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
52 minutes ago
52 minutes ago
Join HeHe and Alex from Baby Led Weaning Academy as they take the confusion out of starting solids and bring you back to what’s actually normal for babies. This conversation walks you through true readiness signs, how to tell the difference between gagging and choking, and what to do with the very real fears around allergies. HeHe and Alex gently debunk the myths that make starting solids feel scarier than it needs to be, while reminding you that your baby’s instincts matter. You’ll hear how BLW and purees can work together, how to follow your baby’s lead with confidence, and what a safe, calm introduction to food really looks like. This episode is packed with practical tips and grounded wisdom to support your BLW journey from the very first bite.
Guest Bio:
Alex King is a postpartum doula and baby-led weaning specialist who helps parents approach starting solids with calm, confidence, and trust. Through Baby-Led Weaning Academy, she supports families in honoring their baby’s cues and development—making feeding a joyful, connected experience instead of an overwhelming one. With her doula background and lived experience weaning three foster babies, Alex brings heart, real-life wisdom, and a deep respect for both baby and parent to every conversation.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way
Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere.
And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.
LINKS MENTIONED:
babyledweaningacademy.com
babyledweaningacademy.com/podcast
babyledweaningacademy.com/registry-guide
Use code monthhehefree to try out a free month in Baby Led Weaning Academy: babyledweaningacademy.com/club
EZPZ straw cup: use code BLWAcademy
Check out https://bapronbaby.com/ and use code BLWACADEMY10 to save 10%
CPR course: https://courses.thrivetraininginstitute.com/courses/cpr-aed?ref=084849 HEHE10 for 10% off, making the course only $15 with their current sale 75% off sale. (alexis FYI, they promote this as a sale but its been 75% off for like a year, 😂)
3 days ago
3 days ago
Ep. 407: Re-air-Setting Yourself Up for Breastfeeding Success with Brianne Taggart
Today we're bringing back one of the most loved breastfeeding episodes inside The Birth Lounge, because honestly… this conversation is too good to live in the archives. If you’re preparing for breastfeeding or already navigating those early days, this re-air is going to hit differently the second (or third!) time around.
Lactation expert and IBCLC Brianne Taggart joins HeHe to dig into what truly sets you up for feeding success: protecting your mental health, grounding yourself in evidence-based lactation education, and knowing what’s normal so you’re not second-guessing every feed.
Together, they lovingly bust the biggest breastfeeding myths, walk you through why colostrum is absolute gold, and break down how to follow your baby’s lead with confidence. You’ll learn what tools are actually helpful, how partners can show up as real support, and how to steer clear of the endless bad advice circulating online.
Brianne brings her calming, clear, deeply supportive expertise — and whether it's your first time hearing this episode or a much-needed refresher, you’ll walk away feeling prepared, empowered, and rooted in what matters most.
Guest Bio:
Brianne Taggart is a mother of three, a Registered Nurse, IBCLC Lactation Consultant, childbirth educator and Certified Educator of Infant Massage. She loves teaching and empowering families about all things babies, boobs and breastfeeding. She understands firsthand how rocky the road into parenthood can be, so she likes to make that transition as smooth as possible for the families she teaches.
Follow Bri on Insta for quick tips and tricks @breezy__babies and at www.breezybabies.com to see the products she offers.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way
Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere.
And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Listen to the original episode: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-172-setting-yourself-up-for-breastfeeding-success-with-brianne-taggart/
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
In this episode, HeHe welcomes Kassi to discuss the vital role doulas can play in lactation support. The conversation touches on the misconceptions about doulas' scope in providing lactation advice, Kassi's journey from a community clinic to becoming an IBCLC, and the importance of prenatal lactation education. They explore how doulas, with proper training, can address new parents' needs, identify red flags, and refer to IBCLCs when necessary. The episode delves into practical advice on breastfeeding, pumping, and supporting new mothers, highlighting the collaborative benefits when doulas and lactation consultants work together. Kassi also introduces her 'Bridge' program, designed to empower doulas with advanced lactation support skills. This comprehensive discussion aims to enhance breastfeeding success and maternal well-being by fostering a cohesive care approach.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:09 The Role of Doulas in Lactation Support
01:36 Personal Journey into Doula and Lactation Work
03:48 Challenges in Prenatal Lactation Education
06:05 Lactation Support in Hospitals
07:51 Insurance Coverage for Lactation Support
09:32 Educating Families Prenatally
16:19 Recognizing Red Flags in Lactation
19:01 Nipple Pain and Damage
23:53 Pumping Guidance for New Mothers
26:14 Understanding the Roles in Breastfeeding Support
26:55 Navigating the Scope of Doula Support
28:21 The Gray Area of Clinical Support
31:58 Diverse Advice in Lactation Support
35:17 The Importance of Standardized Lactation Education
39:14 The Role of Pediatricians in Lactation Support
46:29 Introducing the Bridge Program for Doulas
50:32 How to Join the Bridge Program
Guest Bio:
Kassi Reyes: IBCLC, RN, Doula, Clinical Educator, and Mamá + your go-to person for real-world lactation tools. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and passionate about helping birthworkers gain real-world lactation skills, because I believe they’re the missing puzzle piece in helping families feel confident and supported on their feeding journeys. When Kassi’s not working, you’ll probably find her with a cup of coffee, chasing my toddler, practicing yoga, or exploring the outdoors.
Connect with Kassi:
https://www.kassireyes.com/apply
https://www.kassireyes.com/training
Free Lactation Guide for Perinatal Professionals - Answers to the Top 10 Feeding Questions your Clients will ask: https://www.kassireyes.com/guide
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way
Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere.
And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Get 10% off Silverettes to support your breastfeeding journey with code HEHE
Check out Kassi on HeHe's DoulaTok here!
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with lactation superstar Kelly Kendall, RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), to get real about breastfeeding — the joys, the struggles, and everything in between. They dive into the realities new parents face, from hand-expressing colostrum and mastering proper latching to managing oversupply, nipple trauma, and sleepy newborns. HeHe also introduces the Birth Lounge app, packed with bite-sized, evidence-based tools to help you feel confident navigating parenthood.
Kelly shares practical, heart-centered advice for building a supportive environment, getting your partner involved, using pumps effectively, and keeping your milk supply healthy — without shame or pressure. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or navigating feeding with a little one already at home, this episode is overflowing with actionable strategies, evidence-backed guidance, and a dose of compassion only HeHe can deliver/
00:00 Embracing the Realities of Parenting
01:06 Introduction to The Birth Lounge App
02:16 Features of The Birth Lounge App
05:04 Breastfeeding Statistics and Challenges
08:27 Interview with Lactation Consultant Kelly Kendall
13:52 Breastfeeding Techniques and Tips
25:41 The Importance of Baby-Led Latching
36:03 Common Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions
38:31 Avoiding the Vicious Cycle of Breastfeeding
38:43 Frequency of Feeding and Its Impact on Supply
39:32 Sleepy Newborns and Feeding Challenges
46:11 The Importance of Night Feedings
47:48 Breastfeeding and Postpartum Self-Care
48:57 Navigating Social Media Expectations
49:33 Breastfeeding Subsequent Children
52:55 Dealing with Nipple Trauma
58:17 Introducing a Pump: Timing and Tips
01:03:40 Partner Support in Breastfeeding
01:05:22 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Parents
Guest Bio:
Kelly Kendall is a registered nurse and internationally board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who’s been elbows-deep in boobs and babies for years—both in the hospital and as a private practice After watching too many parents get steamrolled by outdated advice and sugarcoated nonsense, she created Boob School: a no-fluff, all-facts lactation program that shows you how to prevent breastfeeding chaos, survive the messy middle, and get back on track when it all goes sideways.
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:
Listen to episode 240 of The Birth Lounge Podcast all about hand expression here!
Listen to episode 356 of The Birth Lounge Podcast all about perceived low milk supply here!
Get 10% off Silverettes to support your breastfeeding journey with code HEHE
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s all-time favorite ways to stay cozy during pregnancy and postpartum. Their ultra-soft PJs, loungewear, and sheets make those long nights and lazy days feel a little more luxurious — and they’re a simple way to detox your home while you’re at it! Right now, you can use code HEHE to stack up to 40% off holiday sale prices on anything from dreamy PJs to new sheets: https://cozyearth.com/
Understanding Epidurals: Everything You Need to Know with Marissa Mulder of Sassy Anesthesia
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into the real talk on epidurals with Marissa Mulder, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and the brain behind the popular Instagram account Sassy Anesthesia. They break down why every labor is unique (so stop comparing yourself to everyone else!) and go step by step through the epidural process — the risks, benefits, pros, cons, and the myths you’ve probably heard. Plus, they cover the difference between epidurals and spinals, how to advocate for a birth experience that truly works for you, and how tools like the Birth Lounge App can give you bite-sized, evidence-based education to feel confident from pregnancy through postpartum. Whether you plan to use an epidural or not, this episode is packed with the knowledge and empowerment every parent deserves.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Advice on Epidurals
01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:53 Introducing The Birth Lounge App
02:10 Features and Benefits of The Birth Lounge App
05:21 Today's Topic: All About Epidurals
05:54 Guest Introduction: Marissa Mulder, CRNA
06:54 Epidural FAQs and Common Concerns
10:41 Epidural Placement and Procedure
30:03 Medications Used in Epidurals
36:49 Postpartum Comfort: Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jogger Sets
40:20 Eating and Drinking During Labor: What's the Risk?
42:54 The Importance of Honesty with Hospital Staff
43:55 Why Partners Might Be Asked to Leave During Epidural Placement
48:36 Adjusting Your Epidural: What You Need to Know
51:53 Epidurals and Labor Progression: Myths and Facts
58:40 Epidural Risks and Benefits Explained
01:01:56 Spinal vs. Epidural: What's the Difference?
01:09:53 Emotional Aspects of Choosing an Epidural
01:13:59 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information
Guest Bio:
Marissa is a CRNA and first time mama to a busy 5 month old and can be found on insta & tiktok at @sassyanesthesia .
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
Connect with Marissa on Instagram
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way
Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere.
And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.
Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience.
Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress.
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
In this special re-air of our milestone 200th episode, we hear when HeHe celebrated ten years of supporting over 2,000 families through all kinds of birth scenarios from serene vaginal births to unexpected twists while sharing how ancestral wisdom has shaped her approach to childbirth. With warmth, humor, and that signature bold honesty, she dives into the art of trusting your body, making confident choices, and saying “no thank you” to unnecessary interventions.
This episode covers everything from declining cervical checks and IVs, navigating late pregnancy ultrasounds, intermittent fetal monitoring, and pushing positions, to handling unwanted inductions, all while keeping your birth experience empowered and trauma-free. HeHe also highlights the Birth Lounge App, your go-to for evidence-based education, bite-sized guidance, and a supportive community to help you rock your pregnancy and labor with confidence.
Whether this is your first listen or a welcome refresher during maternity leave, tune in and let HeHe help you claim your power in birth, because your choices, your voice, and your baby deserve it.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote
06:17 The Birth Lounge App: Empowering Birth Experiences
09:06 Re-Air Announcement and Podcast Highlights
10:46 Celebrating 200 Episodes and The Birth Lounge
14:32 Navigating Conversations with Your Provider
15:45 Declining Cervical Exams: Your Rights and Options
22:25 Pushing Positions: Advocating for Your Comfort
25:38 Pushing Effectively in Labor: The Secret Sauce to Pushing
25:55 The Baby Soap Debacle: A Better Alternative Use code HEHE at coconu.com
28:03 The Importance of Organic Products During Pregnancy
29:01 Understanding Big Babies and Late Pregnancy Ultrasounds
31:18 Alternatives to Ultrasounds for Fetal Monitoring
35:51 Setting Boundaries with Healthcare Providers
38:11 Electronic Fetal Monitoring: What You Need to Know
44:17 Declining an IV During Labor
47:54 Navigating Unwanted Inductions
53:58 Empowering Your Birth Experience
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience — all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/
Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page
And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin
Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection
Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy
The Secret Sauce to Pushing course gives you step-by-step guidance on how to push effectively — whether you have an epidural or not — so you can reduce tearing, labor faster, and feel in control from start to finish. HeHe teaches which muscles to engage, how to position your body, and the techniques that actually work, giving you the confidence and tools to achieve your best birth possible.
Learn more: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/SSP
Say goodbye to hospital “baby soap” and hello to safe, nourishing lubrication!
CocoNu is one of HeHe’s favorite all-organic lubes, made with coconut oil, coconut water, shea butter, cocoa butter, and other natural ingredients that keep your pH balanced and your downstairs happy. Perfect for your birth bag, pregnancy, or just better, safer intimacy, CocoNu comes in oil-based and water-based options, plus convenient single-use packets for labor or on-the-go. Because what you put in and on your body — especially down there — truly matters.
Use code HEHE for a discount at CocoNu.com
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Friday Nov 28, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into a conversation every parent needs to have — how to protect your kids in today’s wild digital jungle. She’s joined by Ben Gillenwater, aka The Family IT Guy — a 30-year cybersecurity pro, former NSA analyst, and dad on a mission to keep families safe online.
They unpack the hidden hazards of tech, from social media traps and online predators to the rise of sextortion, all while keeping it real and doable. Ben shares practical, no-fluff strategies for setting screen-time boundaries, creating tech-safe homes, and teaching kids to thrive offline — because yes, kids can survive (and flourish) without being glued to a screen. This episode arms parents with the confidence, tools, and savvy to raise children who are secure, smart, and resilient in a digital world that doesn’t always play fair. No fear-mongering here — just clear, actionable advice to protect your family and reclaim some sanity.
Guest Bio:
Ben Gillenwater is a cybersecurity expert with over 30 years of experience, including work with the NSA. As the founder of The Family IT Guy, he helps parents protect their children’s mental health and safety in an increasingly digital world. Blending deep technical expertise with a dad’s perspective, Ben empowers families to set healthy tech boundaries, navigate online risks, and build safer, more mindful relationships with technology.
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:
Here’s a link to Ben’s article, The Digital Danger Zone: https://www.familyitguy.com/digital-danger-zone.html
Seiko clock company: https://seikousa.com/
Officer Gomez’s Facebook Page? https://www.facebook.com/deputygomez/
Get Ben’s family technology agreement here: https://www.familyitguy.com/assets/downloads/family-internet-safety-agreement.html
Listen to Ben’s episode with Conrad Woodall https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/25-years-fighting-predators-what-every-parent-needs/id1831912044?i=1000721914372
ICAC website: https://www.icactaskforce.org/
Looking for gifts that aren’t screen related?
Check out Lalo, use code HEHE at MeetLalo.com to save on kids toys that are sure to boost creativity and keep everyone off screens!
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Black Friday is finally here, and it’s your chance to grab $150 off your Lifetime Membership to The Birth Lounge. Just a few days left to get trauma-free, evidence-based birth prep that puts you in control from start to finish. Get your discounted membership here!
In this episode, HeHe sits down with Tori, a seasoned NICU nurse, to bring clarity and confidence to the early weeks of newborn life. Together, they unpack the things most parents are never taught but deeply need — from what normal newborn breathing actually looks like to the feeding and diaper patterns that signal things are on track. They also explore the signs that something may need pediatric attention, helping parents feel grounded instead of guessing.
Tori offers her expert insight on the benefits of having a lactation consultant in your corner, how to recognize dehydration early, what parents should truly know about newborn jaundice, and how to keep an eye on temperature changes without slipping into fear.
These show notes center evidence-based guidance with HeHe’s signature calm, holistic approach. Parents and professionals alike will walk away feeling more supported, more informed, and more empowered to advocate for newborn well-being during this overwhelming yet beautiful transition.
Guest Bio:
Nurse Tori, MSN RNC-NIC, is a seasoned NICU nurse with over a decade of experience caring for critically ill newborns and supporting their families. She is also the co-founder and CEO of NICUity, a company dedicated to empowering NICU providers and parents through modern education, tools, and resources.
Social Media:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
Connect with Tori:
Resources Mentioned:
Listen to episode 239, colostrum is milk with Gina Motsay, IBCLC
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!
The Birth Lounge Black Friday sale is in full swing, and you’ve got only a couple days to snag $150 off your Lifetime Membership. This is one of only two sales all year, and it unlocks HeHe’s full evidence-based system for confident, empowered birth — including the CONTROL Method, the Secret Sauce to Pushing, partner prep, advocacy scripts, all PDF guides, and the Birthing Your Big Ass Baby course. You’ll learn how to navigate the hospital system with calm authority, avoid unnecessary interventions, push efficiently, reduce tearing, and advocate for every choice that matters to you. Plus, HeHe is sending you a handpicked Birth Box, packed with comfort, self-care, and advocacy tools she’s used herself to help parents have their best birth possible. Your birth, your rules, your confidence — don’t miss out. Go to thebirthlounge.com/join and use code BF25 before the sale ends.
Looking for a low tox way to care for your family? Check out Zebra, use code HEHE to save at https://yayzebra.com/
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Black Friday is here, and it’s your chance to snag $150 off your Lifetime Membership to The Birth Lounge — one of only two sales all year! This is your shot to get HeHe’s full evidence-based birth system, handpicked Birth Box, advocacy scripts, partner prep, and all the tools you need to confidently navigate your birth — no unnecessary interventions, no guesswork, just you in control. Don’t wait — the sale ends soon! Head to thebirthlounge.com/join and use code BF25 to claim your spot.
In this week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with certified nurse midwife Becca Helie to unpack everything you need to know about inductions and VBACs, without the fear, confusion, or pressure.
Together, they dive deep into how induction methods actually work, what a “failed induction” really means, and how to know if your provider’s recommendations are truly in your best interest. Becca breaks down the differences between medical and mechanical inductions, when cervical ripening is appropriate, and how to navigate Pitocin like a pro.
You’ll also hear about:
✨ Why individualized care matters more than protocols
✨ How to manage Pitocin safely and effectively
✨ What makes induction different (and riskier) for VBAC parents
✨ The mindset shifts that help you stay calm, confident, and in control
Whether you’re being pressured into an induction or planning for a VBAC and feeling unsure what to expect, this episode will leave you grounded, informed, and ready to advocate for the birth you deserve.
Guest Bio:
Rebecca Helie is a Board-Certified Nurse Midwife passionate about empowering women through evidence-based, patient-centered care. With experience as a labor and delivery RN and midwife in both rural and metropolitan settings, she champions shared decision-making, expands access to midwifery, and works to reduce low-risk cesareans and preventable maternal complications. Certified in Perinatal Mood Disorders and deeply shaped by her own experiences with infertility and loss, Becca advocates fiercely for her patients’ voices and education. Based in Las Vegas, she shares her expertise online, spreads reliable women’s health information, and balances her professional life with family, bread baking, and adventures with her pilot husband, two daughters, and dog Buddy.
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:
CocoNu is one of HeHe’s favorite organic lubes for pregnancy, labor, and beyond. Unlike the hospital standard (looking at you, Johnson & Johnson baby soap), CocoNu uses clean, plant-based ingredients like organic coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter to keep your pH balanced and your downstairs happy. Perfect for your birth bag or just better, safer intimacy during pregnancy, CocoNu even comes in single-use packets for convenience — because what you put on your body, especially down there, truly matters. Use code HEHE at https://coconu.com to save 15%!
Here's the original episode aired Nov 10, 2020: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-146-what-to-know-about-inductions-with-becca-helie-cnm/
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s all-time favorite ways to stay cozy during pregnancy and postpartum. Their ultra-soft PJs, loungewear, and sheets make those long nights and lazy days feel a little more luxurious — and they’re a simple way to detox your home while you’re at it! Through November, you can use code HEHE to stack up to 40% off holiday sale prices on anything from dreamy PJs to new sheets: https://cozyearth.com/
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with nutrition guru Lily Nichols to cut through the noise around gestational diabetes (GD) and give parents tools that actually work. They compare the old-school GD advice with Lily’s evidence-based approach from her books, focusing on keeping blood sugar steady without stress or guesswork.
Lily dishes out the real deal on carbs, which ones matter, how much, and how to pair them for maximum impact, while busting myths about ketosis in pregnancy. She also shares clever, practical hacks like walking after meals, eating your veggies first (yes, first!), and tailoring your diet to what you actually need. They also tackle the nitty-gritty of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) versus traditional glucose tests, all with a focus on personalized care. By the end, you’ll have a playbook for nourishing your body, managing GD confidently, and skipping the panic… because informed choices and empowered parents are always in style.
Black Friday is here, and it’s your chance to snag $150 off your Lifetime Membership to The Birth Lounge — one of only two sales all year! This is your shot to get HeHe’s full evidence-based birth system, handpicked Birth Box, advocacy scripts, partner prep, and all the tools you need to confidently navigate your birth, no unnecessary interventions, no guesswork, just you in control. Don’t wait! The sale ends soon! Head to thebirthlounge.com/join and use code BF25 to claim your spot.
Guest Bio:
Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible. She is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal Nutrition®, co-founder of the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy, and the author of three books: Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of thousands of mamas (and babies!), are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses, and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally. She writes at https://lilynicholsrdn.com.
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:
Connect with Lily:
Check out Lily’s free video series on gestational diabetes here: https://realfoodforgd.com/free-stuff/