The Baby Playbook

Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh
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  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

🎙️ Welcome to The Baby Playbook Podcast – Your Guide to the First 6 Months of Parenthood! 🎙️ This podcast is for new parents navigating the exciting (and challenging) journey of raising babies and newborns. Get expert tips on baby sleep, feeding, developmental milestones, and self-care for parents. Tune in for real-life stories, practical advice, and parenting hacks to help you confidently tackle the first 6 months. Join us as we support each other on this incredible journey! #NewbornParenting #BabySleep #ParentingTips #FirstSixMonths

  1. Jun 9

    #60 How Do Babies Change Our Relationship? With Biannka Brannigan

    Most couples underestimate the seismic shift that a new baby can trigger in their relationship—and the survival tactics that can get your connection through it. On this episode, renowned couples therapist Biannka Brannigan reveals the hidden neurological and emotional dynamics that threaten intimacy once children arrive—and exactly how to prepare for and navigate these changes before the baby’s first cry. You’ll discover why marriage is more like a high-stakes road trip across unpredictable terrain, and how mapping your relationship’s future can act as a GPS when chaos strikes. Biannka shares practical tools for creating a “relational contract,” anchoring your connection in shared values, and using rituals to keep love alive amid sleepless nights and exhaustion. We break down the common pitfalls—like neglecting the mental load, misreading each other’s signals, and falling into survival mode—and how these subtle shifts can fester into resentment years later. Biannka unveils the truth about the neurological stress response that narrows your window of tolerance, explaining why your patience wears thin and how to restore calm before the relationship fractures. This episode is perfect for expecting parents, new moms and dads, or any couple feeling overwhelmed by parenthood’s uncharted waters. If you want to avoid silent resentment, build resilience, and keep your love story strong through the chaos, Bianca’s insights will transform the way you approach parenthood as a team—not just two individuals surviving side by side, but connected partners thriving in the face of change. Tune in to learn how to normalize the rollercoaster, communicate your emotional needs effectively, and nurture your relationship even during the busiest days. Because in the end, the strength of your partnership is the greatest gift you can give your child. #ParenthoodJourney #RelationshipGoals #CouplesTherapy #NewParents #FamilyDynamics #LoveAndParenting #EmotionalWellbeing #ParentingTips #RelationshipAdvice #IntimacyAndConnection Follow Biannka here: https://www.instagram.com/biannka_gestalt_psychotherapy/ Website: https://www.biannkabrannigan.com/

    32 min

  2. May 25

    #59 What Does Pregnancy Loss Look Like, and How Can We Truly Support Those Affected? With Stephanie Alexander

    Losing a baby is one of the most profound and complex grief journeys. This episode reveals the nuanced reality behind pregnancy and baby loss—beyond the statistics, into the raw, emotional truth. If you've experienced loss or know someone who has, what you're about to hear could change how you understand, support, and find your own healing process. Nikolina shares her deeply personal story of pregnancy loss, grief, and navigating life with a surviving twin. Her honesty opens a window into the rollercoaster of emotions—guilt, anger, hope, and resilience—that accompany loss. This episode with The Feel Food Psychologist Stephanie Alexander is a vital reminder that grief isn’t linear; it ebbs, flows, and transforms with love and time. This episode underscores a crucial message: there is no ‘right’ way to grieve, and support is always available. Whether you're struggling personally or looking to support someone you love, you'll find comfort, clarity, and practical insights to make space for love and loss alike. Perfect for anyone walking this difficult path or supporting someone who is. Nikolina and Stephanie Alexander, a seasoned psychologist and mental health advocate, share expert advice and heartfelt stories that foster connection, healing, and hope. If you’re ready to move through grief with compassion and understanding, this episode is your essential guide. Explore the journey of #PregnancyLoss, understand #Grief, and learn how to #SupportLovedOnes with compassion and empathy. #HealingTogether #EmotionalWellbeing #PodcastEpisode LINKS:  Connect with Stephanie: ⁠⁠www.feelgoodpsych.com.au⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefeelgoodpsychologist/⁠⁠ Follow Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh here: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/heynikolinak/?hl=en⁠⁠ Subscribe to the mailing list for more INFO: ⁠⁠https://heynikolinak.co/⁠⁠ Get your copy of MUM ADVICE (a great gift for an expecting friend!) here: ⁠⁠https://heynikolinak.co/b/mumadvice⁠⁠  Join our private FB page to share and request advice from fellow parents: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615190698987282⁠⁠  Grab a copy of My Mummy Loves Fudge (your favourite children’s book!): ⁠⁠https://heynikolinak.co/b/mymummylovesfudge⁠

    36 min

  3. May 11

    #58 What Are the Real Risks of Rushing Postpartum Recovery? With Jen Dugard

    Most new moms are caught in the whirlwind of trying to "bounce back" after pregnancy, but what if that pressure is actually doing more harm than good? Jen Dugard, a prenatal and postnatal fitness specialist, and founder of MumSafe, shatters the myth of instant postpartum transformation and shares why chasing the "pre-baby body" can be a dangerous distraction from truly healthy recovery—and what to focus on instead. In this eye-opening conversation, Jen explains how society’s obsession with rapid postpartum fitness increases risks like pelvic floor issues and mental health struggles. She reveals why every woman’s postpartum journey is unique and how to approach exercise safely based on her history, emphasizing the importance of pelvic health, strength rebuilding from the inside out, and trusting your body’s signals. You'll discover evidence-based tips on timing your return to exercise, what a realistic recovery looks like, and why a strong foundation now sets you up for long-term health and confidence. Jen shares practical advice on how to build a support network, incorporate gentle movement into busy days, and combat mom guilt—because taking time for yourself is an essential part of caring for your family. This episode is perfect for new and expectant mothers, fitness professionals, and anyone seeking to understand the true path to postpartum recovery—beyond societal expectations and fleeting trends. Keep up with MumSafe here: Instagram Facebook #PostpartumRecovery #NewMomJourney #BodyAcceptance #PelvicHealth #MomLife #FitnessAfterBaby #EmpoweredMothers #HealthyRecovery #MumSafe #JenDugard

    24 min

  4. May 4

    #57 How Do Early Oral Issues Impact Your Child's Health And Feeding? With Dr Shereen Lim

    Most parents don’t realize that common issues like feeding difficulties, mouth breathing, and sleep problems in babies are all connected — often rooted in oral dysfunction and jaw development. In this episode, Dr. Shereen Lim, a Perth-based dentist and author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive, reveals how early interventions can change your child's health trajectory for good. You’ll discover the hidden signs of tongue tie, the critical role of nasal breathing, and how poor jaw growth in early years impacts long-term sleep, breathing, and even speech. Dr. Lim shares surprising insights from her decade-long journey, starting with her husband's snoring, that led her to revolutionize our understanding of childhood airway health. Website: www.drshereenlim.com.au Instagram: @dr.shereenlim https://www.instagram.com/dr.shereenlim Book - Breathe, Sleep, Thrive https://www.drshereenlim.com.au/book #ChildHealth #ParentingTips #OralHealth #SleepSolutions #NasalBreathing #TongueTie #JawDevelopment #HealthyKids #EarlyIntervention #BreatheSleepThrive

    20 min

  5. Apr 27

    #56 Is It Possible To Enjoy Travelling With A Baby? With Emma Wilson

    Traveling with babies or young kids might seem daunting, but with the right mindset and smart planning, it can be an adventure rather than a challenge. Forget the perfect Instagram reel—Emma Wilson reveals her no-fuss strategies for stress-free trips with little ones, showing how flexibility and preparation turn travel from overwhelming to enjoyable. In this episode, Emma shares her extensive firsthand experience traveling with children—from five months to toddlerhood—across Australia, Europe, and beyond. She discusses the pros and cons of different ages for travel, debunking myths about lap infants and sharing tips on finding the right timing to suit your family’s needs. Whether you’re navigating long-haul flights or short trips, Emma's practical advice helps you adapt expectations, pack smarter, and use gadgets efficiently. Follow Emma on Instagram @snowaction www.snowaction.com.au #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #ParentingTips #TravelHacks #AdventureAwaits #TravelSmart #StressFreeTravel #TravelWithToddlers #FamilyAdventures #TravelInspiration

    30 min

  6. Apr 20

    #55 Can A Doula Transform Your Birth Experience from Fear to Empowerment? With Moran Liviani

    Most women walk into birth overwhelmed by fears and myths — but it doesn't have to be that way. Moran Liviani, an experienced doula from Brisbane and author of Before You Give Birth, reveals how empowering preparation and the right support can transform one of life's most intense experiences into a celebration of strength and resilience. Imagine walking into your birth space feeling confident, informed, and in control. Moran shares her personal journey from challenging births to becoming a doula who rewrites the narrative around birth trauma, fear, and societal stigma. She explains how her own experiences turned into a passion for helping women embrace birth as a transformative, empowering event — not a danger to fear. Through her story, you'll discover the importance of emotional support, informed choices, and the power of a positive mindset in shaping your birth experience. Moran discusses how negative birth stories and stigma shape our perceptions, and how shifting your mindset from fear to power can dramatically change your experience. Most importantly, Moran highlights the significance of holistic well-being after birth, acknowledging that a positive, trauma-free experience impacts your ability to bond and mother confidently. Perfect for pregnant women, partners, and birth supporters feeling overwhelmed or seeking clarity, this episode offers practical, evidence-based advice to reclaim your birth story. Before You Give Birth Book: https://www.2life.com.au/before-you-give-birth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2lifedoula/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2LifeDoula/ #EmpoweredBirth #DoulaSupport #BirthWithoutFear #PositiveBirth #BirthEducation #MindfulMotherhood #TransformativeBirth #BirthJourney #PregnancyEmpowerment #BirthStory

    25 min

  7. Apr 13

    #54 Why Is It So Important To Do a Baby First Aid Course? With Tessabelle Scully

    Most parents underestimate the importance of baby first aid — until an emergency strikes. What if a quick, informed response could be the difference between a crisis and a saved life? If you're a new parent or expecting your first child, this episode is an urgent must-listen. Learn why mastering baby-specific first aid skills from the start isn't optional—it's essential for every caregiver’s peace of mind. In this eye-opening conversation, with Rescue Blue's Head of Training and Intensive Care and Special Operations/Rescue Paramedic Tessabelle Scully, shares the secrets behind empowering parents with the confidence to act swiftly in emergencies. She reveals how basic first aid knowledge, focusing on infants and children, can dramatically reduce anxiety during those stressful early weeks at home. We explore the common misconceptions around when and why to learn life-saving techniques, emphasizing that preparedness begins from the moment you bring baby home. Instagram: http://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/RESCUEBLUE_LITTLEAID Facebook: http://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RESCUEBLUE.COM.AU TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rescueblue_littleaid Website: http://WWW.RESCUEBLUE.COM.AU #BabyFirstAid #ParentingTips #ChildSafety #FirstAidTraining #NewParentsGuide #EmergencyPreparedness #InfantCare #SafetyFirst #ParentingAdvice #RescueBlue

    22 min

  8. Apr 6

    #53 How Can You Confidently Care for Your Baby’s Sensitive Skin? With Catherine Cervasio

    Most new parents feel overwhelmed by the countless opinions and confusing information about baby skincare — but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, skincare expert and founder of Aroma Baby, Catherine Cervasio, reveals how to choose safe, gentle products that protect your baby’s uniquely sensitive skin, based on three decades of experience working with neonatal dermatology and hospitals. Discover why a baby’s skin barrier needs special attention, and learn the simple, science-backed rules to keep your little one healthy and assist with eczema. We break down the critical ingredients to avoid, how to make bath time stress-free, and the truth about using natural versus chemical formulations. Catherine shares her expert advice on patch testing, introducing food-based ingredients, and why minimalism in skincare can prevent allergies and sensitivities now and later in life. You'll also explore the power of baby massage for calming your newborn, fostering bonding, and supporting neurological development. Designed for new parents feeling confused or cautious about what products are truly safe, this episode offers practical tips to approach skincare with confidence — whether you're doing your baby’s first bath or navigating gift sets full of unknown ingredients. If you want to give your baby the best start with skincare that’s gentle, safe, and effective, this episode is essential listening. Protect their sensitive skin from the start and transform bath time into a nurturing, joyful experience. Follow Catherine and Aroma Baby here: Linkedin https://au.linkedin.com/in/catherine-cervasio Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aromababyofficial/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ladycatherineslife/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AromababyOrganicBabySkincare/ #BabySkincare #NewParentsGuide #GentleCare #SkincareTips #AromaBaby #ParentingAdvice #SensitiveSkin #BabyMassage #EczemaFree #NaturalProducts

    21 min
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About

🎙️ Welcome to The Baby Playbook Podcast – Your Guide to the First 6 Months of Parenthood! 🎙️ This podcast is for new parents navigating the exciting (and challenging) journey of raising babies and newborns. Get expert tips on baby sleep, feeding, developmental milestones, and self-care for parents. Tune in for real-life stories, practical advice, and parenting hacks to help you confidently tackle the first 6 months. Join us as we support each other on this incredible journey! #NewbornParenting #BabySleep #ParentingTips #FirstSixMonths

Information

  • Creator
    Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh
  • Show Website
    The Baby Playbook

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