Shows
The Baby Playbook#26 How Do First-Time Mums Learn from Each Other—Even Across Generations? From the Mothers & Daughters PodcastIn this episode of The Baby Playbook, we’re doing something a little different. We're featuring a special crossover episode from the Mothers & Daughters podcast, where I had the joy of joining as a guest—alongside someone very special to me: my mum, Danica.Together, we open up about our journeys as first-time mums, the highs and lows of new motherhood, and how our mother-daughter relationship has evolved over the years. This episode is an honest, emotional, and often funny look at parenting through two different lenses—but with the same deep love at the heart of it all...2025-07-2829 minThe Baby Playbook#25 What Should You Pack in a Baby Bag?👶 What Should You Pack in a Diaper Bag? Baby Bag Essentials + Sleep Tips for On-the-Go 🍼In this episode of The Baby Playbook Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly how to pack a baby/diaper bag for newborns and infants—without overpacking or forgetting the essentials. Whether you're a first-time parent or just need a refresher, this guide covers everything you need for feeding, changes, and baby comfort while out and about.Plus, we share practical baby sleep tips for traveling and naps on-the-go—including what to bring to help your baby nap in the strol...2025-07-2116 minThe Baby Playbook#24 How To Approach Playtime With Your Newborn?🌸 Playtime with Your Newborn: Tips, Toy Recommendations, and Ideas for Bonding 🌸In this insightful episode, I dive into the beautiful world of newborn playtime! As a new parent, play is one of the most rewarding ways to bond with your baby and support their early development. I share some of my favorite tips and tricks on how to engage with your newborn through play, along with recommendations and fun ideas that will create special moments between you and your little one.Play isn’t just about toys—it’s about connection, sensory exploration, and nurturing that bond with yo...2025-07-1418 minThe Baby Playbook#23 How Does Postnatal Depression Feel for a First-Time Mum? From the How To Life Podcast🌸 My Journey with Postnatal Depression: A New Mum’s Honest Story 🌸In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey with postnatal depression as a new mum, shedding light on the emotional and mental challenges many of us face after childbirth. Postpartum depression is often an unspoken part of the motherhood experience, and in this video, I open up about my struggles, how I recognized the signs, and the steps I took toward recovery.This episode is for anyone who feels isolated or overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood. Whether you're experiencing postnatal depressi...2025-07-0727 minThe Baby Playbook#22 How Can New Mums Prioritize Wellness During the First Stages of Parenthood? With Ana Robinson🌟 Taking Care of Yourself as a New Mum: Wellness & Nutrition Tips 🌟In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Ana Robinson from Nourish Us, a certified nutritionist and wellness coach, to discuss the importance of self-care and maintaining your health as a new mum during the early stages of parenthood. Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, but often, new mums can neglect their own wellness in the midst of caring for their newborns.We dive deep into practical nutrition tips, self-care routines, and mindset shifts that will help new mums find balance and boost their energy as the...2025-06-3035 minThe Baby Playbook#21 How Can New Mums Use Nutrition and Healthy Habits to Support Postpartum Recovery? With Ana Robinson🌸 Postpartum Nutrition & Wellness: Nourishing Your Body as a New Mum 🌸In this empowering episode, we chat with Ana Robinson from Nourish Us, a certified nutritionist and wellness coach, about the essential nutrition and healthy habits that new mums can incorporate to nourish their bodies during the postpartum period.Motherhood brings many changes, and prioritizing your wellness after childbirth is crucial for both recovery and long-term health. From boosting energy to supporting breastfeeding and emotional well-being, this conversation provides practical, actionable tips for new mums navigating the early days of parenthood.🔹 What You’ll Learn in Th...2025-06-2330 minThe Baby Playbook#20 What Are the Best Tips for Breastfeeding, Formula Feeding, and Bottle Feeding as a New Mum?👶 Breastfeeding, Formula, and Bottle Feeding Tips: A New Mum's Guide to Feeding Your Baby 🍼In this episode, I share my personal tips and advice on breastfeeding, formula feeding, bottle feeding, burping, heating milk, and much more! As a new mum, I know how overwhelming it can be to figure out the best way to feed your baby, and I’m here to share what worked for me. Whether you're a first-time mum or just looking to improve your feeding routine, this episode has practical insights to make your feeding journey easier.I talk about everything from the...2025-06-1636 minThe Baby Playbook#20 What do I need to know about feeding my baby milk?Every mums feeding journey looks different. In this week’s episode I share my own, and also divulge ALL my tips and tricks that helped me get through breastfeeding, bottle feeding, formula, burping and so much more. Listen for all the tips on each topic, and make sure you note down what may help you in this journey.LINKS: Get all the products I talk about in this episode here: https://amzn.to/3SoVJH9 Get your copy of MUM ADVICE (a great gift for an expecting friend!) here: https://heynikolinak.co/b/mum...2025-06-0924 minThe Baby Playbook#19 How Can First-Time Parents Build a Strong Parenting Team? From the How To Life Podcast💖 Being a Strong Parenting Team: Our First-Time Parent Journey 💖In this episode, I share my personal experience as a first-time parent and how my husband and I work together as a team to navigate the challenges of raising our little one. From late-night feedings to balancing household tasks, we’ve learned that communication and teamwork are key to surviving and thriving in new parenthood.Parenting isn’t easy, but having a supportive partner by your side can make all the difference. Whether you’re a new mum and dad or soon-to-be parents, this episode is f...2025-06-0216 minThe Baby Playbook#18 When And How Should You Introduce Allergens to Your Baby? With Olivia Bates🌟 Introducing Allergens to Your Baby: Expert Advice from a Paediatric Dietitian 🌟In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Bates from Nourishing Bubs, a certified paediatric dietitian, to dive deep into everything new parents need to know about introducing allergens to their baby. As your baby starts solid foods, it can be overwhelming to know when and how to safely introduce common allergens like peanuts, eggs, and dairy.Olivia Bates shares expert insights on the latest research, tips for managing food allergies, and how to approach allergen introduction with confidence. We also bust some common myths...2025-05-2628 minThe Baby Playbook#17 When And How Should You Start Introducing Solids to Your Baby? With Olivia Bates🍽️ Introducing Solids to Your Baby: Expert Advice from a Pediatric Dietitian 🍽️In this episode, we’re joined by Olivia Bates from Nourishing Bubs, a certified paediatric dietitian, to break down everything new parents need to know about introducing solids to their baby. Starting solid foods can be one of the most exciting yet overwhelming milestones of parenthood, and we’re here to make it easier!From knowing the right time to introduce solids, to tips on the best first foods, textures, and baby-safe feeding practices, we cover it all. Olivia also shares expert advice on how to create...2025-05-1939 minThe Baby Playbook#16 How Can You Build Your Superannuation While on Maternity Leave? With Leanne Nunn💼 Building Your Super While on Maternity Leave: What New Parents Need to Know 💼In this episode, I chat with Leanne Nunn from NGS Super, about how new parents can continue to grow their superannuation while on maternity leave. Taking time off work to care for your baby can have a long-term impact on your financial future — but with the right strategies, you can stay on track.We cover what maternity leave means for your super, how to make voluntary contributions, what to ask your employer, and how to make smart financial decisions during this important life sta...2025-05-1215 minThe Baby Playbook#15 How Can Parents Navigate the First 180 Days of Parenting? From the How to Life Podcast🌸 Navigating the First 180 Days of Parenting + Introducing My MUM ADVICE E-Guide 🌸In this episode, I share my personal journey as a new mum, navigating the first 180 days of parenting. From sleepless nights and baby care to the emotional rollercoaster of adjusting to life with a newborn, I open up about the challenges, lessons, and joy of those early months.Alongside this, I’m thrilled to introduce my MUM ADVICE e-guide—a collection of everything I’ve learned and wish I’d known during the first stages of motherhood. The e-guide is filled with practical tips, emotional supp...2025-05-0513 minThe Baby Playbook#14 What Should You Dress Your Baby in for Sleep? With Phoebe Hanna💤 Baby Sleep Tips with Phoebe Hanna: Dressing Your Baby, Cot Setup & Sleep on the Go 🛏️In this episode, I’m joined by Phoebe Hanna, a baby sleep expert, to talk about everything new parents need to know about helping their babies sleep better. Phoebe shares her expert insights on what to dress your baby in for a comfortable and safe sleep, how to set up the perfect cot and nursery for optimal sleep, and tips for navigating sleep on the go—whether you’re traveling or out and about.If you’re struggling with baby sleep routines...2025-04-2826 min
Diary Of A BirthThe Mum Who's Birth Surprised Even Her DoctorFrom epidural to delivery in minutes—Nikolina's second baby Leo stunned even veteran doctors with his lightning-fast arrival. Despite a physically "cruisy" pregnancy with her children just 16 months apart, Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh battled intense anxiety about giving birth a second time. After casually attending brunch during early contractions, her labor rapidly intensified. Just as doctors prepared for her curved spine complication during the epidural, Leo's heart rate dropped, and with a single push, he arrived—prompting one doctor to declare it the quickest birth in her 20-year career. Nikolina's story reminds us that birth anxiety is pe...2025-04-2235 minThe Baby Playbook#13 How Do You Set Up the Perfect Baby Nursery?🍼 Setting Up the Perfect Baby Nursery: My Best Tips as a New Mum 🍼In this episode, I’m sharing all my best tips on setting up a baby nursery as a new mum. From choosing the right furniture and creating a good sleep environment, to adding those cozy touches, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect space for your little one.Whether you’re expecting or already a parent, this episode will give you practical advice on how to set up a functional and beautiful nursery. Learn what I did (and w...2025-04-2115 minThe Baby Playbook#12 How Does Pregnancy, Postpartum & Breastfeeding Affect Your Skin Health? With Danielle Millar✨ Pregnancy, Postpartum & Breastfeeding: How They Affect Your Skin Health with Beauty Therapist Danielle Millar ✨In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Millar, a skilled beauty therapist, to discuss how pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding can affect your skin health. From hormonal changes to common skin issues that arise, Danielle shares expert advice on how to maintain healthy, glowing skin throughout each stage of motherhood.Whether you're expecting, navigating postpartum, or breastfeeding, Danielle provides practical tips and solutions for your changing skin needs, including the best skincare routines and products to use during these transformative times.2025-04-1415 minThe Baby Playbook#11 What Was It Like to Struggle with Postnatal Depression as a New Mum? From the Come To Therapy With Me Podcast🌸 My Journey with Postnatal Depression: A New Mum’s Experience with Therapy 🌸In this deeply personal episode, I open up about my experience as a new mum dealing with postnatal depression. I sit down with a therapist to discuss the emotional and mental challenges I faced during the postpartum period, how postnatal depression impacted my daily life, and the importance of reaching out for support.Just before my second Leo was born I participated in a little experiment. A Nine podcast called Come To Therapy With Me. The podcast documented eight weeks of therapy I undertoo...2025-04-0731 minThe Baby Playbook#10 What Does Postnatal Depression Feel Like and How Can You Seek Help? With Miram Boulos💭 What Does Postnatal Depression Really Feel Like? How to Seek Help with Psychologist Miriam Boulos 💭In this episode, I speak with Psychologist Miriam Boulos about postnatal depression (PND), exploring what it truly feels like for new mums and how it affects mental health. Miriam explains the common signs and symptoms of PND, how to recognize when you need help, and how to seek support during the postpartum period.We also discuss the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding postpartum mental health and how therapy and professional help can provide crucial support.If you or som...2025-03-3124 minThe Baby Playbook#9 What Should You Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Birth?👜 What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Birth: New Mum Tips & Advice 👜In this episode, I share all my tips, tricks, and must-have essentials for packing the perfect hospital bag for your birth. I’ll walk you through what I packed for myself and my baby, what I actually used, and the items I wish I’d brought. Whether you're a first-time mum or updating your hospital bag for a second birth, these tips will help you feel ready and confident when it’s time to head to the hospital.🎁 FREE DOWNLOADABLE HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST 🎁...2025-03-2410 minThe Baby Playbook#8 How Do You Choose the Right Daycare for Your Baby? With Jessica Saad👶 How to Find the Right Daycare for Your Baby: Expert Tips with Jessica Saad 👶Choosing the right daycare for your baby is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. In this episode, I speak with Jessica Saad, an experienced early education teacher and owner of Jessica’s Early Learning Centre, who shares expert advice on how to find the best daycare for your little one.We discuss when to start your daycare search, how to approach daycare waitlists, and what key questions to ask during your search. Jessica also provides helpful tips on...2025-03-1717 minThe Baby Playbook#7 What Baby Items Do You Really Need and What’s Not Worth Your Money?🍼 What Baby Items Do You Really Need? New Mum Tips on What’s Worth the Money 🍼As a new mum, the long list of baby items can be overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest tips on what baby products are worth the money and which ones aren’t necessary. After going through the process of purchasing baby gear, I’ve learned which items are actually helpful and which ones I never ended up using.I’ll break down the baby essentials you need, including the must-have items for your baby’s wardrobe, diapers, and nurse...2025-03-1020 minThe Baby Playbook#6 How Can You Help Toddlers and Older Siblings Adjust to a New Baby? With Jenna Nathan👶 How Toddlers and Older Siblings Feel When a New Baby Arrives: Expert Tips with Jenna Nathan 👶Bringing home a new baby can be a big adjustment, especially for toddlers and older siblings. In this episode, I chat with Jenna Nathan, a toddler expert, about how to help your child adjust to the arrival of a new sibling. Jenna shares her advice on preparing your toddler for the new baby, managing jealousy and emotional challenges, and how to help older siblings feel included and loved during this big family change.We dive into practical tips for explai...2025-03-0326 minThe Baby Playbook#5 How Can New Parents Prepare for a Baby’s Arrival?👶 How to Prepare for Your Baby’s Arrival: Essential Tips for New Parents 👶The countdown to your baby’s arrival is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming as you try to get everything ready. In this episode, I share my practical tips on how new parents can best prepare before their little one arrives. From setting up your home and getting the nursery ready to sorting out important admin tasks, I’ll guide you through everything you need to do to make the transition smoother.I’ll cover the essentials you need for your baby, the pape...2025-02-2412 minThe Baby Playbook#4 How Can New Mums Look After Their Health After Birth? With Dr Kavya Chaganti👶 Postpartum Health: Expert Tips on Looking After Yourself After Birth with Dr. Kavya Chaganti 👶The postpartum period is a time of significant physical and emotional change for new mums, but it's also a crucial time for self-care. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kavya Chaganti, a GP-obstetrician, who provides expert advice on how mums can take care of themselves after giving birth. Dr. Kavya explains what to expect during your postpartum recovery, including key medical appointments, signs to watch for in your health, and tips for managing both physical and mental health during this transformative period.2025-02-1719 minThe Baby Playbook#3 How Can You Help Your Baby Sleep Better in the First 6 Months?🛏️ Figuring Out Your Baby’s Sleep: Tips & Tricks for the First 6 Months 🛏️As a new mum, navigating your baby’s sleep can feel like a challenge, especially during those first six months. In this episode, I’m sharing all the tips and tricks I’ve learned to help you figure out your baby’s sleep routine. From establishing a consistent bedtime to understanding your baby’s sleep cycles, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know for better sleep—for both you and your little one.Whether you’re trying to figure out bedtime routines, dealing wi...2025-02-1015 minThe Baby Playbook#1 What Can You Expect from Our New Parenting Podcast for Babies & Newborns?🎉 Welcome to The Baby Playbook Podcast– Your Guide to Parenting Babies & Newborns in the First 6 Months! 🎉This podcast dedicated to new parents and the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) journey of parenting babies and newborns. Whether you’re a first-time parent or just looking for extra support, this podcast is your trusted guide through the first six months of your baby's life.In this introduction episode, I’ll be sharing what you can expect from the show, including tips, expert interviews, and real-life parenting stories. Each episode is designed to help you navigate everything from sleep training, fe...2025-01-2704 minThe Baby Playbook#2 What Is Sleep Training for Babies and How Can It Help? With Tizzie Hall🛏️ Baby Sleep Training & Routines: Expert Advice from Tizzie Hall (Save Our Sleep) 🛏️In this episode, I sit down with Tizzie Hall, the Baby Sleep Guru and author of the bestselling book Save Our Sleep, to discuss everything new parents need to know about baby sleep training, routines, and common sleep struggles. Tizzie shares her expert insights on how to establish a consistent sleep routine for your baby, the importance of sleep associations, and how to dress your baby properly for better sleep.We dive deep into the science behind sleep training, how to manage sleep associatio...2025-01-2739 min
Mummy Village11. Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh - On Postnatal Depression, Managing a Career and Becoming a Children’s Book AuthorThis week we chat with Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh, an accomplished journalist, a podcast host, an ACRA award winner, a mother of two, and now the author of ‘My Mummy Loves Fudge’ one of the most relatable children’s books that we have ever read. We discuss Nikolina’s experience with postnatal depression, how she managers her career and being a mum, and the inspiration behind her hilarious Instagram reels. This week we also introduce you to our new Producer, Alexandra Whittington. Find Mummy Village at https://mummyvillage.co/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mummyvillagepod...2023-04-2041 min
Your Coach, Helen Uskovic123: Finding Yourself Within Motherhood with Nikolina KoevskaBeing a parent can be so overwhelming, especially when it's your first time! This week, mum-of-two and parenting writer Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh joins me for a very insightful chat about motherhood and how you can "find yourself again" when you feel that you have lost your sense of self while prioritising your child.Her book, MUMMY LOVES FUDGE is now available for preorders and it will is launching very soon! This book is perfect for mums and kids, future mum-to-be's, and even dads! You can get it through her links below:Book Purchase L...2023-03-0543 min
How To LifeHow To Survive 180 Days of ParenthoodWhen Nikolina first became a mum, she felt like she was hit by a bus. For the first couple of months, she felt like she had no idea what she was doing. Constantly googling why Noah was crying, why he wasn't sleeping or why he wasn't drinking as much milk as other babies his age. But most importantly, she was spending hundreds of dollars on products that claimed to fix all of these issues, only to be disappointed each time (and give her husband a mini heart attack every time he checked the online banking app). 2021-12-1312 min
Your Coach, Helen Uskovic66: Trimester 4?! I Didn't Know This About Having A Baby | with Nikolina KoevskaThis episode is a must-listen for any new mums, any pregnant women or anyone considering children. Nikolina so generously shares her experience as well as an array of solutions for when trimester 4 hits.Writer for Nine's Essential Baby and Essential kids, Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh is also a new mum, aka ‘Permanent Slave to Noah’. At times she adores her new job, and at times (the majority of the time) her patience runs as thin as the dental floss she hasn’t used in months. Outside of her new 24/7 slavery, Nikolina is a media whiz. She hosts t...2021-10-3150 min