PodcastsEducationThe Baby Tribe

The Baby Tribe

Afif EL-Khuffash & Anne Doherty
The Baby Tribe
Latest episode

134 episodes

  • The Baby Tribe

    124: Understanding Baby Sleep: Biology vs Sleep Training

    06/04/2026 | 36 mins.
    “Sleeping like a baby” is one of the biggest myths in parenting.

    In this episode, we strip back the noise around infant sleep and look at what the science actually tells us. From circadian rhythm development to night waking, we explain why babies don’t sleep the way we expect them to, and why that doesn’t mean anything is wrong.

    We explore the full spectrum of sleep training methods, from cry-it-out to so-called “gentle” approaches, and break down what they are really doing: not changing biology, but changing behaviour.

    We also examine the evidence behind sleep training, what improves (parent perception, sometimes sleep onset), what doesn’t (night waking), and why the conversation around “self-soothing” is often misunderstood.

    Finally, we talk about the modern sleep industry, the rise of rebranding, and how vulnerable parents are being sold solutions to a problem that may not exist in the first place.

    No guilt. No ideology. Just clarity.

    Proudly Sponsored by www.happytummy.ie
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Baby Tribe

    123: Hilary McGann (News by Hil): From Global News to Motherhood

    30/03/2026 | 54 mins.
    Becoming a parent changes how you see everything.

    In this episode, we’re joined by Hilary McGann (News by Hil), journalist and creator, to talk about what happens when someone whose job is to understand the world becomes a mother in it.

    Hilary shares her deeply personal journey through a complicated and anxiety-filled pregnancy, including emergency surgery, ovarian torsion, and the constant fear of losing her baby. What follows is a powerful reflection on resilience, perspective, and what it really means to become a parent.

    We also explore how parenthood reshapes our relationship with the world around us: Does the news hit differently after having a child? How do you stay informed without becoming overwhelmed? And how should we talk to our children about a world that often feels chaotic?

    This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about motherhood, information overload, and finding balance in a noisy world.

    Proudly Sponsored by @happytummy.ie and @biogaiaireland
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Baby Tribe

    122: Fear Less with Dr David Coleman: Are We Raising Anxious Kids?

    24/03/2026 | 49 mins.
    A practical and honest conversation with clinical psychologist Dr David Coleman, author of Fear Less, on childhood anxiety. We explore why anxiety feels so common in children today, the difference between normal fear and something more serious, and how parents can support their child without overprotecting them. From the science behind anxiety to simple tools that actually work, this episode focuses on one key idea: your child doesn’t need to be fearless, they just need to know how to handle fear.

    Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Baby Tribe

    121: Pregnant With Cancer: Emma’s Story of NICU, Chemotherapy, and Change

    17/03/2026 | 58 mins.
    When Emma McGuinness was pregnant with her second child, she discovered a swelling in her neck that turned out to be Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her son was delivered at 36 weeks and spent his first 14 days in neonatal intensive care. Just weeks later, Emma began six months of chemotherapy while caring for a newborn.

    In this powerful episode, Emma shares the reality of navigating cancer during pregnancy, the emotional experience of having a baby in NICU, and how her own experience exposed a gap in Irish maternity leave legislation. That gap ultimately led to a national campaign and a change in the law.

    This episode is recorded in collaboration with Daffodil Day in support of the Irish Cancer Society. To donate check out www.cancer.ie

    You can find Emma's page here: https://www.instagram.com/a_little_link/

    Proudly sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Baby Tribe

    120: NICU Explained: The Real Reasons Newborns Need Extra Care

    10/03/2026 | 53 mins.
    When parents hear the word NICU, it can feel frightening. But the reality is that many babies who spend time there are simply adjusting to life outside the womb.

    In this episode, Afif and Anne break down the most common reasons newborns are admitted to the neonatal unit, including breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, infection checks, temperature regulation, and feeding challenges.

    Afif explains the physiology behind these issues and why most NICU stays are short and part of a baby’s normal transition after birth. If you’re expecting a baby or have ever wondered what really happens in NICU, this episode offers clarity and reassurance.

    Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About The Baby Tribe

The Baby Tribe podcast is dedicated to providing parents and caregivers with the latest information and expert advice on maternal health and well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period, in addition to infant health, nutrition, and growth. This podcast covers all the important topics to ensure both you and your little one get off to the best start. The podcast is hosted by the husband and wife duo, Professor Afif El-Khuffash, a neonatologist, paediatrician, and lactation consultant, and Doctor Anne Doherty, an obstetric anesthesiologist with expertise in maternal care. Both Anne and Afif work at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin and together bring over 40 years of combined experience in newborn and maternal health. We share our knowledge and insights on everything from breastfeeding and formula feeding, to introducing solid foods, maternal recovery, and dealing with common health concerns for both mother and baby. We’ll have regular guests to share their expertise and experiences on various topics of interest, and we’ll also hear from real parents sharing their personal experiences and tips for raising healthy and happy families. Whether you're expecting your first child or navigating the postpartum period, this podcast is for you. Tune in each week for valuable information and practical advice to help you and your baby thrive. Please be sure to subscribe to our podcast, and follow us on Instagram! Thanks for joining us, and let’s continue this exciting journey together!
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