Explore every episode of the podcast Bringing Up Baby
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| #120 Infertility Matters | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:45:18 | |
In this episode, we’re talking about infertility and the journey to building a family. I’m joined by two of the organizers of Halifax’s first Fertility Matters 6K, Nicole Ford and Kate Elliot, and we share some of our own experiences while talking about the physical, emotional, practical and financial realities that can come with infertility. We also chat about why having more open conversations around infertility matters, the importance of community and support, and the Fertility Matters 6K Movement happening in Halifax on October 3rd at Point Pleasant Park. The 6K starts at 9:00 a.m., with registration opening earlier in the morning. Whether you’ve experienced infertility yourself, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to better understand the experience, we hope this conversation helps open up the conversation a little more.
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| #119 The Truth About Sleep Training and Attachment | 12 May 2026 | 00:13:38 | |
Today I'm diving into one of the most emotionally charged topics in parenting: sleep training and attachment. Does sleep training actually harm your bond with your baby? What does the research really say about crying, responsiveness, and secure attachment? We're breaking down the myths, shares what experts in child development and pediatric sleep research have found, and explores why attachment is built through the overall relationship — not one parenting decision. If you’ve ever felt torn between supporting your baby’s sleep and protecting your connection, this episode is for you.
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| #118 Signs Your Baby Is NOT Ready to Drop Their Nap | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:14:18 | |
Thinking about dropping a nap? Before you do, there are a few signs your baby or toddler might still really need it. In this episode, Ashley shares some common situations where parents assume it’s time to drop a nap — but it’s actually too soon. From short baby naps to toddlers who are still sleeping great overnight, you’ll learn a few quick clues that the nap is still serving an important purpose. If sleep has felt a little messy lately, this episode will help you figure out whether the nap is actually the problem… or still part of the solution.
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| #117 False Starts - What's Happening + How to Fix It | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:18:46 | |
If your baby falls asleep at bedtime — only to wake up 30 to 45 minutes later — you’re likely dealing with a false start. In this episode, we break down exactly what false starts are, why they happen, and what they may be telling you about your baby’s sleep. False starts are common, and they’re usually explainable. Most often, they’re linked to:
We’ll talk through how sleep cycles work, why the first 30–45 minutes of nighttime sleep can be fragile, and how small adjustments to timing or routine can make a meaningful difference. We also discuss the role of habit and sleep associations — in a neutral, practical way — so you can decide what feels right for your family. If bedtime hasn’t been “sticking,” this episode will help you approach it as problem-solving rather than failure. Because bedtime matters. And when it feels settled, it changes the entire evening.
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| #116 Cord Blood Banking - What You May Not Know | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:26:16 | |
Cord blood banking isn’t something most parents think about—or even hear about—until after they’re already pregnant. In this episode, I chat with Sofia Magana from Healthcord Cryogenics to break it all down in a clear, easy-to-understand way. We talk about what cord blood actually is, why some families might consider banking it, and what the process looks like at birth. We also go over the difference between private banking and public donation, so you can understand all the options before deciding what’s right for your family. This conversation is all about giving you the facts—no pressure, no hype—so you can feel informed and confident about whether this is something you want to explore. Guest Bio: Optional Listener Discounts:
These codes are completely optional, and this episode is for educational purposes only. Resources & Support:
CST Savings (ad) - www.cst.org | |||
| #115 Infant Sleep Transitions - What to Expect Without the Fear | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:11:51 | |
If you find yourself worrying about what's to come in regards to your baby's sleep, you're not alone! Have you ever heard about "The 4-Month Sleep Regression?" Resources & Support:
If this episode was helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing with a parent who needs reassurance, or leaving a review — it helps more families find this support. | |||
| #114 Is This Normal? Common Baby Behaviours Parents Worry About | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:17:54 | |
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “is this normal?” in the middle of the night, this episode is for you. In this episode, Ashley breaks down some of the most common baby behaviors that cause parents stress, anxiety, and second-guessing — and explains why many of them are actually developmentally normal. Normal doesn’t always mean easy, but understanding what’s typical can help reduce unnecessary worry in those early months. In this episode, we cover:
Whether you’re pregnant, in the newborn stage, or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you feel more confident and less alone. Resources & Support:
If this episode was helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing with a parent who needs reassurance, or leaving a review — it helps more families find this support. | |||
| #113 Reflux, Colic and Tension in Babies | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:47:02 | |
In this episode, Osteopath Kaitlyn Sobey breaks down what’s really happening in babies labelled with reflux or colic, and how some birth experiences can create tension that affects feeding, digestion, and comfort. We explore common signs of tension parents can spot at home, when collaboration between an osteopath and lactation consultant is most helpful, what changes to expect after treatment, and how to tell when a baby is truly relaxed in their body. A clear, calming guide for parents navigating early feeding and settling challenges.
HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM
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| #112 How Babies Learn to Chew & Eat | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:47:36 | |
In this episode, we chat with speech-language pathologist Juliana McLaren about how babies develop chewing and feeding skills. Juliana breaks down when and how chewing emerges, what really matters when starting solids, and how different feeding approaches — from baby-led weaning to spoon-feeding — shape oral development. She also shares practical tips for supporting your baby’s feeding journey, and signs it might be time to seek help.
For more information: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital's Feeding According to Development Level chart.
Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep Guest: Juliana McLaren, owner of One Bite at a Time: Swallowing and Speech Services
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| #111 Fall Time Change | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:17:08 | |
Learn about what you can do to support your little one (and yourself!) during this weekend's fall time change to end Daylight Savings Time. In this episode, I'm covering my best tips and we're troubleshooting real life scenarios and specific recommendations based on your baby's age. For more information: Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep | |||
| #110 Low Intervention Births | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:01:31 | |
Curious about low intervention birth? Just a heads up: This isn’t about telling you how to give birth — it’s about giving you tools and information so you can make the best decision for you.
For more information: Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep Guest: Liz Burns, owner of Driftwood Doula | |||
| #109 Relationships After Baby | 30 Sep 2025 | 01:00:42 | |
In this episode, we're chatting with perinatal therapist, Madeleine Stobbe about what really happens to our relationships after having a baby. We get into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming changes that come with new parenthood — from communication struggles to shifting roles and expectations. She shares some super helpful tips, real talk, and go-to resources for staying connected with your partner during this big life transition.
HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep HOST: Madeleine Stobbe, Stobbe Psychological Services
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| #108 Confidence in Motherhood | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:39:16 | |
What has been your biggest challenge in parenthood so far? What experience/moment made you feel the most confident as a parent? Our guest, Jess Clerke answers these questions so thoughtfully. She also talks about the dream vs. reality of her personal journey to parenthood and so much more. Welcome back, Jess! Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth | Baby | Sleep Website | Instagram | Facebook Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast | |||
| #107 How Babies Learn Language | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:46:10 | |
I have to say, I think this is a pretty cool episode!
and more! It's super interesting, so take a listen!
For more information: GUEST: Dr. Drew Weatherhead - Cognition and Language Learning Research Group | |||
| #106 Myth or Medical? Pregnancy Edition | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:14:08 | |
Does how you're carrying Baby in pregnancy actually predict their gender? Does heartburn in pregnancy mean that Baby will have lots of hair? Lastly, but perhaps what many individuals who are pregnant worry about often... Is lying on your back during your pregnancy really that harmful?? We're looking at what the research says and discussing! Join in :)
For more information: GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care Halifax | |||
| #105 Tearing and Episiotomies | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:28:09 | |
If you are pregnant and preparing for childbirth, it's very likely you have questions and/or are worried about tearing or needing an episiotomy as you push Baby out. For more information: GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care Halifax | |||
| #104 Summer Safety Checklist | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:09:21 | |
From sleep to hydration and more, this episode covers four very important topics on keeping baby safe when it starts getting hot out there. Get access to our Bringing Up Baby Resource Bundle for extra information and more content, including a sample temperature chart. HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support Services | |||
| #103 Learnings from the Expo! | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:20:20 | |
For a different spin on our show, I'm chatting today about Birth Baby Sleep's annual event - The Pregnancy & Parenting Expo - which we just wrapped up last month. Listen in to hear about why we do it, how it went, what was learned and what's to come! For more information: | |||
| #102 The 1st Trimester | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:39:30 | |
Hear what Kelsey did to help her through her first trimester, as well as what the research says is actually helpful/not helpful in the first few months of pregnancy.
For more information: GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care Halifax Thank you once again to our lovely sponsors - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #101 The Deal with Alcohol and Cannabis | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:40:25 | |
Dr. Kelsey Marr is back with us to share some very important points about alcohol and cannabis recommendations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We're getting into what research is currently out there on these topics and what it's telling us so you can make the right decision for you and your family. We're answering questions like:
and more! For more information: GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care Halifax Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #100 Epidurals | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:46:52 | |
Welcome to Episode 100!! We're answering questions like: - Is it too late to get an epidural during labour? - How is the epidural administered? - What are the risks and benefits? - What is a "walking epidural"? - Is it more likely to require a C-Section delivery if given an epidural? Listen + share!
For more information: GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care Halifax Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca Want to get your hands on your own Birth Sling? Go to THIS LINK and use code: birthbabysleep for $10 off your order! | |||
| #99 When Baby Skips a Nap | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:21:25 | |
If your little one is an independent sleeper (or you're working on it) you may be wondering what you can do to continue in this direction despite a skipped nap here and there. This one's for you!
For more information: Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca
DON'T FORGET!! 2025 Pregnancy & Parenting Expo - Sunday, May 25th, 9am-3pm at The Halifax Forum.
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| #98 Finding Your Village | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:19:59 | |
They say, "It takes a village to raise a child" ... and they're right! That's why in this episode we're uncovering some of the amazing services/providers that can support you somewhere along the way. Download our perinatal resource list HERE! For more information: 2025 Pregnancy & Parenting Expo - Sunday, May 25th, 9am-3pm at The Halifax Forum. This is where you'll find your Village! Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #97 Should You Ever Wake a Sleeping Baby? | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:24:54 | |
What do you think? Does it feel like it makes sense to wake a sleeping baby? However. However, there are absolutely times when this may be necessary for the wellbeing and overall better sleep for Baby. For more information: Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #96 Setting Boundaries | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:28:18 | |
Have you ever had to create boundaries with anyone when it comes to your pregnancy, birth, or how you want to parent? Exactly. In this episode, our friend Kelsey Marr and I are chatting about when, how and why you may want to create and communicate your boundaries with those around you.
For more information: GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #95 The Eat-Play-Sleep Routine | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:18:27 | |
Let's discuss this eat-play-sleep routine we all hear about.
For more information: Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #94 Due Dates and "Big" Babies | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:31:15 | |
Curious about what your baby's due date really means? For more information:
GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #93 When Baby Starts Rolling | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:14:19 | |
Worried about Baby being in the crib overnight when they start rolling over?
--> How it may affect their sleep --> Hot to keep them safe --> What you can do to help them through this stage and get back to better sleep asap! For more information: Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #92 Pregnancy, Anxiety & How Research is Your Friend | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:30:54 | |
Meet my friend, doula and mama-to-be Kelsey Marr!
For more information:
GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca
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| #91 Sickness and Sleep | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:16:10 | |
It's never fun when babies get sick, but when they inevitably do you may be wondering how to maintain all the good sleep that's been happening. It's not a given, but it's definitely worth being prepared for some amount of sleep disturbances if Baby has a cold or flu. In this episode, I'm chatting about things that can help Baby manage their illness as well as strategies you can use to help them get as good a sleep as possible. For more information: Want a group of parents and a specialist to help you with your little one's sleep? Bringing Up Baby Community - Check out some free resources HERE! Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #90 Matrescence - The Transition to Motherhood | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:34:34 | |
Matrescence is a process. It's the transition to Motherhood which can take 2-3 years! Grab your headphones, head out for a walk with Baby and give this a listen because you're most likely going to related BIG TIME. GUEST: Jessie Harrold, writer, coach and doula Order Jessie's book Mothershift, here! Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca | |||
| #89 Wake Up Clocks | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:14:53 | |
Considering using a wake-up clock to help your toddler or big kiddo "sleep in" a bit more in the mornings? Get access to our Big Kid Sleep Class! --> Use code BUB for 15% off your purchase at birthbabysleep.ca Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep | |||
| #88 Parental Wellbeing: "Let the goal be mixed emotions" | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:46:32 | |
This is a conversation not to be missed!
HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep Website | Instagram | Facebook
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| #87 Practical Answers to 3 Common Questions | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:15:36 | |
I'm answering some of the most common questions I get from expecting/new parents: | |||
| #86 Bringing Home A Sibling | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:20:44 | |
If you're expecting another baby (or babies), you might be wondering how you can help your soon to be older kiddo through the transition to having a sibling. Nevertheless, this episode shares what we've experienced bringing 3 kiddos into our home over the years and what we were actually fortunate to learn through that process. Use code BUB for 15% off your order over $75 before November 30th!! | |||
| #85 Short Naps: A Pep Talk | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:11:32 | |
If you're noticing your little one (who's over 3 months of age) is having short naps, you might have more questions than answers. Website | Instagram | Facebook | |||
| #84 Finding Confidence (in pregnancy) | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:28:28 | |
Jess Clerke is a Confidence Coach and the host of Self(ish) Confidence Podcast. She has a passion to encourage women to speak their truth and live a truly aligned life, even if it's unconventional. Through her own self-discovery journey with her 'Year of Confidence', she was able to find her confidence after a difficult season and learned how to speak her truth despite societal pressures. She’s here to help you do the same! Website | Instagram | Facebook | BUB Community (it's free!) | |||
| #83 Safe Sleep Practices (with explanations) | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:18:55 | |
In this episode, I'm diving into some of the really important details that go into making these safe sleep guidelines. I'm a firm believer that we need to know more than just what is recommended, but WHY, so that we can make informed decisions. HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep Website - HERE Instagram - HERE Facebook - HERE
Ads: SLEEPOUT - Use THIS LINK and code birthbabysleep for 10% off portable black-out sleep blinds | |||
| #82 Healthy Pregnancy + Postpartum | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:36:50 | |
Join our Bringing Up Baby Community today and don't miss out! Head to birthbabysleep.ca/community to sign up for FREE! Dr. Cass and I get into topics like: - Top reasons those who are pregnant go to see a ND and how they can help - My experience (and others!) with PICA during pregnancy - Supplements you may want to consider taking in addition to your Prenatal for common pre and post-natal ailments and more!! Website | Instagram | Facebook
GUEST: Cassandra Connolly, ND Website | Instagram | Facebook
ADVERTISEMENTS: Nurtured Products for Parenting - Use code BUB for 15% off your order over $75 from now until Nov 30th, in-store or on nurtured.ca. The Birth Sling - Use code birthbabysleep for $10 off your order on thebirthsling.com. | |||
| #81 End of Daylight Savings | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:10:58 | |
In less than 2 weeks, on Sunday, November 3rd, most of us will have our clocks going back an hour. While this may have been a welcomed day pre-kids, it's a different story when you do have little ones because they are on a clock that doesn't usually like to be messed with. But not to worry! My advice is sure to help you get through it. Check out the latest episode to learn about how you and your family can make it through this upcoming time change as rested as possible. HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep Community (FREE!) - HERE Website - HERE Instagram - HERE Facebook - HERE Ads: SLEEPOUT - Use THIS LINK and code birthbabysleep for 10% off portable black-out sleep blinds | |||
| #80 Dropping Naps | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:20:26 | |
Let's get clear on WHEN and HOW babies drop their naps so you know exactly how to support them through the transitions. We're talking about all naps... going from 4-3, 3-2, 2-1, and 1-0 naps a day! Share with someone else who has a baby and could use some accurate and helpful information ;) HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK The SLEEPOUT Portable Blackout Curtain
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| #79 Bottles for Breastfed Babies | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:30:07 | |
For anyone who's breast/chest-feeding and also wants to introduce their little one to a bottle, this one's for you!! There's a little more to it than just the type of bottle you give baby (though there is something to that too ;), so listen in on my chat with Brittany Brown, IBCLC on all things bottles for babies who breastfeed. And don't forget to join our Bringing Up Baby COMMUNITY! It's free and has tons of extra resources from this show and so much more. Sign up HERE. HOST: Ashley Cooley, Birth Baby & Sleep Specialist Instagram | Facebook | Website GUEST: Brittany Brown, RD, IBCLC Ad: Head over to Nurtured.ca and use code BUB on your purchase over $75 to save 15%!! | |||
| #78 Baby Wearing | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:32:54 | |
This episode is all about Baby Wearing! My guest is a baby wearing expert and we're diving into things like: - Acknowledgement of baby wearing as a practice culturally around the world. - The marketing in North America of what a baby carrier is (and maybe what it isn't) and the recent science and benefits of Baby Wearing. - How to wear baby safely? (Positions/types of carriers/forward facing vs facing in/ what carrier is best for when?). - What parents do if they find baby doesn't like the wrap / carrier It's Free and contains additional video content to supplement this episode.
HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep Instagram | Facebook | Website
GUEST: Jolyn Swain, an owner of Nurtured Products for Parenting. Instagram - @nurturedmom Facebook - @nurtured | |||
| #77 Osteopathy for Baby! | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:44:50 | |
Join me in a conversation with Osteopath, Kaitlyn Sobey.
The books Kaitlyn referenced on the podcast were: The Mother of All Pregnancy Books by Ann Douglas The Mother of All Baby Books by Ann Douglas Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter by Amy Brown Why Birth Trauma Matters by Sarah Svanberg | |||
| #76 Understanding Toddler Behaviour | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:44:23 | |
This is THE episode to listen to when you have a bigger kid (or, you're about to!). My guest, Kim Marshall is a mom of 2 and the founder of Roots & Wings Childhood. As a Conscious Parenting Coach, she helps parents understand their child's behaviour and provides incredibly helpful tools to help us all navigate what to do. In this episode, Kim and I are talking about behaviour for kids of all ages, but particularly those Toddlers and Preschoolers who are finding their voice but can struggle to understand their feelings. But wait! There's more. Join our FREE Bringing Up Baby Community to gain access to Kim's helpful handout as well as a Live Parenting Q&A session with Kim on Tuesday, September 24th at 12pm ADT. If this time has passed, don't worry, it's being recorded and you can check it out in our Community any time! Join the Bringing Up Baby Community HERE.
HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth | Baby | Sleep
GUEST: Kim Marshall, owner of Roots and Wings Childhood | |||
| #75: Decreasing Overnight Feedings | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:28:05 | |
Learn about when & how to help your little one decrease (or eliminate!) overnight feedings. We'll discuss what's appropriate for certain ages and tips on how you can do it for a more solid night's rest! Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth | Baby | Sleep Find us on Instagram Ad for My Little Eater programs: | |||
| Keeping Baby Comfortable in the Heat | 20 Jun 2024 | 00:16:13 | |
It's hot out there! | |||
| Daylight Savings Time | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:17:03 | |
More than just giving you some options for preparing/helping your little one adjust to the upcoming time change, I’m sharing what scenarios could be best for who, but why even in some “best case scenarios,” there’s still going to be some kind of an adjustment. It’s all about how to adjust as efficiently and smoothly as possible.
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| Lengthening Naps | 20 Feb 2024 | 00:25:35 | |
First, you really need to know that short naps aren't bad!! | |||
| White Noise | 30 Jan 2024 | 00:11:39 | |
Another quick episode to give you the goods on all things WHITE NOISE. | |||