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
59 minutes ago
59 minutes ago
HeHe is joined by Dr. Robert Hurst, who delves into the fascinating world of birth order and its profound impact on our lives. From understanding how birth order shapes our interpersonal relationships to uncovering the dynamics within blended families, Dr. Hurst provides an in-depth analysis of how our position in the family hierarchy influences who we are. The episode offers insights into the characteristics of firstborns, middle children, and only children, and touches on the complexities introduced by factors such as sibling spacing, cultural expectations, and unexpected family changes like the death of a child or divorce. Dr. Hurst also shares practical advice for parents on fostering healthy sibling relationships and guiding each child according to their unique birth order personality traits.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Hurst never envisioned himself as a leading expert on birth order. His journey began during his extensive career in orthodontics at Tufts University and Louisiana State University. Over his career, he observed firsthand how birth order influences individual personalities and family dynamics, leading him to study these patterns in-depth.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Dr. Hurst on YouTube
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
3 days ago
3 days ago
In this insightful episode, HeHe welcomes Trisha Ludwig from the Down to Birth Show to explore the critical aspects of breastfeeding. They discuss the tremendous benefits for both mother and baby, including improved mental health for mom and reduced cancer risks. Trisha emphasizes the importance of prenatal education, the role of partners, and why breastfeeding is a learned skill. They also cover common breastfeeding problems, the significance of skin-to-skin contact, and how pain can indicate the need for latch adjustments. Essential tips for advocating breastfeeding in hospitals and advice on how to manage newborn feeding cues are also highlighted.
Guest Bio:
Trisha Ludwig is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with a Master’s degree from Yale School of Nursing. After practicing as a homebirth midwife she started a holistic gynecology and women’s health practice, which she ran for 10 years. She is passionate about supporting and optimizing women’s transitions through the major shifts such as pregnancy, postpartum, peri-menopause, and menopause. She believes in treating health issues on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level.
She is a mother of three children, all of whom were born at home. It is her knowledge as a midwife and women’s health practitioner, but most importantly as a mother herself, which gives her first-hand insight into the complex emotional shifts of the postpartum transition. As a woman who is equally passionate about her work as she is about mothering, she understands the process of “becoming mom.”
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
HeHe is joined by Dr. Gertrude Lyons to discuss the journey of living a fuller, more purposeful life, and the importance of authenticity in motherhood. Dr. Lyons shares her life story from a career in finance to transformational coaching, emphasizing the impact of premarital counseling, personal growth, and home birth experiences. They delve into the concept of the 'mother wound,' handling postpartum changes, and the importance of maintaining a sense of self while parenting. The conversation offers practical insights for aspiring and current mothers on navigating societal expectations, the importance of self-care, and utilizing support systems. The episode also highlights Dr. Lyons' upcoming book, 'Rewrite the Mother Code,' and her online course, 'Journey into the Dark,' aimed at exploring feminine aspects of self.
08:16 Journey to Personal Growth
10:16 Transformative Experiences in Motherhood
11:38 Challenges and Realizations
15:28 The Importance of Therapy
23:22 Understanding the Mother Wound
37:20 Navigating Parenthood and Personal Growth
42:05 Tuning into Your Intuitive Voice
43:05 Creating a Support System
49:41 Addressing Common Objections
56:01 Navigating Social Judgments
58:10 The Home Birth Experience
01:02:26 Empowerment Through Birth Choices
01:15:32 Introducing Dr. Gertrude's Book
01:21:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Guest Bio:
Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a visionary leader in the realms of self-mothering, holistic women’s empowerment, and deep relationship transformation. With over 25 years of experience, she weaves together a rich tapestry of wisdom, education, and certifications to create a holistic, integrative, and nurturing approach to personal growth and healing. In her coaching, immersive experiences, and retreats Dr. Lyons lovingly guides women on transformative journeys to reclaim the art of mothering—not just for others, but for themselves, their dreams, and the lives they long to embody. She is the host of the longstanding and widely celebrated Rewrite the Mother Code podcast, consistently ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally. Her podcast is a trusted space where she explores the sacred essence of mothering in its many beautiful and expansive forms, reaching and inspiring thousands of listeners. A heartfelt speaker and published author, Dr. Gertrude’s forthcoming book, Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust – A Cosmic Approach to Motherhood, expands on these themes, inviting us all to honor feminine energy, creative flow, and authentic living. Through her work, she empowers women, couples, and families to rewrite the story of how we nurture, love, and thrive.
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with Dr. Lyons on Instagram
Rewrite the Mother Code on YouTube
Connect with Dr. Gertrude Lyons on LinkedIn
Listen to Rewrite the Mother Code Podcast
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Connect with Dr. Gertrude Lyons here
Use code HeHe to get an 11% discount on Dr. Gertrude's course, Journey into the Dark
Check out Dr. Gertrude’s Self-Mothering Retreat in Zihuatanejo, MX March 16-2
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
In this episode HeHe addresses one of the most frequently asked questions: How to achieve an unmedicated birth. These are the steps she would take if she was hoping for an unmedicated hospital birth. The discussion includes practical, actionable steps for expectant parents aiming for an unmedicated delivery, emphasizing the importance of preparation, mindset, and holistic health. Topics covered include laboring at home, choosing the right care providers like midwives, understanding the labor process, and the significance of self-advocacy. The episode also highlights the necessity of having coping skills, educating your partner, and making a flexible birth plan to navigate the birth process confidently.
04:10 Practical Steps for Unmedicated Birth
06:11 Understanding the Birth Process
08:29 Preparing for Unmedicated Birth
10:49 Top Tips for Unmedicated Birth
20:23 Coping Skills and Partner Support
27:12 Creating a Birth Plan
31:39 Mental and Physical Preparation
36:00 The Importance of Self-Advocacy
50:59 Conclusion
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free course on how to avoid a c-section here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Get HeHe's birth planning guide here!
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
In this Birth Lounge Podcast episode, host HeHe discusses the complexities surrounding screen time for kids with Dr. Joel Warsh aka DrJoelGator, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine. They explore critical questions about the impact of screen time on child development, ADHD, social behavior, and overall health. Dr. Warsh shares valuable insights on balancing screen use, the potential health risks, and the role of modern technology in increasing chronic diseases among children. He also touches on the importance of outdoor activities and real-world interactions. Additionally, Dr. Warsh introduces his upcoming book, 'Between a Shot and a Hard Place,' which aims to provide balanced, research-based information on vaccines for informed parental decision-making.
00:00 Introduction and Screen Time Dilemma
04:50 Introducing Dr. Joel Warsh
06:33 The Impact of Screen Time on Child Development
09:41 Balancing Screen Time and Healthy Habits
14:26 Screen Time and ADHD
18:14 Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Families
26:59 Over-Medicalization and Chronic Illness
33:02 Managing Screen Time in Public Spaces
36:09 Balancing Screen Time for Kids
37:06 The Impact of Video Games on Children
39:48 Concerns About EMF and Technology
42:57 Practical Tips to Reduce EMF Exposure
48:43 Introducing Dr. Joel's New Book
52:46 Vaccines and Their Controversies
01:05:41 Non-Screen Activities for Kids
01:07:23 Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Information
Guest Bio:
Joel Warsh aka DrJoelGator of the popular parenting Instagram account is a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California who specializes in Parenting, Wellness and Integrative Medicine. He is the author of multiple books including:
1) Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Difficult Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity,
2) Love Dad
3) Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out the free Avoid a C-Section webinar here to learn evidence based ways avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing in labor.
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this episode, HeHe is joined by Brigid Tebaldi, a mother of five who shares her transformative journey through multiple childbirths, ranging from traumatic to idyllic experiences. Brigid recounts her pregnancies and labors, highlighting her evolution from hospital births to empowering home births. The discussion covers building resilience in mothers and children through challenging and rewarding tasks, the impact of nutrition and mindset on mental health, and the importance of processing birth trauma. Brigid’s insights aim to help mothers reclaim their power and find joy in their birthing experiences.
00:00 Introduction to Free Birth Class
01:59 Avoid High C-Section Rates and Navigating the System
07:53 Personal Birth Stories Begin
08:25 First Birth Experience
11:42 Second Birth Experience
21:34 Third Birth Experience
22:11 Fourth Birth Experience and Transition to Home Birth
23:36 Fifth Birth Experience and Empowerment
27:14 Discovering Pregnancy and Initial Reactions
29:57 Natural Family Planning Journey
32:59 The Reality of Precipitous Labor
36:47 Navigating Hospital Births and Family Expectations
38:13 Discovering Alternative Birth Options
42:10 Building Resilience Through Childhood Experiences
46:59 Fostering Resilience in Children
51:03 Maintaining Resilience as a Parent
57:44 The Importance of Resilience in Birth Trauma
01:04:52 Mind-Body Connection and Resilience
01:06:49 Conclusion and Contact Information
Guest Bio:
Brigid is a Functional Women’s Health Coach and Mentor who helps moms who understand that their bodies are not broken, that they're not falling short in motherhood, how to get rid of those physical ailments that never seem to go away, and that life can be fun, full, and joyful even amongst the chaos. She guides women to see the truth: that their bodies are beautifully made by God, their vocation is holy work, and the birth of their children is only the beginning of the transformation God is calling them to walk in.
Through her signature program, Restored by Grace, she helps women reclaim vibrant, full, and healthy lives—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Her approach blends integrative methods with ancient wisdom about what our bodies truly need to thrive. In the program, you address the roots of past trauma, because these unhealed wounds don’t just affect how you feel—they can show up as physical symptoms like fatigue, pain, hormonal imbalances, and chronic health issues. By healing at the root level, you can finally experience the peace and health you’ve been longing for, restoring your energy, improving your relationships, and creating a healthier, happier life to spend with your family.
She believes that every mom has the power to create a holy, beautiful, and joy-filled life by embracing her God-given design and purpose.
Brigid is a wife, mother of 5, and homesteader in Pennsylvania. She enjoys spending time outside playing with her kids, reading about conspiracy theories, cooking and baking, and listening to all the podcasts she can.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.loretowellness.com/
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out the free Avoid a C-Section webinar here to learn evidence based ways avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing in labor.
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Join HeHe in an enlightening conversation with Nurse Dawn from Pivotal Birth to discuss the critical aspects of creating a birth plan and the importance of effective communication with medical staff during labor and delivery. Dawn shares her rich experience working in multiple hospitals and introduces the innovative PIVOT plan approach to improve birth experiences. Learn how to set clear expectations, handle unexpected pivots like C-sections and epidurals, and ensure that your values and preferences are respected throughout your birth journey. This episode is a must-watch for expecting parents looking to optimize their hospital birth experience and for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance patient care.
06:37 The Importance of Birth Plans
07:38 Experiences with Birth Plans in Hospitals
10:55 Advice for Communicating Birth Plans
15:04 Introducing the PIVOT Plan
16:28 Breaking Down the PIVOT Plan
18:22 The Role of Communication in Birth
24:58 Navigating Hospital Policies and Biases
35:23 Engaging with Medical Assessments
36:48 Introducing Birth Preferences to Hospital Staff
38:48 Understanding Individual Needs During Birth
49:44 The Importance of Childbirth Classes
51:33 Navigating Unexpected Diagnoses
54:17 Coping with Birth Plan Changes
56:49 Handling Unexpected C-Sections
01:04:02 Final Thoughts and Resources
GUEST BIO:
Dawn Hancock is a seasoned Labor and Delivery Nurse certified in Obstetric Nursing, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Counselor and Board Certified Nurse Coach.
She has worked exclusively in maternal child care in the hospital setting and in the home as well. She is passionate about empowering women and their partners to advocate for the care they desire for themselves and their newborns.
Her own experiences in childbirth with her three children prompted her to go into Nursing for Labor and Delivery.
Dawn is the founder of Pivotal Birth LLC where she hosts The Bridging Birth Membership. This membership provides on-demand Childbirth Education Classes, her Breastfeeding Starting Strong Course and live Q&A Sessions 2 times a month where members can come ask questions, share stories and build community.
Nurse Dawn can be found on all platforms @pivotalbirth
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!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Sign up for Dawn’s Pivotal Birth Workshop here.
Use code HeHe10 at Www.pivotalbirth.com for a special discount for our listeners!
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
In this episode, HeHe provides an in-depth guide to finding the perfect doula to support your birth journey. She covers the best time to hire a doula, what to consider when choosing one, and the variety of doula types available. HeHe emphasizes the importance of knowing your birth goals and expectations, and offers practical advice on interviewing potential doulas, including essential questions to ask. She also highlights the benefits of having a doula, from reducing the risk of a C-section to increasing breastfeeding success. Additionally, HeHe discusses how to find doulas using websites like doulamatch.net and community resources, and explores the significance of doula teams, backup plans, and business credentials.
00:00 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast
01:26 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing
03:13 Finding the Right Doula for Your Birth
12:17 The Role and Benefits of a Doula
18:08 How to Choose and Interview Your Doula
33:50 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out the free webinar to help you avoid a c-section!
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!
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Join HeHe and guest Anna Cosentino in this eye-opening episode where Anna bravely shares her harrowing experience with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) during her pregnancy. Despite a history of endometriosis and POTS, Anna initially had a symptomless pregnancy, only to be struck by severe vomiting and nausea at five and a half weeks. She details her struggles with medical providers who dismissed her symptoms, her battle to get life-saving IV fluids, and her fight for appropriate care. Topics covered include the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system, the role of community and support, and practical advice for others facing similar challenges. Anna also discusses her post-pregnancy journey and the lasting effects of HG. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with HG or severe morning sickness during pregnancy.
Understanding HG and Its Impact
Personal Pregnancy Journey Begins
Challenges with Healthcare Providers
Severe Symptoms and Seeking Help
Postpartum Reflections and Advice
Advocating for Yourself
Resources and Support for HG
Guest Bio:
Anna is 25 years old and just had her first child, a little girl! She works full time at a church in the Atlanta area working in music and production with middle and high school students. Anna developed HG at 5 weeks of pregnancy and proceeded to throw up 5-15x a day for the remainder of my pregnancy until she delivered.
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:
Find more resources from HER foundation: https://www.hyperemesis.org/
A Screening Tool: https://www.hyperemesis.org/tools/help-score/
2023 article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532917/
ACOG: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
ACOG Practice Bulletin 189: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2018/01/nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes back Dr. Darrell, an experienced OBGYN, to discuss a range of important topics related to childbirth, including the role of doulas, the impact of medical interventions, and the complexities of the healthcare system. They dive deep into how doulas support birth, partner dynamics, and the trust crucial in the birthing process. Dr. Darrell also shares insights on fetal heart rate monitoring, the financial aspects of different birth methods, and the significance of being well-informed as parents. HeHe emphasizes the importance of making educated choices and establishing good relationships with healthcare providers.
The Role of Doulas in Birth
Hospital Dynamics and Doula Relationships
Financial Incentives in Birth Methods
Litigation and Medical Interventions
Fetal Heart Rate Concerns
Fetal Scalp Electrodes Explained
Reflecting on Past Experiences with Doulas
The Role and Independence of Doulas
Building Trust and Connection with Doulas
Challenges and Misconceptions about Doulas
35:25 Personal Birth Experiences and Reflections
Breech Births and Residency Stories
The Evolution of Obstetric Practices
The Future of Birth Centers and C-Sections
The Importance of Being an Informed Consumer
Guest Bio:
Dr. Darrell Martin, MD, FACOG, is an esteemed gynecologist, gynecological surgeon, and beacon of healthcare advocacy with a distinguished career spanning over forty years in women's health. His unwavering dedication to patient choice and care has led him to the forefront of legislative change, testifying before Congress in staunch support of Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and the rights of patients to choose their healthcare providers. Notably, his passionate advocacy for nurse-midwifery in Tennessee, has cemented his reputation as a pivotal figure in the advancement of the profession.
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!
Grab the Scripts for Advocacy here!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.darrellmartinbooks.com/