The Baby Tribe Katie Mugan & Afif EL-Khuffash

Unravel the mysteries of your baby’s gut health and leave behind the myths that cause undue worry. In this episode, we shine a light on the fascinating journey of a baby’s microbiome, from birth through the first year of life. With Anne Doherty joining me as co-host for the summer, we offer both scientific insights and warm anecdotes from our family life, making complex information accessible and relatable. Join us as we recount our children's delightful summer activities and Anne's memorable first trip to Kuwait, blending science with heartwarming personal stories.
 Discover the critical stages of microbiome development in children during their first 24 months and learn how both cesarean sections and vaginal births influence gut health. We bust popular myths, explaining how the mode of delivery impacts the microbiome minimally in the long term. You'll also hear about the pivotal role of breastfeeding, the introduction of plant-based foods during weaning, and the significant contributions fathers make to their baby's microbiome.
 We venture into the practicalities of supporting a healthy infant microbiome, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding, avoiding smoking, and incorporating diverse, plant-based foods. Learn about the benefits and safety of probiotics, particularly for colic and reflux, and why vaginal seeding may not be the solution it’s often touted to be. Finally, we reflect on the deeper ties that connect us all, sharing a poignant story that underscores our shared humanity and the universal experiences that bind us together.
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Dr. Niamh Lynch and Dr. John Caird join us to discuss the critical subject of concussions in children, particularly those who are active in sports. Their professional journeys, from Dr. Lynch's path from the University College Cork to a paediatric neurology fellowship in Vancouver, to Dr. Caird's extensive dual practice in paediatric and adult neurosurgery, provide rich insights into the complexities of treating brain injuries and neurological conditions. Together, they illuminate the importance of recognizing and managing concussions, emphasizing that while scans aren't used for diagnosis, specialized treatments like vestibular physiotherapy play a crucial role in recovery.
 This episode is filled with personal anecdotes and reflections from our podcast journey. We share our memorable moments, behind-the-scenes bloopers, and the laughter that has made recording this season a joy. Katie shares her exciting summer plans, including a family trip to France, and even Buddy, her dog, has his holiday lined up! We also take a trip down memory lane, recalling our favourite guests like Anna Geary, Orla Franklin, and Audrey Hamilton, who have left an indelible mark with their inspiration and authenticity.
 We touch on diverse and impactful topics ranging from childhood epilepsy syndromes to the significance of monitoring a baby's head circumference for signs of hydrocephalus. John and Niamh provide valuable advice on managing concussion risks and the proactive measures in sports to prevent head injuries. Tune in, laugh with us, learn from the experts, and get ready for a summer of Baby Tribe shorts with Afif and Anne!
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What if you could protect your child's smile for a lifetime? Join us for an insightful conversation with our expert paediatric dentist, who reveals invaluable tips on preventing dental decay in kids, affecting nearly half of all five-year-olds. We share light-hearted personal stories about our own dental experiences and debate our favourite snacks—think peanuts, popcorn, and the ever-controversial bounty bar. This episode promises a blend of vital dental health information and the fun camaraderie of snack-time debates.
 We spotlight the significance of fostering good dental hygiene habits from an early age. Learn how children can benefit from mirroring adult brushing routines and the appropriate use of toothpaste. We also touch upon the detrimental effects of sugary drinks and poor diets, highlighting the need for educating kids about sugar content in their snacks. Discover practical advice on how to incorporate dental health education into school curriculums and make healthier choices fun and engaging for children.
 Explore the fascinating journey of a paediatric dentist Dr Kirsten Fitzgerald, working in hospital settings. From transitioning from general dentistry to focusing on paediatric care, we discuss the critical role of early dental care, debunk myths surrounding baby teeth, and provide practical tips for parents to manage dental emergencies. Listen in as we address dental anxiety, the benefits of fluoride treatments, and offer actionable strategies for ensuring your child's teeth remain healthy and strong. This episode is packed with expert advice and engaging stories, making it a must-listen for parents dedicated to their children's dental well-being.
 Tooth SOS App:
 https://www.iadt-dentaltrauma.org/for-patients.html
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Is your child's mental health hiding in plain sight? This week's episode of the Baby Tribe podcast tackles the monumental subject of childhood mental health and parenting. We reflect on our own experiences growing up under protective parents and discuss how open communication can better equip children to handle life's challenges. We dive deep into cultural differences in parenting styles, the importance of fostering resilience, and why addressing mental health openly is crucial, especially given the stark statistics on youth suicide in Ireland.
 Today's children face a multitude of stressors, from school exams and body image issues to the pressures of social media and future anxieties. Joined by child psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Barrett, we examine how misinformation online compounds these problems and why it's vital for schools to provide accurate mental health resources. Additionally, we address the shocking data on racism and religious discrimination affecting young minds. Dr. Barrett offers practical strategies to help parents recognize emotional distress in children and emphasizes the necessity of tailored mental health support, enhancing school-based services, and improving accessibility to CAMHS.
 Finally, we explore the intricate relationship between social media and adolescent mental health. While acknowledging the risks of online bullying and the impact of social media on self-esteem, we also highlight potential benefits, like supportive online communities. Parents will appreciate our practical tips on setting phone boundaries and the delicate balance between monitoring and allowing freedom. We call for stronger responsibilities from social media companies and legislators to create safer online environments. Wrapping up, we stress the foundation of good mental health: consistent sleep, regular exercise, and reconnecting with nature. Don't miss this enlightening conversation designed to equip parents with the tools to support their children's mental well-being.
 Support Links:
https://www.pieta.ie/
https://www.bodywhys.ie/
https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/
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Unlock the secrets of your child's respiratory health as we team up with Prof. Basil El Nazir, the paediatric respiratory physician and cystic fibrosis expert, to guide you through the maze of coughs and colds that every parent dreads. Discover the breakthrough RSV vaccine that's set to revolutionize how we protect our littlest ones from this common and sometimes serious virus. It's a deep-dive into managing conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis, with takeaways that promise to resonate with every caregiver.
 Breathe easier knowing how to keep infections at bay, even with a house full of toddlers and newborns. We share practical tips on maintaining a germ-free home and instilling healthy habits early on—without resorting to drastic measures. Plus, we'll offer a slice of our own lives, swapping stories of our children's dreams and ambitions, proving that the apple can indeed fall far from the tree when it comes to career paths in finance, construction, law, and more.
 Wrap up your listening experience with an uplifting look at Ireland's triumphs over cystic fibrosis. From newborn screenings to the latest treatments turning this once-feared disease into a manageable condition, we highlight the advancements offering hope and extending lifespans. So, join us and let's navigate the choppy waters of paediatric health with the warmth and expertise you've come to expect from our heart-to-heart sessions.
 The article discussed in this episode:
https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/11/3/ofae077/7601549?login=false
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In this episode, Dr. Orla Walsh and the hosts delve into the world of children's eating habits. They explore the common issue of picky eating, sharing personal anecdotes and tips for encouraging diverse diets without pressure. They highlight the importance of patience, small portions, and involving kids in meal prep to cultivate adventurous eaters. The discussion shifts to the challenges faced by Generation Z, including the impact of social media, the pandemic, and societal pressures on eating disorders. Strategies for recognizing and addressing these disorders are provided, along with insights on the rising rates of obesity among youth and the influence of genetics, socioeconomic factors, and the environment.
 Dr. Orla Walsh is an Adolescent Medicine and General Paediatrician in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street and Connolly. She is an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer with RCSI and an Assistant Clinical Professor in Women& Children & Health with UCD. She completed a 2 year Fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and then worked as an Adolescent Medicine Paediatrician and developed an Academic Division of Adolescent Medicine at North York General Hospital, and as Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto.
 Since returning to Ireland she has contributed to the recently launched National Guidance Document on the Management of Anorexia Nervosa in Paediatric Patients, and hopefully soon to be launched National Framework on the Transition of Care from Paediatric to Adult Services. She currently works half time as an Adolescent Medicine Paediatrician within General Paediatrics in CHI where she runs a weekly adolescent clinic and provides an inpatient consult service. The other half of her job is developing and delivering the new service for adolescents with complex obesity in CHI, including the establishment of a transition pathway to adult services.
 
Resources mentioned in the show:
Bodywhys | The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland
Bodywhys | Free Pilar Programme for Families
Bodywhys | Free Resource - A Guide for Families
Healthy eating for families - HSE.ie
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/weaning-eating/nutrition-child/healthy-eating/
https://w82go.ie
https://childhoodobesity.ie/resources/
https://www.safefood.net
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