Next of Kin The Podcast

Hosted by Millie French, Next of Kin

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Next of Kin The Podcast. I’m Millie, a British expat, Mum, and the new face behind Next of Kin. Each week, I’ll be chatting with inspiring guests, experts, and fellow parents about all things motherhood, parenting, business, and life in Dubai. Whether you’re expecting your first baby, navigating the chaos of parenthood, or building a life far from home, this is a space for honest conversations, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. Think of it as a chat with friends who just get it. Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Website: https://nextofkin.ae

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58 recent

October 14, 2026Episode 5648 min

EP 56: Good Babies, Bad Habits & Other Sleep Nonsense | With Lexi from Sleepy Bears

Send us Fan Mail 35-minute naps, feeding to sleep, co-sleeping, contact naps and the dreaded “you're making a rod for your own back” 🙄 If you've ever found yourself Googling wake windows at 2am or wondering whether cuddling your baby to sleep is somehow ruining their future sleep habits, this one's for you. This week I'm joined by Lexi, founder of Sleepy Bears and the lovely lady who's been helping me navigate Gracie's sleep. We get into ALL of it. The pressure to have a baby who sleeps through the night, why those 35-minute naps happen (honestly, where are these babies having two-hour naps?!), and whether we really need to be worrying about all these so-called bad habits. We also chat about safe co-sleeping, responsive sleep support, the difference between being overtired and dysregulated, and why you absolutely don't need to follow every bit of parenting advice thrown your way. I also open up about my own experience with severe sleep deprivation after having Gracie and just how much it affected my mental health. Plus, Lexi answers your questions from the Kin Club, including sibling bedtimes, dropping naps and what to do when both toddlers want mum at the same time. Basically, a good old natter about baby sleep, without the judgement or another impossible routine to follow. Because if it's safe, it's working for your family and everyone's happy, do we really need to change it? A huge thank you to Sublime Nursing for helping with Gracie whilst we recorded. A little bit of childcare meant I could actually sit down and finish a conversation for once! Find Lexi & Sleepy Bears 💤 📲 Follow Lexi on Instagram: @ sleepy.bearsco 💤 Want a little help with your baby's sleep? Book a FREE sleep discovery call with Lexi: https://www.sleepybearsco.com/booking-calendar/free-sleep-discovery-call Free Baby Sleep Guides 📖 Because we could all do with a little less Googling at 2am! ⏰ Free Wake Window Guide Confused about how long your baby should be awake between naps? Lexi's free guide is a great place to start. https://sleepybears.myflodesk.com/wakewindows 🌅 Free Early Waking Guide For anyone whose baby has decided 5am is a perfectly reasonable time to start the day. 😂 https://sleepybears.myflodesk.com/earlywaking Safer Sleep Resources 🛏️ For evidence-based safer sleep guidance, including information about co-sleeping, visit The Lullaby Trust: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/ Lots of love, Millie x Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

September 30, 2026Episode 5557 min

Ep 55: Ok… I Admit It. I Need a Nanny! with Milda from WeNanny

Send us Fan Mail Ok… I admit it. I need a nanny 😂 In this episode, I’m joined by Milda, founder of WeNanny, to talk all about finding, hiring and building a good relationship with a nanny here in the UAE. We chat about where to even start, what to look for, the importance of finding someone who is willing to learn, cultural differences, communication, trust, training and why we can’t expect someone to walk into our home and automatically know exactly how we want our children to be cared for. We also talk about positive parenting, encouraging independence as our children grow, giving feedback and the slightly scary realisation that when you hire a nanny, you also become somebody’s employer and manager. And in true mum-life fashion, Gracie joins us for parts of the episode, so expect a few snuffles, cries and interruptions along the way 😂 If you’re looking for a nanny, thinking about hiring one or already have one and want to build a stronger relationship, this episode is for you. Milda just released an E-book called "Complete UAE Nanny Hiring Guide"! You can ping we_nanny on instagram and she will send you a copy! Find WeNanny: Insta: We_nanny https://www.wenanny.ae/ Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

September 16, 2026Episode 541 hr 7 min

Ep 54: How To Not Hate Your Husband After Having A Baby with Dr Ola

Send us Fan Mail How to Not Hate Your Husband After Having a Baby with Dr Ola Pykhtina We love our husbands… obviously 😂 But becoming parents can completely change the dynamic of a relationship. This week I’m joined by psychologist Dr Ola Pykhtina from The Wellness Hub in Dubai to talk about the side of postpartum relationships that we probably don’t speak about enough. We chat about the mental load of motherhood, resentment, postpartum rage, communication after having a baby, intimacy, why “just tell me what you need” isn’t always helpful, and how dads can be involved right from the beginning. Dr Ola also shares practical tools from the Gottman Method and tells us more about the Bringing Baby Home programme for couples navigating the transition into parenthood. Links mentioned: Dr Ola / The Wellness Hub https://wellnesshub.ae/ Bringing Baby Home https://wellnesshub.ae/couple-therapy-parenting/#bbh The men’s brains vs women’s brains video I mention in the episode 😂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XjUFYxSxDk Dr Ola's Instagram: @drolapykhtina Wellness Hub Instagram: @wellnesshub.ae Dr Ola's Podcast: Wellness Hub Feminine Power Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

September 9, 2026Episode 5349 min

Ep: 53 “Why Snoring in Children Isn’t Cute” with Dr Rafif Tayara

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Next of Kin: The Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Rafif Tayara, paediatric dentist, mum of three and founder of The Pediatric Academy. We chat about her whole-child approach to paediatric dentistry and why oral health is about so much more than just teeth. We get into breathing, sleep, feeding, dummies, jaw development, first dental visits and some of the things we can look out for as parents. I also put some of your Kin Club questions to Dr Tayara, including thumb sucking, overnight feeding and when to start brushing your baby’s teeth. Today’s episode is kindly sponsored by The Pediatric Academy, an evidence-based educational platform bringing together trusted guidance and resources from healthcare professionals across different paediatric specialties. There are also some brilliant guides and free resources available for parents. All mums can also receive 20% off at Junior Dental Clinic, where Dr Rafif Tayara practises. Links: Dr Rafif Tayara: @doctortayara The Pediatric Academy: www.thepediatricacademy.com Junior Dental Clinic: www.juniordental.ae Parent Guides: https://thepediatricacademy.com/en/for-parents/guides Order Dr Tayara’s book: https://rafiftayara.com/order-my-book Follow: @nextofkin.ae @millie_french_ A big thank you to The Pediatric Academy for sponsoring this episode, and to Dr Rafif Tayara for coming on for a natter with me! Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

September 2, 2026Episode 5240 min

Ep 52: “ You’re Not Doing It Wrong”: Newborn Sleep, Breastfeeding & Motherhood with Lisa

Send us Fan Mail This week on Next of Kin: The Podcast, I’m joined by Lisa Adair, founder of Lullabies, and honestly, this is an episode I needed as a new mum myself! Lisa has over 20 years of experience as a NICU nurse and is now an IBCLC lactation consultant and paediatric sleep consultant here in the UAE. She supports families through everything from breastfeeding and sleep to baby massage, antenatal education and starting solids. We get really honest about those exhausting early months of motherhood and the pressure that comes with feeling like you’re constantly doing something “wrong”. We chat about newborn sleep, co-sleeping, breastfeeding, milk supply, comfort sucking and the endless opinions new mums can receive about how they feed and settle their babies. Lisa also explains the difference between a baby being “overtired” and being dysregulated, why sometimes the best thing you can do is simply pick your baby up and help them feel calm, and why there really isn’t one perfect way to parent. We also answer questions from the Kin Club, including what to do when your baby is fighting sleep, how to know whether your baby is actually feeding or comfort sucking, and the pressure mums can feel when choosing formula or breastfeeding. And of course, we finish with the piece of parenting advice Lisa would happily see disappear forever... “Don’t pick your baby up, you’ll spoil them.” Spoiler: Lisa strongly disagrees! In this episode, we talk about: • What newborn sleep really looks like • Co-sleeping and safe sleep • Breastfeeding and milk supply • Comfort sucking vs feeding • The pressure around “breast is best” • Formula feeding without guilt • What to do when your baby is fighting sleep • Overtiredness vs dysregulation • How nursery can help with picky eating • Why there is no one “right” way to parent • Dealing with unsolicited parenting advice • When it might be time to seek professional support About Lisa Lisa Adair is the founder of Lullabies and has over 20 years of experience as a NICU nurse. She is an IBCLC-certified lactation consultant and paediatric sleep consultant, supporting families across Dubai and the UAE. You can find out more about Lisa and the support she offers at lullabies.ae. Instagram: @lullabiesdxb This episode is all about taking some of the pressure off and reminding you that if you’re in those exhausting early months wondering whether you’re doing it right, you probably are doing a much better job than you think. 🩷 Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

August 26, 2026Episode 5127 min

Ep 51: So, How Did I End Up Here?

Send us Fan Mail So, How Did I End Up Here? In this episode, I’m chatting about the whirlwind of the past year, from pregnancy and becoming a first-time mum to moving between the UAE and UK, navigating early motherhood and, somehow, taking over Next of Kin! I’m sharing a little more about my journey so far, the reality of those early weeks with Gracie, and what you can expect from this new chapter of Next of Kin. We’re talking: • Pregnancy & motherhood • Life as an expat in Dubai • The highs and lows of those first few weeks • Taking over Next of Kin • What’s coming up on the podcast • Friday morning play dates with MamaHub Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

August 19, 2026Episode 5035 min

Ep 50: The Next Chapter of Next of Kin: Meet Millie

Send us Fan Mail SPONSORED BY MOM’S PURE MILK Today’s episode is very kindly sponsored by Mom’s Pure Milk. Next of Kin listeners can receive 10% off with code NOK10. Mom’s Pure Milk: https://momspuremilk.com/ NEXT OF KIN THE PODCAST IS BACK! Next of Kin The Podcast is back with a brand new chapter! In this special episode, Emma hands over the podcast and Next of Kin to Millie, a British expat, first-time mum and the new owner of Next of Kin, living between the UK and Dubai, UAE. Join Emma and Millie for an honest catch-up as they chat about how they first met through nursery, how a chance TikTok video brought them back together, and why Millie decided to take on Next of Kin. Millie shares her journey from Yorkshire to Dubai, meeting her Egyptian husband Mina, navigating an intercultural marriage and becoming a first-time mum to Gracie. We also talk about leaving Dubai while heavily pregnant, giving birth in the UK, solo parenting, postpartum mental health, sleep deprivation and the realities of being separated from your partner. Emma also shares an update on Bonnie and reflects on her experience of having a high-needs baby, the pressures around baby sleep and parenting expectations, and why trusting your own instincts as a parent is so important. Finally, we look ahead to the future of Next of Kin and what Millie has planned for the podcast and community. IN THIS EPISODE • Emma officially hands over Next of Kin and the podcast to Millie • How Emma and Millie first met through nursery • The TikTok video that brought them back together • Millie’s journey from Yorkshire to Dubai • Meeting Mina and navigating an intercultural marriage • Becoming a first-time mum to Gracie • Leaving Dubai while heavily pregnant • Giving birth in the UK • Solo parenting and being separated from your partner • Postpartum mental health and sleep deprivation • Emma’s update on Bonnie • Life with a high-needs baby • Baby sleep and the pressures placed on new mums • Trusting your instincts as a parent • The future of Next of Kin, the podcast and the community FOLLOW NEXT OF KIN Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae FOLLOW MILLIE Instagram: @millie_french_ TikTok: @millie_french_ FOLLOW EMMA Instagram: @emmacoulter_ GET IN TOUCH Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

August 20, 2025Episode 4926 min

Ep 49: Season Finale Catch Up

Send us Fan Mail Next of Kin The Podcast is back with season 3! I'm your host Emma, a British Expat, Mumpreneur and toddler Mum, living in Dubai, UAE, and this podcast follows along my own journey raising my daughter and starting my first business. In this solo episode, I invite you to join me on a journey through my personal reflections and life updates. From navigating the unexpected challenges of a road trip to Oman to embracing the joys and trials of motherhood in Dubai, I share candid insights into my struggle to balance it all with the ever changing needs and demands from work and family, adapting to the evolving dynamics of parenting, and my honest plan for the future. Join me for an intimate catch-up as I wrap up season 3. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with relatable stories and valuable lessons for mums in Dubai. Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

July 30, 2025Episode 4840 min

Ep 48: Abbie Kadom, Founder of Hope-Amel. Spreading Hope In The UAE

Send us Fan Mail Next of Kin The Podcast is back with season 3! I'm your host Emma, a British Expat, Mumpreneur and toddler Mum, living in Dubai, UAE, and this podcast follows along my own journey raising my daughter and starting my first business. Today I’m joined by Abbie Kadom , founder of Hope-Amel, a Dubai-based non-profit organisation supporting Mothers and families who are struggling and in need of support. This year marks 5 years since Hope-Amel was founded, and in this special episode, we reflect on its beginnings, impact, and what lies ahead. Abbie shares the deeply personal and tragic story that led her to start Hope-Amel, and how she channelled her own struggles into a mission to support others. We discuss: The emotional backstory behind Hope-Amel's founding A story of hope for single Mothers What it's like to support others while still healing yourself The realities of running a grassroots organisation in the UAE Hope-Amel’s mission and milestones over the past five years Abbie’s message for anyone looking to find purpose How to help others in need in the UAE What to do with old householder baby items in UAE This is an incredibly moving and inspiring conversation that shines a light on the strength found in vulnerability, and the hope that can grow from even the darkest of places. Links: Hope-Amel Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/602454400745177 Hope-Amel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_amel_uae_/ Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4

July 9, 2025Episode 4756 min

Ep 47: Tips for Toddlerhood with Louise @parentprospercoaching

Send us Fan Mail Next of Kin The Podcast is back with season 3! I'm your host Emma, a British Expat, Mumpreneur and toddler Mum, living in Dubai, UAE, and this podcast follows along my own journey raising my daughter and starting my first business. Today I am joined by Louise Hurley from @parentprospercoaching - a certified parenting coach, former teacher, and mum of two, based in Dubai. Louise specialises in helping parents in the UAE build calmer, more connected relationships with their toddlers. In this episode, we’re diving into the realities of toddlerhood, especially for expat families raising young children in Dubai and across the UAE. Louise shares her journey from confident educator to overwhelmed mum, and how she turned things around using parenting strategies rooted in child development research. We discuss: Why toddlerhood is such an emotionally intense phase (for both parents and children!) Saying 'no' when you really want to avoid a meltdown Why your child’s behaviour is linked to how they feel, not just what they “know” How to build confidence in shy children How to support the more sensitive and strong-willed toddlers Tantrums, meltdowns, big emotions... whatever you want to call it, it's intense for parents and kids, how should we navigate these? If you're looking for toddler parenting support in Dubai or the wider UAE, this episode is a must-listen. Links: Parent Prosper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentprospercoaching/ Parent Prosper Website: https://www.parentprospercoaching.me/ Support the show Website: https://nextofkin.ae Instagram: @nextofkin.ae Millie's Personal Instagram: @millie_french_ Millie's TikTok: @millie_french_ Emma's Instagram: @emmacoulter_ Email: podcast@nextofkin.ae Join The Kin Club Whatsapp group! Be part of the conversation... https://chat.whatsapp.com/CisHo03m0h80AS7WY6tqu0?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4