Spoil Your Baby

• How Babies Sleep (feat. Dr. Helen Ball) | #20

  Shared Sleep is Done by All Other Mammals… So why don’t we do it as humans?   On today’s episode of the “Spoil Your Baby” Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined for a one-of-a-kind conversation with Professor, Anthropologist, and Director of the Durham Infancy & Sleep Center, Dr. Helen Ball. Together they celebrate the launch of Dr. Helen’s BRAND NEW BOOK, “How Babies Sleep: A Science Based Guide to the First 365 Days and Nights”.   You don’t have to be familiar with her work to quickly notice… Dr. Helen Ball is incredibly impressive. She has spent years as an Anthropologist studying human behavior, and studying the behavior of mammals, and her research brings to light a lot of questions about the way that we think babies should sleep– particularly in Anglophone (English Speaking) countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, and others.   Mammals– with the stark exception of humans– generally sleep with their babies. It makes sense! Mammal babies need that safety because we don’t create nests, and because the process of creating milk requires frequent attention. Throughout her incredible and enlightening conversation with Greer, it becomes so apparent that our cultural mindset surrounding shared sleep is very skewed– not just from an anthropological standpoint, but also beneficially.   Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the “Spoil Your Baby” Podcast, you’re already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you’ve found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And to learn more about Dr. Helen’s incredible research on the Sleep of Babies, be sure to buy her BRAND NEW book by clicking here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Babies-Sleep-Science-Based-Nights/dp/0306834634/ & gain more free resources by visiting https://www.basisonline.org.uk/  Key Takeaways: More People Have Taken Part in Bedsharing, Culturally, Than Many Had Initially Realized In Western Society We Often Downplay What it is that Babies Expect Every Other Mammal Has The Mothers Sharing Sleep With Their Babies… It Makes Sense that we Should Do the Same Human Babies Evolved in the Context of Human Milk More Sleep as Babies is spent in REM Sleep Than Any Other Point in Our Lives The Biggest Fear for Parents Around Bed Sharing is BreastFeeding  Every Family Needs to Know How to Bedshare, whether they are Planning to Or Not “Sleep Pressure” is an Essential Concept to Grasp & Can Alleviate a lot of Frustration More on Dr. Helen Ball:   Dr. Helen’s BRAND NEW Book: “How Babies Sleep”: https://www.amazon.com/How-Babies-Sleep-Science-Based-Nights/dp/0306834634/  “BASIS” Official Website: https://www.basisonline.org.uk/  Durham Infancy & Sleep Center: https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/durham-infancy-sleep-centre/  Professor Profile: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/h-l-ball/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helenlball Ready to Connect with Greer?: “Nurture Neuroscience” Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, “Nurture Your Baby’s Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, “Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting”: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order “The Nurture Revolution” Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

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• CoSleeping Safe and Sound with Tiffany Belanger | #19

  Thinking About Sharing Your Bed With Your Baby? It doesn’t have to be scary!   On today’s episode of the “Spoil Your Baby” Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined for a fantastic conversation about cosleeping with Speaker, Actor, Author, and founder of CoSleepy, Tiffany Belanger.   CoSleeping has been taking place across cultures since the dawn of humanity. Despite persistent fears that arise whenever the concept comes up– cosleeping is absolutely possible and is absolutely safe… but it does require intentional planning and preparation on the part of the parent/s.    As she explains to Dr. Kirshenbaum, Tiffany’s first child simply would not take to the bassinet. Every time she placed him into his “own space”, he would immediately begin crying. CoSleeping was the natural solution to the problem… however there wasn’t nearly enough information available on the topic. Tiffany decided to take matters into her own hands– doing the research and writing the books that were needed in order to fill in the gaps. In this episode, she shares just a brief introduction to CoSleeping, how to do it safely… and how to learn so much more about it so you can implement it for yourself.   Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the “Spoil Your Baby” Podcast, you’re already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you’ve found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And to learn more about Tiffany Belanger and CoSleeping, visit her official company website at www.cosleepy.com  Key Takeaways: The “Cuddle Curl” Position Physically Prevents You From Leaning Over Onto Your Baby Be Open to Sleeping in Shifts With Your Partner If You’re Comfortable With Bedsharing, Be Open to Allowing it to Go As Long as Needed Setting Up a Floor Bed in Your Room, if Possible, is Ideal for a Gradual Transition Once Old Enough, Be Sure to Communicate with the Child About Changes More on Tiffany Belanger:   Official Website: www.cosleepy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosleepy/ Tiffany’s Book, “Cosleepy: Sharing Your Bed With Your Baby Safely and Comfortably”: https://www.amazon.com/Cosleepy-Sharing-Your-Safely-Comfortably/dp/1951995325  The “CoSleepy” Podcast: https://cosleepy.com/podcast  Ready to Connect with Greer?: “Nurture Neuroscience” Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, “Nurture Your Baby’s Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, “Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting”: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order “The Nurture Revolution” Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

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• Nourishing Both the Body & the Soul: feat. Dr. Deborah MacNamara | #18

  Food. Safety. Sleep… It’s Not as Simple As it Sounds.   On today’s episode of the “Spoil Your Baby” Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined for a fantastic and enlightening conversation with counsellor, scientist, author, teacher, and Mother, Dr. Deborah MacNamara.   Despite the many varying opinions you’ll hear in the world of parenting and psychology, one thing is indisputably true– your child needs you to provide them with Nourishment… Not just in the body, but also in the soul.    Dr. Deborah MacNamara knows the importance of Nourishment at every level, and it shows with her incredibly well-rounded and mature view of parenting. She understands that the first 3 years of life are about the birth of the psychological self, and your child will thrive when you begin to recognize the importance of establishing yourself both as a leader AND as a source of comfort. Your child being emotional around you means that they feel safe and secure around you… and learning how to embrace and not take advantage of that vulnerability is key in your child’s growth and development.   Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the “Spoil Your Baby” Podcast, you’re already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you’ve found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And to learn more about Dr. Deborah MacNamara, purchase her books, or sign up for her newsletter, visit her official website at macnamara.ca/  Key Takeaways: Sleep & Food is Where Our Parenting Shows Up Initially Make Eating a Social, Relaxed, & Fun Experience Cascading Care: The Adult Takes the Lead and the Child Will Follow A Leader is Caring & Firm, but Doesn’t Use Relationship or Vulnerability Against Them It’s Not Egalitarian – Parents Have to Make These Decisions More Discipline Does Not Equal More Maturity The First 3 Years are the Birth of the Psychological Self It’s OK to be the Source of Your Child’s Stress Your Child’s “Emotional Mess” is a Sign of Safety & Security There’s Nothing Like the Immaturity in a Child to Test the Maturity in You More on Dr. Deborah MacNamara:   Official Website: https://macnamara.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdeborahmacnamara/ Dr. Deborah’s Latest Book, “Nourished”: https://macnamara.ca/nourished/ Dr. Deborah’s Newsletter Sign-Up: https://macnamara.ca/newsletter/ Ready to Connect with Greer?: “Nurture Neuroscience” Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, “Nurture Your Baby’s Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, “Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting”: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order “The Nurture Revolution” Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

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• Finding Your Voice In Parenthood with Tracy Gillett | #17

  In this heartfelt episode of Spoil Your Baby, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum welcomes Tracy Gillett—writer, advocate, and founder of the award-winning blog Raised Good. Together, they dive deep into the experience of finding your own path as a parent amidst a sea of societal pressure, outdated medical advice, and cultural myths. Tracy shares her powerful journey from veterinary medicine to conscious motherhood, and how her own parenting awakening led to the creation of a global platform supporting parents in choosing connection over convention. They unpack the myth of the "three-month sleep regression," explore the overreach of pediatric advice on infant sleep, and emphasize the importance of trusting your intuition and building a community of like-minded parents. Whether you’re bedsharing, contact napping, or simply trying to stay grounded in your values, this episode offers wisdom, reassurance, and practical insight to help you parent from a place of confidence and connection. Key Takeaways: Tracy’s journey from vet to parenting advocate Why modern sleep advice often clashes with infant needs The truth behind the “three-month sleep regression” How to handle pediatric advice outside their scope Why nighttime should feel safe and connected The power of combining science with intuition The importance of community and finding your village Presence over perfection in parenting More on Tracy Gillett:   Website: raisedgood.com Instagram: @raisedgood Facebook: Raised Good   Ready to Connect with Greer?: “Nurture Neuroscience” Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, “Nurture Your Baby’s Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, “Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting”: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order “The Nurture Revolution” Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution  

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• Pouring From a Full Cup feat. Stephanie Adler | #16

  Are You Pouring From a Full Cup?   On today’s episode of the “Spoil Your Baby” Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by Hormone, Gut Health, and Fertility practitioner, Stephanie Adler.   If you look back to many ancient cultures throughout World History, you’ll find a common thread: human beings instinctively knew that women need to nourish themselves differently before, during, and after the pregnancy process. So much of our nutrients are being passed along to our babies, it makes sense that we should be nourishing ourselves accordingly. Yet, somewhere along the way, we’ve largely abandoned these practices… and it’s hurting women.   Stephanie Adler is a fountain of energy, joy, and knowledge, and her conversation with Dr. Kirshenbaum is absolutely can’t-miss for new or soon-to-be mothers. Ensuring that you are taking care of yourself and your body can feel overwhelming, but thanks to Stephanie’s incredible advice, it can actually be quite easy… and even enjoyable! By the end of their discussion you’ll have so much more knowledge on what to eat, and how to better set yourself up for success and nutrition in the long run.   Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the “Spoil Your Baby” Podcast, you’re already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you’ve found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And be sure to connect with Stephanie Adler by reaching out and sharing your parenting story with her directly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanieadlerwellness  Key Takeaways: Not Nourishing Yourself is Never an Option Ancient Societies Knew The Importance of Certain Foods in Pregnancy Motherhood Doesn’t Have to Mean Depletion Consider Investing in a Post-Partum Chef Focus on Nutrient Rich Foods– They Aren’t What You Might Expect Salt is Important… But Only the Right Kind. Look Into Adrenal Cocktails, They Taste Good & Nourish. Meat Stock is so Nutrient Rich… And Easy to Make! More on Stephanie Adler:   Official Website: https://www.stefanieadler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanieadlerwellness Ready to Connect with Greer?: “Nurture Neuroscience” Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, “Nurture Your Baby’s Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, “Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting”: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order “The Nurture Revolution” Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

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