Explore every episode of the podcast Sense by Meg Faure: Real Life Parenting
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast or Bottle: Why Your Baby’s Sensory Personality May Decide with Dr Nellie Balfour S9 | Ep230 | 01 Oct 2026 | 00:30:29 | |
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? 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 Why 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 contact, following and bringing the hands to midline. 12:29 Understanding social-emotional milestones Meg explains the developmental trajectory behind early social connection. 14:48 Falling in love with your baby What happens as babies begin developing preferences for their significant people. 16:22 From connection to communication Meg explains how object permanence, pointing and early social development eventually lay foundations for language. 17:52 Why bringing the hands to midline matters How this movement can become an important calming and soothing strategy. 19:44 Immunity, illness & vaccinations Nellie shares how her baby has managed while his older brother has been exposed to bugs at school. 21:29 Government vs private vaccinations in South Africa Nellie explains the difference between the government EPI schedule and additional private vaccines. ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Nellie Balfour is a paediatrician and mother of two. She returns to Sense by Meg Faure for the 6-week update, following her earlier appearances during her pregnancy and the unexpected birth. Follow Dr Nellie Balfour on Instagram 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. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. Meg Faure Instagram | LinkedIn | Website Parent Sense Instagram | LinkedIn | Website #BabyDevelopment #BabyMilestones #Breastfeeding #ComboFeeding #BottleFeeding #BabyFeeding #BabyHealth #BabyImmunity #Vaccinations #SensoryDevelopment #NewbornBaby #ThreeMonthOldBaby #ParentingPodcast | |||
| What It’s Like to Give Birth to Quadruplets + the First Weeks in the NICU | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:41:52 | |
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. 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
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 13:33 The first days in the NICU 15:30 The emotional experience of not being able to hold your babies 18:22 Skin-to-skin, cuddles and the first breastfeeding attempts 21:55 Sam’s breastfeeding and expressing journey 26:18 Understanding the sensory world of premature babies 27:58 Using smell to comfort and prepare babies for feeding 28:28 Touch, sucking and creating a womb-like environment 30:22 Learning to read your premature baby’s signals 31:46 When illness enters the NICU journey 35:29 The incredible NICU team behind premature babies 39:01 What premature babies need before leaving hospital ABOUT THE GUEST Sam Smith Sam is a Cape Town-based mum mom of five including her quadruplets. She previously joined Sense by Meg to share her pregnancy journey. Follow Sam Smith on Instagram | @samsmithofcapetown Professor Welma Lubbe Prof Welma is a professor of nursing at the North-West University and a specialist voice in the field of neonates and premature babies. She is also an advisor to the Parent Sense app in the neonatal and premature-baby space. Follow Prof Welma on LinkedIn ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCAST Sense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure. With more than 20 years of experience in occupational therapy and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children. The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey. Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition and expert advice. Download the Parent Sense app and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Instagram | LinkedIn | Website Parent Sense | |||
| Why Crawling Is The “Superfood” of Baby Development S9 | Ep228 | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:31:04 | |
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. 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
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 work against gravity. 10:21 Proprioception: your baby’s internal body map How crawling helps babies understand where their body is in space. 12:23 Bilateral integration and brain development Why reciprocal crawling matters for coordinating the two sides of the body. 12:42 Your baby’s sensory personality and crawling How sensory-sensitive, sensory-seeking, slow-to-warm-up and settled babies may approach crawling differently. 16:42 How to encourage your baby to crawl Practical ways parents can adapt the environment and support their baby according to their sensory needs. 19:27 What if your baby skips crawling? Meg explains why some babies go from sitting to walking and what parents can do if crawling is missed. 21:49 Why are more babies skipping crawling? The impact of the Back to Sleep campaign, tummy time and the modern “container culture” on opportunities for movement. 23:50 Baby walkers, walking rings and jumpersMeg shares what parents should consider when using developmental equipment and why movement on the floor matters. 26:20 Can crawling affect later skills?How crawling may support fine motor control, bilateral integration, spatial awareness and problem-solving. ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG FURE PODCAST Sense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure. With more than 20 years of experience in OT and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children. The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey. Download the Parent Sense app and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Instagram | LinkedIn | Website Parent Sense | |||
| Have we been asking the wrong questions about screen time all along? S9 | Ep227 | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:42:17 | |
Technology is everywhere in family life, but does that mean it has to be all-or-nothing? 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
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 rigid screen-time rules 27:28 Technology, language development and joint media engagement 30:26 Why parental involvement can transform screen learning 35:14 What makes good content for young children? 36:52 Why highly stimulating content can be harder to process 38:07 Rachel's one technology guideline for the first 1,000 days Dr. Rachel shared her ultimate resource guide including infographics, research and suggested content for your little ones especially with us. Download it HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Rachel Barr is a researcher at Georgetown University who has spent more than 25 years studying how babies and young children learn, particularly in relation to media and technology. Her research has explored children's learning from television and touchscreens, video chat, parent-child interactions and the ways families use technology. She is particularly interested in how parents and caregivers can support young children's learning and development in an increasingly digital world. In this conversation, Rachel brings a research-led but refreshingly nuanced perspective to a topic that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and guilty. Follow Rachel Barr on LinkedIn
Sense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure. With more than 20 years of experience in OT and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children. The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey. Download the Parent Sense app and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Instagram | LinkedIn | Website Parent Sense | |||
| BABY POO 101: What's normal, what's not & when to worry. S9 | Ep 226 | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:34:00 | |
Let’s talk about the topic every new parent becomes obsessed with: poo. 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
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, where she leads two specialist services at Great Ormond Street Hospital: motility and neurogastroenterology, focusing on disorders of the gut-brain interaction, and complex GI allergies, including eosinophilic esophagitis and eosinophilic GI disease. Alongside her NHS work, Lucy runs The Happy Tummy Dietitian and sits on the Allied Health Professionals Committee for ESPGHAN, contributing to educational materials and position papers. Follow The Happy Tummy Dietitian:Website: https://www.thehappytummydietitian.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappytummydietitian/ ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG FURE PODCAST Sense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure. With more than 20 years of experience in occupational therapy and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children. From pregnancy and newborn sleep to feeding, development, behaviour, technology and family wellbeing, Sense by Meg turns expert knowledge into practical guidance that parents can actually use. The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey. Download the Parent Sense app and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Instagram | LinkedIn | Website Parent Sense Instagram | LinkedIn | Website #BabyPoo #BabyPoop #BabyConstipation #InfantDyschezia #BabyGutHealth #GutHealth #ChildhoodConstipation #BabyHealth #StartingSolids #Weaning #NewParents #ParentingTips #ParentingAdvice #BabyHealth #ParentingPodcast | |||
| 30 Weeks Pregnant with Quadruplets: Preparing for the NICU, Feeding & Breast Milk | S9 | Ep225 | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:32:22 | |
Sam Smith is back on Sense by Meg, and this time she’s 30 weeks pregnant with quadruplets. 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
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 happens when premature babies enter the NICU? 20:15 TPN, breast milk & early feeding 23:02 A mother’s role in the NICU 24:42 Colostrum & establishing breast milk 26:18 Nutrition and breast milk production 28:34 What’s next for Sam? ABOUT THE GUEST Sam Smith is a Cape Town-based mum who is currently pregnant with quadruplets. She previously joined Sense by Meg to share her pregnancy journey and returns at 30 weeks to talk honestly about the physical realities of carrying four babies, preparing for the NICU and getting ready for life with four newborns alongside her toddler, Teddy. Follow Sam Smith on Instagram: @samsmithofcapetown 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘄Kath Megaw is a paediatric dietitian and a specialist voice in infant nutrition. She is the CEO of Nutripaeds Follow along on Instagram: @nutripaeds ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCAST Sense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure. With more than 20 years of experience in occupational therapy and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children. The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey. Download the app here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Instagram | LinkedIn | Website Parent Sense Instagram | LinkedIn | Website | |||
| What I Didn't Expect: A Paediatrician's First 6 Weeks with Her Own Baby | S9 EP224 | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:24:11 | |
What is really happening at six weeks with your baby and what can you expect from this important stage? 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:
CHAPTERS 01:00 Why the second baby feels differentNellie explains why she feels more confident and less anxious this time around. 03:20 The six-week fussiness phase Is Uyakile fussy? Nellie compares his temperament and sleep with her firstborn. 05:50 The six-week smile When does the social smile appear and is that early smile really a smile? 07:15 Tummy time, head control and eye contact The early developmental milestones Uyakile is already showing. 08:00 Two brothers, two very different temperaments Why Nellie thinks one child may be a slow-to-warm-up baby while the other could become a social butterfly. 09:00 Understanding sensory personality Meg explains how sensory sensitivity, fussiness and social engagement can relate to temperament. 13:00 Breastfeeding, formula and mixed feeding Nellie shares honestly about feeding her second baby and managing her milk supply. 15:25 The emotional side of breastfeeding Why stopping breastfeeding can feel like a genuine loss and why the “lasts” of motherhood can be emotional. 21:30 The six-week paediatric check-up What parents can expect from the appointment, including vaccinations, growth, feeding and developmental checks. ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Nellie Balfour is a paediatrician and mother of two. She returns to Sense by Meg Faure for the 6-week update, following her earlier appearances during her pregnancy and the unexpected birth. Follow Dr Nellie Balfour on Instagram 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. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. Meg Faure Instagram | LinkedIn | Website Parent Sense | |||
| You Don’t Have to Be a Perfect Parent: The Power of Connection, Repair & Relational Health | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:34:32 | |
What if raising a thriving child isn't about getting parenting right, but about connection? 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
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 by OT & author Meg Faure, each episode brings 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. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Parent Sense | |||
| Why Working Parents Are the Untapped Talent Every Employer Needs | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:33:59 | |
What if the biggest talent pool businesses are overlooking isn't graduates or overseas recruitment, but working parents? 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 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. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Parent Sense | |||
| When a Paediatrician Becomes the Patient: Dr Nellie Balfour's own NICU Story | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:31:23 | |
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. 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
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 in the NICU gave her a unique, and at times harder, vantage point on her own son's care. Follow Dr Nellie Balfour: @drnelliepaeds 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. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Parent Sense | |||
| Ambition and Mum Guilt: The Truth About Returning to Work After Baby S9 | E220 | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:32:02 | |
Ambition and mom guilt can live in the same brain at the very same time. 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
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 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. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Parent Sense #SenseByMegFaure #ParentSense #WorkingMoms #MomGuilt #ReturnToWork #Matrescence #WorkLifeBalance #MegFaure #NewMoms #MaternityLeave | |||
| The Scan That Changed Everything: A Quad Pregnancy Story | S9 | E219 | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:36:03 | |
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. 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 diagnosis through to preparing for delivery and life with five children under three. Follow Sam's journey on Instagram: @SamSmithofCapeTown 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. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Parent Sense | |||
| The Dual Legacy: What Every Parent Should Know About Money and Values | S9 | E218 | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:28:35 | |
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. 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
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 Social Media Tags: 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. FOLLOW US Meg Faure Parent Sense #SenseByMegFaure #ParentSense #FamilyLegacy #FinancialPlanning #ParentingAdvice #WillsAndEstates #MoneyAndFamily #GenerationalWealth #MegFaure #ParentingPodcast | |||
| From Couple to Co-Parents: The Psychological Shift Every New Dad Goes Through | S9 | E217 | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:32:15 | |
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. 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
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 EPISODE REFERENCES
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 app. Download HERE FOLLOW US: Meg Faure: Parent Sense: #NewFatherhood #PostnatalDepressionInDads #MarriageAfterBaby #ParentSense #EvidenceBasedParenting | |||
| Grief, Love, and the Woman You Left Behind: Meg Faure on Motherhood's Hidden Transition S8 | E216 | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:41:50 | |
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. 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 ‘ghosts in the nursery’. Five Ways to Hold On to Yourself
You Are Not Less. You Are Becoming More. The identity shift nobody prepares you for is also the one that quietly prepares you for everything that comes next. Meg’s closing words carry the whole episode: you have not lost yourself. You are being rewritten. The invisible developmental leap happening inside you - at the precise moment everyone is asking about the baby and not about you - is not weakness. It is the most significant transition of your adult life. The parts of you that feel like they’re falling apart are quietly building something extraordinary. In the mess and the magic of this moment, you are not less. You are becoming more. ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST HOST Madge Booth is a mum of two with a background in women’s magazines and marketing. She is the founder and host of MOMents - a podcast for smart, tired, ambitious women ready to change the conversation around motherhood and work. Find MOMents wherever you get your podcasts. | |||
| APGAR Scores, Delayed Cord Clamping and Hospital Bag Essentials with Dr Nellie Balfour S8 | E215 | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:36:46 | |
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. 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 from mum to baby, reducing the risk of anaemia and jaundice. It happens in elective C-sections and, where safe, in emergency sections too. Then Meg asks Nellie to step fully into her paediatrician role and describe exactly what happens the moment your baby is born - what she's looking for when baby is passed to her in the delivery room. Nellie walks through the full newborn check: why a cry matters (it confirms oxygen is moving through the lungs), why blue skin is normal at first, what a floppy baby signals, and how the head-to-toe examination works. Clear, calm, and genuinely demystifying. This episode won't change what happens in your delivery room, but it will mean you understand it. That's worth a lot. About Today's Guest Dr. Nellie Balfour is a paediatrician currently 35 weeks pregnant with her second child. She has been documenting her pregnancy journey in real time on the Sense by Meg Faure podcast across three episodes - first trimester, second trimester, and now the third. Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/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 50% off. https://parentsense.app/ Connect with Meg Faure Web: megfaure.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ | |||
| Your Baby's Feeding Masterclass: What Every Parent Needs to Know (But Nobody Tells You) S8 | E214 | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:34:16 | |
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. 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 the most persistent myths in baby feeding: the three-day wait rule between new foods. Current evidence supports introducing allergen foods as quickly as every 24 to 48 hours. She explains exactly what an IgE reaction looks like and what parents should watch for in the first two hours after introduction. About Our Guest Kath Megaw is a Clinical Paediatric Dietitian with over 25 years of experience and the founder of Nutripaeds. She is a consultant to the Parent Sense App and has co-authored six bestselling books including Feeding Sense, Weaning Sense, Allergy Sense, and her most recent release Mindful Meals (2025). She sits on international working groups for neonatal nutrition and the ketogenic diet. Find Kath at nutripaeds.co.za | Instagram: @kath_megaw_paed_dietitian Episode References and Links 📱 Parent Sense App — Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it at parentsense.app and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. Connect with Meg Faure Web: megfaure.com Instagram: @megfaure.sense | |||
| You're Not Failing: The Truth About Parenting Mistakes and Resilience S8 | E213 | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:33:53 | |
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. 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 for the real world. They struggle with peer conflict, frustration, and imperfect relationships. Donald Winnicott's "good enough parent" theory underpins this: getting it right 30% of the time and repairing the rest is genuinely sufficient for secure attachment and healthy development. On Guilt Guilt does not change behaviour. It simply causes suffering. Remorse that drives repair is healthy. Carrying guilt for years over moments long since healed is not. Feel it, repair it, and release it. About Today's Guest Co-Host Tove de Chazal Gant is an entrepreneur, COO of Parent Sense, and mother of three. Having navigated the NICU and raising a child with a rare genetic condition, she brings deep personal insight alongside business-scaling expertise. She also chairs Happy Heroes, a charity for children with additional needs. Connect with Tove: linkedin.com/in/tove-de-chazal-gant Episode References and Links 📱 Parent Sense App — routines, nutrition, and expert advice from pregnancy onwards. Use code SENSE50 for 50% off: https://parentsense.app/ Connect with Meg Faure Web: megfaure.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ | |||
| Why Less is More: Advice for New Mums with guest Tove de Chazal Gant | 28 May 2026 | 00:30:50 | |
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. 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 self-regulate. Parents must co-regulate. Meg offers two practical tools: square breathing (six seconds in, hold, out, hold, repeated three times) and using feeding as a mindfulness moment. Even five seconds of intentional presence at the start of a feed can shift your physiological state. Listen Now This episode is essential for every parent in the fourth trimester. Meg Faure reminds us that less is more, and your baby will thrive in an environment of calm, connection, and realistic expectation. Download the Parent Sense app for daily guidance through every stage of your parenting journey. About Tove de Chazal Gant Tove de Chazal Gant is an entrepreneur, the COO of Parent Sense, and a mother of three. Having navigated the NICU and raising a child with a rare genetic condition, she brings profound personal insight and business-scaling expertise to her role. She also chairs Happy Heroes, a charity for children with additional needs. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tove-de-chazal-gant Connect with Meg Faure Web: megfaure.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/megfaure Parent Sense App: parentsense.app | |||
| Baby Kicks, Alcohol Myths, and the Vaccines That Protect Your Baby Before Birth S8 | E211 | 21 May 2026 | 00:28:58 | |
The Second Trimester, Real and Unfiltered with Dr. Nellie Balfour 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 quadruple test screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. Vaccinations in Pregnancy: Protecting Your Baby Before Birth South Africa is ahead of many countries in vaccinating pregnant women. Nellie outlines three vaccines now recommended during pregnancy: RSV, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. Each of these illnesses can be life-threatening for newborns. This conversation is second trimester, real and unfiltered, and it may genuinely save lives. Illness, Toddlers, and TORCH Infections Respiratory viruses are generally manageable with hydration, fever control, and pregnancy-safe medications. The more serious TORCH category includes toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, and syphilis. About Our Guest: Dr. Nellie Balfour is a mom and Specialist Pediatrician with a focus on neonates, newborns, and early childhood development. 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 50% off. CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ | |||
| The CALM Method: From Mom Guilt to Real Boundaries with Angie Weber S2 | E210 | 14 May 2026 | 00:33:27 | |
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. 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:
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:
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.
Trying to remove every obstacle and keep children happy one hundred percent of the time does them a far greater disservice than we realise. Tune In: This episode is about parenting with intention - if you are a parent who has ever gone from zero to sixty and spent the next hour drowning in guilt, this conversation is for you. Guest References: Angie Weber
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| Nothing Could Have Prepared Me for My Own Pregnancy: A Paediatrician Gets Real S8 | E209 | 07 May 2026 | 00:30:38 | |
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. 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 integration later in life. It is not a linear outcome — but it is one reason why movement in pregnancy matters, and why sensory integration therapy can make such a difference for children with vestibular challenges. Rupture and Repair: The episode closes with a concept that will stay with every parent who hears it. There is no such thing as a perfect pregnancy or a perfect mother. . About Our Guest: Dr. Nellie Balfour is a mom and Specialist Pediatrician with a focus on neonates, newborns, and early childhood development. 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 50% off. CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ | |||
| The Golden Window: When and How to Potty Train Without the Drama S8 | E208 | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:28:25 | |
Introduction 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 Week and Potty Week Prep week is about nappy-off time, language, and dolly play. Potty week is about repetition, timing, fluids, and reward. Meg gives you a clear sequence: lots to drink, a timer set for every 45 minutes, training pants on, signals watched for, and every success met with genuine reward. She also covers troubleshooting: going out, the difference between wees and poos, children who need a nappy for poos, and how to approach night-time training when the time comes. 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: 📱 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: https://parentsense.app/ CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Potty Training Course: https://parentse.onelink.me/TCyx/coursesToddler | |||
| Not Broken. Differently Wired. Raising the Neurodivergent Child with Dr Itzikowitz S8 | E207 | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:38:15 | |
Introduction 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. The window is open right now, and this conversation tells you exactly how to use it. The Space Between the Notes Raphaela introduces one of the most memorable ideas in this episode: the space between the notes. The notes are the therapy sessions and clinical appointments. The space is everything that happens at home, every day, in the ordinary moments of connection and repetition. She explains the three documents every parent receives when leaving her practice: a neurodevelopmental report, an Understanding Your Child document that decodes behaviour, and a Rationalised Action Map that gives families a clear, prioritised place to start. Why You Must Listen This episode is not about adding more to your plate. It is about understanding. And understanding, as Raphaela says, is the key that unlocks a great deal of frustration. Her closing words are a gift to every parent on this journey: the journey is different. It is not less. Listen today, and share it with every parent who needs to hear it. I. EPISODE REFERENCES AND SHOW NOTES LINKS Guest: Dr Raphaela Itzikowitz Geva Specialist Paediatrician and Neurodevelopment Expert Website: docraphaela.com Instagram: @dr.raphaelaitzikowitz App: The Full Spectrum 🎙️ Enjoyed This Episode? Please like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a week of Sense by Meg Faure. 📱 Take the guesswork out of feeding, sleep, weaning, and routines. Download the Parent Sense app today and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. 👉 https://parentsense.app/ | |||
| Is Your Child Seen? The One Thing Kim Kleidon Says Every Parent Gets Wrong S8 | E 206 | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:40:33 | |
Introduction 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 unstructured time are not gaps in development. They are the very soil in which it grows. Why You Must Listen Is Your Child Seen? The One Thing Kim Kleidon Says Every Parent Gets Wrong is not a conversation that adds to your plate. It quietly removes what was never necessary. Kim closes with one powerful practice: ask your child directly, how can I serve you better? The answers, she says, will change everything. Listen today and share it with every parent you know. GUEST : Kim Kleidon Website: KimKleidon.com Podcast: What We Teach Our Children Available on: Spotify, Amazon, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio BOOKS BY KIM KLEIDON Huggle Snuggle Cuddle Flutter by Butterfly Grandpa's Garden 🎙️ Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode brought you clarity, calm, and confidence — please like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a week of Sense by Meg Faure. 📱 Download the Parent Sense App Take the guesswork out of feeding, sleep, weaning, and routines. Download the Parent Sense app today and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. 👉 https://parentsense.app/ | |||
| The Twin Mum Truth: Crawling, Colds & the Feeding Window You Can't Afford to Miss S8 | E205 | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:27:19 | |
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. 🧸 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 Instagram: @zbzoebrown Tasha Perreard is a Registered Nurse, Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant, and owner of the Well Mother and Child Clinic in Rondebosch, Cape Town. Contact Tasha at: @wmc_clinic 🎙️ Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode brought you clarity, calm, and confidence — please like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a week of Sense by Meg Faure. Share it with a fellow twin mum or any parent with a baby approaching one year old. It could make all the difference! 📱 Download the Parent Sense App Take the guesswork out of feeding, sleep, weaning, and routines. Download the Parent Sense app today and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. 👉 https://parentsense.app/ | |||
| Sharyn Feldman - Stop Rushing, Start Wondering: Building True Parenting Confidence S8 | E204 | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:34:29 | |
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. 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 beyond instant gratification to build lasting, meaningful relationships. About Our Guest: Sharyn Feldman is a registered psychotherapist and the founder of Parent Wellness. She specializes in supporting parents to develop emotional regulation, relational awareness, and confidence through therapy, support groups, and educational programs. Episode References and Links:
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| Turning One: Navigating Toddler Milestones and Transitions | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:31:21 | |
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. 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 mom to two boys, four-and-a-half-year-old Max and 1-year-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:
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| Food for the Ages: How Your Pregnancy Plate Shapes Future Generations | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:38:11 | |
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. This episode is packed with essential, science-backed advice:
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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| Nina and Josh - 10 month update & the #1 Reason for night waking | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:30:15 | |
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. This episode is a must-listen guide to navigating this active and exciting stage:
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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| A Parent's Guide to the 8 Senses: Why Understanding Them is a Newborn Hack | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:19:33 | |
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. This is a masterclass in decoding your newborn's behavior. You will learn:
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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ | |||
| Nina & Josh: The 8-Month Update on Crawling, Clapping & Separation Anxiety | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:34:46 | |
Welcome back to Sense by Meg Faure! 🎙️ 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:
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❤️ 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. | |||
| The Truth About Baby Myths: Expert Paediatric Advice with Dr. Nellie Balfour | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:32:26 | |
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. In this must-listen episode, Dr. Nellie tackles the myths that keep parents up at night:
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:
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:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| 8 Months With Twins: Tumbleweeds, Sleep & Sensory with mom of twins, Zoe Brown and Sleep Consultant Tasha Perard. | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:31:14 | |
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. Key discussion points include:
This episode is packed with real talk, expert advice, and heartwarming encouragement for any parent navigating this mobile and exciting stage. About Our Guests:
Episode References and Links:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ | |||
| A Miraculous Beginning: Pregnancy is Not Perfect | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:25:42 | |
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. Key discussion points include:
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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| Mindfulness for Busy Moms: How to Parent with Presence in Under 3 Minutes | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:36:07 | |
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. Key discussion points include:
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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| 7-Month Milestones: Crawling, Sleep Hacks & Teething with Mom Nina | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:31:59 | |
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." 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/ THE PARENT SENSE APP 📱 Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app : https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
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| The Sensory Explosion: Helping your newborn settle in a loud world | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:21:02 | |
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. Key discussion points include:
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:
I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| Dr Kat on: Anxiety to Advocacy - How One Doctor Took Control of Her Second Pregnancy | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:31:39 | |
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. This is a must-listen for any expectant mother, offering:
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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| Zoe Brown on: The Rolling Milestone- A Twin Mom's Guide to Unswaddling & Safe Sleep | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:31:28 | |
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. Key discussion points include:
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:
Episode References and Links:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| Caitlyn De Beer on Why Your Third Baby Might Be Your Easiest Yet 👶 | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:36:55 | |
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. This episode is a must-listen for mothers at any stage:
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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| The 6.5-Month Milk Strike Solution (and Why He Needs Solids NOW) | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:37:10 | |
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. Must-Knows for Parents:
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:
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| From Beige to Buffet: Navigating Toddler Food Battles with Kath Megaw S7 | E188 | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:34:41 | |
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. 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:
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:
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| Nina Clark: On Juggling a 5.5 Month Old, a Toddler, and Nap Schedules | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:31:09 | |
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. 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 Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| Candice Shah, Paediatrician on Immunity: Nutrition, Environment & Development | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:26:44 | |
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. 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:
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 Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App 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 Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| Natalia Stasenko on Picky Eating: A Unified Approach to Feeding Challenges | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:30:12 | |
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we tackle a topic that causes immense stress for many parents: picky eating. Meg is joined by paediatric nutritionist Natalia Stasenko, creator of the innovative Easy Bites app, to delve into the 'perfect storm' of toddler feeding, understand its roots, and offer practical, compassionate solutions for bringing peace back to the table. This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the complexities of their child’s eating habits:
About Our Guest: Natalia Stasenko: A paediatric nutritionist, guest lecturer at Columbia University, and co-author of child nutrition books like Baby-Led Weaning and Real Baby Food. After struggling with feeding her firstborn, Natalia specialized in feeding problems in children and now supports families in her private practice in New York and London. She is the creator of the Easy Bites app, designed to democratize knowledge and empower families to raise generations of happy and confident eaters. Episode References and Links:
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| Real Talk on the 4-Month Sleep Regression (with Nina Clark) | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:51:58 | |
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we have a real and honest conversation about the notorious 4-month sleep regression. Meg is joined by regular guest Nina Clark, whose 16-week-old son, Josh, has gone from a great sleeper to waking multiple times a night. If you're in the thick of it, this episode is a lifeline. Key discussion points include:
This episode is packed with expert advice and the reassurance that you are not alone in this challenging, but temporary, phase. 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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| The Parenting Mirror: How Your Past Shapes Your Child's Future | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:36:38 | |
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we are joined by the incredible parenting coach Ayanda Tetyana for a deep and inspiring conversation on intentional parenting. Ayanda argues that to raise resilient, respectful, and confident children, we must first look at ourselves. She introduces her powerful "Parenting Mirror" concept, a tool for self-reflection that helps parents understand how their own upbringing shapes their current parenting style. Key discussion points include:
This episode is a must-listen for any parent who wants to move beyond just surviving and start thriving with intention and purpose. About Our Guest Ayanda Tetyana is a renowned parenting coach, psychology student, and mother of two. Inspired by her own journey into motherhood, she has dedicated her career to helping parents become more intentional and reflective. Through her powerful "Parenting Mirror" tool and her work in schools and media, she empowers parents to break old cycles, set value-based boundaries, and raise confident, respectful children. You can find her on Website: https://theparenttcoach.learnworlds.com/home, Instagram: @ayatheparentcoach and TikTok at @ayatheparentcoach Episode References and Links
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
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| Nina & Josh: The 16-Week Update on Rolling, Regressions & Self-Soothing | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:33:48 | |
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with regular guest Nina Clark as her son, Josh, hits the exciting—and challenging—16-week mark. Nina shares the joy of watching him achieve new milestones like rolling over, but also opens up about the notorious 4-month sleep regression and her struggles with contact naps. This episode is a must-listen for any parent in the thick of the fourth trimester:
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:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||
| The Crisis in Childhood: Why We Need Real Parenting, Now More Than Ever. | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:44:26 | |
This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we have a vital and urgent conversation about the state of childhood today. Meg is joined by psychotherapist and author Nicole Runyon for a deep dive into why so many children are being labeled with diagnoses like ADHD and autism. Are these issues on the rise, or are we pathologizing normal behaviors? Nicole argues that our modern environment—from excessive screen time and ultra-processed foods to permissive parenting trends—is fracturing our children's natural development. This episode serves as a powerful wake-up call for parents to reclaim their instincts, establish loving boundaries, and reconnect with their children on a deeper level. We discuss practical, preventative strategies for every age, from infancy to adolescence, focusing on fostering resilience and true connection. This conversation is not about guilt, but about empowerment. About Our Guest: Nicole Runyon is a psychotherapist, parenting coach, keynote speaker, and author with over two decades of experience in child and adolescent mental health. She is known for her deep insights into how technology, modern parenting styles, and environmental factors are impacting children's development. Her book, "Free to Fly: The Secret to Fostering Independence in the Next Generation," empowers parents to reconnect with their instincts and raise resilient, independent children. Episode References and Links:
CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com | |||