23. What New Parents Really Need to Know with Consultant Neonatologist Afif El-Khuffash

In this episode of The Wellness Script, host and pharmacist Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Professor Afif El-Khuffash, Consultant Neonatologist at The Rotunda, Clinical Professor of Paediatrics at RCSI, lactation consultant and co-host of The Baby Tribe podcast.With over 20 years of experience caring for babies and families, and more than 180 peer-reviewed publications, Afif brings a deeply compassionate, practical and evidence-based lens to one of the most overwhelming stages of life: early parenthood.This conversation explores what new parents actually need to know, from breastfeeding, formula feeding and the mother-baby dyad, to colic, reflux, newborn crying, safe decision-making, dad guilt, maternal guilt, misinformation online and the pressure to do everything “right.”Afif also shares what wellness looks like when you work in emotionally demanding healthcare, why sleep advice can sometimes create more stress, and why parents need reassurance as much as they need information.If you are a new parent, preparing for parenthood, supporting someone with a newborn, or simply want to better understand the realities of the fourth trimester, this episode is full of calm, practical guidance.This episode is brought to you in partnership with two incredible sponsors: Otosan - a trusted range of natural solutions for the whole family, across nose, throat and ear care. From seasonal support for hay fever and travel to the wider family range, Otosan is available in health stores and pharmacies nationwide. Explore the full range at https://https://www.naturalmedicine.ie/stockist-locatorElave - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at www.elaveskincare.com and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order.Show Notes:In this episode, we cover:🍼 What new parents really need to know about the early weeks with a baby🤱 Breastfeeding, formula feeding and combination feeding - and why feeding decisions should support both baby and mother👩‍🍼 The mother-baby dyad and why you cannot care for one without considering the other😢 Maternal guilt - why so many mothers blame themselves when something goes wrong, and how healthcare professionals can better support them🚩 Colic vs red flags - how to think about crying, feeding, nappies, weight gain, alertness, breathing and when to seek help👨‍👩‍👧 The father/partner role in early parenthood, including postnatal anxiety, depression and feeling “spare” in the newborn stage🧠 Why “normal” baby behaviour can still feel extremely hard - and why reassurance matters💬 How couples can communicate in the fourth trimester, especially when the load is not always 50/50📱 Parenting misinformation online and how social media has changed the experience of becoming a parent🏠 Home birth, natural birth and informed choice - what nuance often gets lost online🩺 What it’s like working in neonatal care, communicating with worried parents and protecting your own wellbeing as a healthcare professional🏋️‍♂️ Wellness in different seasons of life - why you do not have to optimise everything all the time“Normal doesn’t mean easy.” Professor Afif El-KhuffashResources & Links🎙️ Listen to The Baby Tribe Podcast: https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-baby-tribe/👨‍⚕️ Follow Professor Afif El-Khuffash: https://www.instagram.com/afif.elkhuffash/?hl=enCheck out Afif's Art: https://www.hastudios.eu/Book a private consultation at the Rotunda Hospital with Afif: https://rotundaprivate.ie/dr-afif-el-khuffash/📥 Download the free episode guide at wellnessscriptpod.com🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Wellness Script for more evidence-based conversations on health, wellness and the information you can actually trust.As always, this episode is not a replacement for personalised medical advice. Speak to your doctor regarding any health concerns you have.