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
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this powerful episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with infectious disease scientist, Ellie to pull back the curtain on what’s really behind vaccines, immunity, and medical ethics. After years working in big pharma, Ellie began questioning what she saw from the inside, and now she’s here to help parents unpack the complex, often confusing world of vaccine science through an evidence-based, transparent lens.
Together, HeHe and Ellie dive into everything from the ingredients found in common vaccines (and why they’re there!) to the differences between live and attenuated viruses. They also explore the ethics of vaccine research, including the use of fetal cell lines, vaccinated vs. unvaccinated clinical trials, and how informed consent fits into modern medicine.
This conversation isn’t about fear, it’s about facts. It’s about asking better questions, understanding your options, and feeling confident in the choices you make for your family’s health. Ellie brings scientific clarity, a refreshing dose of honesty, and a deep respect for parental autonomy to this nuanced conversation.
If you’ve ever wanted a clearer understanding of vaccines and the ethics behind them, this episode is a must-listen.
03:27 Announcing the New Course: Pushing Out Your Big Ass Baby
05:34 Vaccine Exploration Series Finale
06:19 Ingredients in Vaccines: What You Need to Know
07:35 Interview with Infectious Disease Scientist Ellie
12:11 Ellie's Journey from Big Pharma to Vaccine Skepticism
40:44 Ethical and Scientific Concerns in Vaccine Development
01:02:33 Pharmaceutical Interactions and Clinical Trials
01:04:28 Autonomy and Vaccine Mandates
01:05:17 Herd Immunity and Vaccine Efficacy
01:06:38 Transparency and Trust in Healthcare
01:15:49 Ethics of Vaccine Studies
01:19:12 Challenges in Scientific Research
01:23:55 Vaccine Ingredients and Allergies
01:26:42 Live vs. Attenuated Vaccines
01:29:49 Shingles and Vaccine History
01:33:43 Scientific Communication and Public Trust
01:43:08 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Ellie is an infectious disease scientist with a powerful personal story and a passion for making science accessible. With a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and an M.S. in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Ellie has spent years on the front lines of science—from developing vaccines for potential bioweapons during her graduate research to working in assay development and infectious disease research within the pharmaceutical industry.
Four years ago, she made the bold decision to step away from pharma and pursue a path that blends science, personal experience, and public education. Ellie was born with a left radial clubbed hand, congenital heart issues, and other challenges caused by a pharmaceutical product—an experience that has shaped her unique perspective on medicine. After undergoing countless surgeries, she deeply understands the life-saving value of western medicine, while also recognizing that alternatives can have a place in care.
Ellie now dedicates herself to helping people understand complex scientific topics so they can make empowered, informed health decisions. She believes that her journey—both scientific and deeply personal—is no accident. Through all the challenges she has faced, she’s seen the hand of Jesus guiding her path and believes God has kept her alive for a greater purpose.
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!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
https://www.cellosaurus.org/ You can search a variety of ways in the site, but one is 'browse by group' and click 'Vaccine production cell lines'
7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most important (and often misunderstood!) newborn topics: Vitamin K. HeHe is joined by Katie Collins, a board-certified physician assistant, to unpack everything you need to know about Vitamin K supplementation: what it is, why it matters, and how to make an informed choice that feels right for your family.
Together, they break down the different options for Vitamin K (injection vs. oral dosing), the real risks of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), and how birth interventions like antibiotics or Pitocin can play a role. You’ll also hear about common misconceptions around the Vitamin K shot, what that black box warning actually means, and the truth about side effects like jaundice and ingredients such as aluminum.
If you want evidence-based clarity so you can feel confident about protecting your baby’s health from day one, this episode is a must-listen.
00:00 Introduction and Parental Freedom
01:31 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
02:31 The Big Baby Myth
06:37 Vitamin K Injection: Common Questions and Concerns
07:32 Meet Katie Collins: A Holistic Approach to Medical Topics
11:47 Understanding Vitamin K in Newborns
19:38 The Role of Breast Milk and Feeding in Vitamin K Levels
23:48 Impact of Birth Interventions on Vitamin K
31:06 Delayed Cord Clamping and Its Benefits
39:51 Options for Vitamin K Supplementation
41:11 Oral Dosing Regimens for Vitamin K
44:34 Risks of Declining Vitamin K Supplementation
52:43 Vitamin K and Circumcision
54:22 Vitamin K Injection and Bilirubin Concerns
57:57 Black Box Warning on Vitamin K Injection
01:02:43 Aluminum in Injectables: Safety Concerns
01:19:39 Detoxing After Vaccination
01:22:12 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Katie Collins, known as Katie the PA on social media, is a board certified Physician Assistant who merges conventional medical training with a holistic mindset, challenging the mainstream narrative surrounding controversial topics like childhood vaccines, pregnancy and birth, and other top chronic health illnesses. With a robust background in family medicine, urgent care, and weight loss medicine, her main focus is to support the body's innate healing process with diet and lifestyle changes, or typical medical interventions. Today, her primary occupation and top priority is being a wife and mother to her two children. She has transitioned from working full time in the clinic to taking telehealth consults, and creates educational content on her social media platforms.
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!
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Alok Patel, a board-certified pediatrician and national medical contributor for ABC News, to have the real talk about vaccines—no fear, no judgment, just facts and empowerment. Together, they unpack the difference between vaccine hesitancy and being anti-vaccine, why open conversations matter, and how parents can confidently navigate their child’s health choices.
Dr. Patel breaks down what you actually need to know about vaccine schedules, ingredients like aluminum and thimerosal, and the incredible public health wins that vaccines have created. They also dive into hot topics like the RSV vaccine, the “tripledemic,” and how misinformation spreads faster than the truth (and what you can do about it).
Plus, HeHe unveils her brand new course—Pushing Out Your Big Ass Baby—to help you shut down “big baby” scare tactics and advocate like the badass parent you are. This episode is packed with clarity, confidence, and evidence-based insight so you can make informed choices for your family—without the fear.
00:00 Introduction and Vaccine Hesitancy
01:00 The Myth of the 'Big Baby'
03:15 Introducing the New Course: Pushing Out Your Big Ass Baby
05:21 Vaccination Conversations: Should I or Shouldn't I?
06:57 Meet Dr. Alok Patel: Pediatrician and Media Contributor
11:26 The Science Behind Vaccination Schedules
16:36 COVID-19 Vaccine Controversies and Communication Issues
26:41 Global Vaccination Comparisons and Herd Immunity
43:39 Natural Immunity vs. Vaccination
46:45 The Impact of RSV on Children
49:20 The Triple Demic: Flu, RSV, and COVID
50:52 Healthcare System Strain During the Pandemic
51:49 Personal Trauma from COVID-19
57:17 The Importance of Accessible Healthcare Information
01:00:54 Ethical Considerations in Vaccine Studies
01:17:41 Addressing Vaccine Ingredients Concerns
01:23:24 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Dr. Patel is a board-certified pediatrician on faculty at Stanford Children's Health where he works as a pediatric hospitalist, taking care of everything from premature babies to adults and running into all sorts of medical conditions from the routine to bizarre to outright rare. He also serves as the department head of strategic communication. His passion outside the hospital is in journalism, on-air broadcast work, and consulting in both digital health and communications roles. He is a national medical contributor for ABC News, with a health show called "Patel It Like It Is". He's also worked throughout the media industry for CNN, PBS, NBC, and other outlets.
His ethos in medicine is meeting patients where they are and reminding everyone that at the end of the day, we're just humans talking to humans. Keep it laid back.
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!
Worried about a “big baby”? Pushing Out Your Big A** Baby busts the myths, shares the evidence, and gives you the advocacy tools you need for an empowered birth, no matter your baby’s size. Pre-sale now open: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/bigbaby
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Brian Thornburg, a board-certified pediatrician, to tackle one of the most overwhelming parts of early parenthood: newborn procedures and vaccine decisions.
From the very first hours after birth, parents are presented with a whirlwind of choices—Vitamin K, Hep B, eye ointment, vaccine schedules—and it can feel impossible to sort fact from fear. Dr. Thornburg breaks down what’s truly evidence-based, what questions to ask your care team, and how to advocate for your baby with confidence.
Together, they explore:
- How your newborn’s immune system really works (and mom’s role in it!)
- The ins and outs of Vitamin K, Hep B, and erythromycin at birth
- How antibiotics during labor may impact your baby’s gut health
- Alternative vaccine schedules and what research actually says
- Hot-button topics like vaccine shedding, autoimmunity, and long-term impacts
This conversation is about informed consent—not scare tactics. You’ll walk away empowered to make decisions that feel right for your family while knowing exactly how to navigate conversations with your providers.
05:09 – Meet Dr. Thornburg: advocacy in pediatrics
08:50 – Newborn immune system + maternal impact
18:49 – Vaccinations in pregnancy: risks + research gaps
34:41 – Newborn procedures explained (Vitamin K, Hep B, erythromycin)
53:11 – Antibiotics, Group B Strep, and gut health
01:00:43 – Gut microbiome, leaky gut, and autoimmunity
01:04:28 – Navigating vaccine schedules + global perspectives
01:19:15 – Making vaccine choices: categories, delays, and risks
01:28:29 – Adverse reactions, VAERS, and herd immunity
01:39:08 – Vaccine shedding + payment myths
01:44:57 – Finding a vaccine-friendly pediatrician
Guest Bio:
Dr. Thornburg Wellness focuses on educating families on health and wellness through the generations by the birth of their babies and raising of their children.
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:
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with clinical pharmacist Dr. Michaela Wachal to unpack the controversy surrounding Tylenol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy and its potential links to autism and other neurodevelopmental concerns.
Together, they dive into what the research actually says (and doesn’t say), why transparency and informed consent are so important, and how to navigate decisions around medications in pregnancy with confidence. Dr. Wachal also highlights the bigger picture, like how genetics, environmental toxins, and even maternal stress can play a role in outcomes, and why caring for yourself is just as critical as any prescription.
This conversation is packed with nuance, evidence, and practical takeaways to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for yourself as you make decisions about your pregnancy care.
00:00 Introduction and Media Misrepresentation
01:05 Personal Story and Birth Lounge App
02:16 Empowering Prenatal Conversations
05:26 Emergency Use Authorization Episode
07:34 Interview with Dr. Michaela Wachal
09:14 Medication Safety in Pregnancy
12:37 Pharmaceutical Industry Failures
15:20 Personal Journey and Advocacy
18:55 Questioning Medical Norms
21:15 Tylenol and Toxins
23:34 Aluminum in Vaccines
27:32 The Importance of Transparency
37:05 Advocating for Education and Understanding
37:51 The Power of Asking Questions
40:21 Nesting and Preparing for Baby
43:17 Managing Fevers During Pregnancy
52:01 Environmental Toxins and Health
01:00:41 Therapies and Support for Children on the Spectrum
01:09:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Guest Bio:
Michaela Wachal, PharmD, CSP, is a clinical pharmacist, Certified Specialty Pharmacist, and Clinical Accreditation Manager with nearly a decade of experience in specialty pharmacy. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Doane University. Throughout her career, she’s specialized in complex conditions including oncology, fertility, endocrinology, immunology, mental health, and inflammatory diseases—always with a passion for improving patient care, optimizing healthcare systems, and empowering women in medicine.
Michaela is also a mom of three, including one child with autism, ADHD, and anxiety, which ignited her deep interest in neurodiversity, integrative health, and individualized medicine. After navigating her own family’s challenges, she began researching functional and evidence-based approaches to support children and families living with complex needs. Online, Michaela shares insights from scientific studies on autism, ADHD, vaccines, autoimmune conditions, toxins, and more, always with a focus on helping parents make informed, evidence-based choices.
Her work blends professional expertise with personal passion, making her a trusted voice in both the pharmacy world and the parenting community.
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!
RESEARCH MENTIONED:
- 2021 there's a call for action published supported by 91 scientists, clinicians and public health professionals across the globe recommended that pregnant women should be cautioned at the beginning of pregnancy to forego APAP unless it is medically indicated and to minimize the exposure by using the lowest effective dose for shortest possible time https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34556849/
- Boston Birth cohort published in 2020 looked at acetaminophen metabolites in cord blood samples collected at birth and unchanged acetaminophen levels were detected in all cord plasma samples and acetaminophen burden was associated with higher odds of ADHD and ASD daignosis there was a 2.3 to 3.5 increased risk for ADHD and 1.6 to 4.1 increased risk for ASD https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31664451/
- Recently in August Harvard did an analysis using the Navigation Guide methodology that supports evidence consistent with an association between acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and increased incidence of Neurodevelopmental disorders. This included 46 studies with 27 reporting positive associations with the higher quality studies more likely to show positive correlations
- https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0
- Nurses Health Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30923825/
- Spanish birth cohort where acetaminophen exposure was associated with more hyperactivity/impulsivity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27353198/
- In 2018 there was a review that showed that 9 prospective cohort studies that all suggested an association between prenatal APAP exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes - ADHD, ASD or lower IQ and longer duration was associated with increased risk https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29341895/
- 2022 a prospective cohort study in Pennsylvania looked at 2,423 moms using data and children who were exposed to APAP during pregnancy scored higher for child behaviors, sleep problems and attention problems https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36170224/
Keywords: Tylenol pregnancy, acetaminophen pregnancy, Tylenol autism risk, pregnancy medication safety, prenatal care, evidence-based pregnancy, maternal health, neurodevelopment, pregnancy decision making, informed consent pregnancy, pregnancy medications, Dr. Michaela Wachal, Birth Lounge podcast, pregnancy self-care, pregnancy toxins
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shines a light on the often-overlooked role of doulas in the NICU. While most doula trainings don’t cover NICU-specific education, families navigating this space need that extra layer of support.
Special guest Mary Farrelly, a NICU nurse, doula, and educator, joins the conversation to talk about the unique challenges families face in the NICU, from feeding goals to bonding to the critical transition home. Mary shares how doulas can bridge the gap between families and medical teams, showing up with trauma-informed care and warm, collaborative energy. She also introduces her NICU Doula Academy, which is training birth professionals to better support NICU families through compassion and evidence-based knowledge.
This episode is packed with tips, strategies, and heart-centered insight for doulas who want to expand their impact and confidently support families in the NICU.
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Doula Support in NICU
01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:37 Introducing The Birth Lounge App
03:50 Navigating the NICU as a Doula
04:59 Meet Mary Farrelly: NICU Nurse and Doula
06:32 The Role of Doulas in the NICU
10:02 Emotional and Practical Support for NICU Families
20:44 The Drama Triangle in Doula Work
25:01 Bridging the Gap Between Doulas and Healthcare Professionals
39:22 Establishing Doula Roles in the NICU
39:41 Modeling Safety and Building Rapport
41:21 Warm Doula Energy and Collaboration
45:15 Encouraging Family Involvement in Care
52:08 Supporting Bonding and Skin-to-Skin Contact
56:42 Facilitating Feeding Goals in the NICU
01:01:13 Post-Discharge Support and Transition Home
01:08:35 NICU Doula Certification and Training
01:13:24 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Mary Farrelly is a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator who helps bridge the gap between families and the NICU with evidence-based, empowering support. As the founder of The NICU Translator, she creates resources and trainings to help both parents and professionals feel more confident navigating life in—and after—the NICU. Mary is also the creator of the NICU Doula Academy, a certification program that trains doulas and perinatal professionals in trauma-informed, NICU-specific support. Through workshops, birth planning tools, and professional education, Mary is on a mission to create more joy and less trauma in the NICU experience
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/
Connect with Mary on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thenicutranslator/
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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/join
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.thenicutranslator.com
Free NICU Birth Plan Template: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan
Get on the NICU Doula Academy Waitlist here: https://www.thenicutranslator.com/nicu-doula-academy
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
We’re closing out NICU Awareness Month with a powerful episode all about putting YOU back in the driver’s seat of your baby’s NICU journey. Too often, parents feel sidelined in the chaos of beeping monitors and medical jargon—but you are your baby’s best advocate, and this episode will help you step into that role with confidence.
Today we’re joined by Mary Farrelly, a NICU nurse, doula, and founder of the NICU Translator, who brings her expertise straight to your ears. Together, we unpack what parents can really expect in the NICU, from levels of care and skin-to-skin bonding to navigating feeding challenges and advocating for your baby’s needs.
This conversation isn’t just about surviving the NICU, it’s about finding your power, building trust with your care team, and knowing how to show up for yourself and your baby.
Tune in to learn:
- What every parent should know about the NICU environment
- How to advocate for your rights and preferences
- Why skin-to-skin and bonding time are essential (and how to make sure you get them)
- How to handle feeding challenges with confidence
- Practical tools for your NICU birth plan
If you’re a NICU parent—or love someone who is—this episode will leave you feeling informed, supported, and ready to face whatever comes your way.
0:00 Introduction to NICU and Parenting
01:10 Personal Story and Birth Lounge App
02:15 Empowering Prenatal Appointments
05:24 Navigating NICU Emotions and Questions
07:02 Introducing Mary Farrelly and NICU Support
17:47 Understanding NICU Environment and Care
31:43 Parental Rights and Advocacy in NICU
39:45 Advocating for Your NICU Preferences
41:08 The Importance of Parental Self-Care
43:51 Bonding with Your NICU Baby
54:32 Feeding Challenges and Solutions in the NICU
01:03:27 Creating a NICU Birth Plan
01:10:50 Resources and Support for NICU Parents
01:15:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Mary Farrelly is a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator who helps bridge the gap between families and the NICU with evidence-based, empowering support. As the founder of The NICU Translator, she creates resources and trainings to help both parents and professionals feel more confident navigating life in—and after—the NICU. Mary is also the creator of the NICU Doula Academy, a certification program that trains doulas and perinatal professionals in trauma-informed, NICU-specific support. Through workshops, birth planning tools, and professional education, Mary is on a mission to create more joy and less trauma in the NICU 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:
https://www.thenicutranslator.com
Free NICU Birth Plan Template: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan
Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist:
https://www.thenicutranslator.com/nicu-doula-academy
Listen to The NICU Translated Podcast here: https://thenicutranslated.transistor.fm/
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Friday Sep 19, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe welcomes Brooke Smith, a seasoned NICU nurse, IBCLC, doula, and childbirth educator, to shine a light on what life in the NICU really looks like for families. Together, they unpack practical tips for navigating the beeping machines and medical jargon while still staying connected to your baby in meaningful ways. Brooke shares strategies for coping during this overwhelming season, advocating for your baby, and building confidence in your parental instincts.
This conversation also explores the importance of effective communication with NICU staff, why self-care is non-negotiable for parents, and how practices like primary nursing can support your family’s journey. HeHe and Brooke also talk through emotional resilience and what to expect as you transition home after the NICU.
This episode is a must-listen for parents preparing for, currently in, or healing after a NICU stay. You’ll walk away with reassurance, tools, and encouragement to help you feel informed and empowered—no matter what the NICU brings.
00:00 Trust Your Instincts and Seek Support
01:03 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:08 Introducing The Birth Lounge App
01:29 Features of The Birth Lounge App
04:51 NICU Awareness Month
05:46 Interview with NICU Nurse Brooke Smith
07:30 Understanding the NICU Experience
12:16 Tips for NICU Parents
22:25 Bonding with Your NICU Baby
31:18 Communicating with Your NICU Team
37:28 Navigating Medical Decisions in the NICU
39:37 Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy Decisions
40:19 The Importance of Early Conversations
42:50 Advocating for Your Baby in the NICU
46:05 The Role of Primary Nursing in NICU
52:47 Emotional Support for NICU Parents
01:00:20 Transitioning Home from the NICU
01:07:07 Supporting NICU Families as Friends and Family
01:08:55 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Brooke has been a NICU nurse for 8 years. After her first Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Brooke decided to pursue nursing and obtained her second Bachelor’s degree in nursing. She started her career at a Level 4 NICU in her home state of Florida, where she worked for 3.5 years and learned a lot as a new nurse. She then began to travel nurse in 2021, and has since worked in 9 different NICUs in 5 states across the U.S. She also has been a doula and childbirth educator since 2022, and IBCLC since 2023. She met her husband in Maryland while travel nursing in 2021, and now resides in Maryland with her husband Chris, two dogs Ruby and Penny, and their first baby on the way due in October.
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!
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! They’re also a great way to detox your home, while detoxing your gut! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with Kim Rogers — aka the Worm Queen — for a conversation that will totally change the way you think about parasites and your health.
We’re talking about what parasites actually are (spoiler: they’re total energy vampires), where they come from, and how they can sneakily impact everything from your gut to your sleep to your mental health. Yes, even your anxiety and mood swings might have a parasitic connection.
HeHe and Kim dive into the fascinating link between parasites and the full moon, why your pets might be part of the story, and what to watch for in your own body. Kim also shares her personal journey through parasite infections and how it inspired her to create the Purify Parasite Cleanse kit.
If you’ve ever wondered why you’re feeling drained, foggy, or just off, this episode is your permission slip to explore what’s really going on inside your body, and learn some practical steps to protect yourself and your family.
Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts fascinating and empowering. It’s time to pull back the curtain on a taboo topic that deserves way more attention.
00:00 Introduction to Parasites
01:03 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:19 The Birth Lounge App: A Pregnancy Essential
02:34 Understanding Pregnancy Symptoms
03:06 Evidence-Based Articles in The Birth Lounge App
05:25 The Viral Bear Video and Parasites
05:58 Parasites in Our Daily Lives
07:28 Introducing Kim Rogers: The Worm Queen
08:00 Kim's Personal Battle with Parasites
09:15 The Importance of Parasite Cleanses
09:23 Testing for Parasites
09:35 Parasites and Pets
09:55 Parasites from Sushi and Other Sources
11:33 Kim's Journey to Healing
17:17 Common Symptoms of Parasite Infections
19:25 Global Practices in Parasite Cleansing
19:41 Challenges in Parasite Testing
28:25 Water Contamination and Parasites
30:03 Filtering Water and Washing Produce
40:11 Symptoms Overlooked as Parasite Infections
42:48 Declining Health and Mental Health Issues
43:25 Personal Health Journey and Inflammation
44:47 Parasites and Mental Health
45:35 Toxoplasmosis and Other Parasites
54:39 Cleansing and Preventative Measures
01:02:15 Probiotics and Gut Health
01:09:11 Parasite Cleansing for Pets
01:11:27 Full Moon and Parasite Activity
01:16:50 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Kim worked in western medicine for over 20 years ran 25 healthcare colleges, was a professor, author, and holds 2 healthcare degrees all while dealing with her own chronic illnesses. She started to look at natural ways to help heal herself. In 2019 Kims health took a very drastic turn for the worse. Kim and her husband Jeromy decided to sell everything and move out to their property to build a log home in hopes to heal Kim. They discovered the healing powers of Mushrooms and started to see some light of hope! In July, 2021 Kim was doing better but not as great as they had hoped. Kim came across a video on Tiktok talking about parasite cleansing she gave it a try and BAM 3 days in she saw Flukes, Roundworms and Pinworms. She decided to make a video talking about her parasite cleanse it went viral on Tiktok. Kim saw a need to help others heal! She started her company RogersHood in December 2021 making ParaFy Parasite cleanse kit to help others cleanse their bodies of unwanted parasites candida heavy metals and toxins. Since 2021 she has built a community with over a million followers, a company with 30+ employees, and is the Co- Founder, CEO of RogersHood which manufactures their own products in a 10k manufacturing facility they built themselves!
Can’t wait for everyone to ParaFy Parasite Cleanse!
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://rogershood.com/ Use code HEHE for 10% off!
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Sally Hayes, founder of Matrikas, to talk about what it really takes to build a solid, supportive village for new parents. Together, they unpack the importance of continuity of care, how to create a trustworthy referral list, and the reality of navigating a maternal healthcare system that often feels broken and fragmented.
Sally brings her wisdom on radical acceptance, the role of virtual care in expanding access, and why maternal health education has to start earlier than most people think. HeHe and Sally also dive into how to properly vet practitioners and what to do if client feedback uncovers red flags in your referral network.
If you’ve ever wondered how collaboration between providers (and communities!) can change outcomes for families, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how to build the kind of village that supports birthing people and their care teams.
00:00 Introduction and Purpose-Driven Care
01:03 Client Testimonial and Birth Lounge App
05:04 Healthcare System Challenges
06:33 Interview with Sally Hayes: Continuity of Care
08:00 Building a Referral Network
25:45 Virtual Care and Overcoming Healthcare Deserts
36:26 Personal Experiences and Advice for New Doulas
40:03 Building Connections and Championing Others
41:05 Embracing Authenticity in Your Work
41:54 Finding Your Perfect Client
42:33 Creating Unique Services and Standing Out
43:02 Building a Referral Network
45:40 Aligning Values with Referral Partners
51:59 Handling Mismatched Referrals
01:05:42 The Importance of Preemptive Education
01:11:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Guest Bio:
Before founding Matrikas, Sally spent 20+ years as a prenatal and postpartum massage therapist, working intimately with thousands of clients through some of the most transformative chapters of their lives.
Her hands-on work illuminated a critical gap in the maternal health landscape: while there are countless talented practitioners, many work alone, disconnected from one another and often unsupported. Matrikas was born out of this need for a more connected, collaborative, and community driven model of care.
Through Matrikas, Sally champions relationship based referrals, cross discipline education, and building a shared village that supports birthing people and the providers who care for them.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
BIRTH EDUCATION:
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