The Birth Lounge Podcast

What are the most common reasons for a home birth transfer?
Is every transfer an emergency?

If you’ve found yourself wondering about this, you’re exactly where you need to be.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with birth doula, childbirth educator, business owner, former teacher, and MSW student Jen Walts to talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: creating a thoughtful transfer plan to support a smooth, patient-centered, trauma-informed transition from a home or birth center setting to the hospital if the need arises. Because here’s the truth: planning for transfer isn’t planning for failure — it’s planning for safety, flexibility, and peace of mind.

HeHe and Jen walk through why transfer planning matters and encourage parents to ask their midwife about transfer timing and transfer rates (and why a rate of zero can actually be a red flag). They gently reframe transfer as a responsible, informed pivot when circumstances call for additional support.

This conversation covers common reasons for transfer, like maternal health, baby’s health, and access to additional tools such as pain management (including epidurals), assisted vaginal delivery options, and postpartum repair.

They also explore how fear of the hospital can complicate transfer, the importance of understanding the “why” behind birth location choice, how a transfer can impact the nervous system, and the role of surrender and flexibility when a birth plan changes. Jen recommends developing a hospital backup birth preference sheet, including a shorter “top 10” list of non-negotiables to share with the receiving team, with examples such as immediate skin-to-skin, backup skin-to-skin plans if separation occurs, delayed cord clamping, newborn feeding preferences, and cesarean-specific requests. 

 

Guest Bio:

Jen has been a birth doula, childbirth educator and business owner for five years. She taught high school for ten years and is now pursuing her second Masters degree. She hopes to become a licensed social worker and therapist to children and families in Massachusetts.

 

Connect with Jen here: Thebirthpath.org

https://www.pioneervalleydoulas.com/

 

Get $100 OFF Hypnobirthing with Jen Walts (virtual or in person) when you mention that heard about it here! 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Jen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/_thebirthpath_/

BIRTH EDUCATION:

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

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

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe 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

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe is joined by Tracy aka Modern Day Midwife (a hospital-based midwife in Arizona with a NICU background) for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about the realities of modern healthcare.

Together, they unpack how the U.S. healthcare system is failing both patients and providers, from provider burnout and lack of mental health support to the pressures of hospital politics, insurance reimbursement, and productivity quotas.

They explore the difference between  “Medicine 1.0” (acute care) and “Medicine 2.0” (preventative care, functional medicine, wellness), and how insurance-driven, fee-for-service models often prioritize sick care over true health. The result? Confusing medical bills, rushed care, poor patient experiences, and providers who are stretched thin despite doing deeply meaningful work.

HeHe and Tracy dive into the unique challenges facing women’s health, maternity care, and birth: over-medicalization, the cascade of interventions, the limits of 10-minute OB-GYN appointments, maternity care deserts, and the need for individualized care, informed consent, and continuity of care. From ACOG guidelines to ever changing evidence and research, they explore possible solutions including a midwifery-led model of care, better transfer systems for home birth and birth center patients, coverage for doulas and health coaching, and shifting consumer demand away from traditional insurance and towards alternatives like health shares. 

Tracy shares her exciting vision for an integrated wellness hub that could include midwifery, obstetrics, pelvic floor PT, lactation, chiropractic care, and community-based health supports, and ends by sharing how to connect with her at Premier OB GYN in Phoenix and via Modern Day Midwife online and on Instagram.

 

00:00 Why Healthcare Breaks Providers

02:24 Burnout and Speaking Up

04:59 Fear and Privilege in Advocacy

07:18 Who Supports Clinicians

12:32 Medicine 1.0 vs Prevention

17:25 Billing Confusion and Fee for Service

19:06 Burn It Down or Reform It

23:55 Disrupting Insurance and Incentives

26:49 Birth Care Needs a New Model

29:36 Preeclampsia Prevention Debate

30:47 Rethinking Maternity Care Roles

32:04 Money in Wellness Care

34:55 Building a One Stop Birth Hub

37:43 Continuity Across Birth Settings

41:45 Evidence Based Medicine Reality Check

47:56 ACOG Guidelines vs Individual Choice

53:23 Demanding Individualized Care

55:11 Rebuilding Healthcare and Provider Support

56:59 Where to Find Tracy

58:15 Closing Thanks and Resources

 

Guest Bio:

Meet Tracy Burns, Board Certified Nurse Midwife. Tracy graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2003 with her bachelor's degree in nursing. After graduation, Tracy spent a year in labor and delivery as a bedside RN and then took a job in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Tracy spent the first 13 years of her career taking care of premature infants and mothers before pursuing her advanced practice career in Women’s Health.

 

Tracy graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2017 with her Master’s degree in Midwifery. With a big heart for women, Tracy is an advocate for midwifery care for women and the continuity of care model. Tracy has been an active team player in bringing midwifery services to Banner Estrella and Abrazo West. Tracy is passionate about health and wellness. She believes in using a functional/integrative approach to health promotion/disease prevention through an early introduction to nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, and community. Tracy is committed to caring for women by collaborating with other like-minded providers who are as committed to changing the way we care for women in America.

 

Tracy is married and has two teenage daughters. She enjoys Crossfit, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She is a co-owner of Crossfit Fury, CrossFit Trainer, and BirthFit professional. Tracy and her husband are actively involved in changing maternal and neonatal outcomes globally through Helping Babies and Mothers Survive Campaign.

 

Connect with Tracy here: Www.moderndaymidwife.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Tracy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymidwife/

 

BIRTH EDUCATION:

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

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

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe 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

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe welcomes Kara, a Mother-Baby Nurse and mom of three, to walk through what actually happens after you leave labor and delivery and transition to postpartum care. From fundal checks and C-section vitals to newborn screenings, pain management, lactation support, and discharge, this episode gives you clarity without overwhelm.

This episode is detailed, practical, and empowering. Postpartum in the hospital doesn’t have to feel chaotic when you understand what’s routine, what’s optional, and where your voice matters most.

00:00 Speak Up in the Hospital: You Can Say No (Advocacy Mindset)

01:05 Listener Story: Holding Firm Against 39-Week Induction Pressure

03:56 How to Use the Birth Lounge App to Back Up Your Choices

06:10 Maternity Leave Update + Why This Episode Is a Re-Air

07:50 Postpartum in the Hospital: What We’ll Cover (Tests, Checks, Taboo Topics)

09:08 Meet Kara the Baby Nurse: Mother-Baby RN + Mom of Three

10:40 The Postpartum Unit Reality Check: It’s More Than ‘Rest and Discharge’

12:10 Transition from L&D to Postpartum: Bedside Report + LDRP vs Separate Units

15:25 First 4 Hours Post-Birth: Fundal Checks, Vitals, Safety Paperwork, Goals

18:27 Getting Up After Birth: Movement, Gas Pain, and C-Section Recovery

20:47 If You Decline Fundal Checks: Bleeding & Clot Warning Signs to Watch

23:19 Postpartum Pain Management: Meds, Non-Pharm Options, and Speaking Up

27:35 Who’s Coming in Your Room: Rounds, Labs, Screens, and the DND Sign

35:09 Baby’s Pediatrician Exam: Nursery vs In-Room, No-Separation Rights

39:40 Newborn Head-to-Toe Exam & Routine Postpartum Checks

40:26 Newborn Screening Labs: PKU Heel Prick, Bilirubin, Car Seat & Hearing

42:46 Sponsor Break: Lalo Registry Must-Haves (Travel High Chair + Play Kit)

45:55 Bilirubin & Jaundice: What the Numbers Mean + Phototherapy Options

48:05 Newborn Hearing Screen: How It Works & What a “Fail” Usually Means

50:28 Newborn Meds/Vaccines in Postpartum: Vit K, Erythromycin, Hep B Timing

51:45 Breastfeeding Support in the Hospital: Nurse Training, Latch Help & Pumps

55:43 Baby Weight Loss & When to Supplement (Pumping, Donor Milk, Formula)

58:24 Circumcision 101: Procedure, Pain Control, Aftercare & Red Flags

01:03:40 Advocating for Yourself: Communication, Boundaries & Requesting a New Nurse

01:07:08 The Postpartum Poop: Why Staff Ask, What Helps, When to Call Your Doctor

01:11:26 Wrap-Up: Kara’s Book & Sleep Course + Where to Follow

Guest Bio:

Kara is a mother-baby, hospital based nurse with 3 kids of her own. Her passion is educating and empowering people through her social media pages. She shares nurse tips and mom tricks, author of the book Why Didn’t I Learn all this Parent Stuff Sooner?, and creator of a tried and true baby sleep course. You can find her @karathrbabynurse on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram!

 

Connect with Kara here: https://karathebabynurse.com/link-in-bio/

 

Check out Kara's sleep course here: https://kara-s-site-b397.thinkific.com/courses/karathebabynurse

 

Snag her book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBSH4Q9Z/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2GWZSFDOW1WFP&keywords=kara+thompson&qid=1661365188&sprefix=kara+thompson%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-6

 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Kara on IG: https://www.instagram.com/karathebabynurse/

BIRTH EDUCATION:

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

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

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe 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

LINKS MENTIONED:

Lalo
Beautiful, minimalist baby gear that actually works for real life. From their travel-friendly Hook-On High Chair to their durable, design-forward Play Kit, Lalo creates pieces that grow with your family and look good doing it. Head to https://www.meetlalo.com/ and use code HEHE to save.

 

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

In this episode of the The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe shares her full home birth story and early postpartum reflections after welcoming her baby boy earthside.

She breaks down her intentional choice to build a home birth team to protect autonomy and avoid unnecessary interventions, walks through a long, physiologic labor, and shares how informed consent, continuous support, and advocacy shaped a trauma-free birth experience. From 'late' labor, slow progress, and powerful pushing to staying grounded through conversations about hospital transfer, this episode is a real look at what empowered, supported birth can actually look like.

HeHe also shares early postpartum life, including her thoughts on lying-in, breastfeeding, babywearing, and motherhood updates on Instagram @TranquilityByHeHe.

00:00 Why This Birth Couldn’t Happen in a Typical U.S. Hospital

01:09 “I Have a Baby!” Postpartum Awe + Becoming a Mom

04:18 Why I Share Online: Birth Rights, Options & Normalizing Motherhood

07:16 Privacy Boundaries: Protecting Baby’s Details in the AI Era

09:31 12 Days Past Due: Date Night Sushi & The First Contractions

12:44 Water Breaks at 6:30 AM: Confirming, Mucus Plug & Waking Dad

15:53 All-Day Early Labor: Staying Home, No Pressure, Infection Precautions

19:51 Night 2 Ramps Up: Birth Space Setup, Dinner, Slow Dance & Shower

27:03 3 AM Toilet Time: Transition Signs, Filling the Tub & Calling the Team

33:59 Sponsor Break: Cozy Earth Postpartum Comfort Essentials

36:04 In the Birth Pool: Team Arrives, Complete Dilation & Passive Pushing Begins

38:27 Ferguson vs. Fetal Ejection Reflex: When FER Never Shows Up

40:10 Benadryl Rest Strategy: Trying to Reset a Stalled Pushing Pattern

41:47 Calling in the Chiropractor: Adjustments for Positioning & Persistent Rectal Pain

42:52 All the Positions, No Progress: Movement Marathon to Bring Contractions Closer

43:21 Midwives Say ‘You Have to Push’: Letting Go of Waiting for FER

45:51 Shower + Birth Ball & ‘Hulk Out’ Mode: Feeling Hair and Finding Fuel

48:43 Perfect Vitals, Growing Concern: The Transfer Conversation Looms

50:37 Clearing the Bathroom: Talking to Baby, Asking for a Sign

54:06 Husband Advocates to Stay Home: Autonomy, Risk Talk, and Trust

57:16 Crowning for 90 Minutes: The Final Push to Birth

59:29 After Birth Care: APGARs, Pitocin Decision, and Stitches

01:01:07 The Afterglow: Doulas, Dad’s Support, and First Night at Home

01:04:01 What Made It Possible: Prep, Team Support, and Mindset Lessons

01:08:04 Big Takeaways: Autonomy, No Birth Trauma, and Final Thanks

 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

 

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

LINKS MENTIONED:

Check out the First Trimester Update HeHe mentioned here: https://youtu.be/DgcQGnHJ-Aw?si=6sgC5o4iOtuT94WE

 

Save 10$ on Tubina Wild with code HEHE: https://www.tubinawild.com/shop  

Check out the birth sling here: https://thebirthsling.com/ 

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe dives into the big, messy, beautiful reality of life after baby. She introduces Dad Daze, a course created to give dads-to-be the tools, knowledge, and confidence to show up fully—from labor and delivery to postpartum support—so they can be active partners in parenthood.

HeHe is joined by Kalista Anderson, founder of the New Mom Boss podcast, RN, lactation counselor, and new mom coach. Together, they unpack how relationships shift after a baby, why it’s so important to notice and prepare for those changes, and how love languages impact connection in the postpartum period. They share practical strategies for communicating, leaning on your support system, and reigniting intimacy, so partners feel supported, connected, and empowered in this wild transitional time.

This conversation is full of real talk, actionable tips, and gentle guidance for navigating your relationship during the rollercoaster of postpartum life.

00:00 Introduction to New Parenthood Challenges

00:59 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:41 Introducing Dad Days Course

02:24 Course Details and Benefits

04:48 Re-airing Popular Episodes During Maternity Leave

06:46 Interview with Kallista Anderson

08:44 Postpartum Relationship Changes

14:43 Importance of Communication and Affection

17:35 Date Nights and Love Languages

22:29 Understanding Fertility Tracking

22:48 Personal Fertility Tracking Methods

24:02 Navigating Postpartum Touch and Intimacy

28:18 Reengaging in Sex After Baby

29:32 Supporting Each Other Postpartum

33:19 Building Your Postpartum Village

35:15 Adapting Postpartum Plans

38:13 Final Thoughts and Resources

 

Guest Bio:

Kallista is married and is a mom of 3.  She is a registered nurse and finished the lactation counselor training course through The Center for Breastfeeding.  Kallista helps new moms in their journey into motherhood. From pregnancy to welcoming baby in arms and beyond, she offers education, support, as well as her own experience.  In this episode we are diving into your relationship with your partner postpartum! 

See the originally published episode here: Ep. 173: Your Relationship with Your Partner Post Baby with Kallista Andersen

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with Kalista on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kallista-andersen-7762651b2/ to see what she’s up to now 

 

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/ 

Psst. Dad Daze is included in the lifetime membership! 

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

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with couples therapist and relationship coach Jonathan Van Viegen to unpack something that shows up in almost every partnership at some point: emotional dysregulation.

Together, they break down what dysregulation actually means, not as a label or a flaw, but as what happens when emotions come out sideways instead of being expressed in healthy, connecting ways. Jonathan shares insights from his upcoming book, including what he’s learned from working with couples in high-stress, high-conflict seasons, while also reminding listeners that regulation, repair, and connection deserve just as much attention as the hard moments.

The conversation explores how expectations, self-awareness, and reflection shape the way we show up for our partners, especially during seasons like financial stress, career pressure, pregnancy, and parenting. They talk openly about communication breakdowns, rebuilding physical intimacy, and why support and curiosity matter more than “getting it right.”

You’ll also hear Jonathan’s practical, no-fluff tools for improving communication, reconnecting emotionally and physically, and navigating hard conversations without spiraling into blame or shutdown. Yes, they even go there on the topic of scheduled sex and why it can actually support intimacy instead of killing it.

This episode is a reminder that strong relationships aren’t built by avoiding conflict, they’re built by learning how to come back to each other with honesty, regulation, and care.

 

Guest Bio:

Jonathan Van Viegen is a couples therapist, relationship coach, and author of an upcoming book to be found in stores in 2026. With over 10,000 hours helping couples rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional connection, he’s known for his no-fluff, solution-focused approach that actually gets results. His work has transformed thousands of relationships, and he’s on a mission to save a million marriages.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with Jonathan on IG 

 

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.

 

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://stan.store/relationshipswithjonathan

In this episode, HeHe shares a quick life update before re-airing one of our most-loved conversations while she’s on maternity leave and it’s one that still matters a lot.

This episode pulls back the curtain on hospital-sponsored childbirth education and why so many expectant parents leave those classes feeling more confused, constrained, or quietly uneasy instead of truly prepared. We talk about how bias shows up, why informed consent is often glossed over, and what gets left out when education is tied to the same system providing your care.

This is an honest, empowering conversation about why independent, evidence-based, out-of-hospital childbirth education can change how you experience pregnancy, birth, and advocacy. It’s about understanding your options, protecting your autonomy, and reducing the risk of trauma by being informed before decisions feel urgent.

If you’ve ever wondered why traditional birth classes didn’t quite sit right, or you want education that trusts your intelligence and centers your voice, this episode is for you.

New episodes drop every Wednesday and Friday. Follow along and join The Birth Lounge community for grounded, non-judgmental birth education and support that actually prepares you for the real thing. 💛

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

 

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares her personal journey through the final weeks of her pregnancy. As she eagerly anticipates the arrival of her baby, she details her physical and emotional experiences, including her decisions on newborn resuscitation training, gestational diabetes testing, and preparation for labor. HeHe discusses the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy, counting kicks for fetal monitoring, and the importance of having a supportive birth team. Follow along as she provides insights into staying active, managing pregnancy symptoms, and preparing for the big day.

 

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Welcome

01:05 Pregnancy Reflections and Preparations

05:27 Third Trimester Experiences

09:35 Gestational Diabetes Testing

11:38 Baby Gear and Nursery Planning

28:22 Unexpected Pregnancy Symptoms

33:45 Final Preparations and Reflections

41:11 Conclusion and Farewell

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

LINKS MENTIONED:

Check out our episode on pushing her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZrzPyJLu50

 

Check out our episode on Gestational Diabetes here: https://youtu.be/rgRyNfOOgKU?si=DjdOM21A_yqhw0lr

  

Listen to our episode about counting kicks here: https://youtu.be/0nBT2FxZJfA?si=prnyGCdjwzXUZXfc

 

Listen to our episode about choosing a stroller with Hip Baby Gear: https://youtu.be/ljVnpZwhKlk?si=eTiU16-XHlzVnvMy

Check out Dr. Berlin’s Growing with HeHe: https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/growing-with-hehe

Check out the electrolytes HeHe likes here (use code HEHE for a discount!): https://justingredients.us/products/electrolytes-blue-hawaiian?selling_plan=3422945473

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

 

Preeclampsia is one of those pregnancy conditions that gets mentioned often, explained poorly, and frequently dismissed until it suddenly isn’t. In this episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Dallas Reed to pull back the curtain on what preeclampsia actually is, how it shows up, and what expectant parents deserve to understand long before things feel urgent.

Together, they break down the basics in a way that’s clear and human, including how common preeclampsia really is, what symptoms to take seriously, and how to make sense of blood pressure readings and pregnancy-related hypertension diagnoses. Dr. Reed explains the differences between severe and non-severe preeclampsia, what monitoring can look like before and after 37 weeks, and why postpartum preeclampsia deserves more attention than it often gets.

The conversation also explores prevention and management, including lifestyle considerations, aspirin use, and how care plans may differ depending on risk level, gestational age, and whether someone is being monitored inpatient or outpatient.

A major focus of the episode is the future of personalized maternal care, including a deep dive into the Encompass test. This new RNA-based blood test, available between 18 and 22 weeks, helps identify pregnancies at higher risk for preeclampsia and pairs that insight with an evidence-based action plan and virtual support. Dr. Reed shares how this type of testing may change the way providers and families approach monitoring, communication, and early intervention, including potential benefits for out-of-hospital birth settings.

This episode is grounded, evidence-based, and empowering, offering expectant parents tools, language, and understanding so they can participate confidently in their care rather than feeling blindsided by it.

 

Mirvie will be accepting insurance soon so check with your providers! You can also use code HeHe for $300 off! 

 

Learn more at https://encompasstest.com/get-the-test

 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Preeclampsia

00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:39 Features of The Birth Lounge App

03:00 Pregnancy and Postpartum Articles

04:54 Introduction to Today's Episode

07:47 Discussion with Dr. Dallas Reed

08:35 Understanding Preeclampsia

10:46 Symptoms and Diagnosis

18:56 Managing Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

22:37 Risk Factors and Prevention

31:59 Strategies to Prevent Preeclampsia

32:29 Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations

33:37 Monitoring and Follow-Up

35:05 Risks and Complications of Preeclampsia

37:05 Postpartum Preeclampsia

39:20 Managing Preeclampsia Before 37 Weeks

41:20 Inpatient Care and Medications

46:22 Understanding the Encompass Test

53:06 Benefits of the Encompass Test for Home Births

58:19 Final Thoughts and Resources

 

Guest Bio:

Dr. Dallas Reed, practicing OBGYN, medical geneticist and advisor to Mirvie, a company delivering data-driven solutions for predictive and preventive care in pregnancy. Mirvie recently launched Encompass, which is the first RNA-based blood test to predict preeclampsia risk, combined with an evidence-based preventive action plan and virtual assistant to guide individualized support and care. 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with Mirvie on IG 

 

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.

 

Some birth stories don’t go the way anyone expects, and Hannah’s is one that every expectant parent deserves to hear.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, Hannah joins us to share her experience of developing preeclampsia and giving birth at 28 weeks, despite having what looked like a completely normal pregnancy. She walks us through the early signs that were easy to miss, the moment everything shifted, and what it was like to suddenly find herself navigating a NICU stay she never saw coming.

Together, we talk about why preeclampsia can feel so shocking, how often it’s missed or caught late, and why first trimester placental screening has the potential to change outcomes. Hannah shares what she wishes she had known sooner, what helped her advocate within the medical system, and how early detection could have altered her experience.

This conversation also offers practical, heartfelt support for NICU parents and the people who love them. Hannah shares what actually helped during her NICU journey, how relationships can shift under that kind of stress, and what meaningful support really looks like when a baby arrives early.

We also explore emerging tools like the Encompass test, the role of baby aspirin, and how global practices around placental screening differ from what’s commonly offered in the U.S. This episode isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness, advocacy, and the belief that parents deserve better information earlier.

If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or supporting someone through a high-risk experience, this episode will leave you feeling more informed, more empowered, and less alone.

Guest Bio:

Hannah is a NICU mom turned maternal health advocate. After developing severe preeclampsia at 28 weeks, she delivered her daughter three months early to save both of their lives. Now, Hannah shares what she wishes she had known so other parents don’t have to be blindsided by a diagnosis they were never truly prepared for.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with Hannah on IG 

 

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.

 

LINKS/RESOURCES:

If the NICU has touched your story, our NICU Support & Survival playlist on YouTube is there to hold space with honest conversations and supportive guidance.

 

These are the NICU outfits from Luxie Charm Hannah mentioned! 

 

Learn more about why first trimester preeclampsia screening matters. This short video from Labcorp breaks down the importance of early, blood-based screening across pregnancy and how earlier insight can change outcomes for families: https://womenshealth.labcorp.com/preeclampsia-risk-assessment-across-all-trimesters-using-blood-based-biochemical-markers

Support making early screening the standard of care: Hannah has started a petition advocating for first trimester preeclampsia risk screening to be included in routine prenatal care in the U.S., helping protect parents before they’re ever blindsided: https://www.change.org/p/make-first-trimester-risk-screening-part-of-standard-prenatal-care-in-the-u-s