Bringing Up Baby

Thinking about dropping a nap? Before you do, there are a few signs your baby or toddler might still really need it. In this episode, Ashley shares some common situations where parents assume it’s time to drop a nap — but it’s actually too soon. From short baby naps to toddlers who are still sleeping great overnight, you’ll learn a few quick clues that the nap is still serving an important purpose. If sleep has felt a little messy lately, this episode will help you figure out whether the nap is actually the problem… or still part of the solution. Resources & Support: Learn more about working with Ashley: Birth Baby Sleep Find out more about the 2026 Pregnancy & Parenting Expo Follow along on Instagram @birth_baby_sleep Visit Nurtured - Atlantic Canada's Baby Store in Halifax, NS or check out nurtured.ca

If your baby falls asleep at bedtime — only to wake up 30 to 45 minutes later — you’re likely dealing with a false start. In this episode, we break down exactly what false starts are, why they happen, and what they may be telling you about your baby’s sleep. False starts are common, and they’re usually explainable. Most often, they’re linked to: Overtiredness Not quite enough sleep pressure Daytime nap timing Learned sleep habits We’ll talk through how sleep cycles work, why the first 30–45 minutes of nighttime sleep can be fragile, and how small adjustments to timing or routine can make a meaningful difference. We also discuss the role of habit and sleep associations — in a neutral, practical way — so you can decide what feels right for your family. If bedtime hasn’t been “sticking,” this episode will help you approach it as problem-solving rather than failure. Because bedtime matters. And when it feels settled, it changes the entire evening.Resources: Bringing Up Baby Resource Bundle (Wake window PDF, extra sleep tips and more!) Website: www.birthbabysleep.ca  

Cord blood banking isn’t something most parents think about—or even hear about—until after they’re already pregnant. In this episode, I chat with Sofia Magana from Healthcord Cryogenics to break it all down in a clear, easy-to-understand way. We talk about what cord blood actually is, why some families might consider banking it, and what the process looks like at birth. We also go over the difference between private banking and public donation, so you can understand all the options before deciding what’s right for your family. This conversation is all about giving you the facts—no pressure, no hype—so you can feel informed and confident about whether this is something you want to explore. Guest Bio: Sofia Magana is a biomedical professional at Healthcord Cryogenics, specializing in cord blood and stem cell education. With a background in biomedical engineering and translational research, she works closely with healthcare providers and families to translate complex stem cell science into clear, practical, and evidence-based information. Optional Listener Discounts: If you decide cord blood banking is something you want to explore,Healthcord Cryogenics has provided optional discount codes: $450 off Cord Blood + Cord Tissue Banking – use code BIRTHBABYSLEEP450 $300 off Cord Blood Banking – use code BIRTHBABYSLEEP300 These codes are completely optional, and this episode is for educational purposes only. Resources & Support: Learn more about working with Ashley: Birth Baby Sleep Find out more about the 2026 Pregnancy & Parenting Expo Explore classes and support inside the Bringing Up Baby VIP Community Follow along on Instagram @birth_baby_sleep   CST Savings (ad) - www.cst.org 

If you find yourself worrying about what's to come in regards to your baby's sleep, you're not alone! Have you ever heard about "The 4-Month Sleep Regression?" I know... Silly question.But whether it's your baby about to be ~4 months of age, you are planning how you'll get them to sleep without being swaddled or wondered if you'll ever feel ready to put them in a crib in their own room, this episode is for you!The episode is all about easing anticipation anxiety and re-framing transitions as a normal part of your baby's growth - not a sign that something is going wrong.    Resources & Support: Learn more about working with Ashley: Birth Baby Sleep Find out more about the 2026 Pregnancy & Parenting Expo Explore classes and support inside the Bringing Up Baby VIP Community Follow along on Instagram @birth_baby_sleep   If this episode was helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing with a parent who needs reassurance, or leaving a review — it helps more families find this support.

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “is this normal?” in the middle of the night, this episode is for you. In this episode, Ashley breaks down some of the most common baby behaviors that cause parents stress, anxiety, and second-guessing — and explains why many of them are actually developmentally normal. Normal doesn’t always mean easy, but understanding what’s typical can help reduce unnecessary worry in those early months. In this episode, we cover: Why newborn sleep can be surprisingly noisy The truth about short naps in the first few months What cluster feeding really means (and what it doesn’t) Why wanting to be held isn’t a “bad habit” Why you might be concerned if Baby sleeps too long Whether you’re pregnant, in the newborn stage, or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you feel more confident and less alone.   Resources & Support: Learn more about working with Ashley: Birth Baby Sleep Find out more about the 2026 Pregnancy & Parenting Expo Explore classes and support inside the Bringing Up Baby VIP Community Follow along on Instagram @birth_baby_sleep   If this episode was helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing with a parent who needs reassurance, or leaving a review — it helps more families find this support.

In this episode, Osteopath Kaitlyn Sobey breaks down what’s really happening in babies labelled with reflux or colic, and how some birth experiences can create tension that affects feeding, digestion, and comfort. We explore common signs of tension parents can spot at home, when collaboration between an osteopath and lactation consultant is most helpful, what changes to expect after treatment, and how to tell when a baby is truly relaxed in their body. A clear, calming guide for parents navigating early feeding and settling challenges.    HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby Sleep  |  WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMGUEST: Kaitlyn Sobey, Osteopath with Cornerstone Naturopathic  |  WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM  

In this episode, we chat with speech-language pathologist Juliana McLaren about how babies develop chewing and feeding skills. Juliana breaks down when and how chewing emerges, what really matters when starting solids, and how different feeding approaches — from baby-led weaning to spoon-feeding — shape oral development. She also shares practical tips for supporting your baby’s feeding journey, and signs it might be time to seek help.   For more information: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital's Feeding According to Development Level chart.    Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby SleepWebsite: www.birthbabysleep.caInstagram and Facebook @birth_baby_sleep Guest: Juliana McLaren, owner of One Bite at a Time: Swallowing and Speech ServicesWebsite: www.1biteatatime.caInstagram @1biteatatimeca  

Learn about what you can do to support your little one (and yourself!) during this weekend's fall time change to end Daylight Savings Time. In this episode, I'm covering my best tips and we're troubleshooting real life scenarios and specific recommendations based on your baby's age. For more information: Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby SleepWebsite: www.birthbabysleep.caInstagram and Facebook @birth_baby_sleep

Curious about low intervention birth? Join me and Doula Liz Burns for a real, no-fluff conversation about what it actually means to have a low intervention birth — and what it doesn’t. We’ll unpack common myths, talk through hospital policies, and share practical insights to help you feel informed, empowered, and confident in your choices. Just a heads up: This isn’t about telling you how to give birth — it’s about giving you tools and information so you can make the best decision for you.--> Resources shared in this episode can be found HERE.   For more information: Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby SleepWebsite: www.birthbabysleep.caInstagram and Facebook @birth_baby_sleep Guest: Liz Burns, owner of Driftwood DoulaWebsite: www.driftwooddoula.comInstagram @diftwooddoula

In this episode, we're chatting with perinatal therapist, Madeleine Stobbe about what really happens to our relationships after having a baby. We get into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming changes that come with new parenthood — from communication struggles to shifting roles and expectations. She shares some super helpful tips, real talk, and go-to resources for staying connected with your partner during this big life transition.   HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth Baby SleepWebsite | Instagram | Facebook HOST: Madeleine Stobbe, Stobbe Psychological ServicesWebsite | State of the Union  

What has been your biggest challenge in parenthood so far? What experience/moment made you feel the most confident as a parent? Our guest, Jess Clerke answers these questions so thoughtfully. She also talks about the dream vs. reality of her personal journey to parenthood and so much more. Welcome back, Jess! Host: Ashley Cooley, owner of Birth | Baby | Sleep Website | Instagram | FacebookGuest: Jessica Clerke Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast

I have to say, I think this is a pretty cool episode!Meet Dr. Drew Weatherhead. She's an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University and she specializes in early childhood language and social cognitive development. Her research focuses on infants and young children learn to communicate, understand others, and navigate the social world.in this episode, Dr. Weatherhead is answering questions like: What do babies remember from the womb? What do newborns already know about language? How babies learn and remember words and more!  It's super interesting, so take a listen! And PS - Dr. Weatherhead and her team are always looking for study participants! Check out their studies and consider participating so you and your little one can help shape how we can support baby language development. See info below to grab more information.   For more information:HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook GUEST: Dr. Drew Weatherhead - Cognition and Language Learning Research GroupWebsite | Instagram | Facebook

Does how you're carrying Baby in pregnancy actually predict their gender? Does heartburn in pregnancy mean that Baby will have lots of hair? Lastly, but perhaps what many individuals who are pregnant worry about often... Is lying on your back during your pregnancy really that harmful?? We're looking at what the research says and discussing! Join in :)   For more information:HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care HalifaxWebsite | Instagram

If you are pregnant and preparing for childbirth, it's very likely you have questions and/or are worried about tearing or needing an episiotomy as you push Baby out. This episode is for you!Kelsey and I are chatting about what it means to tear or have an episiotomy during childbirth, what the research says on the rates of these occurring and we break down what you can *maybe* do to prevent one or the other from happening.Have any questions?? Reach out! For more information:HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care HalifaxWebsite | Instagram

From sleep to hydration and more, this episode covers four very important topics on keeping baby safe when it starts getting hot out there.  Get access to our Bringing Up Baby Resource Bundle for extra information and more content, including a sample temperature chart. Want to join myself and Edwena Kennedy of My Little Eater for our Solids & Sleep Workshop?? Find the details and sign up HERE!  HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook

For a different spin on our show, I'm chatting today about Birth Baby Sleep's annual event - The Pregnancy & Parenting Expo - which we just wrapped up last month. Listen in to hear about why we do it, how it went, what was learned and what's to come! For more information:HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook

Hear what Kelsey did to help her through her first trimester, as well as what the research says is actually helpful/not helpful in the first few months of pregnancy.   For more information:Learn more about the Pregnancy & Parenting Expo HERE! HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care HalifaxWebsite | Instagram Thank you once again to our lovely sponsors - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca

Dr. Kelsey Marr is back with us to share some very important points about alcohol and cannabis recommendations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We're getting into what research is currently out there on these topics and what it's telling us so you can make the right decision for you and your family. We're answering questions like: Is there a safe level of alcohol being consumed during pregnancy? What if I've had a drink while trying to conceive or before I knew I was pregnant? Is it okay to consume alcohol or cannabis if I'm breastfeeding? and more! For more information:HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care HalifaxWebsite | Instagram Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca

Welcome to Episode 100!!We're welcoming back Dr. Kelsey Marr to the Bringing Up Baby podcast! In this episode, we're uncovering ALL the research and details on Epidurals. We're answering questions like: - Is it too late to get an epidural during labour? - How is the epidural administered? - What are the risks and benefits? - What is a "walking epidural"? - Is it more likely to require a C-Section delivery if given an epidural? Listen + share!   For more information:HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook GUEST: Kelsey Marr, PhD, owner of Collective Care HalifaxWebsite Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca Want to get your hands on your own Birth Sling? Go to THIS LINK and use code: birthbabysleep for $10 off your order!

If your little one is an independent sleeper (or you're working on it) you may be wondering what you can do to continue in this direction despite a skipped nap here and there.   This one's for you!   For more information:HOST: Ashley Cooley, owner/operator of Birth Baby Sleep Education & Support ServicesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook Thank you to our lovely sponsor - Nurtured Products for Parenting! A local-to-Halifax shop that can also ship to you ;) www.nurtured.ca   DON'T FORGET!! 2025 Pregnancy & Parenting Expo - Sunday, May 25th, 9am-3pm at The Halifax Forum.