Podcasts · Kids & Family

The Family Tribe

Afif El-Khuffash & Anne Doherty

159 episodes · Explicit

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual — but The Family Tribe is here to be part of the village that helps you through it.

More about the show

Hosted by husband-and-wife medical experts Dr Afif El Khuffash and Dr Anne Doherty, The Family Tribeoffers honest, evidence-based advice for parents and guardians of children from newborns right through to teenagers. Bringing together more than 40 years of combined clinical experience, as well as their own lived experience as parents, Afif and Anne help listeners navigate the chaos, love, worry, tears and awe of family life.

With two episodes each week, the podcast cuts through the noise of online advice and misinformation to explore the topics that matter most — from pregnancy, newborn care and child development to mental health, family relationships, teenage challenges and common parenting worries.

Main episodes are released every Tuesday, with a shorter Baby Bonus episode focused on pregnancy and baby health every Thursday.

Expect myth-busting conversations, expert interviews, real listener stories, well-known guests and practical guidance designed to reassure, inform and support parents, guardians and the wider family at every stage of the journey.

Episodes page 1 of 4

  1. What Pregnancy Really Does to Your Body

    · 41 min · Explicit

    Why can pregnancy leave you utterly exhausted before there is even a visible bump? How does your body adapt to support a growing baby? And why might your favourite shoes never fit quite the same way again? This week…

  2. The Baby Tribe: CMV and Autism: What Does the New Research Really Tell Us?

    · 28 min · Explicit

    Afif and Anne examine a new Swedish study of almost 3.7 million people exploring associations between diagnosed congenital infections, autism and intellectual disability. They explain what TORCH infections are, why…

  3. Síle Seoige: Can You Be Grateful and Still Struggle?

    · 52 min · Explicit

    Can you feel incredibly lucky to be a mother and still admit that it’s hard? Afif travels to Galway for an honest, funny and moving conversation with Síle Seoige about motherhood at 38 and 42, miscarriage, and the…

  4. Baby Bonus: He Was Here: Dylan McKenna On Fatherhood After Baby Loss.

    · 41 min · Explicit

    Content note: This episode discusses stillbirth, bereavement and mental health. Please listen when it feels right for you. Irish support details are included below. “If I have a son, I’m a father.” Dylan McKenna’s…

  5. Do Older Mothers Live Longer? The Science of Pregnancy and Ageing

    · 41 min · Explicit

    Can having a baby later in life really help you live longer? And what do scientists actually mean when they say pregnancy changes your biological age? This week on The Family Tribe, Afif and Anne investigate the…

  6. Baby Bonus: What Makes a Positive Birth Experience? Martha’s Story

    · 47 min · Explicit

    What happens when Anne’s lifelong best friend joins the podcast? Afif discovers just how much history he has missed, and a birth story somehow involves an offer to do the midwives’ hair. In this bonus episode, we…

  7. Should We Ban Children from Social Media?

    · 56 min · Explicit

    Would banning teenagers from social media make them safer? And what might we miss if we judge their online lives by screen time alone? This week on The Family Tribe, Afif and Anne explore teenagers, technology and the…

  8. Should We Worry About Microplastics in Baby Bottles?

    · 21 min · Explicit

    Headlines about babies swallowing millions of plastic particles can make an ordinary bottle feed feel like a parenting mistake. So what does the research actually tell us? In this episode of Baby Tribe Shorts, Afif…

  9. Can GLP-1 Drugs Do More Than Help You Lose Weight?

    · 45 min · Explicit

    Weight-loss drugs are everywhere in the headlines. But what might they mean for our health beyond the number on the scales? This week, Professor Afif EL-Khuffash and Dr Anne Doherty explore GLP-1 medicines and the…

  10. Baby Bonus: Are Birth Interventions Rising for the Right Reasons?

    · 20 min · Bonus · Explicit

    In this Baby Tribe Short, Afif and Anne look at a recent New South Wales paper asking why birth interventions are rising. The study found that so-called cascade interventions, including induction or augmentation,…

  11. The Baby Grew Up: What Makes a Family in 2026?

    · 43 min · Explicit

    Baby Tribe has grown up. In the first episode of The Family Tribe, Afif and Anne explain why they are widening the conversation from babies to the whole messy, funny and complicated world of family life. They reflect…

  12. Welcome To The Family Tribe

    · 2:18 · Trailer · Explicit

    Parenting doesn’t come with a manual but The Family Tribe is here to be part of the village that helps you through it. Hosted by husband-and-wife medical experts Dr Afif El Khuffash and Dr Anne Doherty, The Family…

  13. BTS: Is Private Maternity Care Really Safer?

    · 17 min · Explicit

    A large Australian study comparing public and private maternity care seemed to show better outcomes for mothers and babies in private obstetric-led care, including lower rates of stillbirth, NICU admission, severe…

  14. BTS: Paracetamol, Pregnancy and Autism: What Parents Need to Know

    · 14 min · Explicit

    In this episode of Baby Tribe Shorts, Afif and Anne tackle the anxiety caused by recent headlines linking paracetamol use in pregnancy with autism, ADHD and intellectual disability. They walk through a major Lancet…

  15. BTS: Should Everyone Be Induced at 39 Weeks?

    · 20 min · Explicit

    In this episode of Baby Tribe Shorts, Afif and Anne take a closer look at one of the most influential obstetric studies of the last decade: the ARRIVE trial. The trial is often used in conversations about elective…

  16. 134: Baby Gadgets, Gimmicks and Red Flags

    · 53 min · Explicit

    This week on Baby Tribe, Afif and Anne take a closer look at the baby products being marketed to exhausted parents, from sleep pods, reflux pillows and weighted sleep suits to formula prep machines, nasal aspirators,…

  17. 133: The Freebirth Movement: Choice, Risk and Accountability

    · 51 min · Explicit

    In this episode of The Baby Tribe, Afif speaks with Irish Times journalist Ellen Coyne about her reporting on the rise of freebirth in Ireland: giving birth without a midwife, doctor or trained medical professional…

  18. 132: Bad Science in a Pretty Font - Caesareans, Risk and Birth Misinformation

    · 35 min · Explicit

    In this episode of The Baby Tribe, Afif and Anne take on one of the most emotionally charged topics in maternity care: caesarean birth. Online birth content often presents two true statements side by side: caesareans…

  19. 131: Alcohol, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: No Shame, No Myths, Just Biology

    · 37 min · Explicit

    Alcohol, pregnancy and breastfeeding are surrounded by myths, slogans and a fair amount of internet nonsense. In this episode, Afif and Anne look at what alcohol actually does before conception, during pregnancy and…

  20. 130: Vitamin K at Birth: The Tiny Injection Social Media Got Wrong

    · 32 min · Explicit

    In this episode, Afif and Anne take a deep dive into vitamin K at birth and the growing wave of misinformation surrounding it online. They explore why newborn babies are naturally low in vitamin K, how clotting works,…

  21. 129: When Baby Sleep Advice Becomes Dangerous

    · 36 min · Explicit

    In this episode of The Baby Tribe, Afif speaks to BBC journalist Divya Talwar about her investigation into unsafe advice given by some self-described baby sleep experts. Divya explains why the BBC pursued the story,…

  22. 128: Leaking Isn’t Normal: Pelvic Floor Health, Surgery & the Mesh Debate

    · 33 min · Explicit

    Pelvic floor problems affect a huge number of women, yet many suffer in silence, unsure what’s normal and what isn’t. In this episode, we’re joined by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and urogynaecology…

  23. 127: When Birth Doesn’t Go to Plan: Understanding Postpartum Care

    · 35 min · Explicit

    In this episode of The Baby Tribe, Afif and Anne tackle an important but often overlooked topic: what happens when things don’t go to plan after a baby is born. While most women recover well after delivery, a small…

  24. 126: I Thought I’d Be a Mother… Then Life Took a Different Turn

    · 31 min · Explicit

    We all grow up with a version of how life is supposed to go. Meet someone, settle down, have kids. But what happens when that version doesn’t unfold the way you expected? In this episode, comedian Aideen McQueen joins…

  25. 125: Clare McKenna on Finding Your Version of Wellness (Without the Pressure)

    · 54 min · Explicit

    Parenting is hard enough… so when did “wellness” become another thing to get right? In this episode, we’re joined by Clare McKenna, host of Alive & Kicking and author of Would You Be Well?, to unpack the modern…

  26. 124: Understanding Baby Sleep: Biology vs Sleep Training

    · 33 min · Explicit

    “Sleeping like a baby” is one of the biggest myths in parenting. In this episode, we strip back the noise around infant sleep and look at what the science actually tells us. From circadian rhythm development to night…

  27. 123: Hilary McGann (News by Hil): From Global News to Motherhood

    · 52 min · Explicit

    Becoming a parent changes how you see everything. In this episode, we’re joined by Hilary McGann (News by Hil), journalist and creator, to talk about what happens when someone whose job is to understand the world…

  28. 122: Fear Less with Dr David Coleman: Are We Raising Anxious Kids?

    · 47 min · Explicit

    A practical and honest conversation with clinical psychologist Dr David Coleman, author of Fear Less, on childhood anxiety. We explore why anxiety feels so common in children today, the difference between normal fear…

  29. 121: Pregnant With Cancer: Emma’s Story of NICU, Chemotherapy, and Change

    · 55 min · Explicit

    When Emma McGuinness was pregnant with her second child, she discovered a swelling in her neck that turned out to be Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her son was delivered at 36 weeks and spent his first 14 days in neonatal…

  30. 120: NICU Explained: The Real Reasons Newborns Need Extra Care

    · 51 min · Explicit

    When parents hear the word NICU, it can feel frightening. But the reality is that many babies who spend time there are simply adjusting to life outside the womb. In this episode, Afif and Anne break down the most…

  31. 119: Epidurals and the Myth of the Intervention Cascade with Professor Rachel Kearns

    · 43 min · Explicit

    Epidurals are often blamed for triggering a cascade of interventions, harming babies, and interfering with breastfeeding. But what does the actual evidence say? This week we’re joined by Professor Rachel Kearns,…

  32. 118: Doireann Garrihy on Becoming Rosie’s Mum

    · 1 h 04 min · Explicit

    This week on The Baby Tribe, we’re joined by broadcaster and podcaster Doireann Garrihy for an honest and deeply personal conversation about pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of becoming a parent. Doireann shares…

  33. 117: Sophia Wren on Young Motherhood, Post Partum Depression, and Finding Comedy

    · 1 h 07 min · Explicit

    Comedian and writer Sophia Wren joins The Baby Tribe to talk about becoming a mother in her early 20s, the shock of a precipitous labour, and what nobody tells you about the emotional aftermath. Sophia shares a…

  34. 116: Pregnancy and Postpartum Skincare with Sara Stokes founder of SKN to SKN

    · 56 min · Explicit

    Pregnancy and postpartum can absolutely chaos your skin. This week we’re joined by Sara Stokes, founder of SKN to SKN, to break down hormonal skin changes, what ingredients to be cautious with in pregnancy (without the…

  35. 115: Is Formula Harmful? Recalls, Switching Brands, and What the Evidence Actually Says

    · 42 min · Explicit

    In this episode, Afif and Anne unpack the recent formula recalls in Ireland and internationally, explaining what happened, what parents should do, and why recalls usually mean safety systems are working. They discuss…

  36. 114: Home Birth: Choice, Safety, and What Informed Consent Needs

    · 45 min · Explicit

    This week on The Baby Tribe, Afif and Anne return after the Christmas “break” (parenting, but with more chocolate) and ease back in with a totally non-controversial topic: home birth and free birth. We start by clearly…

  37. New Season Coming Soon!

    · 1:38 · Explicit

    New season of The Baby Tribe drops on HeadStuff Podcasts on Tuesday the 27th of January. Proudly Sponsored by BioGaia Ireland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  38. 113: Understanding Infant Feeding & Growth

    · 52 min · Explicit

    In this final episode of the year, we navigate the often perplexing world of baby growth patterns. New parents, it's time to take a deep breath! We’re here to reassure you that when it comes to your tiny human’s…

  39. 112: Emma Kehoe on Navigating Parenthood with Mindful Strategies

    · 54 min · Explicit

    Life and mindfulness coach Emma Kehoe graces our latest episode with her unique journey from retail to mindful living, offering insights that could turn the tumultuous parenting experience into one of balance and joy.…

  40. 111: Dr Anne Doherty Unlocking the Truth About Epidurals

    · 55 min · Explicit

    Anne, our resident expert anaesthetist, offers a candid look at the epidural procedure, breaking down the steps with precision and empathy. From the first sting of the local anaesthetic to the teamwork involved in…

  41. 110: Legal Insights and Support Strategies for Working Mothers

    · 1 h 08 min · Explicit

    Michelle Loughnane, an employment law solicitor, joins us to share her expertise on the overlooked yet prevalent issue of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. With insights drawn from her legal career and…

  42. 109: Guiding Families Through a Down Syndrome Diagnosis

    · 50 min · Explicit

    Unlock the keys to compassionate communication and discover transformative support for families with newborns diagnosed with Down syndrome. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Silvia Segales-Angel, an early…

  43. 108: Professor Maeve Eogan on Insights into Sexual Assault Treatment and Care

    · 59 min · Explicit

    Professor Maeve Eogan, a leading voice in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Rotunda Hospital, offers her profound insights into the world of sexual assault treatment and care. As the national clinical lead for…

  44. 107: Baby Tribe Live with Stefanie Preissner & Nicola Fox Hamilton

    · 1 h 16 min · Explicit

    In this special live show from Smock Alley Theatre, Afif and Anne share hilarious parenting fails, marriage confessions, and the story of how they first met. They’re joined by writer and creator Stefanie Preissner, who…

  45. 106: Grooving with Graham: Music for Babies and Beyond

    · 34 min · Explicit

    Join us as we embark on a whimsical journey with the multifaceted Graham Smyth, a musician, DJ, and broadcaster with a passion for the vibrant fusion of music and early childhood development. Graham's latest project,…

  46. 105: Emma Doran on Comedy, Motherhood, and Family Dynamics

    · 58 min · Explicit

    105: Emma Doran on Comedy, Motherhood, and Family Dynamics We had an absolute blast chatting with Emma Doran on Baby Tribe. From becoming a mum at just 18 to building a thriving career in comedy, Emma shared the ups,…

  47. 104: Conversation and Consumer Awareness with Sophie Morris

    · 51 min · Explicit

    In this episode of The Baby Tribe, Afif and Anne sit down with Sophie Morris, entrepreneur, nutrition coach, and author of Sophie’s Swaps, to talk about supermarket savvy, consumer awareness, and family food choices.…

  48. 103: Louise McSharry on Balancing Parenthood, Technology, and Personal Joy

    · 1 h 19 min · Explicit

    Broadcaster and podcaster Louise McSharry joins the Baby Tribe Podcast to share her witty, honest take on modern parenting. From managing ADHD while juggling motherhood and creative work, to unapologetically choosing…

  49. 102: Dr Ann McHugh on Antenatal Screening and Maternal Care

    · 56 min · Explicit

    Get your tickets for the Baby Tribe Live! https://smockalley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656691 Join us for an insightful exploration of maternal and fetal medicine as we welcome Dr. Ann McHugh, a consultant…

  50. 101: Transforming Mealtime: Handling Fussy Eaters with Samantha Forrest

    · 50 min · Explicit

    Get your tickets for the Baby Tribe Live! https://smockalley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656691 Unlock the secrets to transforming your child's mealtime from a battle into a harmonious experience with…

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