Ding Dongs Merrily

This is the time to look back over the past twelve months and all that's happened thus far. Plus, winter poorly baby worries (we're talking rash anxiety, guys), winter colds and flu's and hyper-panicked visits to A&E (oh, we've all been there). But on the other (dafter) side, juicy boots, Christmas party mornings-afters and how best to pronounce Petit Filou. Seriously.

We have - rightly so - talked a lot about Mums, Mothers, Mamas and Mummies on the show. But this week we wanted to focus on the Dads, Papas, Pops and Daddies, and all that entails. Dad gags, Dad fear, Dad guilt and the expectation that comes with being a new Pops. Maybe, like Ollie, your Ma and Pa were separated? How does that affect your expectation? Maybe you're a solo Dad? Or half of a two Dads couple? We all have a lot in common, We wanted to share some of our feelings and fears, but also the joys that we've experienced over these first new baby months.

Santa baby, slip a nappy under the tree... for me. First Christmas with a baby for us, so we're looking back at our own childhood Christmases, but (maybe as we're a little worse for wear) we also cover dancefloor Mum moves and The Ham Plan (the return of Meaty Bangers no less). And we welcome Kirsty and Pat Allerton (aka The Portable Priest) to the Help Hotline this week – to chat newborn adventures, faith and parenthood. Yeah baby!

From episode one, we've been asking you to share your own funny, emotional and mortifying parenting experiences and questions. And to be honest, these are often the most enjoyable part of making the show! So in this episode we dive deep into the proverbial mailbag to present you a real cornucopia of amazing parenting stories. Chapters include, 'First Flight Jobbies (aka The Turdist)', 'Meaty Bangers', 'Spew Filled Mum Bung' and many, many more...

Everyone's birth experience - and body - is different, but for Ems and Ollie how best to recover from a C-section was a big deal. Not just physically, but emotionally. So this week, we discuss where Ems is on that journey ("don't push it, don't rush it") but also the complex relationship a mum can have with her C-section scar.

It could be the sleep deprivation (it definitely is) but this is a slightly surreal episode. Consider the subjects covered if you will; raw baby bum cheeks, the career of Daniel Bedingfield (really), wonky joint pain induced by baby feeding and Ollie's brand-new Bonnie-tastic tattoo.   We also love it when we hear from you, our wonderful listeners, and you pass on your advice or parenting stories that are too funny or outright crazy not to share. So please email us at [email protected] Our lovely friends and sponsors Never Fully Dressed have an exclusive discount code for listeners of this podcast.  Use code PROUDLOCKS15 for 15% off at https://www.neverfullydressed.co.uk/collections/newness-2?page=1 Follow us too! @helpimaparentpodcast @emmalouiseconnolly @proudlock @thegreedymodel 
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Its all happening! Is it ever not happening? Emma and Ollie cover first injections and 'Jobby Blasters' but also the often worrying  differing and difficult worlds of The Boob and The Bottle. How do they feel about the idea of the breast feed bond? And the importance of understanding that "Formula is not failure".

Yes, that delightful blend of hangover and anxiety. Ems and Ollie Proudlock are feeling a little 'fragile' this week, making the subject of going back to work post-baby even more emotional than usual. On a more serious note, there's also a very special Help Hotline with Granny P that sums up the how hard it can be for all parents sometimes.  We also want to hear from you, our wonderful listeners on any advice or parenting stories that are too funny or outright crazy not to share. So please email us at [email protected] Our lovely friends and sponsors Never Fully Dressed have an exclusive discount code for listeners of this podcast.  Use code PROUDLOCKS15 for 15% off at https://www.neverfullydressed.co.uk/collections/newness-2?page=1

Big questions this week; Why can't you get adult Calpol? What is skooshing? Will the leopard print turban become the essential baby fashion item for Winter 22? And what exactly are shitflops? Emma and Ollie Proudlock might (might) have the answers... We also want to hear from you, our wonderful listeners on any advice or parenting stories that are too funny or outright crazy not to share. So please email us at [email protected] Our lovely friends and sponsors Never Fully Dressed have an exclusive discount code for listeners of this podcast.  Use code PROUDLOCKS15 for 15% off at https://www.neverfullydressed.co.uk/collections/newness-2?page=1

Sir Francis Drake? Amateur. First summit of Everest? Easy. Neil Armstrong visits the Moon? Walk in the flipping park. First time you take a baby OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR MORE THAN ONE NIGHT? Now you're facing a superhuman challenge. How did Emma and Ollie Proudlock cope? Find out this week... We also want to hear from you, our wonderful listeners on any advice or parenting stories that are too funny or outright crazy not to share. So please email us at [email protected] Our lovely friends and sponsors Never Fully Dressed have an exclusive discount code for listeners of this podcast.  Use code PROUDLOCKS15 for 15% off at https://www.neverfullydressed.co.uk/collections/newness-2?page=1