What To Expect Podcast With Heidi Murkoff

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When Heidi Murkoff wrote What to Expect When You’re Expecting, she was pregnant with her daughter Emma. Her mission was simple: to help parents know what to expect, every step of the way. Now, Emma is a mom too — and they’re teaming up on the What to Expect podcast to help you navigate your entire journey, from conception, to pregnancy, to the first years of parenting. Heidi and Emma break down your biggest questions, interview famous moms and cover the issues you need to know about, from health care to child care to maternal leave. Nothing is TMI, and nothing is off-limits!

Join the What to Expect Community to let Heidi and Emma know what you'd like covered in a future episode.

Episode 45: Mom Guilt

June 16, 2021

Starting in the early stages of pregnancy, mom guilt often comes with the parenting territory. You’re giving it everything you’ve got, but thoughts of doubt and guilt tend to be unavoidable. This week, Heidi and Emma are tackling your biggest concerns around mom guilt and the factors that can lead to those feelings of doubt, from navigating sibling relationships to balancing screen time. They also share helpful tips on how you can stave off mom guilt — because you deserve to feel like the wonderful parent you are.

Episode 44: Your 'TMI' Pregnancy Solids

June 9, 2021

Pregnancy comes with a lot of questions, including some that may feel super personal. Not to worry: that's completely normal! This week, Heidi and Emma give unfiltered answers to real questions from What to Expect community moms — and nothing is off limits. From pregnancy sex to what goes on during labor and delivery to all-things vagina care, get clarity on your top "TMI" pregnancy questions by listening to this helpful conversation.

Episode 43: Starting Solids

June 2, 2021

It’s one of the most momentous (and messy) milestones of the first year: starting solids. But as you think about baby’s first bite, you’re probably wondering what exactly that first bite should be… not to mention exactly how and when you should be serving it up. This week, Heidi and Emma cover everything you need to know about starting solids, from the questions to ask your pediatrician, to baby led weaning, to the best first foods to try and concerns about allergies.

Episode 42: Your Top Pregnancy Questions

May 26, 2021

You all know that Heidi loves answering your pregnancy questions! This week, Heidi is joined by What to Expect Community Director, Sara Stefanik. Sara has collected the most popular questions from the What To Expect community for Heidi — everything from symptoms to labor and delivery to the safety of some of your favorite things, like hair dye and blue cheese.

Episode 41: Postpartum Recovery with ‘The Vagina Whisperer,’ Sara Reardon

May 19, 2021

Pelvic floor physical therapist Sara Reardon, ‘The Vagina Whisperer,’ is back! This week, she joins Heidi to cover everything you need to know about postpartum recovery. How much pain is normal, and what can you do to find relief? How can you take the fear out of the first poop, and optimize postpartum bladder control? And what about getting back to sex and exercise? Whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section, this episode is full of tips, tricks and information that will empower you to prioritize healthy healing.

Episode 40: Pregnancy Pains and Preparing for Childbirth with ‘The Vagina Whisperer,' Sara Reardon

May 12, 2021

Your pelvic floor is a hammock of muscles that support your vagina, uterus, bladder and bowels — and not surprisingly, your pelvic floor muscles are pivotal during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Pee when you laugh or cough? Had back, hip, pelvic or pubic pain or pressure? That’s likely your pelvic floor muscles talking. This week, Heidi is joined by ‘The Vagina Whisperer,’ pelvic floor physical therapist Sara Reardon. Heidi and Sara cover everything you need to know about managing your most common pregnancy aches and pains, the truth about kegels, preparing your body for a smooth labor and delivery and so much more.

Episode 39: Live Community Q&A!

May 5, 2021

In honor of Mother’s Day week, Heidi is joined by five pregnant moms from across the country to answer their biggest pregnancy and parenting questions. They cover visitors and germs, gestational diabetes, picking the right doctor, the truth about morning sickness and so much more! Heidi and the What To Expect family are wishing the entire community a happy and healthy Mother’s Day.

Episode 38: Skincare During Pregnancy with Dr. Jessica Wu

April 28, 2021

Whether it’s pregnancy pimples, rashes, sensitivity, an itchy belly, or stretch marks — most expectant mothers can expect their skin to change. This week, Heidi is joined by dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu to break down your biggest pregnancy skin problems, the solutions she recommends to her patients, and the ingredients she wants you to steer clear of during pregnancy.

Episode 37: Relationships After Baby with Couples Therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish

April 21, 2021

You’ve been so focused on your new baby — but what will your new baby mean for your relationship? This week, Heidi and Emma are joined by Clinical Psychologist and Couples Therapist, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish. Together, they break down how to prepare for and maintain a healthy relationship after baby — from maintaining intimacy, to preventing resentment, and learning to communicate and work as a team to parent your new little bundle of joy.

Episode 36: Surprising Postpartum Symptoms

April 14, 2021

The heavy lift of pregnancy — and the possibly even heavier lift of labor and delivery — is over, and your baby is finally here. But what can you expect when it comes to postpartum symptoms? Heidi and Emma break down the biggest postpartum symptoms, surprises, and how to prepare. From the dreaded fundal massage, to what you need to know about breastfeeding, bleeding, night sweats, peeing and pooping — nothing is off-limits.

Episode 35: Your Biggest Toddler Behavior Questions with ‘Big Little Feelings’

April 7, 2021

Deena Margolin and Kristin Gallant are the moms behind ‘Big Little Feelings’ — a research-based, online resource for parents to reign in the chaos and raise happy kids. This week, Deena and Kristin join Heidi and Emma to answer your biggest questions about toddler emotions and behavior. From how to handle tantrums to navigating bath time, screen time, and picky eaters, this honest conversation will empower you to take all of those big little feelings in stride.

Episode 34: Surprising Pregnancy Symptoms

March 31, 2021

There are plenty of symptoms you expect during pregnancy, from nausea to cravings to puffy ankles. But what about the symptoms you might not expect? This week, Heidi and Emma turn to the What To Expect community to hear about the pregnancy symptoms that surprised them most. Find out why the most unexpected symptoms happen by trimester (metal mouth, skin changes, and nosebleeds, anyone?), and what you can do about them.

Episode 33: Finding Your Pediatrician with Dr. Lauren Crosby

March 24, 2021

Every expectant parent goes through the process of finding a pediatrician for their baby. But when and where do you start? What questions should you ask? This week, Heidi is joined by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Lauren Crosby to talk through how to find the baby doctor that’s right for you and your baby.

Episode 32: Your Biggest Baby Sleep Questions with ‘The Peaceful Sleeper,’ Chrissy Lawler

March 17, 2021

Chrissy Lawler is a licensed therapist, baby sleep specialist, and a mom of four kids. This week, she joins Heidi to take the fear and anxiety out of baby sleep. Heidi and Chrissy answer your biggest questions about newborn sleep, give tips and tricks to help your baby learn to sleep, and Chrissy talks through her gentle sleep training method – without relying on “cry it out."

Episode 31: Fitness Trainer Anna Victoria on IVF and an Unexpected Labor

March 10, 2021

Anna Victoria is a fitness trainer who has shared her pregnancy and parenting journey with millions. This week, she joins Heidi to talk openly about her journey to parenthood, which included infertility, IVF, and her unexpectedly difficult labor and delivery. She also reveals what it’s been like parenting her 6-month-old daughter, Aurora, during the pandemic, and what she wants every woman to know about exercise during and after pregnancy.

Episode 30: Car Seat Safety with ‘The Car Seat Lady,’ Dr. Alisa Baer

March 3, 2021

It’s one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your baby - a car seat. This week, Heidi is joined by pediatrician Dr. Alisa Baer, known as ‘The Car Seat Lady’. Alisa breaks down how to choose a car seat that will work for your car and your lifestyle, how to know if it’s installed correctly, and the best ways to make sure your baby is buckled in safely. Heidi and Alisa also tackle the biggest questions from the WTE community, including the differences between an infant seat and a convertible seat, the truth about car seat mirrors, and the surprising ways to know if your child has outgrown their car seat.

More resources:

Episode 29: Best and Worst Pregnancy Advice and Comments

February 24, 2021

Have you ever noticed that being pregnant seems to give everyone license to offer unsolicited advice? And make comments about everything from your habits to your body? This week, Heidi and Emma are turning to the What To Expect community for the most shocking things they’ve heard while expecting. And, listeners are also sharing the best advice and comments they’ve received about pregnancy and parenting, from the inspirational to the practical.

Episode 28: Your Biggest Vaccine Questions with Dr. Richard Besser

February 17, 2021

Dr. Richard Besser is the former acting director for the CDC, and is currently president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He’s also a pediatrician. This week, he joins Heidi to answer your biggest questions about vaccines. Dr. Besser explains how vaccines are tested for safety, along with the latest recommendations on the Covid-19 vaccine and pregnancy. Heidi and Dr. Besser also cover the maternal and childhood vaccines you ask about most — from the flu shot, to the TDAP, to the first year of vaccinations for your baby.

Episode 27: How Much Stuff Does Your Baby Really Need?

February 10, 2021

Most parents make a lot of purchases when they’re expecting their first baby. But how much baby stuff do you really need? This week, Heidi and Emma break down the most important newborn and postpartum necessities, the best baby products to get as hand-me-downs, and the things you can wait on — or save your money on.

Episode 26: Choosing a Baby Name

February 3, 2021

It’s one of the first big decisions you’ll make for your baby - their name. This week, Heidi and Emma break down the biggest baby name trends, and everything from how to deal with opinions from family, to the biggest questions and best baby name advice from the What To Expect community.

Episode 25: Bringing Baby Home With Pediatrician Dr. Lauren Crosby

January 27, 2021

The crib is assembled, the car seat is installed, and those tiny onesies are washed and folded. But babies don’t come with instruction manuals, like cribs and car seats do. This week, pediatrician Dr. Lauren Crosby joins Heidi for a “bringing baby home” bootcamp. From the most common questions she hears from new parents, to baby’s first trip out, to what to expect in those early diapers, this episode will prepare you for those first few weeks with your newborn.

Episode 24: Body Image & Weight Gain During Pregnancy

January 20, 2021

This week, Heidi and Emma are covering your biggest questions about body image and weight gain during pregnancy. From the temporary and permanent changes, to keeping yourself and your pregnancy healthy as you and your baby grow, to how to love your pregnant body - this is a real conversation every pregnant woman can benefit from hearing.

Episode 23: Leslie Odom Jr. and Nicolette Robinson on Pregnancy and Parenting

January 13, 2021

Hamilton’s Leslie Odom Jr. and Broadway star Nicolette Robinson are expecting their second child, a boy, this spring. This week, they join Heidi to talk about all things pregnancy and parenting. Leslie and Nicolette share how their 3.5 year old daughter, Lucy, is handling the news, how this pregnancy has been different from their first, and the surprising sympathy symptoms Leslie says he experienced during Nicolette’s pregnancy with Lucy. The couple also talks openly about postpartum depression, sex after baby and breastfeeding.

Episode 22: Planning for Pregnancy

January 6, 2021

New year, new baby? If you’re here because you’re at the beginning of your baby-making journey, this week’s episode is for you. From what to expect at a preconception doctor's appointment, to the best ways to boost fertility and prepare your body for baby, Heidi and Emma have your planning for pregnancy needs covered - before you get busy!

Episode 21: Pregnancy and Parenting During the Holidays

December 16, 2020

This holiday season might look a little different than you’re used to—but at What to Expect, we’re here to help make your holiday as festive, fun, and joyful as possible. This week, Heidi and Emma talk about what to expect during an unexpected holiday season – from how to safely get the cutest Santa photos with your little one, to the most thoughtful ideas for everyone on your gift list, from babies, to expecting and new moms, to grandparents.

Go to whattoexpect.com/giving to find out how you can help families in need this holiday season.

Episode 20: Can I Eat That During Pregnancy?

December 9, 2020

It’s one of the biggest questions you have during pregnancy: “Can I eat that?” Whether you’re wondering about Caesar salad, your favorite medium-cooked burger, turkey sandwich, soft cheese, or penne alla Vodka, Heidi and Emma are answering your biggest pregnancy-related food questions. You might be surprised to discover that baby-making can actually mix surprisingly well with the pleasures of eating.

Episode 19: What to Expect If You Need a C-Section

December 2, 2020

Close to one in three moms end up delivering via C-section. Scheduled for a C-section? Hoping to avoid one? Just plain stressed about the possibility you might need one or have questions about what to expect if you do? Wondering how different the recovery really is from a vaginal delivery? This week, Heidi is joined by Fetal Medicine Specialist Dr. Sarah Obican to walk through exactly what to expect if you need a C-section.

Episode 18: What Are Your Silver Linings?

November 25, 2020

There’s no sugarcoating it — 2020 has been a difficult year. This week, Heidi and Emma are celebrating what so many pregnant women and parents did love about 2020. From enduring nausea from the comfort of your own home, to extra time bonding with a new baby — the silver linings are there if you know where to look for them. Heidi, Emma and the whole What to Expect family are sending lots of love, hugs and so many wishes for a healthy, safe and happy holiday season.

Episode 17: Newborn Sleep

November 18, 2020

Last week, we covered your sleep during pregnancy — but what about sleep after baby? Namely, for your newborn? This week, Heidi and Emma are diving deep into all things newborn sleep. How much, how often, how to do it safely, and when and how to start making bedtime routines that will help everyone in the family sleep more soundly.

Episode 16: Getting Good Sleep During Pregnancy

November 11, 2020

Sure, sleep deprivation comes with the new mom territory. But you might not have expected the sleepless nights to start while you’re still pregnant! This week, Heidi and Emma break down the biggest causes and solutions to pregnancy insomnia, so you can put those pregnancy sleep problems to bed once and for all.

Episode 15: Making Your Birth Plan

November 4, 2020

This week, it’s all about birth plans. Do you need one? And what should go into it? And what happens when things don’t go according to plan? From choices about who’s in the room, to doulas, to epidurals, to what to do with your placenta and cord blood, this episode will help you feel even more prepared for the delivery room.

Episode 14: Bonding With Your Baby

October 28, 2020

Bonding with your brand-new baby — it’s supposed to be the easy part after the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth, right? For many moms, that’s not the case. This week, Heidi and Emma break down the realities of bonding with your baby, and what to do if it doesn’t happen right away.

Episode 13: Tia Mowry on Endometriosis, Pregnancy, and Parenting

October 21, 2020

Tia Mowry has been part of our lives since she and her twin Tamera co-starred on the hit ‘90s series, Sister, Sister. Now, Tia is an author, producer, entrepreneur, wife--and a mom of 2 adorable kids, Cree and Cairo. This week, Tia opens up to Heidi and Emma about the endometriosis symptoms and diagnosis that changed her pregnancy journey, the health challenges she faced during both pregnancies, and how she and her husband Cory have managed parenting during quarantine.

Episode 12: Trying to Conceive

October 14, 2020

Should you have sex multiple times a day when you're ovulating? Is there an ideal time of day? What about lube? And what are the best ways to track ovulation to hit baby bingo? From scheduling sex to cervical mucus, nothing is off-limits in this hilarious and informative mother-daughter conversation dedicated entirely to TTC.

Episode 11: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Voting, Paid Family Leave and Maternal Health Care

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has been serving for 14 years, first in the U.S. House of Representatives and now as the junior Senator from NY. And she’s served even longer as a mom – to 16 year old Theo and 12 year old Henry. Many of you may know Senator Gillibrand as a champion for women and families. This week, she joins Heidi to talk about the growing movement towards Paid Family Leave in America, alarming gaps in healthcare, the need for affordable childcare, and why it’s so important for every mom in America to register and vote this November.

Episode 10: Screen Time for Your Baby and Toddler

September 30, 2020

How much screen time is too much screen time? It’s one of the most popular questions Heidi gets asked, especially over the last several months. This week, Heidi and Emma break down the truth about screen time for your baby and toddler, no guilt allowed! Heidi and Emma share their different philosophies, the best way to use screens, and what the science says about TV, tablets, YouTube, and your little ones.

Episode 9: What to Expect During Labor and Delivery

September 23, 2020

This week, Heidi and Emma cover what to expect during labor and delivery. From how to know if you’re really in labor, to the right way to push, to the truth about pooping and tearing, this episode will help prepare you for the delivery room. In “Help Me Heidi”, Heidi reveals the best and worst at-home methods to induce labor and dishes on a funny anecdote featuring Chris Rock from the filming of the ‘What To Expect’ movie!

Episode 8: Breastfeeding Shame

September 16, 2020

Why is there so much guilt and pressure around breastfeeding? In this week’s episode, Heidi and Emma are shutting down breastfeeding shamers. Emma opens up about when she knew it was time to turn to formula, and Heidi answers your biggest questions about feeding your baby.

Episode 7: Sara Haines on Motherhood, Marriage & Postpartum Body Image

September 9, 2020

‘The View’ co-host Sara Haines joins Heidi to talk about life as a working mom of three. Sara opens up about her philosophy on marriage and parenting, perinatal and postpartum depression, and how she handled internet trolling and body shaming during and after her third pregnancy.

Episode 6: Pregnancy and COVID-19

September 2, 2020

What should you expect if you’re pregnant during the pandemic? This week, Heidi is joined by maternal fetal medicine specialist Dr. Sarah Obican to answer your biggest questions about pregnancy in the time of Covid-19. Heidi and Dr. Obican break down all of the latest research, including prevention, changes in prenatal care, what you can expect in the hospital, recommendations for family visits and much more.

Episode 5: Sex During Pregnancy

August 26, 2020

No news flash here: most pregnancies start with sex. But does pregnancy have to end sex? It’s one of the most common questions Heidi gets asked. From the safest and most comfortable sex positions during pregnancy, to the truth about toys, Heidi and Emma aren’t holding back with your biggest pregnancy sex questions.

Episode 4: Eating Well When You're Expecting

August 19, 2020

Heidi and Emma explain what you need to know about eating well when you’re expecting and answer some of the most common pregnancy-related food questions. What should you eat if you’re too sick to keep anything down, including your prenatal vitamin? What about heartburn and headaches? Or, are you wondering if your paleo, keto, or vegan lifestyles are safe for baby? Get ready to fill up on information about what to eat to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Eating Well When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff is available online and in bookstores everywhere.

Episode 3: Postpartum Depression or Baby Blues?

August 12, 2020

Could you or someone you love be suffering from postpartum depression or a postpartum mood disorder? How do you know the difference between PPD and baby blues? Heidi and Emma talk about the biggest warning signs of postpartum depression that often go overlooked. From treatment, to prevention, and how to ask for help, this is a conversation every expectant and new parent needs to hear. Emma also opens up about her experience with PPD after her second pregnancy.

If you or someone you love needs help, please find PPD resources here.

Episode 2: Spilling The Pregnancy Beans: When To Tell

August 5, 2020

Congratulations — you’re pregnant! But, who should you tell and when? Heidi and Emma break down what you need to know about announcing your pregnancy, from your rights in the workplace to sharing ultrasound pictures, baby names and social media gender reveals.

Episode 1: Amy Schumer on Pregnancy, Parenting & Maternal Health