PodcastsEducationThe Baby Tribe

The Baby Tribe

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

131 episodes

  • 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
  • The Baby Tribe

    119: Epidurals and the Myth of the Intervention Cascade with Professor Rachel Kearns

    03/03/2026 | 46 mins.
    Epidurals are often blamed for triggering a cascade of interventions, harming babies, and interfering with breastfeeding. But what does the actual evidence say?

    This week we’re joined by Professor Rachel Kearns, consultant anaesthetist and population health researcher, to unpack the data. From maternal morbidity and fever to neonatal outcomes and long term child development, we examine what large scale studies really show and where the myths fall apart. If you’re making decisions about pain relief in labour, this is the evidence based conversation you need.

    Proudly sponsored by www.happytummy.ie



    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Baby Tribe

    118: Doireann Garrihy on Becoming Rosie’s Mum

    24/02/2026 | 1h 6 mins.
    This week on The Baby Tribe, we’re joined by broadcaster and podcaster Doireann Garrihy for an honest and deeply personal conversation about pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of becoming a parent.

    Doireann shares her experience of induction on her due date, the moment plans changed in the delivery room, and what it felt like to hear that a C-section was needed. She reflects on the relief of hearing her daughter Rosie’s first cry, the unexpected challenges in recovery, and the surreal first night as a family of three.

    We also talk about feeding, the pressure new mothers put on themselves, and the “wins and losses” mindset that can quietly take over in those early weeks. Doireann opens up about the emotional weight of breastfeeding struggles, delayed milk, sleep deprivation, and how easy it is to become your own harshest critic.

    As always, we explore what it means when birth doesn’t go to plan, why emergency doesn’t always mean catastrophe, and how partners can play a vital role in advocacy and support.

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

    117: Sophia Wren on Young Motherhood, Post Partum Depression, and Finding Comedy

    17/02/2026 | 1h 10 mins.
    Comedian and writer Sophia Wren joins The Baby Tribe to talk about becoming a mother in her early 20s, the shock of a precipitous labour, and what nobody tells you about the emotional aftermath. Sophia shares a painfully honest account of postpartum intrusive thoughts, fear, shame, and the moment she realised she needed help, plus how medication and support helped her rebuild her life from scratch. Afif and Anne explore why aftercare and being heard matter so much, how matrescence can trigger an identity quake even in “perfect on paper” situations, and why mental health treatment deserves the same normalisation as any other medical care. Sophia also tells the story of how a comedy course during a later crisis accidentally launched her career, leading to her acclaimed show Princess Melancholy. Funny, frank, and unexpectedly healing.

    You can find Sophia and all her shows throught her insta!

    https://www.instagram.com/sophiawrencomedy/

    Proudly sponsored by https://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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