In this heartfelt episode of Thriving Parenting, we explore why co-regulation is more than a trendy term—it’s an essential tool to help your child feel safe, connected, and understood. Jen paints relatable scenarios, like calming a baby after vaccinations or soothing a toddler mid-meltdown, to illustrate how your nervous system influences your child’s.

You’ll learn:

• What co-regulation actually is (and what it isn’t)
• How it wires your child’s brain for future self-regulation
• Why you can’t co-regulate when you’re dysregulated yourself
• Simple frameworks to anchor yourself before you step in to help
• Why “saying less and being more” is often the best approach
• How to handle common barriers like sensory overload, exhaustion, and unhelpful cultural advice

Jen also shares powerful reminders: that self-care isn’t selfish, and your calm presence is the ultimate gift to your child’s emotional development.

Key Takeaway:

Co-regulation is about lending your steady nervous system so your child learns they are safe in all their feelings. When you prioritise your own regulation first, you create a foundation of trust, resilience, and lifelong emotional strength.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 69 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

Until next time, Thrivers

Is swaddling a newborn essential—or outdated? In this bite-sized episode, we unravel The Great Swaddle Debate by breaking down the why, when, and how of swaddling. Drawing on expert guidance from Red Nose Australia, personal parenting experience, and client insights, we explore the pros and cons of swaddling, when to stop, and how to make smooth transitions that support both your baby’s development and sleep.

From the science behind the startle reflex to tips on choosing the right wrap—and what to do when your baby "hates" the swaddle—we cover it all. We also offer step-by-step guidance for transitioning to arms-out sleeping, handling regressions, and navigating those first few months with gentleness and flexibility. Spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Whether you’re a swaddle loyalist, a curious questioner, or ready to ditch the wrap, this episode will help you feel more confident in meeting your baby right where they’re at—with calm, intention, and care.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why swaddling can soothe an overstimulated nervous system
• When (and how) to transition out of the swaddle safely
• How to support your baby’s sleep while honouring their development
• Red Nose Australia guidelines for swaddling and safe sleep
• Tools and timing for different swaddling stages (wraps, ergo pouch, Love to Dream, etc.)
• Tips for gradually unswaddling—without chaos

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 68 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

Until next time, Thrivers

In this refreshingly honest episode of Thriving Parenting, we’re joined by the incredible Sarah Chelle, a warm and science-savvy naturopath who helps frazzled, fatigued women feel vibrant and alive again—without fad diets or guilt.

Together, we unravel the misunderstood truth about cortisol—a hormone often blamed but rarely understood—and explore how its dysregulation is impacting mums beyond the newborn phase. From why you might feel more tired after finally getting some sleep, to what Sarah calls the “cortisol crash”, this episode brings compassionate insight into the biology behind maternal exhaustion.

Sarah breaks down five of the most common (and commonly missed) reasons mums feel constantly drained, including:

1. Sleep deprivation
2. Cortisol dysregulation (low cortisol, not high!)
3. Iron deficiency
4. Protein/calorie deficiencies
5. Postpartum thyroiditis

You’ll learn how to distinguish between “normal tiredness” and when it’s time to investigate deeper, plus easy, actionable tips for rebuilding energy—like nap strategies, vitamin C & magnesium support, and adjusting workouts to your body's true needs.

Whether you’re feeling snappy, foggy, or just not quite you, this episode is a permission slip to pause, check in, and finally put your own wellbeing on the priority list.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

• A new, empowering understanding of cortisol and its role in your body.
• Clarity on why sleep isn’t always the fix for your fatigue.
• The signs of deeper energy imbalances—and what to test for.
• Holistic, mum-friendly strategies to start feeling like yourself again.

Connect with Sarah Chelle:

Website: sarahchelle.com

Instagram: @sarah_chelle_

Podcast: The Healthiest & Happy Podcast

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 67 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

Until next time, Thrivers