We’re exploring option from conception to childhood to help women take control of their fertility, birth experience, postpartum healing, and motherhood journey! This is a safe space for all parents to hear what the experts have to say and to hear from influencer parents and their take on parenthood! Join us for all things birth and parenthood for an empowering and educational walk with a birth and newborn expert and the found of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, HeHe Stewart.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode of the Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes Jessie and Amanda, hosts of the Pregnant Bitches podcast, to discuss a variety of topics crucial for expecting and new parents. The discussion covers candid birth stories, navigating the medical system, mental health, postpartum experiences, and the complexities of relationships after having children. Jessie and Amanda share personal anecdotes about hospital vs. natural births, partner involvement, overcoming fears, and the reality of motherhood, including sex after birth. They emphasize the importance of community, informed choices, and embracing each phase of parenting.
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section
03:10 Introduction to Today's Episode
04:32 Big Sister Advice with Jesse and Amanda
07:20 Birth Stories: Hospital vs. Natural Birth
13:29 NICU Experience and Postpartum Recovery
30:08 Partner Support During Labor
34:12 Navigating Labor with a Doula
35:13 The Role of Partners During Childbirth
38:53 Postpartum Relationship Dynamics
40:22 Adjusting to Life with Multiple Children
44:59 Considering a Third Child
47:29 Balancing Personal Freedom and Parenthood
56:13 Sex After Baby: What to Expect
Guest Bio:
Jessie and Amanda are 2 moms, each to 2 boys, that struggled through their pregnancy & postpartum journey, feeling like there was so much they didn't know and that no one told them. Fast forward to today, and they share the real, raw and relatable side of motherhood.
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with Pregnant Bitchez on IG
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out the free class: How to avoid a c-section and reduce your chance of tearing in labor!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
6 days ago
6 days ago
In this episode, Kayla Grove, an ICU nurse, joins the podcast to talk about the importance of patient autonomy and informed consent in healthcare. Kayla shares her journey of following her intuition over strictly adhering to medical guidelines, highlighting her respectful approach to patient choices. The discussion includes practical advice for making healthcare decisions, the role of intuition, and how medical professionals can better support patient autonomy. Kayla also discusses her personal birth plan choices and the importance of choosing the right healthcare provider.
TIMESTAMPS
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section
03:10 Empowering Birth Choices
05:18 Meet Kayla Grove: Advocate and Doula
06:24 Kayla's Journey Through Loss and Advocacy
09:52 Patient Autonomy and Medical Decisions
14:57 Humanizing Healthcare
20:40 Challenging Medical Norms
27:25 Maintaining Your Power in Medical Decisions
28:05 Alternative Birth Plan Choices
29:10 Deciding Against Hepatitis B Shot and Eye Ointment
30:41 Addressing Postpartum Hemorrhage Fears
32:36 The Controversy of Declining an IV
38:18 The Importance of Choosing the Right Provider
46:19 Trusting Your Intuition and Making Empowered Decisions
49:51 Final Thoughts and Connecting with the Community
Guest Bio:
Kayla is a naturally minded certified ICU nurse with over 12 years of experience, a board-certified integrative nurse coach, holistic doula, and mom of two.
Her passion is helping women feel informed and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her mission is to advocate for women to receive the care they deserve—aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates, postpartum mood disorders, and help women truly enjoy their pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Kayla's personal experiences have shaped her path. She endured the loss of her best friend due to medical negligence just weeks before having her first baby—a catalyst for her fierce advocacy. She also navigated a difficult birth, followed by postpartum anxiety and OCD and internal tremors. In 2022 she had a missed miscarriage that led her deeper down her path of education and training, and then she had her rainbow baby in 2023. She opened up her coaching business in Nov 2023 and then her doula business in May 2024. Her positive second birth experience, paired with a healing postpartum, drives her to support other women on their journey so they can have the same.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
In this episode, HeHe interviews Trish, aka Labor Nurse Mama, discussing her extensive experience as a high-risk labor and delivery nurse specializing in VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). They explore the challenges and misconceptions surrounding VBAC, the importance of advocacy and informed decision-making, and the support systems available through Trish's VBAC Lab and other resources. They also address the impact of hospital policies, doctor-patient dynamics, and provide actionable tips for navigating the medical system to achieve a VBAC safely and confidently.
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Sections
01:59 Understanding the U.S. Birth System
03:10 Navigating VBAC in Hospitals
05:28 Introducing Trish Ware: The VBAC Expert
06:20 Empowering Women Through Evidence-Based Education
08:13 Challenges and Misconceptions About VBAC
09:09 Advice for VBAC Mamas
09:47 The Reality of Hospital Policies
13:21 The VBAC Lab: Supporting Moms
14:42 The Importance of Informed Decisions
20:26 The Role of Providers in Birth Experiences
27:48 Advocating for Your Birth Plan
28:23 The Role of Labor Nurse Mama
29:13 Empowering Mothers Through Education
32:07 The Importance of Support and Community
34:28 Navigating Medical Recommendations
42:44 Induction and VBAC: What You Need to Know
45:50 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Meet Trish, a mama to 7, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse with 16 years of experience, and the visionary behind Labor Nurse Mama and her online birth classes Calm Labor Confident Birth and The VBAC Lab. Since 2017, she's been on a mission to empower women through evidence-based education, aiming to change the birth culture to one that celebrates the natural process of birth and grants women the autonomy they deserve. Trish's small dream has blossomed, now serving thousands of women,and has expanded to mentoring women in business.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Check out Trish's courses here!
Check out Trish's memberships here
Hashtags:
#BirthLounge #VBAC #VBACBirth #VBACSuccessStories #VaginalBirthAfterCesarean #TrishWare #LaborNurseMama #VBACEducation #ReducingCSection #AvoidingCSection #EvidenceBasedBirth #ChildbirthEducation #PregnancyTips #LaborAdvice #MaternityCare #BirthOptions #BirthPlans #PostpartumPlanning #EmpoweringBirths #BirthConfidence #BirthCommunity #HealthCareSystem #BirthTrauma #InformedConsent #BirthAdvocacy
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
HeHe shares 6 things she would absolutely do if she was getting an epidural in labor! These are not the traditional things like 'keep moving,' rather she is sharing exact conversations to have with your provider to make sure your epidural gives you the pain relief you're trying to achieve and what to do if you're epidural is too heavy (which may lead to longer pushing time and increased tearing!).
Download my Evidence Based Epidural Guide! (Clickable Link!)
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/
Connect with HeHe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hehestewart
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
HeHe is joined by Dr. Robert Hurst, who delves into the fascinating world of birth order and its profound impact on our lives. From understanding how birth order shapes our interpersonal relationships to uncovering the dynamics within blended families, Dr. Hurst provides an in-depth analysis of how our position in the family hierarchy influences who we are. The episode offers insights into the characteristics of firstborns, middle children, and only children, and touches on the complexities introduced by factors such as sibling spacing, cultural expectations, and unexpected family changes like the death of a child or divorce. Dr. Hurst also shares practical advice for parents on fostering healthy sibling relationships and guiding each child according to their unique birth order personality traits.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Hurst never envisioned himself as a leading expert on birth order. His journey began during his extensive career in orthodontics at Tufts University and Louisiana State University. Over his career, he observed firsthand how birth order influences individual personalities and family dynamics, leading him to study these patterns in-depth.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Dr. Hurst on YouTube
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
In this insightful episode, HeHe welcomes Trisha Ludwig from the Down to Birth Show to explore the critical aspects of breastfeeding. They discuss the tremendous benefits for both mother and baby, including improved mental health for mom and reduced cancer risks. Trisha emphasizes the importance of prenatal education, the role of partners, and why breastfeeding is a learned skill. They also cover common breastfeeding problems, the significance of skin-to-skin contact, and how pain can indicate the need for latch adjustments. Essential tips for advocating breastfeeding in hospitals and advice on how to manage newborn feeding cues are also highlighted.
Guest Bio:
Trisha Ludwig is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with a Master’s degree from Yale School of Nursing. After practicing as a homebirth midwife she started a holistic gynecology and women’s health practice, which she ran for 10 years. She is passionate about supporting and optimizing women’s transitions through the major shifts such as pregnancy, postpartum, peri-menopause, and menopause. She believes in treating health issues on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level.
She is a mother of three children, all of whom were born at home. It is her knowledge as a midwife and women’s health practitioner, but most importantly as a mother herself, which gives her first-hand insight into the complex emotional shifts of the postpartum transition. As a woman who is equally passionate about her work as she is about mothering, she understands the process of “becoming mom.”
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
HeHe is joined by Dr. Gertrude Lyons to discuss the journey of living a fuller, more purposeful life, and the importance of authenticity in motherhood. Dr. Lyons shares her life story from a career in finance to transformational coaching, emphasizing the impact of premarital counseling, personal growth, and home birth experiences. They delve into the concept of the 'mother wound,' handling postpartum changes, and the importance of maintaining a sense of self while parenting. The conversation offers practical insights for aspiring and current mothers on navigating societal expectations, the importance of self-care, and utilizing support systems. The episode also highlights Dr. Lyons' upcoming book, 'Rewrite the Mother Code,' and her online course, 'Journey into the Dark,' aimed at exploring feminine aspects of self.
08:16 Journey to Personal Growth
10:16 Transformative Experiences in Motherhood
11:38 Challenges and Realizations
15:28 The Importance of Therapy
23:22 Understanding the Mother Wound
37:20 Navigating Parenthood and Personal Growth
42:05 Tuning into Your Intuitive Voice
43:05 Creating a Support System
49:41 Addressing Common Objections
56:01 Navigating Social Judgments
58:10 The Home Birth Experience
01:02:26 Empowerment Through Birth Choices
01:15:32 Introducing Dr. Gertrude's Book
01:21:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Guest Bio:
Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a visionary leader in the realms of self-mothering, holistic women’s empowerment, and deep relationship transformation. With over 25 years of experience, she weaves together a rich tapestry of wisdom, education, and certifications to create a holistic, integrative, and nurturing approach to personal growth and healing. In her coaching, immersive experiences, and retreats Dr. Lyons lovingly guides women on transformative journeys to reclaim the art of mothering—not just for others, but for themselves, their dreams, and the lives they long to embody. She is the host of the longstanding and widely celebrated Rewrite the Mother Code podcast, consistently ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally. Her podcast is a trusted space where she explores the sacred essence of mothering in its many beautiful and expansive forms, reaching and inspiring thousands of listeners. A heartfelt speaker and published author, Dr. Gertrude’s forthcoming book, Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust – A Cosmic Approach to Motherhood, expands on these themes, inviting us all to honor feminine energy, creative flow, and authentic living. Through her work, she empowers women, couples, and families to rewrite the story of how we nurture, love, and thrive.
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with Dr. Lyons on Instagram
Rewrite the Mother Code on YouTube
Connect with Dr. Gertrude Lyons on LinkedIn
Listen to Rewrite the Mother Code Podcast
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Connect with Dr. Gertrude Lyons here
Use code HeHe to get an 11% discount on Dr. Gertrude's course, Journey into the Dark
Check out Dr. Gertrude’s Self-Mothering Retreat in Zihuatanejo, MX March 16-2
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
In this episode HeHe addresses one of the most frequently asked questions: How to achieve an unmedicated birth. These are the steps she would take if she was hoping for an unmedicated hospital birth. The discussion includes practical, actionable steps for expectant parents aiming for an unmedicated delivery, emphasizing the importance of preparation, mindset, and holistic health. Topics covered include laboring at home, choosing the right care providers like midwives, understanding the labor process, and the significance of self-advocacy. The episode also highlights the necessity of having coping skills, educating your partner, and making a flexible birth plan to navigate the birth process confidently.
04:10 Practical Steps for Unmedicated Birth
06:11 Understanding the Birth Process
08:29 Preparing for Unmedicated Birth
10:49 Top Tips for Unmedicated Birth
20:23 Coping Skills and Partner Support
27:12 Creating a Birth Plan
31:39 Mental and Physical Preparation
36:00 The Importance of Self-Advocacy
50:59 Conclusion
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free course on how to avoid a c-section here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Get HeHe's birth planning guide here!
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
In this Birth Lounge Podcast episode, host HeHe discusses the complexities surrounding screen time for kids with Dr. Joel Warsh aka DrJoelGator, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine. They explore critical questions about the impact of screen time on child development, ADHD, social behavior, and overall health. Dr. Warsh shares valuable insights on balancing screen use, the potential health risks, and the role of modern technology in increasing chronic diseases among children. He also touches on the importance of outdoor activities and real-world interactions. Additionally, Dr. Warsh introduces his upcoming book, 'Between a Shot and a Hard Place,' which aims to provide balanced, research-based information on vaccines for informed parental decision-making.
00:00 Introduction and Screen Time Dilemma
04:50 Introducing Dr. Joel Warsh
06:33 The Impact of Screen Time on Child Development
09:41 Balancing Screen Time and Healthy Habits
14:26 Screen Time and ADHD
18:14 Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Families
26:59 Over-Medicalization and Chronic Illness
33:02 Managing Screen Time in Public Spaces
36:09 Balancing Screen Time for Kids
37:06 The Impact of Video Games on Children
39:48 Concerns About EMF and Technology
42:57 Practical Tips to Reduce EMF Exposure
48:43 Introducing Dr. Joel's New Book
52:46 Vaccines and Their Controversies
01:05:41 Non-Screen Activities for Kids
01:07:23 Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Information
Guest Bio:
Joel Warsh aka DrJoelGator of the popular parenting Instagram account is a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California who specializes in Parenting, Wellness and Integrative Medicine. He is the author of multiple books including:
1) Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Difficult Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity,
2) Love Dad
3) Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out the free Avoid a C-Section webinar here to learn evidence based ways avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing in labor.
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this episode, HeHe is joined by Brigid Tebaldi, a mother of five who shares her transformative journey through multiple childbirths, ranging from traumatic to idyllic experiences. Brigid recounts her pregnancies and labors, highlighting her evolution from hospital births to empowering home births. The discussion covers building resilience in mothers and children through challenging and rewarding tasks, the impact of nutrition and mindset on mental health, and the importance of processing birth trauma. Brigid’s insights aim to help mothers reclaim their power and find joy in their birthing experiences.
00:00 Introduction to Free Birth Class
01:59 Avoid High C-Section Rates and Navigating the System
07:53 Personal Birth Stories Begin
08:25 First Birth Experience
11:42 Second Birth Experience
21:34 Third Birth Experience
22:11 Fourth Birth Experience and Transition to Home Birth
23:36 Fifth Birth Experience and Empowerment
27:14 Discovering Pregnancy and Initial Reactions
29:57 Natural Family Planning Journey
32:59 The Reality of Precipitous Labor
36:47 Navigating Hospital Births and Family Expectations
38:13 Discovering Alternative Birth Options
42:10 Building Resilience Through Childhood Experiences
46:59 Fostering Resilience in Children
51:03 Maintaining Resilience as a Parent
57:44 The Importance of Resilience in Birth Trauma
01:04:52 Mind-Body Connection and Resilience
01:06:49 Conclusion and Contact Information
Guest Bio:
Brigid is a Functional Women’s Health Coach and Mentor who helps moms who understand that their bodies are not broken, that they're not falling short in motherhood, how to get rid of those physical ailments that never seem to go away, and that life can be fun, full, and joyful even amongst the chaos. She guides women to see the truth: that their bodies are beautifully made by God, their vocation is holy work, and the birth of their children is only the beginning of the transformation God is calling them to walk in.
Through her signature program, Restored by Grace, she helps women reclaim vibrant, full, and healthy lives—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Her approach blends integrative methods with ancient wisdom about what our bodies truly need to thrive. In the program, you address the roots of past trauma, because these unhealed wounds don’t just affect how you feel—they can show up as physical symptoms like fatigue, pain, hormonal imbalances, and chronic health issues. By healing at the root level, you can finally experience the peace and health you’ve been longing for, restoring your energy, improving your relationships, and creating a healthier, happier life to spend with your family.
She believes that every mom has the power to create a holy, beautiful, and joy-filled life by embracing her God-given design and purpose.
Brigid is a wife, mother of 5, and homesteader in Pennsylvania. She enjoys spending time outside playing with her kids, reading about conspiracy theories, cooking and baking, and listening to all the podcasts she can.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.loretowellness.com/
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out the free Avoid a C-Section webinar here to learn evidence based ways avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing in labor.
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!