We’re exploring option from conception to childhood to help women take control of their fertility, birth experience, postpartum healing, and motherhood journey! This is a safe space for all parents to hear what the experts have to say and to hear from influencer parents and their take on parenthood! Join us for all things birth and parenthood for an empowering and educational walk with a birth and newborn expert and the found of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, HeHe Stewart.
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
Welcome back to another episode of The Birth Lounge podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into managing and healing symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance. Host HeHe is joined by Heather Oricchio, an integrative health practitioner specializing in gut health, detoxification, hormone balancing, and holistic healing. Heather shares her personal journey with MCAS, exploring topics like the role of gut health, the impact of sleep and diet, nervous system regulation, and natural therapies such as lymphatic drainage, castor oil packs, and red light therapy. They discuss the importance of addressing environmental factors like mold, parasites, and EMFs and dive into personalized care plans for those experiencing MCAS. Heather also provides practical advice on supplements, probiotics, and gentle exercise for MCAS sufferers, along with her holistic approach for achieving remission.
00:55 Exploring Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
01:33 Introducing Heather Oricchio
02:13 Heather's Personal Journey with MCAS
03:05 Understanding MCAS Symptoms and Triggers
04:16 Heather's Approach to Healing MCAS
06:03 Heather Explains MCAS in Detail
07:49 Challenges in Diagnosing MCAS
08:50 The Rise of Histamine and Mast Cell Issues
09:41 Personal Stories and Symptoms
14:34 The Role of Genetics and Environment
17:41 Nervous System Regulation and Healing
25:06 Morning Routines for MCAS Management
29:58 Trendy Foods and MCAS
32:01 Exercise and MCAS
35:42 Hormones and MCAS
38:35 Exploring MCAS and Infertility
39:12 Personal Fears and Fertility Journey
40:30 Hormonal Fluctuations and Histamine
41:30 Environmental and Emotional Triggers
41:59 Tracking Symptoms and Estrogen Dominance
44:03 Lymphatic Drainage and Detox Practices
46:00 Gut Health, Mold, and Mycotoxins
49:41 The Importance of Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
52:57 Supplements and Probiotics for MCAS
57:55 Heather's Healing Journey
01:01:00 Coffee Enemas and Detoxification
01:05:52 Genetic Factors and MCAS
01:07:36 Connecting with Heather and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Heather Oricchio knows firsthand how frustrating it is to feel trapped by your own body. After struggling with histamine intolerance for years, she made it her mission to find real, lasting relief—and now she helps others to do the same. As an Integrative Health Practitioner, she specializes in histamine intolerance/ Mast Cell Activation Disorder with a strong focus on gut health, detoxification and hormone balancing, guiding women to heal naturally so they can feel like themselves again. Her approach honors the body’s natural wisdom to heal—when we stop fighting it and start giving it the right support to not just reverse symptoms but to truly thrive.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.revivewithheather.com/mast-cell-recovery-program
Proper Dry Brushing with Kelly Kennedy
7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares her 5-year struggle with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a condition where mast cells release chemicals like histamine inappropriately. She is sharing all the details about how diagnosing MCAS has been complicated, if not impossible in the allopathic care system, and describes her personal journey, including a surprising reprieve during pregnancy. In this episode, HeHe chats with Dr. Zac Spiritos, a neuro gastroenterologist, in a conversation about MCAS, its symptoms, triggers, and management. Dr. Zac provides an in-depth look at MCAS, comparing it to histamine intolerance and systemic mastocytosis, and discusses potential causes and common diagnostic tests. The dialogue also covers the impact of diets, the role of the immune system, and the complexities involved in treating such conditions. Insights into Dr. Zac's holistic approach and upcoming telehealth clinic for complex digestive disorders are also shared, providing valuable information for listeners navigating similar health challenges.
00:00 Introduction and Medication Dilemma
01:00 HeHe’s Journey with MCAS
01:31 Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
02:32 Challenges in Diagnosing MCAS
04:34 Introducing Dr. Zac Spiritos
06:07 MCAS Symptoms and Triggers
07:49 MCAS Management and Treatment Options
16:14 MCAS and Pregnancy
23:56 Neuro Gastroenterology Explained
28:17 The Brain-Gut Connection
30:02 Understanding GI Health and MCAS
30:56 Histamine Intolerance Explained
31:52 Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
33:17 Systemic Mastocytosis and Testing
36:35 High Histamine Foods and Diet Management
47:21 Genetics and Environmental Triggers
49:13 Conclusion and Resources
Guest Bio:
Dr. Zac Spiritos is a Neurogastroenterologist and is the co-founder of EverBetter Medicine, a holistic telehealth clinic specializing in complex digestive conditions, dysautonomia, and medical weight management. The practice combines evidence-based medicine with personalized care, focusing on nutrition, movement, nervous system regulation, and targeted therapies. EverBetter Medicine is built on the belief that patients deserve time, attention, and a comprehensive approach to healing—because feeling better starts with being heard.
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://everbettermedicine.health/
Friday Jun 06, 2025
Friday Jun 06, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of free birth with birth photographer and doula Lacey Barratt. They discuss the conditioning that leads women to rely on medical professionals, the spiritual and logistical aspects of planning a free birth, and the radical responsibility involved. Lacey shares her own powerful birth stories from moving to Australia, having a home birth, a birth center birth, a free birth, and then going back to hiring midwives. Tune in to hear about family-centered births, the role of intuition, and the impact of systemic challenges in both U.S. and Australian healthcare on birthing choices. This episode is packed with insights on medical autonomy, intuitive birthing, and the layers of responsibility in choosing to free birth.
00:00 Introduction to Free Birth
01:46 Statistics and Definitions of Free Birth
04:37 Lacey Barratt's Birth Story
05:44 Challenges and Decisions in Free Birth
29:53 Radical Responsibility in Birth Choices
48:57 Understanding Anxiety vs. Intuition
49:32 The Impact of Gaslighting on Women
50:22 Feminine and Masculine Energy Dynamics
52:33 The Importance of Speaking Up
57:02 Challenges in the Healthcare System
01:06:48 Navigating Birth Choices and Trauma
01:23:37 Family-Centered Birth Experiences
01:27:04 Advice for Considering Free Birth
01:29:52 Conclusion and Resources
Guest Bio:
Lacey Barratt is a birth photographer and freebirth doula from Australia. She is also the Director of @birthphotogs.
SOCAIL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6642827/
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, we delve into the often controversial topic of free birth with guest Alia Wright, a free birth coach, doula, and mother of three. Host HeHe discusses the principles of radical responsibility, autonomy, and the deep trust in women's ability to make informed choices about their birth experiences. The conversation covers what free birth entails, common myths and misconceptions of freebirth, prenatal care practices, and how to prepare yourself and your partner for a free birth. Alia Wright shares her insights on the sacredness of free birth, the role of intuition, and practical tips for handling emergencies. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive look at free birth, encouraging expectant mothers to explore their birthing options without fear.
00:00 Introduction to Free Birth
01:01 Discussing the Controversy of Free Birth
02:36 Exploring the Free Birth Community
04:37 Guest Introduction: Alia Wright
06:38 Defining Free Birth
09:50 The Role of Support in Free Birth
14:49 Challenges and Misconceptions
37:37 Legalities and Authority in Free Birth
49:07 Navigating Medical Counsel During Free Birth
49:41 Advocating for Your Birth Choices
52:40 Personal Responsibility in Free Birth
56:53 Exploring Prenatal Care Options
01:03:12 Trusting Your Intuition
01:13:39 Partner's Role in Free Birth
01:22:51 Handling Common Free Birth Concerns
01:33:48 Connecting with Alia Wright
01:35:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Guest Bio:
Alia Wright is a freebirth coach, doula, and mother of three, devoted to helping women reclaim birth as a natural, intuitive, and sovereign experience. As a wife, homemaker, and homeschooling mother, Alia weaves the sacred into the everyday—believing that birth is not something to be feared or managed, but something to be embodied and honored.
With over a decade in the birth world and two powerful freebirths of her own, she supports women in shedding the fears and conditioning of the medical model so they can fully trust their instincts and bodies. Her work centers on mindset, intuition, radical responsibility, and returning birth to women.
Known for her “tough love with a soft landing” approach, Alia guides mothers to deepen their confidence, embrace the unknown, and step into birth as a rite of passage. Her passion extends into holistic living, from herbal remedies and low-tox homemaking to nourishing food and natural family rhythms.
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 May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares untraditional aspects to consider when creating your birth plan, or birth preference sheet, as HeHe likes to call it. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the phases of labor, choosing the right people in your birth space, considering all available tools and medications, and planning for postpartum care. HeHe also shares insights on maintaining flexibility and making informed decisions during labor. Tune in to learn how to create a thoughtful and comprehensive birth preference sheet that prioritizes your autonomy and informed consent.
00:00 Introduction: The Rush to Labor
00:24 Untraditional Birth Plan Considerations
01:47 The Importance of Birth Preferences
03:44 Understanding the Phases of Labor
04:45 Early Labor: Managing Time and Anxiety
09:09 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing
11:06 Choosing Your Birth Team
17:46 Preparing Your Partner with Dad Daze
21:33 Pain Relief Options in Labor
28:31 Medical and Non-Medical Tools for Labor
31:39 Postpartum Planning and Preferences
36:07 Conclusion: Empowering Your Birth Experience
INSTAGRAM:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Get HeHe’s free class on how to avoid a c-section here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection
https://www.thebirthlounge.com/daddaze
https://www.justtheinserts.com/
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe delves into the transformative journey of birth and parenthood with guest Dr. Britta Bushnell—an expert in childbirth education, mythology, and parenting. The episode explores the impactful themes from Dr. Britta's book, 'Transformed by Birth,' emphasizing the balance between feminine (Artemis) and masculine (Apollo) energies during childbirth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace both the untamed, intuitive side of birth and the structured, analytical aspects. The discussion also highlights the importance of partner involvement, the practice of receiving support, and the experience of parenthood as a rite of passage. HeHe gets vulnerable, sharing personal insights and fears as an expecting mother, offering a relatable and heartfelt narrative for listeners navigating similar journeys.
00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
01:08 The Joy of Podcasting and Listener Engagement
04:02 Encouragement and Requests for Listeners
05:13 Introduction to Today's Episode and Guest
09:26 Discussion on Birth as a Rite of Passage
12:55 Intuition and Pregnancy Experiences
18:31 Challenges and Changes in Parenthood
32:25 Building Resilience and Strong Relationships
41:12 Encouraging Partner Involvement
47:14 The Role of Partners in Pregnancy
47:59 Involving Partners in Birth Decisions
48:44 Supporting Partners' Emotional Needs
51:33 The Metaphor of the River and the Banks
56:50 Practical Tips for Sharing the Mental Load
59:31 Practicing Discomfort Together
01:02:52 Empowering Partners in Birth
01:10:59 The Balance of Artemis and Apollo
01:24:54 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Britta Bushnell, PhD, is a mother, veteran childbirth educator, celebrated speaker, mythologist, and specialist in childbirth, couples, and parenting. For the last 20 years, Dr. Bushnell has worked with individuals and couples as they prepare for the life-changing experience of giving birth. Her work with parents has been enriched by her doctoral work in mythology and psychology, her years spent as a co-owner of Birthing From Within, as well as her dedicated study of solution-focused brief therapy, storytelling, and sustaining vibrancy and helping romantic partnerships thrive even during parenthood.
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:
Curious about Transformed by Birth? Enjoy this free download of Chapter One!
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe discusses the topic of fetal growth restriction (FGR), including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and small for gestational age (SGA) with maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Stephanie Martin. They dive into the implications of these conditions on pregnancy and birth plans, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and the potential need for early delivery to prevent adverse outcomes like stillbirth. Dr. Martin, with over 25 years of experience, also addresses the importance of patient autonomy, advocating for second opinions, and understanding the nuances of ultrasound accuracy. This episode aims to empower expectant parents with evidence-based information, providing a thorough understanding of how to navigate high-risk pregnancies.
00:00 Switching OB Providers: You Have Options
00:51 Welcome Back to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:56 Support the Podcast: Leave a Review
03:46 Today's Topic: Understanding Baby's Size
04:46 Introducing Dr. Stephanie Martin: Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
06:08 Understanding IUGR, FGR, and SGA
07:00 Monitoring and Managing Small Babies
28:17 The Importance of Kick Counts and Trusting Your Instincts
31:56 Finding the Right OB Provider for You
32:58 The Importance of Trust in Healthcare Relationships
33:15 Challenges in Rural Healthcare Access
34:24 The Right to Seek a Second Opinion
35:38 Advocating for Your Own Care
40:31 Understanding Growth Restriction and Birth Plans
42:15 Managing High-Risk Pregnancies
46:52 Post-Birth Expectations for Growth-Restricted Babies
52:25 The Role of Continuous Monitoring During Labor
53:41 Balancing Control and Flexibility in Birth Plans
57:56 Connecting with Dr. Stephanie and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Dr. Martin is an MFM Physician with over 25 years experience caring for complicated pregnancies. She has a special interest in critical care and is passionate about improving maternal pregnancy outcomes and educating teams about how to improve their care.
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!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Dr. Stephanie Martin on IG
LINKS MENTIONED:
Connect with Dr. Stephanie on LinkedIn:
Connect with Clinical Concepts in OB on LinkedIn
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe is joined by guest Marisa Huebsch to discuss the topic of shoulder dystocia, a rare but serious obstetrical emergency. HeHe and Marisa, a certified nurse midwife, explain what shoulder dystocia is, its causes, and how it can be resolved through various maneuvers. She emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and informed decision-making during childbirth, particularly in high-stress situations like shoulder dystocia. They also delve into the risks of shoulder dystocia for both mothers and babies, including potential injuries and the importance of postpartum debriefing. The episode aims to demystify this complication, providing listeners with practical advice on staying in control and advocating for themselves during labor and delivery.
00:00 Introduction and Hospital Choices
01:38 Understanding Shoulder Dystocia
03:26 Preventing and Managing Shoulder Dystocia
03:42 Guest Introduction: Marisa Huebsch
06:21 Personal Experiences with Shoulder Dystocia
08:57 Detailed Maneuvers for Shoulder Dystocia
20:15 Induction and Shoulder Dystocia
25:48 Patient Autonomy and Birth Choices
42:46 Addressing Provider Self-Reflection and Bias
44:55 Handling Trauma and Patient Care
47:46 Navigating Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent
49:18 The Role of Providers in Birth Experiences
01:02:55 Managing Shoulder Dystocia Risks and Outcomes
01:15:15 Empowering Patients Through Education and Support
01:18:32 Final Thoughts and Resources
From Marisa:
I was a Labor and delivery nurse for 6 years, worked in 3 different facilities including high risk units and low risk units. I was also a nurse home visitor with Nurse Family Partnership where I worked with low income first time moms and babies throughout pregnancy and through the child's first 2 years. I am now a hospital based CNM in a high volume practice who collaboratively cares for low and high risk patients with a robust midwife team. My practice philosophy is all about empowering patients to be informed about their care, normalizing physiologic birth, and providing the midwifery care model to high risk patients. I have two children, one born in a hospital and one born at home (unusually LONG multip labor , educated by The Birth Lounge)
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!
Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
Join HeHe in a fascinating interview with Dr. Craig Clayton, a holistic dentist with a passion for birth and women's health. The conversation covers various aspects of holistic dentistry, what it is, functional approaches, and how it differs from traditional dental care. Dr. Clayton explains the connections between oral health and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, pregnancy outcomes, mental health, and fertility. The discussion also covers practical oral health tips, controversial topics like fluoride and root canals, and the impact of diet, hormones, and lifestyle on gum disease and cavities. Be ready to walk away with valuable insights for holistic health and well-being and a full understanding of the importance of comprehensive dental care.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Craig D. Clayton is a functional and biomimetic dentist based in Meridian, Idaho, and an influential online educator with a following of over 380K on Instagram. Passionate about uncovering the root causes of oral health issues, Dr. Clayton focuses on holistic cavity prevention, airway health, and innovative, biologically sound approaches to restoring teeth. As the host of the Dentistry Disrupted podcast, he is on a mission to shift the dental industry toward a more patient-centered, root-cause-focused approach. Through educating and empowering patients, he hopes to bridge the gap between oral health and overall well-being. And fun fact: Dr. Clayton and his wife have two boys, one of which was born at home. In another life, Dr. Clayton would have been a home birth midwife and his wife would have been a doula and he is a self-proclaimed birth junkie!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Dr. Clayton 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://stan.store/restorationdentistry
Use code BIRTHLOUNGE for 10% off our signature Cavity Guide, The Ultimate Guide on How To Cure Cavities
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe introduces listeners to Incora Health, a revolutionary pair of earrings designed to give deep insights into women's health. The episode highlights the importance of personalized female health tracking, featuring a discussion with Theresa, Incora Health's co-founder. They delve into how these wearable earrings provide insights on temperature, cycle syncing, heart rate, stress levels, and more, adapting specifically to women's unique hormonal cycles. Theresa shares the journey of creating Incora Health, the science behind it, and the potential benefits for women's health, including cycle syncing and optimizing lifestyle choices. The conversation emphasizes the need for women-centric health data, privacy, and how these earrings overcome conventional shortcomings of unisex wearables. Additionally, they cover the practical aspects, like data safety, EMF concerns, and how users can get their own pair.
01:08 The Rise of Wearable Health Devices
01:40 Introducing Incora Health Earrings
05:00 Interview with Incora Health Co-Founder Theresa
06:21 The Importance of Personalized Health Metrics
08:57 The Journey of Creating Health-Tracking Earrings
14:21 Benefits of Cycle Syncing and Health Tracking
22:45 Recognizing Patterns and Health Insights
24:53 Practical Guidance for Health Tracking
25:13 Understanding Nervous System Regulation
25:34 The Importance of Stress Management
26:49 Overlooked Aspects of Women's Health
28:37 Using Wearables During Pregnancy
30:27 Audience Questions on Data and Privacy
35:03 EMF Concerns with Wearable Devices
36:41 Comfort and Design of the Earrings
39:25 App Features and Subscription Details
40:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Theresa Gevaert is the inventor of the Incora earrings and brings extensive media expertise from her career as an Executive Producer across major networks. With a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and over a decade of broadcast journalism experience, Theresa brings a unique perspective to women's health technology. Her innovative vision for Incora was born from recognizing the gap in health tracking specifically designed for women's bodies. As a proud mother to four children, she combines her passion for innovation with her personal commitment to empowering women's health. Theresa's creative background and understanding of effective communication help Incora connect with women seeking better insights into their health.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Incora Health 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:
https://bit.ly/incora-thebirthinglounge