Thriving Parent-ing

• Trying to Conceive Wasn’t Supposed to Look Like This: An Honest IVF Conversation with Breanna May

  In this deeply honest and emotional episode, Jen sits down with mindset coach and soon-to-be mum, Breanna May, to unpack the side of IVF that doesn’t make it onto the glossy brochures. From being labelled “high risk” after multiple cervical procedures, to navigating distrust in the medical system, fear of needles, and the grief of failed transfers, Breanna takes us inside the reality of trying to conceive when it wasn’t supposed to be this hard.Breanna shares how she moved from resisting IVF to finally surrendering to support, the mental gymnastics of reframing daily injections as “baby juice,” and the moment everything changed during her second transfer – from a shooting-star embryo on the screen to reading “pregnant” on a test while camping with her husband. She also reflects on how IVF impacted her identity, body image, relationship, and ultimately, her belief in her own body again.In this episode, you’ll hear:Breanna’s journey from “I’ll fall pregnant easily” to years of unexplained infertilityHow past cervical surgeries turned her pregnancy into “high risk” and complicated embryo transferThe mindset shift that helped her finally accept IVF and reframe injections as an act of lovePractical tips to survive the wait after transfer (and why staying busy matters)The power of surrender and belief: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”If you’re walking the IVF path, feeling like you “shouldn’t” be here or wondering how much more you can take, this conversation is a tender, validating reminder that you’re not alone – and that hope can still live inside a really hard story.Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 91 Show NotesAnd I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

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• Baby Bitesize | Did the Car Ride Count? Rethinking Naps After On-the-Go Snoozes and Dozes

  In this baby bite-sized episode, Jen breaks down one of the most common modern parenting dilemmas: “Does that quick car nap actually count—and what should I do next?”If you've ever rushed home for nap time only to face a failed transfer, a full-blown nap protest, or a suddenly wide-awake baby, this episode gives you the clarity and calm you need.Jen explains why on-the-go dozes and mini car snoozes can completely reset sleep pressure—especially for babies under six months and why heading straight to the bedroom often backfires. Instead, she guides you through what actually works: slow transitions, gentle interaction, and watching for fresh sleep cues rather than watching the clock.You’ll learn:Why a 10–15 minute car nap can wipe out more sleep pressure than you thinkWhen a transfer might work—and when it absolutely won’tHow to create a short “adjustment window” at home so your baby can reset before the napWhat to do differently if they only dozed off versus slept for 20+ minutesHow to honour your baby’s nervous system and your own, so naps feel less stressful for everyoneWhy flexibility and compassion matter far more than perfect timingJen also shares her own relatable “please don’t fall asleep yet!” car moments because we’ve all been there, and gives you permission to adapt, reset, and trust the process.You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do after an on-the-go snooze, how to prevent a nap battle, and how to stay grounded when routines don’t go to plan.A gentle reminder to take with you:A short car nap doesn’t always mean an easy transfer. Give your baby time to adjust, follow their cues, and trust your own instincts. You’re not failing—you’re finding your rhythm.Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 90 Show NotesAnd I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

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• Pram Naps 101: A Practical Guide for Busy, Responsive Parents

  In this episode of Thriving Parenting, Jen dives into pram sleep and motion sleep – the good, the tricky, and how to set pram naps up so they support both your baby and your sanity.She starts by revisiting her popular “10–10–10 Rule” for pockets of connection, sharing real stories from families who’ve used it to transform challenging behaviour and create more harmony at home. From there, she guides you through the world of pram naps: why they work, how they support your baby’s nervous system and body clock, and how they can give you some much-needed breathing space in your day.Drawing on her own experience with three children (including seasons of multiple kids under five and life overseas), Jen breaks down practical, compassionate steps to help you feel confident using pram naps without guilt, fear of “junk sleep,” or pressure to get it perfect.In this episode, you’ll learn:How the 10–10–10 Rule sets up cooperation, eases tricky moments, and helps you feel more like the parent you want to be.Why naps on the go are not junk sleep, and how motion, gentle rocking and outdoor light support your baby’s nervous system, circadian rhythm, and sense of safety.How pram naps looked different with each child, from “nice to have” with her first, to essential with a toddler in tow, to ultra-flexible naps while living in South Korea.Six practical steps to make pra naps workHow to tell the difference between tired/frustrated cries and “this is too much” stress, when to keep gently supporting, and when to pick up, reset, or transfer.Why shorter pram naps as babies grow are normalWhat to expect as your baby becomes more aware, and how to work with changing nap lengths without panicking.How a simple pram nap – a walk outside, a quiet coffee, a few minutes to actually breathe – can reset your nervous system and increase your patience for the rest of the day.Jen closes with a reminder that neither you nor your baby are robots, and that flexibility, repetition, and self-kindness are some of the most powerful parenting tools you have.Get the Free Awake Times Guide: https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ https://lullabump.com/products/lullabump-1?srsltid=AfmBOoqRL11x1LiVd5zU4AOVCS77GEn_anoqdPTUmJSSocJj4JA6owEkWould like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 89 Show NotesAnd I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

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• How To Help Your Child Feel Safe With Their Feelings - And Yours Too. With Dr. Bianca Mastromanno

  In this heartfelt episode of Thriving Parenting, Jen is joined once again by Dr. Bianca Mastromanno, clinical psychologist and mother of two, to explore one of the most powerful skills we can develop as parents — helping our children (and ourselves) feel safe with big emotions.Together, they unpack why feelings can be so hard to sit with, how our own upbringing shapes the way we respond to emotions, and what it really means to emotionally coach our kids — without trying to fix, rush, or rescue their feelings.From real-life motherhood stories to practical, compassionate insights, this episode helps you embrace imperfection, build emotional trust, and navigate those intense moments with more calm and connection.In This Episode:The impact of our own emotional history on how we respond to our child’s feelingsWhy “good girl/boy” or “stop crying” messages affect emotional safetyWhat emotion coaching really means (and why it starts with your own awareness)How to validate your child’s emotions without rewarding unwanted behaviourUnderstanding guilt vs shame and how self-compassion transforms parentingThe balance between empathy, boundaries, and allowing healthy discomfortWhy repair after rupture matters more than getting it perfect every timeParenting isn’t about eliminating your child’s big feelings, it’s about being their safe place while they learn to move through them. When you show them that emotions are safe, you teach them resilience that lasts a lifetime.Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 88 Show NotesAnd I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

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• Baby Bitesize | When Sleep Feels Stuck: Five Questions to Find Your Middle Ground

  Are you feeling torn between what you “should” do and what actually feels right for your family? In this bite-size episode, Jen shares five powerful reflection questions to help you reconnect with your instincts and find balance when baby sleep feels confusing, overwhelming, or stuck.These questions are designed from real conversations with parents who’ve been exactly where you are — caught between expert advice, exhaustion, and guilt. Jen helps you gently tune out the noise, explore what you truly want for your family, and discover a version of sleep that feels sustainable for both you and your child.You’ll be invited to reflect on:What would you change if there was no guilt or fear?What does sleep look like if it works for everyone?Are your beliefs helping or limiting your growth?What makes change feel impossible?Is your motivation coming from you — or outside pressure?This episode isn’t about following a formula. It’s about creating space to get curious, honor your needs as a parent, and find a flexible middle ground that feels aligned with your values.Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 87 Show NotesAnd I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

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