Laura and Shanna share the wild and wacky parenting-related content they've found online recently in the special segment "Internet Insanity," including scandalous sourdough drama and a birthing device that will make your head spin. Also, Shanna reports on her struggle to get her kids to their extracurricular activities, and Laura talks about how her anxiety was triggered and reinforced by a series of events. 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:

-When your kids lose interest in their extracurricular activities

-Anxiety

-Intrusive thoughts

-Trusting your gut as a mom

-Strange breastmilk drama

-Unusual birthing devices

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, "They Said What?!" Shanna and Laura discuss the funny, outrageous or offensive things people have said to them recently about parenting, including a surprising comment at the grocery store, an unsolicited tidbit of parenting advice from a stranger and more! Also, Laura reports on an infection that presented itself stealthily in her son, and Shanna discusses how her "mom's night out" went haywire. 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:

-Trying to figure out what's wrong with your child who is tired and irritable but has no other signs of illness

-Visiting the Huntington Gardens with old friends

-Mom's night out

-Playing mah jongg with friends

-Awkward things people say to you when you are a parent

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.

Shanna and Laura talk to Dr. Nicole Rankins about what pregnant people can do to create an effective birth plan. Dr. Nicole is a board-certified, practicing OBGYN and the host of the podcast "All About Pregnancy & Birth," and she is the creator of online courses "The Birth Preparation Course" and "Make a Birth Plan the Right Way" to teach pregnant people how to feel comfortable and empowered to have the birth they deserve. Also, Shanna reports on her spring cleaning plan for her kids, and Laura talks about taking a spring break trip to the Palm Springs area. 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.

Visit https://drnicolerankins.com/ for more information on Dr. Nicole Rankins and her online birth plan and childbirth education classes.

Follow Dr. Nicole Rankins on Instagram.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Surviving spring break with young kids

-Spring cleaning

-Encouraging kids to clean their rooms

-Taking a vacation with young kids

-How to make a good birth plan

-When in pregnancy to create a birth plan

-Doing a drop-off playdate

-Taking photos underwater

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 reports on her three-year-old's progress with potty training, and Shanna tells the story of an unexpectedly dramatic dinner with her family. Also, in the special segment "Loose Ends," Shanna and Laura give updates about topics they've talked about previously, including behavior issues, Botox and more! 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:

-Potty training

-When children start staying dry at night

-Doing babysitting swaps with friends

-Doing Botox for migraines

-Handling your child's dysregulation and behavior challenges

-Handling your child's fear of the dark

-Selective eating and "safe" foods

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 "Why Is My Kid Crying," Shanna and Laura analyze the things that have caused their little ones to melt down recently, including unexpectedly big feelings at pool parties, school fundraising events and more! Also, Shanna reports on her family's last-minute St. Patrick's Day celebration, and Laura talks about attending a local event that captured the heart of her five-year-old. 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:

-St. Patrick's Day traditions with kids

-Leprechaun traps

-Cherry blossom festival

-Fundraising for school events

-Pool parties

-Ads targeted at kids

-Sensitive children

-When your kid has high blood pressure

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 Confessions," Laura and Shanna divulge their hilarious and embarrassing parenting moves recently, including using an unexpected product from the medicine cabinet, having surprising feelings while shopping at a big-box store and more! Also, Laura talks about potty training her three-year-old, and Shanna reports on chaperoning a second-grade field trip. 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:

-When is a good time to start potty training

-How to succeed at potty training

-Chaperoning your child's field trip

-Funny, embarrassing mom confessions

-The best shoes for kids

-Feeling pride at your child accomplishing a goal

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.

To celebrate their 300th episode, Laura and Shanna have invited Shanna's mom Janet on the show! In this very special "Throwback" segment, Janet takes us back to her pregnancy, birth and early parenthood with Shanna. She talks about being pregnant during an ice storm, moving cross-country with an infant, how Shanna was the opposite of what she expected her to be and more. She also shares funny and fond memories of her early motherhood and offers her best parenting advice. Also, Shanna gives an update on her daughters' progress with their new pom-pom reward system, and Laura reports on her 5-year-old's transition to a big-kid bed. 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:

-Rewarding your kids for their good behavior

-Transitioning your child to a big-kid bed

-The story of Shanna's birth

-Some of the best things about being a mom

-Advice about parenting from Shanna's mom

-Doing volunteer work with your kids

-Going on a field trip with your preschooler

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.

To celebrate their 299th episode, Shanna and Laura have invited Laura's mom Susan on the show! In this very special "Throwback" segment, Susan takes us back to her pregnancy, birth and early parenthood with Laura. She talks about what kind of baby Laura was in utero and out, shares fond and funny memories of that time, offers her best parenting advice and more! Also, Laura reports on a group outing to Chuck E. Cheese, and Shanna shares her family's new house rules and reward system. 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:

-Going to Chuck E. Cheese with your kids

-Determining house rules with your kids

-Creating a reward system to improve your kids' behavior

-The story of Laura's birth

-Some of the best things about being a mom

-Advice about parenting from Laura's mom

-Taking baths with your kids

-Teaching your kids about sexuality and equality

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 "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.