The Birth Lounge Podcast

Ready to prepare for labor like nobody has before? Head to https://www.thebirthlounge.com/laborlive  "How will I know if I'm in labor?" If you've asked yourself this question fifty times already, you're not alone, and I promise it's not because you're missing something obvious. There's no single "poof" moment. No one clear sign that says this is it. Losing your mucus plug, bloody show, even being 3–4 cm dilated can all happen days before active labor actually starts. In this episode, I'm breaking down what's actually happening in early labor and why it feels so confusing. I'll share my own story of sitting at dinner with intense contractions that just... stopped once I rested. (Yes, that happens. No, it doesn't mean anything's wrong.) I'm walking you through how to tell Braxton Hicks from true labor contractions, not just by how they feel, but by their pattern, their predictability, and where you feel them in your body. We'll talk about how hydration, rest, and magnesium can actually help calm things down when it's not time yet. And I'll help you reframe early labor as something you get to live through with a plan, instead of something you're anxiously waiting to survive. I'll also cover when it's actually time to call your provider, and introduce Labor Live, starting September 1, an interactive birth simulation built to help you practice real-time labor decisions before you're actually making them. Because the goal isn't to memorize every possible symptom. It's to know your body well enough to trust yourself when the moment comes. 00:00 False Alarm Contractions 01:00 Why Labor Feels Confusing 02:17 No Single Labor Sign 02:43 Mucus Plug and Bloody Show 03:43 Braxton Hicks vs Labor 05:52 How Contractions Feel Different 07:30 Dilation Isn't Labor 08:54 Waters Breaking Matters 10:00 Early Labor Game Plan 11:57 Symptom Stack and When to Call 13:29 You'll Feel the Shift 14:07 Labor Live Simulation 17:07 Wrap Up and Key Patterns 18:29 Final Thanks and Subscribe SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe gets real about one of the most uncomfortable and misunderstood parts of postpartum life: intrusive thoughts. If you've ever had a scary, unwanted thought pop into your head after having a baby and immediately wondered, “What is wrong with me?!”, you are absolutely not alone. HeHe sits down with Špela Grašič, a registered clinical counselor and new mom who has lived with OCD herself, to unpack the difference between common postpartum intrusive thoughts and postpartum OCD. They talk about why so many new parents experience unwanted thoughts about something happening to their baby, and why having an intrusive thought does not mean you want it to happen or make you more likely to act on it. Špela shares her own experience with vivid postpartum intrusive thoughts and explains how OCD can be sneaky, showing up not just through obvious behaviors, but through mental compulsions, reassurance-seeking, checking, avoidance, and constantly trying to make sure you're a “good enough” or safe parent. Together, HeHe and Špela explore how hormones, sleep deprivation, hypervigilance, stress, and the enormous responsibility of caring for a tiny human can all contribute to postpartum intrusive thoughts. They also share practical ways to respond when those thoughts show up, including naming and externalizing them, grounding, breathing, values-based strategies, and finding a therapist who actually understands OCD and perinatal mental health. Most importantly, this episode is about taking the shame out of thoughts you never asked for. Postpartum OCD can be misunderstood or mistaken for anxiety or depression, so knowing what to look for and getting the right support matters. If you've ever been afraid to tell someone what your brain is doing because you're scared they'll judge you, this conversation is for you. You deserve support, you deserve answers, and you do not have to navigate the weird, scary, overwhelming parts of postpartum alone. Chapters: 00:00 You Are Not Broken 01:24 Why Mental Health Feels Taboo 03:12 Meet Špela and Today’s Goals 05:55 Taboo Intrusive Thoughts Explained 07:04 Real Postpartum OCD Stories 10:45 Reassurance and The Data 12:03 Host’s Bank Trigger Moment 16:01 Why Intrusive Thoughts Happen 19:19 Hypervigilance and Bias Battles 30:12 Birth Lounge App Break 34:29 Back to OCD Postpartum Changes 34:43 Postpartum OCD Flareups 35:19 Miscarriage Intrusions Explained 37:47 Compulsions and Leniency 42:09 Reassurance Versus Exposure 48:26 Support and Resources Wrap   Guest Bio: Spela Grasic is a new mom and a Registered Clinical Counsellor from Kelowna, BC (Canada). Her journey into mental health started over a decade ago when a friend said, “maybe you should talk to someone.” (Yes, like the book.) She did and, over time, transformed her relationship with herself and her thoughts. She now sits with others as they learn to hold, untangle, and tend to all the messy, painful stuff. Spela holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Master of Arts in English from the University of British Columbia (Okanagan). Her S.S.H.R.C funded MA (English) research explored the novel as a space where communities can explore intergenerational trauma encapsulated in everyday interactions, institutions, and languages. Professional qualifications aside, Spela is a quirky, sometimes awkward, new mom, partner, sister, daughter, and friend navigating the messiness of a rich and fulfilling life. Connect with Spela: https://www.instagram.com/spelagrasiccounselling/ https://bcacc.ca/counsellors/spela-grasic/ https://alivecounselling.com/team/spela-grasic/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Spela on IG: https://www.instagram.com/spelagrasiccounselling/    BIRTH EDUCATION: Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection LINKS MENTIONED: Listen to our episode on intrusive thoughts w/ Dr. Kat:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivM-Iqv1qK0  international iCBT foundation: https://icbt.online/  International OCD Foundation:  https://iocdf.org/ The Happiness Trap: https://thehappinesstrap.com/ https://www.instagram.com/anxietyocdtreatment/ Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/

Free Class: How to Avoid an Unnecessarean  HeHe is bringing back an updated version of her most-requested birth class with a fresh update of her best strategies for reducing your risk of an unnecessary C-section, plus how to confidently navigate interventions and decisions in the hospital. Join her live August 19 at 1:30 PM ET at thebirthlounge.com/freecall. In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down one of the most frustrating labels you can hear in labor: “failure to progress.” Because taking longer than expected does NOT automatically mean your labor is failing. HeHe walks through what ACOG actually considers an active-phase arrest, including the 6 cm threshold, ruptured membranes, and how much time without cervical change is actually needed before calling labor stalled. She also breaks down why the clock can become your biggest enemy in the hospital and how slow labor progress can sometimes turn into an unnecessary C-section simply because everyone gets impatient. You’ll learn practical ways to support your body and your baby’s positioning, from staying upright and changing positions to resting, eating, drinking, and laboring at home longer when it’s safe to do so. HeHe also talks about amniotomy, why breaking your water isn't always the harmless "next step," and why feeling safe and supported can make a HUGE difference in how your labor unfolds. Most importantly, this episode is about knowing when you actually need intervention and when you simply need more time. HeHe shares how to look at your provider’s and hospital’s C-section rates, ask better questions, and choose a care team that understands that every labor is different. 01:23 Welcome & Free Class Announcement 04:26 What Is Failure to Progress? 07:39 Understanding ACOG Guidelines 09:27 Physical Tips to Avoid Failure to Progress 17:53 Rest & Nourishment During Labor 20:04 The Risks of Amniotomy 26:26 Feeling Safe in Your Birth Environment 28:23 Finding the Right Provider & C-Section Rates 34:46 Final Thoughts & Outro SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/    BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Find your hospitals c-section rate here: https://ratings.leapfroggroup.org/  

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with veteran midwife, doula trainer, and author Shafia Monroe, aka Mama Shafia, to talk about something we don’t talk about nearly enough: who is taking care of the mother after she has the baby? After a decade of supporting more than 2,000 families, HeHe knows firsthand that birth doesn’t end when the baby arrives. And Mama Shafia has spent decades studying and practicing the kind of community-based midwifery and postpartum care that treats the mother like someone who needs to be cared for, too. Together, they unpack what traditional postpartum support has looked like across cultures, from rest and warmth to keeping baby close, nourishing the mother, and surrounding her with a whole village of support. Mama Shafia shares her journey into midwifery, the lessons she learned from birth workers across the world, and what other countries can teach us about caring for mothers and babies. They also get real about the ways the U.S. maternal healthcare system has made that kind of care harder to access, including hospital closures, limited midwifery access, lack of paid maternity leave, legal barriers, and the loss of important birth skills. And then we get into the postpartum piece that HeHe is especially passionate about: why are we expecting a brand-new mom to take care of everyone else when she is the one who just gave birth? They talk about the importance of rest, warmth, skin-to-skin, community support, letting other people care for YOU, and rebuilding a village when your own mom or family isn't available. If you've ever wondered why postpartum can feel so lonely, overwhelming, or wildly different from what you expected, this conversation will make you rethink what we consider “normal” after birth. Because maybe the problem isn't that new moms aren't doing enough. Maybe we've stopped mothering the mother.   Guest Bio: Shafia Monroe is a Master of Public Health, author, veteran midwife, doula trainer, medicine woman, wife, mother and grandmother. She answered her call to be a healer as a young girl taking care of the elderly and stray animal. She founded the first national Black midwives organization in 1991, in 2011 she created Shafia Monroe Consulting personal development, and motivational speaking. And in 2017’ she launched SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Training to teach traditional birth and postpartum traditions, to improve infant and maternal, and honor the legacy of the 20th century African American midwife. Since 2002 she has trained over 5000 doulas. Her mission is to bring healing and happiness to every new mother and increase the number of doulas and midwives who will care for them. In her spare time, she grows medicinal herbs and fragrant flowers and fishes with her husband. On January 27, 2026, she published her book, “Mothering the Mother, African American Postpartum Traditions, Recipes, and Healing,” changing how the country looks at postpartum care.   Connect with Mama Shafia here: https://shafiamonroe.com/   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Mama Shafia on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shafiamonroe/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with registered nurse, birth advocate, and Girls Who Know founder Laurisa Paul for a powerful conversation about changing birth culture long before pregnancy ever begins. After experiencing two intervention-heavy hospital births, Laurisa's perspective on birth completely shifted through an unmedicated birth and later home births that showed her just how capable and intuitive our bodies can be. That journey inspired her to create Girls Who Know, an organization dedicated to helping girls grow up trusting their bodies instead of fearing them. Together, HeHe and Laurisa explore why body literacy, consent, anatomy, menstrual health, and birth education shouldn't start in adulthood... they should start in childhood. They discuss how teaching girls to understand their bodies from a young age can lay the foundation for more confident healthcare decisions, healthier relationships, and more empowered birth experiences later in life. They also talk about why boys deserve this education, too, and how raising an informed generation can help create more supportive partners, stronger families, and a healthier culture around birth. The conversation also covers practical ways parents can encourage body confidence at home, why using anatomically correct language matters, how to normalize conversations about puberty and birth without shame, and the resources Girls Who Know offers to families, schools, and communities. Whether you're raising daughters, sons, or simply dreaming of a future where the next generation enters pregnancy feeling informed instead of fearful, this episode is a beautiful reminder that birth education doesn't begin with a positive pregnancy test... it begins with how we teach our children to know, trust, and advocate for their bodies.   Guest Bio: Laurisa Paul is a Registered Nurse, homebirth and midwife advocate and the founder of Girls Who Know®, an organization that inspires girls to love who they are and trust their bodies. Medically trained, Laurisa stumbled across home birth when she was actively seeking for better birth experiences. After personally giving birth in multiple settings, she shifted outside mainstream medicine and began attending homebirths as a midwife assistant. Laurisa has a deep passion for supporting women and connecting with those she loves. She resides in Texas, where she is a mother of four almost-grown sons and one delightful daughter. Laurisa and her team at Girls Who Know® are improving childbirth outcomes through the education of girls while they are young. Connect with Laurisa: girlswhoknow.com, @officialgirlswhoknow.com, SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Laurisa on IG: https://www.instagram.com/officialgirlswhoknow   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Interview with Dr. Stu: https://thehighwire.com/ark-videos/the-crisis-in-modern-maternity-care-dr-stu-fischbein/ Get the book, Periods and Vaginas 101: https://shop.periodnirvana.com/products/vaginas-and-periods-101-a-pop-up-book

  In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into a conversation that's been weighing heavily on her heart since becoming a mom herself: how do we raise boys who grow into emotionally healthy, respectful, and compassionate men? After reflecting on the rise of "boy mom culture" and the messages it often sends about sons, relationships, and masculinity, HeHe sits down with perinatal mental health therapist and mom of five boys, Breeze Weasel, creator of the Better Boys Project. Together, they explore what it actually means to raise boys in today's world. From teaching consent and emotional intelligence to encouraging accountability, empathy, and healthy communication, they discuss how parents can intentionally break generational cycles and help their sons build strong, respectful relationships throughout their lives. HeHe and Breeze also unpack the influence of social media and the "manosphere," why difficult conversations about bodies, puberty, and respect can't wait until the teenage years, and how creating a home where kids feel safe asking questions can protect them from harmful messaging elsewhere. They talk about the importance of repairing after conflict, modeling healthy apologies, and showing children that mistakes don't define us... it's how we respond to them that matters. They also offer encouragement for parents navigating imperfect situations, including co-parenting challenges and relationships where emotional growth isn't always shared equally. Because while we can't control every influence our children will encounter, we can create a home where empathy, curiosity, respect, and accountability are lived out every day. Whether you're raising boys, girls, or both, this episode is a thoughtful reminder that we're not just raising children... we're shaping the adults they'll one day become. And the conversations we have today have the power to change generations.   Guest Bio: Breeze is a perinatal mental health therapist, content creator, and mother of 5. She loves creating content about being a millennial, mom, therapist, and comedy (sometimes dark humor because… the state of the world). She is currently in the middle of a series called “The Better Boys Project” where she records conversations about important topics - anything from privilege to menstruation - with her boys to help encourage others to do the same, and raise men who will help in the dismantling of the patriarchy. Follow her if you love: laughs, nostalgia about millennial childhood, feminism + anti-patriarchy content, reality tv takes, and talking shit about the government. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Breeze on IG: https://www.instagram.com/breezleweezle_/ Connect with Breeze on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breezleweezle?lang=en   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

Building your baby registry? Grab HeHe's free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide before you add another item to your cart. After spending more than 60 hours researching everything from car seats and strollers to bottles, bedding, and baby gear, HeHe created a registry focused on reducing toxic load, avoiding unnecessary purchases, and choosing products that are actually worth the investment. Download the complete guide, including her favorite products and exactly why she chose them, at thebirthlounge.com/registry. In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe shares the low-tox changes she made before pregnancy that helped her feel more intentional about reducing her family's toxic load... without turning life upside down. If you've ever wanted to make healthier choices but felt completely overwhelmed by all the conflicting information online, this episode is for you. HeHe walks through the mindset that helped her focus on progress instead of perfection, explaining why she didn't change everything overnight and how small, sustainable swaps can make a meaningful difference over time. She shares the biggest changes she made before and during pregnancy, from prioritizing whole foods, protein, and key nutrients to switching to cleaner coffee, choosing a high-quality prenatal, and being more mindful about plastics and microplastics in the kitchen. She also talks through simple swaps for laundry detergent, household cleaners, skincare, makeup, toothpaste, and clothing, along with the products she decided weren't worth stressing over. Throughout the episode, HeHe reminds listeners that low-tox living isn't about fear or achieving a "perfect" home. It's about making informed choices, reducing your family's overall exposure where you can, and giving yourself permission to start with the changes that matter most. Whether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, building your baby registry, or simply looking for practical ways to create a healthier home, this episode is packed with realistic, evidence-informed ideas that meet you exactly where you are. 00:00 Detergent Wake Up Call 01:30 Non Toxic Registry Plug 05:14 Solo Cast Updates 06:30 Listener Questions Preview 07:51 Low Tox Fertility Plan 11:08 Food Minerals Coffee 15:00 Prenatal And Liver Pills 19:30 Plastics And Microplastics 23:18 Detergents And Cleaners 26:16 Makeup Hair Body Swaps 31:55 Natural Fabrics Dilemma 35:28 Heavy Hitters Mindset 39:13 Cravings And Wrap Up 40:47 Final Outro And Thanks   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Other Episodes Mentioned: Listen to Ep. 447: Microplastics in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Babies with Dana Zhaxylykova here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ4dI5Y7XWk   Listen to our episode with Health Illie: https://youtu.be/2njnfdlUa8Q?si=5qk3GpprT33LZQsd   Listen to episode 362 to learn about Retinol in pregnancy: https://youtu.be/_HxLknJGHGs?si=--db3Qw_XL91Qhxx   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app  

Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe tackles one of the most emotional (and surprisingly common) parts of becoming a parent: setting boundaries with the people you love. After becoming a mom herself, HeHe experienced firsthand how quickly family dynamics can shift after a baby arrives. That's why she's joined by Instagram creator and Gen X grandmother Mom Mom Maria, who has become a trusted voice for helping parents and grandparents build healthier, more respectful relationships during the postpartum season. Together, they unpack some of the biggest boundary challenges new parents face, from grandparents calling your baby "my baby" and sharing pregnancy or birth news without permission to expecting unlimited access, pushing for sleepovers, or dismissing your parenting choices with, "Well, we did it this way." HeHe and Mom Mom Maria also share practical strategies for setting boundaries without guilt, responding confidently in the moment, presenting a united front with your partner, and navigating family members who struggle to respect your decisions. They talk about the difference between healthy support and entitlement, why consequences sometimes become necessary, and how protecting your peace in postpartum isn't selfish... it's one of the greatest gifts you can give your growing family. Whether you're pregnant and preparing for these conversations or already navigating complicated family dynamics, this episode will leave you feeling more confident protecting your postpartum experience while creating healthier relationships for everyone involved. Guest Bio: Alexis is on a mission to heal motherhood. As a manifesting generator (iykyk), Alexis achieves this mission in a variety of ways. From business support services for those aligning with her mission, to teaching children and their families social and emotional regulation skills, to helping moms create their own healing plan. Alexis believes firmly that every person is unique and helps them find what works for each individual. Alexis offers birth story debriefs for mothers and doulas, as well as a completely free course and workbook for new moms to complete with their support system. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Mom Mom Maria on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mommom.maria https://www.facebook.com/people/MomMom-Maria/61577327715507/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

We're bringing back one of our most-loved conversations because the truth is... every parent deserves to know all of their options before labor begins. Whether you're hoping for an unmedicated birth, planning an epidural, or simply want to feel prepared for whatever your birth unfolds, this episode is packed with evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions with confidence. In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Nicole Rankins for a balanced, judgment-free conversation about pain management in the hospital. Together, they break down the full spectrum of comfort measures available during labor, from epidurals and IV medications to nitrous oxide and non-medicated coping techniques, while discussing the benefits, limitations, and considerations of each. They also dive into common misconceptions about epidurals, how different pain relief options can impact labor, and why understanding your choices before contractions begin can help you feel more confident, empowered, and in control throughout your birth experience. Whether you're planning your first birth or preparing for another, this conversation is a reminder that there's no "right" way to give birth. The best choice is the one that's informed, intentional, and aligned with your goals. Guest Bio Dr. Nicole Rankins is a board-certified OB-GYN, childbirth educator, and host of the All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast. A Duke University-trained physician with more than two decades of experience delivering babies, she's passionate about helping parents understand their options so they can make informed, confident decisions throughout pregnancy and birth. Through her podcast, courses, and educational resources, Dr. Nicole empowers families with evidence-based information while championing patient autonomy and shared decision-making. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Rankins on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolerankins BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Hayley Kava, founder of UMA Pelvic Health, to tackle one of the most common pregnancy complaints that doesn't get nearly enough attention: SI joint pain. If you've been told pregnancy pain is "just part of it," this conversation is your reminder that you don't have to simply suffer through it. Hayley explains what's actually happening in your pelvis during pregnancy, why SI joint pain develops, and how your pelvic floor, core, ribcage, breathing, and overall movement patterns all work together. Together, HeHe and Hayley break down why treating the pelvis in isolation often misses the bigger picture, how pregnancy hormones and your changing biomechanics influence pain, and why small changes to the way you move, stand, breathe, and rest can make a huge difference. They also discuss practical tools like SI belts, belly support bands, Pilates balls, yoga blocks, and gentle movement strategies, along with when those tools can help... and when they might not. Hayley also shares why pelvic floor physical therapy isn't just about internal exams (and yes, those are always optional), how to build a supportive birth team, and why individualized care is one of the best investments you can make during pregnancy. Whether you're already dealing with pelvic pain or hoping to prevent it, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based strategies to help you move more comfortably, feel more supported, and better understand your changing body throughout pregnancy. 00:00 Stop Blaming Pelvic Floor 01:03 Pelvic Floor Basics 01:56 Meet Hayley Kava 03:19 Why SI Pain Matters 06:43 SI Joint Anatomy 09:18 Normal Asymmetry Patterns 12:20 Pubic Pain and Rolling 15:52 Inhibit Then Retrain 17:56 Rubiks Cube Body Model 20:10 Stop Bracing to Sneeze 21:34 Pregnancy Posture Fixes 25:31 Preparing for Labor Moves 29:14 Build Your Care Team 33:39 Pregnancy Compensation Patterns 34:36 Spotting Habitual Postures 36:46 Mindful Pain Check Ins 38:29 Shifting Stance And Sitting 41:29 Tension Beyond Pelvic Floor 43:23 Guarding And SI Joint Myths 46:16 Ribs Hip And Big Picture 47:57 Internal Exam Is Optional 50:38 Daily Tools And Movement 56:43 Services Access And Wrap Up   Guest Bio: Hayley became a pelvic floor therapist in 2017 after a birth injury opened her eyes to the limitations in traditional pelvic rehab. Hayley took her Postural Restoration and Sports Medicine background and dug deep into the literature. Over the years developing an integrative whole person method to treat the pelvic floor. She has become passionate about sharing this method with not only her clients and staff but to the masses via social media, online classes and various trainings for clinicians looking to take a different approach to pelvic rehab. You can learn more about those offerings at hayleykavapt.com   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Hayley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykavapt/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS AND RESEARCH MENTIONED: www.umapelvichealth.com www.hayleykavapt.com Kiapour A, Joukar A, Elgafy H, Erbulut DU, Agarwal AK, Goel VK. Biomechanics of the Sacroiliac Joint: Anatomy, Function, Biomechanics, Sexual Dimorphism, and Causes of Pain. Int J Spine Surg. 2020 Feb 10;14(Suppl 1):3-13. doi: 10.14444/6077. PMID: 32123652; PMCID: PMC7041664. Joukar, Amin MS∗; Shah, Anoli MS∗; Kiapour, Ali PhD∗; Vosoughi, Ardalan Seyed MS∗; Duhon, Bradley MD†; Agarwal, Anand K. MD∗; Elgafy, Hossein MD∗; Ebraheim, Nabil MD∗; Goel, Vijay K. PhD∗. Sex Specific Sacroiliac Joint Biomechanics During Standing Upright: A Finite Element Study. SPINE 43(18):p E1053-E1060, September 15, 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002623

Ep. 468: The Know Your Rights Map: Obstetrical Violence, Birth Trauma, and Patient Rights in the Hospital Birth Room with Cristen Pascucci [Re-Air of Ep. 203] In this Birth Lounge Podcast episode, host HeHe interviews Kristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly, about birth trauma and obstetric violence in hospital birth. They discuss trauma as a self-defined response that overwhelms the system, common trauma/PTSD symptoms (intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, physical reactions, triggers including the hospital or even the baby), and the overlap with prior sexual trauma. Pascucci explains obstetric violence as appropriation of the birthing person’s body and subordination through coercion, manipulation, pressure, disrespect, and power dynamics, ranging from jokes about birth plans to forced procedures; vaginal exams without true informed consent are highlighted as a common example. They also cover reporting options (hospital complaints, state licensing boards, lawsuits) and why accountability is often limited, including low disciplinary rates and barriers to malpractice cases, and share resources at birthmonopoly.com including an obstetric violence map. 00:00 Accountability and Advocacy 02:06 Informed Consent Basics 04:09 Meet Cristen Pascucci 05:34 What Birth Trauma Means 09:23 Trauma Symptoms and Triggers 16:13 Defining Obstetric Violence 20:13 The Pyramid of Harm 21:39 Common Example Vaginal Exams 33:02 Reporting and Medical Boards 45:29 Resources and Closing   Guest Bio: A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and Birth Monopoly's Doula Power group, co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, and, from 2012 to 2016, vice president of national advocacy organization Improving Birth. She has run an emergency hotline for women facing threats to their legal rights in childbirth, created a viral consumer campaign to “Break the Silence” on trauma and abuse in childbirth, and helped put obstetric violence and the maternity care crisis in national media. Today, she is a leading voice for women giving birth, speaking around the country and consulting privately for consumers and professionals on issues related to birth rights and options. Cristen​ ​is also the host of Birth Allowed Radio as well as executive producer of a documentary film planned for release in 2020 to start a national conversation on obstetric violence, birth trauma, and women's rights in birth. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Cristen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/birthmonopoly facebook.com/birthmonopoly BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe welcomes back perinatal therapist Ashley Mariani for a conversation that isn't happening nearly enough: the relationship between sexuality, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. So often, our culture either completely ignores sexuality in motherhood or hypersexualizes birth in ways that don't actually serve women. HeHe and Ashley explore what it looks like to honor your sexuality as a natural, embodied part of pregnancy, labor, birth, and beyond, and why that relationship with yourself doesn't simply disappear once your baby arrives. Together, they dive into the realities of rebuilding intimacy after birth, navigating breastfeeding, co-sleeping, body changes, exhaustion, and the identity shifts that come with becoming parents. They also unpack how these experiences impact relationships, why desire often changes postpartum, and how couples can reconnect without shame, pressure, or unrealistic expectations. Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or years into parenthood, this conversation offers a compassionate, honest look at one of the most overlooked parts of the motherhood journey and reminds you that your identity, your relationship, and your sexuality all deserve care, too. 00:54 Content Warning and Space 03:08 Guest and Episode Focus 06:42 Sex Taboo and Real Support 09:21 Sex and Birth Connection 12:23 Purity Culture Origins 14:44 Porn Culture and Pregnancy 21:37 Postpartum Porn and Healing 34:37 Sex Positive Parenting 35:51 Co Sleeping and Desire 39:52 Spontaneous Intimacy Ideas 41:57 Free Birth Advocacy Class 43:41 Postpartum Desire Differences 46:32 Playful Safe Flirting 49:29 Two Year Desire Timeline 52:21 When Therapy Is Refused 56:29 Family Origins And Shame 01:00:46 Misogyny Porn And Incel Culture 01:05:16 Relearning Embodiment Postpartum 01:10:50 Breaking Cycles With Communication 01:12:32 Vaginal Mapping And Tiny Bites 01:17:28 Wrap Up Resources And Farewell   Guest Bio: Ashley Mariani, a Registered Social Worker, mom, wife, and the owner of Mind Online Therapy. She’s been practicing virtually since 2018—long before it was trendy—and she’s known for a nervous-system-first approach that’s practical, grounded, and refreshingly free of fluff. Ashley’s work focuses on couples therapy, intimacy, anxiety, trauma, and perinatal mental health, with a strong emphasis on co-regulation, stress physiology, and shame-free conversations about what’s really happening beneath conflict. She’s also a birth trauma advocate, helping bring language, validation, and support to an experience that’s often minimized or misunderstood. Ashley is the voice behind The Rogue Therapist, where she delivers bold, honest education for people who are done performing their healing.   Connect with Ashley: Mindonline.ca SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Mind Online on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindonline.ca/ Connect with Ashley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/therogue.therapist/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe continues her series on one of the most requested and emotionally charged topics in parenting: vaccines. She's joined by pediatrician and The Vaccine Book author, Dr. Bob Sears, for a thoughtful conversation about vaccine schedules, informed consent, and why so many parents feel caught between asking questions and feeling heard. Together, they explore how vaccine recommendations have evolved over time, what influences the current childhood vaccine schedule, and why trust between families and the medical system has become increasingly strained. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sears shares his perspective on topics including timing of vaccination, measles and the MMR vaccine, herd immunity, newborn protection strategies, breastfeeding antibodies, and questions many parents have about vaccine ingredients, package inserts, MTHFR, and vaccine safety research. He also discusses why some families seek individualized approaches to vaccination and what he believes parents should consider when making decisions with their healthcare provider. As with every episode in this series, this conversation is not intended to tell you what decisions to make for your family. Instead, HeHe's goal is to create space for respectful discussion, equip parents with information, and encourage thoughtful conversations with trusted healthcare providers so you can make informed decisions that align with your family's values. Whether you're firmly decided, still gathering information, or simply curious about the questions many parents are asking, this episode invites you into a conversation centered on nuance, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue. 00:00 Vaccine Indoctrination Claim 01:08 Advocacy Scripts for Birth 04:22 Vaccine Series and Guest Intro 11:42 Why Trust Broke Down 39:24 Vaccines and Immune System Theory 49:35 Why MMR Hits Hard 52:18 Measles Risk and Nutrition 56:42 Vaccine Side Effects Data Gap 01:01:13 Herd Immunity Myth 01:04:31 Newborn Cocooning and Shedding 01:11:35 Pregnancy Vaccine Repeat Doses 01:14:43 MTHFR and Vaccine Decisions 01:20:18 Will Diseases Return 01:23:43 Finding Like Minded Care 01:26:35 Resources and Farewell Guest Bio: Dr. Bob Sears is a pediatrician, vaccine educator, and author of The Vaccine Book. He earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine and did his pediatric internship and residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. With the ongoing threat of mandatory vaccination laws, Dr. Bob’s mission is to insure that all families worldwide receive complete, objective, and un-doctored informed consent before they choose vaccination and that people everywhere retain the freedom to make healthcare decisions for themselves and their children.   https://drbobsears.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Dr. Sears on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drbobsears BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin   Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.vaclib.org/basic/health/patientchoicedoctors.htm Just the Inserts website: find vaccine inserts on this website and vaccine friendly Pediatricians  Dr. Green mom’s list of vaccine friendly Pediatricians: https://drgreenmom.com/find-a-vaccine-friendly-doctor/  

Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles. In this episode, HeHe sits down with international parenting coach Mary Van Geffen for a conversation every parent of a “spicy” child needs to hear. 💜 We’re talking about the strong-willed, deeply feeling, highly perceptive kids who are often labeled “too much,” “difficult,” or “defiant” when really… they just experience the world differently. HeHe opens up about her own experience growing up labeled as a strong-willed child and how years of psychology education, therapy, and nervous system work helped her realize the problem was never that she was “bad.” More often, parents simply weren’t given the tools, support, or understanding needed to parent kids with intense temperaments. Together, HeHe and Mary unpack what’s actually happening beneath tantrums, power struggles, emotional explosions, and big reactions. They talk about nervous systems, attachment, triggers rooted in our own childhoods, and why “connect before you direct” changes everything when parenting highly sensitive or persistent kids. You’ll also hear practical conversations around boundaries that are calm and firm, respectful parenting vs. permissive parenting, repairing after conflict, parenting teenagers with curiosity instead of control, and how to regulate yourself before trying to regulate your child. This episode is validating, healing, and packed with practical tools for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy kids without shame, fear, or constant power struggles. And if you’ve ever worried that your child is “too much” or that you’re somehow failing as a parent… this conversation is going to feel like a giant exhale. 💜   Guest Bio: Mary Van Geffen is the international parenting coach for Moms of Spicy Ones®️, as well as a legit Spicy One herself. She wrote the book on thriving when your child ‘s needs feel overwhelming titled, Parenting A Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Wonderfully Strong-Willed and Deep Feeling Kid. (The book is Amazon’s 2026 top new release in both Motherhood and Parenting School Aged Children!) Mary’s work helps parents practice the spiritual discipline of staying calm, kind, and firm with their strong-willed kids - especially when they don't deserve it. She combines her training as a Simplicity Parenting counselor and Professional Co-Active Coach with hard-earned personal experience raising her own spirited daughter and mild-mannered son.She has transformed the lives of over eight thousand mothers with her on-line support group Moms of Spicy Ones Academy that includes hours of on-demand digital parenting classes and group coaching. Mary shares daily inspiration for loving your child and yourself with her 400,000 followers on Instagram. Her greatest achievement is cultivating a connected relationship with both her adult Spicy One child and her Spicy One Enneagram 8 mother. Connect with Mary:  maryvangeffen.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Mary on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryvangeffen BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

If you're exhausted from wondering whether your baby's sleep is normal, you're not alone. That's exactly why I created the Newborn Sleep Solution. It's an evidence-based guide that walks you through newborn sleep, wake windows, naps, feeding, and what's actually realistic in those first few months, so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start feeling confident. Grab it at https://www.thebirthlounge.com/newbornsleep  In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe gets real about three things that completely caught her off guard in motherhood now that she's 6-7 months postpartum. She opens up about how becoming a mom unexpectedly changed her friendships, why some of the people she thought would show up haven't, and how fellow moms have become some of her biggest sources of support. She also shares the surprising emotions that come up when people chalk her postpartum experience, baby's temperament, sleep, or travel success up to "luck" instead of recognizing the intentional, evidence-based choices behind them. Finally, HeHe reflects on something she never expected to feel: how little she misses her pre-baby life. While motherhood has absolutely stretched and challenged her, she talks honestly about why she's never wanted to "go back," how becoming Saggy's mom has shifted her priorities, and what it's looked like to intentionally build a life and business that support both her family and the community she loves serving. If you've ever wondered whether your friendships will change after baby, felt frustrated when your hard work gets dismissed as luck, or found yourself navigating the identity shift that comes with becoming a parent, this episode is an honest reminder that you're not alone. It might just leave you feeling a little more seen. 00:00 Three Things I Can’t Shake 00:57 Free Advocacy Scripts 04:12 Explicit Language Warning 04:32 Mindfucks of Motherhood Intro 05:37 Mom Friends Shift 08:47 Friendships After Baby 11:08 Offended by “Lucky” 18:15 Intentional Parenting Not Luck 25:13 Missing Old Life Less 32:18 Wrap Up and Where to Follow SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this re-aired episode, HeHe sits down with reflux specialist Aine Homer to unpack one of the most stressful (and most misunderstood) newborn challenges: baby reflux. 💜 If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Is this normal spit-up or something more?” or spending hours soothing a crying, uncomfortable baby with no clear answers, this conversation is going to feel incredibly validating. Aine breaks down the difference between normal infant spit-up, reflux, and silent reflux, and explains why reflux is not a diagnosis on its own, but a symptom pointing to something deeper. Together, HeHe and Aine explore the many possible root contributors—from feeding mechanics and overfeeding, to swallowed air, birth interventions, allergies and intolerances, oral restrictions like tongue ties, nervous system stress, and even microbiome imbalance. They also walk through common medical approaches, what medications like H2 blockers and PPIs actually do, and the considerations families should understand when weighing treatment options. Most importantly, this episode gives you a “puzzle piece” framework for understanding your baby’s symptoms, plus practical strategies to help you cope in those long, exhausting stretches when nothing seems to soothe your baby. This episode is equal parts educational and deeply reassuring—reminding parents that reflux isn’t something you just “wait out,” and you are not wrong for wanting answers and support when something feels off. 00:00 Trust Your Parent Instincts 00:59 Non Toxic Registry Plug 04:50 Reflux Episode Setup 08:10 What Reflux Really Is 12:57 Spit Up Balloon Theory 16:45 Simple Fixes Burps Feeds 18:39 When Spit Up Signals More 22:04 Reflux Is A Symptom 25:45 Reflux Free Journey Map 29:14 Upright Time And Tongue Ties 37:44 Chewing For Facial Tone 38:22 Tongue Posture Basics 38:55 Nasal Breathing For Kids 42:02 Reflux Remedies And Red Flags 47:05 Meds Risks Probiotics And Support Connect with Aine: https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk   Guest Bio: Áine is the mum of two girls who between them had diagnoses of colic, reflux, silent reflux, CMPA, and multiple other food intolerances and allergies. Coupled with a three year relationship with post natal depression, left her feeling lost, alone and like she didnt even know who she was anymore. During that time, her instinct was to always listen to her babies, even though she wasn’t naturally maternal, and so she never accepted the explanations that the healthcare professionals offered. Her daughters WERE in pain, and there HAD to be a reason. With a background in mechanical engineering, maths and then retraining in 2012 in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Áine believed that there was one question which would unlock the answers for her babies. And that is still the same question she supports her clients around the world to answer for these children. And that is “What is causing your babys distress?” No matter what is going on for your baby, the answer to this question brings pathways for resolution. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with GUEST on IG:  BIRTH EDUCATION: Skip the registry overwhelm. HeHe spent 60+ hours researching baby gear, comparing brands, and digging into everything from microplastics and forever chemicals to quality and functionality, so you don't have to. Grab her free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide for the exact products she chose for her own baby, plus the reasoning behind every recommendation: thebirthlounge.com/registry   Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin   Resources: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acid-reflux-gastroesophageal-reflux-in-babies-beyond-the-basics  https://llli.org/why-infant-reflux-matters/  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/GERD-Reflux.aspx  https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/gerd  

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe is sharing something so many dog parents worry about during pregnancy: bringing home a baby and introducing them to the family dog. After receiving countless questions about Maximus Prime and baby Saggy, HeHe pulls back the curtain on exactly what she did (and didn't do) to prepare her 13-year-old dog for life with a newborn. She shares the boundaries, routines, and safety rules that helped create a calm and respectful relationship between her baby and her dog, while also protecting Max's comfort and autonomy. HeHe talks about why she wasn't focused on creating an instant "best friends" relationship, the importance of giving dogs choice and space, and how setting clear expectations from day one can help everyone feel safer and more relaxed. She also shares the specific rules her family follows around petting, licking, feeding areas, supervision, and respecting a dog's body language. As Max has aged and lost his vision due to diabetes, these conversations around boundaries and safety have become even more important. This episode offers a realistic look at what it means to raise a baby alongside an older dog while honoring the needs of both. Whether you're pregnant and preparing to bring home a baby, navigating life with pets and little ones, or simply curious about how HeHe handled introducing Saggy to Max, this episode is packed with practical tips and a gentle reminder that successful dog-baby relationships are built through respect, boundaries, and consistency, not luck. You'll learn: How HeHe introduced Max to baby Saggy The safety rules her family follows every day Why supervision is non-negotiable around dogs and babies How to create "baby spaces" and "dog spaces" Why consent and body language matter, even with family pets How to support an aging dog during a major family transition What a healthy dog-and-baby relationship actually looks like If you're a dog parent preparing for life with a baby, this episode will help you feel more confident, prepared, and realistic about what success can look like. For more about introducing your baby and your dog, listen to our episode with dog trainer, children's book author, and founder of Dog Meets Baby, Dominika Knossalla-Pado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_7LI1p2f1Q SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

Grab HeHe’s free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide for the exact products she chose for baby Saggy, plus the reasoning behind every recommendation: thebirthlounge.com/registry In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with certified dog trainer, children's book author, and founder of Dog Meets Baby, Dominika Knossalla-Pado, for a conversation every dog parent needs to hear before bringing home a baby. We all love the idea of our dog instantly becoming our baby's best friend. But the reality? Safe, successful relationships between dogs and babies don't happen by accident. They happen through preparation, boundaries, and understanding what our dogs are actually communicating. Dominika shares the personal experience that inspired her work after her own beloved Labrador displayed concerning behavior around her newborn twins. That experience revealed a major gap in education for growing families and sparked her mission to help parents safely navigate life with both dogs and children. Together, HeHe and Dominika break down the biggest mistakes families make before baby arrives, the common myths that can create unnecessary risk, and the practical skills every dog should have before postpartum begins. They discuss how to prepare your dog for major household changes, why separation tolerance matters, and how simple routines can make the transition smoother for everyone involved. You'll also learn how to recognize subtle signs of stress in dogs, including behaviors that are often misunderstood or overlooked, safer ways to introduce your baby and dog, and why supervision and management are far more important than simply trusting that your dog will "figure it out." This conversation isn't about fear, blame, or assuming the worst about your dog. It's about setting your family up for success, protecting your baby, reducing stress for your dog, and creating an environment where both can thrive. Whether you're expecting your first baby, currently pregnant, or already navigating life with little ones and furry family members, this episode is packed with practical, judgment-free strategies to help your home feel safer, calmer, and more prepared for this huge life transition. 00:00 Labrador Hunting Scare 01:27 Meet Dog Meets Baby 08:30 How Predation Looked 15:10 Breeds and Temperament 20:07 Pregnancy Prep Essentials 39:34 Low Tox Registry Picks 43:34 Bed Training Basics 50:35 Safe Boundaries Rules 56:03 Stress Signs And Introductions 01:04:54 Labor Myths And Wrap Up   Guest Bio: Dominika is a Certified Dog Trainer, Children's Book Author, and the founder of Dog Meets Baby. When her beloved Labrador, Lola, showed predatory behavior toward her newborn twins, Dominika realized most parents lack the tools and knowledge to navigate these moments safely. This experience inspired her to found Dog Meets Baby, now a trusted resource for families worldwide through their online courses, consultations, and free resources. Connect with Dominika:  https://www.dogmeetsbaby.expert/ LINKS MENTIONED: Teach your dog to go to bed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn3UTEBwSH0 SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dominika on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dogmeets_baby/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app     dog meets baby, dogs and babies, introducing dog to baby, dog and newborn, preparing dog for baby, dog safety around babies, bringing home baby with dog, dog training for new parents, dog behavior around babies, dog stress signals, whale eye dog, dog trainer advice, newborn safety, baby safety tips, parenting podcast, new baby preparation, postpartum preparation, family dog safety, dogs and toddlers, dog meets baby podcast, Dominika Knossalla-Pado, dog aggression prevention, child and dog safety, pet safety for families, baby proofing with dogs, pregnancy preparation, expecting parents, first time parents, dog owner tips, The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe Stewart, Tranquility by HeHe

In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with attorney, human rights advocate, and birth justice champion Hermine Hayes-Klein for a conversation every pregnant person needs to hear.   If you've ever wondered whether you can say no during labor, change your mind after signing a consent form, refuse an induction or cesarean, or push back against a hospital policy that doesn't align with your wishes, this episode is for you.   Hermine breaks down what informed consent actually means, what your legal rights are during pregnancy and birth, and why so many families leave their birth experience feeling powerless, unheard, or violated. Together, she and HeHe unpack the difference between hospital policy and patient rights, discuss the reality of obstetric violence in the United States, and explore how coercion and fear-based counseling can impact birth outcomes and long-term mental health.   They also dive into why so many people are losing trust in the maternity care system, how providers can unintentionally override consent, and what happens when patients feel they have no real choice. Hermine shares powerful stories from her legal work advocating for birthing families and explains why being informed before labor begins is one of the most effective ways to protect your autonomy.   You'll learn:   What informed consent actually requires in pregnancy and birth   Why signing hospital paperwork does not mean you've given blanket consent   Whether you can change your mind or withdraw consent during labor   The difference between a recommendation and a requirement   What your rights are if you're being pressured into an induction or cesarean   Why hospital policies are not the same thing as medical necessity   How obstetric violence can occur, even in well-intentioned healthcare settings   The critical role doulas play in supporting informed decision-making   Practical ways to advocate for yourself before and during labor   How preparation can help reduce fear, coercion, and birth trauma   This episode is a powerful reminder that your body is not public property, your consent matters at every stage of labor, and you deserve to understand your options before making decisions about your care.   Guest Bio:   Hermine Hayes-Klein is an attorney, human rights advocate, and founder of the Know Your Rights campaign, which helps families understand and exercise their legal rights during pregnancy and childbirth. After experiencing the Dutch maternity care system firsthand, Hermine became passionate about addressing obstetric violence, protecting informed consent, and improving access to respectful maternity care. Through litigation, education, and advocacy, she works to advance accountability and reproductive justice for birthing families around the world. Connect with Hermine:  Birthrightslawproject.com hayeskleinlaw.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Hermine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/herminehayesklein/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Nursing article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751485123001587?via%3Dihub Examples of articles referencing how informed consent improves outcomes: https://www.envisionhealth.com/news/2024/shared-decision-making-in-healthcare#:~:text=How%20do%20informed%20consent%20and,the%20overall%20cost%20of%20care. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486853/

Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe brings together two pediatricians with different perspectives on vaccines for a respectful, nuanced conversation about one of the most polarizing topics in modern parenting. Dr. Alok Patel approaches vaccination from a data-driven, public health perspective and generally supports the current CDC vaccine schedule. Dr. Joel takes a more vaccine-neutral approach centered on individualized care, informed consent, parental autonomy, and medical freedom. Rather than debating to "win," both physicians model what many parents have been asking for: thoughtful discussion, mutual respect, and room for questions. Together, they explore why trust between families and the healthcare system has eroded, how pandemic-era messaging impacted public confidence, and what happens when parents feel dismissed for asking questions. The conversation also dives into the challenges of science communication, the role of social media in amplifying division, and whether there is still room for nuance in modern pediatric medicine. Topics discussed include: Why many parents no longer trust the healthcare system and what contributed to that shift How pandemic-era communication affected public confidence in medicine Why questioning vaccines can quickly lead to "anti-vax" labels Whether vaccine recommendations should be more individualized and risk-stratified Concerns surrounding rising rates of chronic illness in children alongside an expanding vaccine schedule What current research can and cannot tell us about vaccine safety Why long-term safety studies and adverse event discussions matter to many parents The ethics and challenges of vaccine research and placebo-controlled trials The role pharmaceutical companies and liability protections play in public perception and vaccine hesitancy Whether pediatricians financially benefit from administering vaccines What informed consent should actually look like in pediatric care The impact of mandates, medical freedom, and public health policy on trust Why respectful disagreement between medical professionals is becoming increasingly rare How parents can navigate conflicting information without fear, shame, or pressure What rebuilding trust between families and medicine may require moving forward Throughout the conversation, HeHe encourages listeners to think critically, ask questions, and bring those questions back to trusted healthcare providers. This episode isn't about telling parents what decisions they should make. It's about creating space for honest conversation around a topic that affects nearly every family. Whether you agree with one doctor, both doctors, or neither, this episode serves as a reminder that curiosity, transparency, and respectful dialogue are essential parts of informed decision-making. Guest Bios: Dr. Alok Patel is a board-certified pediatrician, health communicator, and ABC News contributor known for translating complex medical topics into accessible, evidence-based information. He is passionate about improving public health literacy and helping families make informed healthcare decisions. Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative and holistic medicine. He focuses on individualized care, informed consent, and empowering families to make healthcare decisions that align with their values and circumstances while maintaining strong patient-provider relationships.   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Joel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drjoelgator/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

Father's Day Sale: June 14-16 If your partner wants to be more than the guy holding your Stanley cup during contractions, Dad Daze is for him. This childbirth and postpartum course teaches dads exactly how to support, advocate, and show up with confidence from pregnancy through postpartum. Use code DAD50 to save $50 at thebirthlounge.com/daddaze June 14th-16th only. *psst* If you decide a lifetime membership is for you, we won’t keep you from applying this discount code to get full access + our exclusive gift box. In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with perinatal therapist Ashley Mariani for a powerful conversation about birth trauma, obstetric violence, and the ways a difficult birth experience can ripple through your postpartum life long after you've left the hospital. Together, they unpack how birth trauma can impact trust, intimacy, communication, and emotional safety within a relationship. Ashley shares why so many partners leave a traumatic birth carrying their own unresolved stress response, how feelings of helplessness in the birth room can create resentment and disconnection, and why some couples find themselves struggling to reconnect after becoming parents. HeHe and Ashley also explore the mental load that often falls on mothers after birth, the common dynamic of feeling like you're parenting your partner, and why that can quickly erode desire and partnership. They discuss emotional attunement, advocacy during labor, and the important role partners play in helping prevent birth trauma before it happens. This conversation goes beyond the typical postpartum advice and dives into what it actually takes to rebuild trust, improve communication, and find your way back to each other after a challenging birth experience. If you've ever wondered whether your birth experience changed your relationship, your intimacy, or the way you show up as a couple, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and equipped with practical tools for moving forward. 00:00 Birth Trauma Reality Check 01:22 Meet Ashley Mariani 07:40 Partners Preventing Trauma 09:40 Anecdotes vs Evidence 16:58 Pandemic Policies Fallout 21:19 When Intimacy Disappears 24:51 Dads Carry Trauma Too 30:18 Masculine Feminine Energy 33:03 Safety and Resentment Loop 34:39 Dad Daze Course Break 37:37 Patterns After Birth Trauma 38:32 Resentment Kills Desire 39:59 Man Child Dynamic 42:23 Initiation Into Manhood 53:48 Helicopter Parenting Fallout 57:09 Love Languages Learning Styles 58:47 Teach Needs By Style 01:04:07 Love Language Mismatch 01:07:02 Therapy Shared Accountability 01:09:44 Intimacy Resources Plug 01:11:16 Final Wrap And Outro Guest Bio: Ashley Mariani is a registered social worker specializing in perinatal mental health, couples therapy, sexual wellness, and birth trauma recovery. She is a passionate advocate against obstetric violence and helps individuals and couples navigate the emotional, relational, and physiological impacts of difficult birth experiences. Drawing from her background in sexuality, counseling, couples work, nervous system regulation, and holistic health, Ashley supports families in building resilience, healing trauma, and creating deeper connection in parenthood. She is also the mother of three free-spirited children, including twins. Connect with Ashley: https://mindonline.ca/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Ashley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/therogue.therapist/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

Father's Day Sale: June 14-16 If your partner wants to be more than the guy holding your Stanley cup during contractions, Dad Daze is for him. This childbirth and postpartum course teaches dads exactly how to support, advocate, and show up with confidence from pregnancy through postpartum. Use code DAD50 to save $50 at thebirthlounge.com/daddaze June 14th-16th only. *psst* If you decide a lifetime membership is for you, we won’t keep you from applying this discount code to get full access + our exclusive gift box.  As we head into another summer season, HeHe is bringing back one of the most important episodes in The Birth Lounge Podcast archive. Water safety is something she feels incredibly passionate about because drowning is often silent, fast, and far more common than most families realize. If you have children, spend time around pools, visit the beach, own a backyard pool, or simply want to be more prepared, this is information every caregiver needs to hear. In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Tyler Bradshaw from Aqua-Tots Swim School for a conversation every parent, grandparent, and caregiver needs to hear. Because when it comes to water safety, most of us think it won't happen to our family... until it does. Together, they unpack the sobering realities of childhood drowning, including where it most commonly happens, why it often occurs when adults are nearby, and the simple mistakes that can turn a fun day around water into an emergency. Tyler shares the statistics every parent should know, explains the difference between fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents, and clears up common misconceptions about "dry drowning." HeHe and Tyler also dive into practical, actionable ways to reduce risk, including why designated water watchers matter, how distractions like phones can become dangerous around water, and the truth about puddle jumpers, floaties, and water wings. They discuss home pool safety, the best swimsuit colors for visibility, and what parents with multiple children can do to keep everyone safer during pool days. You'll also learn why swim lessons are about so much more than learning strokes, how early children can start building water safety skills, and what progression through swim lessons actually looks like from infancy through childhood. Whether you're heading into summer, planning pool days, vacationing near water, or simply wanting to be more prepared, this episode is packed with life-saving information that could make all the difference for your family. 00:00 Put the Phone Down 00:54 Partner as Birth Advocate 02:46 Father’s Day Dad Daze Deal 09:23 Why Water Safety Matters 13:10 Where Drowning Happens 15:05 Dry vs Nonfatal Drowning 17:30 Poolside Distractions 19:02 Water Watcher System 22:06 Floaties and False Security 26:22 Multiples and Home Pool Safety 32:17 Pool Alarms And Sensors 33:15 Highway Rule Pool Temptations 34:36 Fence Durability And Gate Safety 35:48 Why Swim Lessons Matter 39:31 Lesson Levels Skills And Wrap Up Guest Bio: Tyler Bradshaw is the owner of Aqua-Tots Swim School Norwood and a passionate advocate for childhood water safety and drowning prevention. Aqua-Tots is one of the largest providers of year-round swim instruction in the world, helping children as young as four months old build confidence and critical water safety skills. Through swim lessons, community outreach, and education, Tyler and the Aqua-Tots team are dedicated to helping families create safer experiences around water and empowering children with skills that can save lives. LINKS MENTIONED: Connect with Tyler at Norwood Aqua-Tots here!  http://aqua-tots.com/norwood Find an Aqua-Tots near you! https://www.aqua-tots.com/ Social Media: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Aqua-Tots on IG: https://www.instagram.com/aquatotsofficial/ Connect with HeHe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hehestewart BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app  Key words: Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, Kids Swim Lessons, Swimming Tips for Parents, Water Safety Tips, Child Swim Lessons, Summer Safety Tips, Pool Safety Tips, Accident Prevention, Water Safety Month, Child Safety

Holistic Fertility, “Unexplained Infertility,” and Mercier Therapy with Dr. Jen Mercier In this episode, HeHe sits down with fertility specialist, midwife, and creator of Mercier Therapy Dr. Jennifer Mercier for a powerful conversation about infertility, reproductive health, and why so many families are being told “everything looks normal” while still struggling to conceive. Together, they unpack the reality behind “unexplained infertility,” the labs and diagnostics that are often skipped in traditional fertility care, and why true fertility support has to look at the whole body—not just your ovaries. Dr. Mercier breaks down cycle-specific hormone testing, thyroid health, prolactin, semen analysis, endometriosis, C-section scar tissue, and the environmental factors impacting fertility rates today, from microplastics and endocrine disruptors to chronic stress and lifestyle exposures. HeHe and Dr. Mercier also dive into restorative reproductive medicine, NaPro approaches, and Mercier Therapy, Dr. Mercier’s pelvic visceral manipulation technique designed to support reproductive function and improve pelvic mobility. This episode is packed with practical education, hope, and empowering reminders that infertility care should never be one-size-fits-all. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, rushed toward IVF without answers, or frustrated by “normal” labs that don’t explain what’s happening in your body, this conversation is for you. 00:00 Non Toxic Registry 04:48 Meet Dr Jen Mercier 11:09 What Traditional Care Misses 22:15 Fertility Crisis Causes 39:07 Unexplained Infertility Roots 45:09 Seven Pregnancies Later 45:48 Joy of Later Motherhood 47:27 VBAC and Hospital Pressure 48:15 Why Doulas Matter 49:07 Mercier Therapy Explained 50:04 Documentaries and Premiere 54:41 Finding a Practitioner 58:05 Phones, Nature, and Ions 59:50 NAPRO and Systemic Issues 01:02:35 Microplastics Practical Swaps 01:09:47 Hope and Final Takeaways   Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer Mercier, ND, PhD, is a fertility specialist, midwife, and the creator of Mercier Therapy®, a pelvic visceral manipulation technique supporting reproductive health. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped hundreds of couples conceive naturally and has trained healthcare professionals worldwide. She is the author of Conceive and the filmmaker behind Fertility: The Shared Journey and Conceiving Miracles. Connect with Dr. Mercier:  www.ExpectAMiracle.life SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Mercier on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jennifer.mercier   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Check out the study by Shanna Swan here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9370524/

Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with parenting science educator Violetta to unpack one of the biggest questions new parents face: how do you support your baby's development without falling into the trap of over-parenting? Together, they dive into what the research actually says about the first 12 to 24 months of life, including attachment, temperament, responsiveness, language development, and the everyday interactions that help shape a child's foundation. Violetta shares why so much parenting advice online misses the mark, how modern parenting culture often creates unnecessary pressure, and what parents really need to know about raising confident, securely attached children. HeHe and Violetta also explore the difference between being responsive and being overly responsive, how temperament influences the way children experience the world, and what secure attachment actually looks like across different ages and personalities. They discuss practical ways to support development during wake windows, encourage language and social skills, and build connection without feeling like you need to entertain your child every waking minute. The conversation wraps up with a thoughtful, research-informed discussion on daycare, sleep training, and the parenting decisions that often come with the most noise and judgment. If you've ever wondered how to support your baby's development without spiraling over every parenting choice, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights and reassurance. Timestamps / Chapters: 00:00 AI Parenting Misinformation 00:33 Birth Lounge App Advocacy 05:38 Episode Roadmap Attachment 11:53 Violeta Origin Story 23:00 Attunement First Two Years 29:12 Support Systems Colic 32:14 Attunement Vs Attachment 40:41 Temperament Goodness Fit 44:32 Attachment Styles Explained 47:58 Healthy Pushing Repair 51:32 Healing Through Repair 52:49 Mindful Home Swaps 56:17 Boys vs Girls Temperament 58:27 Language and Attention Foundations 01:13:11 Daycare Sleep Training Wrap   Guest Bio: Violeta is a science communicator and the founder of The Parenting Class. She started her work after realizing that a lot of the research on early childhood development simply isn’t made accessible to parents—especially in the years that matter most. She believes that sharing this data in a clear, practical way can help raise healthier children and more thriving families. Connect with Violeta: https://www.the-parenting-class.com/ Get 10% off the entire Science of Parenting Babies Parenting Library which includes 13 areas of development from feeding, sleep and brain development over nutrition, daycare research, potty training, raising multilingual kids and more when you mention The Birth Lounge Podcast  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Violeta on IG: https://www.instagram.com/violeta.parenting.science/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this re-aired episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Heather Florescue for an incredibly important and deeply educational conversation about stillbirth prevention, placental health, and the warning signs families deserve to know during pregnancy. Together, they unpack why conversations around stillbirth are so often avoided, how education can empower—not scare—parents, and what proactive care can look like when we truly prioritize maternal and fetal health. Dr. Florescue explains the role of placental function in pregnancy outcomes, why estimated placental volume matters, and how recognizing changes in fetal movement and maternal intuition can be life-saving. She also shares current research, discusses risk factors that are often overlooked, and highlights protocols used in places like the UK and Australia that have helped reduce stillbirth rates through earlier intervention and better patient education. This episode is not about fear. It’s about informed awareness, advocacy, and helping families understand that paying attention to your body and your baby matters. If you’ve ever felt dismissed during pregnancy or wondered whether you were “overreacting” to a concern, this conversation is such an important reminder that your instincts deserve to be heard.   Guest Bio: Dr. Florescue is an ob.gyn. in private practice at Women Gynecology and Childbirth Associates in Rochester, N.Y. She delivers babies at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.  She received her medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, completed her internship and residency in obstetrics & gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.  She is certified by the American Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology.  She and her husband are parents to a set of triplets.  Dr. Florescue is passionate about the prevention of pregnancy and infant loss and the care for families who suffer these terrible tragedies.  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Florescue on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drflorescueobgyn/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Star Legacy Foundation: https://starlegacyfoundation.org/ Count the Kicks: https://countthekicks.org/ PUSH Pregnancy: https://www.pushpregnancy.org/ Tommys.org: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information Saving Babies Lives Care Bundles: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Saving-Babies-Lives-Care-Bundle-Version-Two-Updated-Final-Version.pdf

Today’s episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. After struggling to find nursery curtains that were both beautiful and made with higher-quality materials, HeHe fell in love with their customizable cotton and linen styles for Saggy Boy’s nursery. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE for exclusive savings on your favorite styles. In this episode, HeHe dives into one of the parenting topics that gets so many raised eyebrows… elimination communication (EC). 💩✨ After starting EC with her own baby around 8–9 weeks postpartum, HeHe shares how learning her baby’s potty cues actually helped her feel more confident, connected, and intuitive as a new mom—not less. She’s joined by EC educator and Andrea Olson, author of Go Diaper Free, to break down what elimination communication really is (hint: it’s not forcing a newborn to potty train). Andrea explains how babies naturally communicate their need to go, the simple “easy catches” parents can start with, and how EC can work in real life—even if you use disposable diapers, have multiple kids, travel often, or use daycare. Together, they unpack the history behind modern diaper culture, why potty training timelines shifted so dramatically over the last century, and how “Big Diaper” marketing changed the way parents think about infant toileting. They also discuss diaper rash, environmental impact, attachment, intuition, and how EC can reduce stress, save money, and strengthen communication between parent and baby. Whether you’re EC-curious or fully skeptical, this episode will absolutely make you rethink what’s “normal” when it comes to babies and diapers.   Guest Bio: Andrea Olson is the author of Go Diaper Free and The Tiny Potty Training Book, and the world’s leading educator on elimination communication. A mom of six who practiced EC with every one of her babies, Andrea has helped over a million families tune into their baby’s cues and ditch diapers earlier than they ever thought possible. She’s passionate about restoring the gentle, intuitive potty wisdom that modern diaper culture has quietly replaced — and making it accessible for every family. she also owns TinyUndies.com where she sells natural super small undies, trainers, and potties. Connect with Andrea: Godiaperfree.com Get 25% off with code EASYSTART SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Andrea on IG: https://www.instagram.com/godiaperfree/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Baby language video: https://youtube.com/shorts/xNJlS3f70gk?si=j56LT6RPVpNyFjl5

Inside The Birth Lounge Membership, HeHe recently taught a live deep dive on these exact topics—and new members get instant access to the replay library packed with evidence-based birth education and advocacy support. In this re-aired episode, HeHe breaks down one of the most common late-pregnancy questions: Should you get a membrane sweep? If you’re approaching your due date, feeling pressure about induction, or wondering whether a sweep is actually “natural,” this episode gives you the evidence-based, no-fear explanation you’ve been looking for. HeHe walks through exactly what a membrane sweep is, how it works, what it feels like, and whether it technically counts as a form of induction. She explains what providers often don’t tell parents about success rates, Bishop scores, VBAC safety, prodromal labor, and why going into labor isn’t the only way a sweep can still “work.” You’ll also learn the potential risks, what informed consent should sound like during prenatal visits, and how to advocate confidently if a provider is pushing interventions you’re unsure about. This episode is packed with practical education and real-world advocacy tools to help you make a decision that feels aligned for your body, your birth, and your goals—not just the hospital’s timeline. 💜 Want more support navigating cervical checks, membrane sweeps, Bishop scores, and induction conversations? Inside The Birth Lounge Membership, HeHe recently taught a live deep dive on these exact topics—and new members get instant access to the replay library packed with evidence-based birth education and advocacy support. 00:00 Advocacy Scripts Teaser 03:07 Welcome and Topic Setup 03:33 Membrane Sweep Basics 03:59 How It Works and Success Odds 06:27 What It Feels Like 07:08 After Effects and Warning Signs 07:54 Prodromal Labor Risk 09:29 Stacking Sweeps and Timing 10:45 Boosting Success With Bishop Score 14:01 Research, VBAC, and Final Pros Cons SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode, HeHe sits down with Nebraska doula, childbirth educator, and birth photographer Leslie Moon for a nuanced conversation about Medicaid-covered doulas, birth equity, and the unintended consequences that can happen when community birth work becomes tied to insurance systems and hospital oversight. At first glance, Medicaid coverage for doulas sounds like a massive win—and in many ways, increased access to support absolutely matters. But HeHe and Leslie unpack the deeper concerns many doulas and birth workers are quietly asking behind the scenes: What happens when doulas become accountable to the system instead of the families they serve? Could regulation, certification, and insurance reimbursement slowly reshape doula work the same way it transformed midwifery care over time? Together, they dive into the realities of low reimbursement rates, hospital-employed doulas, licensure fears, and how profit-driven maternity care can directly conflict with relationship-based, autonomy-centered support. Leslie also shares what birth access looks like in Nebraska, where legal out-of-hospital birth options are extremely limited, and why protecting true community-based support matters now more than ever. This episode is thoughtful, spicy in the best way, and packed with bigger-picture conversations about autonomy, advocacy, informed consent, and the future of birth work. Whether you’re a doula, birth worker, or parent who cares about protecting individualized support in maternity care, this conversation will absolutely give you a lot to think about. Chapters:  00:00 Medicaid Doula Hype 01:37 Host Story and Credibility 07:00 Birth Lounge App Pitch 09:50 Medicaid Coverage Concerns 50:17 Regulation Risks and Community Fixes 55:02 Doula Stipend Proposal 01:00:58 Board Certification Debate 01:11:14 Flexner Report Origins 01:14:08 Insurance Strings Attached 01:29:53 Protecting Doulas Call Guest Bio: Leslie Moon is a single mom of 2, a birth doula, birth photographer, and childbirth educator based in Lincoln, Nebraska. She supports families locally with in-person birth support and documentation, and works with families nationwide to prepare for navigating hospital birth in a system that wasn’t designed for birth. She is the co-founder of The Birth Alchemy Course, where she teaches parents how to understand their options, advocate for themselves, and trust themselves throughout pregnancy and birth. Leslie is passionate about protecting relationship-based, community-centered care and helping families feel confident making decisions that align with their values Connect with Leslie:  Novitabirthstories.com birthalchemycourse.com/birth-alchemy-course Listeners can get $100 off our childbirth prep series, the Birth Alchemy Course using code HEHE SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Leslie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/novitabirthstories Find Birth Alchemy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/birthalchemy_official/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/join Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Here’s a link to the full Flexner Report:  http://archive.carnegiefoundation.org/publications/pdfs/elibrary/Carnegie_Flexner_Report.pdf

In this episode, HeHe is officially back behind the mic after a five-month maternity leave… and she’s bringing a very special guest with her. 💜 Listeners get a sweet little podcast-exclusive audio moment from baby Saggy before HeHe dives into one of the most requested newborn topics: how to bathe your baby safely and confidently without turning it into an overwhelming production. She breaks down everything from how often newborns actually need baths (hint: it’s probably less than you think) to sponge baths before the umbilical cord falls off, ideal bath temperature, and why baths absolutely do not have to happen at night if that timing doesn’t work for your family. HeHe also walks through practical tips for keeping baby warm and calm, avoiding common safety mistakes, and setting yourself up with the right tools before you even turn the water on. This episode is packed with simple, evidence-based guidance to help new parents feel more relaxed and confident during those early newborn weeks. From washing all those adorable little baby rolls to mastering a quick post-bath routine before your baby decides they are personally offended by towels, HeHe’s got you covered.   Baby Saggy and HeHe’s favorite bath tools:  Primarily Pure baby soap: Use code HEHE to save here: https://primallypure.com/products/the-baby-kit Find more of her favorites in the registry guide:  https://www.thebirthlounge.com/registry 00:00 Bath Safety First 00:51 Back From Maternity Leave 03:58 Why This Episode Matters 05:08 Bath Frequency and Timing 08:18 Water Temperature Basics 10:05 Keep Baby Warm and Quick 12:03 Ear Safety and Supervision 15:01 Bath Gear Checklist 28:09 Step by Step Newborn Bath 37:06 Wrap Up and Encouragement   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles. In this episode, HeHe sits down with somatics, sex, and intimacy coach Tilly Storm for a conversation that completely reframes what “orgasmic birth” actually means. Spoiler alert: we’re not talking about some performative movie-scene orgasm during labor. We’re talking about surrender, safety, primal energy, deep embodiment, and what can happen when a birthing person feels fully connected to their body instead of trapped in fear and tension. Tilly breaks down how cultural conditioning, fear-based birth narratives, and male-centered definitions of pleasure disconnect women from both birth and sexuality. She shares her own birth stories, including a fast and powerful unassisted freebirth and a second birth that included hospital care, PROM, breast-pump induction, and a NICU stay that was still deeply empowering because she stayed rooted in advocacy, autonomy, and trust in herself. Together, HeHe and Tilly dive into birth plans vs. flexibility, the role partners play during labor, how sexuality work can strengthen your voice and self-trust, and why reclaiming pleasure matters in postpartum too. Tilly also shares about Taoist jade egg practices, pelvic vitality, and reconnecting with your body after birth. This episode is expansive, thought-provoking, and such an important reminder that empowered birth is not about perfection—it’s about presence, safety, and sovereignty. 00:00 Conditioning Sets the Stage 01:53 Meet Tilly and Orgasmic Birth 04:23 Redefining Female Orgasm 08:55 Surrender Through Pain and Bliss 16:05 Roots of Trust and Freebirth 25:15 Farm Lessons and Birth Plans 30:19 Dissociation Versus Ecstasy 31:50 Nursery Curtains Sponsor Break 34:57 Taoism and Empowered Presence 36:13 Second Birth Curveball 36:40 ER After Water Break 38:21 Breast Pump Induction 41:52 NICU Advocacy And Care 47:34 Sovereignty Over Sexuality 01:05:02 Jade Egg And Wrap Up Guest Bio: If lack of confidence, low libido, or guilt and shame around your sexuality are the cause of your bedroom woes, (the hot, wild sex you never have any more, or the transition into motherhood or menopause that sucked your libido dry), you need Tilly. She’s a somatic sex and intimacy coach for women who lack desire or pleasure in the bedroom and beyond. With a background in Taoism and Tantra, Tilly brings a modern twist to unlocking pleasure and passion in the bedroom. Using somatic healing, psychotherapy, and proven coaching techniques, she helps ambitious women reignite their desire and experience more pleasure in the bedroom and beyond. Connect with Tilly: https://www.tillystorm.com/5daytraining SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe returns from maternity leave and continues the listener-requested deep dives by breaking down what can actually go wrong with an epidural in labor, and more importantly, what you can do about it in real time. After more than a decade working as a doula, HeHe walks through the three most common epidural issues she sees in practice: when the epidural is too dense (meaning overly heavy numbness and limited mobility), when there’s a “window” (one specific area that is not fully covered and still feels intense contraction pain), and the rare but stressful situation where an epidural seems to stop working altogether. She explains how each scenario can show up in the body, what communication with anesthesia can sound like, and the practical options available in the moment, including repositioning, using gravity and labor positions strategically, pressing the PCA button when appropriate, requesting medication adjustments or a bolus, and when it may be time for anesthesia to reassess or replace the epidural. Throughout the episode, HeHe emphasizes informed decision-making, calm advocacy, and flexibility in labor so you can respond to what is actually happening in your body instead of feeling stuck or panicked if things don’t go exactly as expected. This episode is all about staying grounded, informed, and supported if an epidural needs troubleshooting during birth. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/    BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Listen to Episode 404 Epidurals: Pros, Cons & Alternatives with Marissa Mulder of Sassy Anesthesia: https://youtu.be/m8As_lYXkMM?si=dNxuOvG04I8hFOVM

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with microplastics researcher and science communicator Dana for an eye-opening conversation about what microplastics are, where they’re hiding, and what this means for pregnancy, postpartum, and babies. Dana explains the basics of microplastics, how they enter our water, food, air, and everyday products, and why researchers are paying close attention to the chemicals often linked with plastics, including BPA, PFAS, and other hormone-disrupting compounds. Together, they break down some of the most common and surprising exposure sources, from takeout containers, tea bags, canned foods, nonstick cookware, and synthetic clothing to baby bottles, wipes, toys, and feeding products. HeHe and Dana also talk about how to reduce exposure in a realistic, non-overwhelming way, because this is not about perfection or panic. They share practical low-tox swaps that actually move the needle, like avoiding heating food in plastic, focusing on kitchen changes first, being more intentional with clothing and laundry habits, supporting gut health, and learning where small shifts can have the biggest impact. Dana also shares how her Microplastic Free app helps families better understand ingredients and everyday product choices. If you’ve ever wondered how to lower your toxic load during pregnancy or make more informed choices for your family without spiraling into fear, this episode is packed with practical, grounded guidance.   Guest Bio: Dana Zhaxylykova is a microplastics researcher and science communicator passionate about environmental, sustainability and microplastics. She shares educational content on Instagram as @dankazh, where she breaks down complex topics like plastic pollution, and microplastic exposure for a wide audience. Dana has published scientific work on microplastics in Kazakhstan and co-authored research on faster microplastic detection methods in Germany. Through her social media platforms, Dana reaches a global audience of over 150,000 followers, translating science into stories that inspire real change. Her work has been featured on BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, and ELLE US, and she is also the co-founder of MicroplasticFree, an innovative app helping people identify and reduce microplastics in everyday products.   Check out Dana’s microplastic free app here!    SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dana on IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dankazh/reels/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Grab HeHe’s low tox baby registry guide here:  https://www.thebirthlounge.com/registry

In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down four key terms every pregnant person should understand before pushing begins. Inspired by a listener question, she unpacks what’s actually happening physiologically when your body starts bearing down and why the pushing stage is often misunderstood inside modern birth culture. HeHe explains the Early Pushing Urge (EPU), what it can feel like, and the two common schools of thought around responding to it. She also breaks down the difference between the Ferguson reflex and the fetal ejection reflex, two terms often confused online but very different in practice. Plus, she shares why reaching 10 centimeters does not automatically mean it is time to start pushing. You’ll also learn about laboring down, how passive descent can sometimes create a more effective pushing phase, signs transition may be happening without a cervical exam, and what research says about delayed pushing, active pushing time, postpartum outcomes, and baby safety. If you want to walk into labor understanding your options, trusting your body, and knowing that pushing is more nuanced than “count to ten and hold your breath,” this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 Mothers Day Offer 03:45 Podcast Topic Pushing 05:28 Early Pushing Urge 09:00 Ferguson Reflex Explained 11:49 When To Start Pushing 14:56 Fetal Ejection Reflex 16:24 My Birth FER Surprise 21:58 Advocacy Scripts Promo 25:22 Laboring Down Basics 30:48 Passive Vs Active Pushing 33:41 Laboring Down Research 41:09 Wrap Up And Resources 42:35 Outro And Subscribe SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Hear HeHe’s birth story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noh5eFpCFcs Check out the Secret Sauce to Pushing here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/SSP Data on Laboring Down and The Early Pushing Urge:  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth https://www.lamaze.org/Connecting-the-Dots/new-research-states-laboring-down-with-an-epidural-shows-no-benefits https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-birthing-positions/ https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(21)00708-0/fulltext https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009124.pub3/full For a breakdown of the data, be sure to download The Birth Lounge App. 

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. In this re-air of Episode 248 of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with trauma therapist, nutritionist, and mental health consultant Dr. Jaz Robbins to explore the powerful role mirror neurons can play in labor, birth outcomes, and the overall birth experience. Dr. Jaz breaks down the science behind mirror neurons and explains how we naturally absorb the emotions, energy, and behaviors of the people around us, especially in high-stress moments like labor. Together, they discuss how intense stress can take the prefrontal cortex offline during labor, increasing fight, flight, or freeze responses, particularly for those with a trauma history. HeHe and Dr. Jaz also unpack why providers, doulas, and partners often become the grounding presence in the room, and how tone of voice, body language, eye contact, breathing, and calm leadership can help create safety and support physiological birth. They also cover trauma-informed communication, the harm of labeling someone a “difficult patient,” provider burnout, and practical ways partners can prepare before labor so they know how to confidently support when it matters most. This episode is a powerful reminder that birth is not just physical. The emotional environment in the room matters too. Timestamps:  00:00 Mirror Neurons Teaser 00:48 Free Pitocin Guide 02:07 Why This Episode Matters 04:11 Meet Dr Jazz Robbins 07:38 Defining Mirror Neurons 10:53 Monkey Study Breakthrough 13:55 Birth Room Dynamics 20:43 Nervous System States 26:58 Trauma And Freeze Response 34:17 Who Leads Attunement 35:41 Using Mirror Neurons Well 35:47 Mirror Neurons in Birth Prep 37:01 Partner Training and Prenatal Classes 40:38 Safety and Positive Birth Mindset 40:59 Difficult Patient Reframe 42:41 Provider Burnout and Bias 46:43 Patient Self Advocacy Scripts 49:53 Trauma Informed Provider Response 53:34 Preparing Partners to Ground 55:10 Mirror Neuron Tools in Labor 01:02:13 Key Takeaways and Helpers High 01:04:49 Wrap Up and Where to Connect 01:06:03 Podcast Outro and Call to Action Guest Bio: Dr. Jaz Robbins is a therapist, nutritionist, author, professor, and mental health consultant. She is the founder of the nonprofit, Healing, Hope & Love as well as the mental health consulting firm, The Active Experience®. She specializes in working with clients who have histories of trauma and/or complicated health concerns. Additionally, Dr. Robbins is a poet and stage performer who enjoys integrating expressive arts into her work with clients when appropriate. Work with Dr. Jaz: https://www.drjazrobbins.com/ The Active Experience: https://www.activeexperience.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Jaz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jazrobbins/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.   In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe returns for her first newly recorded show since maternity leave and sits down with Dr. Brooke Weinstein to unpack what nervous system regulation really means for mothers. Dr. Brooke, a doctor of occupational therapy and neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation expert, explains why being “regulated” doesn’t mean calm all the time. Instead, it means having the awareness and tools to move through stress, recover more efficiently, and reduce the constant peaks and crashes so many parents experience. They talk through why nervous system regulation has become such a buzzword online, how social media often oversimplifies healing, and why understanding your own sensory profile, triggers, and patterns matters more than quick-fix hacks. HeHe and Dr. Brooke also discuss postpartum overwhelm, identity shifts after baby, communication with partners, shame-free ways to respond to emotional meltdowns, and how both parents can experience dysregulation during the transition to parenthood. Timestamps 00:00 Awareness Before Change 01:03 Nervous System Basics 05:46 What Regulation Means 11:44 Regulation Is Not Calm 17:14 Peaks, Valleys, and Resets 19:09 No Shame, Just Data 23:45 Reparenting Self Talk 29:47 Autopilot and Patterns 36:15 Quick Wins Postpartum 41:04 Brain-Body Awareness Tools 49:51 Pregnancy and Nervous System 58:31 Regulation vs Newborn Phase 01:01:10 Partner Support and Communication 01:12:02 Avoid Quick Fix Gimmicks 01:15:41 Closing Resources and Wrap Up Guest Bio: Dr. Brooke Weinstein is a leading expert in neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation, helping parents and high performers create healthier, more sustainable lives through practical, science-backed strategies. A doctor of occupational therapy and creator of the THRIVE Like a Parent podcast, Brooke is known for combining neuroscience expertise, humor, and honest conversations about burnout, healing, and modern parenthood. With more than one million followers and over half a million podcast downloads, she is trusted by families and Fortune 500 leaders alike. Connect with Dr. Brooke: https://drbrookeweinstein.com/ Instagram: @brookeweinst: https://www.instagram.com/brookeweinst/ Tik Tok: brookeweinstein: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeweinstein  Youtube: dr.brookeweinstein: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC40kFZWuWeZ_-e2fFDTgzgw/videos SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. With Mother’s Day coming up, skip the flowers and ask for something you’ll actually use… their insanely soft bamboo sheets. Right now, they’re running a limited-time buy one, get one free on sheet sets. Head to cozyearth.com and use code HEHEBOGO to grab yours. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down one of the most common questions in labor: when do you actually leave for the hospital? She shares what she’s seen over 10 years as a doula, from people arriving way too early at 1 cm to babies being born in cars, hallways, and yes… accidental home births. And why the standard 5-1-1 rule doesn’t work for everyone. HeHe explains how timing your arrival should be based on you — your birth goals (unmedicated vs epidural), how far you are from the hospital, your contraction pattern, and your labor history. She also gives more realistic guidelines based on distance, like shifting to 4-1-1 or even 3-1-1 if you live closer, and talks about how car rides can actually slow contractions (rude, honestly). The biggest takeaway? This isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your intuition, your body, and your context matter. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Too Early vs Too Late 05:16 When to Leave for the Hospital 08:29 Why 5-1-1 Doesn’t Work for Everyone 13:40 Listening to Your Body + Past Labors 15:16 Adjusting for Distance + Travel 17:54 Hospital Arrival + Final Tips   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. With Mother’s Day coming up, skip the flowers and ask for something you’ll actually use… their insanely soft bamboo sheets. Right now, they’re running a limited-time buy one, get one free on sheet sets. Head to cozyearth.com and use code HEHEBOGO to grab yours. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Kristen to break down how to actually choose a breast pump and prepare for pumping… without the overwhelm. They talk through when to order your pump (hint: don’t wait until baby is here), how insurance coverage works, and why you may need to advocate for yourself to get what you want. Kristen explains the difference between primary and secondary pumps, and why wearable pumps aren’t always the best place to start if you’re trying to build and protect your milk supply. They also get into what actually matters when it comes to effectiveness, portability, and real-life use. One of the biggest takeaways? Flange sizing. Most pumps come with sizes that don’t fit the majority of people, and that can seriously impact output and comfort. They walk through how to measure, test, and find your correct size without wasting money. They also cover pump parts, when to replace them, how to clean everything safely (without overcomplicating it), and how to use your pump settings in a way that actually works with your body. If pumping is part of your plan, this episode will help you feel way more prepared and way less confused walking into it. Timestamps 00:00 Why Flange Size Matters 10:52 Do You Actually Need a Pump 19:22 Ordering Through Insurance 27:10 Primary vs Wearable Pumps 35:47 Flange Sizing + Fit 55:21 Pump Parts + Cleaning 01:09:06 Settings + Features 01:16:18 Insurance + Final Tips Guest Bio: Kristen is a Certified Lactation Counselor, CLC, and mother of 5 earthside. She has been pumping for 7+ years for her multiples and 3 singletons. Between her own experiences of both exclusively pumping, feeding at the breast and formal CLC training she is able to share a mix of real experiences, expectations and training based advice.   Kristen Krahl, CLC bemybreastfriend.com Instagram: @bemybreastfriend: https://www.instagram.com/bemybreastfriend YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bemybreastfriend?si=oBmm2NxV1c1gztrU  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bemybreastfriend/    https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/blog/can-i-get-a-breast-pump-through-insurance#:~:text=Yes%2C%20and%20that's%20why%20we,support%2C%20counseling%2C%20and%20equipment.   https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/blog/understanding-the-affordable-care-act Understanding the ACA  Get Kristen’s Be my breast friend’s road map to breastfeeding here:  https://bemybreastfriend.com/products/breastfeeding-road-map   Snag Kristen’s pump comparison chart here: https://bemybreastfriend.com/products/pump-comparison-chart   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Brit Patos, founder of Infant Feeding Care, to clear up one of the biggest feeding myths out there: that all bottles are basically the same… they’re not. They break down why bottle feeding is not one size fits all, and how things like nipple flow rate can make or break both feeding safety and your breastfeeding relationship. Brit explains that what people call “nipple confusion” is often actually flow confusion since bottles deliver milk instantly while breastfeeding requires a little more patience and coordination. They also talk through how to introduce bottles without derailing breastfeeding, what to do if your baby starts refusing the breast, and why feeding before your baby is crying can make a huge difference. This conversation gets into the details most people never hear, like how “slow flow” labels aren’t regulated (yes, really), why that matters, and what to look for instead, especially in higher-risk feeding situations. If you’re navigating bottles, breastfeeding, or both, this episode will help you feel a whole lot more confident in what you’re choosing and why. 00:00 Reflexive Sucking Warning 01:17 Listener Email Advocacy Win 04:08 How to Use the App 06:22 Meet Brit Bottle Basics 10:55 Flow Confusion Explained 12:54 When to Introduce Bottles 16:14 Hunger Cues Before Crying 18:07 If Breastfeeding Is Struggling 20:37 Sponsor Just Ingredients 23:13 Nipple Flow Labels Exposed 29:23 Best Slow Flow Options 32:45 Hospital Disposable Nipple Risks 34:56 Special Feeding Needs Down Syndrome 37:26 Do Nipples Need to Match 39:41 Wrap Up Resources Goodbye   Guest Bio: Britt Pados is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner & Nurse Researcher AND founder of Infant Feeding Care.  Britt is a neonatal nurse practitioner with a clinical background in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She has a PhD in Nursing focused on feeding in infants and has done research on flow rates from bottle nipples. She owns Infant Feeding Care where she provides breastfeeding and bottle-feeding support to infants in Massachusetts. Follow along with Britt here: www.infantfeedingcare.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Britt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/infantfeedingcare/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Listen to the original episode here: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-191-bottle-flow-rates-and-choosing-the-right-bottle-with-britt-pados/

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe walks you through the birth prep she and her husband actually did for their home birth… and what actually mattered once they were on the other side of it. They took The Birth Lounge childbirth education course together to understand labor, get aligned on preferences, and make sure her husband felt confident and steady through a three-day labor. He also went through Dad Days to learn real, practical support skills from other dads. HeHe also shares how the Secret Sauce to Pushing course played a huge role in her pushing experience, supporting her pelvic floor, minimizing tearing, and setting her up for a smoother recovery, even with hours of pushing and a long crowning phase. They prepared for the “what ifs” too, taking a newborn resuscitation class and a breech birth course, and she brought in an IBCLC prenatally for breastfeeding support so she wasn’t figuring it out for the first time postpartum. This episode is a real look at what prep can actually do for your birth and recovery, and how to focus your energy on what truly makes a difference.   00:00 Postpartum Perspective 01:10 Episode Overview 01:49 Birth Lounge Prep 03:52 Water Break Moment 05:26 Dad Daze Course 08:37 Secret Sauce Pushing 13:53 Newborn Resuscitation 17:13 Breech Birth Training 19:23 Lactation Support Plan 23:12 What We Could Skip 25:18 Wrap Up and Resources SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/courses/  

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with family physician and circumcision safety innovator Dr. David Tomlinson for a detailed, no-fluff conversation about newborn circumcision in the U.S. They unpack why this topic can feel so taboo, what most parents aren’t told about risks and complications, and how technique and device choice can significantly impact safety. Dr. Tomlinson also walks through the proposed health benefits often associated with circumcision, including infection and disease risk, and how those claims are supported in research. The conversation also explores timing, including why circumcision is often done within the first 24 to 48 hours in the U.S., why that differs from other countries, and what considerations come with waiting. HeHe and Dr. Tomlinson discuss pain management options, vitamin K and bleeding risks, aftercare, and what parents should know before making this decision. This episode isn’t about telling you what to choose. It’s about giving you a fuller picture so you can make a decision that feels informed, intentional, and aligned for your family. 00:00 Circumcision Injury Reality 01:13 Birth Lounge App Overview 04:43 Episode Setup Circumcision Questions 05:55 Meet Dr Tomlinson 09:48 Why Circumcision Feels Taboo 12:16 Safety Risks And Common Devices 14:21 AccuCirc Origin Story 18:26 How Often Injuries Happen 21:11 Long Term Injury Impacts 22:36 Foreskin Function And HIV 24:30 Benefits Evidence And Sexual Function 26:10 Devils Advocate Hygiene Question 27:46 Paraphimosis And Origins 30:50 Guidelines Without Shame 38:07 Why Delay Circumcision 38:47 War History And Early Timing 42:54 Ideal Timing 7 To 14 Days 44:05 Waiting Until Adolescence Tradeoffs 47:08 Beyond 28 Days And Anesthesia 49:04 Anesthesia Timing Risks 49:46 Topical vs Injectable Lidocaine 50:59 Hospital Cost Tradeoffs 52:53 Sponsor Cozy Earth 56:28 Vitamin K and Bleeding Rules 59:27 Oral vs Intramuscular Vitamin K / IM Vitamin K Options 01:04:33 Bleeding Prevention Techniques 01:06:11 Safer Clamp Design Explained 01:13:22 Healing Timeline and Dressing 01:14:20 Aftercare Vaseline and Trapped Penis 01:19:15 Transparency and Follow Up Care 01:22:49 Foreskin Disposal and Donation 01:26:20 How to Connect with SafeCirc 01:29:15 Final Encouragement and Wrap Up   Guest Bio: Dr. David Tomlinson is a family physician, medical innovator, and international leader in newborn male circumcision care. An Academic All-American from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he went on to earn his MD at the University of Colorado and complete his Family Medicine training in the U.S. Navy. For over 20 years, he has worked to make newborn circumcision safer worldwide, leading the development of the minimally invasive AccuCirc® device. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at Brown University, Dr. Tomlinson has advised the World Health Organization, NIH, and Gates Foundation, and created training programs across Africa. He has served as an expert witness in malpractice cases involving circumcision injuries and has dedicated his career to preventing these devastating complications. A longtime staff physician at South County Hospital, where he was named Physician of the Year, Dr. Tomlinson has also lectured at leading institutions including Mass General, Brigham and Women’s, and Dartmouth. He authored the surgical chapters of the WHO’s global manual on infant circumcision and continues to shape programs for HIV prevention and safer newborn care worldwide. Connect with Dr. Tomlinson here: www.SafeCirc.com And Get a 10% discount anytime in 2026, just by mentioning The Birth Lounge Podcast  You can find links to all the research Dr. Tomlinson shared in this document.  You can learn more about the SafeCirc here.  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with filmmaker and activist Brendon Marotta to explore the history, ethics, and modern practice of circumcision. Brendon shares how circumcision became medicalized over time, shifting from early cultural and religious roots to routine use in modern hospital systems. The conversation looks at how messaging has evolved, including past beliefs about infant pain, what current research suggests, and how conversations around consent and bodily autonomy have changed over the years. HeHe and Brendon also discuss the function of the foreskin, common claims around hygiene and health, and why circumcision rates in the U.S. have been declining. They touch on cultural influences, generational beliefs, and how parents today are navigating this decision with more access to information than ever before. Throughout the episode, the focus stays on informed decision-making, understanding the full picture, and creating space for thoughtful, pressure-free conversations around a topic that is often considered routine but rarely questioned. Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open + Why This Topic Matters 02:50 HeHe’s Perspective + Research Lens 09:20 Circumcision Conversation Begins 16:25 Meet Brendon Marotta 22:58 History, Power, and Culture 32:06 Infant Pain and What We Know 44:19 Trauma and Long-Term Considerations 57:06 Health Claims and Controversies 01:04:30 Industry and System Incentives 01:10:16 Function and Anatomy 01:17:24 Parenting, Autonomy, and Decision-Making 01:28:03 Cultural Shifts and Changing Rates 01:42:22 Documentary + Final Thoughts See American Circumcision here: https://circumcisionmovie.com/ Guest Bio: Brendon Marotta is a filmmaker, author, and speaker. His last film, American Circumcision, won multiple awards and played on Netflix. He is the author of four books, The Intactivist Guidebook,  The Haunting of Bob Cratchit, Children’s Justice, and The Gods of AI. He has spoken at Yale University, the International Conference on Men’s Issues, the International Symposium on Genital Autonomy and Children’s Rights, and the Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology. Brendon hosts a regular podcast called The Brendon Marotta Show. He is creating music and art with AI under the name Strange Aura. He currently lives with his family in Austin, TX.   Follow Brendon on social media here: http://www.brendonmarotta.com/subscribe/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Today’s episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with OB-GYN Dr. Kirti Patel, host of The Gynarchy Podcast, to unpack how patriarchy has shaped women’s health, maternity care, and the way society talks about our bodies. With more than 25 years in obstetrics, Dr. Patel brings both experience and perspective to a conversation that challenges a lot of the norms we’ve been taught to accept. They talk about what “gynae” really means, why Dr. Patel intentionally centers women’s voices, and how sexism has historically influenced medical training, leadership, and the care women receive. HeHe and Dr. Patel also explore the displacement of midwives, the slow shift toward more women in OB-GYN leadership, and the reality that women’s bodies are often treated like public property when it comes to birth control, abortion, and fertility. The conversation dives into medical paternalism in labor and delivery, why informed consent is still a major issue in maternity care, and the very real physical, emotional, and career sacrifices that often come with pregnancy and motherhood. They also talk about the need for better support systems, the importance of community and “the village,” and why men sharing the mental load at home is part of the cultural shift families need.   Guest Bio: Dr. Kirti Patel is a board-certified OB-GYN with over 25 years of experience and the host of The Gynarchy Podcast. Known for her bold, feminist perspective and evidence-based approach, she’s passionate about challenging outdated narratives in women’s health and calling out misinformation. Through her work, Dr. Patel blends science, advocacy, and real talk to help women better understand their bodies and feel more confident navigating their care. www.thegynarchypodcast.com The Gynarchy is a podcast at the intersection of women's health and feminism, hosted by ob/gyn Dr. Kirti Patel. @thegynarchy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegynarchy TikTok, and Bluesky, Find The Gynarchy on most podcast platforms and YouTube SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Bronx-based doula and Bridge Directory founder Emilie Rodriguez for a real conversation about the uncomfortable truths inside U.S. maternity care. They talk about why the system is failing families and why avoiding hard conversations only keeps things the same. HeHe and Emilie unpack the debate around doula certification, why some doulas intentionally remain uncertified, and how certification can sometimes become a tool for control within hospital systems. Emilie shares how Bridge Directory is working to create a more accessible pathway that allows doulas to work within institutions and bill Medicaid while still honoring traditional training, ancestral knowledge, and doula autonomy. They also dive into the difference between true informed consent and the watered-down version often called “shared decision making,” the role racism plays in obstetrics, and why it’s unrealistic to expect doulas to fix systemic problems they didn’t create. This episode explores accountability, transparency in maternity outcomes, and why community, mentorship, and ongoing self-reflection are essential in doula work. Guest Bio: Emilie Rodriguez is a Black traditional birth and postpartum doula and medical anthropologist. She founded Ashe Birthing Services, a team of BIPOC doulas serving over 400 families a year in NYC, and co-founded The Bridge Directory, a platform of perinatal providers and professionals of color creating a new standard of maternal health. They are on a mission to heal the disparities in healthcare from within by training institutions and providers, redefining expectations in care, and closing the access gap. As an active Bronxite and reproductive justice advocate, Emilie is deeply passionate about her community and perinatal health. She is also a leading expert in policy-level change, particularly in advocating for doula pay-equity and the development of accessible doula qualifications and standardization, as doulas begin to accept insurance in New York City and New York State.   Connect with Emilie:  https://www.ashebirthingservices.com/ https://www.thebridgedirectory.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilie-rodriguez11/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.thebridgedirectory.com/

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe continues the surrogacy series with Tiffany Jo Baker, a three-time surrogate who carried five babies, including two sets of twins. Tiffany shares how her faith first led her to surrogacy and walks through what the process actually looked like behind the scenes, from agency screening and psychological evaluations to matching with intended parents. They talk honestly about IVF hormone protocols, embryo transfers that didn’t stick, experiencing pregnancy loss, and how consent and autonomy are navigated when it’s the surrogate’s body but not her baby. Tiffany also shares what conversations around selective reduction looked like, how relationships with intended parents evolved after birth, and why her surrogacy journeys ultimately ended in C-sections after previously having unmedicated vaginal births. HeHe and Tiffany also unpack the practical side of surrogacy, including contracts, escrow, insurance, compensation, birth certificate logistics, and some of the biggest myths and misunderstandings surrounding the fertility industry.   Guest Bio: Tiffany Jo Baker is a caffeinated mom of two young adult daughters, surrogate mom who has delivered five babies for three families dealing with infertility, proud dog-mom, and wife to an extreme outdoorsman. She is the podcast host of The Tiffany Jo Baker Podcast, author of the devotional Soul-Care for Go-Getters, speaker, and Holy Spirit-led strategist who uplifts the soul and success of women walking out their "why" at home, online and in the real world so they can get free, live full and birth their God-given dreams. https://www.TiffanyJoBaker.com https://www.tiffanyjobaker.com/tiffany-jo-baker-podcast https://www.tiffanyjobaker.com/services  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Kallie Fell, executive director of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, for a thought-provoking conversation about the ethics of surrogacy. Kallie shares why she believes modern surrogacy raises serious concerns about exploitation, commodification, and what she calls “fragmented motherhood,” where the roles of biological, gestational, and social mother are separated. Together, they explore questions about surrogate health risks, potential long-term impacts for children conceived through IVF, and the complicated legal landscape surrounding contracts, autonomy, and representation. Throughout the conversation, HeHe reflects on how her own perspective shifted after becoming pregnant and emphasizes the importance of having open, respectful conversations about topics that are often considered taboo. Guest Bio: From the beginning, Kallie has been passionate about women’s health. After graduating with a Masters of Science degree in Animal Sciences with an emphasis on Reproductive Physiology and Molecular Biology and working in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center,  Kallie continued her education in nursing and has been a perinatal nurse for nearly a decade. Kallie has worked with the CBC since 2018, first as a volunteer writer, then as our staff Research Associate, and now as the Executive Director. In 2021, Kallie co-directed the CBC’s first documentary on “transgender medicine” titled Trans Mission: What’s the Rush to Reassign Gender? In 2022 Kallie co-wrote and co-produced The Detransition Diaries: Saving Our Sisters. Kallie hosted the popular podcast Venus Rising and is currently the Program Director for the Paul Ramsey Institute. Her latest film, The Lost Boys: Searching for Manhood and new book, co-authored with Jennifer Lahl, The Detransition Diaries (published by Ignatius Press) were both released in early 2024.    About The Center for Bioethics and Culture:  The Center for Bioethics and Culture Network (CBC) is an educational nonprofit addressing bioethical issues that most profoundly affect our humanity, especially issues that arise in the lives of the most vulnerable among us. We work through a variety of media platforms—documentary film, writing, speaking, interviews, social media, and more—to educate and inform members of the general public, thought leaders, lawmakers, and others on ethical issues in healthcare, biomedical research, and biotechnological advancement. We exist to educate and inform members of the general public, thought leaders, lawmakers, and others on ethical issues in healthcare, biomedical research, and biotechnological advancement by intentionally bring together diverse voices from across the spectrum of human experience to build common cause in addressing the crucial questions that accompany these fields.   Connect with CBC: https://cbc-network.org  X: @kal_fell and @CBCnetwork Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cbc-networkOrg  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Just Ingredients Ready to simplify your supplements with a brand you can actually trust? Check out Just Ingredients for clean protein, prenatals, electrolytes, and more, made with real, transparent ingredients. Head to justingredients.us and use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE to save 10% on your first order.

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe is back behind the mic for the first newly recorded episode since having her baby and let’s just say… postpartum has been full of surprises. Three months in, she’s sharing the unexpected symptoms no one warned her about. From intense cold flashes (sometimes right after eating or nursing) to a wave of jealousy and nausea when someone else holds her baby, HeHe gets honest about the weird, emotional, and very real postpartum moments that don’t make it into most conversations. She also talks about the shock of a painfully strong breastfeeding letdown that feels like electricity, random hormone symptoms like a metallic taste in her mouth, and even scalp sensitivity that suddenly made ponytails unbearable. And yes… we’re talking about the “downstairs” surprises too. HeHe shares about severe rectal pain after a long pushing phase, intense vaginal itchiness, and the random “throbbing vagina” sensation that had her briefly spiraling before getting reassurance from her midwife and pelvic floor physical therapist. This episode is honest, a little funny, and deeply validating for anyone navigating the wild world of postpartum recovery. If you’ve ever wondered “is this normal?” after having a baby, you are definitely not alone. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/    BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Check out HeHe’s birth story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noh5eFpCFcs

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with former labor and delivery nurse, mom of nine, and founder of Transformational Motherhood, Sarah Martin, for a real talk conversation about labor room rights, hospital policies, and what it actually looks like to advocate for yourself during birth. Together, they pull back the curtain on how hospital systems work, why many hospital birth classes can be biased, and why evidence-based childbirth education outside the hospital can make such a difference. Sarah shares practical ways families can navigate the system with more confidence, from choosing a provider who aligns with your goals to requesting a specific provider, hiring a doula, and understanding your right to informed consent. They also talk about fear-based maternity care, how to decline students or procedures you are not comfortable with, when it is appropriate to request a different nurse, and how to report concerns if you feel disrespected or mistreated. This conversation is all about helping parents understand their options, protect their autonomy, and walk into the birth room feeling informed, supported, and in control. This episode originally aired Tuesday Mar 02, 2021 and can be found here:  https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-154-rights-in-the-labor-room-with-sarah-martin-rn/   Guest Bio: Sarah Martin is a mother of 9, an experienced OB nurse, and founder of Transformational Motherhood (previously Traditional Motherhood).  Sarah has taken her passion, knowledge and experience in pregnancy, birth and postpartum to create a community dedicated to education, empowerment and support of expectant and new mamas to take them from feeling scared to confidently prepared! Traditional Motherhood is taking expectant and new mamas from scared to confidently prepared through education. Connect with Sarah:  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/transformationalmotherhood/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Temp Drop If you’re over peeing on sticks, overthinking charts, or trying to take your temp at the same time every morning, Tempdrop does the work for you while you sleep. Grab a discount with code AFHEHE at tempdrop.com/discount/AFHEHE

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. In this episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Kristin Lasseter to unpack perinatal mental health with a focus on postpartum anxiety (PPA) versus postpartum depression (PPD), how they differ, and when “baby blues” may signal something more. While mood shifts are common in the early postpartum days, symptoms that persist beyond a couple of weeks, disrupt sleep, bring constant anxiety or sadness, intrusive thoughts, or thoughts of death deserve real support. They talk candidly about the guilt, shame, and fear of judgment that keep many women silent, and why telling one safe person can be a powerful first step. The conversation explores common risk factors like fertility struggles, pregnancy or birth complications, and PMDD, along with the significant hormonal shift that happens after the placenta is delivered and why the brain can feel especially vulnerable during that window. HeHe and Dr. Lasseter also navigate the often-stigmatized topic of psychiatric medication during pregnancy and postpartum. They discuss why abruptly stopping medication is usually unsafe, how to thoughtfully weigh medication risks against the risks of untreated mental illness, what research tells us about breastfeeding compatibility, and what to expect when starting or adjusting treatment. They touch on newer, faster-acting postpartum depression options, therapy modalities like CBT and EMDR, and additional treatments such as TMS and ECT. The episode closes with an honest conversation about bounce-back culture, social media pressure, and choosing support systems that protect a mother’s mental health. Throughout, the message is clear: evidence-based care matters, suffering in silence isn’t a badge of honor, and there is no shame in using medication when it’s needed. 0:00 - Introduction: Mental Health Medications in Pregnancy & Postpartum 4:36 - Postpartum Anxiety vs Postpartum Depression: Key Differences 6:01 - Normal Baby Blues vs Red Flags: When to Seek Help 9:51 - Intrusive Thoughts & Breaking the Stigma 17:26 - Medication Safety in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know 24:43 - Should You Stop Your Meds When Pregnant? 30:03 - Hormones & Mental Health: The Postpartum Crash 43:56 - Breastfeeding While on Psychiatric Medications 51:26 - How Long Should You Stay on Medication? 60:50 - Fighting the "Bounce Back" Culture & Social Media's Impact   Guest Bio: Kristin Yeung Lasseter, MD is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Texas who specializes in Reproductive Psychiatry and Women’s Mental Health.  She graduated cum laude from Southwestern University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology prior to attending medical school at the Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Lasseter excelled in medical school and was awarded membership into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. After receiving her Medical Degree, she completed Psychiatry residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin where she served as Chief Resident. She additionally spent time training in Reproductive Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.  Dr. Lasseter founded Reproductive Psychiatry Clinic of Austin in 2018, which now hosts multiple psychiatrists and psychotherapists specialized in treating mental health disorders related to the reproductive lifespan. She dedicates much of her time educating the public and other providers about reproductive mental illness through speaking engagements, writing and social media.   Connect with Dr. Lasseter:   www.rpcaustin.com   www.kristinlassetermd.com   https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Lasseter on IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page RESOURCES MENTIONED: Maternal Mental Health Suicide Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/   

Ep. 429: The Science Behind Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Katayune Kaeni aka Dr. Kat In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with perinatal psychologist Dr. Kat to have the conversation we don’t have enough: the real, nuanced truth about mental health in pregnancy and postpartum. They break down the full spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. They cover what’s common, what’s urgent, and what deserves immediate support. A major focus of this conversation is intrusive thoughts. Dr. Kat explains that intrusive thoughts are incredibly common, especially postpartum. They are typically unwanted, distressing, and they don’t reflect your true desires. But when thoughts become frequent, graphic, intense, or begin to interfere with daily functioning (like avoiding holding your baby out of fear), that’s when it’s time to reach out for professional support. HeHe shares personal examples and normalizes how sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, stress, and identity changes can amplify anxiety and intrusive thoughts, while emphasizing that struggling does not mean you are broken. They discuss: How to tell the difference between common intrusive thoughts and something more serious Why suicide is the second leading cause of death in the postpartum period When therapy and/or medication are appropriate and valid tools How to talk to your partner and loved ones about not feeling like yourself Why reassurance alone may not be enough for severe anxiety or OCD How to use resources like Postpartum Support International The importance of proactive conversations during pregnancy This episode is compassionate, evidence-based, and deeply validating. If you have ever thought, “Why is my brain doing this?” or felt afraid to say your thoughts out loud, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening, and remind you that support is not weakness. It is care. You deserve to feel safe in your own mind. Guest Bio: Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, aka, Dr. Kat is a perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques, and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast, the longest-running perinatal mental health podcast since 2016, covering perinatal mental health personal stories and expert interviews. She volunteers her time, serving on the board of Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a board member and as the immediate past chair. Dr. Kat began specializing in perinatal mental health after her own experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD over 14 years ago. Dr. Kat continues to offer psychotherapy virtually to clients across California.   www.momandmind.com, IG and Tiktok @momandmind, FB @momandmindpodcast SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Kat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momandmind/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: PSI descriptions of symptoms: https://paulspector.com/assessments/pauls-no-cost-assessments/physical-symptoms-inventory/

What are the most common reasons for a home birth transfer? Is every transfer an emergency? If you’ve found yourself wondering about this, you’re exactly where you need to be. In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with birth doula, childbirth educator, business owner, former teacher, and MSW student Jen Walts to talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: creating a thoughtful transfer plan to support a smooth, patient-centered, trauma-informed transition from a home or birth center setting to the hospital if the need arises. Because here’s the truth: planning for transfer isn’t planning for failure — it’s planning for safety, flexibility, and peace of mind. HeHe and Jen walk through why transfer planning matters and encourage parents to ask their midwife about transfer timing and transfer rates (and why a rate of zero can actually be a red flag). They gently reframe transfer as a responsible, informed pivot when circumstances call for additional support. This conversation covers common reasons for transfer, like maternal health, baby’s health, and access to additional tools such as pain management (including epidurals), assisted vaginal delivery options, and postpartum repair. They also explore how fear of the hospital can complicate transfer, the importance of understanding the “why” behind birth location choice, how a transfer can impact the nervous system, and the role of surrender and flexibility when a birth plan changes. Jen recommends developing a hospital backup birth preference sheet, including a shorter “top 10” list of non-negotiables to share with the receiving team, with examples such as immediate skin-to-skin, backup skin-to-skin plans if separation occurs, delayed cord clamping, newborn feeding preferences, and cesarean-specific requests.    Guest Bio: Jen has been a birth doula, childbirth educator and business owner for five years. She taught high school for ten years and is now pursuing her second Masters degree. She hopes to become a licensed social worker and therapist to children and families in Massachusetts.   Connect with Jen here: Thebirthpath.org https://www.pioneervalleydoulas.com/   Get $100 OFF Hypnobirthing with Jen Walts (virtual or in person) when you mention that heard about it here!  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Jen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/_thebirthpath_/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page