Baby Brunch | The Parenting Series

'Love is the Foundation from which we build everything in life, and it starts at home..." Powerful words of wisdom, from our guest this week - American author & life coach, and fellow Mom, Sonia Jackson Myles. Could we Learn to Love better? How do we love ourselves better? Understanding and embracing the basic meaning of Love, says Sonia, starts at home, in our family life. As children, we learn from our parents - and our kids learn about Love from us. It's the foundational structure that determines how successful we become in life. And Sonia agrees, without Love, we are broken people - it brings that wholesome gratitude to life - especially important as Parents and teachers to our children. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

A.I. ...How do I use it, without risking my own security or harming my children? It's a fine line, between harmful content, and helpful advice... But how exactly does Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and ChatGPT work? Is it safe? In today's exciting world of non-stop technological innovation, it's a real challenge to stay up to date, and safe. Digital media expert, Sarah Hoffman, is here to help. With her vast experience as a social media lawyer she explains how A.I., ChatGPT and online safety could help us - but also warns of the pitfalls. Also see her project, Klikd.co.za, and how it helps Parents and their Children to be educated about digital media, the internet and using Apps on our mobile phones. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

The following episode contains sensitive subject matter for someone that has lost a loved one. We have interviewed professional experts on each topic, and taken extra care to cover the subjects with sensitivity. How do we prepare for the unthinkable? The passing of a child is a horror scenario - but this week's guest is here to help us find a gentle approach. When the most tragic of events might happen, how do we handle the funeral process? This is Part 3 in our Bereavement Series. In this episode we are joined by Sonja Smith, one of South Africa's most experienced undertakers. With her gentle approach and sensitive understanding, she highlights the key elements that we need to consider, in case a child or parent pass on. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

How do I improve my child's eating habits? When does their picky eating become a health problem? Should I consider a dietician for guidance? Let's take a feeding holiday! Pause, step back and re-evaluate! It's a simple strategy and might be the magic trick that changes everything! To understand this concept better, take a listen to this week's fascinating podcast with renowned paediatric dietician, Kath Megaw - founder of Nutripaeds (@nutripaeds) and author of several books on this topic, the latest being "Mindful Meals," written in collaboration with clinical psychologist, Dr Jenny Rose (@drjennyrose). https://www.nutripaeds.co.za Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

The following episode contains sensitive subject matter for someone that has lost a loved one. We have interviewed professional experts on each topic, and taken extra care to cover the subjects with sensitivity. What should I do if there's suddenly an emergency? A child falling into a swimming pool, someone having a seizure or heart attack, or an accident...? Do I have my area's EMS phone numbers, or the nearest ambulance service? Do I know CPR? What about medical aid info? These aspects could be the crucial seconds we need to save someone's life. In this fascinating episode we are joined by two experienced Paramedics, Wayne Broodryk & Brandon Botha, from Altor EMS, to talk about the most important Tips to remember during an Emergency. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

Breastfeeding: Do we worry for no reason? Is this a natural process or what? How do I find my comfort & peace of mind, and express like I should? There are many elements to consider during pregnancy, and when baby has arrived, to ensure my breastfeeding goes well. Refilwe Maponya, an experienced Midwife & Neonatal specialist, is our guest this week. She brings her wealth of knowledge to put our minds at ease. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

When we face the loss of a loved one, especially a child, or a parent, it might be the most confusing process in our lives - and chances are, most of us are just not prepared for such events to ever happen. Sometimes, all we need is a little guidance to work through difficult times, together. Join us for this special Bereavement Series where we speak to professional counsellors & experts, to be better equipped - mentally, emotionally, and for the actual practical implications - when a loved one passes. Our guest this week, Carin Marcus, shares her knowledge as a Clinical social worker (with over 25 years of experience) on bereavement. Over the next few months, we'll be presenting our support series for handling grief in various circumstances. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM. The following episode contains sensitive subject matter for someone that has lost a loved one. We have interviewed professional experts on each topic, and taken extra care to cover the subjects with sensitivity.

It's a tiny smile that could be worth a lifetime of joy! Discover the fascinating journey of healthy teeth & gums - and Why it's so important to ensure we have good oral health, even before we are pregnant. Thanks to Curaprox, this week's Guest helps us to really understand the role that our Dental health plays in long-term health & vitality. Paediatric Dentist, Dr Coené Bezuidenhout, explains why the first 1000 days matter - but even more important: the fact that baby's oral health is entirely affected by How healthy Mom's teeth & gums are. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.

In this week's Podcast We ask some important Questions: "Am I standing in the way of my parenting? Am I Over-thinking it?" With our guest, Psychoanalyst & Psychotherapist, Andy Cohen, we discuss the basics of parenting - from the joy of becoming parents, to the complexity of anxiety. Andy's latest book, "Parenting Psychoanalysed: Letters to a Parent," is launching in May. To secure your pre-order, send an email to this address: andy@globalmicro.co.za Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Buzz like a Bee for the First Day of School! Grade 1 Teacher, Emily Dearham (@beeingthefoundation), is our special guest this week - and this made our hearts so warm & happy - she is calming our nerves, helping us with wonderful tips, to be prepared for Big School for our little one! It's exciting, and it's daunting at the same time, but hearing from a Teacher will help you to better understand how to be ready for school - and Away goes the nerves and the worries! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Telling stories to our children like a quirky aunt, full of colourful animation, squeaking sounds and a symphony of songs, is exactly the Rhythm our children need, says our equally colourful guest this week, Lynn Joffe (@author_storyteller). Her brainchild, Solid Gold Story Time, was recently awarded the Podcast of the Year in the inaugural South African Podcast Awards, under the auspices of the South African Podcasters Guild. A remarkable achievement, and this week she brings her powerful stories to our audience to help us understand why storytelling with our children is so important for their mental health & development. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

I never thought a discussion about pacifiers (dummies), and thumb sucking would open my eyes to the incredible ways in which those aspects influence my child's dental health, breathing and speech. It's the irony of the passive lurker: how a (wrong) dummy habit could alter the entire palate of my child's mouth, leading to a variety of health problems later in life. In this Podcast we are joined by TWO experts - paediatric dentist, Dr Farah Seedat, and Janay-Alexander Gilchrist, a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Breathing Method Practitioner. "Please trust in nature, we are created to heal naturally!" says Janay. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

When should I go for a Mammogram? What if I'm healthy and not worried about anything? Do I still need to go for a check-up? What about treatments if something is wrong? As Mothers and Women, we bring new life into this world, but it's also our responsibility to stay healthy - and that includes having healthy breasts. Early detection and professional treatment give millions of women the chance to avoid the spread of breast cancer. But what should I do? In this Podcast, Mammographer & Radiographer, Tumi Phiri, helps us to better understand Breast Cancer. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Moms-to-be... How do We prepare? Which experts should We listen to? What is the safest way to give birth? Should We consider a C-section? Or is natural better? What if there are complications? In this podcast, We explore the Secrets to Easier Labour, with our special guest - Cape Town based Doula, Nishaat Jano, from Back to Nurture. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

What does it mean when Our children are always talking to themselves? whether during playtime, at home, or loudly in public... In this captivating Podcast, educational psychologist, Megan Tucker, explains Why 'self-talk' among Our children could be an important part of their development. But when does it become a problem, that needs our intervention, or professional help? Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Let's learn the ABC... Adult Before Children, because it starts with me as the parent (the adult) teaching my kids without knowing it - simply by speaking to them, the sounds they hear from Day 1... How we teach as parents, is the WIN: what's important now? What do I need to look at, and address, as the parent in this moment. Engaging with our children - how we use words, and display actions, become their first level of education - way before school begins. Veteran Teacher & Author, Renee Lighton, joins Elana this week, and shares a few excellent ideas to stimulate critical thinking with our kids and use everyday items around the house to teach maths, organisation, and self-regulation. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

"How your kids practice their voice at home is how they're going to do things when they're out there in the world..." "Our Tweens want a little bit more control, making their voice heard a little more, and it's important we stay present, pay attention, and let them feel heard." ...but how do I manage these changes and all this drama without total disruption? The mood swings, the social behaviour, the impulse decisions and dis-regulation. Tweens are an interesting 'in-between' phase, and Psychologist Dr Jenny Rose returns to our Podcast, this time to help us better understand the dynamics of handling a smooth transition for our kids into their Tween years and beyond. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Whether you call it your ‘Auntie Flow' or tell people that it's your ‘time of the month', there are many ways to address The Period Talk - but How do we as parents start the conversation? And when is the right time? When my daughter's first pimple appears? When she decides to ask me? In this Podcast, Tweenology Founder & fellow parent, Marlese Wallis, shares her story of Having the Talk with her own daughter- and how they founded Tweenology, a support platform for Tweens. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Take a seat, because this story will catch you off-guard... and inspired! "I was mocked and laughed at, because I look different, and kids are not always taught at home that children are different, and we need to love everyone no matter what they look like," says double-amputee, Neo Kirchway. A young girl from Botswana, with both her legs amputated as a toddler, decided to chase her dreams, no matter the hardships. Dancing her way into social media fame, and becoming a Mother of 4 children, happily married and now living her dream life in the USA! It's not a fictional tale, but the true-life story of Neo Kirchway - our guest this week. No frills, no make-up or Hollywood glam, just pure Love & Joy - a mother's Love, to be specific. @NeoKirchBaby is the most unlikely hero of our times! Listen to our podcast this week to find out how she made it happen! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

When should I be worried about my child's night terrors? At which point do I need professional help to solve the situation? Our visiting expert this week is educational psychologist Megan Tucker, who explains to us that nightmares and emotional stress are part of their development. However, the situation could become serious. In this podcast, she outlines the warning signs that parents should watch out for. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

My cycle is changing, My period is changing, What do I do? Perimenopause is easily managed if you know what the signs are, early on! And don't be fooled: lifestyle stress, depression, exhaustion, and mood swings, could all be indicators. In this Podcast we are joined by a medical expert, Dr Juanri Jonck, to help Women better understand the hormonal changes that happen when we enter this chapter of our life cycle. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Feeling overwhelmed? It's Winter, Stepmom responsibilities, 4 kids to juggle... everyone's coughing, play date is cancelled, you are feeling sick too, and hubby is off to work! HOW do We manage this chaos? In this week's Podcast: a Mom's heartfelt story brings some light into the tunnel of chaos, with wonderful tips on keeping our toddlers busy, entertained, and happy, while hubby is away earning our living. Chereen is a 'mommy blogger,' with 4 kids, "searching for simplicity amidst the chaos," loves 'everyday beauty, style, and chocolates.' She's a Twin mom, tween mom, and stepmom - find her on social media: @thismammaloves Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Is there an unfair stigma with Fathers in South Africa? How does an absent Dad affect our mental health in the family unity? Should our dads also get paternity leave? Why is our father's presence at home so important? In this week's episode, we are joined by veteran broadcaster, and now author, Thabo 'T-Bose' Mokwele, who shares his personal story as a #father. How do we overcome generational stigmas? And what to do when parents are not around - or when our parents don't know how to express their love & affection with us? Thabo's book "Pause: Are you making the right choices?" is out now & available online and at all bookstores countrywide. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

There's a lot we can learn from working through our challenges, and #bullying is perhaps one of the biggest challenges that many parents must work through - so, getting a little help, is always welcome! Noko the Knight is a beautiful children's book series, written by our guest this week, Eleni Theodorou, that aims to spread awareness & help with the bullying problem. @nokotheknight_southafrica has also partnered with the National Children's Theatre, bringing valuable lessons to life for children through Theatre in Education (TIE). Your school can benefit from the programme, and the Noko the Knight Lesson Plans. See more details on their website at www.nokotheknight.co.za Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

“MY BABY DOESN'T SLEEP!” Are We doing something wrong? Is my baby ill? or lacking something? This week Our guest is Venetia from Dudus Baba. While trying to fix her own baby's sleeping difficulty, she discovered sleep therapy - a different approach that changed her life! Learn more about sleep therapy & the incredible work Venetia does, in this week's podcast. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

How do I know I am fertile? How do I know I can have a baby? When do I get my body checked out? In this week's episode, we answer your questions with our fertility specialist, Dr Qinisile Cele. Founder of the Family Matters Fertility Centre in Centurion, Dr Cele (known by her patients as "Dr Q") is medically trained as an obstetrician & gynaecologist. She is passionate about finding solutions to help frustrated women that struggle to fall pregnant. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

What does the word "resilience" mean to us as parents? How do we go about raising a child that is resilient? This week We have the honour of hosting Naomi Holdt, educational psychologist, speaker, and author, from KZN, to help us better understand the concept of 'raising a resilient child.' Perhaps, the answer might be simpler than we realise! Have a listen to our latest Podcast for a truly interesting take on this topic. Naomi's book, "Bounce: How to raise resilient kids and teens" is available now. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Endometriosis. It's a tough condition for women to talk about, let alone asking for help. And very often it's misdiagnosed, leading to embarrassment later in life. Nadine Dirks, activist & author, is joining us this week to tackle this very intimate topic, because she is living with this experience herself. She has just published a memoir reflecting on her journey with endometriosis, called 'Hot Water,' and is currently studying for a master's degree in Women & Gender Studies. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

I am building a world of kindness for my children, but how do I deal with bullies? It's a controversial topic, but in this Podcast, Dr Judy Jaye gives us helpful guidance on recognising, managing, and solving the bully-problem in our schools and among our children. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

How do I make sure I am covered with all the preparation needed for my new-born? In this important Podcast we ask a medical expert - Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, Executive Director of Grow Great. With her wealth of knowledge and years of experience, I can consider the key aspects to ensure my baby is healthy, comforted, and taken care of in the best possible way. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Rhona Erasmus made sure her dreams became a reality and her 'secret' might be simpler than you think. Now a successful businesswoman, the former beauty queen, turned reality TV star, says that simple advice is often the best advice. But she adds "We have to challenge ourselves, and for The Real Housewives I wanted to see how tough I could be in tricky situations." In this Podcast, Rhona talks about lessons learnt, challenges she mastered, and the true value of having a loving husband, being a mother to her two boys, and managing a successful business. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

How do I treat my shy child? In this podcast, veteran teacher, Sandrina Naidoo, explains why a "shy child" is simply a smart child that is introverted. Introverted children are individuals who tend to be more reserved, reflective, and inward-focused compared to extroverted children. Being introverted is a personality trait, and it does not imply shyness or a lack of social skills. They just prefer quieter & less stimulating environments and may need time alone to recharge. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Ever heard the saying, 'Having kids is expensive'? Let's break it down- just how costly is it? Join us in this week's episode as we number-crunch the nitty-gritty of raising our little ones. Accompanied by Justin Harrison, an investor, author, business guru, and fellow parent, we unravel the true costs of parenthood—from the early days to school expenses, birthday celebrations, and beyond. Let's demystify the world of baby money together! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Can I have my placenta, please? Not a common question that you would ask just after giving birth, but in this week's discussion with Melissa Mann, certified doula & placenta specialist (from OrganicBirth.co.za), we understand why this part of your body that you have created during pregnancy is important to take home with you, or, be encapsulated, to consume later. What does it mean to consume your placenta? Well, sit back, relax, and enjoy this podcast, where we learn how to create a smoothie, capsule, powder, or remedy, from your placenta, after giving birth. This is not a medical podcast but might be of interest to you if you were wondering what to do with your placenta after birth. Melissa Mann shares her fascinating journey of helping other moms with the best possible avenue to follow when it comes to consuming, or using, their placenta. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Nico Panagio is our guest this week! Why him? We have learned that children go missing every single day in South Africa. It's a reality we don't even want to consider, but child trafficking is one of the most active criminal activities in the world today. There is hope! Thanks to people like Nico, an award-winning actor, TV presenter, husband, and father of two daughters. He believes in creating action plans, awareness, and vigilance, to unite our best efforts in combatting child trafficking. Nico heads-up 'Missing Children South Africa,' a non-profit organisation that helps law enforcement services and parents to act quickly. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Nadia Jaftha is a force of joy in everything that she does, and her magical charm has helped her to turn popularity on social media into successful business projects. Today she is one of the most recognised South African influencers and a powerful, independent lady. In this captivating podcast, Nadia is joined by her equally charming (and very funny) mom, Nawal. Together they have created an adventurous life for themselves, simply by appreciating every opportunity in life - whether good or bad - and turning it into creative ideas that sparked several successful business ventures. Nadia & Nawal talk about life 'behind the scenes' of what we see on social media and share a few insights into creating their dream world! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

You're looking for a practical, affordable, and reliable family car, but have no idea where to start or how to make the right decision! Baby in the back seat, and luggage in the boot - the practical aspects are important, but we also want to enjoy the drive and the comfort - how do we marry the joy of the drive, with our practical needs (and budget)? In this podcast, veteran motoring journalist and mom, Juliet McGuire, talks about the pitfalls to avoid, the costs to consider, the brands that offer great value for money, and the styles, colours, and extras that we should think about when looking for a new (or second-hand) family car. We talk about the importance of research and which steps to take before making that final, crucial decision for a new family car. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

If you're a Pet-loving person, this one's for you! Our expert Veterinarian, Dr Motheo Masiya, talks about the most important aspects when getting a new pet - for example, the vital health checks, vaccinations, deworming, pet insurance, and considering the size of the pet (especially with kids at home). Parents of fur babies, or parents-to-be - in this podcast we'll help you to choose the right pet for your home. Whether it's a new puppy, kitten, bunny, hamster, or exotic animal - we all want to enjoy the love from our pets - in this podcast, Dr Motheo brings our attention to some of the most common diseases with popular pets, and helps us to better prepare, before getting a new pet. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

There is no easy way out: our parents will not be around forever, and being a parent while our own parents get older, or pass away, is a fundamental concept that many of us might struggle with in life. Juggling the role of being a good parent, while also looking after our parents when they age, means we must stay present - being acutely aware of appreciating every present moment of joy, with our loved ones. In this podcast Elana speaks to clinical psychologist, Dr Jenny Rose, about the beauty of creating structure - for our kids, and our ageing parents - to enable a love-filled, successful balance in our family. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

I'm a parent and want my dogs to get along with my kids, and vice versa... What is the best advice to ensure everyone's happy and play along nicely? Professional Dog Trainer, Landie Coertse, joins Elana in studio to help us understand the way dogs behave when kids are around. How do we socialise our animals? Which dogs are better with kids? Is there a golden rule to consider when getting our kids puppies? What to do when a dog bit my kid? Training our dog is more about getting trained ourselves, to ensure we know how to interact with our pets - and to teach our kids the same techniques. We want to play nice, share in the mutual love from having pets, and ensure there are no surprise incidents - Landie gives us her professional advice on keeping pets and children in the home, and keeping the peace! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Thanks to the SPAR Women's Challenge Jozi, Elana gets to see first-hand the miracle work that South Africa's Smile Foundation does for children. With the generous support of SPAR, we meet some of the heroes that work for this life-changing, non-profit organisation. Bringing together corporate support, medical experts, and initiatives like the SPAR Women's Challenge, the Foundation help to facilitate expert surgical intervention and pre-and post-operative care for children living with facial paralysis. These include, kids born with a cleft lip, and cleft palate, kids with cranio-facial abnormalities, as well as ear, nose, and hand conditions, and burn wounds. The Smile Foundation was created after a good deed by former President, Nelson Mandela, sparked the need for an organisation that could help fund these much-needed operations for children. Today, many hospitals across South Africa are satellite stations where parents could take their children. Giving back a child's smile, and the sense of a normal life again. It's a truly joyful miracle to witness! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Karlien van Jaarsveld het 'n kleurryke en suksesvolle sangloopbaan en is 'n gewilde Afrikaanse kunstenaar. Maar agter die skerms, en in die hospitaal waar sy menige nag langs haar kind se bed deurgebring het, was dinge nie altyd so maklik nie. As openbare figuur, is elke aspek van haar lewe nog altyd druk bespreek en hewig gekritiseer. Nietemin moes sy 'n rustige, standvastige en liefdevolle ma wees vir haar kinders. Dit was allermins maklik, maar Karlien het vasgeklou aan haar geloof en aan wat haar eie ma haar geleer het. Vandag is sy trots op die pad wat sy met God kon stap, en op haar kinders. Vandeesweek gesels Elana met Karlien en hoor meer oor haar lewe vandag, die moeilike lesse wat sy moes leer, en alles waarvoor sy dankbaar is. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

It has taken a mother from Cape Town a nationwide, desperate search to try and find baby food that works, until she finally decided: DIY is the only way! Nabeelah Sawant called her close-friend, and professional dietician, Shakeela Talip, to help with the science behind the recipes - to ensure it's safe for her baby - and created baby food that's inspired by the delicious, healthy 'huiskos' she grew up with. The outcome was so incredible - and her baby was so happy - they decided to help other moms, market the baby food, and turn it into a business! "Beely Baby" was born, Halal, and tasty, offering weaning packs, and more complex meals for up to 18-month-old babies. In this Podcast Elana talks to Nabeelah about the challenges of starting a business as a mom, feeding dilemmas, and creating baby food that helped many mothers across South Africa! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Creating a harmonious and disciplined lifestyle is the first step to having balance in your life — especially if you're a mother, and even more so if you're a new mom. Lori Milner, one of South Africa's leading lifestyle coaches, joins Elana to give us some valuable advice on the challenges that new moms face when trying to balance family life with work life. It IS possible to be a successful professional woman and a great mom, too. Listen to our podcast to find out how. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Advocate Jade Lawson joins Elana this week to give us the Legal take on Single parents, with kids. What are the implications for travelling? What if you're a mom and not earning a salary? What if you never got married, and now have kids out of wedlock? Legally, what should the father be helping you with? Advocate Lawson is both an Advocate and Mediator, with one of her areas of focus being on family law. In addition to her litigation work, Adv Lawson is accredited through the Social Justice Association of Mediators and works closely with them to mediate on cases such as parenting plans, divorce settlements, care and contact of minor children and maintenance disputes. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Winter season is often the time when cold symptoms are the worst - runny noses, infected mucus, sore throats, and coughing - but sometimes the quickest remedy is not always the best for our kids. Tonsils, Grommets, and earbuds... Learn more about the dangers of remedies, and procedures that we always thought are helping our kids. ENT Specialist, Dr Ali Makepeace, talks to Elana about the dangers of simple medical procedures and give advice on better health for our kids. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

What if you, the mom-to-be, don't make it to your own baby shower? And who should NOT be invited? What should the budget be? If these questions are playing out in your head, we have the perfect podcast for you! One of South Africa's most experienced event planners, Beatrix Lourens, joined us to discuss everything that goes into planning & creating amazing baby showers — from simple but sophisticated R2000 events to extravagantly glamorous R150 000 baby showers! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2

One of South Africa's most successful power couples, Rolene & Daniel Strauss, talk to us about their secret to a happy marriage, and balancing all their different roles - as husband & wife, parents, business owners, and public speakers. From the outside it looks like the perfect life, but is it really? Rolene & Daniel explain to us how they make it happen and still achieve success in all their different responsibilities. Brought to you by Epimax Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

When it comes to bringing up kids in the digital age, we've spoken about the dangers of devices as well as the creativity of coding — so it's only natural that we dive into the world of gaming and social media too! We chat to mom, lawyer-turned-digital-educator, and co-founder of Klikd, Sarah Hoffman, to find out what the best approach is for parents who are raising children in a time when we can no longer avoid smartphones, gaming & social media. Brought to you by Epimax Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an enormously misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition that can make certain social skills and behaviours challenging for children. But because it is a spectrum, no two children with autism are the same — and embracing their unique way of thinking is where we see absolute magic. Lend your ears to this incredibly insightful chat with two moms of children on the spectrum, Chantell Witbooi and Faces of Felicity's Julie Hendricks. Brought to you by Epimax Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Let's be honest, every parent worries about their child's poo. So we're bringing in an expert to clear all your doubts and get you on the right track! Meet gastroenterologist and mom, Dr Lesley Hendricks, a specialist in all aspects of the digestive system. Dr Hendricks is currently a member of a new and exciting field of practice in Southern Africa at Midstream Mediclinic Hospital's Paediatric Intestinal Failure Unit, where she has been a part of successfully implementing an innovative home parenteral nutrition (TPN) programme. Today, she is sharing her knowledge with us to help give parents the tools they need when it comes to their child's gut health. A healthy gut means a healthy child – Do not miss this vital podcast! Brought to you by Epimax Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.