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 hours ago
5 hours ago
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe and guest Janette Yee, a perinatal athletic therapist, discuss the often-overlooked aspect of C-section recovery and the importance of surgical rehabilitation. They dive deep into the phenomenon known as the C-section shelf, exploring its causes, preventive measures like compression garments, and the vital role of scar massage in recovery. Janette shares her expertise on the seven layers involved in a C-section, the significance of early movement, and the impact of mental health on physical healing. The episode also touches on helpful resources, including the C-Summit, and emphasizes the importance of seeking support and practicing self-care during the postpartum period. Whether you're immediately postpartum or years out from your C-section, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for a smoother recovery.
00:00 Introduction to Surgical Rehabilitation for Moms
01:00 Launching the Doula Business Accelerator Program
02:28 Success Stories and Business Growth Tips
04:26 C-Section Awareness and Prevention
05:47 Understanding the C-Section Shelf
07:02 Interview with Janette Yee: C-Section Recovery
10:28 The Layers and Cuts of a C-Section
21:20 The Importance of Compression Garments
24:23 Managing Swelling and Compression Techniques
32:13 Understanding Compression Garments
33:30 The Importance of Reducing Swelling
35:12 Wearing Belly Bands: Duration and Benefits
36:36 Preventing the C-Section Shelf
37:07 Scar Tissue Management and Movement
40:57 The Role of Pelvic Floor Therapy
45:08 Long-Term Recovery and Scar Massage
49:17 Lymphatic Drainage and Swelling
52:49 Mental and Emotional Healing
57:32 C-Summit and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Janette Yee is a Perinatal Athletic Therapist whose goal is to completely redefine the current state of public C-section healthcare. She treats pregnancy like the ultimate endurance sport, and C-section like a season ending injury - from which every woman can recover, safely and simply.
After 20+ years as a manual therapist and exercise professional, she now provides her services 1:1 and via online programs. She is best known for her tireless and passionate education in C-section recovery; for her groundbreaking Cesarean Recovery programs, and as a women’s health innovator on Instagram and TikTok (@ askjanette).
Through her social media platforms, free workshops and professional lectures, Janette is an internationally recognized advocate for perinatal healthcare.
Janette fills her days with mandatory playtime with her kids aged 7 and 10, while returning to her high school passion: competitive swimming. One of her greatest achievements is having her 15-year rugby career recognized with a team induction into the Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Janette on YouTube
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!
Get HeHe's free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Business Accelerator for Doulas
Get Janette’s c-section shelf mini workshop
6 days ago
6 days ago
In this solo episode, HeHe dives into the questions flooding her DMs—covering some of the most common (and confusing) topics in pregnancy and birth! We’re unpacking 39-week inductions, what to do when you’re told your baby is “too big,” navigating a GBS+ diagnosis, using upright positions during labor, the truth about hydrotherapy, and what your options really are when your water breaks at term. This episode is packed with evidence-based insight and empowering guidance to help you feel informed, confident, and in control of your birth choices.
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:
Big Baby:
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/01/macrosomia
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fetal-macrosomia
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Big-Babies-Handout.pdf
Vaccines:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/index.html
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/
Vaccine Books:
The Vaccine Book, Dr. Robert Sears
The Vaccine Friendly Plan, Dr. Paul Thomas and Dr. Jennifer Margulis
What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About Vaccines, Dr. Stephanie cave
Calling The ShotL Why Parents Reject Vaccines, Jennifer A. Reich
Vaccines, Autoimmunity, and the Changing Nature of Childhood Illness, Dr. Thomas Cowan
Hydrotherapy (Tub Use in Labor)
Infection After Water Breaks at Term
GBS:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/groupbstrep/
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0315/p378.html
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
In this episode, HeHe and Sarah Trott discuss the integration and benefits of AI in parenting, particularly focusing on the new tool Hello Gaia, developed to provide reliable, non-medical parenting advice. The hosts delve into AI's strengths and limitations, emphasizing the importance of using AI as a complement to professional medical advice and personal intuition. They highlight AI's potential to save time and reduce mental load in parenting tasks and outline how Hello Gaia has been tailored to source credible information from reputable organizations. The conversation also touches on the importance of social support, the skepticism surrounding AI, and policy implications for postpartum care.
Guest Bio:
Sarah Trott is creator and host of the Fourth Trimester Podcast. She created the show after realizing that many of the questions she had about her own experience as a new parent were the same questions her postpartum doula was asking some thirty years prior. She is passionate about helping other parents find the resources and confidence they need on their parenting journey.
She is also the founder of HelloGaia Parenting Copilot, a tool providing evidence-based support for families, offering fast, reliable answers from pregnancy to parenting, anytime. HelloGaia draws upon trusted sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, March of Dimes, the US Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, plus credentialed and experienced Perinatal professionals.
Sarah also works in tech as a startup advisor, and she loves spending time with her husband and three daughters in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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:
Get Sarah's Postpartum Plan Template here!
Listen to the Fourth Trimester Podcast here!
Download HelloGaia Parenting Copilot for evidence-based support for families, offering fast, reliable answers from pregnancy to parenting, anytime. Get started with HelloGaia here. https://hellogaia.ai/
Postpartum Support International
Check out the wonder weeks app: https://thewonderweeks.com/the-wonder-weeks-app/
Check out the Baby Connect app: https://en.babyconnect.com/
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Calling all doulas ready to level up! In this Q+A-style episode, I’m answering your most-asked questions straight from Instagram about how I built a thriving doula business that generates over $500K in annual revenue. From launching 3 online courses and a membership that’s helped thousands have their dream births, to creating 20+ digital products that sell in my sleep, building a top-ranked podcast, and launching an app—I'm sharing the real behind-the-scenes of how I did it all. You’ll walk away with actionable insights on growing your brand, supporting your clients with confidence, and scaling your impact without burning out. If you’re ready to go from passion to profit and build a doula business that changes lives (including your own!), this episode is your roadmap.
Brought to you by:
Just Ingredients, Use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE at checkout to save on your purchase!
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/
LINKS MENTIONED:
Business Accelerator for Doulas
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Get the free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing!
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!
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
In this empowering episode, we’re talking directly to the dads and partners! If you’ve ever wondered “What can I actually do during labor?” — this one’s for you. We’re breaking down exactly how you can be a confident, calm, and supportive presence in the birth room. From hands-on comfort techniques to powerful advocacy tips, you’ll leave this episode knowing how to show up for your partner like a pro. Plus, we’re sharing go-to resources that will help guide you every step of the way. Let’s turn nervous energy into confident action — because you play a crucial role in this birth story!
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Get the free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing!
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!
Brought to you by:
Cozy Earth, Use code HEHE at checkout to save 40% off your purchase!
Cozy Earth has the softest, coziest pajamas on earth! I love their bedding, pajamas (I have three pair), socks, towels, and loungewear! I am a die-hard Cozy Earth fan and will absolutely be packing my CE pajamas in my birth bag and living in them during postpartum! Try their Bamboo sheets risk free with their 100 night trial! Use code HEHE at checkout to save 40% off your purchase!
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
In this episode, we share a recast of episode 302 where HeHe chats with Alexandra, the founder of Just The Inserts, to discuss the crucial topic of informed consent in pregnancy and pediatric care. With the current measles outbreak, it’s more important than ever for parents and professionals to understand informed consent in the context of vaccines. Alexandra shares her journey in advocating for informed consent, the importance of reading pharmaceutical inserts, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Whether you're an expecting parent or looking to make informed medical decisions for your family, this episode provides invaluable advice and resources. Don't miss Alexandra's tips on how to understand medical options, ensure safety, and feel confident in your healthcare choices.
00:00 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast
00:48 Introducing the Host and Podcast Purpose
11:07 Diving into the Vaccine Debate
13:20 Navigating Medical Decisions and Providers
20:14 Understanding Informed Consent
25:13 The Importance of Reading Medical Inserts
31:40 Resources for Learning About Medical Inserts
34:00 Understanding the Bolded Parts
34:28 Introducing the New Book
35:12 Empowering Medical Decisions
37:04 The Importance of Vaccine Inserts
40:25 Concerns About Adverse Reactions
43:44 Transparency in Medical Information
47:51 State Laws and Medical Freedom
56:46 Resources for Informed Consent
Guest Bio:
Alexandra is the visionary behind Just the Inserts, a resource dedicated to empowering individuals and families with clear, accessible information about medical choices. With a background steeped in research and a commitment to transparency, Alexandra has become a trusted voice in the informed consent community, helping countless people navigate the complex world of medical information.
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Get the free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing!
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!
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/
Connect with Alexandra on IG: https://www.instagram.com/justtheinserts/
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.justtheinserts.com/
Grab Alexandra’s book, Well Considered, here: https://justtheinserts.store/
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
In this episode, HeHe has a heartfelt conversation with her close friend and past doula client, Katherine. Together, they explore Katherine's distinct birth experiences within the Canadian and American healthcare systems, discussing the challenges and joys of childbirth. Katherine shares insightful anecdotes about her breech birth in Canada and a water birth in the US, highlighting the emotional and physical differences. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's intuition, advocating for oneself, and setting boundaries. Throughout the episode, Katherine's journey as a mother interweaves with her experiences breaking generational patterns, nurturing her children's unique personalities, and finding joy in everyday moments. The conversation underscores the significance of support systems, intentional living, and the power of manifestation in creating a fulfilling life.
06:40 Comparing Canadian and American Healthcare Systems
07:26 Experiences with Canadian Healthcare System
12:39 Transition to American Healthcare System
12:59 The Beverly Birthing Center Experience
29:08 The Power of Manifestation and Trusting Yourself
44:55 Reflecting on Friendship and Support
46:34 The Challenges of Induction
48:59 Experiencing Labor and Delivery
50:53 Post-Birth Reflections
51:58 The Importance of Trust and Presence
55:02 Parenting and Childbirth Insights
01:01:39 Gratitude and High Vibrations
01:05:15 Raising Strong-Willed Children
01:11:35 Final Thoughts and Advice
01:18:25 Connecting with Katherine
Guest Bio:
Katherine Debs has never followed the conventional path—she’s redefined what “normal” looks like. Born in Lebanon to a Lebanese father and an American mother, she grew up experiencing different cultures, later living in Boston and Montreal. Her passion for helping others led her to study International Affairs, dreaming of philanthropy and making a global impact.
Her own health struggles in her teens introduced her to holistic wellness, sparking a lifelong commitment to empowering others to lead healthier, more intentional lives. Through her work with Arbonne, she’s helped countless people make meaningful changes, from nutrition to mindset.
Now, Katherine is expanding her mission by becoming a Pilates teacher, bringing movement that feels good and helps people connect their mind and body. As a mom, entrepreneur, mentor, and passionate home cook, she wears many hats—but each one is rooted in her love for community, wellness, and personal growth.
She currently lives in Boston with her husband and two daughters, leading with appreciation and inspiring others to live fully.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Get the free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing!
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 Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
In this episode, Sarah discusses the often overlooked importance of specific minerals and vitamins during pregnancy, with a deep dive into vitamin D. She explains the complexity of vitamin D's role in the body, its conversion process, and its myriad functions, including the regulation of calcium, neurotransmitters, hormone production, iron absorption, and immune function. The conversation covers common deficiencies, reasons why many are affected, and the impact of different lifestyle factors. Sarah also addresses potential over-supplementation of vitamin D, optimal dosing, and the intricate relationships among various nutrients crucial for its effectiveness. Other key topics include vitamin D's connection to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, PCOS, postpartum mood complications, and breastfeeding. Practical advice on testing, supplementation, and dietary considerations is provided to help ensure adequate vitamin D levels for maternal and fetal health. This comprehensive discussion highlights the importance of tailored approaches to vitamin D intake based on individual needs and circumstances.
TIMESTAMPS and check on DR
Guest Bio:
Sarah Thompson is a board certified acupuncturist and herbalist as well as a certified functional medicine practitioner and birth doula. Sarah started practicing in 2005 after doing her internship in Beijing, China. Sarah founded Sacred Vessel in 2012 after years of working alongside medical doctors. She serves as clinic director as well as lead practitioner at Sacred Vessel.
One of her great passions, and missions, is to educate women and their providers on the vital role nutrition plays in pregnancy and labor outcomes. Through her, nearly, 20 years of experiences she has provided care to hundreds of expectant mamas. In 2021 she authored the book, Functional Maternity - Using Functional Medicine and Nutrition to Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes. In 2024, she published her second book, a reference book for providers, Beyond Results - A Practitioner's Guide to Functional Lab Analysis in Pregnancy.
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:
https://www.functionalmaternity.com/
Get Functional Maternity, the book here!
Check out Sarah’s book for practitioners here!
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
In this recast episode of the Birth Lounge Podcast, host HeHe and certified professional midwife Melissa Chapel dive into candid discussions about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The podcast offers a wealth of evidence-based information, understanding the importance of feeling pressure during labor, and recognizing the difference between intermittent and constant rectal or vaginal pressure. Melissa also addresses the controversial practice of being asked not to push if a doctor isn't present. Both emphasize the significance of mental and emotional preparedness in labor. The episode concludes with insights into laboring down, resting stages during labor, and navigating hospital protocols. This episode is a must-listen for expecting parents, laboring mothers, and professionals supporting childbirth.
01:23 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing
03:10 Part Two: Interview with Midwife Melissa Chapel
03:33 Understanding the Urge to Push
10:00 Navigating Hospital Birth Challenges
20:30 Understanding Cervical Dilation
21:15 Factors Affecting Cervical Changes
23:22 The Role of Fear in Labor
26:21 Mental and Emotional Barriers
27:34 The Importance of Acceptance in Birth
31:25 Laboring Down: Rest and Be Thankful
35:24 Navigating Hospital Births
38:03 Resources and Support for Birth
40:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, as well as a doula trainer of over 20 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She’s the owner of Fresh Melissa, a company dedicated to creating tasty treats that are also healthy. She is the mother of 4 children and 3 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Get HeHe’s Free Class to Avoid C-Section
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Connect with Melissa here!
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
In this recasted episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes midwife Melissa Chapel to discuss critical topics for expecting parents. They dive into the intricacies of cervical checks, including when they are necessary and how to navigate them in hospital settings. Melissa shares her extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of educated and informed decisions, advocating for oneself, and recognizing the difference between early and intense pushing urges. HeHe emphasizes that birth is an intuitive process and encourages listeners to trust their bodies. Various strategies for maintaining confidence and reducing fears in labor are discussed, ensuring an empowered birth experience.
01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section
03:10 Introducing Melissa Chapel: Midwife Extraordinaire
03:50 Navigating Late Labor and Pushing
04:28 Melissa's Journey and Day-to-Day Life
07:03 The Role of Cervical Exams in Labor
12:41 Advocating for Your Birth Preferences in the Hospital
19:03 Empowering Women's Instincts
20:04 Navigating Cervical Exams
20:55 Understanding Labor Progression
24:48 The 5-1-1 Rule and Hospital Transition
29:19 Early Urge to Push: What to Do
34:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, as well as a doula trainer of over 20 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She’s the owner of Fresh Melissa, a company dedicated to creating tasty treats that are also healthy. She is the mother of 4 children and 3 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard.
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!