#200 - What if calm isn’t something you need to create — but something that grows when you slow down and truly notice?

In this milestone 200th episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, Helen Thompson reflects on five years of podcasting, decades of childcare experience, and what she’s learned about babies, overwhelm, and the quiet pressure first-time mums carry.

Rather than doing more, this episode offers a gentle pause — a chance to reset, breathe, and reconnect with what really supports babies and the mums who care for them.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why babies respond so differently to calm versus overwhelm
• How slowing down helps babies feel safe enough to be themselves
• Why “calm” is something babies grow into — not something they arrive with
• How acknowledging a baby’s feelings builds trust and emotional security
• A gentler rhythm for First Time Mum’s Chat as it moves forward

Helen also shares why she’s expanding the podcast into YouTube, and how this next chapter is focused on deeper connection, visual learning, and creating space — not noise.

Whether you’re listening while feeding, walking with the pram, or taking a quiet moment for yourself, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out.

You are learning your baby.

You are finding your rhythm.

And you are doing enough.

🎧 Listen now and let this episode meet you where you are. Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/200.

#199 - Baby walkers, jumpers, and exersaucers are some of the most popular baby devices on the market — but are they really helping your little one learn to stand and walk, or could they be holding them back? In this episode, Helen Thompson breaks down the surprising truths many parents never hear about how these devices impact a baby’s hips, posture, balance, and overall development.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience and her recent work with six-month-old twins, Helen gently explains why babies placed in upright positions before their bodies are ready often develop compensations like knee-locking, toe-walking, back-arching, and delayed milestones. You’ll hear why these devices aren’t “bad” — but why awareness matters, and how simple movements like rolling, wriggling, tummy time, and floor play build the strongest foundations for confident walking later on.

Whether you already use baby gear like jumpers or you’re thinking of buying one, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance to help you support your baby’s natural development in a safe and empowering way.

Helen also shares a special end-of-year update — including an exciting announcement about the upcoming 200th episode — and invites you to reflect on the key question of this episode: “Is my baby’s body truly ready for the positions these devices put them in?”

Check out the show notes at https://www.mybabymassage.net/podcast/199.

#198 - If bedtime has started to feel stressful, tense, or full of tears (for you and your baby), you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 gentle soothing techniques that can help your baby feel safe, settle more easily, and relax into calmer, happier nights.

You’ll learn:

• How to read your baby’s cues so you can support them before overwhelm hits
• A simple jawline + toe reflexology routine to ease teething and tension
• How to use your breath and voice to help your baby regulate
• A calming back massage story that brings emotional grounding and connection
• Why your calm is the key ingredient — even when settling takes time

If you’re ready to bring a little more peace into your evenings and feel more confident soothing your baby, this episode will help you build rhythms that truly support both of you.

👉 Show notes: mybabymassage.net/podcast/198