WHAT'S ON AT BABY TALKS?

EXPLORE KEY THEMES

+ DISCOVER THE 2024 AGENDA

BABY'S HEALTH

Your instinct kicks in the moment you see your little one for the first time - keeping them healthy and thriving is your priority. Yet an overload of often contradictory information can only lead to feelings of helplessness. Be guided by the experts on all aspects of baby's wellbeing at Baby Talks.

POSTPARTUM REALITIES

The hard stuff, the unexpected feelings and taboo topics are as much a part of new parents' lives as the picture-perfect blissful moments. Having the right conversations leads to realistic expectations - join us at Baby Talks as we face the good, the bad and the ugly.

NEW PARENT RESOURCES

It's hard to do your research when you're focusing on keeping a tiny baby alive, on very little sleep. Learning about the services and products that can support you means you're more likely to access them when needed. It takes a village - find it at Baby Talks.

ESSENTIAL CONVERSATIONS

Have the uncomfortable discussions early on. From childcare decisions, juggling work and personal life, to financial considerations and babyproofing, Baby Talks helps you put your cards on the table and make the right choices for your family.

FULL AGENDA

BABY TALKS 2024 AGENDA

ALL YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE WITH BABY

BROWSE OUR MAIN STAGE PANEL DISCUSSIONS + MINI-TALKS SESSIONS

10.00am

∎ Main Stage | 10.00am - 10.15am

Opening Remarks

Speakers

Claire Agius Ordway Baby Talks Host
Donna Cardona MyMama Founder

10.15am

∎ Main Stage | 10.15am - 11.00am

Life After Birth

Childbirth is just the beginning. In this honest and unfiltered discussion, we’ll cover the real challenges new parents face - perinatal mental health, processing a tough birth, and the physical recovery no one talks about. Learn about bonding with your baby, early attachment and navigating those first weeks post-birth with your sanity (mostly) intact. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know about life after bringing baby home.

Speakers

Dr Chiara Frendo Balzan Obstetrician-Gynaecologist
Rebecca Gauci Borda Senior Midwife
Carolyn Sultana Women's Health Physiotherapist
Charlene Aquilina Clinical Psychologist & Family Therapist
Angie Sammut Pharmacist & mum of 2

The first 1000 days

The first 1000 days of a child's life, from conception to age two, are critical for their emotional, social and cognitive development. From an attachment theory perspective, this period forms the foundation of a child's sense of security and relationships. In this short talk we will discuss attachment formation and the pivotal role of parents and caregivers in developing a secure attachment with their child.

Speaker

Graziella Zammit Clinical Psychologist

11.15am

∎ Main Stage | 11.15am - 12.00pm

Solving the Work-Life Puzzle

Balancing work and a new baby is tough, but teamwork makes it easier! Join us for a straight-talking session on splitting parenting duties, understanding maternity and paternity leave, negotiating flexible work, and approaching your boss about working from home. Learn how to have mature, productive conversations with both your partner and employer, ensuring everyone’s on the same page—even if you’re sleep-deprived. This is your guide to thriving at work and home, together.

Speakers

Olivia Bilocca HR Consultant & Systemic Family Therapist
Dr Roselyn Borg Employment Lawyer
Julian Azzopardi Self-employed & 'Learner Dad'
Christina Zammit La Rosa Company Director & 'Default Parent'

∎ Mini-Talks | 11.15am - 11.45am

Happy Eaters - Weaning Q&A

Not sure when and how to introduce solid foods? Join us for a Q&A with our expert midwife who will guide you through the world of weaning. We’ll talk about signs your baby is ready, how to choose the right weaning approach for your family and keeping baby safe as you introduce new foods. Plus, get tips on portion sizes and menu ideas that will make this transition smooth and stress-free. Bring your questions and get the answers you need to feed your little one with confidence.

Speaker

Annabelle Cachia Senior Midwife

Sleep Safety Guide

What’s the safest sleep position for babies? Are cot bumpers safe? Should I swaddle? Join us for a Q&A session where we’ll address these concerns and more, providing the latest paediatric recommendations on creating a safe sleep environment for your baby. From understanding safe sleep environments to reducing the risk of SIDS, this is your chance to get expert advice and practical tips. Bring your questions and gain peace of mind under the guidance of our expert midwife.

Speaker

Chanelle Simiana Senior Midwife

12.15pm

∎ Main Stage | 12.15pm - 01.00pm

Baby's Health Checklist

Get the inside scoop on your baby’s health from our expert panel. We’ll dive into essential topics like vaccinations, common illnesses and skin conditions, along with feeding issues and how to spot the signs of a thriving baby. We’ll also explore the challenges of colic and the importance of developmental milestones. This panel will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to keep your baby happy and healthy!

Speakers

Dr Samuel Aquilina Paediatrician
Catriona Grech Senior Midwife
Claire Galea Paediatric Physiotherapist
Christina Gauci Speech & Language Pathologist

02.30pm

∎ Main Stage | 02.30pm - 03.15pm

Childcare Choices

Deciding between childcare and keeping your little one at home? Don't have any option but to send your baby to childcare and guilt is taking over? Join us for an open discussion tackling often controversial topics including balancing the need to work with parent guilt, and how to find the right childcare center for your family. Learn what questions to ask during childcare centre visits and ask your questions about the free childcare scheme. There are no right or wrong choices - just ones made with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Speakers

Pia Darmanin Early Childhood Consultant & Childcare Centre General Manager
Sarah Jane Cauchi Lil' Ville Childcare General Manager
Clara Attard Formosa Systemic Family Therapist
Catherine Muscat Chief Financial Officer & mum of 3

Parents as Partners - Building a Strong Foundation for your Child's Future

Transitioning into parenthood is a major life-changing milestone!

Dr. Ingrid Lanfranco, a Counselling Psychologist and Family Therapist with over 25 years experience, will look into the crucial role that parents have in the early development of their children, the importance of the couple's relationship, and learning to parent together as a team for the benefit of the child.

Speaker

Dr Ingrid Lanfranco Counselling Psychologist & Family Therapist, and lecturer at the Department of Child & Family Studies (University of Malta)

Sponsored by Committee for Positive Parenting and Strengthening of the Family (MINISTRY FOR SOCIAL POLICY AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS)

∎ Mini-Talks | 03.00pm - 03.30pm

From the Ground Up

Talk about overlooked and underrated - FEET are the foundation of everyday life - both for expectant mums and babies.

Functional Podiatrist Clinton will cover some fun facts and common misconceptions, plus practical tips on how mothers can care for their feet during pregnancy, with simple hacks that can really make a difference. We’ll also look at your child’s feet - from newborn to toddler and their first steps, focusing on how to help them develop STRONG FOUNDATIONS for running, jumping (and maybe even becoming future athletes) with tips on keeping their feet healthy, strong and resilient.

Speaker

Clinton Schembri Francalanza Functional Podiatrist

03.30pm

∎ Main Stage | 03.30pm - 04.15pm

Smarter Family Finances

As your family expands, so do your financial needs. Whether you're a single-income household or financially thriving, this panel will guide you through smart financial planning. We’ll explore how to adjust your budget with a new baby, evaluate various savings options, and tackle the logistics of upgrading your home for more space. Join us to discover how to make informed financial choices that support and secure your family’s future.

Speakers

Luca Caruana Money Coach
Roberta Bellizzi Financial Advisor, BOV

Tips for Colic

Dealing with a colicky baby can be exhausting and confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone. Join our expert midwife for a Q&A session focused on colic. We’ll discuss what colic is, why it happens and most importantly, how to soothe your little one during those tough moments. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS and get practical, compassionate advice on how you can help your baby, while staying sane!

Speaker

Catriona Grech Senior Midwife

04.30pm

∎ Main Stage | 04.30pm - 05.15pm

Keeping Baby Safe

Learning how to be mindful of your little one's safety can feel overwhelming. Join our panel of experts to get practical advice on infant and toddler safety. We’ll cover essential babyproofing tips, accident prevention strategies and crucial first aid techniques every parent should know. Plus, learn about car seat safety for both babies and toddlers to ensure every car trip is as safe as it can be. Equip yourself with the knowledge to protect your growing family!

Speakers

Leanne Halliday Senior Midwife
Catriona Grech Senior Midwife
Rebecca Buttigieg Certified Car Seat Safety Expert

∎ Mini-Talks | 04.30pm - 05.00pm

Supporting Mama - a guide to maternity & nursing bras

Join us for an engaging discussion on an essential yet often overlooked topic - finding comfortable, well-fitting and functional maternity and nursing bras. Professional bra-fitter and Slinky & Co founder Samyra will dive into how wearing the right bra not only offers physical support but also helps mums feel confident during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We’ll focus on everything from recognising body changes and knowing when to shop for a new bra, to the bra fitting process, and understanding different bra styles and functionalities. Unmissable if you're currently pregnant or breastfeeding!

Speaker

Samyra Bonavia Bundy Slinky & Co founder

05.30pm

∎ Main Stage | 05.30pm - 05.45pm

Closing Remarks

Speakers

Claire Agius Ordway Baby Talks Host
Donna Cardona MyMama Founder

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