The Birth Lounge Podcast

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s all-time favorite ways to stay cozy during pregnancy and postpartum. Their ultra-soft PJs, loungewear, and sheets make those long nights and lazy days feel a little more luxurious — and they’re a simple way to detox your home while you’re at it! Right now, you can use code HEHE to stack up to 40% off holiday sale prices on anything from dreamy PJs to new sheets: https://cozyearth.com/

Understanding Epidurals: Everything You Need to Know with Marissa Mulder of Sassy Anesthesia

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into the real talk on epidurals with Marissa Mulder, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and the brain behind the popular Instagram account Sassy Anesthesia. They break down why every labor is unique (so stop comparing yourself to everyone else!) and go step by step through the epidural process — the risks, benefits, pros, cons, and the myths you’ve probably heard. Plus, they cover the difference between epidurals and spinals, how to advocate for a birth experience that truly works for you, and how tools like the Birth Lounge App can give you bite-sized, evidence-based education to feel confident from pregnancy through postpartum. Whether you plan to use an epidural or not, this episode is packed with the knowledge and empowerment every parent deserves.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Advice on Epidurals

01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:53 Introducing The Birth Lounge App

02:10 Features and Benefits of The Birth Lounge App

05:21 Today's Topic: All About Epidurals

05:54 Guest Introduction: Marissa Mulder, CRNA

06:54 Epidural FAQs and Common Concerns

10:41 Epidural Placement and Procedure

30:03 Medications Used in Epidurals

36:49 Postpartum Comfort: Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jogger Sets

40:20 Eating and Drinking During Labor: What's the Risk?

42:54 The Importance of Honesty with Hospital Staff

43:55 Why Partners Might Be Asked to Leave During Epidural Placement

48:36 Adjusting Your Epidural: What You Need to Know

51:53 Epidurals and Labor Progression: Myths and Facts

58:40 Epidural Risks and Benefits Explained

01:01:56 Spinal vs. Epidural: What's the Difference?

01:09:53 Emotional Aspects of Choosing an Epidural

01:13:59 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information

 

Guest Bio:

Marissa is a CRNA and first time mama to a busy 5 month old and can be found on insta & tiktok at @sassyanesthesia . 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with Marissa on Instagram 

 

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere.

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience.

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress.

In this special re-air of our milestone 200th episode, we hear when HeHe celebrated ten years of supporting over 2,000 families through all kinds of birth scenarios from serene vaginal births to unexpected twists while sharing how ancestral wisdom has shaped her approach to childbirth. With warmth, humor, and that signature bold honesty, she dives into the art of trusting your body, making confident choices, and saying “no thank you” to unnecessary interventions.

This episode covers everything from declining cervical checks and IVs, navigating late pregnancy ultrasounds, intermittent fetal monitoring, and pushing positions, to handling unwanted inductions, all while keeping your birth experience empowered and trauma-free. HeHe also highlights the Birth Lounge App, your go-to for evidence-based education, bite-sized guidance, and a supportive community to help you rock your pregnancy and labor with confidence.

Whether this is your first listen or a welcome refresher during maternity leave, tune in and let HeHe help you claim your power in birth, because your choices, your voice, and your baby deserve it.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote

06:17 The Birth Lounge App: Empowering Birth Experiences

09:06 Re-Air Announcement and Podcast Highlights

10:46 Celebrating 200 Episodes and The Birth Lounge

14:32 Navigating Conversations with Your Provider

15:45 Declining Cervical Exams: Your Rights and Options

22:25 Pushing Positions: Advocating for Your Comfort

25:38 Pushing Effectively in Labor: The Secret Sauce to Pushing 

25:55 The Baby Soap Debacle: A Better Alternative Use code HEHE at coconu.com

28:03 The Importance of Organic Products During Pregnancy

29:01 Understanding Big Babies and Late Pregnancy Ultrasounds

31:18 Alternatives to Ultrasounds for Fetal Monitoring

35:51 Setting Boundaries with Healthcare Providers

38:11 Electronic Fetal Monitoring: What You Need to Know

44:17 Declining an IV During Labor

47:54 Navigating Unwanted Inductions

53:58 Empowering Your Birth Experience

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience — all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

The Secret Sauce to Pushing course gives you step-by-step guidance on how to push effectively — whether you have an epidural or not — so you can reduce tearing, labor faster, and feel in control from start to finish. HeHe teaches which muscles to engage, how to position your body, and the techniques that actually work, giving you the confidence and tools to achieve your best birth possible.

Learn more: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/SSP

 

Say goodbye to hospital “baby soap” and hello to safe, nourishing lubrication!
CocoNu is one of HeHe’s favorite all-organic lubes, made with coconut oil, coconut water, shea butter, cocoa butter, and other natural ingredients that keep your pH balanced and your downstairs happy. Perfect for your birth bag, pregnancy, or just better, safer intimacy, CocoNu comes in oil-based and water-based options, plus convenient single-use packets for labor or on-the-go. Because what you put in and on your body — especially down there — truly matters.

Use code HEHE for a discount at CocoNu.com

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into a conversation every parent needs to have — how to protect your kids in today’s wild digital jungle. She’s joined by Ben Gillenwater, aka The Family IT Guy — a 30-year cybersecurity pro, former NSA analyst, and dad on a mission to keep families safe online.

They unpack the hidden hazards of tech, from social media traps and online predators to the rise of sextortion, all while keeping it real and doable. Ben shares practical, no-fluff strategies for setting screen-time boundaries, creating tech-safe homes, and teaching kids to thrive offline — because yes, kids can survive (and flourish) without being glued to a screen. This episode arms parents with the confidence, tools, and savvy to raise children who are secure, smart, and resilient in a digital world that doesn’t always play fair. No fear-mongering here — just clear, actionable advice to protect your family and reclaim some sanity.

Guest Bio:

Ben Gillenwater is a cybersecurity expert with over 30 years of experience, including work with the NSA. As the founder of The Family IT Guy, he helps parents protect their children’s mental health and safety in an increasingly digital world. Blending deep technical expertise with a dad’s perspective, Ben empowers families to set healthy tech boundaries, navigate online risks, and build safer, more mindful relationships with technology.

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Ben 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:

https://www.familyitguy.com

Here’s a link to Ben’s article, The Digital Danger Zone: https://www.familyitguy.com/digital-danger-zone.html

Seiko clock company: https://seikousa.com/

Officer Gomez’s Facebook Page? https://www.facebook.com/deputygomez/

Get Ben’s family technology agreement here: https://www.familyitguy.com/assets/downloads/family-internet-safety-agreement.html

Listen to Ben’s episode with Conrad Woodall https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/25-years-fighting-predators-what-every-parent-needs/id1831912044?i=1000721914372

ICAC website: https://www.icactaskforce.org/

 

Looking for gifts that aren’t screen related? 

Check out Lalo, use code HEHE at MeetLalo.com to save on kids toys that are sure to boost creativity and keep everyone off screens! 

 

Black Friday is finally here, and it’s your chance to grab $150 off your Lifetime Membership to The Birth Lounge. Just a few days left to get trauma-free, evidence-based birth prep that puts you in control from start to finish. Get your discounted membership here! 

 

In this episode, HeHe sits down with Tori, a seasoned NICU nurse, to bring clarity and confidence to the early weeks of newborn life. Together, they unpack the things most parents are never taught but deeply need — from what normal newborn breathing actually looks like to the feeding and diaper patterns that signal things are on track. They also explore the signs that something may need pediatric attention, helping parents feel grounded instead of guessing.

 

Tori offers her expert insight on the benefits of having a lactation consultant in your corner, how to recognize dehydration early, what parents should truly know about newborn jaundice, and how to keep an eye on temperature changes without slipping into fear.

 

These show notes center evidence-based guidance with HeHe’s signature calm, holistic approach. Parents and professionals alike will walk away feeling more supported, more informed, and more empowered to advocate for newborn well-being during this overwhelming yet beautiful transition.

 

Guest Bio:

Nurse Tori, MSN RNC-NIC, is a seasoned NICU nurse with over a decade of experience caring for critically ill newborns and supporting their families. She is also the co-founder and CEO of NICUity, a company dedicated to empowering NICU providers and parents through modern education, tools, and resources.

Social Media:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

 

Connect with Tori on IG 

Connect with Tori: 

https://www.tipsfromtori.com/

https://nicuity.com/

 

Resources Mentioned:

Kinsa Thermometer 

https://lactationnetwork.com/

Listen to episode 239, colostrum is milk with Gina Motsay, IBCLC 

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!

 

The Birth Lounge Black Friday sale is in full swing, and you’ve got only a couple days to snag $150 off your Lifetime Membership. This is one of only two sales all year, and it unlocks HeHe’s full evidence-based system for confident, empowered birth — including the CONTROL Method, the Secret Sauce to Pushing, partner prep, advocacy scripts, all PDF guides, and the Birthing Your Big Ass Baby course. You’ll learn how to navigate the hospital system with calm authority, avoid unnecessary interventions, push efficiently, reduce tearing, and advocate for every choice that matters to you. Plus, HeHe is sending you a handpicked Birth Box, packed with comfort, self-care, and advocacy tools she’s used herself to help parents have their best birth possible. Your birth, your rules, your confidence — don’t miss out. Go to thebirthlounge.com/join and use code BF25 before the sale ends.

 

Looking for a low tox way to care for your family? Check out Zebra, use code HEHE to save at https://yayzebra.com/

Black Friday is here, and it’s your chance to snag $150 off your Lifetime Membership to The Birth Lounge — one of only two sales all year! This is your shot to get HeHe’s full evidence-based birth system, handpicked Birth Box, advocacy scripts, partner prep, and all the tools you need to confidently navigate your birth — no unnecessary interventions, no guesswork, just you in control. Don’t wait — the sale ends soon! Head to thebirthlounge.com/join and use code BF25 to claim your spot.

In this week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with certified nurse midwife Becca Helie to unpack everything you need to know about inductions and VBACs, without the fear, confusion, or pressure.

Together, they dive deep into how induction methods actually work, what a “failed induction” really means, and how to know if your provider’s recommendations are truly in your best interest. Becca breaks down the differences between medical and mechanical inductions, when cervical ripening is appropriate, and how to navigate Pitocin like a pro.

You’ll also hear about:
✨ Why individualized care matters more than protocols
✨ How to manage Pitocin safely and effectively
✨ What makes induction different (and riskier) for VBAC parents
✨ The mindset shifts that help you stay calm, confident, and in control

Whether you’re being pressured into an induction or planning for a VBAC and feeling unsure what to expect, this episode will leave you grounded, informed, and ready to advocate for the birth you deserve.

 

Guest Bio:

Rebecca Helie is a Board-Certified Nurse Midwife passionate about empowering women through evidence-based, patient-centered care. With experience as a labor and delivery RN and midwife in both rural and metropolitan settings, she champions shared decision-making, expands access to midwifery, and works to reduce low-risk cesareans and preventable maternal complications. Certified in Perinatal Mood Disorders and deeply shaped by her own experiences with infertility and loss, Becca advocates fiercely for her patients’ voices and education. Based in Las Vegas, she shares her expertise online, spreads reliable women’s health information, and balances her professional life with family, bread baking, and adventures with her pilot husband, two daughters, and dog Buddy.

 

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Becca 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:

CocoNu is one of HeHe’s favorite organic lubes for pregnancy, labor, and beyond. Unlike the hospital standard (looking at you, Johnson & Johnson baby soap), CocoNu uses clean, plant-based ingredients like organic coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter to keep your pH balanced and your downstairs happy. Perfect for your birth bag or just better, safer intimacy during pregnancy, CocoNu even comes in single-use packets for convenience — because what you put on your body, especially down there, truly matters. Use code HEHE at https://coconu.com to save 15%!

Here's the original episode aired Nov 10, 2020: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-146-what-to-know-about-inductions-with-becca-helie-cnm/

 

 

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s all-time favorite ways to stay cozy during pregnancy and postpartum. Their ultra-soft PJs, loungewear, and sheets make those long nights and lazy days feel a little more luxurious — and they’re a simple way to detox your home while you’re at it! Through November, you can use code HEHE to stack up to 40% off holiday sale prices on anything from dreamy PJs to new sheets: https://cozyearth.com/

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with nutrition guru Lily Nichols to cut through the noise around gestational diabetes (GD) and give parents tools that actually work. They compare the old-school GD advice with Lily’s evidence-based approach from her books, focusing on keeping blood sugar steady without stress or guesswork.

Lily dishes out the real deal on carbs, which ones matter, how much, and how to pair them for maximum impact, while busting myths about ketosis in pregnancy. She also shares clever, practical hacks like walking after meals, eating your veggies first (yes, first!), and tailoring your diet to what you actually need. They also tackle the nitty-gritty of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) versus traditional glucose tests, all with a focus on personalized care. By the end, you’ll have a playbook for nourishing your body, managing GD confidently, and skipping the panic… because informed choices and empowered parents are always in style.

Black Friday is here, and it’s your chance to snag $150 off your Lifetime Membership to The Birth Lounge — one of only two sales all year! This is your shot to get HeHe’s full evidence-based birth system, handpicked Birth Box, advocacy scripts, partner prep, and all the tools you need to confidently navigate your birth, no unnecessary interventions, no guesswork, just you in control. Don’t wait! The sale ends soon! Head to thebirthlounge.com/join and use code BF25 to claim your spot.

 

Guest Bio:

Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible. She is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal Nutrition®, co-founder of the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy, and the author of three books: Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of thousands of mamas (and babies!), are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses, and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally. She writes at https://lilynicholsrdn.com.

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Lily 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:

Connect with Lily: 

https://lilynicholsrdn.com

https://realfoodforgd.com/

Check out Lily’s free video series on gestational diabetes here: https://realfoodforgd.com/free-stuff/

 

YOUTUBE LINKS:

Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Jessica, a mama of five — all born breech — to unpack what it’s really like to birth outside the box (literally!). From her first head-down birth to her series of empowering breech births, Jessica shares her story of confidence, trust, and self-advocacy. Together, they explore how breech birth can be safe, positive, and deeply powerful when you’re supported by the right team. You’ll hear how Jessica learned to trust her body, release fear, and even fire providers who didn’t align with her vision. This conversation is filled with real stories, fresh perspective, and a big dose of encouragement for anyone who wants to birth boldly and on their own terms.

 

Guest Bio:

Jessica Gray is a first responder (NREMT), social media community organizer, wife, mom of 6 and breech birth advocate. 5 of Jessica's children have been born breech naturally in two different countries.  Jessica created an online community that has proved invaluable to women globally who have found out their babies are presenting breech. Recognized as a go-to in social media for breech insight and resources, her Instagram account @breechbirth is daily interacting with women who are desperate for resources and encouragement. Jessica also shares her advocacy for breech birth through speaking engagements and appearances on popular birth podcasts.  Currently she is working on writing a guide to breech birth for moms.  She resides in the Southern United States with her family.

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Jessica 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:

thebreechbook.com

 

Get the temp drop at 30% off for the month of November with code AFHEHE at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFHEHE

 

In this re-aired fan-favorite episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Rixa Freeze, research professor and president of Breech Without Borders, to challenge everything you think you know about breech birth. Together, they unpack the real facts, not the fear, behind breech birth, from what it actually is to the true statistics and why the right provider can change everything.

Dr. Freeze breaks down short- and long-term risks for both mom and baby, exposes how outdated research continues to shape today’s birth practices, and explains how upright birth positions can dramatically improve outcomes. You’ll also hear what’s really going on behind the scenes when families try to find breech-competent providers (and how to advocate when your baby’s got their own plans for positioning!).

Whether you’re currently expecting a breech baby or just want to be prepared for anything, this episode is packed with evidence, empowerment, and that signature HeHe honesty that helps you feel calm, confident, and in control of your birth choices.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of infant and maternal mortality statistics.

00:00 Introduction and Common Misconceptions About Breech Birth

00:52 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:01 Black Friday Sale Announcement

02:15 The Birth Lounge: Comprehensive Childbirth Education

04:48 Special Offers and Membership Perks

08:51 Exclusive Black Friday Deal Details

09:38 Re-airing Popular Episodes During Maternity Leave

10:51 Introduction to Breech Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze

11:55 Understanding Breech Birth Basics

16:18 Safety and Risks of Breech Birth

25:46 Maternal and Long-term Outcomes of Breech Birth

29:24 Understanding Long-Term Effects of Birth Decisions

30:34 Insights on Preterm Breech Births

31:08 Discovering a Clean Brand: Just Ingredients

33:40 Hospital vs. Home Birth Data for Breech Births

36:47 Encouraging Breech Birth Training for Providers

42:53 Labor and Birth Positions for Breech Births

54:33 Final Thoughts and Resources

 

Guest Bio:

Dr. Rixa Freeze holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa and is an internationally recognized researcher, professor, and mother of four. As president of Breech Without Borders, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, she specializes in vaginal breech birth and advocates for autonomy and human rights in childbirth. Her work bridges history, research, and education to bring evidence-based, respectful care to every birth setting.

Dr. Rixa blogs at Stand and Deliver (rixarixa.blogspot.com) and is passionate about all things birth- and breastfeeding-related. 

 

This is a re-air of episode 179 with Dr. Rixa Freeze, which you can find here: 

https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-179-the-safety-of-breech-birth-with-rixa-freeze/

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Breech Without Borders 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!

 

.

Ep. 396 Twins Untangled: The Data Behind Safe Twin Birth with Dr. Stu

In this week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Stu Fischbein to unpack the truth about twin births, and it’s probably not what your provider has told you.

They dive into why C-sections have become the default for twins in the U.S. (hint: it’s not because it’s safer), and how our medical system continues to over-manage what can often be a normal variation of birth. Dr. Stu breaks down what’s really happening with rising twin pregnancies, how assisted reproductive technology plays a role, and why evidence still supports vaginal twin births when handled by skilled providers.

You’ll hear them talk about:
How to find a provider who’s actually experienced with vaginal twin births
The real deal on ECVs, breech twins, and what “mono-mono” and “mono-di” really mean
How to advocate for your birth plan even when you’re having multiples

If you’re expecting twins, or just want to understand how broken our twin birth system has become, this episode is your blueprint for making informed, confident choices and protecting your power in the birth room.

00:00 Introduction to Twin Births

01:07 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:14 Black Friday Sale Announcement

02:29 The Birth Lounge Overview

09:52 Special Guest: Dr. Stu Fischbein

10:21 Challenges and Misconceptions About Twin Births

11:25 Dr. Stu's Background and Expertise

12:48 Navigating Twin Births in the Medical System

14:15 The Importance of Informed Consent

15:51 Current Landscape of Twin Births

20:49 Training and Skills in Obstetrics

35:34 Risks and Realities of Twin Births

57:29 Legislation and Training in Midwifery

59:07 Economic Incentives in Birth Practices

01:00:16 Personal Experience with Baby Gear

01:03:31 Cost Analysis of C-Sections vs. Vaginal Births

01:04:50 Hospital Policies and C-Section Rates

01:08:44 Historical Perspective on Birth Practices

01:14:08 Twin Births: Hospital vs. Home

01:20:30 Challenges in Breech Deliveries

01:24:27 External Cephalic Version (ECV) Insights

01:30:42 Timing and Risks in Twin Deliveries

01:40:07 Final Thoughts and Advice for Expecting Mothers

 

Guest Bio:

Stuart J. Fischbein MD is a community-based obstetrician and an Associate of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, published author of the book “Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, A Midwife and A Mom” and peer-reviewed papers Homebirth with an Obstetrician, A Series of 135 Out of Hospital Births and Breech birth at home: outcomes of 60 breech and 109 cephalic planned home and birth center births. After completing his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stu spent 24 years assisting women with hospital birthing and, for the last 13 years, has been a homebirth obstetrician who works directly with midwives. Since retiring from attending home births in 2022, Dr. Stu has turned his focus to traveling around the world as a lecturer and advocate for reteaching breech & twin birth skills, respect for the normalcy of birth and honoring informed consent. He hosts a weekly podcast with co-host Blyss Young and together they offer hope, reassurance and safe, honest evidence supported choices for those women who understand pregnancy is a normal bodily function not to be feared. Follow him on Instagram @birthinginstincts. His websites are www.birthinginstincts.com & www.birthinginstinctspodcast.com

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Dr. Stu 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/RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Check out our episode with Dr. Stu’s cohost, Blyss Young (ep. 232) 

 

Listen to episode 179 with Dr. Rixa Freeze 

 

Here’s a link to the Primitive Reflexes episode Dr. Stu references

 

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0313941

 

www.birthinginstincts.com

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birthing-instincts/id1552816683

 

www.birthinginstinctspodcast.com

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30305050/

 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52ca1028e4b05c5f2d7b157d/t/62e02090874eae67b683bc67/1658855570428/A+Maneuver+for+Head+Entanglement+Published.pdf

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! Through November, you can stack code HEHE for up to 40% off holiday sale prices on the softest PJ’s, loungewear, gifts, 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 Katey from The Violet Fog to dive deep into one of the body’s most overlooked power players, your fascia. Katey breaks down what fascia actually is, why it matters for your mobility, lymphatic flow, and emotional well-being, and how to keep it happy and hydrated (yes, your fascia needs love too!).

Together, they chat about gentle movement, self-massage, red light therapy, and nutrient-rich hydration to keep your body flowing freely, especially during pregnancy. Plus, Katey shares her best tips for reducing swelling and creating beauty routines that actually support your body’s health from the inside out.

This convo is your permission slip to slow down, tune in, and treat your body like the powerhouse it is.

Guest Bio:

Katie Yurko is the founder of The Violet Fog, where wellness gets real and women connect over love, nutrition hacks, and aging gracefully. A self-proclaimed “career investigator,” Katie digs deep into ingredients, health practices, and the hard stuff most people shy away from. After years of battling chronic UTIs and over 400 rounds of antibiotics, she turned her own health journey into a mission to expose false marketing and empower women with honest, no-fluff wellness education. Her content blends research and girl talk, pulling back the curtain on topics like gut health, thyroid conditions, and natural healing, all with a signature dose of wit and raw honesty.

 

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Katey 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:

https://www.violetfog.com/

https://www.lymphloveclub.com/

 

Check out our episode with Dr. Chris Motley for more about lymphatic drainage

 

HeHe and Katey also discuss some resources from Healthillie, you can hear our episode with her here. 

YOUTUBE LINKS:

Connect with HeHe on YouTube.