Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Latest Episodes:

Sibling Roughhousing: How Much Is Too Much? - Ep. 342 Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

In the special segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna share their recent embarrassing or hilarious parenting experiences, diving into the topics of desperate decisions and rough realizations. Also, Shanna reports on a surprising new development in her family's life, and Laura talks about how the roughhousing between her sons has intensified. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Different ways of moving on from grief

-Family pets

-Roughhousing between siblings

-Mom confessions

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grieving a Pet While Celebrating a Birthday - Ep. 341 Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

In the special segment "Loose Ends," Laura and Shanna circle back on topics they've talked about in previous episodes, including updates about inane injuries, toy tantrums, 5-year-olds' friendships, and one of BFP's colossal cliffhangers to date. Also, Laura reports on her 3-year-old's "why phase," which is more like a "who, what, when, where, why phase," and Shanna checks in on her dog, Sasha, and discusses the challenge of handling conflicting emotions when you are a parent. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Handling your child's "why phase" or "question phase"

-Helping your child deal with the loss of a family pet

-Compartmentalizing emotions when you are a mom

-Tip for helping plantar fasciitis

-Kindergartener friendships

-Setting boundaries with your kids

-Water slide injuries and other weird injuries when you are a parent

-Should I buy that big-ticket outdoor toy for my kids?

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parenting Through Crisis: The LA Wildfires Jan 12, 2025

Show notes

Laura and Shanna come to you in real time to check in during the wildfires in Los Angeles. They provide updates about how they are doing during their city's crisis and have an insightful conversation with Gia Gambaro Blount, a local child development expert and parenting coach. about parenting during and after emergencies. Gia is a highly-regarded parenting expert in one of the areas that are being hit hardest by the devastation - Pasadena and Altadena - and she provides wisdom that not only comes from her years of expertise in child development but also as a parent who lives in the area and is personally affected by it as well.

Important Links:

-Our list of resources for victims of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires

-O ur list of how to help and donate to support victims of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires

-Gia Gambaro Blount's Instagram - Follow Gia to get daily advice and wisdom about parenting through crisis (and more)

-Gia Gambaro Blount's Website

-Big Fat Positive's Facebook Community Group - A supportive community that has shown compassion for and interest in helping parents and families in need at this time (plus ongoing conversations and support about parenting in general

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

-How the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires are affecting parents

-How to parent your child during a crisis

-Advice from a local parenting expert who is actively helping parents and families navigate this crisis

-How to handle emergencies when you're a parent

-How to talk to your child about catastrophic events

-How to help your child process trauma after the emergency is over

-How to help victims of the Los Angeles fires

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

Visit our website.

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can You Get a Mammogram While Breastfeeding? - Ep. 340 Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Shanna reports on the shocking event that complicated her daughter's sixth birthday party, and Laura talks about getting a mammogram while breastfeeding. Also, in the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying," Laura and Shanna thoughtfully dissect the seemingly mundane situations that have caused their little ones to melt down recently, including big feelings at Whole Foods, the frozen yogurt shop and more. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Throwing a birthday party for your 6 year old

-Handling your pet's medical issues

-Getting a mammogram while breastfeeding

-When your kids have big feelings

-Understanding why your kids are crying about seemingly insignificant things

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2024 Year in Review: Joys, Challenges and Revelations - Ep. 339 Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

2024 is coming to an end, and In the special segment "Year in Review," Laura and Shanna reflect on their last 12 months of parenting. As they look back on 2024, they share their biggest joys, challenges, realizations and more. Also, Laura reports on her 5-year-old's new interest in helping out in the kitchen, and Shanna talks about the challenges of planning for her kids' three-week winter break. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Thanksgiving with kids

-Kids helping in the kitchen

-Picky/selective eating in kids

-Planning for your kids' winter break

-When your partner helps lighten your mental load

-Signing kids up for winter break day camp

-2024 year in review

-End-of-year self-reflection questions for parents

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last-Minute Holiday Gifts, Tips and Tricks - Ep. 338 Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Shanna and Laura share last-minute gift ideas and holiday tips in the special segment "What the Hack?!," including tricks for hanging ornaments, managing holiday-morning chaos and more! Also, Shanna checks in on her mission to remove 1,000 pounds of sand from her backyard, and Laura talks about an artistic activity that has deeply engaged her 5-year-old. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-How to get rid of a sandbox

-My kid keeps drawing violent images

-Tips and tricks for managing the holidays with kids

-Last-minute holiday gift ideas

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Grandma Lives Next Door - Ep. 337 Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Stump the Mom," Laura and Shanna grill each other with amusing and educational trivia questions involving surprising facts about family-favorite holiday movies, treats and toys! Also, Laura reports on what life has been like with her mom, aka Grandma Susan, living next door, and Shanna talks about diving into birthday party planning for her kindergartener. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-What is it like to live next door to your mom when you have kids?

-Relationship between small children and their grandparents

-Planning your kid's birthday party

-Holiday trivia questions relevant to moms and families

-Classic kids' toys

-Extracurricular activities for your kids

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big-Kid Milestones: Bunk Beds and Booster Seats - Ep. 336 Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Dear Past Me," Shanna and Laura turn back time to give their former selves parenting advice based on what they know now, including wisdom about first-trimester morning sickness, toddler meltdowns and more. Also, Shanna's 5-year-old reaches a milestone that there's no turning back from, and Laura kids take a big leap in their room-sharing journey. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-When to switch your child from a five-point harness to a booster seat in the car

-Getting a bunk bed for your kids

-Managing your kids sharing a room

-Activities that trigger the memory of pregnancy nausea

-Handling your child's inconsolable meltdowns

-Developing trust with your child

-Letting go of diet culture and appreciating your body

-Whether or not to buy expensive outdoor toys for your kids

-Weird places cats hide

-Is my child tall enough to go on the Millennium Falcon ride at Disneyland?

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making Big Life Decisions With Young Kids (with Heather Sundell) - Ep. 335 Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

Laura and Shanna introduce a brand-new special segment in which they invite a fellow parent on to participate in a classic BFP segment of the guest's choice and share about what's going on in their parenting world! In this episode, Shanna and Laura chat with mom and writer Heather Sundell, who talks about her experience making a big life decision when she was 8 months pregnant. Also, Laura discusses her struggle to make time for her 3-year-old's school event during a very busy work week, and Shanna reports on hosting a kids' Halloween party at her house. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Halloween events and parties

-Balancing work and parenting

-Deciding whether to go back to school when you are a mom

-Whether or not to cancel your child's extracurricular activity

-Dia de los Muertos

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharing the Mental Load as a Working Mom - Ep. 334 Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "What I Googled This Week," Shanna and Laura share the hilarious and embarrassing parenting-related questions they have asked the internet recently, diving into the topics of infant snot suckers, surprising swimming injuries, movie mysteries and more! Also, Shanna gives an update on the working-mom overwhelm she has been feeling recently, and Laura reports on a big change in her 3-year-old's bedtime routine. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Handling overwhelm when you are a mom

-Sharing the mental load with your partner

-Having trouble getting 3-year-old to go to bed

-Should my kids share a bedroom?

-Can AI help identify this movie my kid is talking about?

-Weird injuries you get when you are older

-Using a baby product on a cat

-How to get rid of sandbox sand

-Handling kids' bedtime with your partner

-Fun board games to play with your kids

This episode's full show notes can be found here.