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
17 minutes ago
17 minutes ago
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! They’re also a great way to detox your home! Use code HEHE for 20% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/
In this episode, HeHe sits down with pelvic floor expert Nikki to talk about the part of birth that somehow never gets explained until someone is telling you to “push.” Yep. That part.
They break down how the pelvic floor actually works in labor, what truly helps reduce tearing, and how to push in a way that works with your body instead of against it. No fear tactics. No vague advice. Just clear, physiology-first education you should’ve been given way earlier.
Nikki shares practical, evidence-based strategies you can actually use, from breathing and positioning to perineal prep and postpartum rehab. They also get into advocacy, provider skill, and why your autonomy in birth matters just as much as any technique or tool.
This conversation is empowering, grounded, and full of “ohhhh, that makes sense” moments, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or supporting birthing families in any capacity.
If you want to understand your pelvic floor, protect your perineum, and walk into birth feeling informed and confident instead of guessing and hoping for the best, this episode is for you.
Guest Bio:
Nikki Bergen is a globally recognized Pilates expert, women’s pelvic health advocate, and founder of The Belle Method. With over 20 years of experience, she’s helped thousands worldwide build strength, restore function, and thrive through every life stage - through pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause and beyond.
Learn from Nikki
The Core Restore Course: https://thebellemethod.com/core-restore/
The Push Prep Course: https://thebellemethod.com/push-prep/
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.
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
6 days ago
6 days ago
In this powerful episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with Rajia, the founder of InvisaWear, to talk about a reality far too many women know all too well: moving through the world while constantly calculating risk.
Rajia shares the terrifying experience she had in college that sparked the creation of InvisaWear and why “just be more careful” is not, and has never been, an actual solution. Together, they unpack the deeply unsettling statistics around violence against women, where current safety systems fail us, and what real, practical protection can look like.
You’ll learn how InvisaWear discreetly weaves safety technology into everyday accessories like necklaces, bracelets, and even scrunchies, allowing you to alert trusted contacts or emergency services with the press of a button, without escalating a situation or drawing attention. The conversation also dives into self-defense strategies, rideshare safety, hiking alone, and the emotional toll of living on high alert.
They also explore the bigger picture: why legislative change, community accountability, and shifting the responsibility off women’s behavior and onto systems that actually protect us matters more than ever.
This episode is equal parts validating, infuriating, and empowering. If you’ve ever gripped your keys a little tighter, shared your location “just in case,” or wished you had an extra layer of protection, this conversation is for you.
Guest Bio:
Rajia Abdelaziz started one of the fastest-growing companies in America when she was just 21 years old. Today, she is an award-winning entrepreneur revolutionizing the personal safety industry.
Rajia is the Founder & CEO of invisaWear, a company that creates safety devices disguised as jewelry and accessories. With just two clicks, users can instantly alert friends, family, and-optionally-police.
Her work has earned national acclaim. She's been featured on the cover of Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Social Impact category, named one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe, and recognized on both the Inc. Female Founders 250 list and Inc Fastest Growing Companies list.
Rajia raised $3 million to develop invisaWear's technology, scaled the company to over $20 million in sales, and secured powerhouse partnerships with ADT and TELUS Communications, two of the most respected names in the security industry.
With over 3 million social media followers, Rajia isn't just building a company — she’s building a global movement to make safety accessible to all.
In 2023, she launched Smart Alert Holdings, a company focused on acquiring businesses that share the same mission of creating a safer world. Their first acquisition was Flare Safety, invisaWear’s only competitor.
Her companies have been featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, CBS, WBZ, TODAY, and more. They’ve also earned prestigious accolades, including TIME Magazine's Best Inventions, Fast Company's Innovation by Design Award, and the New England Innovation Award.
As a minority female CEO, Rajia is passionate about breaking barriers for women and underrepresented groups in tech. Her journey of overcoming obstacles fuels her mission to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs — proving that no matter your background or the doubts you face, success is possible. Rajia remains deeply committed to mentorship through UMass Lowell’s Entrepreneurship Program, helping others turn bold ideas into reality.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
Connect with Rajia and InvisaWear on IG
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 InvisaWear with code HEHE
If you’re over peeing on sticks, overthinking charts, or trying to take your temp at the same time every morning, Tempdrop does the work for you while you sleep. Grab a discount with code AFHEHE at tempdrop.com/discount/AFHEHE.
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
In this episode, HeHe is joined by Dr. O’Daniel to break down the real tools and procedures used in labor and delivery, the ones no one explains until they’re suddenly happening to your body. Together, they unpack what tests like the ROM actually tell us about water breaking, when internal monitors like an IUPC are used, and what patients deserve to know before anything is placed inside their body.
They also dive into operative vaginal deliveries, including vacuums and forceps, how clinical decision-making works in those moments, and why true informed consent matters so much when things move quickly. Dr. O’Daniel explains newer innovations like the Traxi for safer C-sections in larger bodies and the Life Bubble, a game-changing tool for supporting NICU babies.
This conversation is evidence-based, honest, and incredibly empowering, especially if you want to walk into birth understanding the tools, not fearing them. Knowledge is advocacy, and this episode gives you plenty of both.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Tori O’Daniel is a Board-Certified OB/GYN whom has been practicing for 14 years. For the past 11 years she has been an OB/GYN Hospitalist at Mercy Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. O’Daniel is the Medical Director of the OB/GYN Hospitalist program and the Department Chair of the OB/GYN Department in her facility. She also instructs educational classes and facilitates the OB Emergency Simulations for the nurses and physicians within her department.
She has been actively involved in the Society of OB/GYN Hospitalists (SOGH) for the past several years. She currently sits on the SOGH Board of Directors.
Dr. O’Daniel is passionate about education, and she actively teaches in multiple venues. She is a master trainer for Kiwi vacuum assisted deliveries; she travels across the globe to train residents and attending physicians in the 5-Step Vacca Method.
Check out the tools Dr. O’Daniel shared about here: https://www.laborie.com/products/obstetrics-gynecology/
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.
Friday Dec 26, 2025
Friday Dec 26, 2025
In this episode, HeHe sits down with Fahti, the powerhouse creator behind the Nella Speculum, to talk about something long overdue in women’s healthcare… a speculum that doesn’t feel like a medieval torture device. Yes, finally.
Fahti shares the story behind redesigning one of the most dreaded tools in gynecology and turning it into something that’s temperature-neutral, gentler, and actually built with patient comfort in mind. They dive into the real issues facing people during pelvic exams, how advocacy is reshaping the landscape, and why we should all expect better tools and better treatment.
You’ll hear about the design process, clinical feedback from both patients and providers, and how the Nella Comfort Kit is giving folks the option to bring their own speculum into appointments. They also unpack the recent TikTok controversy that highlighted major trust issues in women’s health care — and how innovations like the Nella can help rebuild that trust.
If you’ve ever braced yourself during an exam or wished the system cared more about your comfort, this conversation is going to feel refreshing, validating, and deeply empowering. Tune in to learn how the Nella Speculum is changing the future of gynecological care, one thoughtful design choice at a time.
Guest Bio:
Fahti is the Founder of Ceek Women's Health - the first company to develop and launch a modern comfortable speculum for women.
Learn more about the Nell and Ceek Women’s Health here: https://www.nellaspec.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
Check out Nella Speculum 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.
2026 is calling! 📞 Ready to understand your cycle? Tempdrop just brought back their
25% off sale and my code AFHEHE stacks for a total of 40% OFF! 🎁 Sale starts
Today!. Don't miss out!
LINKS MENTIONED:
You can see the inappropriate reel Hehe was talking about here.
Wednesday Dec 24, 2025
Wednesday Dec 24, 2025
In this episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Sophia Johnson to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood topics in postpartum recovery: placentophagy. Together, they dig into the science, the cultural traditions, and the ancient wisdom behind consuming the placenta… a practice that’s been normalized around the world long before Western medicine ever tried to dismiss it.
Dr. Sophia breaks down what we actually know about placenta encapsulation, why so many parents report better mood, energy, and hormonal balance, and how oxytocin and postpartum hormone shifts come into play. You’ll also hear practical tips for handling and preparing placenta safely, plus a look at why these rituals hold such deep meaning across cultures — and why the traditional medical system still struggles to acknowledge the value of them.
If you’re curious about the real role the placenta plays in healing after birth, this conversation is rich, grounding, and packed with the kind of nuance you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in and let this episode expand what you thought you knew about postpartum recovery.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Sophia Johnson studied human medicine at the University of Witten/Herdecke. During her studies, she expanded my training and took part in the university curriculum for Chinese medicine and Anthroposophic medicine. Since 2014, she has been working as a researcher and completed my doctorate at the Placenta Laboratory at Jena University Hospital.She works in an outpatient practice specializing in integrative women's medicine.
Connect with Dr. Sophia:
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.
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
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, 😂)
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
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.