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
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
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.
7 days ago
7 days ago
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
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:
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
Friday Jan 23, 2026
Friday Jan 23, 2026
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.
Join HeHe in this re-aired episode as she dives into a super important topic: preeclampsia. She sits down with High-Risk OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, Dr. Lexi Hill, to break down what preeclampsia really is, how it can show up after 20 weeks, and the signs to watch for—high blood pressure, persistent headaches, swelling, or proteins in your urine. Dr. Lexi shares practical guidance on monitoring yourself, key risk factors, questions to ask your provider, and the medical options you might be offered if preeclampsia arises—giving you clarity, confidence, and tools to advocate for your health and your baby’s.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Lexi Hill obtained her BS in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University. After taking a year to volunteer abroad in Costa Rica, substitute teach, and work as a Medical Assistant, she attended medical school at Texas A&M followed by an OB/GYN residency in Phoenix, Arizona. The native Texan returned to Galveston, Texas to complete a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch where she received multiple teaching awards for her involvement with medical students and residents. Dr. Lexi Hill is licensed in over 20 states and practices telemedicine full-time to underserved communities. She is extensively involved with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine to help advocate for maternal health care at both the state and national level. She has traveled extensively and enjoys incorporating her study of the Spanish language into her daily clinical practice. Her commitment to teaching self-advocacy skills to patients, as well as physicians, led her to start her own business based on the three pillars of EXPANDING knowledge, DEVELOPING skills, IMPACTING lives (E.D.I). With this concept, Dr. Lexi Hill shares data driven pregnancy information through social media, YouTube videos, and her podcast. She also offers virtual concierge consultations which require no referral or delays due to insurance. She truly has a passion to help individuals experience a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Links:
Connect with Dr. Lexi: https://www.drlexihill.com/
Resources from Dr. Lexi:
www.drlexihill.com/fetaltesting
https://www.drlexihill.com/advocate
Link to purchase a module or book a consultation with Dr. Lexi
https://www.drlexihill.com/pregnancy-advocacy
Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education and more resources like this that prepare you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Check out the original episode here.
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Feeling exhausted, foggy, short of breath, or just not like yourself during pregnancy and being told “that’s normal”? This episode is for you.
In Episode 417 of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with OB/GYN PA and public health expert Kristy Goodman to talk about anemia in pregnancy and why it’s so often overlooked, minimized, or brushed off until it becomes a much bigger issue. Together, they break down what anemia actually is, how and when it should be screened for, and why catching it early can completely change how you feel during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
They explore how untreated anemia can impact energy levels, labor stamina, recovery, and overall well-being, and more importantly, what becomes possible when it’s properly identified and treated with intention. Think more clarity, more strength, better healing, and the confidence to advocate for yourself instead of second-guessing your symptoms.
Kristy brings an evidence-based, patient-centered lens to this conversation, helping listeners understand what labs matter, what questions to ask their provider, and how to push back when concerns are dismissed as “just part of pregnancy.”
This episode is grounding, empowering, and deeply validating. If you’ve ever felt brushed off, unsure whether what you’re feeling is normal, or just want to feel stronger and more supported in your body, this conversation will give you real tools and real answers.
🎧 Tune in to learn how understanding anemia can help you reclaim your energy, protect your recovery, and walk into birth feeling informed and capable, not depleted.
Guest Bio:
Kristy received a Master of Science in PA Studies and a Master of Public Health in Health Education and Behavioral Science from Rutgers University. She completed a postgraduate residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has worked as an OB/GYN PA for over 10 years. She is an advocate for evidence-based, patient-centered care and has worked in a variety of women's health settings with a particular focus on preconception care.
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
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.
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
This episode is brought to you by our Newborn Sleep Solutions Guide, because newborn sleep doesn’t need fixing, it needs understanding.
Newborn sleep can feel like one of those things everyone has opinions on… and somehow none of them actually help at 3am. In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe breaks down what newborn sleep really looks like and why daytime sleep matters way more than most parents are ever told.
This conversation focuses on biology, not bootcamp sleep rules. HeHe explains how supporting daytime rest sets the stage for better nights, what wake windows actually mean for a brand-new baby, and how simple tools like swaddling, white noise, and a full belly can make a big difference. No rigid schedules. No “cry it out.” Just realistic, nervous-system-friendly support for brand-new humans and the parents learning alongside them.
You’ll also hear HeHe’s go-to tips for creating a sleep environment that works with your baby’s circadian rhythm (hello, darkness and sound), plus gear recommendations that are actually useful, not just trendy. She wraps it all up with resources like the Newborn Sleep Solutions Guide for parents who want clarity without overwhelm.
If you’re wondering whether your baby’s sleep is normal, or you just want a calmer, more intuitive way to approach those early weeks, this episode is your exhale.
Timestamps
00:00 Newborn sleep expectations (and why you’re not doing it wrong)
01:11 Personal update + what this episode is really about
02:51 What newborns biologically need for sleep
06:39 Daytime sleep, wake windows, and overstimulation
09:28 Swaddling, sensory input, and calming the nervous system
18:12 Feeding tips that support better rest
20:36 White noise and why silence isn’t always your friend
22:55 Light, darkness, and circadian rhythm support
24:47 Final reassurance + helpful resources
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
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:
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
If pregnancy sleep has you staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., running through every thought you’ve ever had… you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong.
In this episode, HeHe sits down with licensed midwife, educator, and Milk Trails podcast host Hayley Oakes to unpack why sleep can feel so hard during pregnancy and what actually helps. From first-trimester hormone shifts to third-trimester heartburn, nighttime anxiety, and the pressure to “sleep perfectly,” this conversation is equal parts evidence-based and deeply reassuring.
Hayley brings over a decade of experience attending births in home, birth center, and hospital settings, plus her lived experience as a mom. Together, they break down how nutrition, blood sugar balance, movement, mental load, and sleep environment all play a role in night waking. They also tackle common fears around sleep positions (yes, including back sleeping), strategies for middle-of-the-night wakeups, and why self-care and nervous system support matter just as much as sleep hacks.
This is not a “just relax” conversation. It’s practical, grounded, and designed to help you feel more confident in your body and your choices.
If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode will leave you feeling calmer, more informed, and way less alone in the sleep struggle.
Guest Bio:
Hayley Oakes is a licensed midwife based in the Central Coast of California. She has been attending births since 2010 as a doula, midwife assistant, apprentice and midwife, witnessing and supporting birth in all settings: home, birth center and hospital. Hayley is the host and creator of Milk Trails -- a podcast dedicated to the out-of-hospital birthing experience. In February 2019, Hayley became a mother herself and welcomed her second child in January 2022. She currently offers private consultations for expectant mothers planning hospital births who desire holistic medical support. As a midwife, educator and mother, she is committed to supporting women in having a safe and satisfying pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience to help grow healthy, happy babies.
Connect with Hayley: www.hayleyoakes.com
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
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:
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
This is one of those conversations that pulls the curtain all the way back.
In this powerful episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with traditional birth companion and educator Billie Harrigan for an honest, unfiltered look at the modern medicalized birth system and how it impacts families. Together, they explore how maternity care has shifted away from physiology and toward control, efficiency, and liability, often at the expense of autonomy, trust, and emotional safety.
Billie brings decades of lived experience and deep systems-level insight to this conversation, naming the ways many parents feel silenced, rushed, or traumatized within institutional birth settings. They talk openly about birth trauma, why so many families are opting out of the system altogether, and what it actually looks like to center consent, choice, and community support in birth.
This episode is not about telling you what kind of birth to have. It’s about understanding the system you’re navigating so you can make informed, intentional decisions that align with your values. From the rise of free birth and traditional birth companionship to trauma-informed care and restoring birth wisdom to families, this conversation invites you to question what you’ve been told and reconnect with your own inner authority.
If you’ve ever felt unsettled by how birth is handled, curious about alternatives, or hungry for a deeper understanding of how we got here, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.
Guest Bio:
Billie Harrigan is a Traditional Birth Companion and owner of Birth Trauma Ontario in Canada who has been serving families for over 40 years. With extensive international experience, Billie understands the complexities of modern maternity services and the pervasive issues that contribute to birth-related trauma and negative outcomes. Today’s conversation will challenge your assumptions of the medical system and push you to expand the perspectives in which you see the delivery of healthcare in the US & Canada by discussing common tactics used by cults and the resemblance of hospital care. We dive into the impact of non-trauma-informed care on patients’ short-term and long-term well-being. Buckle up because this episode is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
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
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:
Billie’s Traditional Birth Companion Program: https://billieharrigan.com/becoming-a-traditional-birth-companion
Is hospital care actually evidence based? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3241518/
The System Isn’t Broken: https://billieharrigan.com/blog/2019/11/6/the-system-isnt-broken-but-its-people-are
Here is the link to the original episode: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-218-hospital-culture-or-cult-behavior-with-billie-harrigan/
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! They’re also a great way to detox your home! Use code HEHE for 20% 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 episode, HeHe sits down with pelvic floor expert Nikki to talk about the part of birth that somehow never gets explained until someone is telling you to “push.” Yep. That part.
They break down how the pelvic floor actually works in labor, what truly helps reduce tearing, and how to push in a way that works with your body instead of against it. No fear tactics. No vague advice. Just clear, physiology-first education you should’ve been given way earlier.
Nikki shares practical, evidence-based strategies you can actually use, from breathing and positioning to perineal prep and postpartum rehab. They also get into advocacy, provider skill, and why your autonomy in birth matters just as much as any technique or tool.
This conversation is empowering, grounded, and full of “ohhhh, that makes sense” moments, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or supporting birthing families in any capacity.
If you want to understand your pelvic floor, protect your perineum, and walk into birth feeling informed and confident instead of guessing and hoping for the best, this episode is for you.
Guest Bio:
Nikki Bergen is a globally recognized Pilates expert, women’s pelvic health advocate, and founder of The Belle Method. With over 20 years of experience, she’s helped thousands worldwide build strength, restore function, and thrive through every life stage - through pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause and beyond.
Learn from Nikki
The Core Restore Course: https://thebellemethod.com/core-restore/
The Push Prep Course: https://thebellemethod.com/push-prep/
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
Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere.
And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.
Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection
Friday Jan 02, 2026
Friday Jan 02, 2026
In this powerful episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with Rajia, the founder of InvisaWear, to talk about a reality far too many women know all too well: moving through the world while constantly calculating risk.
Rajia shares the terrifying experience she had in college that sparked the creation of InvisaWear and why “just be more careful” is not, and has never been, an actual solution. Together, they unpack the deeply unsettling statistics around violence against women, where current safety systems fail us, and what real, practical protection can look like.
You’ll learn how InvisaWear discreetly weaves safety technology into everyday accessories like necklaces, bracelets, and even scrunchies, allowing you to alert trusted contacts or emergency services with the press of a button, without escalating a situation or drawing attention. The conversation also dives into self-defense strategies, rideshare safety, hiking alone, and the emotional toll of living on high alert.
They also explore the bigger picture: why legislative change, community accountability, and shifting the responsibility off women’s behavior and onto systems that actually protect us matters more than ever.
This episode is equal parts validating, infuriating, and empowering. If you’ve ever gripped your keys a little tighter, shared your location “just in case,” or wished you had an extra layer of protection, this conversation is for you.
Guest Bio:
Rajia Abdelaziz started one of the fastest-growing companies in America when she was just 21 years old. Today, she is an award-winning entrepreneur revolutionizing the personal safety industry.
Rajia is the Founder & CEO of invisaWear, a company that creates safety devices disguised as jewelry and accessories. With just two clicks, users can instantly alert friends, family, and-optionally-police.
Her work has earned national acclaim. She's been featured on the cover of Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Social Impact category, named one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe, and recognized on both the Inc. Female Founders 250 list and Inc Fastest Growing Companies list.
Rajia raised $3 million to develop invisaWear's technology, scaled the company to over $20 million in sales, and secured powerhouse partnerships with ADT and TELUS Communications, two of the most respected names in the security industry.
With over 3 million social media followers, Rajia isn't just building a company — she’s building a global movement to make safety accessible to all.
In 2023, she launched Smart Alert Holdings, a company focused on acquiring businesses that share the same mission of creating a safer world. Their first acquisition was Flare Safety, invisaWear’s only competitor.
Her companies have been featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, CBS, WBZ, TODAY, and more. They’ve also earned prestigious accolades, including TIME Magazine's Best Inventions, Fast Company's Innovation by Design Award, and the New England Innovation Award.
As a minority female CEO, Rajia is passionate about breaking barriers for women and underrepresented groups in tech. Her journey of overcoming obstacles fuels her mission to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs — proving that no matter your background or the doubts you face, success is possible. Rajia remains deeply committed to mentorship through UMass Lowell’s Entrepreneurship Program, helping others turn bold ideas into reality.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
Connect with Rajia and InvisaWear 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:
Get 10% off InvisaWear with code HEHE
If you’re over peeing on sticks, overthinking charts, or trying to take your temp at the same time every morning, Tempdrop does the work for you while you sleep. Grab a discount with code AFHEHE at tempdrop.com/discount/AFHEHE.
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
In this episode, HeHe is joined by Dr. O’Daniel to break down the real tools and procedures used in labor and delivery, the ones no one explains until they’re suddenly happening to your body. Together, they unpack what tests like the ROM actually tell us about water breaking, when internal monitors like an IUPC are used, and what patients deserve to know before anything is placed inside their body.
They also dive into operative vaginal deliveries, including vacuums and forceps, how clinical decision-making works in those moments, and why true informed consent matters so much when things move quickly. Dr. O’Daniel explains newer innovations like the Traxi for safer C-sections in larger bodies and the Life Bubble, a game-changing tool for supporting NICU babies.
This conversation is evidence-based, honest, and incredibly empowering, especially if you want to walk into birth understanding the tools, not fearing them. Knowledge is advocacy, and this episode gives you plenty of both.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Tori O’Daniel is a Board-Certified OB/GYN whom has been practicing for 14 years. For the past 11 years she has been an OB/GYN Hospitalist at Mercy Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. O’Daniel is the Medical Director of the OB/GYN Hospitalist program and the Department Chair of the OB/GYN Department in her facility. She also instructs educational classes and facilitates the OB Emergency Simulations for the nurses and physicians within her department.
She has been actively involved in the Society of OB/GYN Hospitalists (SOGH) for the past several years. She currently sits on the SOGH Board of Directors.
Dr. O’Daniel is passionate about education, and she actively teaches in multiple venues. She is a master trainer for Kiwi vacuum assisted deliveries; she travels across the globe to train residents and attending physicians in the 5-Step Vacca Method.
Check out the tools Dr. O’Daniel shared about here: https://www.laborie.com/products/obstetrics-gynecology/
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
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.