
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

2 days ago
2 days ago
Welcome back to The Birth Lounge Podcast, where we say the quiet parts out loud and hold nothing back when it comes to protecting your power in birth.
In this episode, I’m joined by Krysta Dancy, a licensed trauma therapist, birth doula, and one of the most honest voices in the trauma-informed care space. Together, we unpack what birth trauma really is, how to spot it, how to prevent it, and how to start healing if it’s already part of your story.
We’re digging into:
- Why Pitocin is showing up in so many traumatic births — and what you deserve to know about it
- The actual role of doulas in preventing trauma (especially when sh*t gets hard)
- What your nervous system has to do with the way your birth felt and why it matters
- How to debrief with your care team, talk to your partner, and ask for what you need in the aftermath
- Evidence-based trauma therapies like EMDR and Brainspotting, and how to know what’s right for you
- Scripts and tools for those difficult conversations with providers, family, and friends who just don’t get it
Whether you had a traumatic birth or just want to avoid becoming another horror story statistic, this episode is here to remind you: You are not broken. You are not alone. And there is a way forward.
Timestamps:
00:00 Postpartum Support Is Not Optional
00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge
01:09 Pitocin 101: What You’re Not Being Told
02:51 Pitocin and the C-Section Connection
03:44 Grab Your Free Pitocin Guide
05:03 Birth Trauma: Let’s Talk About It
05:50 What Actually Counts as Birth Trauma?
07:37 Meet Krysta Dancy
12:00 How Trauma and Memory Work in Birth
19:12 Signs of PTSD After Birth
31:16 Your Nervous System and Traumatic Birth
39:53 Emotional Trauma Even When the Birth Was “Fine”
44:09 How to Debrief With Your Providers
49:09 The Healing Power of Storytelling
49:36 Why Post-Birth Conversations Are So Hard
50:35 Communication Gaps in the System
52:23 You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone
55:35 The Isolation of Trauma
56:11 When Trauma Runs in the Family
57:40 Healing Starts With Being Seen
58:08 Was That Intervention Actually Necessary?
01:01:30 EMDR, Brainspotting, and More
01:04:18 When Medication Can Be Part of Healing
01:06:50 Scripts for Navigating the Hard Conversations
01:10:34 Supporting a Partner With Trauma Too
01:14:49 When Providers Are Dismissive
01:17:22 Supporting Without Trauma Dumping
01:22:43 Provider Trauma Affects Your Care Too
01:27:32 Final Thoughts and Resources
This episode is full of validation, education, and the tools you need to take the next best step, whether you’re deep in healing or just beginning to realize you’ve got some unpacking to do. You are allowed to feel everything. And you're allowed to heal, your way.
Guest Bio:
Krysta Dancy is a licensed trauma therapist, birth doula, and passionate advocate for healing after a difficult birth.
With over 20 years of experience in psychology, trauma recovery, and perinatal care, Krysta has walked alongside countless families and professionals through some of their most vulnerable moments. She believes that every birthing person deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported — and that healing is always possible, even after trauma.
As the founder and CEO of Dancy Perinatal Counseling, a nationwide organization dedicated to supporting both parents and the professionals who care for them, Krysta’s mission is to make trauma-informed obstetric care the norm, not the exception.
Whether she’s offering therapy, teaching, or simply holding space for someone’s story, Krysta brings compassion, deep expertise, and a fierce commitment to helping people reclaim their strength after a traumatic birth.
Dancy Perinatal Website: http://www.DancyPerinatal.com
Therapist Match Tool: https://www.dancyperinatal.com/find-support
Dancy Perinatal IG: https://www.instagram.com/dancyperinatalcounseling/
Dancy Perinatal FB:
https://m.facebook.com/DancyPerinatalCounseling
Dancy Perinatal Free FB Group for Birth Trauma: https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtraumasupportgroup/
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Grab HeHe’s free guide to pitocin use 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:
Check out Krysta’s on demand classes here, including debrief and trauma prevention skills for doulas.
Use the promo code "HEHE" to watch Krysta’s on-demand class "Healing After A Traumatic Birth" for free.

7 days ago
7 days ago
Welcome back to The Birth Lounge, where we ditch shame, question the mainstream, and talk about your body with zero fluff and full truth.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mimi Lindquist, co-host of The Medicine Podcast and expert in AHCC and medicinal mushrooms, to break down everything you need to know about HPV — the "common cold of the cervix."
If you've ever felt confused, judged, or totally overwhelmed after an HPV diagnosis, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.
We’re covering:
- What HPV actually is and how common it really is
- Why HPV doesn't mean you're broken or dirty
- Natural remedies and holistic tools to support your immune system and help clear HPV
- How AHCC works and what the research says
- What to know about the Gardasil vaccine and how to make an informed decision
- How HPV impacts pregnancy, pap smears, and fertility
- What it means to take a root-cause approach to your cervical health
This episode is for the woman who’s ready to stop feeling powerless and start leading her healing journey with confidence.
Timestamps:
00:00 What’s New Inside the Birth Lounge App
03:37 HPV 101: Basics, Misconceptions, and Myths
05:00 Holistic Approaches to Cervical Health
07:16 Meet Mimi Lindquist
08:46 How HPV Spreads and Why It’s So Common
11:10 What Happens After an HPV Diagnosis
27:06 How to Boost Your Immunity Without Toxic Overwhelm
41:43 Nutritional and Supplemental Support
49:05 The Role of AHCC in Natural HPV Treatment
50:08 What You Need to Know About Pregnancy and Pap Smears
52:48 Is AHCC Safe During Pregnancy?
56:28 Why So Many Women Are Questioning Mainstream Approaches
57:31 Mimi’s Personal Experience with the Gardasil Vaccine
01:05:40 Gardasil: What the Ads Don’t Tell You
01:14:44 HPV, Fertility, and TTC Real Talk
01:18:39 Emotional and Energetic Impact of HPV
01:26:07 Most Common Questions About Cervical Health
01:30:32 Resources, Encouragement, and Where to Start
01:34:44 Final Thoughts and Pep Talk from Your Birth Bestie
Guest Bio:
Meagan (Mimi) Lindquist is the co-host of The Medicin Podcast where she and her husband, Chase, help others proactively create deep, passionate partnership supported by a healthy and conscious lifestyle. With her background as a clinical dental hygienist, culinary nutrition expert, AHCC® educator, and mushroom enthusiast, she has been helping others prevent disease for over 12 years now. Over the last 4 years, Mimi’s work has led her to educating and supporting women from all over the world who’ve received an HPV+ result and receiving little or no support from conventional medicine. She assists women in becoming empowered, active participants in their expression of health and proactively creating a life that they love.
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:
www.TheMedicin.com
https://www.themedicin.com/products/p/ahcc
https://www.amazon.com/HPV-Vaccine-Trial-Generation-Betrayed/dp/1799754944
https://justtheinserts.com/hpv/
Podcast episode with Just The Inserts

Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Welcome back to The Birth Lounge Podcast—where we challenge the status quo, ask the questions the system hopes you won’t, and take your family’s health seriously (without fear-mongering or fluff).
In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Kelly Ryerson, co-executive director of American ReGen and founder of Glyphosate Facts. With degrees from Dartmouth and Stanford, Kelly brings the heat and the receipts on one of the most important (and honestly, infuriating) topics in modern health: glyphosate.
Yup, that’s the same chemical in Roundup—the most widely used pesticide on Earth.
And spoiler alert: it’s likely in your pantry right now.
We dive deep into:
- The truth about glyphosate’s impact on your gut, your mental health, and your baby’s long-term development
- How companies like Monsanto (now Bayer) are still running the show—and why we can’t trust the system to keep us safe
- What you can do today to reduce your exposure (hello, water filters + better food choices)
- Why baby food is a big red flag (yes, even organic)
- What’s actually happening on farms, and how regenerative practices can change the game
This episode is part science, part scandal, and fully focused on helping you take back control of your health—because no one is coming to do that for you.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually in your food, how it’s affecting your hormones, fertility, or your growing baby, or why the U.S. is behind other countries in banning toxic chemicals…
This is your episode.
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome & Why This Matters
01:46 The Hidden Dangers in Our Food
03:18 Meet Kelly Ryerson
03:58 Glyphosate 101
08:20 Why It’s So Widely Used (and How It Got That Way)
21:53 The Health Fallout: Gut, Brain, and Beyond
34:27 How to Shop Smarter & Spot Safer Foods
37:58 What Other Countries Are Doing Right
44:37 Why Some Farmers Don’t See the Problem
46:07 How Policy, Profit & Pesticides Are All Linked
47:47 Dead Soil = Dead Nutrition
49:28 The Rise of Regenerative Farming
51:06 Safer Options for Home & Garden
55:39 Baby Food Red Flags
58:20 What’s Lurking in Juice, Wine & Beer
01:00:50 Nontoxic Yard Care (Your Pets Will Thank You)
01:04:31 Monsanto’s Long Game of Deception
01:09:02 Government + Industry: Too Cozy?
01:15:47 Reclaiming Your Family’s Health
01:17:59 Final Takeaways + Where to Start
Listen now and take the first step toward safer choices, stronger advocacy, and raising a healthier generation.
Guest Bio:
Kelly Ryerson works at the intersection of agriculture and health. She regularly collaborates with regenerative farmers, scientists, policymakers and media to address agrochemical damage to our soil and bodies. Kelly is the co-Executive Director of American Regeneration and also founded the news site Glyphosate Facts. Kelly has contributed to numerous podcasts, publications, and documentaries including the recent award winning documentary Common Ground. She is an Ambassador for The Rodale Institute. Kelly has a BA from Dartmouth College, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and completed training in integrative health coaching at Duke Integrative Medicine.
INSTAGRAM & SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:

Friday Jul 25, 2025
Ep. 366: Is your deodorant poisoning you? with Jenn Thatcher
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
In this eye-opening episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is joined by Jenn Thatcher, the founder and CEO of Zebra, to discuss the alarming truth about the misleading marketing of 'natural' products. They delve into Jenn's personal journey from battling her children's health issues to creating a truly clean and transparent brand. They break down the harmful ingredients often found in everyday wellness products like deodorant and toothpaste, and why the term 'natural' is frequently misused. Jenn shares insights on how to read personal care product labels, the significance of third-party certifications, and the intricacies of sourcing clean ingredients. This episode is packed with essential information for anyone looking to make informed choices about their personal care products and overall health.
00:00 The Deceptive Marketing of 'Natural' Products
01:05 The Struggle to Find a Clean Deodorant
03:06 The Painful Journey of Testing Deodorants
06:09 Discovering Zebra Deodorant
06:40 Interview with Zebra's CEO, Jenn Thatcher
06:55 Jenn’s Personal Story and Motivation
07:43 The Birth of Zebra: A Transparent Brand
08:42 The Importance of Clean Ingredients
12:49 Jenn's Family Health Scares
24:31 The Challenges of Sourcing Pure Ingredients
32:10 The True Cost of Quality Products
38:40 The Dangers of Antiperspirants
41:18 The Hidden Dangers of Fragrances
43:29 Petroleum-Derived Ingredients in Beauty Products
44:46 Decoding Labels: Identifying Harmful Ingredients
46:27 Trust Issues with Beauty Brands
47:25 Zebra's Commitment to Transparency and Safety
55:05 The Hydroxyapatite Debate
01:02:02 Concerns About Traditional Toothpaste Ingredients
01:08:25 The Problem with Dental Floss
01:14:10 Sourcing and Transparency in Beauty Products
01:16:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Jenn Thatcher left a successful career as an international artist to found ZEBRA. Jenn believes her children were victims of dirty products and a system that is designed to trick consumers. Her son Jack’s diagnosis of a brain tumor made her even more vigilant at researching every single ingredient in the products her family was using.
She realized that products are really not always as natural as they seem. She decided if she wanted something truly safe, and high performance she was going to have to create it herself. This is how ZEBRA was born.
Jenn’s faith and love of country is woven into ZEBRA, not only are the ingredients in the products “black and white,” but she lives by the idea of the constitution and the Bible being black and white as well. ZEBRA is a non-toxic, freedom loving brand who answers to no one but the Creator himself.
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:
code HEHE for 10% off at yayzebra.com

Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Make sure your hubby is prepared for parenting with our Dad Daze course!
In this insightful episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is joined by Dr. Candice Wood, an OB-GYN with 18 years of experience in women's wellness and perinatal mental health. Together, they dive deep into postpartum challenges, focusing on the myths of perfect motherhood, managing postpartum rage, and the critical role of partner support. They discuss practical strategies for setting expectations with partners, ensuring mental well-being, and maintaining healthy relationship dynamics post-baby. Whether you're a new mom, expecting, or supporting one, this episode provides valuable guidance on how to navigate the emotional and psychological landscape of postpartum life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation full of practical advice and emotional support.
00:00 Welcome and Listener Request
02:39 Introducing Dr. Candice Wood
04:01 The Struggles of Postpartum
05:06 Navigating Social Media Pressures
05:22 Engaging Your Partner
09:00 The Myth of the Perfect Mom
22:16 The Importance of Emotional Regulation
51:39 Postpartum Rage and Anxiety
54:30 Prioritizing Sleep and Mindfulness Postpartum
55:39 The Importance of Outdoor Time and Breaking Routine
57:29 Addressing Postpartum Rage and Medication
01:01:47 Navigating Partner Dynamics Postpartum
01:04:34 Setting Expectations and Communication with Partners
01:12:33 Empowering Partners and Building Confidence
01:21:13 The Importance of Multiple Caregivers
01:36:18 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Dr. Candice Wood has spent the last 18 years providing comprehensive wellness, gynecologic, and obstetric care for women of all ages. Over the years, Dr Wood has watched her own patients struggle to achieve wellness while lacking sufficient focus on mental health. With shortening doctor visit times, only the bare minimum can be done during a typical wellness exam, excluding the opportunity for a woman’s most trusted care provider to assess her mental health – arguably the gateway to her overall health and wellness.
Likewise, during postpartum visits, Dr. Wood found that there is no time to help young mothers struggling with mental health issues. Finding another mental health provider to care for a patient with perinatal mood disorders, infertility, or fetal loss is equally challenging.
Following her passion and determined to make a difference, Dr. Wood obtained a certification in perinatal mood disorders, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, and she started the Woman Made Well clinic with one mission – to achieve wellness through the proactive pursuit of both physical AND mental health. She is passionate about empowering women with the care and tools they need to live their best life.
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:
Connect with Dr. Wood here: https://www.womanmadewell.com/

Friday Jul 18, 2025
Friday Jul 18, 2025
In this episode of the Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe interviews Dr. Chris Motley, an alternative health practitioner specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, frequency medicine, and kinesiology about the importance of the lymphatic system. They discuss how proper lymphatic drainage supports overall health, reduces stagnant toxins, and impacts everything from hormones to immune function. Dr. Motley shares practical tips for enhancing lymphatic movement through practices like dry brushing, gua sha, and vibrational plates, emphasizing the emotional and physical benefits of lymphatic massages. The conversation also touches on the safety and benefits of lymphatic drainage during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. HeHe and Dr. Motley explore how personalized care and traditional practices can significantly improve wellbeing. This episode is packed with data-driven insights and practical advice for anyone looking to optimize their health through lymphatic health.
00:00 Introduction to the Fascial and Lymphatic Systems
01:22 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast
03:03 The Importance of Lymphatic Drainage
05:12 Introducing Dr. Chris Motley
08:54 Understanding the Lymphatic System
15:13 Emotional and Physical Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage
19:58 Choosing the Right Practitioner
22:44 Personal Insights and Elemental Qualities
33:32 Understanding Your Element and Body
34:30 Facial Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine
37:14 Lymphatic Drainage Techniques
39:58 Lymphatic System and Immune Function
47:51 Lymphatic Health and Hormones
55:52 Lymphatic Drainage During Pregnancy and Postpartum
01:02:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Dr. Chris Motley is a globally recognized alternative health practitioner specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, frequency medicine, and kinesiology. His mission is to eliminate fear surrounding health information and empower individuals to take control of their well-being.
As the host of the Ancient Health Podcast, Dr. Motley merges ancient Eastern wisdom with cutting-edge Western innovations to offer practical solutions for today’s health challenges. With over 120K downloads, the podcast has featured leading experts such as Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Josh Axe, and Dr. Mindy Pelz.
Dr. Motley’s unique approach integrates modern technology with time-honored healing practices, recognizing physical, neurological, and emotional health as interconnected aspects of overall well-being. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Austin Peay State University, a Doctorate of Chiropractic, and certifications in Acupuncture, Kinesiology, and Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET).
Through his transformative approach to medicine and passion for holistic health education, Dr. Motley continues to inspire individuals on their journey to optimal wellness.
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:
Get a 15 Day Free trial of Dr. Motley’s Membership program (https://www.doctormotley.com/offers/LHigrcfn)

Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
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! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/
Grab HeHe’s Scripts for Advocacy here!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host Hehe welcomes Dr. Melanie Jackson, a renowned midwife and PhD holder in midwifery, also known as Melanie the Midwife. They dive into the intricacies of the hospital birth system, discussing how over-medicalization can affect birth outcomes and the importance of educating oneself to navigate these systems effectively. Dr. Jackson shares insights on the cascade of interventions, the significance of understanding hospital policies, and ways to take radical responsibility for your birth experience. Both Hehe and Dr. Jackson advocate for women to be well-informed and proactive in their childbirth planning. They also touch upon the similarities and differences between the Australian and U.S. healthcare systems, the rising cesarean rates, and how confirmation bias affects the acceptance and practice of new medical research. The episode wraps up with a discussion of Dr. Jackson’s resources, including her Guide to a Great Birth and the Great Birth Rebellion podcast.
00:00 Introduction to Birth and Interventions
01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:14 Understanding the Cascade of Interventions
02:30 Navigating the Hospital System
03:32 Introducing Dr. Melanie Jackson
05:42 Resources for Advocacy and Research
08:42 Meet Preg Nancy: A Unique Educational Tool
15:34 The Industrialization of Birth
27:54 The Power of Advocacy and Education
43:38 Equipping Your Birth Support Team
44:46 Taking Control of Your Birth Experience
46:48 The Reality of Postpartum Comfort
49:25 Understanding C-Section Rates in Australia
50:16 The Impact of Medicalization on Birth
57:24 The Role of Research and Confirmation Bias
01:06:53 Navigating Hospital Policies and Personal Responsibility
01:17:26 Resources and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Dr Melanie Jackson (AKA Melanie The Midwife) loves to help midwives and women around the world better understand and apply the research relating to matrescence (the process of becoming a mother). She does this as the host of The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast, supporting and mentoring midwives, as well as educating mothers.
Melanie has a PhD in Midwifery - Birth Outside the System: Wanting the Best and Safest. She has various publications in academic journals. Mel has worked in multiple research roles and lectured at Western Sydney University.
Since 2009, Mel has been a Privately Practising Midwife, providing homebirths in the Blue Mountains. She has mentored midwives into private practice in every state and territory across Australia and supports rebellious midwives around the world through The Assembly of Rebellious Midwives and The Convergence of Rebellious Midwives.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Mel the Midwife on IG
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:

Friday Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
In this enlightening episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe dives into the world of skincare during pregnancy with nurse practitioner Claire O'Bryan, founder of The Skin Clique. They explore the surprising fact that most skincare ingredients are not regulated by the FDA and discuss what it truly means for a product to be 'clean'. They tackle common pregnancy skincare concerns such as melasma, acne, and the safety of popular ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid. The episode also touches on the controversial topics of Botox, fillers, and the efficacy of supplements like collagen in skincare. Claire provides practical advice on crafting an effective, simple daily skincare routine and the importance of sunscreen, while addressing misconceptions about the need for sunscreen. Tune in to get evidence-based answers to your burning skincare questions and learn how to navigate the complexities of beauty products safely in pregnancy and beyond.
00:00 Introduction to Skincare Safety
02:00 Common Skincare Concerns During Pregnancy
03:50 Interview with Claire O'Bryan
04:51 Skincare Regimens and Fads
07:20 Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients
11:06 Acne Treatments During Pregnancy
15:33 Retinol Alternatives and Supplements
20:37 Daily Skincare Routine Essentials
25:16 Sunscreen Myths and Facts
34:51 Effective Sunscreen Reapplication
35:42 Blue Light Protection in Sunscreens
36:32 Impact of Screen Time on Skin
38:39 Understanding Botox and Fillers
44:32 Botox Safety During Pregnancy and Nursing
50:36 Microneedling and Skincare During Pregnancy
01:01:34 Preventing and Treating Stretch Marks
01:06:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Claire O'Bryan is a dynamic nurse practitioner and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women and amplifying the voices of female healthcare leaders globally. Her mission extends beyond traditional medical aesthetics – she's reshaping how we think about healthcare delivery while paving the way for women in leadership.
As the co-founder of Skin Clique, Claire continues to help revolutionize the medical aesthetics industry through a groundbreaking concierge model. Since launching Skin Clique in 2019, what began as a vision for more accessible skin health has grown into a nationwide network of 1,000 skilled providers across 43 states. This expansion reflects not just business success but a transformation in how people access professional treatments and skincare. It is the modern approach to skin health.
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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page
LINKS MENTIONED:
www.skinclique.com: Use code Claire10 for a discount!
Pregnancy safe skincare:
https://shopmy.us/collections/549485
Collagen meta analysis:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/?utm_source
ACOG
ACOG Skin Conditions
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
Retinol VS Bakuchiol in a double blind RCT
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/
Systematic Review of Retinol VS Bakuchiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36176207/
Collagen
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/

Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Join us in this solo-cast of the Birth Lounge podcast where HeHe dives into a Q&A from her instagram community! In this episode, she is addressing some of your most pressing questions about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Topics covered include the differences between 'on paper' and actual pregnancy weeks, the nuances of cervical checks and how to decline them, navigating anxiety and nutrition during early pregnancy, how to handle airport security while pregnant, and the intricacies of declining certain medical procedures like membrane sweeps and scheduled C-sections. HeHe also shares essential tips on dealing with family visits to newborns and addressing the impact of GBS testing and breech births. Don't miss this episode to help ensure a healthy and autonomous pregnancy and birthing experience.
00:00 Introduction and Zero Tolerance Policy
00:56 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast
01:24 How to Get Your Questions Answered
03:15 Understanding Pregnancy Weeks
05:59 Declining Cervical Checks
11:42 Coping with Pregnancy Anxiety and Weight Loss
14:14 Traveling While Pregnant
18:11 Declining a Scheduled C-Section for Breech Baby
22:44 Managing Weight Monitoring During Prenatal Visits
26:57 Group B Strep Testing Concerns
30:57 Membrane Sweeps: Risks and Benefits
32:04 Setting Boundaries for Newborn Visits
36:05 Addressing Concerns About VBAC
45:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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:
Pushing Freebie: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pushing
Secret Sauce to Pushing Course: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/secretsaucetopushing
GBS information: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/groupbstrep/
Membrane Sweep, Ep. 268: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5V41R8PDhH2Kia48mdqdub?si=kz6gtEh6SJGIGOz_pT1j6w&nd=1&dlsi=7b03c32c4cd24188
Radiation when Flying:
- https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/air-travel.html
- https://www.tsa.gov/videos/travel-tips-pregnant-travelers
- https://www.epa.gov/radtown/radiation-and-airport-security-scanning
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC153688/
- https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/flying-and-health
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/air-travel-exposes-you-to-radiation-how-much-health-risk-comes-with-it/
Don't weigh me cards:
https://more-love.org/product/dont-weigh-me-cards-postage/

Friday Jul 04, 2025
Ep. 360 Unlocking Your Birth Chart with Helena Woods
Friday Jul 04, 2025
Friday Jul 04, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe welcomes special guest Helena Woods, a world-traveling astrocartographer and author of 'Slow Living.' Helena shares insightful knowledge on astrocartography, the astrology of location, and how it can influence your life map, career success, relationships, and motherhood. The discussion also delves deep into the power of manifestation and astrology, revealing how to live a magical life aligned with your astrological placements. HeHe and Helena explore the profound effects of migrating and how one’s birth chart and astrological lines can uncover significant opportunities and connections globally. Additionally, Helena offers valuable tips for each zodiac sign on how to embrace pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Tune in for an enlightening episode filled with wisdom on manifesting the life you desire through the lens of astrological insights.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:42 Manifestation Practices and Personal Insights
02:54 Guest Introduction: Helena Woods
04:39 Astrocartography Explained
09:07 Understanding Astrological Lines
23:11 Relocation Astrology and Its Impact
27:19 Future Predictions and Technological Advancements
39:33 Astrological Signs and Family Dynamics
45:57 Unexpected Pregnancy and Trusting the Universe
48:41 Astrological Insights on War and Global Conflict
56:36 The Role of Technology and AI in Future Conflicts
01:04:07 Astrology and Personal Relationships
01:12:47 Astrological Guidance for Each Zodiac Sign
01:19:52 Resources and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Helena Woods is a world traveling astrocartographer, Youtuber, online course creator and author of the book Slow Living. As an astrologer, she uniquely specializes in location, helping people create magical lives in places they thrive. Originally from San Diego, California, she now lives abroad in France but travels often as she shares her astrocartography findings with others. Living slowly around the world, she creates from her heart to inspire others to create a magical life in a place they love. Since her business began, she's taught over 1500 students the power of location using astrology, timing and astro maps. She's been featured in The Economist, Conde Naste Traveler and more!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
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LINKS MENTIONED:
https://helenawoods.com/freebies
https://helenawoods.com/courses
YOUTUBE LINKS: