Meg podcast, Meg Faure speaks with Kelli McDermott, a clinical social worker specialising in infant and early childhood mental health from Georgetown University, about how emotional regulation develops from infancy through the toddler years.
They explore why babies need responsive caregiving, how co-regulation lays the foundation for self-regulation, and why play, language and connection are essential to helping children manage their feelings.
Discover why your child doesn't need to manage every big feeling alone, how to respond when emotions run high and why reconnecting after a tantrum can be more powerful than punishment.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
What emotional regulation really means: How it goes beyond being calm to managing energy, feelings and responses
Co-regulation before self-regulation: Why children learn to regulate their emotions through safe, supportive relationships
Why meeting your baby's needs matters: How responsive caregiving in early childhood builds the foundations for independence.
Why your toddler can do something one day and struggle the next: How temperament, sleep, hunger, frustration and developmental demands affect a child's ability to regulate.
Self-soothing and baby sleep: How to think about sleep through the lens of regulation.
The role of play and language: How stories, songs, play and naming feelings help children practise emotional skills.
Gentle parenting versus permissive parenting: Why empathy and connection can coexist with firm, appropriate boundaries.
How to respond to toddler tantrums: Why connection comes before teaching, and how to help your child feel safe enough to reconnect after a difficult moment.
When your child needs space: How to stay emotionally available without overwhelming a child who needs time to calm down.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introducing Kelli McDermott and the importance of emotional …
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Natural Remedies for Babies: What Parents Need to Know S9 | Ep 233
22 oktober 2026 · 37 min
What does “natural” really mean when it comes to your baby’s health? Lees meer
In this episode of The Sense by Meg Faure, Meg chats to Michele Carelse, clinical psychologist turned entrepreneur and founder of Feelgood Health. Michele shares how a growing need for natural health alternatives in her psychology practice inspired her to develop her own remedies, eventually building a business with more than 350 products for the whole family.
Together, they explore what parents should know about choosing natural products, supporting babies through common ailments and sleep challenges, and navigating the growing natural health market.
Michele also opens up about the realities of motherhood and entrepreneurship, the importance of self-care and the lessons she has learnt over 25 years in business.
Whether you're a parent looking for more informed ways to approach your little one's wellbeing or an aspiring entrepreneur with an idea you can't let go of, this conversation offers plenty to think about.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
How Michele went from clinical psychologist to founder of a growing natural health business.
Why her first remedies focused on concentration, ADHD and hyperactivity in children.
What the word “natural” really means and why natural doesn't automatically mean safe or effective.
What parents should consider when reading product labels and choosing natural health products for their families.
Why babies need particular care when it comes to essential oils and herbal remedies.
How natural remedies fit into a broader approach to baby sleep, including routines, sleep hygiene and helping babies feel safe and comfortable.
What Michele's experience has taught her about juggling motherhood, family life and entrepreneurship.
Why being a “good enough” parent matters more than striving for perfection.
The entrepreneurial lessons of persistence, consistency, curiosity and being willing to reinvent yourself.
What's next for Feelgood Health as Michele looks to ex…
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The Magic of Family Mealtimes: Raising Connected Kids in a Screen-Filled World S9 | E232
15 oktober 2026 · 34 min
What if one of the most powerful things you can do for your child happens around the dinner table? Lees meer
In this episode of Sense by Meg, Meg Faure is joined by early childhood educator and parenting expert Sue Atkins to explore why family mealtimes matter far more than we might realise. From language development and emotional connection to building lifelong family rituals, they unpack how everyday moments around the table can help children feel that they belong.
They also discuss the impact of screens on mealtimes, how to navigate resistance when changing established habits, and simple ways to make eating together more enjoyable, from toddlers to teenagers.
No perfect parenting required. Just small, intentional moments that help families reconnect.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
Why family mealtimes support language, listening, turn-taking, emotional expression and a sense of belonging.
How to introduce shared mealtimes from an early age without creating pressure around food.
What screens can take away from family meals, including conversation, connection and opportunities for children to tune into their hunger.
Practical ways to make mealtimes playful, relaxed and engaging for children of different ages.
How to transition away from screens at the table without turning it into a battle.
Conversation starters that encourage children to share more than a one-word answer about their day.
Why consistent family rituals can help you stay connected to your children, even through the teenage years.
How to build better habits without guilt, perfectionism or a complete family routine overhaul.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Meet Sue Atkins: Parenting, Education and the Moments We Remember
01:37 The Golden Moments of Childhood
03:35 What Screens Take Away from Family Mealtimes
05:36 When Should Children Start Eating with the Family?
06:57 How Small Mealtime Rituals Become Lifelong Memories
09:15 Screens at the Table: What Are Children Missing?
11:51 Making Mealtimes Playful, Soc…
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Inside Parent Sense: From a Baby App to a Global Parenting Support Platform S9 | Ep231
8 oktober 2026 · 38 min
In this special episode of the Sense by Meg Faure, Meg takes us behind the scenes of Parent Sense. Why she created it, the problem she set out to solve, and how the business has evolved from a direct-to-parent app into a B2B2C platform reaching parents through employers, healthcare providers, insurers and other trusted partners. Lees meer
Joined by Tové de Chazal Gant and Ashleigh Bouguenon, Meg explores the gaps in modern parenting support, the idea of “care deserts”, why digital care can help fill the spaces between healthcare appointments, and how Parent Sense measures whether it is genuinely making a difference in parents’ lives.
The team also discusses trust, engagement, preventative care, maternal mental health, employee wellness and the ambitious goal of reaching one million parents.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN
Why Meg first created Parent Sense and the surprising conversation that prompted her to move from books into an app.
What “care deserts” are and why there are huge gaps between formal healthcare touchpoints.
How digital care can support parents between appointments and reach families who struggle to access traditional healthcare.
Why Parent Sense shifted from a direct-to-consumer model to a B2B2C model through trusted organisations.
How partnerships with medical insurers, employers, brands and other organisations can put parenting support directly into parents’ hands.
Why trust and safety are fundamental to Parent Sense.
Which metrics matter when measuring the impact of a parenting support platform.
How engagement data can become meaningful intelligence about parent behaviour, confidence and healthcare needs.
Why supporting parents is a long-term investment and why the benefits aren't always visible in a current financial year's budget.
What Parent Sense hopes to achieve next, including expanding employee wellness support and reaching underserved parents globally.
Meg's North Star goal of reaching one million parents.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to …
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Breast or Bottle: Why Your Baby’s Sensory Personality May Decide with Dr Nellie Balfour S9 | Ep230
1 oktober 2026 · 30 min
Same mum. Same home. Same breast milk. So why did one of Dr Nellie Balfour's boys turn away from the breast within weeks, while his little brother won't let go? Lees meer
The answer has nothing to do with the milk, and everything to do with your baby's sensory personality.
In this episode, Meg Faure catches up with paediatrician and mum of two Dr Nellie Balfour as her second baby, Uyakile, turns three months old. What unfolds is a fascinating look at feeding, development and immunity through the eyes of a doctor who is also living it at home.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN
Why slow-to-warm-up babies often pick the bottle, and why social butterflies may prefer the breast
The ingredient in breast milk your baby can't digest at all, and why scientists now believe it matters so much for gut health and immunity
The "falling in love" milestone around three months, and the simple sign that shows it's happeningWhy bringing two tiny hands together is one of your baby's first calming strategies
How Nellie's newborn stayed well while his big brother brought every bug home from school
Government vs private vaccine schedules in South Africa: what's actually different, and does the timing change?
Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding or doing a bit of both, this episode will change how you see your baby's choices.
Want to know your baby's sensory personality? Find out on the Parent Sense app. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome back & meeting Dr Nellie Balfour
01:32 Three months with baby Uyakile
02:23 Combo feeding: breast and bottle
04:02 What are HMOs? Meg explains human milk oligosaccharides and their role in the baby's gut microbiome.
06:43 Why Nellie chose her formula Nellie explains what caught her attention when choosing a formula
07:33 Why some babies prefer the bottle Meg explores feeding preferences through a sensory lens and compares Nellie's two babies.
10:35 Baby milestones at three months Smiling, cooing, eye con…
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What It’s Like to Give Birth to Quadruplets + the First Weeks in the NICU
24 september 2026 · 42 min
Sam Smith returns to Sense by Meg Faure to share the next chapter of her extraordinary journey: the birth of her four babies at just over 31 weeks and their first four weeks in the NICU. Lees meer
Sam shares the emotional reality of her delivery, from her waters breaking in the middle of the night to a C-section involving a team of more than 20 medical professionals, followed by the weeks in the neonatal ICU.
Joining Meg and Sam is Professor Welma Lubbe, a neonatal nursing expert and Parent Sense advisor, who explains how prem babies experience the world through their senses, the importance of skin-to-skin contact and how parents can support their babies as they develop.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
What happened when Sam’s waters unexpectedly broke at just over 31 weeks pregnant
What a planned C-section for premature quads looks like
What to expect when their babies are admitted to the neonatal ICU
Why the period between birth and being able to hold your baby can be so emotionally difficult
How skin-to-skin contact supports bonding, breastfeeding and regulation
What premature babies need from their sensory environment
Why light, sound, touch, smell and temperature matter so much for prem babies
How parents can recognise signs that their baby is becoming overwhelmed
How smell can be used to create familiarity and comfort in the NICU
How breastfeeding and expressing can work when babies are too premature to feed fully at the breast
What parents can do to prepare prem babies for the transition from tube feeding to breast or bottle feeding
What factors doctors consider before a premature baby is ready to go home
Why parents' confidence and readiness are also important parts of the transition home
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome back, Sam
01:04 Meet Professor Welma Lubbe
03:43 The night Sam’s waters broke
05:08 Arriving at hospital and preparing for delivery
07:30 The quads arrive at just over 31 weeks
08:33 Inside the operating theatre: a team of more than 20
13:…
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Why Crawling Is The “Superfood” of Baby Development S9 | Ep228
17 september 2026 · 31 min
Crawling is about so much more than getting your baby from A to B. In this episode of Sense by Meg Faure, Meg and Parent Sense COO Tové de Chazal Gant dive into why crawling is such an important developmental milestone and why parents shouldn’t be too quick to rush their baby towards walking. Lees meer
Meg explains how crawling supports muscle tone, vestibular and proprioceptive development, bilateral coordination, fine motor skills, spatial awareness and problem-solving. They also explore how your baby’s sensory personality can influence when and how they crawl, what parents can do to encourage crawling, and what it means if a baby skips crawling altogether.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN
Why crawling is considered a developmental “superfood”
Why the sequence of sitting → crawling → walking matters
When babies typically start crawling
How crawling supports muscle tone, sensory development and coordination
How your baby’s sensory personality can influence crawling
How tummy time prepares babies for crawling
What to do if your baby skips crawling
What parents should know about baby walkers, walking rings and jumpers
How crawling may support later fine motor, spatial and problem-solving skills
Simple ways to encourage your baby to crawl through everyday play
CHAPTERS
00:00 Why is crawling a developmental “superfood”? Meg explains why crawling is much more than a milestone in itself and why so many later developmental skills are built on it.
02:18 Why crawling can be harder than sitting Why crawling is a complex developmental skill
03:42 Why parents shouldn’t rush towards walking Meg explains why crawling deserves more time and attention before your baby gets upright.
06:13 When should babies start crawling? The typical range for crawling and why the sequence of milestones may be more important than the exact age.
07:47 Crawling, the vestibular system and muscle tone How movement stimulates the vestibular system and contributes to the muscle tone babies need to …
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Have we been asking the wrong questions about screen time all along? S9 | Ep227
10 september 2026 · 42 min
Technology is everywhere in family life, but does that mean it has to be all-or-nothing? Lees meer
In this episode, Meg speaks to Rachel Barr, researcher at Georgetown University, about what 25 years of research tells us about young children, technology and learning. They unpack why not all technology is created equal, the impact of technoference on parent-child connection, how algorithms are designed to keep us watching and why some screen experiences can be more supportive of learning than others.
Rachel also shares practical ways parents can use technology more intentionally, from creating family media plans and finding natural “off-ramps” to using joint media engagement to support language and learning.
Most importantly, this conversation moves away from rigid rules and parenting guilt towards something more realistic: making a plan that works for your family and revisiting it as your family changes.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
Why not all technology is created equal
What technoference is and how phones, notifications and background TV can interrupt parent-child interactions
How background television can disrupt children's play, even when they aren't actively watching it
What an “off-ramp” is and why natural stopping points can make transitions easier
Whether using screens to calm a child can affect their developing self-regulation skills
How to create a flexible family media plan
What joint media engagement is and why parental involvement can make such a difference
What to look for when choosing content for young children
Rachel's one guiding principle for technology during the first 1 000 days: make a plan and revisit it
CHAPTERS
02:59 Is all technology created equal?
05:28 What is technoference?
07:18 How phones and background TV can disrupt play
13:10 Designing technology with an “off-ramp”
15:04 Screens, tantrums and using technology to calm children
19:47 Do tech detoxes actually work?
20:35 Creating a family media plan
24:20 Moving beyond ri…
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BABY POO 101: What's normal, what's not & when to worry. S9 | Ep 226
3 september 2026 · 34 min
Let’s talk about the topic every new parent becomes obsessed with: poo. Lees meer
From those first sticky meconium nappies to breastfed baby poo, formula-fed stools, starting solids and the dreaded constipation, there’s a lot for parents to decode.
In this episode of Sense by Meg, Meg Faure is joined by paediatric dietitian Lucy Jackman, founder of The Happy Tummy Dietitian, to unpack what’s normal, what’s not, and when your baby or child’s poo might need closer attention.
Together, they explore everything from green, frothy or mucus-filled stools to blood in the nappy, infant dyschezia, true constipation, food allergies, hydration, fibre, toilet positioning and practical ways to help your little one develop healthy bowel habits.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring into a nappy wondering, “Is THIS normal?”, this episode is for you.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN
What normal baby poo looks like at different stages
What green, frothy, mucus-filled or bloody stools can mean
How breastfed and formula-fed poo differ
What changes when your baby starts solids
The difference between infant dyschezia and constipation
The signs of true constipation and when to seek help
How food, fluids and fibre can support healthy bowel movements
Practical ways to manage constipation and establish good toilet habits
Whether teething really affects your baby’s poo
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Why parents obsess over poo
01:10 – Your baby’s first poo: meconium
03:20 – What’s normal for breastfed babies?
07:50 – Mucus and blood: when to worry
13:50 – Formula-fed baby poo
16:00 – Poo after starting solids
18:20 – Straining vs constipation
20:40 – Signs of true constipation
23:00 – Cow’s milk allergy and constipation
24:20 – Breaking the constipation cycle
26:40 – Foods, fluids and fibre
28:30 – Toilet habits and positioning
30:10 – Laxatives and treating constipation
32:00 – Does teething change poo?
ABOUT THE GUEST
Lucy Jackman is a registered paediatric dietitian based in London, wh…
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30 Weeks Pregnant with Quadruplets: Preparing for the NICU, Feeding & Breast Milk | S9 | Ep225
27 augustus 2026 · 32 min
Sam Smith is back on Sense by Meg, and this time she’s 30 weeks pregnant with quadruplets. Lees meer
After previously sharing her extraordinary pregnancy journey, Sam joins Meg Faure and paediatric dietitian Kath Megaw to talk about navigating the final weeks of a high-risk multiple pregnancy, getting enough nutrition when there simply isn’t much room to eat, and preparing for what comes next.
Kath shares practical guidance on protein, calories, smoothies and supplements during the third trimester, before unpacking what Sam can expect when her four babies arrive and enter the NICU. They discuss TPN, donor breast milk, colostrum, establishing breast milk production, skin-to-skin contact and the important role Sam can play in her babies’ feeding journey.
With Sam now at 30 weeks, the focus is on reaching the next milestone while preparing emotionally and practically for the birth of four premature babies.
If you enjoy this episode, please give us a 5-star rating!
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN
How to increase calories without having to eat significantly larger meals
What to look for when choosing a protein powder during pregnancy
How nutrition can support placental health and fetal growth
Why protein is particularly important during pregnancy, especially with multiple placentas and growing babies
What TPN (parenteral nutrition) is and why it may be used in the NICU
How donor breast milk can support premature babies while a mother establishes her own milk supply
The role of colostrum in the early days after birth
How mothers can contribute to their babies’ NICU journey through breast milk and skin-to-skin contact
How mums can look after their own nutrition while establishing breast milk production
What Sam is preparing for as she gets closer to the planned birth of her four babies
CHAPTERS
00:47 How is the quadruplet pregnancy going?
05:50 Eating during a quadruplet pregnancy
13:37 Can nutrition influence baby’s growth?
15:49 Preparing for the NICU
18:33 What…
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What I Didn't Expect: A Paediatrician's First 6 Weeks with Her Own Baby | S9 EP224
20 augustus 2026 · 24 min
What is really happening at six weeks with your baby and what can you expect from this important stage? Lees meer
In this episode of Sense by Meg Faure, Meg checks in with paediatrician Dr Nellie Balfour as she continues to navigate life with her second baby, Uyakile. At six weeks old, he is already showing some fascinating differences from his older brother, from his temperament and sleep to his social engagement.
Nellie shares what it feels like to be a second-time mum, why she feels more confident this time around and how experience has changed the way she responds to the inevitable challenges of newborn life.
Meg and Nellie explore the six-week developmental window, including early smiles, tummy time and eye contact. They also dive into the fascinating idea of sensory personality, comparing Nellie's firstborn's slow-to-warm-up temperament with her new baby's more settled and potentially social nature.
It's an honest, reassuring snapshot of life with a six-week-old and another beautiful chapter in Nellie's real-time journey through pregnancy, birth and early motherhood.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
Why being a second-time mum can feel very different from the first time
What babies may be doing developmentally around six weeks
When babies typically begin showing their social smile
Why tummy time, eye contact, head lifting and visual tracking matter
How temperament and sensory personality can begin to emerge
The difference between a slow-to-warm-up baby, a settled baby and a potential social butterfly
What breastfeeding can look like when exclusive breastfeeding isn't possible
The emotional side of breastfeeding and stopping breastfeeding
What happens during a typical six-week paediatric check-up
Why growth curves matter more than focusing on a single weight
How Nellie's experience as both a paediatrician and a mother shapes her parenting journey
CHAPTERS
01:00 Why the second baby feels differentNellie explains why she feels more confident and less anxiou…
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You Don’t Have to Be a Perfect Parent: The Power of Connection, Repair & Relational Health
13 augustus 2026 · 35 min
What if raising a thriving child isn't about getting parenting right, but about connection? Lees meer
In this episode Meg Faure speaks to paediatrician and professor of paediatrics at Georgetown University, Dr David Willis, about early relational health. The powerful role that connection, attachment, co-regulation and meaningful moments play in a baby's development.
They also unpack some of the challenges facing modern parents, including the loss of the village, information overload, technology and the pressure to be a “perfect” parent.
Most importantly, Dr David offers a deeply reassuring message to parents who feel they have already made mistakes:
It is never too late to repair.
Relationships are built through thousands of small moments that don't need to be perfect, they simply need to happen.
And when things go wrong, there is always another opportunity to reconnect.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN
Why modern parents may be experiencing more pressure than previous generations
Why parents don't need to constantly “intervene” to support their child's development
Why eye contact, reading, talking, feeding and everyday routines can become powerful moments of connection
Why repair may be more important than perfection
How the loss of the traditional “village” has changed the parenting experience
Why parents should spend less time trying to know everything and more time being with their baby
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr David W. Willis
Dr David Willis is a paediatrician, developmental-behavioural paediatrician and leading voice in the field of early relational health.
He is a professor of paediatrics and psychiatry at Georgetown University and leads Nurture Connection, an impact network focused on advancing early relational health and strengthening connections between children, families and communities.
Follow Dr David Willis on LinkedIn.
ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCAST
Sense by Meg is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance. Hosted b…
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Why Working Parents Are the Untapped Talent Every Employer Needs
6 augustus 2026 · 34 min
What if the biggest talent pool businesses are overlooking isn't graduates or overseas recruitment, but working parents? Lees meer
In this eye-opening episode, Meg Faure sits down with Denise Heavey, founder of Mentorhood Jersey, to unpack the cost of outdated workplace models. From the motherhood penalty and fatherhood forfeit to rebuilding the lost village, this conversation challenges everything we think we know about work, parenting and success.
Meg and Denise discuss why traditional workplace structures no longer serve modern families, how flexible work benefits both employers and employees and why parenting develops some of the strongest leadership skills imaginable.
Whether you're a parent returning to work, an employer building a team or someone passionate about family wellbeing, this episode will change your perspective.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
✔ Why parents are the world's largest hidden workforce
✔ How becoming a parent actually makes you a stronger employee and leader
✔ Why flexible work is about better job design, not lower standards
✔ The importance of rebuilding the "village" for modern parents
✔ Practical first steps for rebuilding confidence before returning to work
ABOUT THE GUEST
Denise Heavey is the founder of Mentorhood Jersey, an organisation dedicated to helping parents successfully return to work while advocating for more family-friendly workplaces.
Denise works with employers, government and community organisations to redesign work around modern family life. Through workshops, career coaching and advocacy,
Follow Denise Heavey on LinkedIn
If you’re in Jersey, join the Mentorhood Support Group on Facebook:
ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCAST
Sense by Meg is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance. Hosted by OT, author and parenting expert Meg Faure, each episode brings together expert insight and real-world experience to help parents feel informed and supported. The podcast is proudly associated wit…
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When a Paediatrician Becomes the Patient: Dr Nellie Balfour's own NICU Story
30 juli 2026 · 31 min
Dr Nellie Balfour is a paediatrician and spent years telling anxious parents their babies were safe in the NICU. But when it was her own son on the monitor, and the numbers she understood too well it was a whole different experience. Lees meer
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we welcome back Dr Nellie Balfour to share the birth story of her second son. It's a story about when a paediatrician becomes the patient, and what happens when medical expertise collides with a mother's fear.
Nellie's pregnancy took a sharp turn after week 34. Her baby wasn't growing as expected, and daily monitoring eventually revealed fetal distress. What followed was an emergency caesarean and a birth weight far smaller than anyone had anticipated.
Nellie speaks candidly about what it meant to leave hospital without her baby, and how being a doctor made that harder, not easier. We also unpack the emotional toll of a high-risk delivery and how this experience is reshaping her own bedside manner as a paediatrician.
Nellie shares her experience with the rare honesty of someone who has sat on both sides of the NICU glass.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
What fetal distress actually means and how it's detected on a CTG
Why an umbilical cord around the neck can restrict growth and movement in utero
How compensated preeclampsia can go undetected until late pregnancy
What low platelet counts can signal in newborns, and why they're taken seriously
Why delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin can still happen after an emergency C-section
What it's really like for a mother to leave hospital without her baby
When the RSV vaccine is offered to newborns and why timing matters
How combining breastfeeding, expressed milk, and formula can support a fragile newborn
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr Nellie Balfour is a paediatrician and mother of two. She returns to Sense by Meg Faure to share the birth story of her second son, following her earlier appearance during her pregnancy. Her professional experience i…
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Ambition and Mum Guilt: The Truth About Returning to Work After Baby S9 | E220
23 juli 2026 · 32 min
Ambition and mom guilt can live in the same brain at the very same time. Lees meer
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we sit down with Madge Booth, host of the Moments podcast, who recently joined the Parent Sense team, to unpack why so many moms feel like they're failing at work and at home simultaneously.
We challenge the idea that moms can ever find a neat work-life balance and highlight that the traditional nine-to-five model was built before moms were such a big part of the workforce.
Meg shares the story of finding out she was pregnant with her third child the same week she launched Baby Sense.
The conversation moves into what employers get wrong when mothers return from leave and how the whole process needs far more humanity than most workplaces currently offer.
This episode gives working moms permission to let go of the guilt, and gives employers a picture of what real support looks like.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
Why the traditional nine-to-five was never built with mothers in mind
What matrescence is, and why returning to work can feel like reversing that transformation
How to stop chasing "work-life balance" and what to focus on instead
Why ambition and mom guilt can coexist without one having to win
What HR teams and employers consistently get wrong (and right) when moms return
Why careers don't need to be a straight line to still be good ones
ABOUT THE GUEST
Madge Booth is a working mom, media professional and the creator of The MOMents Podcast. After a decade in women’s magazines, she moved into marketing and recently joined the Parent Sense team.
She started The MOMents Podcast for working moms figuring out life, while walking the tightrope between her career and her family.
Follow the MOMents Podcast
Instagram | Website
ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCAST
Sense by Meg is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance. Hosted by OT, author and parenting expert Meg Faure, each episode brings together expe…
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The Scan That Changed Everything: A Quad Pregnancy Story | S9 | E219
16 juli 2026 · 36 min
One in 500 000 pregnancies happens without fertility treatment and results in quads. Sam Smith is living that statistic right now, 23 weeks pregnant with four babies she never expected. Lees meer
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we sit down with Sam Smith, who is 23 weeks into a spontaneous quad pregnancy, alongside returning guest Tasha, our resident multiples nurse. Sam and her partner Jan already have a toddler son, Teddy. They were hoping for one more baby. Instead, an eight week scan revealed four.
Sam walks us through that first scan in detail. She describes watching her doctor's expression change as he kept counting. Twins became triplets. Triplets became quads. There was no IVF involved.
Sam's honesty about the first trimester, the sleepless nights after the diagnosis, and the sheer physical discomfort of carrying four babies makes this one of the most human conversations we've had on the podcast.
If you've ever wondered what a spontaneous quad pregnancy actually looks like day to day, this episode answers it.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
How a routine eight week scan turned into a quad diagnosis, and what that moment felt like for Sam and her partner Jan.
The difference between monochorionic (shared placenta) and dichorionic twins, and why it matters for risk.
What twin to twin transfusion is and why the 24 week mark is a milestone in multiples pregnancies.
How delivery planning works for quads, including hospital selection by gestational week and NICU team size.
Practical breastfeeding strategies for multiples: pumping, donor milk, tandem feeding, and combination feeding.
Why "getting help" isn't a compromise, it's the plan, according to multiples nurse Tasha.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Sam Smith is currently 23 weeks into a spontaneous quad pregnancy, expecting four babies with no fertility treatment involved. She lives in Cape Town with her partner Jan and their toddler son, Teddy. Sam is sharing her pregnancy in real time, from the shock of the dia…
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The Dual Legacy: What Every Parent Should Know About Money and Values | S9 | E218
9 juli 2026 · 29 min
Most parents think legacy means a will they'll sort out one day. Certified financial planner from Meta Heights Capital, Lerato Mahasha says that's only half the story. Lees meer
Meg and Lerato talks to about the "dual legacy": the assets you leave behind and the values that go with them. Lerato explains why families over-index on money and leave values to "someday."
They cover which debts to kill first, why retirement usually beats education savings and the biggest money mistake parents make in a child's first five years. Lerato also breaks down what happens to your children and your estate if you die without a will, and how to actually choose a guardian.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
What the "dual legacy" is, and why most families only plan for half of it
The first financial move to make, even on a tight budget
Retirement or education savings: which comes first
The biggest money mistake parents make in the first five years
What happens to your children and estate if you die without a will
Simple ways to pass down values through stories and family traditions
ABOUT THE GUEST
Lerato Mahasha is a Certified Financial Planner at Meta Heights Capital, helping families build financial strategies alongside wills, trusts and estate planning.
REACH OUT TO META HEIGHTS CAPITAL
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ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCAST
Sense by Meg is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance. Hosted by OT, author and parenting expert Meg Faure, each episode brings together expert insight and real-world experience to help parents feel informed and supported. The podcast is proudly associated with Parent Sense, the all-in-one parenting app for routines, sleep, nutrition and expert advice.
Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition and expert advice.
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From Couple to Co-Parents: The Psychological Shift Every New Dad Goes Through | S9 | E217
2 juli 2026 · 32 min
When a baby arrives, the spotlight falls on the mother. Her body, her recovery, her bond with the baby. But there's a quieter transformation happening on the other side of the room. A man is becoming a father, and almost nobody is asking how he's doing. Lees meer
Meg Faure sits down with psychologist Dr Ange Nespola to talk about what dads actually go through in those first weeks and months. The identity shift, the loss of connection to their partner, the pressure to hold it together and the postnatal depression that often gets missed entirely.
In This Episode You'll Learn
Why becoming a dad is a major identity transformation, not just a support role
What "primary maternal preoccupation" is, and what it means for a father's place in the family system
Why marital satisfaction drops for most couples in the first year
How to bring dad into hands-on caregiving without pushing him out
Why so many dads feel like a third wheel, especially during breastfeeding
The real numbers on paternal postnatal depression, why it looks different to maternal depression and why it's so often missed
How to navigate the division of labour without turning it into a tally
A practical approach to splitting night shifts that doesn't leave both parents sleep deprived
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr Ange Nespola is a psychologist who works with couples navigating the transition to parenthood, drawing on both clinical practice and her own recent experience as a mother of two.
Follow Dr. Ange
Instagram
Website
EPISODE REFERENCES
Gottman Institute research on marital satisfaction after childbirth
D.W. Winnicott's concept of primary maternal preoccupation,
ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCAST
Sense by Meg Faure is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance through pregnancy, babyhood and the toddler years. Hosted by Occupational Therapist, author and parenting expert Meg Faure. The podcast is proudly associated with Parent Sense.
Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care …
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Grief, Love, and the Woman You Left Behind: Meg Faure on Motherhood's Hidden Transition S8 | E216
25 juni 2026 · 42 min
On this week’s episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we explore the identity shift nobody prepares you for. Meg Faure hands the hosting mic to Madge Booth - founder of the MOMents podcast for working mums - and the conversation that follows is one of the most honest this podcast has ever held. Lees meer
What Is Matrescence?
Matrescence is the term for the transition from woman to mother. Meg compares it directly to adolescence - with its hormonal upheaval, neurological rewiring, and complete identity reorganisation. The difference is that adolescence unfolds over years. Matrescence happens within hours of giving birth.
Research shows that grey matter in the maternal brain changes fundamentally after birth and stays changed for up to two years. It doesn’t mean cognitive loss - it means the brain’s energy is being redirected towards keeping a new human alive. Primary maternal preoccupation is real, biological, and entirely normal.
Grief and Love at the Same Time
One of the most powerful themes in this conversation is the grief that lives alongside love. Meg is direct: you can adore your child completely and at the same time mourn the woman you used to be. The woman who could leave the house without a nappy bag. Who went to the toilet alone. Who had full cognitive agency over her own life.
Returning to Work: The Juggle Nobody Acknowledges
The majority of mothers return to work within months of giving birth. Meg unpacks what happens in that transition: the expectation to step back into your old professional mould, while carrying a permanent cognitive load that never fully switches off. At least until your children reach their mid-twenties, she says, there is never a minute of the day that you don’t know where they are.
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
Some women face a harder transition. Meg identifies key risk factors: inadequate support structures, a history of anxiety or depression, fertility struggles or birth trauma, and the intergenerational patterns psychologist Fraiberg called …
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APGAR Scores, Delayed Cord Clamping and Hospital Bag Essentials with Dr Nellie Balfour S8 | E215
18 juni 2026 · 37 min
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, Meg sits down with Dr. Nellie Balfour - a paediatrician who is 35 weeks pregnant with her second child - to talk through everything you need to know about what happens the moment your baby is born. This is episode three of their real-time pregnancy series, and it's one of the most practical and reassuring conversations the show has produced. Lees meer
Dr. Nellie is having an elective C-section at 38 weeks. She's packed the bag, she's thought through the birth plan, and she brings both her medical knowledge and her personal experience as a second-time mum to every part of this conversation.
Sensory Personalities-Who Is This Baby?
Meg and Nellie open with the question every third-trimester parent is really asking: who is this little person? Nellie's baby has been doing somersaults all pregnancy, and Meg explains what that might mean in terms of sensory personality. She walks through the four sensory types - settled, slow to warm up, social butterfly, and sensitive - and what each means for how you parent in those early months.
The Hospital Bag -What You Actually Need
Nellie unpacks her hospital bag in detail. For a C-section specifically, the focus shifts almost entirely to postnatal comfort rather than labour preparation. Her list covers maternity essentials from the Carrywell range, a front-button nightie over pyjama pants (the elastic irritates the scar), breast pads for when the milk arrives on day two or three, a breastfeeding pillow, flip flops for the shared shower, and the one item people consistently forget: a phone charger.
She also covers the baby bag: two nappy sizes because estimated weights from ultrasounds aren't always accurate, unscented wipes, cotton wool with surgical spirits for the umbilical stump, swaddles, beanies, and a dummy.
Delayed Cord Clamping, First Baths, and the Delivery Room
Nellie explains delayed cord clamping in plain terms: by waiting 30 to 60 seconds before clamping, blood transfers fro…
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Your Baby's Feeding Masterclass: What Every Parent Needs to Know (But Nobody Tells You) S8 | E214
11 juni 2026 · 34 min
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we sit down with renowned Clinical Paediatric Dietitian Kath Megaw for the ultimate baby and toddler feeding masterclass. We cover everything from the newborn milk phase right through to the picky toddler years, giving you practical, science-backed answers to the feeding questions that keep parents up at night. Lees meer
Is My Baby Getting Enough? The Newborn Milk Phase
In those brutal first few weeks, nearly every parent wonders whether their baby is getting enough milk. Kath shares the three objective signs to look for: weight gain, adequate wet nappies, and regular stools. She explains why a crying baby is not a reliable indicator of hunger, and sets out a clear, reassuring weighing schedule for new parents.
The Weaning Window: When Is the Right Time?
The question of when to start solids is one of the most confusing areas of early parenting. Kath cuts through the noise with a three-part framework: the science (look for supported sitting and neck control, and wait past 17 weeks), your cultural context, and your own gut instinct. She is clear that solids are for teaching and joy, not for fixing sleep, reflux, or poor growth.
Gagging vs Choking: What Every Parent Must Know
Gagging is loud, active, and protective. Choking is silent, limp, and rare. Kath explains the crucial difference so clearly that parents will never react the same way again. She offers practical guidance for anxious parents and explains why an engaged, calm parent is the single best protection against choking at mealtimes.
The Picky Toddler: What Is Normal and What To Do
Toddler fussiness is developmentally normal. Kath explains why toddlers resist variety, the role of routine and timing in appetite, and why filling gaps with non-nutritious foods can backfire. She also clarifies the milk-to-food balance for toddlers, recommending that milk account for no more than 25% of their total daily nutrition.
Myth Busting: Allergen Introduction
Kath busts one of…
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You're Not Failing: The Truth About Parenting Mistakes and Resilience S8 | E213
4 juni 2026 · 34 min
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we explore one of the most liberating truths in parenting science: rupture and repair. Meg is joined by guest co-host and Parent Sense COO Tove de Chazal Gant to unpack why getting it wrong is not the problem. What matters most is what happens next. Lees meer
The Myth of the Perfect Parent
The pressure to stay calm and parent perfectly is built on a false foundation. Social media shows curated highlights, not real life. Misinformation from unqualified voices sets impossible standards. Meg is clear: no human parent consistently hits the gold standard, and that is not just okay. It is actually by design.
What Rupture Really Means
A rupture is simply a break in connection. It happens when you snap, when you cannot respond quickly enough, or when your attention is pulled elsewhere. Using Ed Tronick's Still Face Experiment, Meg explains what happens in a baby's nervous system in these moments and points out that understanding this is not meant to create guilt. It is meant to show why what comes next matters so much.
The Science of Repair
This is where the episode becomes truly transformative. Rupture and repair, experienced repeatedly, writes a neurological story for the child: relationships are safe, disconnection is temporary, and the person who loves me will always come back. This is actively building resilience, emotional intelligence, and the capacity for real relationships in adulthood.
The Four Steps of Effective Repair
Meg outlines a practical four-step process. First, come back: return your full presence through eye contact and touch. Second, name it: say sorry and give context. This models accountability and teaches children that ruptures can be repaired. Third, reconnect: reading a book or sitting together is enough. Fourth, do not over-apologise or over-explain. One sincere apology and a moment of warmth is all that is needed.
Why Perfect Parenting Harms Children
Children raised without rupture are underprepared f…
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Why Less is More: Advice for New Mums with guest Tove de Chazal Gant
28 mei 2026 · 31 min
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we explore the fourth trimester with honesty, warmth, and practical wisdom. This conversation is proof that less is more, and your baby will thrive when parents feel genuinely supported. Meg Faure is joined by Tove de Chazal Gant, COO of Parent Sense and seasoned mum of three, who takes the hosting seat and asks the questions every new parent is actually thinking. Lees meer
The First Six Weeks: You Are Not Failing
The first six weeks are brutal. Meg says it plainly. Feeding cycles feel relentless, sleep is fractured, and the baby seems to do very little and yet everything at once. Just keeping your baby alive is ticking every single box. Nothing more is required.
Milestones: Windows, Not Deadlines
Milestones happen across wide ranges of normal. One late milestone is not a red flag. What matters is the sequence and trajectory. Consistent delay across a developmental bucket, or a gut feeling that something is off, is when parents should seek support. The Parent Sense app lists milestones with ranges in the play section.
Sensory Overload: The Times Square Effect
A newborn goes from the perfectly regulated womb directly into overwhelming sensory input. Meg compares it to landing on Times Square after living on a quiet savannah. Signs of overload include looking away, falling asleep, grimacing, and inconsolable crying. Tove shares her daughter Nova's story: born six weeks premature, Nova's development stalled not from inability but from a noisy home environment. Turning off background noise made all the difference.
Less Is More, and Your Baby Will Thrive
The heart of this episode. Less social pressure, less stimulation, less obligation. The only stimulation that genuinely matters is quiet eye contact, serve and return connection, and touch through massage, swaddling, and carrying. Your baby has 45 minutes of awake time between sleeps. Being alive in the world is enough.
Regulating Yourself to Regulate Your Baby
Babies cannot …
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Baby Kicks, Alcohol Myths, and the Vaccines That Protect Your Baby Before Birth S8 | E211
21 mei 2026 · 29 min
The Second Trimester, Real and Unfiltered with Dr. Nellie Balfour Lees meer
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we sit down with Dr. Nellie Balfour for a conversation that is second trimester, real and unfiltered. Dr. Balfour is a paediatrician navigating her own second pregnancy in real time. She brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to every topic covered. This is the second episode in an ongoing real-time pregnancy series. It is honest, practical, and deeply reassuring for any expectant parent.
The Second Trimester: A Different Pregnancy Entirely
Nellie describes the second trimester as her favourite season of pregnancy. Energy returns. Appetite is restored. The baby bump becomes visible and joyful. For Nellie, whose nausea extended to 22 weeks, the relief of the second trimester was particularly profound. Meg and Nellie discuss the hereditary nature of hyperemesis gravidarum,and address nutritional concerns for mums who lose weight in the first trimester.
Baby Kicks: What Is Normal and What to Watch For
Feeling your baby move is one of the most treasured moments of pregnancy. Nellie explains that movement is typically felt between 16 and 20 weeks. In subsequent pregnancies it often occurs earlier. Placenta position plays a significant role in how strongly kicks are felt. The general guideline is to feel around 10 kicks within an hour. If movement is reduced, eating something sweet or lying on the left side usually prompts activity.
Alcohol, Teratogens, and Foods to Avoid
Meg and Nellie are fully aligned. Alcohol is an absolute no during pregnancy. South Africa carries the highest rates of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the world. There is no proven safe amount of alcohol at any stage of pregnancy.
Tests and Scans in the Second Trimester
Nellie walks listeners through the key screenings offered in the second trimester. For mothers over 35, NIPT is often completed in the first trimester. For lower-risk pregnancies, the triple or quadrup…
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The CALM Method: From Mom Guilt to Real Boundaries with Angie Weber S2 | E210
14 mei 2026 · 33 min
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we sit down with Angie Weber, host of Mom Essentials, owner of The Parent Toolbox, and founder of the Divorce Support Collective, to talk about parenting with intention and what it really takes to break the cycle of yelling, guilt, and shame. Lees meer
Angie built her CALM framework not from a textbook but from her own lived healing journey through anxiety, depression, and PTSD. What came out of that journey is a practical, compassionate approach that is already changing families across the world.
What is the CALM Approach?
CALM is an acronym. Each letter is a foundational pillar of Angie's parenting framework:
C - Compassionate Communication: How we speak to our children, how we truly listen, and how we build connection in a world dominated by screens.
A - Awareness and Accountability: Becoming curious about behaviour rather than reactive to it. Understanding what children are communicating through their actions, and holding ourselves and our children accountable through meaningful consequences.
L - Learning Emotional Regulation: Recognising emotions as they rise, and learning to process and express them in healthy ways - for parents first, and then for children.
M - Mindful Modelling: Our children are watching us all the time. The goal is to shift from "do as I say, not as I do" to "do as I do."
The Red Brain vs. The Green Brain
One of the most practical sections of this conversation covers what to do when you are already dysregulated. Angie shares her five-point body check-in: a tool that helps parents catch themselves before they react in ways they later regret.
The five points to check are:
Body sensations
Body movements
Thoughts
Emotions
The five senses
Practiced consistently, this check-in becomes second nature.
Gentle Parenting vs. Permissive Parenting
Angie and Meg unpack one of the most misunderstood distinctions in modern parenting.
Gentle parenting, at its core, includes boundaries and consequences.…
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Nothing Could Have Prepared Me for My Own Pregnancy: A Paediatrician Gets Real S8 | E209
7 mei 2026 · 31 min
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we sit down with Dr. Nellie Balfour, a specialist paediatrician who has spent years working in neonatal ICUs, as she navigates her own second pregnancy in real time. This is the first episode in a brand new series on Sense by Meg Faure, following Nellie's pregnancy journey trimester by trimester. It is raw, honest, deeply personal and utterly reassuring. Lees meer
What We Cover:
Prenatal Depression: The conversation we are not having.
Dr. Nellie opens up about experiencing prenatal depression during her first trimester — losing six kilograms, sleeping constantly, feeling hopeless, and ultimately needing medication. She explains why second-time mums are actually more vulnerable to prenatal depression than postpartum depression, why the symptoms are so often missed or dismissed, and why the stigma makes everything worse. Her advice is simple and direct: any feeling of hopelessness during pregnancy is a red flag. Talk to someone. Tell your gynaecologist. Do not wait.
Medical Knowledge and Pregnancy Anxiety:
Many people assume that a paediatrician would sail through pregnancy with confidence. Dr. Nellie challenges that completely. When you know every possible risk, your mind finds more to worry about — not less. Meg Faure shares her own experience of this, reminding us that motherhood is the great leveller. It does not matter whether you are a plumber or a paediatrician. The emotional journey of becoming a mother humbles everyone equally.
Medication Safety in Pregnancy:
Social media is full of dangerous misinformation about medication in pregnancy. Meg and Nellie set the record straight.
Breech Babies and Motor Development:
Dr. Nellie asks Meg a fascinating clinical question: what are the developmental implications of a breech birth? Meg explains the role of the vestibular system in orienting a baby head-down in the womb, and how a consistently breech position may affect muscle tone, balance, coordination and bilateral integr…
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The Golden Window: When and How to Potty Train Without the Drama S8 | E208
30 april 2026 · 28 min
Introduction Lees meer
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we are talking about one of the most searched, most stressed-about, and most misunderstood milestones in the toddler years: potty training. Meg Faure takes you through the science, the sensory personalities, and a practical day-by-day plan that gets most little ones out of nappies within ten days. No punishment, no pressure, no drama.
Why Sensory Personality Changes Everything
Not all children potty train the same way, and getting this wrong is one of the main reasons parents feel like they are failing. Meg explains the four sensory personalities and what each one means for potty training. High-filter babies, your social butterflies and settled little ones, are prone to accidents because they simply do not notice the signals. They need a scheduled approach, active play to increase body awareness, and language cues to bridge the gap. Sensitive and slow-to-warm-up babies feel everything intensely, may have anxiety around the process, and need calm, unhurried, comfortable conditions to feel safe enough to go.
The Golden Window and Readiness Cues
Meg introduces the four age categories for potty training and makes a clear case for why 18 to 30 months is the golden window. She walks through the physical, cognitive, and sensory readiness cues to look for, from dry nappies after naps and pulling the nappy off, to pointing, communicating, and pausing in play to register the signal. She also explains why waiting until after 30 months tends to make the process significantly harder.
The One Thing Parents Set Up Wrong
Before potty training even begins, you need to set up the right space. Meg covers exactly what this looks like: a calm, dedicated spot with books nearby, a stable and well-fitted potty or seat reducer, a reward jar, and, critically, a footrest. Feet flat on the floor is non-negotiable. Children cannot push out a poo and manage a swinging-legs balancing act at the same time.
The 10-Day Plan: Prep Wee…
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Not Broken. Differently Wired. Raising the Neurodivergent Child with Dr Itzikowitz S8 | E207
23 april 2026 · 38 min
Introduction Lees meer
This week we have one of the most honest and tender conversations this podcast has ever held. Meg sits down with Dr Raphaela Itzikowitz Geva, specialist paediatrician, neurodevelopment expert, and founder of The Full Spectrum app. Together they explore what it truly means to raise a child whose brain works differently. Whether you are a parent who has just started to notice something, a family in the middle of a long diagnostic journey, or someone who received a label years ago and is still finding their footing, this episode is for you.
What Neurodivergence Actually Means
Raphaela unpacks the difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence with clarity and compassion. Neurodiversity is simply the reality that all human brains are different. Neurodivergence is where those differences create specific challenges in navigating a demanding world. Crucially, she reframes the entire conversation: this is not about fixing an incorrect child. It is about understanding how a child processes their world so that we can support them to thrive within it.
Guilt vs. Grief: Two Very Different Things
One of the most powerful moments in this episode is Raphaela's distinction between guilt and grief. Guilt asks: did I cause this? Grief says: this is not what I expected, and it is hard. Raphaela explains why neurodivergence is almost never anybody's fault, and why untangling these two emotions is one of the most liberating things a parent can do. She also addresses the moment of diagnosis itself, which for many parents holds both shock and, unexpectedly, relief.
Neuroplasticity and the Early Window
The early brain is wiring itself in real time, and what happens in those first years matters enormously. Raphaela explains neuroplasticity in plain language and makes a compelling case for early intervention. Not because we are changing the child to fit the world, but because we are shaping the experience of the child so they can explore their world with confidence…
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Is Your Child Seen? The One Thing Kim Kleidon Says Every Parent Gets Wrong S8 | E 206
16 april 2026 · 41 min
Introduction Lees meer
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we explore the question at the heart of connected parenting: Is Your Child Seen? The One Thing Kim Kleidon Says Every Parent Gets Wrong. Meg sits down with Kim Kleidon, former ABC Radio broadcaster, storytelling coach, and host of What We Teach Our Children. Kim has spent years distilling the wisdom of over 75 conversations with parents, educators, and researchers worldwide.
What Children Need Most
Kim's answer is simple: children need to feel seen. Not entertained, not scheduled. Just genuinely noticed. She says five minutes of real presence, eye to eye, interested and engaged, matters more than hours of planned activity. That quality of attention is what children carry with them. It shapes their emotional resilience and their sense of self.
Phones, Presence, and Being Seen
Kim shares a striking insight from her interviews. Children today feel they are competing with their parent's phone. What they often see is the top of a parent's head. This has real consequences for neurological and emotional development. Meg adds that unseen children find ways to be seen. In toddlers, that means tantrums. In teenagers, it can mean defiance or self-expression that surprises parents.
Stories and the Bedtime Hack
Kim is a passionate advocate for storytelling as a parenting tool. A rhythmic, calming story at bedtime helps a child's brain transition into sleep. It also builds language, connection, and emotional intelligence. Meg introduces book sharing, a research-backed approach using wordless picture books. Parents narrate and connect the story to their child's own experience. Studies show it strengthens language, connection, and emotional self-awareness.
Stop Over-Scheduling
Kim's most repeated message across 75-plus conversations: stop trying to control everything. Children do not need to be learning or entertained at every moment. Boredom is not a problem. It is where creativity begins. Free play and unstructur…
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The Twin Mum Truth: Crawling, Colds & the Feeding Window You Can't Afford to Miss S8 | E205
9 april 2026 · 27 min
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we dive into the real, raw, and rewarding world of twin parenting at 11 months. Meg is joined by twin mum and South African TV personality Zoë Brown, and Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant Tasha Perreard. Together they cover crawling milestones, the feeding window of opportunity, immune support for daycare babies, and the coming nap transition. Lees meer
🧸 Crawling: What's Normal & What Helps
Zoë's boys are army crawling but not yet on hands and knees. Meg shares the towel hammock hack — roll a towel into a sausage, support baby's chest over it, and help them find that four-point kneeling position. Core strengthening activities like kicking balloons also help. If crawling hasn't happened by 12 months, seek support from an NDT-trained physiotherapist or occupational therapist. And remember — never encourage bum shuffling.
🍽️ The Feeding Window of Opportunity
Now is the golden window to build adventurous eaters — before toddler fussiness sets in. By 12 months, babies can eat almost everything the family eats. Don't forget the allergens many parents miss: sesame, shellfish, soya, gluten, and all tree nuts (not just peanuts).
😴 Sleep & the Nap Transition
Luke's night waking was solved simply by moving him to a 2.5-tog sleep sack — a great reminder that sensory-sensitive babies feel environmental changes more acutely. Looking ahead, between 12–14 months most babies drop from two day sleeps to one. Gradually push the morning sleep later and bring bedtime earlier to ease the transition.
🤧 Daycare Coughs, Colds & Immune Support
No cough suppressants under two — the goal is to keep mucus moving. Use saline spray three to four times daily. ACC syrup (from six months) helps thin mucus. For immune support, Tasha recommends Vitamin D, zinc, and echinacea.
👩⚕️ About Our Guests
Zoë Brown is a South African radio and TV personality, best known for hosting the Afternoon Drive on KFM and as a presenter on Expresso. Follow Zoë on I…
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Sharyn Feldman - Stop Rushing, Start Wondering: Building True Parenting Confidence S8 | E204
2 april 2026 · 34 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we delve into a profound parenting dilemma that every parent asks: "Why, even when I know what to do… do I still feel like I'm getting it wrong?" This gap between capability and inner confidence is the focus of our conversation today. Host Meg Faure sits down with Sharyn Feldman to explore how to feel truly steady as a parent. Lees meer
Capability vs. Confidence: The Inner Difference
Many parents master the "how-to" tasks of parenting, like feeding and routines. These are essential technical skills. However, knowing these tasks does not equate to feeling confident. True confidence stems from "who you are while you are doing them." It involves internal awareness. Parents must notice their own feelings, reactions, and their child’s responses to cultivate genuine inner steadiness.
From "I Know" to "I Wonder": Embracing Curiosity
Drawing on the work of Dr. Claudia Gold, we discuss shifting from "I know" to "I wonder." This transition from certainty to curiosity is where real confidence blossoms. Sharyn emphasizes the concept of "willingness"—the courage to embrace uncertainty. By letting go of the need for immediate answers and engaging with the "grey" areas of parenting, you foster a deeper, more resilient confidence.
You Are Your Child's Primary Environment
Your child's most important environment isn't their nursery or your home; it is you. You are an energetic, emotional environment that your child constantly absorbs. This realization reframes how we show up. Reflective parenting means noticing the energy you create and staying curious about your child’s response to you. This understanding fosters a more intentional and deeply connected approach.
Beyond "Fast Food Parenting"
Social media is full of quick tips and hacks. Sharyn aptly calls this "fast food parenting." Like fast food, these solutions offer a quick fix but lack long-term nourishment. Real, home-cooked parenting requires time, care, and thoughtful reflection. It moves beyon…
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Turning One: Navigating Toddler Milestones and Transitions
26 maart 2026 · 31 min
On this weeks episode of Sense, by Meg Faure we explore the magic of Turning One. Your baby is now officially a toddler. This phase brings exciting milestones and new challenges. I am joined by our regular guest, Nina Clark. We check in on her son, Josh. Turning One is a time of incredible physical growth. Parent Sense is here to support you through these changes. Lees meer
Movement and Walking Milestones Josh is currently navigating the transition to walking. We discuss the normal range for this major milestone. Most children walk between ten and eighteen months. Movement is a vital sensory experience for your toddler. It provides essential proprioceptive and vestibular input. This input helps toddlers feel secure in their bodies. Physical stability also leads to better fine motor skills.
Big Opinions and Emotional Intelligence Toddlers are famous for their big opinions. We explore the science of early emotional outbursts. These meltdowns are often caused by simple frustration. Receptive language develops faster than expressive speech. Your toddler understands more than they can say. I share why naming emotions is so powerful. This practice builds lifelong emotional intelligence. It helps your child feel heard and safe.
Navigating the Picky Eating Phase Many parents notice a change in appetite now. Caloric needs often decrease after the first year. We discuss the "picky eating" spiral. Mealtimes must prioritize safety and connection. Nina shares her experience with Josh at the table. We talk about letting the toddler have more control. Parent Sense offers great tools for nutrition.
The One-Nap Transition We tackle the tricky shift to a single nap. Most toddlers make this change around twelve months. I provide a checklist for this transition. We also discuss the impact of screens. Screen time can disrupt a toddler’s internal rhythm. I explain the "social butterfly" sensory personality. This personality needs movement more than a screen.
About Our Guest: Nina Clark is a …
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Food for the Ages: How Your Pregnancy Plate Shapes Future Generations
19 maart 2026 · 38 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, Meg sits down with Paediatric Dietitian Kath Megaw for an eye-opening conversation about the profound impact of pregnancy nutrition. Discover how the food you eat today not only nourishes you and your baby but also influences the health of your future grandchildren through epigenetics. Lees meer
This episode is packed with essential, science-backed advice:
Blood Sugar Stability: Learn why managing your blood sugar is crucial for reducing nausea and setting the stage for your baby's long-term metabolic health.
The Gut Microbiome: Uncover why a healthy gut is one of the most powerful gifts you can give your baby and how to nourish it with the right kinds of fibrous foods.
The Truth About Protein: Find out how much protein you really need during pregnancy for your baby's growth, placenta health, and even your future breast milk composition.
Supplementation is Not Optional: Kath explains why a good diet isn't enough and breaks down what to look for in a high-quality prenatal vitamin, as well as when to consider extra supplements like Omega-3s.
A Day on Your Plate: Kath provides a practical, delicious, and easy-to-follow meal plan for a pregnant mom, including meals, snacks, and supplements.
This is a must-listen for any expectant mother who wants to make informed, confident choices about her nutrition, cutting through the noise to give her baby the very best start in life.
About Our Guest:
Kath Megaw is a distinguished Paediatric Dietitian with extensive experience in early childhood nutrition. As a regular expert on the podcast and co-author of "Weaning Sense," Kath is passionate about translating complex nutritional science into practical, accessible advice for parents. She works closely with families to lay healthy foundations from pregnancy through to the toddler years and beyond.
Episode References and Links:
Book: Weaning Sense by Meg Faure and Kath Megaw
Discount Code: Get 50% off the Parent Sense app with code SENSE50.
📱 Pare…
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Nina and Josh - 10 month update & the #1 Reason for night waking
12 maart 2026 · 30 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with regular guest Nina Clark as her son, Josh, approaches the 10-month mark. Nina shares an honest account of the challenges of parenting two young children, the realities of a "fiery" toddler, and the constant juggle of motherhood. Lees meer
This episode is a must-listen guide to navigating this active and exciting stage:
The 10-Month Sleep Regression: Josh has started waking frequently at night, especially between 11 PM and 3 AM. Meg provides a checklist for troubleshooting, including separation anxiety, day sleep routines, and crucial nutritional factors.
The #1 Hidden Reason for Night Wakings: We explore the critical role of iron in a baby's diet after six months and why low iron is a common but often-overlooked cause of poor sleep.
Feeding a Social Butterfly: Nina shares her struggle with breastfeeding a distractible "social butterfly." We discuss the pros and cons of snacky feeds versus a more structured routine for older babies.
The Nappy Change Wrestle: A relatable moment all parents know well! Meg explains the developmental reason why babies resist nappy changes at this age and offers practical tips.
This is an info-packed and reassuring conversation for any parent with a baby on the move!
About Our Guest:
Nina Clark is a mom to two boys, four-and-a-half-year-old Max and 10-month-old Josh. After a long stint in London where she founded the successful sleepwear brand Nightire, she has returned to South Africa. Nina shares her real, unfiltered journey as a second-time mom as a regular guest on the podcast.
Episode References and Links:
Book: Weaning Sense by Meg Faure and Kath Megaw
Supplements Mentioned: Floradix Liquid Iron, Barley Green
📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE
Web: megfaure.com
Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.…
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A Parent's Guide to the 8 Senses: Why Understanding Them is a Newborn Hack
5 maart 2026 · 20 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we dive into one of the most powerful tools a new parent can have: understanding your baby's sensory world. In this solo episode based on the bestselling book Baby Sense, Meg explains why your newborn startles, fusses, and becomes overwhelmed, and how you can become their sensory filter to create a world of calm. Lees meer
This is a masterclass in decoding your newborn's behavior. You will learn:
Your Baby's 8 Senses: Move beyond the basic five and discover all eight senses your baby uses to experience the world, from the well-developed sense of touch to the still-maturing sense of sight.
The States of Infancy: Understand the six states your baby moves through, from deep sleep to crying, and learn how to identify the magical "calm alert state" for learning and connection.
How to Read Your Baby's Cues: Meg provides a clear guide to your baby's four types of signals—from early "approach" and "warning" signs to later "stress" and "crying" signals—so you can respond before they become distressed.
The Womb World Hack: Learn how to soothe your baby by recreating the sensory sanctuary of the womb using deep pressure (swaddling), white noise, and rhythmic movement.
This episode will give you "sensory eyes," empowering you to stop guessing and start responding confidently to what your baby is truly telling you.
About Our Host:
Meg Faure is an occupational therapist, author of the 'Sense' series of parenting books (including Baby Sense), and the founder of the Parent Sense app. With decades of experience working with parents and babies, her mission is to bring calm, clarity, and confidence to the parenting journey.
Episode References and Links:
Book: Baby Sense by Meg Faure
📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE
Web: megfaure.com
Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram…
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Nina & Josh: The 8-Month Update on Crawling, Clapping & Separation Anxiety
26 februari 2026 · 35 min
Welcome back to Sense by Meg Faure! 🎙️ Lees meer
This week, I am so delighted to welcome Nina back to the podcast. She is sharing her wonderfully honest and relatable journey of navigating life with both a busy toddler and a growing second baby.
In this episode, we dive deep into the "Social Butterfly" phase that emerges around 8 months. It is such a beautiful, busy age, but it certainly comes with its own unique set of developmental leaps and challenges!
👇 In This Episode, We Unpack:
Milestone Consolidation: We discuss why how your baby crawls (reciprocal crawling) actually matters so much more than how quickly they reach the milestone.
Separation Anxiety: It is completely normal for little ones to become clingy at this age! We talk about how to gently handle the transition to object permanence using simple, playful methods like "Hide and Seek."
The Screen Time Juggle: Real talk on navigating indirect screen exposure from older siblings, and why fostering self-regulation in your little ones is so important.
Social Development & Communication: How to decode those adorable sounds and differentiate between lovely babbling and purposeful first words.
📚 Episode References and Links:
Books: Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure.
Toy Recommendation: The Toniebox (A wonderful screen-free audio player for busy toddlers!).
📱 Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for expert routines, nutrition guidance, and developmental tracking. [Download the Parent Sense App Here]
🌐 Connect with Meg Faure:
Website: megfaure.com
Facebook: Meg Faure Sense
Instagram: @megfaure.sense
❤️ Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Leaving a 5-star rating and a quick review truly helps other parents find our community!
For guest nominations or feedback, please email us at info@megfaure.com.
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The Truth About Baby Myths: Expert Paediatric Advice with Dr. Nellie Balfour
19 februari 2026 · 32 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we're cutting through the noise of social media to bring you clear, evidence-based answers to your most common parenting questions. Meg is joined by Specialist Pediatrician, Dr. Nellie Balfour, for a myth-busting conversation that will leave you feeling calm and confident. Lees meer
In this must-listen episode, Dr. Nellie tackles the myths that keep parents up at night:
Fevers are NOT the Enemy: Learn why a fever is a healthy immune response, the real signs to watch for (dehydration, fever over 3 days), and why the goal is comfort, not just a number on the thermometer.
The Truth About Green Snot: Does green mucus automatically mean a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics? Dr. Nellie debunks this common myth and explains what it really signifies.
Decoding Teething: Can teething cause a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea? We separate teething facts from fiction and discuss when you should suspect an underlying illness.
Sleep & Bonding Myths: Dr. Nellie reassures parents that holding your baby to sleep will not spoil them and explains why an overtired baby sleeps worse, not better.
How to Find Credible Advice: In a world of "mom-shaming" and conflicting information, Dr. Nellie provides a practical checklist for evaluating online advice and learning to trust your gut.
This episode is your dose of evidence-based calm in a world of parenting chaos.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Nellie Balfour is a mom and Specialist Pediatrician with a focus on neonates, newborns, and early childhood development. Originally from South Africa, she now practices in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Nellie is passionate about empowering parents with credible, evidence-based information so they can make the best decisions for their children. You can find her and her popular Q&A sessions on Instagram at @drnelliepaeds
Episode References and Links:
📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for …
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8 Months With Twins: Tumbleweeds, Sleep & Sensory with mom of twins, Zoe Brown and Sleep Consultant Tasha Perard.
12 februari 2026 · 31 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with our favorite twin mamas, Zoe Brown and Tasha Perreard, for an honest look at the wild ride of 8 months. Zoe's boys, Luke and Jordan, have officially entered the "tumbleweed stage," bringing new milestones like teething and big changes to sleep and sensory needs. Lees meer
Key discussion points include:
Teething & Sensory Profiles: Jordan has two teeth and sailed through it, while Luke is feeling all the drama. Meg explains how a baby's sensory profile (sensitive vs. high threshold) directly impacts their experience with teething.
The 8-Month Sleep Regression: Luke is waking frequently again. Tasha discusses the "perfect storm" at this age, including separation anxiety and the need for comfort feeds, while Meg provides a checklist for troubleshooting (Health, Nutrition, Separation Anxiety, and Naps).
Iron & Your Baby's Sleep: Learn why iron stores deplete after six months and how low iron can be a hidden cause of night wakings. We discuss iron-rich foods and when a supplement might be necessary.
Navigating Different Schedules: Zoe asks the ultimate twin question: "What do I do when my twins have different sleep needs?" Tasha offers practical, sanity-saving advice on whether to wake one twin to keep them on the same schedule.
This episode is packed with real talk, expert advice, and heartwarming encouragement for any parent navigating this mobile and exciting stage.
About Our Guests:
Zoe Brown: A well-known media personality and new mother to 8-month-old twin boys, Jordan and Luke. She shares her real-time experiences and questions on her parenting journey as a regular guest on the podcast.
Tasha Perreard: A neonatal nurse and twin specialist based in Cape Town. As a twin mom herself, Tasha provides expert insights and practical advice for parents of multiples. You can find her practice, The Well Mother and Child Clinic, on Instagram @wmc_clinic.
Episode References and Links:
Book: Weaning Sense by Meg Faure and Kath…
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A Miraculous Beginning: Pregnancy is Not Perfect
5 februari 2026 · 26 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we kick off Season 8 with a special episode dedicated to the very first chapter of motherhood: pregnancy. This is not a conversation about perfection, but a reassuring guide to understanding the profound, miraculous, and sometimes messy journey of growing a new life. Meg explores the science behind early pregnancy, the incredible changes happening in your body, and how to let go of the guilt that so often accompanies this new beginning. Lees meer
Key discussion points include:
The Ripple Effect: Discover how your physical health, emotional state, stress, and nutrition create ripples that influence your baby’s development from the very start.
Genes vs. Nurture: Learn how your baby's genetic blueprint is shaped by nurture and the powerful force of epigenetics, even before you know you're pregnant.
Your Miraculous Body: Awe-inspiring insights into the physiological changes in your body, from growing a whole new organ (the placenta!) to the hormonal shifts that can make you feel like a stranger to yourself.
The Womb World: A journey back into the perfectly designed sensory sanctuary of the womb, explaining why "less is more" when it comes to stimulating your baby before birth.
Letting Go of Guilt: Meg answers a common and anxious question from pregnant moms: "I didn't know I was pregnant and I drank alcohol/missed folic acid—have I harmed my baby?" This segment offers crucial perspective and reassurance.
This episode is a deep exhale for any expectant mother feeling overwhelmed or worried, and a beautiful reminder that pregnancy is not a test to be passed, but a miraculous beginning.
About Our Host:
Meg Faure is an occupational therapist, author of the 'Sense' series of parenting books (including Pregnancy Sense), and the founder of the Parent Sense app. With decades of experience working with parents and babies, her mission is to bring calm, clarity, and confidence to the parenting journey.
Episode References and Links:
Book: Pregnanc…
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Mindfulness for Busy Moms: How to Parent with Presence in Under 3 Minutes
29 januari 2026 · 36 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we explore how to find calm in the chaos of parenting. Meg is joined by Dr. Sandy Zanella, a lifestyle medicine physician and mindfulness coach, for a deeply practical and soothing conversation. Dr. Zanella shares simple, actionable tools to help parents move from a state of stress and reactivity to one of presence and connection. Lees meer
Key discussion points include:
What is Mindfulness?: A simple explanation of being in the present moment without judgment, and how it applies to the realities of parenting.
From Red Brain to Green Brain: Learn the science behind toddler tantrums (and our own reactive moments!) and a practical technique to calm your nervous system before you react.
"Sprinkling Mindfulness": Discover how to integrate mindfulness into your day in just 2-5 minutes, without adding another chore to your list.
The 5 Senses Game: A powerful, playful grounding exercise to help calm anxious children, especially during moments of separation anxiety.
Putting Your Phone Down: A crucial discussion on how parental screen time steals moments of connection and what you can do to reclaim that presence.
This episode is full of light bulb moments and calming strategies to help you show up with more connection and less chaos.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Sandy Zanella is a lifestyle medicine physician, mindfulness coach, and yoga teacher. She is passionate about helping mothers and children integrate mindfulness into their daily lives to reduce stress and enhance connection. Through her "sprinkling mindfulness" approach, she provides bite-sized, practical tools for busy families. Her 10-year-old daughter, Stella, is a certified kids' yoga teacher and runs the "Happy Minds Lab" YouTube channel. You can find Dr. Zanella on Instagram at @mymindfulmomlife.
Corrected Episode References and Links:
Dr. Sandy's Instagram: @mymindfulmomlife
Kids' YouTube Channel: Happy Minds Lab
Mentioned Apps: Calm, Insight Timer, Glorify
📱 Parent Sense App – Yo…
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7-Month Milestones: Crawling, Sleep Hacks & Teething with Mom Nina
22 januari 2026 · 32 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with regular guest Nina Clark as her son, Josh, hits the dynamic 7.5-month mark. Nina shares an honest update on a recent sleep regression, her questions about crawling, and the challenges of feeding a "social butterfly." Lees meer
This episode is a must-listen guide to navigating this active and exciting stage:
The Crawling Question: Is your baby pulling up to stand but not yet crawling? Meg explains why crawling is a critical milestone for long-term development and why there's a wide range of "normal" (from 7.5 to 11.5 months).
Sleep Regression Hacks: Josh has started waking for 1-2 hours in the middle of the night. Meg provides a 5-point checklist for troubleshooting sleep issues, including the importance of movement, iron and magnesium supplements, deep pressure (weighted blankets), and ruling out congestion (glue ear).
Feeding a Social Butterfly: Nina shares her struggle with breastfeeding a distractible baby. We discuss the pros and cons of snacky feeds versus a more structured routine.
Iron & Your Baby's Health: Learn why iron is so important after six months and how to know if your baby might need a gentle supplement like Floradix.
This is a relatable and info-packed conversation for any parent with a baby on the move!
About Our Guest:
Nina Clark: a boy mom of two - born and bred in South Africa and back on these fair shores after a solid stint in London. Which is where my sleepwear and bedding business, Nightire, started.
Everything is made of 100% organic bamboo - for functional yet fashionable bedtime gear.
Episode References and Links:
Book: Weaning Sense by Meg Faure and Kath Megaw
Supplements Mentioned: Floradix Liquid Iron, Floradix Magnesium, CalMag Tissue Salts
📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice.
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE
Web: megfaure.com
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/
…
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The Sensory Explosion: Helping your newborn settle in a loud world
15 januari 2026 · 21 min
Welcome to Season 8 of Sense by Meg Faure! In this powerful solo episode, Meg takes us back to the very beginning: the moment of birth. She explains the profound "sensory explosion" a newborn experiences as they transition from the calm, muted womb into our bright, loud, and unpredictable world. Understanding this is the key to a calmer, more confident start to your parenting journey. Lees meer
Key discussion points include:
The Newborn's Reality: What does birth really feel like for a baby? We explore the overwhelming sensory input they face.
Your Baby's 8 Senses: An introduction to all eight sensory systems, from touch and sight to the lesser-known vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses.
The Science of "Habituation": Learn why your baby startles easily and gets overwhelmed, and why their brain can't yet filter out unimportant information like an adult's can.
Your Role as a Sensory Filter: Discover how you can act as your baby's external regulator, using simple techniques to create a calming environment.
Secrets from the Womb: Meg explains why swaddling, white noise, rocking, and dim lights work so well—because they replicate the soothing sensory sanctuary of the womb.
This episode is a foundational guide for any expectant or new parent, providing the "why" behind your newborn's behavior and the practical tools to help them settle into our world with sense and connection.
Take the guesswork out of parenting with Meg’s expert-led routines. 📲 Download the Parent Sense App https://parentsense.app/
About Meg Faure: Meg Faure is a renowned Occupational Therapist, bestselling author of the 'Sense' series, and the founder of Parent Sense. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Meg specializes in baby care, sleep, and sensory processing, helping parents globally navigate the journey from pregnancy to toddlerhood with science-backed "sense." megfaure.com
Episode References and Links:
Discount Code: Use SENSE50 for 50% off in the Parent Sense App.
I hope…
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Dr Kat on: Anxiety to Advocacy - How One Doctor Took Control of Her Second Pregnancy
18 december 2025 · 32 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we close out Season 7 with a raw, honest, and incredibly powerful conversation. Meg is joined by Dr. Katlego Lekalakala (Dr. Kat), a beloved South African doctor and founder of "Clueless Mums," just four days before the birth of her second child. Dr. Kat opens up about her high-risk pregnancy journey, sharing her experience with gestational diabetes, a short cervix, and the profound emotional challenges of antenatal anxiety. Lees meer
This is a must-listen for any expectant mother, offering:
Real Talk on Second Pregnancies: Dr. Kat discusses the surprising differences between her first and second pregnancies, from intense nausea and fatigue to the emotional weight of a high-risk diagnosis.
Gestational Diabetes Explained: Learn about the causes, risks for both mother and baby, and the best strategies for managing the condition through diet and self-care.
Navigating Antenatal Anxiety: A candid conversation about the prevalence of anxiety and depression during pregnancy, the importance of asking for help, and preparing a support system for the postpartum period.
Advocacy in Healthcare: Dr. Kat shares how she learned to collaborate with her medical team, feel in control of her pregnancy, and advocate for her own health needs.
This episode is a tribute to maternal resilience, offering medical insight, emotional honesty, and a powerful reminder that it's okay to struggle, and it's essential to ask for help.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Katlego "Kat" Lekalakala is a South African medical doctor specializing in Public Health and the founder of the parenting platform, Clueless Mums. She is a passionate advocate for accessible health education, empowering parents and teens to take control of their well-being. A wife and mother to her daughter Nia, Dr. Kat shares her personal and professional insights with honesty and warmth. You can follow her journey on Instagram at @DrK_Selikane.
Episode References and Links:
📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one ba…
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Zoe Brown on: The Rolling Milestone- A Twin Mom's Guide to Unswaddling & Safe Sleep
11 december 2025 · 31 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with twin mom Zoe Brown and expert nurse Tasha Perreard as Zoe's boys hit the 6.5-month mark. This episode is a deep dive into the exciting and sometimes anxious transition when babies start rolling, which brings big changes to sleep routines and safety. Lees meer
Key discussion points include:
The Rolling Milestone: Zoe shares the joy and terror of her boys "rolling like little tumbleweeds." We discuss why this is a crucial developmental step and how to manage the transition out of swaddles and sleep positioners.
Safe Sleep for Mobile Babies: Is it okay for your baby to sleep on their tummy? Meg and Tasha provide clear, reassuring advice on safe sleep once your baby can roll independently.
Managing Different Sleepers: One twin sleeps through the night, but the other wakes frequently. We explore how sensory profiles impact sleep and offer practical solutions, like using a small weighted blanket for a more sensitive baby.
Surviving "Dummy Runs": Tasha shares a game-changing tip for teaching your baby to find and replace their own dummy, helping to reduce night wakings.
Daytime Routines & Sitting: Learn how to structure naps at this age and get creative tips for helping your baby practice sitting, like using a simple cardboard box for support.
This is a must-listen for any parent with a baby approaching the mobile stage, packed with expert advice and relatable moments.
About Our Guests:
Zoe Brown: A well-known media personality and new mother to 6.5-month-old twin boys, Jordan and Luke. She shares her real-time experiences and questions on her parenting journey as a regular guest on the podcast.
Tasha Perreard: A neonatal nurse and twin specialist based in Cape Town. As a twin mom herself, Tasha provides expert insights and practical advice for parents of multiples. You can find her practice, The Well Mother and Child Clinic, on Instagram @wmc_clinic.
Episode References and Links:
📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one bab…
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Caitlyn De Beer on Why Your Third Baby Might Be Your Easiest Yet 👶
4 december 2025 · 37 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we have an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with best-selling author and life coach, Caitlyn De Beer. As a mother of three who recently welcomed her third child at 40, Caitlin shares her profound journey, contrasting the experience with having her first two children and revealing the wisdom she's gained. Lees meer
This episode is a must-listen for mothers at any stage:
Motherhood in the thirties: Caitlyn gets real about the differences, from physical recovery to a newfound sense of presence and letting go of perfection.
From Two Kids to Three: We discuss the practical and emotional transition of adding a third child to the family and how the dynamic shifts.
The Power of Family Time: Learn about Caitlyn's new family devotional, "At the Well," a tool designed to bring families together weekly for conversation, connection, and faith.
Starting Solids (Again!): A discussion on weaning a third baby, and how the approach has become more organic and less rigid over time, with a focus on gut health and real food.
Sleep & Different Personalities: Caitlyn shares how she's navigating sleep with her "settled" baby, highlighting how different each child's temperament and needs can be.
This conversation is a beautiful reminder to embrace the season you're in, be present, and find joy in the simple, connected moments of family life.
About Our Guest:
Caitlyn De Beer is a best-selling South African author, life coach, preacher, and international speaker. A wife and mom of three, she previously lectured in Psychology at the university level. Caitlyn is passionate about inspiring individuals and audiences to live faith-filled lives. When she's not speaking or writing, you can find her on a run with her family, enjoying a quiet glass of wine, or finding inspiration at her beach house. Her new book, "At the Well," is a weekly family devotional designed to foster deeper faith and connection.
Episode References and Links:
Book: "At the Well: A family …
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The 6.5-Month Milk Strike Solution (and Why He Needs Solids NOW)
27 november 2025 · 37 min
In this episode, we tackle the reality of a social butterfly's "milk strike," the crucial window for allergen exposure, and how to safely navigate baby-led weaning. Lees meer
Must-Knows for Parents:
Why just four milk feeds a day is enough for a healthy 6.5-month-old.
The life-saving difference between choking and gagging during solids introduction.
The importance of quickly introducing variety and allergens (like peanuts and fish) to build a healthy gut and prevent future picky eating.
Simple activities to prepare your baby for crawling.
Nina Clark is a boy mum of two and the founder of Nightire, a sleepwear and bedding business specializing in 100% organic bamboo. Originally from South Africa, Nina joins Meg to share her honest and relatable journey navigating life with a second baby, Josh, as a busy entrepreneur.
Recommended Resources:
Books: Weaning Sense and Feeding Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure.
Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download the Parent Sense App here: https://parentsense.app/
Connect with Meg Faure
Web: megfaure.com Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/
Support the Podcast:
Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts.
Email episode feedback or guest nominations to info@megfaure.com.
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From Beige to Buffet: Navigating Toddler Food Battles with Kath Megaw S7 | E188
20 november 2025 · 35 min
Are you stuck in a daily battle over broccoli? Is your toddler’s diet consisting almost entirely of pasta, chips, and air? You are not alone. Lees meer
In this episode of Sense by Meg Faure, Meg is joined by regular guest Julia, whose 4-year-old son Santi has firmly entered his "beige food era." To help navigate this hurdle, Meg brings in renowned paediatric dietitian and Weaning Sense co-author, Kath Megaw.
Together, they unpack the psychology behind picky eating, why pressure at the table backfires, and Kath’s revolutionary "Buffet Style" strategy.
In this episode, we cover:
The "Beige" Phase: Why toddlers naturally limit their palate between ages 2 and 5.
Control Dynamics: How to hand autonomy back without compromising nutrition.
The Toolkit: Strategies including the "Smorgasbord" approach and color charts.
Nutritional Rehab: When to worry and how to use multivitamins effectively.
Sensory Personalities: Why "social butterflies" and "slow-to-warm-up" children eat differently.
Grandparents & Travel: Navigating treats and routine disruptions.
If you are exhausted by mealtime negotiations, this episode is your permission slip to stop the pressure and start having fun with food again.
Download the ParentSense App for expert advice and flexible routines tailored to your child.
About Our Guests:
Kath Megaw: A Paediatric Dietitian, guest host of "Feeding Sense," and co-author of Weaning Sense and Mindful Meals.
Julia: Mom to Santiago and Aurelia, sharing her honest and relatable parenting journey on the podcast.
Episode References & Links:
Books:
Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure
ParentSense App:
Download the all-in-one baby care app: ParentSense App
Connect with Meg Faure:
Website: megfaure.com
Instagram: @megfaure.sense
Facebook: Meg Faure Sense
Support the Podcast:
Subscribe: Listen on your favorite platform.
Review: Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts.
Get Involved: Email info@megfaure.com with feedback or guest nominat…
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Nina Clark: On Juggling a 5.5 Month Old, a Toddler, and Nap Schedules
13 november 2025 · 31 min
If you've ever tried to juggle two little ones, manage nap schedules, and still find time for yourself, this is your episode! Meg Faure is joined by regular guest Nina Clark, mum to five-and-a-half-month-old Josh and three-year-old Max, for an honest chat about the juggle of two under four. Lees meer
Nina shares her real-world, adapted success with Josh's sleep, moving him from contact naps and being fed to sleep to independent sleep—showing how to make the advice your own. This conversation is an empathetic guide to easing the pervasive maternal guilt when splitting attention between siblings. Plus, they dive into the surprising power of less structure and why embracing boredom and unstructured time is the biggest gift you can give your toddler, fostering creativity and self-play.
About Our Guest:
Nina Clark is a boy mum of two, born and bred in South Africa. She recently returned to Cape Town after a solid stint of nearly nine years living in London. While abroad, Nina founded Nightire, her successful sleepwear and bedding business crafting functional yet fashionable bedtime gear from 100% organic bamboo.
Nina joins Meg Faure on Sense by Meg Faure to share her honest and relatable journey into motherhood times two, including the transition back to South Africa and navigating life with a second baby.
Episode References and Links:
Book: Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure
Toy Recommendation: Toniebox (Screen-free audio player)
📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/
I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts L…
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Candice Shah, Paediatrician on Immunity: Nutrition, Environment & Development
6 november 2025 · 27 min
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, co-author of Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense, Kath Megaw, takes over to host a powerful and practical conversation with award-winning Paediatrician Dr. Candice Shah. They dive into the crucial link between nutrition, immunity, and early childhood development, focusing on the vital period of the first 1000 days of a child’s life. Lees meer
Dr. Shah and Kath break down how parents can intentionally break the cycle of repeated illness and poor nutrition by focusing on simple, holistic strategies. They reveal the five VIP nutrients essential for brain and immune system growth (and the sixth that aids absorption!), discuss the miracle of the gut-brain axis, and advocate for making food a space of connection over perfection. This episode is a supportive, practical guide to feeling less overwhelmed and more empowered about your child's health.
About Our Guests:
Kath Megaw: A Paediatric Dietitian, guest host of "Feeding Sense," and co-author of "Weaning Sense" and "Mindful Meals." Kath is passionate about helping families navigate the complexities of childhood nutrition with practical, evidence-based advice.
Dr. Candice Shah is an award-winning Paediatrician based at NET Care in One City Hospital, known for her holistic approach to child health and her focus on the first 1000 days. She has been recognised with the African Excellence Award for her collaborative approach that empowers families from various cultures and backgrounds.
Episode References and Links:
Books: Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure
📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice.
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE
Web: megfaure.com
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I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure!
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