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
30 minutes ago
30 minutes ago
In this episode, HeHe has a heartfelt conversation with her close friend and past doula client, Katherine. Together, they explore Katherine's distinct birth experiences within the Canadian and American healthcare systems, discussing the challenges and joys of childbirth. Katherine shares insightful anecdotes about her breech birth in Canada and a water birth in the US, highlighting the emotional and physical differences. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's intuition, advocating for oneself, and setting boundaries. Throughout the episode, Katherine's journey as a mother interweaves with her experiences breaking generational patterns, nurturing her children's unique personalities, and finding joy in everyday moments. The conversation underscores the significance of support systems, intentional living, and the power of manifestation in creating a fulfilling life.
06:40 Comparing Canadian and American Healthcare Systems
07:26 Experiences with Canadian Healthcare System
12:39 Transition to American Healthcare System
12:59 The Beverly Birthing Center Experience
29:08 The Power of Manifestation and Trusting Yourself
44:55 Reflecting on Friendship and Support
46:34 The Challenges of Induction
48:59 Experiencing Labor and Delivery
50:53 Post-Birth Reflections
51:58 The Importance of Trust and Presence
55:02 Parenting and Childbirth Insights
01:01:39 Gratitude and High Vibrations
01:05:15 Raising Strong-Willed Children
01:11:35 Final Thoughts and Advice
01:18:25 Connecting with Katherine
Guest Bio:
Katherine Debs has never followed the conventional path—she’s redefined what “normal” looks like. Born in Lebanon to a Lebanese father and an American mother, she grew up experiencing different cultures, later living in Boston and Montreal. Her passion for helping others led her to study International Affairs, dreaming of philanthropy and making a global impact.
Her own health struggles in her teens introduced her to holistic wellness, sparking a lifelong commitment to empowering others to lead healthier, more intentional lives. Through her work with Arbonne, she’s helped countless people make meaningful changes, from nutrition to mindset.
Now, Katherine is expanding her mission by becoming a Pilates teacher, bringing movement that feels good and helps people connect their mind and body. As a mom, entrepreneur, mentor, and passionate home cook, she wears many hats—but each one is rooted in her love for community, wellness, and personal growth.
She currently lives in Boston with her husband and two daughters, leading with appreciation and inspiring others to live fully.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Get the free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing!
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:
6 days ago
6 days ago
In this episode, Sarah discusses the often overlooked importance of specific minerals and vitamins during pregnancy, with a deep dive into vitamin D. She explains the complexity of vitamin D's role in the body, its conversion process, and its myriad functions, including the regulation of calcium, neurotransmitters, hormone production, iron absorption, and immune function. The conversation covers common deficiencies, reasons why many are affected, and the impact of different lifestyle factors. Sarah also addresses potential over-supplementation of vitamin D, optimal dosing, and the intricate relationships among various nutrients crucial for its effectiveness. Other key topics include vitamin D's connection to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, PCOS, postpartum mood complications, and breastfeeding. Practical advice on testing, supplementation, and dietary considerations is provided to help ensure adequate vitamin D levels for maternal and fetal health. This comprehensive discussion highlights the importance of tailored approaches to vitamin D intake based on individual needs and circumstances.
TIMESTAMPS and check on DR
Guest Bio:
Sarah Thompson is a board certified acupuncturist and herbalist as well as a certified functional medicine practitioner and birth doula. Sarah started practicing in 2005 after doing her internship in Beijing, China. Sarah founded Sacred Vessel in 2012 after years of working alongside medical doctors. She serves as clinic director as well as lead practitioner at Sacred Vessel.
One of her great passions, and missions, is to educate women and their providers on the vital role nutrition plays in pregnancy and labor outcomes. Through her, nearly, 20 years of experiences she has provided care to hundreds of expectant mamas. In 2021 she authored the book, Functional Maternity - Using Functional Medicine and Nutrition to Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes. In 2024, she published her second book, a reference book for providers, Beyond Results - A Practitioner's Guide to Functional Lab Analysis in Pregnancy.
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://www.functionalmaternity.com/
Get Functional Maternity, the book here!
Check out Sarah’s book for practitioners here!
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
In this recast episode of the Birth Lounge Podcast, host HeHe and certified professional midwife Melissa Chapel dive into candid discussions about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The podcast offers a wealth of evidence-based information, understanding the importance of feeling pressure during labor, and recognizing the difference between intermittent and constant rectal or vaginal pressure. Melissa also addresses the controversial practice of being asked not to push if a doctor isn't present. Both emphasize the significance of mental and emotional preparedness in labor. The episode concludes with insights into laboring down, resting stages during labor, and navigating hospital protocols. This episode is a must-listen for expecting parents, laboring mothers, and professionals supporting childbirth.
01:23 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing
03:10 Part Two: Interview with Midwife Melissa Chapel
03:33 Understanding the Urge to Push
10:00 Navigating Hospital Birth Challenges
20:30 Understanding Cervical Dilation
21:15 Factors Affecting Cervical Changes
23:22 The Role of Fear in Labor
26:21 Mental and Emotional Barriers
27:34 The Importance of Acceptance in Birth
31:25 Laboring Down: Rest and Be Thankful
35:24 Navigating Hospital Births
38:03 Resources and Support for Birth
40:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, as well as a doula trainer of over 20 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She’s the owner of Fresh Melissa, a company dedicated to creating tasty treats that are also healthy. She is the mother of 4 children and 3 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Get HeHe’s Free Class to Avoid C-Section
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Connect with Melissa here!
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
In this recasted episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes midwife Melissa Chapel to discuss critical topics for expecting parents. They dive into the intricacies of cervical checks, including when they are necessary and how to navigate them in hospital settings. Melissa shares her extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of educated and informed decisions, advocating for oneself, and recognizing the difference between early and intense pushing urges. HeHe emphasizes that birth is an intuitive process and encourages listeners to trust their bodies. Various strategies for maintaining confidence and reducing fears in labor are discussed, ensuring an empowered birth experience.
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section
03:10 Introducing Melissa Chapel: Midwife Extraordinaire
03:50 Navigating Late Labor and Pushing
04:28 Melissa's Journey and Day-to-Day Life
07:03 The Role of Cervical Exams in Labor
12:41 Advocating for Your Birth Preferences in the Hospital
19:03 Empowering Women's Instincts
20:04 Navigating Cervical Exams
20:55 Understanding Labor Progression
24:48 The 5-1-1 Rule and Hospital Transition
29:19 Early Urge to Push: What to Do
34:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, as well as a doula trainer of over 20 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She’s the owner of Fresh Melissa, a company dedicated to creating tasty treats that are also healthy. She is the mother of 4 children and 3 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard.
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 Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
In this episode of the Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe provides a thorough overview of effective and evidence-based induction methods that may be lesser-known. This episode is jam packed with data and discussion points to help you have an informed conversation around finding your perfect induction equation so you can have a positive induction experience! With a focus on empowering expectant parents, HeHe discusses various induction techniques including oral and vaginal misoprostol, outpatient cervical ripeners, melatonin, and evening primrose oil. She underscores the importance of informed decision-making in the birth process and how these methods can help reduce the risk of unnecessary C-sections. The choice to be induced is a very personal one and one that should be made very intentionally. This episode dives into 4 options of induction that you probably have never heard of! These options can help decrease your risk for cesarean and reduce the need for additional interventions!
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Sections
03:30 Understanding Inductions and Their Importance
05:34 Exploring Induction Methods
27:03 The Role of Melatonin in Labor
36:39 Evening Primrose Oil for Induction
45:52 Join The Birth Lounge Community
48:19 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!
Get HeHe’s free class on how to avoid a c-section here!
Induction Equation Video: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction-equation
Induction Cheat Sheet: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction
Oral Miso:
https://www.cochrane.org/CD001338/PREG_oral-misoprostol-induction-labour
Outpatient Ripeners:
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00798-0/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_aip_email
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027046/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519220302845
Melatonin:
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/12/3252
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00616/full
https://grantome.com/grant/NIH/R21-HD086392-01 (Brigham & Women’s Hospital)
https://fetalmedicine.org/abstracts/2022/var/pdf/abstracts/2022/03846.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34058776/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044825/
EPO:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-evening-primrose-oil-epo/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382022000257
https://brieflands.com/articles/fga-130352.html
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
In this episode, HeHe interviews Dr. Nina-Marie, an expert on gut health and pediatric wellness. They discuss the foundational importance of gut health, connections between gut microbiome and conditions such as eczema, cancer, and sleep disorders, as well as the impact of heavy metals and environmental factors. Dr. Nina-Marie emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing health concerns, advocating for thorough testing such as GI maps and HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis). The conversation also covers vaccination concerns, especially related to aluminum and mercury, as well as safe and effective alternative approaches to managing pediatric health issues. Dr. Nina-Marie provides practical advice for parents on how to address their children’s health concerns through diet, lifestyle changes, and appropriate testing and supplements.
From Nina:
I love reading, hiking, sitting outside in the sun, and spending undistracted time with my husband and 3 children.
As a traditionally trained Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on perinatal and pediatric health, I help your family grow without Big Pharma.
Whether you’re coming to me for help getting and staying pregnant, or because your child is dealing with chronic eczema, constipation, ADHD, or autism - you can be sure that I will not be giving you the same one-size symptom-suppressing approach your typical doc gives you.
Instead, I make sure your care is tailored to your specific body’s needs with functional testing so we can tackle the root cause of your/your child’s health issues.
My areas of expertise are :
Pediatric Health:
Eczema
ADHD
Constipation
Autism/ASD
Behavioral concerns
Picky eating
Women’s Health:
Preconception
Pregnancy
Postpartum
Breastfeeding
Thyroid disorders
PCOS/Endometriosis
TIMESTAMPS
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section
03:10 Understanding Eczema in Children
07:16 The Importance of Gut Health
24:40 Heavy Metals and Their Impact
34:21 Vaccination Concerns and Alternatives
41:23 Discussing Aluminum and Metals in Vaccinations
42:04 Understanding the Immune System and Vaccination Impact
47:05 Gut Health and Eczema Connection
47:59 Exploring Causes and Treatments for Eczema
50:49 Direct-to-Consumer Testing and Its Implications
01:00:30 Probiotics: To Use or Not to Use?
01:06:26 Steroid Creams for Eczema: Pros and Cons
01:14:24 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Dr. Nina Marie on IG
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
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!
Attend our free class to help you avoid a c-section!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
In this episode, Amanda joins HeHe to discuss the critical importance of protein intake for women, specifically regarding overall health, pregnancy, and fertility. Key topics include basic protein requirements, potential deficiencies, the role of protein during pregnancy trimesters, and protein's impact on fetal growth and postpartum recovery. Amanda emphasizes the need for intentional eating, recommending strategies for protein intake through diet and supplements while debunking popular myths about nutrition trends such as collagen and soy. This episode offers practical advice for women at various stages of their reproductive journey, highlighting the broad-reaching benefits of adequate protein consumption.
Guest Bio:
Amanda Howell is a dedicated public health professional and current Master of Science in Nursing student specializing in women's health, with a focus on pre and postnatal nutrition and fitness. She is committed to providing evidence-based insights that empower women to make informed decisions. Amanda emphasizes the vital connection between proper nutrition during pregnancy and improved health outcomes, striving to support women through education, advocacy, and accessible resources.
03:10 Introducing the Birth Lounge App
04:24 Today's Topic: Protein in Pregnancy
06:34 Special Guest: Amanda Howell
07:48 The Importance of Protein in Pregnancy
21:04 Understanding Protein Sources
27:27 Debunking Soy Myths
34:53 Navigating Shift Work and Sleep
42:21 Navigating the Wild West of Supplements
42:39 Choosing Safe and Reputable Protein Brands
42:50 Importance of Protein During Pregnancy
43:19 Third-Party Testing for Supplements
43:35 Avoiding Unsafe Ingredients in Supplements
44:02 Artificial Sweeteners and Personal Preferences
44:48 Recommended Protein Brands
48:02 Protein's Role in Conception and Pregnancy
51:00 Protein Deficiency and Fertility Issues
52:09 Protein's Impact on Hormones and Stress
55:56 Optimizing Protein Intake for Pregnancy
01:05:05 Postpartum Protein Needs and Recovery
01:07:16 Quick and Easy Protein Snacks for New Moms
01:11:23 The Importance of Protein for Overall Health
01:14:15 Stress and Its Impact on Pregnancy
01:16:48 Final Thoughts and Resources
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
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!
Watch the Avoid a C-Section webinar here!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Get HeHe’s favorite protein powder from Just Ingredients, here!
Optimum Nutrition Prepared Protein Shakes
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
In this episode of the Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes Jessie and Amanda, hosts of the Pregnant Bitches podcast, to discuss a variety of topics crucial for expecting and new parents. The discussion covers candid birth stories, navigating the medical system, mental health, postpartum experiences, and the complexities of relationships after having children. Jessie and Amanda share personal anecdotes about hospital vs. natural births, partner involvement, overcoming fears, and the reality of motherhood, including sex after birth. They emphasize the importance of community, informed choices, and embracing each phase of parenting.
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section
03:10 Introduction to Today's Episode
04:32 Big Sister Advice with Jesse and Amanda
07:20 Birth Stories: Hospital vs. Natural Birth
13:29 NICU Experience and Postpartum Recovery
30:08 Partner Support During Labor
34:12 Navigating Labor with a Doula
35:13 The Role of Partners During Childbirth
38:53 Postpartum Relationship Dynamics
40:22 Adjusting to Life with Multiple Children
44:59 Considering a Third Child
47:29 Balancing Personal Freedom and Parenthood
56:13 Sex After Baby: What to Expect
Guest Bio:
Jessie and Amanda are 2 moms, each to 2 boys, that struggled through their pregnancy & postpartum journey, feeling like there was so much they didn't know and that no one told them. Fast forward to today, and they share the real, raw and relatable side of motherhood.
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with Pregnant Bitchez on IG
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out the free class: How to avoid a c-section and reduce your chance of tearing in labor!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this episode, Kayla Grove, an ICU nurse, joins the podcast to talk about the importance of patient autonomy and informed consent in healthcare. Kayla shares her journey of following her intuition over strictly adhering to medical guidelines, highlighting her respectful approach to patient choices. The discussion includes practical advice for making healthcare decisions, the role of intuition, and how medical professionals can better support patient autonomy. Kayla also discusses her personal birth plan choices and the importance of choosing the right healthcare provider.
TIMESTAMPS
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section
03:10 Empowering Birth Choices
05:18 Meet Kayla Grove: Advocate and Doula
06:24 Kayla's Journey Through Loss and Advocacy
09:52 Patient Autonomy and Medical Decisions
14:57 Humanizing Healthcare
20:40 Challenging Medical Norms
27:25 Maintaining Your Power in Medical Decisions
28:05 Alternative Birth Plan Choices
29:10 Deciding Against Hepatitis B Shot and Eye Ointment
30:41 Addressing Postpartum Hemorrhage Fears
32:36 The Controversy of Declining an IV
38:18 The Importance of Choosing the Right Provider
46:19 Trusting Your Intuition and Making Empowered Decisions
49:51 Final Thoughts and Connecting with the Community
Guest Bio:
Kayla is a naturally minded certified ICU nurse with over 12 years of experience, a board-certified integrative nurse coach, holistic doula, and mom of two.
Her passion is helping women feel informed and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her mission is to advocate for women to receive the care they deserve—aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates, postpartum mood disorders, and help women truly enjoy their pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Kayla's personal experiences have shaped her path. She endured the loss of her best friend due to medical negligence just weeks before having her first baby—a catalyst for her fierce advocacy. She also navigated a difficult birth, followed by postpartum anxiety and OCD and internal tremors. In 2022 she had a missed miscarriage that led her deeper down her path of education and training, and then she had her rainbow baby in 2023. She opened up her coaching business in Nov 2023 and then her doula business in May 2024. Her positive second birth experience, paired with a healing postpartum, drives her to support other women on their journey so they can have the same.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
In this episode, HeHe interviews Trish, aka Labor Nurse Mama, discussing her extensive experience as a high-risk labor and delivery nurse specializing in VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). They explore the challenges and misconceptions surrounding VBAC, the importance of advocacy and informed decision-making, and the support systems available through Trish's VBAC Lab and other resources. They also address the impact of hospital policies, doctor-patient dynamics, and provide actionable tips for navigating the medical system to achieve a VBAC safely and confidently.
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Sections
01:59 Understanding the U.S. Birth System
03:10 Navigating VBAC in Hospitals
05:28 Introducing Trish Ware: The VBAC Expert
06:20 Empowering Women Through Evidence-Based Education
08:13 Challenges and Misconceptions About VBAC
09:09 Advice for VBAC Mamas
09:47 The Reality of Hospital Policies
13:21 The VBAC Lab: Supporting Moms
14:42 The Importance of Informed Decisions
20:26 The Role of Providers in Birth Experiences
27:48 Advocating for Your Birth Plan
28:23 The Role of Labor Nurse Mama
29:13 Empowering Mothers Through Education
32:07 The Importance of Support and Community
34:28 Navigating Medical Recommendations
42:44 Induction and VBAC: What You Need to Know
45:50 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Meet Trish, a mama to 7, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse with 16 years of experience, and the visionary behind Labor Nurse Mama and her online birth classes Calm Labor Confident Birth and The VBAC Lab. Since 2017, she's been on a mission to empower women through evidence-based education, aiming to change the birth culture to one that celebrates the natural process of birth and grants women the autonomy they deserve. Trish's small dream has blossomed, now serving thousands of women,and has expanded to mentoring women in business.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Check out Trish's courses here!
Check out Trish's memberships here
Hashtags:
#BirthLounge #VBAC #VBACBirth #VBACSuccessStories #VaginalBirthAfterCesarean #TrishWare #LaborNurseMama #VBACEducation #ReducingCSection #AvoidingCSection #EvidenceBasedBirth #ChildbirthEducation #PregnancyTips #LaborAdvice #MaternityCare #BirthOptions #BirthPlans #PostpartumPlanning #EmpoweringBirths #BirthConfidence #BirthCommunity #HealthCareSystem #BirthTrauma #InformedConsent #BirthAdvocacy