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
16 hours ago
16 hours ago
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of my favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/
In this week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest elephants in the birthing room: sky-high C-section rates in the U.S. (yep, we’re talking about that 1 in 3 number).
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just accept that as the norm. I’m sitting down with Juli Pyle, a certified nurse midwife who has helped her small, rural hospital keep their C-section rate at just 12% (I know, jaw drop, right?).
Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really working—things like midwives and OBs actually collaborating as a team, evidence-based care that puts families first, and a hospital culture that truly values physiological birth.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lower C-section rates and protect birthing families, this episode is going to light a fire in you.
00:00 Introduction to the Birth Lounge Podcast
01:16 The Nation's C-Section Rate and WHO Recommendations
01:55 Introducing Juli Pyle: A Nurse Midwife with a 12% C-Section Rate
03:26 Achieving Low C-Section Rates: Insights from Juli Pyle
06:18 Challenges and Solutions in Maternity Care
07:29 Encouragement for Large Hospital Systems
09:16 Interview with Juli Pyle Begins
10:41 The Project and Results: Integrating Midwifery into Hospital Practice
12:43 Midwifery Care and Trust Between Providers
19:04 Co-Managing High-Risk Pregnancies
25:56 Ego and Team Dynamics in Maternity Care
29:01 The Importance of Midwifery in Large Hospitals
31:58 Ad for Cozy Earth: Comfort During Pregnancy
34:03 Licensure Structure for Midwives in Pennsylvania
34:56 The Role and Training of Certified Nurse Midwives
35:25 Legislation and Independent Practice for Midwives
38:02 Challenges in Mississippi's Healthcare System
43:13 Midwifery Care Across Different Regions
45:40 Managing Labor and Reducing C-Section Rates
57:49 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice
01:04:23 Encouragement for Healthcare Advocates
01:06:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Juli Pyle (she/her) is a certified nurse midwife who practices at a community hospital in rural Pennsylvania. Juli was a stay at mom for many years to five children before deciding to return to school to pursue a degree in nursing. She graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a bachelors of science in nursing degree in 2016 and then began her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse. She quickly discovered that this was her true passion (as she had suspected since birthing her own children) and rapidly gained a reputation for professionalism, compassion and expertise among colleagues and patients. She then returned to Frontier Nursing University to complete a Master’s degree in Nursing with an emphasis in midwifery. In 2020, she began her career as a certified nurse-midwife at a small community hospital in central Pennsylvania where she has been since that time. Her focus as a CNM is to provide evidence-based education to all birthing families, give true autonomy and informed consent throughout their time with her and to share love, understanding, empathy and true shared-decision making. Juli also currently serves on the Pennsylvania MMRC (maternal mortality review committee). When not immersed in the birthing world, she enjoys spending time refinishing furniture, gardening, raising chickens, hiking and vacationing with her husband and family.
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!
Keywords: c section rates, lowering c section rates, midwifery care, nurse midwife, birth outcomes, evidence based birth, collaborative maternity care, informed consent in birth, physiological birth, reducing c sections, birth lounge podcast, maternity care reform, midwives and obstetricians, rural hospital birth, empowering birth choices
6 days ago
6 days ago
Ohhh baby! The second trimester is here, and it’s bringing all the feels! In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my pregnancy so far and giving you the inside scoop on some pretty big updates happening inside The Birth Lounge.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:
✨ The first magical moments of feeling baby kicks (inside and outside!)
✨ The less magical parts: hello, heartburn, round ligament pain, and late-night wedge pillow life
✨ What went down at our anatomy scan and how it’s shaping my birth prep
✨ Big news about The Birth Lounge membership: what’s changing, why the price is going up September 1, and which membership option (monthly, annual, or lifetime) might be the best fit for you
✨ Why I hired a home birth midwife and how I’m shaping my birth plans step by step
This episode is part pregnancy diary, part behind-the-scenes of how The Birth Lounge is evolving, and part love note to every parent who’s navigating the wild ride of growing a human.
Whether you’re here for the bump updates, the evidence-based pregnancy talk, or the scoop on how The Birth Lounge is about to get even juicier… this one’s got a little something for you.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:59 Exciting Changes in The Birth Lounge Membership
03:24 Membership Options Breakdown
04:27 Exclusive Benefits for Lifetime Members
07:50 Second Trimester Experiences
08:57 Feeling the Baby Move
12:40 Weight Gain and Body Changes
17:41 Pregnancy Pillow and Sleep Adjustments
21:42 Cravings and Prenatal Vitamins
23:39 Hot Yoga and Sauna During Pregnancy
29:51 Hiring a Home Birth Midwife
31:52 Diastasis Recti and Pelvic Floor Therapy
34:35 Non-Evidence Based Decisions
36:28 Starting Aspirin and CGM
39:55 Anatomy Scan Experience
41:52 Ultrasound and Baby Movements
48:16 Colostrum and Heartburn
51:31 Round Ligament Pain and Chiropractic Care
55:42 Preparing for Birth: Classes and Plans
01:01:25 Final Thoughts and Excitement
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with HeHe 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:
Weight Gain in Pregnancy Research
Low Dose Aspirin use in pregnancy
Exercise During Pregnancy Research
PRODUCTS I LOVE:
Needed Powder Prenatal: Use Code HeHe
Just Ingredients Protein powder: Use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE
Cozy Earth: one of my favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the world of baby wearing with Jordan Morillo, a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom. We’re talking everything from the ABCs of carrier choices to spotting a perfect carry (and avoiding the not-so-perfect ones). You’ll learn how to safely position your baby, back carry like a pro, tandem wear without losing your mind, and even breastfeed on the go. We tackle fears, hot-weather hacks, and ethical carrier picks, so whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned wearer, you’ll walk away confident, informed, and ready to rock that baby wearing life.
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Baby Wearing
05:42 Key Safety Components: The ABCs of Baby Wearing
08:53 Understanding the M Position for Baby's Legs
15:21 Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
20:59 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
25:03 Risks and Benefits of Baby Wearing
29:36 Special Considerations for NICU and Preemie Babies
33:40 Misleading Marketing and Safety Testing
39:22 Addressing Baby's Discomfort with Carriers
39:45 Tips for Easing Baby into Baby Wearing
41:05 Understanding Baby's Resistance to Carriers
45:14 Debunking Myths: Baby Wearing and Clinginess
48:52 Breastfeeding Benefits and Baby Wearing
50:55 Toddler Wearing: Tips and Techniques
54:44 Tandem Wearing: Managing Two Kids
56:21 Forward Facing: When and How
01:00:21 Favorite Carriers for Different Scenarios
01:07:44 Water Safe Baby Wearing
01:11:22 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Guest Bio:
Jordan Morillo is a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom, who is passionate about empowering families with the knowledge they need to babywear safely, comfortably, and with confidence. She provides parent support through worldwide virtual 1:1 consultations, home health services, and by sharing free resources and tutorials on social media.
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:
Visit Motherhoodtherapyservices.janeapp.com to book a consultation with Jordan!
Babywearing Resources
Everyday Carriers
- Hoppediz Primeo – https://hoppediz.de/en/baby-carriers/primeo
A buckle carrier that’s perfect for smaller babies. - Neko Tiny – https://www.nekoslings.com/en/
A stretchy wrap–buckle hybrid carrier for newborns. - Solly Baby – https://sollybaby.com/
Lightweight stretchy wraps designed for comfort in the early months. - Boba – https://boba.com/
Known for soft structured carriers and stretchy wraps. - Ring Slings – Popular ones are from Sakura Bloom https://sakurabloom.com/collections/ring-sling and Mama & Roos https://www.mama-roo.com/collections/ring-slings
Easy to adjust and stylish for on-the-go babywearing. - Onbuhimo Buckle Carrier
Strap-and-back-only carrier, ideal for toddlers who want up and down often. - Forward Facing Options – ErgoBaby Omni https://ergobaby.com/omni-breeze-baby-carrier and Tula Explore https://babytula.com/products/explore-baby-carrier
Safe forward-facing carry for older babies. - Jordan’s favorite ethical/organic brands: Ethically made, sustainable carriers with thoughtful design.
- Hope & Plum https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers
- Heritage Baby Designs https://heritagebaby.ca/
- LoveHeld https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers
- Beluga Baby https://belugababy.ca/
Size Inclusive Carriers
- Ring Slings – Sakura Bloom https://sakurabloom.com/collections/ring-sling, Mama & Roos https://www.mama-roo.com/collections/ring-slings
Adjustable and versatile for all body types. - Woven Wraps – Didymos https://www.didymos.de/en/Baby-Wraps/, Oscha Slings https://oschaslings.com/collections/baby-wraps
Endless tying options for perfect fit and comfort. - Keep Close(r) – https://keepcloser.com/
Designed specifically with plus-size parents in mind. - Kinderpack – https://kindercarry.com/
Extended sizes and supportive structure for all bodies. - Integra Baby – https://integrababy.co.uk/
Lightweight carriers with adjustable straps for inclusivity. - Hope & Plum – https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers
Ring slings made for every parent’s comfort. - LoveHeld – https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers
Soft, ethically made carriers with flexible sizing. - Tula Belt Extenders – https://babytula.com/products/tula-waistband-extenders
Expand Tula carriers for a more inclusive fit. - Meh Dai Carriers – Didymos https://www.didymos.de/en/Meh-Dai/, BabyHawk https://babyhawk.com/
Tie-on carriers with a customizable fit. - Lamb (Europe) – https://lamb-babycarriers.com/
European-made woven carriers, size-friendly. - WildBird – https://wildbird.co/
Long-tail ring slings for flexible carrying options.
Water Wearing Carriers
- Integra Solar – https://integrababy.co.uk/collections/integra-solar
Quick-drying, lightweight carrier for water activities. - Hope & Plum Hemp Sling – https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers
Breathable sling, perfect for summer and pool days. - LoveHeld Hemp Carrier – https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers
Durable hemp blend, suitable for water and sun. - Aloha & Light Eco Silk Hemp Blend – https://alohaandlight.com/
Soft, eco-friendly slings designed for hot climates. - Beachfront Baby – https://beachfrontbabywraps.com/
Mesh Meh Dais and wraps made for swimming and beach days. - Gustine Mesh Sling – https://gustinebabycarriers.com/
Breathable mesh sling perfect for water play.
RESEARCH:
Study on reduction of PMADs: Randomized controlled trial to prevent postpartum depressive symptomatology: An infant carrier intervention. Little EE, Bain L, Hahn-Holbrook J. J Affect Disord. 2023 Nov 1;340:871-876. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.044. Epub 2023 Aug 15. PMID: 37586649.
Study on decreased cry time when worn: Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Urs A. Hunziker; Ronald G. Barr. Pediatrics (1986) 77 (5): 641–648
Vital signs regulation:
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Katharine Graves, the powerhouse behind KG Hypnobirthing, to uncover the magic of turning birth into a calm, confident, and downright empowering experience. We’re talking about how hypnobirthing can completely change the way you feel about labor, why evidence-based maternity care is non-negotiable, and how partners can be fierce advocates in the birth space. Katharine also breaks down natural birth approaches like water birth, what you need to know about common interventions like inductions and C-sections, and why preparation is your secret weapon for a birth you feel good about. This is your permission slip to take charge of your birth story and make it an experience you actually want to remember.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:52 Katharine Graves on Hypnobirthing
05:20 Challenges and Misconceptions in Modern Birth Practices
20:05 The Role of Partners in Birth
30:15 Comparing Human and Animal Birth Practices
34:35 The Role of C-Sections in Modern Birth
34:54 Challenging Hospital Birth Assumptions
35:52 The Power and Pain of Birth
36:33 Hospital Interventions and Their Impact
39:18 Global Perspectives on Birth Practices
39:59 The Influence of Technology in Birth
40:49 The Debate on Birth Interventions
46:39 The Importance of Informed Choices
47:49 The Concept of Bonus Time in Late Pregnancy
56:37 The Golden Hour and Post-Birth Practices
01:02:57 Addressing Birth Trauma and Hypnobirthing
01:06:22 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Katharine Graves is the founder of KG Hypnobirthing, a leading antenatal pregnancy & birth education programme that has helped thousands of families approach birth with calm, confidence, and informed choice. She’s a highly respected hypnobirthing expert - having been the first person to introduce hypnobirthing to the UK. She is also a hypnotherapist and doula as well as being author of The Hypnobirthing Book, selling well over 100,000 copies worldwide. Katharine has spent over 15 years personally teaching over 3,000 parents and 2,000 teachers & maternity professionals how to support physiological, empowering birth.
Katharine is deeply passionate about respectful, evidence-based maternity care and the importance of giving women the tools to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and labour. Through her work, she’s trained hundreds of midwives and birth professionals, and continues to lead the way in transforming birth culture through education and compassion.
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:
Check out The Hypnobirthing Book here!
Keywords: hypnobirthing, KG Hypnobirthing, Katharine Graves, natural birth, water birth, positive birth, calm birth, empowered birth, birth preparation, partner support in birth, birth advocacy, induction alternatives, avoiding c-section, evidence based birth, childbirth without fear, hypnobirthing techniques, labor comfort measures, natural pain relief birth, pregnancy podcast, The Birth Lounge
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious.
Grab The Secret Sauce to Pushing Here or join our lifetime membership to get free access!
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Whitney and Brandon Cawood to uncover the hidden ways synthetic food dyes can impact your child’s health and behavior. We’re talking real-life symptoms like irritability, hyperactivity, sleep struggles, and even aggression — and the science that backs it up. Whitney and Brandon share their powerful story of discovering their son’s sensitivity to dyes, the huge transformation they saw after removing them, and how that journey turned into advocacy work.
We’re pulling back the curtain on industry resistance, why the FDA has been slow to act, and what legislation is (and isn’t) doing to protect families. You’ll get practical tips for spotting dyes in your pantry, finding dye-free swaps, and trusting your gut when it comes to your child’s health — even if the experts say otherwise. This is your crash course in advocating for your kids, one grocery trip at a time.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Synthetic Dyes and Their Effects
01:07 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:37 The Secret Sauce to Pushing Course
02:00 Understanding the Anatomy of Pushing
04:06 Challenges in the Hospital System
05:26 A World Without Synthetic Food Dyes
07:17 How Synthetic Dyes Affect Children
10:24 The Cawood Family’s Story
17:12 Raising Awareness & Building Community
31:06 Genetics & Dye Sensitivity
34:35 The Push for Legislation & Safer Alternatives
37:03 The Health Toll of Synthetic Dyes
38:11 FDA Inaction & Public Pressure
41:23 Fighting for Education & Awareness
45:51 Barriers for Low-Income Families
48:14 Removing Harmful Chemicals from Daily Life
50:51 Why They Made a Documentary
52:25 Trust Issues with Regulatory Agencies
54:54 How Prevalent Synthetic Dyes Really Are
01:02:36 Easy Dye-Free Swaps
01:05:14 Industry Resistance to Change
01:07:55 State Efforts & Corporate Pushback
01:09:10 Empty Corporate Promises
01:12:25 The Worst Offending Dyes
01:17:42 Decoding Dye Labels
01:23:33 Parental Advocacy in a Broken System
01:31:54 Resources & Final Thoughts
BIO:
After discovering their child’s sensitivity to synthetic dyes, Brandon and Whitney Cawood, parents-turned-filmmakers, embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden impacts of these additives. Their documentary combines scientific insights and personal stories from affected families, revealing the unseen dangers of synthetic dyes. Through expert interviews and heartfelt narratives, the Cawoods aim to raise awareness of the profound effects these chemicals can have on individuals and families alike. Since beginning this journey, they’ve also become national advocates, working on legislation across the U.S. to help protect children from harmful food additives.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Grab The Secret Sauce to Pushing 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:
https://www.todyeforthedocumentary.com/
Keywords:
synthetic food dyes, food dye effects on children, red dye 40 side effects, red 3 ban, hyperactivity and food dyes, dye free diet for kids, artificial food coloring dangers, parenting and food dyes, dye sensitivity in children, natural food dye alternatives, removing food dyes from diet, FDA and synthetic dyes, dye free living tips, birth lounge podcast, Whitney and Brandon Cawood interview
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
In this spicy World Breastfeeding Week episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is calling out the BS that’s messing with your breastfeeding journey. From the "feed every three hours" myth to the outdated fear around nursing your baby to sleep, we’re busting it all wide open.
HeHe breaks down 9 of the most common (and flat-out harmful) pieces of advice that new parents are being fed — and shows you exactly how to ditch the bad info and trust your baby, your body, and your instincts instead. We’re talking evidence-based truth bombs, real-time solutions, and the exact shifts that can make breastfeeding feel less like a struggle and more like second nature.
You’ll also get access to HeHe’s free class on how to avoid a c-section, because spoiler alert: how you feed your baby matters, but how you're supported while doing it matters even more.
This episode is for every new or expecting parent who’s feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just plain tired of hearing 15 different opinions on the same thing. If you're ready to quiet the noise and feel confident in your breastfeeding journey — you're in the right place.
What We Cover:
00:00 The truly unhinged advice floating around
01:02 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:08 What World Breastfeeding Week should be about
02:16 Grab the Free Class: How to Avoid a C-Section
04:38 9 pieces of breastfeeding advice that need to go
05:04 #1: Feed every three hours
10:14 #2: Always feed from both breasts
15:04 #3: Supplement with formula before your milk comes in check out our episode on Low Milk Supply
18:44 #4: Don’t nurse to sleep
21:21 #5: Never wake a sleeping baby
25:28 #6: Pump and dump if you drink
28:27 #7: Cluster feeding means low supply
31:16 #8: Pacifiers cause nipple confusion
34:40 #9: Start pumping immediately after birth
40:18 Final thoughts and your permission to trust yourself
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!
Keywords: breastfeeding tips, breastfeeding myths, newborn feeding, nursing mistakes, breastfeeding advice, how to breastfeed, World Breastfeeding Week, breastfeeding help, lactation support, breast milk supply, nursing to sleep, cluster feeding, pumping tips, nipple confusion, supplementing with formula, avoid c-section, evidence-based birth, postpartum support, new mom tips, birth lounge podcast, HeHe Stewart
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Welcome back to The Birth Lounge Podcast, where we say the quiet parts out loud and hold nothing back when it comes to protecting your power in birth.
In this episode, I’m joined by Krysta Dancy, a licensed trauma therapist, birth doula, and one of the most honest voices in the trauma-informed care space. Together, we unpack what birth trauma really is, how to spot it, how to prevent it, and how to start healing if it’s already part of your story.
We’re digging into:
- Why Pitocin is showing up in so many traumatic births — and what you deserve to know about it
- The actual role of doulas in preventing trauma (especially when sh*t gets hard)
- What your nervous system has to do with the way your birth felt and why it matters
- How to debrief with your care team, talk to your partner, and ask for what you need in the aftermath
- Evidence-based trauma therapies like EMDR and Brainspotting, and how to know what’s right for you
- Scripts and tools for those difficult conversations with providers, family, and friends who just don’t get it
Whether you had a traumatic birth or just want to avoid becoming another horror story statistic, this episode is here to remind you: You are not broken. You are not alone. And there is a way forward.
Timestamps:
00:00 Postpartum Support Is Not Optional
00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge
01:09 Pitocin 101: What You’re Not Being Told 02:51 Pitocin and the C-Section Connection
03:44 Grab Your Free Pitocin Guide 05:03 Birth Trauma: Let’s Talk About It
05:50 What Actually Counts as Birth Trauma?
07:37 Meet Krysta Dancy
12:00 How Trauma and Memory Work in Birth
19:12 Signs of PTSD After Birth
31:16 Your Nervous System and Traumatic Birth
39:53 Emotional Trauma Even When the Birth Was “Fine”
44:09 How to Debrief With Your Providers
49:09 The Healing Power of Storytelling
49:36 Why Post-Birth Conversations Are So Hard
50:35 Communication Gaps in the System
52:23 You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone
55:35 The Isolation of Trauma
56:11 When Trauma Runs in the Family
57:40 Healing Starts With Being Seen
58:08 Was That Intervention Actually Necessary?
01:01:30 EMDR, Brainspotting, and More
01:04:18 When Medication Can Be Part of Healing
01:06:50 Scripts for Navigating the Hard Conversations
01:10:34 Supporting a Partner With Trauma Too
01:14:49 When Providers Are Dismissive
01:17:22 Supporting Without Trauma Dumping
01:22:43 Provider Trauma Affects Your Care Too
01:27:32 Final Thoughts and Resources
This episode is full of validation, education, and the tools you need to take the next best step, whether you’re deep in healing or just beginning to realize you’ve got some unpacking to do. You are allowed to feel everything. And you're allowed to heal, your way.
Guest Bio:
Krysta Dancy is a licensed trauma therapist, birth doula, and passionate advocate for healing after a difficult birth.
With over 20 years of experience in psychology, trauma recovery, and perinatal care, Krysta has walked alongside countless families and professionals through some of their most vulnerable moments. She believes that every birthing person deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported — and that healing is always possible, even after trauma.
As the founder and CEO of Dancy Perinatal Counseling, a nationwide organization dedicated to supporting both parents and the professionals who care for them, Krysta’s mission is to make trauma-informed obstetric care the norm, not the exception.
Whether she’s offering therapy, teaching, or simply holding space for someone’s story, Krysta brings compassion, deep expertise, and a fierce commitment to helping people reclaim their strength after a traumatic birth.
Dancy Perinatal Website: http://www.DancyPerinatal.com
Therapist Match Tool: https://www.dancyperinatal.com/find-support
Dancy Perinatal IG: https://www.instagram.com/dancyperinatalcounseling/
Dancy Perinatal FB:
https://m.facebook.com/DancyPerinatalCounseling
Dancy Perinatal Free FB Group for Birth Trauma: https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtraumasupportgroup/
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Grab HeHe’s free guide to pitocin use here!
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Check out Krysta’s on demand classes here, including debrief and trauma prevention skills for doulas.
Use the promo code "HEHE" to watch Krysta’s on-demand class "Healing After A Traumatic Birth" for free.
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Welcome back to The Birth Lounge, where we ditch shame, question the mainstream, and talk about your body with zero fluff and full truth.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mimi Lindquist, co-host of The Medicine Podcast and expert in AHCC and medicinal mushrooms, to break down everything you need to know about HPV — the "common cold of the cervix."
If you've ever felt confused, judged, or totally overwhelmed after an HPV diagnosis, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.
We’re covering:
- What HPV actually is and how common it really is
- Why HPV doesn't mean you're broken or dirty
- Natural remedies and holistic tools to support your immune system and help clear HPV
- How AHCC works and what the research says
- What to know about the Gardasil vaccine and how to make an informed decision
- How HPV impacts pregnancy, pap smears, and fertility
- What it means to take a root-cause approach to your cervical health
This episode is for the woman who’s ready to stop feeling powerless and start leading her healing journey with confidence.
Timestamps:
00:00 What’s New Inside the Birth Lounge App
03:37 HPV 101: Basics, Misconceptions, and Myths
05:00 Holistic Approaches to Cervical Health
07:16 Meet Mimi Lindquist
08:46 How HPV Spreads and Why It’s So Common
11:10 What Happens After an HPV Diagnosis
27:06 How to Boost Your Immunity Without Toxic Overwhelm
41:43 Nutritional and Supplemental Support
49:05 The Role of AHCC in Natural HPV Treatment
50:08 What You Need to Know About Pregnancy and Pap Smears
52:48 Is AHCC Safe During Pregnancy?
56:28 Why So Many Women Are Questioning Mainstream Approaches
57:31 Mimi’s Personal Experience with the Gardasil Vaccine
01:05:40 Gardasil: What the Ads Don’t Tell You
01:14:44 HPV, Fertility, and TTC Real Talk
01:18:39 Emotional and Energetic Impact of HPV
01:26:07 Most Common Questions About Cervical Health
01:30:32 Resources, Encouragement, and Where to Start
01:34:44 Final Thoughts and Pep Talk from Your Birth Bestie
Guest Bio:
Meagan (Mimi) Lindquist is the co-host of The Medicin Podcast where she and her husband, Chase, help others proactively create deep, passionate partnership supported by a healthy and conscious lifestyle. With her background as a clinical dental hygienist, culinary nutrition expert, AHCC® educator, and mushroom enthusiast, she has been helping others prevent disease for over 12 years now. Over the last 4 years, Mimi’s work has led her to educating and supporting women from all over the world who’ve received an HPV+ result and receiving little or no support from conventional medicine. She assists women in becoming empowered, active participants in their expression of health and proactively creating a life that they love.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
www.TheMedicin.com
https://www.themedicin.com/products/p/ahcc
https://www.amazon.com/HPV-Vaccine-Trial-Generation-Betrayed/dp/1799754944
https://justtheinserts.com/hpv/
Podcast episode with Just The Inserts
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Welcome back to The Birth Lounge Podcast—where we challenge the status quo, ask the questions the system hopes you won’t, and take your family’s health seriously (without fear-mongering or fluff).
In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Kelly Ryerson, co-executive director of American ReGen and founder of Glyphosate Facts. With degrees from Dartmouth and Stanford, Kelly brings the heat and the receipts on one of the most important (and honestly, infuriating) topics in modern health: glyphosate.
Yup, that’s the same chemical in Roundup—the most widely used pesticide on Earth.
And spoiler alert: it’s likely in your pantry right now.
We dive deep into:
- The truth about glyphosate’s impact on your gut, your mental health, and your baby’s long-term development
- How companies like Monsanto (now Bayer) are still running the show—and why we can’t trust the system to keep us safe
- What you can do today to reduce your exposure (hello, water filters + better food choices)
- Why baby food is a big red flag (yes, even organic)
- What’s actually happening on farms, and how regenerative practices can change the game
This episode is part science, part scandal, and fully focused on helping you take back control of your health—because no one is coming to do that for you.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually in your food, how it’s affecting your hormones, fertility, or your growing baby, or why the U.S. is behind other countries in banning toxic chemicals…
This is your episode.
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome & Why This Matters
01:46 The Hidden Dangers in Our Food
03:18 Meet Kelly Ryerson
03:58 Glyphosate 101
08:20 Why It’s So Widely Used (and How It Got That Way)
21:53 The Health Fallout: Gut, Brain, and Beyond
34:27 How to Shop Smarter & Spot Safer Foods
37:58 What Other Countries Are Doing Right
44:37 Why Some Farmers Don’t See the Problem
46:07 How Policy, Profit & Pesticides Are All Linked
47:47 Dead Soil = Dead Nutrition
49:28 The Rise of Regenerative Farming
51:06 Safer Options for Home & Garden
55:39 Baby Food Red Flags
58:20 What’s Lurking in Juice, Wine & Beer
01:00:50 Nontoxic Yard Care (Your Pets Will Thank You)
01:04:31 Monsanto’s Long Game of Deception
01:09:02 Government + Industry: Too Cozy?
01:15:47 Reclaiming Your Family’s Health
01:17:59 Final Takeaways + Where to Start
Listen now and take the first step toward safer choices, stronger advocacy, and raising a healthier generation.
Guest Bio:
Kelly Ryerson works at the intersection of agriculture and health. She regularly collaborates with regenerative farmers, scientists, policymakers and media to address agrochemical damage to our soil and bodies. Kelly is the co-Executive Director of American Regeneration and also founded the news site Glyphosate Facts. Kelly has contributed to numerous podcasts, publications, and documentaries including the recent award winning documentary Common Ground. She is an Ambassador for The Rodale Institute. Kelly has a BA from Dartmouth College, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and completed training in integrative health coaching at Duke Integrative Medicine.
INSTAGRAM & SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
In this eye-opening episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is joined by Jenn Thatcher, the founder and CEO of Zebra, to discuss the alarming truth about the misleading marketing of 'natural' products. They delve into Jenn's personal journey from battling her children's health issues to creating a truly clean and transparent brand. They break down the harmful ingredients often found in everyday wellness products like deodorant and toothpaste, and why the term 'natural' is frequently misused. Jenn shares insights on how to read personal care product labels, the significance of third-party certifications, and the intricacies of sourcing clean ingredients. This episode is packed with essential information for anyone looking to make informed choices about their personal care products and overall health.
00:00 The Deceptive Marketing of 'Natural' Products
01:05 The Struggle to Find a Clean Deodorant
03:06 The Painful Journey of Testing Deodorants
06:09 Discovering Zebra Deodorant
06:40 Interview with Zebra's CEO, Jenn Thatcher
06:55 Jenn’s Personal Story and Motivation
07:43 The Birth of Zebra: A Transparent Brand
08:42 The Importance of Clean Ingredients
12:49 Jenn's Family Health Scares
24:31 The Challenges of Sourcing Pure Ingredients
32:10 The True Cost of Quality Products
38:40 The Dangers of Antiperspirants
41:18 The Hidden Dangers of Fragrances
43:29 Petroleum-Derived Ingredients in Beauty Products
44:46 Decoding Labels: Identifying Harmful Ingredients
46:27 Trust Issues with Beauty Brands
47:25 Zebra's Commitment to Transparency and Safety
55:05 The Hydroxyapatite Debate
01:02:02 Concerns About Traditional Toothpaste Ingredients
01:08:25 The Problem with Dental Floss
01:14:10 Sourcing and Transparency in Beauty Products
01:16:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Jenn Thatcher left a successful career as an international artist to found ZEBRA. Jenn believes her children were victims of dirty products and a system that is designed to trick consumers. Her son Jack’s diagnosis of a brain tumor made her even more vigilant at researching every single ingredient in the products her family was using.
She realized that products are really not always as natural as they seem. She decided if she wanted something truly safe, and high performance she was going to have to create it herself. This is how ZEBRA was born.
Jenn’s faith and love of country is woven into ZEBRA, not only are the ingredients in the products “black and white,” but she lives by the idea of the constitution and the Bible being black and white as well. ZEBRA is a non-toxic, freedom loving brand who answers to no one but the Creator himself.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
code HEHE for 10% off at yayzebra.com