Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

In the special segment "Stump the Moms," Shanna and Laura quiz each other on parenting-related trivia, diving into the topic of bizarre teething treatments and more! Also, Shanna reports on feeling conflicted about her 5-year-old's sudden clinginess, and Laura discusses her 5-year-old's newfound enthusiasm for writing. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Fostering independence in a clingy child -5-year-old writing -3-year-old yearly checkup -Sea creature pregnancy/parenting facts -Charlotte the Stingray -Teething -Great chapter books for young readers This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura and Shanna dive into the topic of how to prepare for your second child with Erica Djossa, CEO and founder of Momwell and the author of the upcoming book "Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More." Erica answers listener questions about evening out the mental load before baby arrives, handling concerns about loving your new baby as much as your first, preparing for a second child after having experienced postpartum depression and anxiety the first time around and more. Also, Laura checks in about her family's rainy week, and Shanna reports on handling her 5-year-old's anxiety about riding on the softball parade float. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old. Learn more about Erica Djossa! Visit Erica's website Order Erica's book Follow Erica's Instagram Listen to Erica's Podcast Topics discussed in this episode: -Losing items at school -Handling your child's anxiety and clingy behavior -Preparing for a second child -How to even out the mental load before your second child arrives -Feeling guilt that you can't give as much to your second child as you did your first -Preparing for your second child when you experienced postpartum depression and anxiety the first time around -How can you show your kids equal love? -Kids filming dramatic scenes -Feeling sad that you never had a son This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura and Shanna talk with Erica Djossa, CEO and founder of Momwell and the author of the upcoming book "Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More." They talk about strategies for reassessing our preconceived notions of motherhood, how to let go of the mental load that can often lead to burnout and more! Also, Shanna reports on her 8-year-old's off-the-wall birthday party, and Laura talks about her youngest son turning three and no longer being a toddler. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old. Learn more about Erica Djossa! Visit Erica's website Order Erica's book Follow Erica's Instagram Listen to Erica's Podcast Topics discussed in this episode: -Kids' birthday parties -Trampoline park -Homemade birthday cake -Third birthday -Toddlers vs. preschoolers -Mom mental load -Maternal mental health -Mom cognitive labor -Early morning wakings -Kids taking photos This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura air their petty parenting grievances, sounding off about drones invading inappropriate spaces, shockingly complex kids' books and more! Also, Shanna reports on her family's very first trip to Disneyland, and Laura talks about the joint birthday party she had for her 3- and 5-year-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Kids' birthday parties -Joint birthday parties -Disneyland -Drones spying on kids -Best time for kids' birthday party -Kids being know-it-alls -Lego Ninjago -Pokemon -Kids getting too many gifts -Changing your child's earrings for the first time This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura and Shanna dive into the topics of mother phubbing, anosmia, smoke-detector mysteries and more in this week's special segment, "What I Googled This Week." Also, Shanna reports on her 8-year-old daughter's request to change her name, and Laura talks about finally getting Covid after four years of avoiding the virus. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Your child wanting to change their name -5-year-old entering expressive phase -Getting Covid as a parent -Covid anosmia (aka Covid loss of smell) -Using smartphones in front of kids -Kids coloring pages and coloring skills -Allowing kids to develop skills according to their own timeline -Smoke detector safety -Ghosts -Birthday parties This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Mom Wins!," Shanna and Laura share some recent parenting successes, including solving a very tricky homework problem, instilling an important lesson about body boundaries and more! Also, Laura reports on her five-year-old's first day in tennis class, and Shanna reports on her five-year-old's newfound fear of the dark. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Kids participating in sports -Tennis -How to handle your child's fear of the dark -Children being attached to stuffed animals -Baby's fascination with tags -Mom wins -Kids' reward charts -Incentivizing homework -Child upset about a lost object -Making dinner with your child -Respecting body boundaries -An unexpected bathtime toy -Planning kids' birthday parties This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a brand-new special segment called "Dear Past Me," Laura and Shanna give pregnancy and parenting advice to their past selves, including words of wisdom about celebrating pregnancy, recovering from c-sections, knowing what to expect in the hospital after giving birth and more. Also, Shanna checks in on her kids' never-ending winter break, and Laura reports on her son's fifth birthday! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -New Year's Day 2024 -Going to the beach with kids -Din Tai Fung -Going to the mall with kids -Auggie's fifth birthday -Park birthday parties -Using the Cricut to make custom cupcake toppers -Birthday party meltdowns -Celebrating pregnancy -Pregnancy photo shoot -C-section recovery -C-section incision complications -Hospital stay after giving birth -RNs vs CNAs -Labor and delivery hospital staff -Advocating for yourself in the hospital -Postpartum mental health -Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) -Rose Parade in Pasadena -Kids learning to read This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment “OMG I'm Freaking Out,” Laura worries that her kids' need for fairness has gone over the edge, and Shanna unleashes her inner mama bear on an unsuspecting stranger. Also, Laura talks about asking for help to make the holidays better this year, and Shanna reports on the surprise she got her kids that has been a long time coming. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 4.5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Christmas week 2023 -Asking your partner for help during the holidays -Doing less during the holidays -Disneyland -The relationship between kids and cats -Kids' extreme need for fairness -Unleashing mama-bear anger at a stranger -Kids' strong preference for one parent -Taking spontaneous adventures with kids -Using the Cricut This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "What the Hack?!," Shanna and Laura share some of their favorite parenting tips, including a simple trick that will cheer you up instantly, a hack for handling car trash, a tool for managing time with kids and more! Also, Shanna shares the unexpected incident that derailed her family this week, and Laura reports on struggling with work-life balance. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 4.5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Appendicitis -Taking toddlers out in public -The struggle of work-life balance as a mom -Parenting hacks, tips and tricks -Clever ways to use your phone as a mom -Tip for potty training -Regulating kids' energy -Handling car trash when you have messy kids -Collecting nature items with toddlers -Giving kids independence with food -What to do when your kids are afraid of monsters -How to manage time with kids -Mothers-in-law -SWAT Santa This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Internet Insanity," Laura and Shanna share the wild and wacky parenting-related content they've found online recently, including a story of cheerleading sabotage involving deepfake videos and Laura's hilarious attempt to use AI to design her family's holiday cards. Also, Laura reports on her sons getting their very first professional haircuts, and Shanna talks about witnessing a car accident while her kids were in the car with her. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 4.5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Going to the hair salon for kids' first professional haircut -Almost getting hit in a car accident while with kids -A shocking "They Said What?!" from one of the drivers in the accident -Story about deepfake cheerleading harassment and sabotage -Laura's attempt to use ChatGPT to make her family's holiday card -Going out to dinner and drinks with mom friends -How to solve the problem of kids waking up way too early every morning This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Shanna and Laura share the hilarious and unexpected situations they have never found themselves in until becoming parents, including a surprising discovery on a 4-year-old's iPad, a harrowing yet bizarre rescue mission involving cleats, hair and a zipper, and more! Also, Shanna reports on her daughter's fifth birthday party, and Laura discusses her family's adventure to Legoland. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 4.5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -5-year-old's Bluey-themed birthday party at an indoor playground -Conflicting feelings about your child growing up and turning five -A family trip with two kids aged 4 and 2 to Legoland -Discovering something shocking on your kids' iPad -How a scene from the movie Home Alone led a kid to say something surprising -How a toddler's obsession with a certain band got taken to an extreme -How procrastinating on unpacking after a trip led to disaster -Visiting child's classroom to make gingerbread houses (and how a 4-year-old's innocent question can make you question your entire existence) -The best vehicle for families (or should we say the vehicle for families that "fucking rocks") This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna dive into the fascinating topics of a shocking sperm-meets-egg story, a fecal phenomenon, a baby-saving antibody, and more! Also, Laura reports on her son's increased emotional dysregulation, particularly in relation to video games, and Shanna talks about her mom-fail at her daughter's recent heritage performance. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 4.5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 4.5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -4-year-old's emotional dysregulation, especially when stopping video games -Going through phases of closeness with your child -Dressing inappropriately for school Heritage Week -The Man with Golden Arm (blood and plasma donor that saved 2.4 million babies) -Woman who got pregnant after a knife fight -Sperm donor in the Netherlands who was banned from donating -Mariko Aoki phenomenon -Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Lights -Elf on the Shelf fail This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As 2023 comes to an end, Shanna and Laura reflect on their last 12 months of parenting with honesty, humor and insight. As they look back on 2023, they share their biggest laughs, struggles and realizations, including a hilarious report Laura got from her son's school director, the unexpected thing Shanna learned about herself this year and more. They also report on the most memorable events of the year, their favorite podcasts, books and shows of 2023 and advice they wish they could go back and give themselves at the beginning of the year. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast This episode's show notes can be found here. Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special bonus episode, Laura and Shanna answer listener questions about how to talk to kids about guns, how to handle when your kids have birthdays that are close together and more. If you have a question for an upcoming Ask Us Anything mini-sode, email us at contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com, or reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast! This episode's show notes can be found here. Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey podcast is hosted by Laura Birek and Shanna Micko and produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment, "They Said What?!" Shanna and Laura discuss the funny, outrageous or offensive things people have said to them recently about parenting, including comments about pets, infertility, dead celebrities and more! Also, Shanna reports on overcoming some deeply frustrating feelings about parenting, and Laura talks about her reaction to her son's food choices on Thanksgiving. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 4.5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 4.5 years old and 2.5 years old. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast This episode's show notes can be found here. Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.