The Birth Lounge Podcast

Today I am sharing the 7 tools that will change your breastfeeding life! Feeding your baby can be tough--cracked nipples, mastitis, clogged ducts, over supply, undersupply! This list goes on and on! The tools I share in this episode will aid in a smooth feeding journey for you and your baby. I'm going to share why I chose these specific things and when you would use them! You can find all the products I mention here! Join The Birth Lounge here! *If doors are closed, join the waitlist! We have flash sales randomly and you'll want to be the first to know!

In today's episode, HeHe is joined by Certified Nurse Midwife, Skyler Jacobs, to discuss how the current US postpartum care schedule sorely fails birthing people in getting them appropriate support after having a baby! Skyler is a big proponent of every birthing person getting a 2-week follow-up in addition to the expected 6-week check-up! We chat about how beneficial both visits would be and for different reasons. At the 2-week appointment, Skyler shares that providers would be assessing totally different things than at the 6-week appointment. She even shares how you can have a conversation with your provider to inquire if this may be an option for you! Shop Well + Worthy Co (15% off with code: TBHL15 ): www.wellandworthyco.com Join The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com

I recently attended a birth where the provider was forcibly suggesting that my client allow for an IV hep-lock to be placed. The issue arose when my client asked if there was any medical reason to have the IV placed at that time and the provider began to spew fear-based rhetoric and painted the picture (actually, just confirmed) that the placement of an IV was 'just in case' something bad happened there would already be easy IV access. In this episode, I dive into the legality of this interaction, how we navigated it, the outcome of the IV situation + the outcome of the birth! We teach you how to have these tough conversations with your providers AND share all the research you need to make your birth plan as ideal as possible! Join the waitlist for The Birth Lounge: www.TheBirthLounge.com/waitlist

Let’s rewind the clock—and I means AGES— I want to talk about how we used to birth—before we moved it to hospitals. Lets go all the way back to how physiological birth is expected to work. Today, Katelyn Fusco, Host of Happy Homebirth Podcast, is going HeHe to chat about home birth and how birth has transformed over the years. Katelyn is sharing who is right for home birth and the top home birth myths. We are also diving into stickier topics like the business side of birth and how legislation can impact women’s health. We shine a spotlight on consent and continuity of care as well. If you are an expecting parent, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about birth. Buckle up, my friend, we are about to embark on a life-changing conversation! BOOKS MENTIONED: Dr brad bootstaylor —book: Shared decision making https://amzn.to/3lTUflE Tina Cassidy— book: Birth, The Surprising History of How We are Born https://amzn.to/3dxGHcY PODCAST MENTIONED: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-homebirth/id1446934537?i=1000466477615 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-homebirth/id1446934537?i=1000463115609 JOIN HAPPY HOMEBIRTH ACADEMY HERE! https://happy-homebirth.mykajabi.com/a/27299/ijuPR8rd

Today is all about inductions and how to know if you are a 'good candidate' for one. HeHe is diving into a tool that the women's health field uses to rate a a pregnant person’s cervix in order to determine their readiness for induction. The original Bishop score (Developed by Dr. Bishop, OBGYN in 1964) is based on 5 criteria: dilation, effacement, station of baby, position of cervix, consistency of cervix. Since it's creation, there has been a simplified Bishop score that has come along and HeHe is going to share the differences. Interestingly enough, it is not a great tool for people who have had a baby before. It is a flawed tool, but it is the best we have at the moment.³ It does a pretty good job of indicating your body’s receptivity to a medical induction. This is definitely a tool to be aware of and to know your personal boundaries of what you consider a good number to induce your body. Remember consent is a discussion with your provider--make sure that is being done around the topic of induction especially. To learn more about tools to help you stay in control during labor join The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com To read more about the studies and research mentioned in this episode, visit our blog!

This episode is all about your child’s physical development in the first year of life! Pediatric Physical Therapist, Kara Masse, joins HeHe on the show to take about muscle development, rolling, crawling, and walking! What if your child’s physical development appears to be behind? What constitutes behind? Where do you go from there? What specialists do you see? Can you self refer? Kara is sharing all the deets so parents can be proactive in protecting and supporting your child’s physical development in those months where they grow rapidly! We are going to end on the note of how to avoid setting adult expectations for your baby! Join The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com/join Instagram: @the.birth.lounge and @tranquilitybyhehe

Inside The Birth Lounge, HeHe does a weekly group prenatal visit with our members! We chat about all things pregnancy, planning for birth, and preparing for postpartum. This week's episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast is a blurb from last week's prenatal inside the membership! After supporting over 200 birthing people, HeHe has a keen eye for things that hinder the birth process and disrupt the birthing space. She is sharing how nurses can sometimes unknowingly be perpetuating the patriarchy and stripping birthing folks of their power in doing so. This is an eye-opening episode to say the least! The Birth Lounge: www.TheBirthLounnge.com

Today’s guest is a dear friend of mine and a fitness expert specializing in prenatal and postnatal corrective exercise! Kayla Mehr, Founder of Your Fit Mom, is joining HeHe in an episode that is getting down and dirty about the truth of exercise in pregnancy and postpartum! Kayla is sharing how to determine who is qualified to help support your fitness goals during pregnancy (an unqualified instructor can seriously hurt you and your baby!), the top workout myths, and the best fitness routines to help you prepare for labor! We also dive into easing back into postpartum fitness, how to make c-section modifications, and Kayla’s opinion on Belly Bands! This episode is one you won’t want to miss! Work with Kayla: https://www.yourfitmom.com The Birth Lounge: https://www.thebirthlounge.com

When people check in with us, it's generally done with good intention, but sometimes "checking in" can do more harm than good! There are multiple places in women's health and birth work where this rings true! When it comes to checking in with a pregnant person at the end of their pregnancy, it can be tricky! You can easily cross into the territory of annoying, overwhelming, and sometimes infuriating. What if I told you that cervical checks in the end of pregnancy aren't always evidence based? As in, 'checking in' on your cervix regularly can be counterproductive to your birth goals! I'm sharing my full list of places where humans "checking in" needs to be reconsidered and a new standard of practice needs to be created! Learn more about the science behind common birth practices at blog.thebirthlounge.com You can join The Birth Lounge here!

Have you ever heard the term “obstetrical violence” and wondered what it meant? Or maybe you envisioned this blatant act of disrespect or an assault of sorts. These are both examples of obstetrical violence, but is another side to it, too. A sneaky side. Today’s episode is going to share a few instances of medical manipulation in the birth room that were silent and coy and draped in not-so-graceful wordsmithing from providers. I am sitting down with Tranquility by HeHe team member and doula, Caitlin LeBeau, to chat about the things we have witnessed in labor and delivery rooms across the nation. Some cases are blatantly obvious and some cases are as covert as 007 himself. Note to listener: we do not give traumatic recounts of these instances. You need not be worried about hearing content that may cause trauma. Nonetheless, this episode is focused on obstetrical violence so listener discretion advised. To learn your rights as a birthing person and understand how to protect yourself during your birth experience, visit www.thebirthlounge.com

Inside The Birth Lounge, I teach my Secret Sauce to Pushing. Part of that formula is based on your baby's position in your pelvis! I actively advise against what's called 'directed pushing,' where birthing people are told how and when to push (primarily talking about unmedicated births). It is not new that directed pushing can be less effective than letting the birthing person push with their body, but what about being told not to push? Nurses are notorious for saying 'don't push' for this reason or that. (This is obviously not applicable to all nurses and is a generalization.) Whether it be that you are not fully 10cm dilated yet or the doctor isn't in the room, your body is telling you to push. I am diving into the science behind this urge to push and what you should do when you feel it! Sources: Longer labor times with directed pushing: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519218304025 EPU: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0266613812001805 Dilation: https://midwifethinking.com/2016/06/15/the-anterior-cervical-lip-how-to-ruin-a-perfectly-good-birth/ https://midwifethinking.com/2014/04/16/pushing-leave-it-to-the-experts/ The Birth Lounge: thebirthlounge.com/waitlist

Today’s episode is all about planning for the unexpected parts of postpartum! HeHe is joined by MaMa MD, Ariana Within, to dive into how to thrive (not just survive) in the weeks right after birth! Postpartum is often feels like one of the most isolating times in a parents life, so how can you feel empowered during such a challenging space in life? Shifting the perspective to how amazing postpartum women are is huge in this—we grew and birthed a baby and now are keeping that baby alone! Shifting the way you think about productivity, prioritizing needs, and asking for help can make an incredible difference, too! Ariana is here to share that you have control over how your postpartum period goes with the proper planning! We talk about the importance of community and communication plus how important it is to reign in the negative self-talk that can cause ‘comparisonitis!’ Join us for this honest conversation about what life after birth looks like! Ariana”s Website: arianawitkin.com. IG: @arianawitkinmd Power Hour (1:1, baby shower gift): https://arianawitkin.com/work-with-me Masterclass info: http://bit.ly/MamaRisingPPP Masterclass sign up: http://bit.ly/MamaRisingRegister

Everyone in the birth room has a job—your provider, your nurse, your partner, and you…but, what does your job really look like? Probably different than you think if your goal is to have your dream birth! Deep breathing and movement, sure, but what’s your ultimate job? To stay in control. Today’s episode is going to share with you the number one responsibility that a birthing person has to keep their birth on track! You have so much control and this one tip will make sure you don’t have over control at any point during your labor experience! Join The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com/join

Today, HeHe is joined by Ginny Parham, a Period Coach who help women with bed bound periods turn them into kick ass periods so they can live their lives to the fullest. She created the 90-Day Pain-Free Period Method that changed my life and I want to share it with you!! Ginny is going to break down the basic understanding of our menstrual cycle plus quick, simple switches you can do in your home to better support your hormones and having a healthier period. ! The fluctuations of your hormones each month will impact everything—your sleep, you mental clarity, your anxiety, your appetite, and your ovulation! We are diving into the length, color, odor, and flow of a typical period , plus how to know if your period is ‘normal.” Ginny is also going to share what we need to know about birth control and how this impacts our menstrual cycles (and our brains!) on a hormonal level. This is for anyone who has a period or knows someone with a period! Mentioned: EWG app (Clean 15 and dirty dozen) The Birth Lounge: www.TheBirthLounge.com Free Masterclass:https://painfreeperiod.easywebinar.live/registration-6 Join Rhythm & Root: https://www.rhythmandroot.com/course/64jud

Do you really need childbirth education classes? Wondering if you can get all the information you need for a good birth by reading books and taking a one-hour online course? This largely depends on how you define 'good birth." This episode is breaking down exactly how to decipher what the best way to prepare for your birth might be! HeHe is going to share the 7 slippery slopes of birth that is taught in The Birth Lounge. These are the seven most common places where folks slip down the slippery slope of losing control in labor! If your goal is to have an informed and confident birth, then this episode will show you exactly how to do that! Join The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com/join Free Masterclass: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth

Did you know that 98% of all feminine care products has at least 1 toxic ingredient? That's scary! Healthy products are my jam! I’m always looking out for things like fragrances and perfumes in products around my house. I’m a big fan of Thinx instead of traditional period products because of the bleach and parabens and hormone disruptors…We store our food in glass containers and use eco friendly detergent. So, it should be no surprise that you sexual health is important to me too! Especially in pregnancy & postpartum! Rebecca Alvarez Story earned her BA in Women’s Health & Sexuality from UC Berkeley and her MA in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State and is the founder of The Bloomi. She is joining me to dive deep into what’s wrong with traditional sexual wellness products, how to spot harmful ingredients and false labeling, and what you need to know about long term effects of these issues in sexual wellness and women’s health! The Bloomi: https://thebloomi.com The Banned List: https://thebloomi.com/pages/the-banned-list The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com Free Training: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth

Its ironic because Nubain isn't a pill at all--it's an IV narcotic! Do you know your pain relief options during labor? Like, really know them? There are so many more options than just unmedicated birth and epidural birth. Depending on where you choose to give birth, you will have a variety of pain relief options, both natural and medical. There is always a forgotten option that is truly magical and that is Nubain/Staidol. We are going to dive into this option so you can feel confident to have a discussion with your provider about it's availability and any rules you need to know about its use at your particular place of birth! If you are on the fence about what pain relief option is best for you or you are still exploring your pain relief options, this episode is a must-listen! The Birth Lounge:https://www.thebirthlounge.com Free Birth Prep: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth Resources: https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/narcotics-for-pain-during-labor-849 https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effects-of-iv-opioids-during-labor/

One of the best ways to empower yourself is to dive in head first. Go searching for various birth stories, for various birth approaches, for various pain relief options. Do your research and, in that, you will find your power. In this episode, HeHe is breaking down why you need to allow people to challenge you on your ideas of birth and what your ideal birth looks like. When someone challenges you, be open to thinking, "what if?" This simple question will allow you to find a deeper comfort in your choices or will allow you to explore other options you have and may not have been aware of. Birth can look and transpire in a million different ways and you deserve to know the options. Join The Birth Lounge: www.TheBirthLounge.com/join I have a FREE MASTERCLASS for you! Less than 1 hour and jam packed with helpful tips to having an informed and confident birth experience: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth

Today on The Birth Lounge Podcast, I am joined by Rebekkah Tran, mom of twins, to share about one of her twins’ journey with Plagiocephaly! Rebekkah is sharing the first signs that she noticed, what her first action steps were, and what she has learned along the way of advocating for her child for a “silent” and “cosmetic” condition. There is ZERO education around this for parents before their baby is born and if you do find yourself needing support on the subject, Rebekkah explains how challenging that can be! It’s intentionally designed by nature that your baby’s head is not fused at birth! But, some babies can have variations of Plagiocephaly that causes their skull to fuse before birth which can lead to complications. At their pediatrician appointment, Rebekkah voiced her concerns and was essentially told to do some minimal impact exercises at home (stretching, being intentional with what side she placed toys, etc) and “wait it out.” After months of discussion with the pediatrician but to no avail and feeling unheard, Rebekkah jumped into research on her own. She was HORRIFIED and realized that time was of the essence. Rebekkah knew that if she was going to get her baby physical support for the growth and development of her head, she needed to act quick! This is an episode for EVERY expecting parent to be knowledgable about a preventable condition and how to properly support your child's physical development in the early months of life. Connect with Rebekkah: @trantwinjas Resources: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002320.htm https://familydoctor.org/condition/plagiocephaly/ Www.TheBirthLounge.com Watch my FREE MASTERCLASS to have an informed and confident birth here: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth

Your baby’s positions matters so much when it comes to your labor and delivery. A baby that is engaged in the right position can lead to a shorter labor, less painful labor, less back labor, and reduce the risk of tearing. In this episode, I am breaking down the science as to why your baby’s position is so important. I am also going to dive into the complications we sometimes see happen if babies are not in the right position when labor begins. The impacts of medical pain relief (especially epidurals) is always a big concern during this part of the birth planning process— how will we know if it’s too early? Will it slow down birth? I’m sharing what you want to consider when it comes to medical pain relief and the position of your baby during labor. I spit out some research articles in the episode and you can find those linked below! HeHe’s Secret Sauce to Pushing: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth If you’re interested in joining The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com Epidural has potential to interfere: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2005/05000/changes_in_fetal_position_during_labor_and_their.10.aspx Midwifery approach/ Restitution: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/birt.12267 Position + Tearing: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S026661389780006X

Today’s episode is diving into postpartum pelvic floor! How’s that for alliteration?! Melissa Dessaulles, Founder of Mommy Berries, is joining me to share everything you need to know after having a baby. She is a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist who is breaking it down as to what you can expect after a baby passes through there, how to restore your body post baby, and what’s the goal for postpartum pelvic floors. We also dive deep into the conversation of kegels or no kegels? Melissa shares how sometimes, in labor, we see pelvic floors not be able to “turn of” (relax) enough to allow a baby to be born. She also shares how to identify if your own pelvic floor might be too tight or too loose! This episode will force you to stop and pay attention to your body! Take a deep breath and join us for the transformative conversation! Melissa Dessaulles: https://mommyberries.com The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com

It irks me to pieces when someone says, "birth trauma is totally normal." No, it's not. In this episode, I am breaking down exactly why perpetuating the idea that birth trauma is normal is not only very dangerous, but also disregards mental health of new parents. I'm sharing my thoughts on a variety of traumatic birth situations and talking about nature's role in birth. Birth trauma is what you define it and everyone will define it differently. Providers and birth attendants can be traumatized by labor as well.I’m sharing about avoidable birth trauma, birth trauma caused by natural variations in labor (still something went wrong), and how to know they difference. Plus, I share helpful tips to navigating birth trauma and how to begin to move forward. Stop saying birth trauma is normal. You deserve better than that. Hugs to anyone out there who has experienced avoidable birth trauma. XO, HeHe *There is mention of maternal and infant mortality To join The Birth Lounge click here: www.thebirthlounge.com To learn more about The CONTROL Method click here: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth

Olivia Chisolm is a dear friend of mine and joins me today to chat about inclusion (or lack there of) in women’s health. She is the Founder of To Live In Color and serves as an Inclusion Consultant that supports small businesses in being as inclusive as possible. You, as a consumer, have the same responsibility to be inclusive and Olivia shares how you can do this in your own life and with your menstrual cycle! She is also sharing about what it was like growing up in the south and experiencing several scary diagnoses so early in her life (26 years old). She is walking us through how to navigate hard emotions when it comes to your health. This conversation is going to venture into p*ssy journaling, crunchy period management, and how too listen to your body around your menstrual cycle! Don’t miss this candid convo! Olivia: http://toliveincolor.com/about/ The Birth Lounge: TheBirthLounge.com

Coronavirus has caused some definite headaches in 2020, but I would like to highlight a few positive changes that I’ve witnessed come about in the birth world due to this global pandemic. Not everything is doom and gloom. Matter of fact, somethings have really changed for the better and can be used to keep the momentum in changing women’s health in a permanent way. In today’s episode, I’m diving into the trends and protocol changes we have seen take place, what worked + what didn’t work, and how we can use the last few months as a stepping stone to bettering how we birth! This may be THE best episode I have recorded up to this point. This is a raw inside look at the critical thinking that we do behind the scenes at Tranquility by HeHe and The Birth Lounge to ensue we are taking very calculated steps to get you to your dream birth at each stage of the process. From the very beginning of Coronavirus, I have been on the lookout for positive changes and I’m happy to share the really big ones right here! For more information on The CONTROL Method, this FREE MASTERCLASS breaks it all down: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth To join The Birth Lounge, click here: www.thebirthlounge.com For more information about Homebirth or Midwifery care, check out Episodes 30, 51, and 53!

HeHe is the queen of saying “Be an Educator Consumer” when it comes to your heathcare and, particularly, your birth. Today, HeHe is joined by celebrity personality and stylist, Ali Levine, to discuss how to be an informed consumer when it comes to your birth goals. Ali shares how she navigated the journey of fear-based care around birth and seeking care from a VBAC supportive provider! She also shares the power in being intentional about the way you prepare for labor plus what she is doing to prepare for her VBAC! Join us as we dive into the mindset and preparation required to have the birth of your dreams! Ali Levine: https://alilevine.com Stript Down Podcast: https://anchor.fm/ali-levine Instagram: @alilevinedesign The Birth Lounge: www.thebirthlounge.com Watch my FREE MASTERCLASS to have an informed and confident birth here: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth

Did you hear there is a FDA approved IV infusion treatment for postpartum depression? 1 in 9 women suffer from postpartum depression (1). This could be a game changer for so many women. It’s called Zulresso! But what if you aren’t eligible and approved for Zulresso infusions? Recently, Motherly released an article that shared news about the SNOO from Happiest Baby possibly being covered by insurance if approved by the FDA! Word on the street is that SNOO may be approved by the FDA as a necessity for new parents. This could be a game changer for so many women. (1) Ko JY, Rockhill KM, Tong VT, Morrow B, Farr SL. Trends in postpartum depressive symptoms – 27 states, 2004, 2008, and 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2017;66(6):153-158. (2) https://www.mother.ly/news/is-the-snoo-covered-by-health-insurance?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3 (3) https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/snoo/snoo-fda-approval Watch my FREE MASTERCLASS here: www.thebirthlounge.com/youridealbirth To join The Birth Lounge, click here: www.thebirthlounge.com

No one expects medical manipulation to happen during birth, but what are you supposed to do if you find yourself feeling manipulated during or after birth? How can we protect ourselves against being manipulated by the medical system? Today’s guest, Olivia Friel, is a fellow doula and one of my closest birthy friend! She and I are sharing about confidently navigating conversations with your doctor. I share the biggest place I see medical manipulation happen in the labor rooms. Olivia dives into finding the right provider and exactly how to speak up for your goals. Olivia Friel: https://healthybalancedbirth.com Podcast: Healthy Balanced Birth & Beyond Podcast Instagram: @healthybalancedbirth Get $10 off your pair of Thinx Sleep Shorts! shethinx.com/pages/leader-hehe-stewart

A fussy baby is hard. Most of the time, you’re both crying! I’ve been there, too! A crying baby seems to escalate everything so I’m sharing the best tips to calming a fussy baby! I can’t take credit for the method, but I am sharing my take on things plus the science to why this method works! I’m breaking down why each of these steps matter and EXACTLY how to do them to calm any fussy baby! Bedtime is going to be a breeze once you master the 5 S’s to calming a fussy baby. I’m sharing this magic with you because postpartum doesn’t have to be this hard. It can be easier and simpler. There’s a village of folks ready to support you in all the things your baby throws your way right here on The Birth Lounge community! Brought to you by: The Birth Lounge, www.TheBirthLounge.com

This episode is redefining beauty! Kimmay Caldwell is a self-love coach and Undergarment educator who supports people to say hurray inside, outside, and underneath™. She is an expert bra fitter with over 14 years of experience of getting intimate with people from cup sizes A to N. Based in NYC, she travels around the world to spread her empowering message of self-love, and how to use the everyday ritual of putting on a bra to uncover your confidence, stand in your power, and learn to love yourself. You may have seen her in one of over 100 press outlets, including The Martha Stewart Show, The Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show! Join HeHe and Kimmay to learn all about fitting your bra during pregnancy and how to find the right nursing bra for you! Plus Kimmay is sharing some hot tips on how to make your bras last longer! Guest: Kimmay Caldwell, www.HurrayKimmay.com Resource: hurraykimmay.com/resources-underneath http://www.morethanmynumbers.com Brought to you by: The Birth Lounge, www.TheBirthLounge.com

Studies show that, on average, 80% of laboring people don’t eat the entire time they are in labor and 60% don’t drink during labor! YET, 95% of them would have chosen TO eat and drink during labor if they had been given the choice!Are you shocked? Honestly, I couldn’t imagine being asked to run a marathon without carb loading the night before or not being allowed to drink any water during the marathon! “Allowing” birthing people to eat and drink during labor is as controversial as it gets and some providers get really heated about this topic. The truth is, the research is clear that we should be able to have access to food and drink while birthing a child, yet so many hospital policies don’t match up with the evidence—what gives? There’s real risk associated with it like aspiration, but we know this “rule” came about in the 1940’s when most cesareans were done via general anesthesia. Now only 6% of c-sections are done using general anesthesia. Death by aspiration during labor happens in less than 1% of births. It would take 1.4 MILLION births to have one death caused by aspiration. A few contraindications to be aware of include eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, a BMI over 40, and using IV opioids as pain relief. This episode dives into why you should be educated on knowing your rights when it comes to eating and drinking in labor and advocating for the care you deserve to achieve your ideal labor. Brought to you by: Primally Pure, https://primallypure.com/collections/deodorant?rfsn=1858854.1b9773 Resource: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-eating-drinking-labor/

Today’s episode is so timely! At the time of recording, I had no idea that we’d be in the middle of a global pandemic when it aired, but here we are. The decision to cloth diaper is on more people’s minds than ever before with the recent coronavirus outbreak. Bailey Bowman is an expert in all things cloth diaper. She is joining me today to share everything from the types of cloth diapers, sizing, inserts, and how to choose the right brand for your goals! Bailey breaks down the cost of cloth diapering vs. traditional, disposable diapers and she talks about how to handle the poop situation! This episode is the sh*t and I mean that! Guest: Bailey Bowman, The Cloth Diaper Podcast www.clothdiaperpodcast.com Brought to you by: The Birth Lounge, www.TheBirthLounge.com FREE training: How to stay in control during labor! https://www.thebirthlounge.com/MSE-Control

Which team are you on? Would you believe me if I said I’m team middle? I am! I do’t think the power is so much in having a written out plan as there is in having already given thought to how you want your birth to unfold. IF you have no clue how birth can unfold (other than what you’ve learned on TV or social media), then you *NEED* to listen to this. If your birth has no plan, then your birth team is just moseying along with no guidance on where they are helping you get to and “have a baby” isn’t enough. We want to make sure that you are as specific as possible so you can have as much control as possible. The more you leave up for interpretation, the higher chance there is for things to stray from your plan. I'm is teaching you how you can stay in control from start to finish! FREE masterclass: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/MS-evergreen-birth-plan Brought to you by: The Birth Lounge, www.TheBirthLounge.com

Help people balance their hormones to get their energy back. She loves her incredible perception to help women heal & listen to your body and then respond to that message. She helps women relearn how to tap into their gut intuition…literally their gut. She talks about how your stomach plays a huge rule in your hormones and what to do if your hormones may be out of whack! You’re even going to learn what your poop can tell you about your hormones! This is your Hormone 101 with Dr. Maggie Luther. Contact Dr. Maggie: yourwellnessexpert.com About Dr. Maggie Luther: Dr. Maggie Luther works with women who have hormonal imbalances such as PMS, PCOS, infertility, endometriosis, heavy bleeding and more. They often feel exhausted, moody, bloated, anxious and overwhelmed. As a holistic doctor, medical intuitive and transformational health coach, Dr. Maggie works with women beyond typical doctors visits, which don't afford the time or space for true healing. Dr. Maggie guides women in not only healing their symptoms, but she shows them exactly what it takes to prevent them from ever coming back. Using her 20 years of experience in the holistic healing field, she helps her clients uncover where their symptoms stem from, so they can be healed rather than just treated. After working together women finally have your life back. They have the power to keep themselves energized and symptom free, and the freedom to focus instead on the things that light them up in life! Brought to you by: Thinx Underwear Grab your Thinx and 10% off with this link: https://www.shethinx.com/pages/leader-hehestewart

In my endless scrolling on social media, I inevitably see an expecting parent jokingly say they wish they could have a glass of wine or a glass of beer. I never know if I should write in that it’s A-OK to have something to drink (says the science) or leave it be..or are they even looking for a serious answer? I have no clue, but I thought it was a conversation that needed to happen so I’m bringing it you! I’m diving into the research of having a glass of wine during pregnancy and if it will have impacts on your pregnancy or your baby’s development. Let’s go! Resource: Expecting Better Book Brought to you by: The Birth Lounge, www.TheBirthLounge.com

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Julia Brown, MD to discuss COVID-19 and newborns/infants! Julia is a local pediatrician at one of the top 5 birthing hospitals in Massachusetts and is sharing what parents need to know in these unprecedented times. HeHe is asking about how coronavirus presents in newborns, the recommendations on separation of birthing parent and baby plus what breastfeeding parents need to know about transmission! Julia shares what parents need to know about fevers, symptoms of COVID-19 and how to begin treating it at home while you make a plan with your medical providers. The conversation also addresses what pregnant people need to know about washing their babies and what to changes to expect during labor! About Julia: Julia Brown MD is a primary care pediatrician at Newton-Wellesley Family Pediatrics, a private practice in Newton, Massachusetts affiliated with Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Brown completed her medical training at Tufts University School of Medicine and her pediatric residency training at Columbia University-Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in New York City. After residency she worked for three years at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York in primary care as well as dedicating time to pediatric resident and medical student education. In August, 2019 she returned to her roots in Newton, MA and joined NWFP. Her practices is open to all ages from birth to 21 years of age, and her love for athletics has translated to a particular affinity for sports medicine. Brought to you by: Primally Pure, Listeners can save 10% with code HEHE10 at checkout!

If you don’t know..you might not get to the hospital and go straight to Labor and Delivery. Sometimes you do, but sometimes you don’t. When you get to the hospital, you will most likely be asked to go to a smaller exam room and the nurse will grab a few vitals like your temperature, your blood pressure, a reading on the electronic fetal monitoring, and a cervical exam. If you need/want an IV placement, now is the time this will happen as well. If you are going to the hospital for induction, a scheduled c-section, or during transition you will most likely not go to triage. I’m breaking it all down and what to expect upon arrival at the hospital in today’s episode! A FREE training on HOW TO STAY IN CONTROL DURING LABOR! Brought to you by: The Birth Lounge

From intentionally choosing your birth place to understanding c-section rates in your area, it all plays a role in your birth experience. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, Dr. Neel Shah dives into what we know about c-sections, why our country has such an astronomical rate of them, and what you can do to decrease your chances of “being sectioned” during labor and delivery. We dive into access (or lack there of) and how this impacts thousand of birth stories each year. Dr. Neel shares how birthing people in rural parts of our country will have different experiences than folks in the cities with better and more abundant access to healthcare. Dr. Neel says, “We know the right mortality rate is zero. We don’t know know the right amount of c-sections..and it’s not zero.” We go deep into cesarean sections being life saving surgery, but also balancing that with medical manipulation. He shares that asking question is a wonderful way to stay in control of your care. Plus, he shares a tidbit about nuchal cords during birth (ie: the cord being wrapped around your baby’s neck). This episode is a MUST LISTEN if you are having a baby after literally this moment right now. Drop everything and RUN to download it. It’s going to change the way you think about birth, inductions, and c-sections… You can check out this FREE bundle on HOW TO AVOID A C-SECTION! Guest: Dr. Neel Shah Brought to you by: The Birth Lounge

Today, HeHe is joined by Ann Marie Paul, a spiritual activator for divine feminine wisdom. She teaches the ancient art of Yoni Eggs which opens up a woman to her own bodies wisdom and sensuality. She is leading us today down the path of igniting your sexual self and harnessing your inner goddess. HeHe and Ann Marie are diving into what a yoni egg is, how to use it, what to expect from it, and why you need one. Ann Marie is also sharing her thoughts on how we teach and talk about sexuality with kids. Why don’t we start off by defining sensuality vs. sexuality… I’ll see you there! Connect with Ann Marie Paul here! // Use code HEHE15 to save 15% on the Yoni Egg Initiation Online Program Join us on Facebook by searching The Tranquility Tribe

Are you a mama that wonders if your birth is "normal"? Do you look back on your birth and think "Things didn't go... like I thought they would." Maybe you know your birth was traumatic and you're trying to navigate that headspace of what to do, who to tell, and where to go. Possibly, for you, it looks like the decision between having another child or not? The question of "Do I really want to go through that again?" keep looming in your head. This episode is for you. This is THE episode if you'e been on the fence wondering if this tribe has women like you in it and the answer is right inside... Happy Friday, yal!

Have you ever wondered if hypnosis might be a useful tool for your labor support toolbox? Many women use hypnosis as a way to manage with the pressures of labor and there are tons of programs to choose from (many choices!). Kelley Keenan is the Founder of Hypnobabies Boston and she is sharing how hypnosis works as pain relief for birth. We are diving into the role that mindset and training your brain has on your birth experience and what you can do to harness the power of hypnosis.

Seriously, stop washing your vagina. First, HeHe is explaining why you should never wash your vagina and if you wash your vulva, there are a few rules. HeHe is sharing what you can expect when it comes to the proper pH of your vagina and how important intentionality is when it comes to choosing products for your feminine care, specifically feminine wash. You may be surprised by a few facts in here like, it’s best to wash your vulva only with water if you can and douching can kill your vaginal flora. HeHe shares the top three brands she recommends, although, she stands true in believing water-only is best. Check out the brand new TBH Portal! Good clean Love Healthy HooHoo Honey Pot Honey Pot Mama-to-Be Wash

This episode is one that many families ("nanny families" --check out episode #89) will need to hear, relisten to, and probably refer back to numerous times. HeHe sat down with SolBe Education Center's Director, Hannah Riddle de Rojas, to chat about everything you need to know when choosing childcare for your first baby. HeHe and Hannah bring very different perspectives to the table and this is perfect for parents to get a transparent peek into what really goes on behind the scenes in childcare centers. From questions to ask on an interview/tour to reading the teachers body language to what you can expect for investments and why, this episode covers it all. The TBH Portal SolBe Learning Center, Boston, Ma

Are you blocking yourself? Are you really the problem?! The good news is that if you're the problem, then that's an easy solution! In this episode, HeHe is sharing the different options that you have when it comes to unblocking your own success whether it be trying to conceive, achieving your ideal birth, or navigating motherhood. Stop making excuses for why you're in the position that you're in and take control of your life, your mindset, and your health! Getting out of your own pond requires you to step outside of your comfort zone.. are you willing to do the work? STAY TUNED UNTIL THE END FOR AN ENORMOUS ANNOUNCEMENT! TBH Portal Experience TBH Portal Sample Table of Contents TBH Recommended Book List

Today is an episode that is so needed, but so many people do not dare walk in this territory. Well, we are. Sex Therapist, Dr. Alex Chinks, joins HeHe to chat all things intercourse! We are starting the conversation by diving into the stigma surrounding sex. Alex is sharing how to talk about sex and consent with kids in a healthy way that supports boundaries and body awareness. She also shares her thoughts on sex as self-care and sex during pregnancy + after baby! HeHe ask about re-establishing sex after baby, plus there’s a freebie below!! This episode will help you sort out whether sex therapy is right for you! Stay tuned for the most exciting TBH announcement yet! HeHe will be sharing in this week's Friday Free Talk (Episode #100!!). Freebie: https://mailchi.mp/2807d1b062c2/sexafterbirth Alex Chinks: http://dralexchinks.com/

It's no secret that HeHe is a firm believer in "Mindset is 90%" of the game mentality. This episode, she is sharing how you can mold your mindset and help support your mental health! "Stop planning your birth for someone else!" she urges listeners. When you fail to do the research yourself, you are blindly trusting someone else's knowledge and resources. Part of remaining in control of your birth experience is knowing your rights and never succumbing to the pressure of "Impossible." HeHe is sharing why "impossible" is just an illusion and it's really all about your grit! TBH Retreat: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/balancing-motherhood-retreat-tickets-53375032158 Book: Unfuck Yourself Book: Grit

Julie Starr, Founder of Starr Yoga and Shift by Julie, joins HeHe in today's episode to talk all about the common misconceptions that people have when it comes to yoga in pregnancy! Julie is also a midwife and brings a very special perspective to the table! Julie is a fellow No BS gal and we think you'll fall in love with her just like we have! This episode is filled with blunt honesty and unforgiving truths so buckle up! From birth prep to listening to your body, we are going there! Happy Tuesday, Villagers! Learn more about the 2019 TBH Retreat and reserve your seat here! Connect with Julie! Shift by Julie Probiotics

This episode is raw and real. Some might even say brutal. HeHe is diving into how you might be sabotaging yourself when it comes to conceiving, your birth, or motherhood. We know that worry is an emotion that is rooted in fear.. but fear of what? That will look different for everyone and only you can know what it is for you. HeHe is sharing what to do with that anxious energy to channel it into productivity! She is encouraging you to lean into the uncomfortable pieces of the journey because that is usually where the most growth happens. Don't come to this episode with a chip on your shoulder because in the end, you learn that maybe, just maybe, you're the one blocking yourself... (dun, dun, dun!!). Learn more about the 2019 TBH Retreat here! Watch the youtube video! Sign up for our newsletter here!

We dug up episode #13 from the files and are re-sharing it here! Sarah Bivens in coming Boston in February to speak at our 2019 TBH Retreat! She will be teaching us all about finding balance in motherhood and how to be mindful in our daily actions! Today is all about learning to be in control of your thoughts. HeHe and Sarah dive into what self-care looks like in motherhood. We talk about why it's so important to set time aside for yourself, why communication can make or break a system, and how you can start your journey of finding "balance." Parenting and being a partner can be challenging, so what happens when your cup is empty and there's nothing left to give? Join us as we talk about the not-so-pretty moments of filling so many roles and how to find a place in your life that you want to relish in every single last moment! ​ 2019 TBH Retreat https://mailchi.mp/a65e91edc93f/tbhbalancingmotherhood TBH 5-day challenge https://mailchi.mp/3b8bd5c210ec/mastering-your-mindset-in-motherhood-2019 TBH Virtual Mom Meet-Up https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tbh-free-virtual-mommy-meet-up-tickets-53660403712 Shownotes: Check out the blog!

In today's episode, HeHe is breaking down exactly what a Maternity Concierge does each day. The care that TBH clients receive is above and beyond because our end goal is above and beyond, the mindset shifts we intentionally walk through is above and beyond, the language we use is above and beyond. It's been called "extra." She's not afraid to "go there" with TBH clients because we've have seen the pay off in the end. The TBH Approach was born during one of HeHe's trainings and has slowly transformed into a comprehensive approach from infertility support to the first three years of your child's life! The TBH team will be with you every step of the way! 2019 TBH Retreat https://mailchi.mp/a65e91edc93f/tbhbalancingmotherhood Check out more about Maternity Concierge here: https://www.tranquilitybyhehe.com/ Hot Stones as Pain Relief for Labor: https://youtu.be/wjpuKfx2cZM

Ahhhh! Alas, the topic that is quietly buzzing, circling like a taboo topic, but almost everyone is curious. Cannabis and parenting. Can you use it for morning sickness? Does it get to your baby through breastmilk? Can you smoke it? Do you have to stop using it to get pregnant? These questions are on many people’s mind and we don’t have even a quarter of the information right now. We’ve only begun to tap into the tip of the iceberg. To get our tribe started on this topic, HeHe sat down with Ashley Reynolds, Founder of Elmore Mountain Therapeutics, to bring you the conversation you’ve all been waiting for. This episode will not answer all of your questions. Rather, we’d like it to get your wheels turning. We intend to continue the exploration and conversation around cannabis and it’s benefits for women. This may be for you and it may not be for you, but it is an option for everyone and that’s our goal. Ashley is explaining the basics of CBD including our cannabinoid systems and what you might feel like after you take CBD. She’s also sharing how incorporating CBD into your daily routine may be the easiest decision you make all year. I can't wait to share this topic with you! 2019 TBH Retreat https://mailchi.mp/a65e91edc93f/tbhbalancingmotherhood Elmore Mountain CBD: https://emtcbd.com/