The baby's finally here, and she's adorable! Six months after Nipunie Rajapakse, M.D., gave birth to her new baby girl, we're catching up with her for a candid conversation about how the first few months of parenthood have gone, including: * Nipunie's delivery story * Her recovery after her C-section and tips to get through it easier * The first steps for the baby right after delivery * Breastfeeding: both mom and baby getting used to it * What surprised Nipunie most about delivery and the first postpartum period * Her biggest challenge about being a new parent * How breast pumping has gone so far * Things she bought for the baby that have been more helpful than she thought * Things she bought that she thought she would use and didn't Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Mayo Clinic Press: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/?_listing_format=podcast&_listing_categories=parenting Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayo-clinic-moms-talking-pregnancy/id1612058190 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aOz1IPb4yKKjaIKqwdWMD?si=c37e753629634213 Or check out our YouTube playlist, Mayo Clinic Moms: Talking Pregnancy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-0wPfZ2Y6IaOOpA7YePCG-kfuwvoBufn Need more resources? Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/shop/pregnancy-books/mayo-clinic-guide-to-fertility-and-conception/ Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/shop/pregnancy-books/mayo-clinic-guide-to-a-healthy-pregnancy/ Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/shop/childrens-health-books/mayo-clinic-guide-to-your-babys-first-years/ Mayo Clinic Guide to Raising a Healthy Child: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/shop/childrens-health-books/mayo-clinic-guide-to-raising-a-healthy-child/

Fact: babies actually sleep a lot. And moms can, too. Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. discuss how to make both things happen on the regular, with help from special guest Jay Homme, M.D., a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic and father of six children. To discuss: * Sleep patterns developed even before birth * Crib safety * Sleep plans: pros and cons * Soothing a fussy baby * Interrupted sleep * Returning to work * Sharing the work with a partner

Breast is best. Or is formula fine? A bit of both? Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. talk through all the issues and research, with help from special guest Jay Homme, M.D., a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic and father of six children. Topics include: * Breastmilk vs. formula * The “dream feed” for breast-resistant babies * Pumping milk * The partner’s role * What to eat, drink and avoid for optimal baby health during breastfeeding

Everything’s new. Everything’s exciting. And everything’s hard. The first six weeks after birth probably aren’t talked about enough. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist, and medical geneticist, joins Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D., for a candid convo of what comes after birth, including: * Diapers, pads, witch hazel, laxatives, and other essentials * Post-partum depression and anxiety * Getting baby to sleep — mom, too! * Building a village to help child and parents * Fatigue and exhaustion * Healing the birth canal * Keeping up with the parent treadmill — and regularly stepping off

Learn why Rachel’s delivery room scene on “Friends” qualifies as “the most unrealistic birth ever.” Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist, and medical geneticist joins co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. to guide you through the reality of labor (vaginal or C section), including: * Why you should expect to get an IV * Why your birth team may include up to 10 people in scrubs * Whether it’s okay to eat and drink during labor * Why things get messy (vomiting, pooping) and that’s actually fine * How you can prepare for effective pushing * What to do to prevent vaginal tearing

Your trip to the hospital, like a trip to go camping, will benefit from advanced planning. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist, and medical geneticist, joins Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. to help you think of everything you’ll need, before you need it, including: * A birth plan * A “go bag” * How you want doctors to help control your pain * Who you want in the room (obstetrician, doula, midwife) * Delayed cord clamping * Pre-planned C section, if you want it

The pop-up ads will start soon after the positive pregnancy test. You must have this safety feature! Your baby cannot survive without that gadget! Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D., sort out what you actually need from what you don’t, what to look for — and look out for — and why it matters. Topics include a wide variety of products, including: * Pacifiers * Sleep sacks * Exercise balls * Cribs * Car seats * Baby monitors * Strollers

Pregnancy creates a tidal wave of hormones. This protects a growing baby — while creating serious discomfort for mom. Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. discuss the many day-to-day health challenges and disruptions to your routine. Get expert medical opinions on these hot topics: * Pre-natal vitamins * Over-the-counter pain relievers * Heartburn treatments * Cold and cough remedies * Morning sickness * Hair dye and nail care * Flying and other travel * Exercise * Placenta pills

Being pregnant means you’re about to swim in a sea of “do’s and don’ts.” Mostly don’ts. Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. discuss the many foods that society tells pregnant women to keep off their plates. What’s science? What’s fiction? What’s in between? Learn all about: * Safer ways to eat sushi * The big reach and risky business of listeria: Why soft cheeses, deli meat, packaged salads and, brace yourself, ice cream can be carriers * Why you should always wash raw fruit and veggies, and leave dealing with the cat’s litterbox to your partner

It’s the most excited you’ll ever be. And it’s the most scared you’ve ever been. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist, and medical geneticist, joins co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D., to discuss the often-conflicted feelings of expectant parents. Questions tackled include: * What factors make a pregnancy “high risk?” How much does age matter? What can I do to lower that risk? * What can I do during pregnancy to give my baby her best chance at being born healthy, and staying that way? * Should we consider genetic testing? * How should we plan our lives — work, relationships — with a needy new addition joining our ranks?

Co-host Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. talks through the “biggest adventure of my life” — she’s pregnant!  She’s joined by co-host Angela Mattke, M.D. — and special guest Jay Homme, M.D., pediatrician at Mayo Clinic and father of six children. Tune in for a wide-ranging discussion of pregnancy in an age of social media and pandemic, with topics including:  * When, and how, to announce your news? How can we be sensitive to others who’ve struggled with infertility? * What to expect when we’re older and expecting?  Dr. Nipunie is 37, her partner Thomas is 40. * How do we maintain mindfulness and stay in the moment? * What are good ways to keep partners involved in the pregnancy journey? 
 * How do we stay active and preserve “date nights?”