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
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe engages in a powerful discussion with Frances about navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. They touch on the importance of empowering expecting parents through candid conversations with experts, mental health support, and birth preparation tips. Frances shares insights on the cultural shifts in labor and delivery over the past decade, particularly regarding the importance of asking questions and advocating for oneself in the birth suite. They also delve into the critical issues of racial disparities in maternal healthcare, systemic racism, and the ways healthcare providers can better support Black mothers. The episode concludes with practical advice for healthcare professionals and allies on how to elevate Black voices, hold each other accountable, and create a safer, more respectful birthing environment. Tune in to learn how we can all contribute to a transformative change in maternity care.
A Long-Awaited Conversation
Advocacy in Labor and Delivery
Challenges in the Birth Suite
The Role of Social Media in Birth Conversations
Navigating Hospital Policies and Provider Dynamics
The Importance of Informed Consent
Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternity Care
The Power of Speaking Up
Building Trust Between Patients and Providers
The Importance of Direct Communication
Casual Conversations vs. Critical Moments
The Need for Assurance and Planning
Nurses' Role in Patient Comfort
Addressing Systemic Issues in Healthcare
The Power of White Allies
Training and Protocols for Inclusivity
The Reality of Black Maternal Mortality
Mobilizing for Change
Practical Steps for Improvement
The Importance of Believing Black Women
Guest Bio:
Frances Ivy-Marie is a Mom Content Creator. Her goal is to have Black Mothers have the same chance of surviving childbirth as their white counterparts in the United States, with a dream of that goal making a global impact.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Frances on TikTok
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Join host HeHe on the Birth Lounge podcast as she welcomes Liz, the founder of Swaddelini, to discuss her revolutionary baby swaddle. Liz shares her personal journey from new mom to entrepreneur, and how the necessity to help her own baby sleep better led to the invention of the innovative Swaddelini. They discuss the importance of proper baby sleep, the benefits of sensory compression, and the process of developing a baby product that meets the needs of various medical and developmental requirements. Liz also opens up about her own experiences with postpartum emotional distress and how her first employee's journey helped shape her company's values. Tune in for an inspiring story of perseverance, motherhood, and groundbreaking innovation in baby sleep technology.
Swaddelini is the soft and stretchy swaddle gives a gentle hug soothing your baby while allowing your baby freedom of movement!
The Birth of Swaddelini
Postpartum Emotional Distress
The Science Behind Swaddelini
The Comfort of Swaddelini
Adapting Swaddelini for Special Needs
Custom Orders and Team Effort
How to Use the Swaddelini
Temperature Control and Safety
Washing and Maintenance Tips
When to Stop Using Swaddelini
Future Innovations and Sensory Products
HeHe's Newborn Sleep Solutions Guide: A Guide to longer stretches of sleep by 6 weeks! Learn how to support your baby’s biological development, prioritize their weight gain goals & capitalize on the most nighttime sleep possible! By understanding newborn development, you will be able to avoid harsh, formal sleep training programs in the future! This Newborn Sleep Solution will teach you everything you need to know to properly support your baby’s sleep needs, understand what is happening in their development in each stage and how to adjust your routines to get your newborn sleeping soundly at night in the first few weeks!
GET YOUR NEWBORN SLEEP SOLUTIONS GUIDE HERE!
INSTAGRAM:
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Check out the Swaddelini here!
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
In this episode, HeHe is joined by Alexandra, the founder of Just The Inserts, to discuss the crucial topic of informed consent in pregnancy and pediatric care. Discover how to support your mental health and craft your ideal birth experience with insights from experts. Alexandra shares her journey in advocating for informed consent, the importance of reading pharmaceutical inserts, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Whether you're an expecting parent or looking to make informed medical decisions for your family, this episode provides invaluable advice and resources. Don't miss Alexandra's tips on how to understand medical options, ensure safety, and feel confident in your healthcare choices.
Informed Consent: Understanding Medical Decisions
Navigating the Healthcare System
The Importance of Reading Medical Inserts
How to Read Medical Inserts
Free Resources for Learning About Medical Inserts
Understanding Bolded Text in Medical Inserts
Introducing the New Book: A Handbook for Informed Medical Decisions
Empowering Patients: Questions to Ask Your Medical Provider
The Importance of Radical Responsibility in Medical Decisions
The Role of Manufacturers and Legal Protections
Concerns About Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)
Risks Highlighted in Medical Inserts
Transparency Issues in Adverse Reaction Reporting
State Laws and Parental Authority in Medical Decisions
Accessing Medical Inserts and Informed Consent
Guest Bio:
Alexandra is the visionary behind Just the Inserts, a resource dedicated to empowering individuals and families with clear, accessible information about medical choices. With a background steeped in research and a commitment to transparency, Alexandra has become a trusted voice in the informed consent community, helping countless people navigate the complex world of medical information.
INSTAGRAM:
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.justtheinserts.com/
Grab Alexandra’s book, Well Considered, here: https://justtheinserts.store/
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Join us for a compelling episode with Garrett Wood, founder of Koze Kobe, as she shares her remarkable journey of revolutionizing maternal healthcare through innovative, sustainable solutions. Garrett candidly discusses her traumatic childbirth experience and the challenges faced postpartum, inspiring the development of groundbreaking products like biodegradable absorbent bras and 'nip gloss.' We delve into the emotional and physical impacts of childbirth, the importance of supportive midwifery care, and the systemic issues plaguing the U.S. maternity care system. This episode also features exciting announcements about Koze's latest product launches, their presence on Amazon, and engaging content on social media. Discover Garrett’s resilience, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the mission to support and empower mothers everywhere. Don't miss out on insights about balancing motherhood and startup life and the impactful stories of overcoming birth trauma. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation and catch all the vital links in the show notes.
Introducing Koze: Revolutionizing Perinatal Products
The Maternal Health Crisis
Garrett's Traumatic Birth Story
The Struggles of Induction and Labor
The Battle with the Medical System
The Painful Reality of Birth Trauma
Reflecting on the Experience
Looking Forward: Future Birth Plans
The Healing Power of Home Birth
Sharing and Processing Birth Trauma
Postpartum Challenges and the Birth of Koze
Innovative Solutions for New Moms
Sustainable and Practical Products
Future Endeavors and Personal Growth
Guest Bio:
kozēkozē is a perinatal products company, creating innovative products that reduce mess and stress for moms, so they can better bond with baby. USE CODE HEHE TO SAVE 20%
INSTAGRAM:
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Check out Koze here! USE CODE HEHE TO SAVE 20%
Check out the Koze podcast with Garrett Wood here.
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Connect with Guest on YouTube.
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Join us as HeHe welcomes Ashley and Aisha from Dear NICU Mama to discuss the highs and lows of having a NICU baby. Learn about coping strategies, the importance of peer support, advocacy tips, and the incredible services offered by Dear NICU Mama. Ashley and Aisha share their personal journeys and the transformative power of community for NICU parents. Discover how to navigate the NICU experience and find solidarity through shared stories and support. Don't miss this heartwarming and informative episode!
The NICU Experience: Coping and Advocacy
Founding Dear NICU Mama
Ashley and Aisha's Personal Stories
The Power of Peer Support
Isolation in the NICU
Emotional and Physical Isolation
Support and Validation
Navigating Conversations and Advocacy
Preparing for the NICU
Building Trust with Medical Professionals
Empowerment and Advocacy in the NICU
Finding Your Voice and Support System
Handling Conflicts with Medical Staff
Mental Health and Additional Resources
The Importance of Kangaroo Care
Letters of Hope and Community Support
Guest Bio:
Dear NICU mama is a nonprofit that brings hope and connection to NICU mothers through a community where mothers and families feel seen, understood, and supported. Ashley is one of the co-founders of DNM and Aisha is a loss mom & NICU mom.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Check out Dear NICU Mama on IG
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! USE CODE SAVE150 FOR BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS!!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Check Out the Dear NICU Mama podcast
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
HeHe welcomes Kara, a Mother-Baby Nurse, to provide an in-depth look into what new parents can expect during postpartum care in the hospital. They discuss the transition from labor and delivery to postpartum, common procedures and checks for both mother and baby, pain relief options, the importance of advocating for yourself, and more. Learn about the first 24-hour care routines, baby monitoring, essential tips for breastfeeding, and dealing with postpartum concerns like baby’s weight loss and the infamous first postpartum poop.
Discussing Postpartum in the Hospital
Transitioning to Postpartum Care
Postpartum Care Procedures
Pain Relief Options
Visitors and Providers in Postpartum
Pediatric Assessments and Procedures
Newborn Screening Tests
Understanding Bilirubin and Jaundice
Hearing Tests for Newborns
Postpartum Care Procedures
Breastfeeding Support and Training
Baby Weight Loss and Supplementing
Circumcision: What to Expect
Postpartum Poop: What You Need to Know
Guest Bio:
Kara is a mother-baby, hospital based nurse with 3 kids of her own. Her passion is educating and empowering people through her social media pages. She shares nurse tips and mom tricks, author of the book Why Didn’t I Learn all this Parent Stuff Sooner?, and creator of a tried and true baby sleep course. You can find her @karathrbabynurse on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
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! USE CODE SAVE150 FOR BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS!!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Join HeHe and Labor & Delivery RN, Heidi Nielsen, to discuss the gap in care that exists within the hospital system when a fetal loss occurs. Many loss families report that their hospital staff did not deliver trauma-informed & compassionate care during the most dark of times. Heidi shares that nursing schools and the medical system does a very poor job of preparing nurses to care for families in the case of fetal demise. This episode is aimed towards medical professionals or support services (like doulas) who care for expectant families. This episode does come with a listener discretion as we dive into fetal demise in detail so healthcare professionals can be prepared for this experience and have evidence-based ways to support their patients in times of loss.
Guest Bio:
Heidi has been in the OB world for over a decade which has been filled with the most incredible, happy, and heartbreaking experiences. In addition to working at the bedside, she is also a nurse educator for Bundle Birth Nurses and a fetal monitoring instructor for AWHONN. She has a love for curating a positive birth experience for my patients and helping them to navigate when things don't go as planned. She also has a passion for educating nurses and helping them to find their voice and expand on their knowledge to grow and build on to their day-to-day practice.
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with Bundle Birth Nurses on IG
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
In this heartfelt episode, HeHe is joined by Ana Lepe Vick, a loss mom who courageously shares the story of her son, Owen, and her experience with preventable stillbirth. Together, they shed light on the disparities within the U.S. healthcare system and the critical gaps in care that may have saved Owen’s life if Ana’s concerns had been taken seriously. You’ll learn evidence-based techniques for monitoring your baby’s well-being at home, how to effectively communicate concerns to your care team, and ways to get involved in the movement to end preventable stillbirth in the U.S.
Guest Bio:
Following a “textbook” perfect pregnancy, Ana and her husband were blindsided by their son, Owen Nathaniel's, unexpected stillbirth. A subsequent, high-risk Pregnancy After Loss with 17 weeks of bedrest eventually blessed them with a healthy, living sibling for their elder daughter thanks to her own personal advocacy. Yet her family’s struggles through stillbirth and two subsequent miscarriages before the birth of her second son, resulted in deep emotional birth trauma. Today, Ana channels her trauma into advocacy heading to D.C. regularly to support legislative efforts. She also shares her insights on her personal Instagram @stillmyson*, aiming to spread awareness and empower those facing similar challenges to raise their voices for change. Above all, she fiercely advocates to advance the standard of care for pregnant families.
With prior career experience in event planning and media production at E! Entertainment, Ana brings a variety of creative, communications, and project management skills to her work at PUSH. Ana is also the founder of the Sacred Birth Circle podcast, which aims to empower women and families throughout their pregnancy journey, and Creadors De Luz, which provides culturally relevant Spanish-language information to reduce preventable stillbirth within the Latinx/Hispanic population. Ana holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).
INSTAGRAM:
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Pregnancy After Loss (for practitioners) Course by PUSH Pregnancy
Pregnancy After Loss (for parents) Guide
Episode 221: Counting Kicks with Emily Price
PUSH Pregnancy educational material
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Dr. Lizzie rejoins the show to delve into the specifics of adult tongue tie, its signs, and how chiropractic care can be a beneficial option for recovery. The discussion covers the anatomical and structural aspects of tongue ties, their impact on feeding in infants, and the potential benefits of body work before considering surgical interventions. Dr. Lizzie also shares her personal journey with tongue tie as an adult and offers insights for parents on assembling the right team for their child's care. This episode is packed with valuable information for parents suspecting tongue ties in their babies.
Understanding Tongue Ties
Signs and Symptoms in Babies
Anatomical vs. Structural Ties
Chiropractic Care for Tongue Ties
Body Work Before Surgical Intervention
Evaluating the Need for Frenectomy
Genetic Factors and Family History
Chiropractic Care for Weight Gain Issues
Collaborative Care Approach
Challenges and Overwhelm for Parents
Tongue Ties in Older Children and Adults
Personal Journey with Tongue Tie Release
The Importance of Tongue Training
Myofunctional Therapy Journey
The Frenectomy Procedure
Post-Procedure Recovery
Long-Term Benefits and Reflections
Considering Tongue Tie Release for Children
The Role of Pediatric Dentists
Guest Bio:
Dr. Lizzie Sobel discovered chiropractic care at twelve, finding relief from chronic headaches and back pain through holistic healthcare. This experience ignited a lifelong dedication to chiropractic. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Physical Anthropology and Sculpture from Skidmore College, she worked with environmental education centers and the American Cancer Society before traveling to Guatemala to study Spanish. Upon returning, she pursued chiropractic studies at New York Chiropractic College, graduating in 2012 with academic and service awards. She now practices in Massachusetts.
INSTAGRAM:
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.wholesomehealingchiro.com/
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
HeHe is joined by Amanda, a certified professional and licensed midwife in Mississippi, to discuss the challenges and intricacies of maternity care in a state with high birth-related statistics but limited healthcare options. They explore the current state of midwifery in Mississippi, including the types of midwives, their credentials, and the lack of state regulations. Amanda shares her experiences and insights into providing holistic, client-focused care, the importance of informed consent, and the benefits of potential state licensure for midwives. They also delve into the logistics of home births, handling emergencies, and the process of hospital transfers. The conversation highlights the need for improved healthcare access and the integration of midwives into the broader healthcare system to address Mississippi's maternal and infant mortality rates.
Challenges of Maternity Care in Mississippi
Understanding Midwifery Credentials
Certified Nurse Midwives vs. Certified Professional Midwives
Regulations and Licensure Issues
The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
The Role of Doulas and Certification Challenges
Benefits and Controversies of Licensure
Handling Emergencies and Transfers
Lab Work and Postpartum Care
Informed Consent and Vitamin K Options
Respecting Parental Autonomy in Healthcare Decisions
Challenges in Hospital Systems and Provider Autonomy
Navigating Hospital Transfers
Advocating for Yourself in the Hospital
Legislation and Midwifery in Mississippi
Guest Bio:
While supporting her sister during labor and delivery in 2012, Amanda knew for certain that God was calling her to the ministry of birth work. In early 2014, she began serving families professionally during the childbearing years as a DONA Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator.
In July of 2017, Amanda began the process of becoming a Certified Professional Midwife with the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). From 2018-2022, she worked as a Student Midwife in an apprenticeship with Jennifer Green, CPM of Organic HomeBirth in Colorado Springs. After completing the Midwife To Be academic program, fulfilling all of the Clinical Requirements, and passing the NARM exam, she earned the designation of Certified Professional Midwife in May of 2022. Amanda considers it an honor to walk with families through pregnancy, childbirth, and into parenthood.
Amanda has been married to her husband Jason for 20 years, and she homeschools their five children.
INSTAGRAM:
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.hattiesburgmidwifery.com/