Ep. 398: Embracing "Mom Mode"

Ep. 398: Embracing "Mom Mode"

From Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP) by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko

February 16, 2026 · 46 min

About this episode

Laura and Shanna discuss their recent parenting achievements and adjustments in life as they embrace 'Mom Mode'.

In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including a clever chemistry-based solution that saved bath time and a surprising moment of jumping into action to help a stranger. Also, Shanna checks in about adjusting to a new chapter now that the kids are back at school and she must figure out what’s next after leaving her job, while Laura shares an unexpected weekend saga that took a sharp turn. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a full agenda “mommy camp” day and a new hobby that’s quickly becoming a kid’s entire personality. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: Adjusting to life after leaving your job and figuring out what's next Giving yourself permission to have a “fallow period” after a big work/life shift Handling your kid's sudden and mysterious medical symptoms while far from home Solving kid “fairness” problems before they become full-blown meltdowns Citric acid: what it is, how to use it and why Laura swears by it When motherhood changes how you respond in an urgent situation Planning an all-day…

People in this episode

Hosts: Laura Birek, Shanna Micko, Laura, Shanna

Topics covered

  • Adjusting to life after leaving your job and figuring out what's next
  • Giving yourself permission to have a “fallow period” after a big work/life shift
  • Handling your kid's sudden and mysterious medical symptoms while far from home
  • Solving kid “fairness” problems before they become full-blown meltdowns
  • Citric acid: what it is, how to use it and why Laura swears by it
  • When motherhood changes how you respond in an urgent situation
  • Planning an all-day outing with kids to avoid a wide-open day at home
  • Watching your kid fall in love with a new hobby

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Zootopia 2, citric acid

Books & works: Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

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