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
5 days ago
5 days ago
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Brian Thornburg, a board-certified pediatrician, to tackle one of the most overwhelming parts of early parenthood: newborn procedures and vaccine decisions.
From the very first hours after birth, parents are presented with a whirlwind of choices—Vitamin K, Hep B, eye ointment, vaccine schedules—and it can feel impossible to sort fact from fear. Dr. Thornburg breaks down what’s truly evidence-based, what questions to ask your care team, and how to advocate for your baby with confidence.
Together, they explore:
- How your newborn’s immune system really works (and mom’s role in it!)
- The ins and outs of Vitamin K, Hep B, and erythromycin at birth
- How antibiotics during labor may impact your baby’s gut health
- Alternative vaccine schedules and what research actually says
- Hot-button topics like vaccine shedding, autoimmunity, and long-term impacts
This conversation is about informed consent—not scare tactics. You’ll walk away empowered to make decisions that feel right for your family while knowing exactly how to navigate conversations with your providers.
05:09 – Meet Dr. Thornburg: advocacy in pediatrics
08:50 – Newborn immune system + maternal impact
18:49 – Vaccinations in pregnancy: risks + research gaps
34:41 – Newborn procedures explained (Vitamin K, Hep B, erythromycin)
53:11 – Antibiotics, Group B Strep, and gut health
01:00:43 – Gut microbiome, leaky gut, and autoimmunity
01:04:28 – Navigating vaccine schedules + global perspectives
01:19:15 – Making vaccine choices: categories, delays, and risks
01:28:29 – Adverse reactions, VAERS, and herd immunity
01:39:08 – Vaccine shedding + payment myths
01:44:57 – Finding a vaccine-friendly pediatrician
Guest Bio:
Dr. Thornburg Wellness focuses on educating families on health and wellness through the generations by the birth of their babies and raising of their children.
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:
7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with clinical pharmacist Dr. Michaela Wachal to unpack the controversy surrounding Tylenol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy and its potential links to autism and other neurodevelopmental concerns.
Together, they dive into what the research actually says (and doesn’t say), why transparency and informed consent are so important, and how to navigate decisions around medications in pregnancy with confidence. Dr. Wachal also highlights the bigger picture, like how genetics, environmental toxins, and even maternal stress can play a role in outcomes, and why caring for yourself is just as critical as any prescription.
This conversation is packed with nuance, evidence, and practical takeaways to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for yourself as you make decisions about your pregnancy care.
00:00 Introduction and Media Misrepresentation
01:05 Personal Story and Birth Lounge App
02:16 Empowering Prenatal Conversations
05:26 Emergency Use Authorization Episode
07:34 Interview with Dr. Michaela Wachal
09:14 Medication Safety in Pregnancy
12:37 Pharmaceutical Industry Failures
15:20 Personal Journey and Advocacy
18:55 Questioning Medical Norms
21:15 Tylenol and Toxins
23:34 Aluminum in Vaccines
27:32 The Importance of Transparency
37:05 Advocating for Education and Understanding
37:51 The Power of Asking Questions
40:21 Nesting and Preparing for Baby
43:17 Managing Fevers During Pregnancy
52:01 Environmental Toxins and Health
01:00:41 Therapies and Support for Children on the Spectrum
01:09:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Guest Bio:
Michaela Wachal, PharmD, CSP, is a clinical pharmacist, Certified Specialty Pharmacist, and Clinical Accreditation Manager with nearly a decade of experience in specialty pharmacy. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Doane University. Throughout her career, she’s specialized in complex conditions including oncology, fertility, endocrinology, immunology, mental health, and inflammatory diseases—always with a passion for improving patient care, optimizing healthcare systems, and empowering women in medicine.
Michaela is also a mom of three, including one child with autism, ADHD, and anxiety, which ignited her deep interest in neurodiversity, integrative health, and individualized medicine. After navigating her own family’s challenges, she began researching functional and evidence-based approaches to support children and families living with complex needs. Online, Michaela shares insights from scientific studies on autism, ADHD, vaccines, autoimmune conditions, toxins, and more, always with a focus on helping parents make informed, evidence-based choices.
Her work blends professional expertise with personal passion, making her a trusted voice in both the pharmacy world and the parenting community.
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!
RESEARCH MENTIONED:
- 2021 there's a call for action published supported by 91 scientists, clinicians and public health professionals across the globe recommended that pregnant women should be cautioned at the beginning of pregnancy to forego APAP unless it is medically indicated and to minimize the exposure by using the lowest effective dose for shortest possible time https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34556849/
- Boston Birth cohort published in 2020 looked at acetaminophen metabolites in cord blood samples collected at birth and unchanged acetaminophen levels were detected in all cord plasma samples and acetaminophen burden was associated with higher odds of ADHD and ASD daignosis there was a 2.3 to 3.5 increased risk for ADHD and 1.6 to 4.1 increased risk for ASD https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31664451/
- Recently in August Harvard did an analysis using the Navigation Guide methodology that supports evidence consistent with an association between acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and increased incidence of Neurodevelopmental disorders. This included 46 studies with 27 reporting positive associations with the higher quality studies more likely to show positive correlations
- https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0
- Nurses Health Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30923825/
- Spanish birth cohort where acetaminophen exposure was associated with more hyperactivity/impulsivity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27353198/
- In 2018 there was a review that showed that 9 prospective cohort studies that all suggested an association between prenatal APAP exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes - ADHD, ASD or lower IQ and longer duration was associated with increased risk https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29341895/
- 2022 a prospective cohort study in Pennsylvania looked at 2,423 moms using data and children who were exposed to APAP during pregnancy scored higher for child behaviors, sleep problems and attention problems https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36170224/
Keywords: Tylenol pregnancy, acetaminophen pregnancy, Tylenol autism risk, pregnancy medication safety, prenatal care, evidence-based pregnancy, maternal health, neurodevelopment, pregnancy decision making, informed consent pregnancy, pregnancy medications, Dr. Michaela Wachal, Birth Lounge podcast, pregnancy self-care, pregnancy toxins
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shines a light on the often-overlooked role of doulas in the NICU. While most doula trainings don’t cover NICU-specific education, families navigating this space need that extra layer of support.
Special guest Mary Farrelly, a NICU nurse, doula, and educator, joins the conversation to talk about the unique challenges families face in the NICU, from feeding goals to bonding to the critical transition home. Mary shares how doulas can bridge the gap between families and medical teams, showing up with trauma-informed care and warm, collaborative energy. She also introduces her NICU Doula Academy, which is training birth professionals to better support NICU families through compassion and evidence-based knowledge.
This episode is packed with tips, strategies, and heart-centered insight for doulas who want to expand their impact and confidently support families in the NICU.
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Doula Support in NICU
01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:37 Introducing The Birth Lounge App
03:50 Navigating the NICU as a Doula
04:59 Meet Mary Farrelly: NICU Nurse and Doula
06:32 The Role of Doulas in the NICU
10:02 Emotional and Practical Support for NICU Families
20:44 The Drama Triangle in Doula Work
25:01 Bridging the Gap Between Doulas and Healthcare Professionals
39:22 Establishing Doula Roles in the NICU
39:41 Modeling Safety and Building Rapport
41:21 Warm Doula Energy and Collaboration
45:15 Encouraging Family Involvement in Care
52:08 Supporting Bonding and Skin-to-Skin Contact
56:42 Facilitating Feeding Goals in the NICU
01:01:13 Post-Discharge Support and Transition Home
01:08:35 NICU Doula Certification and Training
01:13:24 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Mary Farrelly is a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator who helps bridge the gap between families and the NICU with evidence-based, empowering support. As the founder of The NICU Translator, she creates resources and trainings to help both parents and professionals feel more confident navigating life in—and after—the NICU. Mary is also the creator of the NICU Doula Academy, a certification program that trains doulas and perinatal professionals in trauma-informed, NICU-specific support. Through workshops, birth planning tools, and professional education, Mary is on a mission to create more joy and less trauma in the NICU experience
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/
Connect with Mary on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thenicutranslator/
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/join
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.thenicutranslator.com
Free NICU Birth Plan Template: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan
Get on the NICU Doula Academy Waitlist here: https://www.thenicutranslator.com/nicu-doula-academy
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
We’re closing out NICU Awareness Month with a powerful episode all about putting YOU back in the driver’s seat of your baby’s NICU journey. Too often, parents feel sidelined in the chaos of beeping monitors and medical jargon—but you are your baby’s best advocate, and this episode will help you step into that role with confidence.
Today we’re joined by Mary Farrelly, a NICU nurse, doula, and founder of the NICU Translator, who brings her expertise straight to your ears. Together, we unpack what parents can really expect in the NICU, from levels of care and skin-to-skin bonding to navigating feeding challenges and advocating for your baby’s needs.
This conversation isn’t just about surviving the NICU, it’s about finding your power, building trust with your care team, and knowing how to show up for yourself and your baby.
Tune in to learn:
- What every parent should know about the NICU environment
- How to advocate for your rights and preferences
- Why skin-to-skin and bonding time are essential (and how to make sure you get them)
- How to handle feeding challenges with confidence
- Practical tools for your NICU birth plan
If you’re a NICU parent—or love someone who is—this episode will leave you feeling informed, supported, and ready to face whatever comes your way.
0:00 Introduction to NICU and Parenting
01:10 Personal Story and Birth Lounge App
02:15 Empowering Prenatal Appointments
05:24 Navigating NICU Emotions and Questions
07:02 Introducing Mary Farrelly and NICU Support
17:47 Understanding NICU Environment and Care
31:43 Parental Rights and Advocacy in NICU
39:45 Advocating for Your NICU Preferences
41:08 The Importance of Parental Self-Care
43:51 Bonding with Your NICU Baby
54:32 Feeding Challenges and Solutions in the NICU
01:03:27 Creating a NICU Birth Plan
01:10:50 Resources and Support for NICU Parents
01:15:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Mary Farrelly is a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator who helps bridge the gap between families and the NICU with evidence-based, empowering support. As the founder of The NICU Translator, she creates resources and trainings to help both parents and professionals feel more confident navigating life in—and after—the NICU. Mary is also the creator of the NICU Doula Academy, a certification program that trains doulas and perinatal professionals in trauma-informed, NICU-specific support. Through workshops, birth planning tools, and professional education, Mary is on a mission to create more joy and less trauma in the NICU experience
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:
https://www.thenicutranslator.com
Free NICU Birth Plan Template: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan
Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist:
https://www.thenicutranslator.com/nicu-doula-academy
Listen to The NICU Translated Podcast here: https://thenicutranslated.transistor.fm/
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Friday Sep 19, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe welcomes Brooke Smith, a seasoned NICU nurse, IBCLC, doula, and childbirth educator, to shine a light on what life in the NICU really looks like for families. Together, they unpack practical tips for navigating the beeping machines and medical jargon while still staying connected to your baby in meaningful ways. Brooke shares strategies for coping during this overwhelming season, advocating for your baby, and building confidence in your parental instincts.
This conversation also explores the importance of effective communication with NICU staff, why self-care is non-negotiable for parents, and how practices like primary nursing can support your family’s journey. HeHe and Brooke also talk through emotional resilience and what to expect as you transition home after the NICU.
This episode is a must-listen for parents preparing for, currently in, or healing after a NICU stay. You’ll walk away with reassurance, tools, and encouragement to help you feel informed and empowered—no matter what the NICU brings.
00:00 Trust Your Instincts and Seek Support
01:03 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:08 Introducing The Birth Lounge App
01:29 Features of The Birth Lounge App
04:51 NICU Awareness Month
05:46 Interview with NICU Nurse Brooke Smith
07:30 Understanding the NICU Experience
12:16 Tips for NICU Parents
22:25 Bonding with Your NICU Baby
31:18 Communicating with Your NICU Team
37:28 Navigating Medical Decisions in the NICU
39:37 Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy Decisions
40:19 The Importance of Early Conversations
42:50 Advocating for Your Baby in the NICU
46:05 The Role of Primary Nursing in NICU
52:47 Emotional Support for NICU Parents
01:00:20 Transitioning Home from the NICU
01:07:07 Supporting NICU Families as Friends and Family
01:08:55 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Brooke has been a NICU nurse for 8 years. After her first Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Brooke decided to pursue nursing and obtained her second Bachelor’s degree in nursing. She started her career at a Level 4 NICU in her home state of Florida, where she worked for 3.5 years and learned a lot as a new nurse. She then began to travel nurse in 2021, and has since worked in 9 different NICUs in 5 states across the U.S. She also has been a doula and childbirth educator since 2022, and IBCLC since 2023. She met her husband in Maryland while travel nursing in 2021, and now resides in Maryland with her husband Chris, two dogs Ruby and Penny, and their first baby on the way due in October.
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!
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 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! They’re also a great way to detox your home, while detoxing your gut! 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/
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with Kim Rogers — aka the Worm Queen — for a conversation that will totally change the way you think about parasites and your health.
We’re talking about what parasites actually are (spoiler: they’re total energy vampires), where they come from, and how they can sneakily impact everything from your gut to your sleep to your mental health. Yes, even your anxiety and mood swings might have a parasitic connection.
HeHe and Kim dive into the fascinating link between parasites and the full moon, why your pets might be part of the story, and what to watch for in your own body. Kim also shares her personal journey through parasite infections and how it inspired her to create the Purify Parasite Cleanse kit.
If you’ve ever wondered why you’re feeling drained, foggy, or just off, this episode is your permission slip to explore what’s really going on inside your body, and learn some practical steps to protect yourself and your family.
Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts fascinating and empowering. It’s time to pull back the curtain on a taboo topic that deserves way more attention.
00:00 Introduction to Parasites
01:03 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:19 The Birth Lounge App: A Pregnancy Essential
02:34 Understanding Pregnancy Symptoms
03:06 Evidence-Based Articles in The Birth Lounge App
05:25 The Viral Bear Video and Parasites
05:58 Parasites in Our Daily Lives
07:28 Introducing Kim Rogers: The Worm Queen
08:00 Kim's Personal Battle with Parasites
09:15 The Importance of Parasite Cleanses
09:23 Testing for Parasites
09:35 Parasites and Pets
09:55 Parasites from Sushi and Other Sources
11:33 Kim's Journey to Healing
17:17 Common Symptoms of Parasite Infections
19:25 Global Practices in Parasite Cleansing
19:41 Challenges in Parasite Testing
28:25 Water Contamination and Parasites
30:03 Filtering Water and Washing Produce
40:11 Symptoms Overlooked as Parasite Infections
42:48 Declining Health and Mental Health Issues
43:25 Personal Health Journey and Inflammation
44:47 Parasites and Mental Health
45:35 Toxoplasmosis and Other Parasites
54:39 Cleansing and Preventative Measures
01:02:15 Probiotics and Gut Health
01:09:11 Parasite Cleansing for Pets
01:11:27 Full Moon and Parasite Activity
01:16:50 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Kim worked in western medicine for over 20 years ran 25 healthcare colleges, was a professor, author, and holds 2 healthcare degrees all while dealing with her own chronic illnesses. She started to look at natural ways to help heal herself. In 2019 Kims health took a very drastic turn for the worse. Kim and her husband Jeromy decided to sell everything and move out to their property to build a log home in hopes to heal Kim. They discovered the healing powers of Mushrooms and started to see some light of hope! In July, 2021 Kim was doing better but not as great as they had hoped. Kim came across a video on Tiktok talking about parasite cleansing she gave it a try and BAM 3 days in she saw Flukes, Roundworms and Pinworms. She decided to make a video talking about her parasite cleanse it went viral on Tiktok. Kim saw a need to help others heal! She started her company RogersHood in December 2021 making ParaFy Parasite cleanse kit to help others cleanse their bodies of unwanted parasites candida heavy metals and toxins. Since 2021 she has built a community with over a million followers, a company with 30+ employees, and is the Co- Founder, CEO of RogersHood which manufactures their own products in a 10k manufacturing facility they built themselves!
Can’t wait for everyone to ParaFy Parasite Cleanse!
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:
https://rogershood.com/ Use code HEHE for 10% off!
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Sally Hayes, founder of Matrikas, to talk about what it really takes to build a solid, supportive village for new parents. Together, they unpack the importance of continuity of care, how to create a trustworthy referral list, and the reality of navigating a maternal healthcare system that often feels broken and fragmented.
Sally brings her wisdom on radical acceptance, the role of virtual care in expanding access, and why maternal health education has to start earlier than most people think. HeHe and Sally also dive into how to properly vet practitioners and what to do if client feedback uncovers red flags in your referral network.
If you’ve ever wondered how collaboration between providers (and communities!) can change outcomes for families, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how to build the kind of village that supports birthing people and their care teams.
00:00 Introduction and Purpose-Driven Care
01:03 Client Testimonial and Birth Lounge App
05:04 Healthcare System Challenges
06:33 Interview with Sally Hayes: Continuity of Care
08:00 Building a Referral Network
25:45 Virtual Care and Overcoming Healthcare Deserts
36:26 Personal Experiences and Advice for New Doulas
40:03 Building Connections and Championing Others
41:05 Embracing Authenticity in Your Work
41:54 Finding Your Perfect Client
42:33 Creating Unique Services and Standing Out
43:02 Building a Referral Network
45:40 Aligning Values with Referral Partners
51:59 Handling Mismatched Referrals
01:05:42 The Importance of Preemptive Education
01:11:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Guest Bio:
Before founding Matrikas, Sally spent 20+ years as a prenatal and postpartum massage therapist, working intimately with thousands of clients through some of the most transformative chapters of their lives.
Her hands-on work illuminated a critical gap in the maternal health landscape: while there are countless talented practitioners, many work alone, disconnected from one another and often unsupported. Matrikas was born out of this need for a more connected, collaborative, and community driven model of care.
Through Matrikas, Sally champions relationship based referrals, cross discipline education, and building a shared village that supports birthing people and the providers who care for them.
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:
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Miscarriage affects 1 in 4 pregnancies, yet it’s still surrounded by silence, shame, and stigma. In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Zucker, a reproductive psychologist, author of I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement, and an incredible voice in this space.
Together, we’re getting real about the emotional and psychological impact of pregnancy loss, how our medical system often misses the mark, and what true support looks like for those navigating this experience. Dr. Zucker also shares her personal story of loss and how it shaped her mission to normalize these conversations and bring compassion to the forefront of reproductive health.
This episode is for anyone who’s experienced miscarriage, loves someone who has, or simply wants to be part of breaking the silence. You’ll walk away with perspective, validation, and tools to change the way we show up for each other in this journey.
00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Miscarriage Stigma
00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:03 Avoiding a C-Section: Free Class Overview
02:57 Empowering Women in Birth Choices
05:12 Introducing Today's Episode on Miscarriage
05:30 Conversation with Dr. Jessica Zucker
09:27 Jessica Zucker's Journey and Advocacy
14:38 Understanding and Supporting Pregnancy Loss
23:36 Breaking the Silence and Stigma
27:17 How to Support Someone Experiencing Loss
30:21 Offering Genuine Support After Loss
32:17 Personal Reflections on Loss and Support
34:25 Navigating Conversations About Loss
37:31 Professional Insights on Experiencing Personal Loss
45:47 The Importance of Early Education on Loss
50:17 The Role of Healthcare Providers in Supporting Loss
53:18 Conclusion and Resources
Guest Bio:
Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning book I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America and earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University. Her second book, NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives, is out now and available everywhere books are sold.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Dr. Zucker on 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:
Keywords: miscarriage support, pregnancy loss, miscarriage stigma, Dr Jessica Zucker, miscarriage memoir, I Had a Miscarriage book, fertility journey, emotional impact of miscarriage, coping with miscarriage, miscarriage awareness, reproductive psychology, pregnancy loss support, breaking miscarriage silence, miscarriage podcast
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Have you ever stopped to think about what’s really in your shampoo, cleaning spray, or even your favorite candle? Spoiler alert: everyday products are often loaded with hidden toxins that can impact your health, hormones, and even fertility.
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by Illie Balaj, integrative nutritionist, children’s book author, and founder of Live HealthIllie, for a deep dive into low-tox living. Illie’s personal journey to toxin-free living is both eye-opening and inspiring, and she’s here to show you that making swaps doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Inside this conversation, we cover:
- The surprising toxins hiding in common products (like SLS in personal care)
- Easy, practical swaps to reduce toxins in your home and life
- How gut health and endocrine disruptors are connected to issues like eczema, dandruff, migraines, and painful periods
- Fertility prep 101: sunlight, muscle building, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction
- Why reducing synthetic fragrances might be one of the best things you can do for your body
This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you feel confident and empowered as you lower your toxic load and prepare your body for pregnancy.
Tune in now to learn how small, mindful changes can create big shifts in your health and fertility.
00:00 Introduction to Low Tox Living
00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
02:19 The Journey to Low Tox Living
05:45 Common Health Issues and Hidden Toxins
07:35 Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle
17:42 Understanding Stress and Its Impact
26:09 Natural Detoxification Methods
36:06 The Importance of Hydration and Minerals
38:20 Creating Minerals and Chill
38:54 Hydration Beyond Water
40:26 The Coffee Conundrum
42:49 Preparing for Pregnancy
50:30 Understanding Leptin and Fertility
55:36 Challenges with Fertility Clinics
01:04:30 Addressing Common Health Issues
01:07:57 Detoxing and Cleansing Myths
01:10:26 Connecting with Healthillie
01:11:46 Conclusion and Farewell
Guest Bio:
Illie is an Integrative Nutritionist, Children's Book Author, & Founder of Live Healthillie
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:
https://livehealthillie.com/products/live-healthillie-minerals-chill
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Ep. 377: The Myth of the Aging Placenta with Sophie Messager, Phd
Have you ever been told your placenta might be “too old”? Maybe you’ve heard that once you hit 35 or if you’ve conceived through IVF, your placenta just can’t keep up. This so-called “aging placenta” idea gets tossed around a lot, but here’s the truth: it’s a myth.
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Sophie Messager, a former reproductive psychologist and current doula, to set the record straight. Together, we dive into:
The history of the “aging placenta” myth and how it gained traction
What science really says about how the placenta changes in late pregnancy
Why these misconceptions can strip away maternal autonomy and fuel unnecessary interventions
The role of intuition when navigating medical recommendations
How systemic bias and racial disparities play into maternity care
And drumming… yes, you read that right: how drumming can become a powerful, grounding tool during pregnancy
This conversation will give you the knowledge (and confidence) to challenge outdated beliefs and trust that your body isn’t broken. It’’s brilliant.
🎧 Tune in now to reclaim your power and let’s bust this myth together!
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
01:16 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast
01:22 The Birth Lounge App: Your Pregnancy Companion
04:19 Debunking the Myth of the Aging Placenta
05:02 Interview with Sophie Ee: Bridging Science and Doula Work
07:08 Understanding Placental Health and Misconceptions
08:43 The Role of Research and Personal Experiences
17:12 Navigating Medical Advice and Personal Instincts
19:53 The Complexity of Placental Aging and Birth Outcomes
36:50 The Importance of Trusting Maternal Instincts
43:53 The Importance of Counting Kicks
44:48 Trusting Maternal Instincts
45:32 Placental Health in Subsequent Pregnancies
47:40 Respecting the Birth Process
48:56 The Role of the Placenta
54:58 Cultural and Racial Differences in Placental Health
57:00 Challenges in Maternity Care Systems
01:13:55 The Power of Intuition and Spirituality in Birth
01:20:00 Resources and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Sophie Messager bridges worlds that rarely meet. A former reproductive physiologist with a PhD, she traded her microscope for doula work after experiencing the transformative power of an empowered birth. Her decade-long journey as a doula, birth educator, and author of Why Postnatal Recovery Matters deepened her exploration of the rhythms surrounding women’s transitions.
Now a holistic life transition mentor, Sophie guides women through significant life thresholds – from birth to perimenopause and beyond. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and spiritual insight allows her to serve as a compassionate space holder for those seeking to harmonise their analytical and intuitive selves.
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!
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LINKS MENTIONED:
Get 15% off any of Sophie’s online courses with code birthlounge
https://sophiemessager.com/the-myth-of-the-aging-placenta/