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
4 days ago
4 days ago
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:
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:
6 days ago
6 days ago
Miscarriage affects 1 in 4 pregnancies, yet it’s still surrounded by silence, shame, and stigma. In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Zucker, a reproductive psychologist, author of I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement, and an incredible voice in this space.
Together, we’re getting real about the emotional and psychological impact of pregnancy loss, how our medical system often misses the mark, and what true support looks like for those navigating this experience. Dr. Zucker also shares her personal story of loss and how it shaped her mission to normalize these conversations and bring compassion to the forefront of reproductive health.
This episode is for anyone who’s experienced miscarriage, loves someone who has, or simply wants to be part of breaking the silence. You’ll walk away with perspective, validation, and tools to change the way we show up for each other in this journey.
00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Miscarriage Stigma
00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:03 Avoiding a C-Section: Free Class Overview
02:57 Empowering Women in Birth Choices
05:12 Introducing Today's Episode on Miscarriage
05:30 Conversation with Dr. Jessica Zucker
09:27 Jessica Zucker's Journey and Advocacy
14:38 Understanding and Supporting Pregnancy Loss
23:36 Breaking the Silence and Stigma
27:17 How to Support Someone Experiencing Loss
30:21 Offering Genuine Support After Loss
32:17 Personal Reflections on Loss and Support
34:25 Navigating Conversations About Loss
37:31 Professional Insights on Experiencing Personal Loss
45:47 The Importance of Early Education on Loss
50:17 The Role of Healthcare Providers in Supporting Loss
53:18 Conclusion and Resources
Guest Bio:
Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning book I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America and earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University. Her second book, NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives, is out now and available everywhere books are sold.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Dr. Zucker on Instagram
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Keywords: miscarriage support, pregnancy loss, miscarriage stigma, Dr Jessica Zucker, miscarriage memoir, I Had a Miscarriage book, fertility journey, emotional impact of miscarriage, coping with miscarriage, miscarriage awareness, reproductive psychology, pregnancy loss support, breaking miscarriage silence, miscarriage podcast
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Have you ever stopped to think about what’s really in your shampoo, cleaning spray, or even your favorite candle? Spoiler alert: everyday products are often loaded with hidden toxins that can impact your health, hormones, and even fertility.
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by Illie Balaj, integrative nutritionist, children’s book author, and founder of Live HealthIllie, for a deep dive into low-tox living. Illie’s personal journey to toxin-free living is both eye-opening and inspiring, and she’s here to show you that making swaps doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Inside this conversation, we cover:
- The surprising toxins hiding in common products (like SLS in personal care)
- Easy, practical swaps to reduce toxins in your home and life
- How gut health and endocrine disruptors are connected to issues like eczema, dandruff, migraines, and painful periods
- Fertility prep 101: sunlight, muscle building, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction
- Why reducing synthetic fragrances might be one of the best things you can do for your body
This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you feel confident and empowered as you lower your toxic load and prepare your body for pregnancy.
Tune in now to learn how small, mindful changes can create big shifts in your health and fertility.
00:00 Introduction to Low Tox Living
00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
02:19 The Journey to Low Tox Living
05:45 Common Health Issues and Hidden Toxins
07:35 Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle
17:42 Understanding Stress and Its Impact
26:09 Natural Detoxification Methods
36:06 The Importance of Hydration and Minerals
38:20 Creating Minerals and Chill
38:54 Hydration Beyond Water
40:26 The Coffee Conundrum
42:49 Preparing for Pregnancy
50:30 Understanding Leptin and Fertility
55:36 Challenges with Fertility Clinics
01:04:30 Addressing Common Health Issues
01:07:57 Detoxing and Cleansing Myths
01:10:26 Connecting with Healthillie
01:11:46 Conclusion and Farewell
Guest Bio:
Illie is an Integrative Nutritionist, Children's Book Author, & Founder of Live Healthillie
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://livehealthillie.com/products/live-healthillie-minerals-chill
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Ep. 377: The Myth of the Aging Placenta with Sophie Messager, Phd
Have you ever been told your placenta might be “too old”? Maybe you’ve heard that once you hit 35 or if you’ve conceived through IVF, your placenta just can’t keep up. This so-called “aging placenta” idea gets tossed around a lot, but here’s the truth: it’s a myth.
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Sophie Messager, a former reproductive psychologist and current doula, to set the record straight. Together, we dive into:
The history of the “aging placenta” myth and how it gained traction
What science really says about how the placenta changes in late pregnancy
Why these misconceptions can strip away maternal autonomy and fuel unnecessary interventions
The role of intuition when navigating medical recommendations
How systemic bias and racial disparities play into maternity care
And drumming… yes, you read that right: how drumming can become a powerful, grounding tool during pregnancy
This conversation will give you the knowledge (and confidence) to challenge outdated beliefs and trust that your body isn’t broken. It’’s brilliant.
🎧 Tune in now to reclaim your power and let’s bust this myth together!
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
01:16 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast
01:22 The Birth Lounge App: Your Pregnancy Companion
04:19 Debunking the Myth of the Aging Placenta
05:02 Interview with Sophie Ee: Bridging Science and Doula Work
07:08 Understanding Placental Health and Misconceptions
08:43 The Role of Research and Personal Experiences
17:12 Navigating Medical Advice and Personal Instincts
19:53 The Complexity of Placental Aging and Birth Outcomes
36:50 The Importance of Trusting Maternal Instincts
43:53 The Importance of Counting Kicks
44:48 Trusting Maternal Instincts
45:32 Placental Health in Subsequent Pregnancies
47:40 Respecting the Birth Process
48:56 The Role of the Placenta
54:58 Cultural and Racial Differences in Placental Health
57:00 Challenges in Maternity Care Systems
01:13:55 The Power of Intuition and Spirituality in Birth
01:20:00 Resources and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Sophie Messager bridges worlds that rarely meet. A former reproductive physiologist with a PhD, she traded her microscope for doula work after experiencing the transformative power of an empowered birth. Her decade-long journey as a doula, birth educator, and author of Why Postnatal Recovery Matters deepened her exploration of the rhythms surrounding women’s transitions.
Now a holistic life transition mentor, Sophie guides women through significant life thresholds – from birth to perimenopause and beyond. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and spiritual insight allows her to serve as a compassionate space holder for those seeking to harmonise their analytical and intuitive selves.
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 15% off any of Sophie’s online courses with code birthlounge
https://sophiemessager.com/the-myth-of-the-aging-placenta/
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
This episode isn’t just about birth plans—it’s about the plan no one wants to make, but every family needs. I’m joined by Kayleigh Summers, aka The Birth Trauma Mama, to have a real and raw conversation about creating a catastrophe plan during pregnancy.
Kayleigh shares her personal story of surviving an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and how that experience changed everything about the way she views birth prep. We talk about what most people skip over: ICU protocols, feeding plans, postpartum care in emergencies, and yes—even life support decisions.
It’s a heavy conversation, but it’s also incredibly empowering. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to start building a plan that ensures your wishes are respected and your voice is heard—even if things don’t go the way you envisioned.
This is about protecting your power in birth, no matter what.
Guest Bio:
Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. Drawing from her clinical expertise and lived experience as an amniotic fluid embolism survivor, Kayleigh is dedicated to supporting families navigating perinatal trauma and collaborating with healthcare institutions to implement trauma-informed care tailored to pregnant and postpartum populations. As The Birth Trauma Mama, Kayleigh has cultivated vibrant support communities through Instagram, TikTok, and her podcast, offering connection, storytelling, and valuable resources for individuals impacted by perinatal trauma. Her work bridges clinical knowledge and personal insight, fostering hope and healing for those in need.
00:00 Introduction and Third Trimester Update
02:51 Creating a Birth Plan
04:40 Introducing the Catastrophe Plan
05:50 Kayleigh Summers' Story and Lessons
08:41 Discussing Catastrophic Birth Plans
11:11 Advocating for Yourself and Your Baby
11:57 Welcoming Kayleigh Summers
12:24 The Importance of Hard Conversations
13:22 Planning for Postpartum and Catastrophic Events
16:44 Separation and Skin-to-Skin Contact
39:02 Feeding Plans and Breastfeeding Decisions
44:01 Struggles with Milk Supply
44:47 Navigating ICU Communication
49:24 The Importance of Family Support
52:08 Documenting ICU Experiences
58:48 Life Support Decisions
01:07:59 Preparing for Catastrophic Events
01:19:42 Final Thoughts and Resources
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:
Keywords: birth trauma, birth trauma mama, Kayleigh Summers, catastrophe plan pregnancy, amniotic fluid embolism, AFE birth story, emergency birth planning, pregnancy birth plan, postpartum planning, ICU birth plan, feeding plan newborn, high risk pregnancy planning, birth advocacy, informed consent in birth, empowered birth, birth trauma support, The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe Stewart, maternal health advocacy, lowering birth trauma
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of my favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! 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 week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest elephants in the birthing room: sky-high C-section rates in the U.S. (yep, we’re talking about that 1 in 3 number).
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just accept that as the norm. I’m sitting down with Juli Pyle, a certified nurse midwife who has helped her small, rural hospital keep their C-section rate at just 12% (I know, jaw drop, right?).
Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really working—things like midwives and OBs actually collaborating as a team, evidence-based care that puts families first, and a hospital culture that truly values physiological birth.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lower C-section rates and protect birthing families, this episode is going to light a fire in you.
00:00 Introduction to the Birth Lounge Podcast
01:16 The Nation's C-Section Rate and WHO Recommendations
01:55 Introducing Juli Pyle: A Nurse Midwife with a 12% C-Section Rate
03:26 Achieving Low C-Section Rates: Insights from Juli Pyle
06:18 Challenges and Solutions in Maternity Care
07:29 Encouragement for Large Hospital Systems
09:16 Interview with Juli Pyle Begins
10:41 The Project and Results: Integrating Midwifery into Hospital Practice
12:43 Midwifery Care and Trust Between Providers
19:04 Co-Managing High-Risk Pregnancies
25:56 Ego and Team Dynamics in Maternity Care
29:01 The Importance of Midwifery in Large Hospitals
31:58 Ad for Cozy Earth: Comfort During Pregnancy
34:03 Licensure Structure for Midwives in Pennsylvania
34:56 The Role and Training of Certified Nurse Midwives
35:25 Legislation and Independent Practice for Midwives
38:02 Challenges in Mississippi's Healthcare System
43:13 Midwifery Care Across Different Regions
45:40 Managing Labor and Reducing C-Section Rates
57:49 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice
01:04:23 Encouragement for Healthcare Advocates
01:06:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Juli Pyle (she/her) is a certified nurse midwife who practices at a community hospital in rural Pennsylvania. Juli was a stay at mom for many years to five children before deciding to return to school to pursue a degree in nursing. She graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a bachelors of science in nursing degree in 2016 and then began her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse. She quickly discovered that this was her true passion (as she had suspected since birthing her own children) and rapidly gained a reputation for professionalism, compassion and expertise among colleagues and patients. She then returned to Frontier Nursing University to complete a Master’s degree in Nursing with an emphasis in midwifery. In 2020, she began her career as a certified nurse-midwife at a small community hospital in central Pennsylvania where she has been since that time. Her focus as a CNM is to provide evidence-based education to all birthing families, give true autonomy and informed consent throughout their time with her and to share love, understanding, empathy and true shared-decision making. Juli also currently serves on the Pennsylvania MMRC (maternal mortality review committee). When not immersed in the birthing world, she enjoys spending time refinishing furniture, gardening, raising chickens, hiking and vacationing with her husband and family.
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!
Keywords: c section rates, lowering c section rates, midwifery care, nurse midwife, birth outcomes, evidence based birth, collaborative maternity care, informed consent in birth, physiological birth, reducing c sections, birth lounge podcast, maternity care reform, midwives and obstetricians, rural hospital birth, empowering birth choices
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Ohhh baby! The second trimester is here, and it’s bringing all the feels! In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my pregnancy so far and giving you the inside scoop on some pretty big updates happening inside The Birth Lounge.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:
✨ The first magical moments of feeling baby kicks (inside and outside!)
✨ The less magical parts: hello, heartburn, round ligament pain, and late-night wedge pillow life
✨ What went down at our anatomy scan and how it’s shaping my birth prep
✨ Big news about The Birth Lounge membership: what’s changing, why the price is going up September 1, and which membership option (monthly, annual, or lifetime) might be the best fit for you
✨ Why I hired a home birth midwife and how I’m shaping my birth plans step by step
This episode is part pregnancy diary, part behind-the-scenes of how The Birth Lounge is evolving, and part love note to every parent who’s navigating the wild ride of growing a human.
Whether you’re here for the bump updates, the evidence-based pregnancy talk, or the scoop on how The Birth Lounge is about to get even juicier… this one’s got a little something for you.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:59 Exciting Changes in The Birth Lounge Membership
03:24 Membership Options Breakdown
04:27 Exclusive Benefits for Lifetime Members
07:50 Second Trimester Experiences
08:57 Feeling the Baby Move
12:40 Weight Gain and Body Changes
17:41 Pregnancy Pillow and Sleep Adjustments
21:42 Cravings and Prenatal Vitamins
23:39 Hot Yoga and Sauna During Pregnancy
29:51 Hiring a Home Birth Midwife
31:52 Diastasis Recti and Pelvic Floor Therapy
34:35 Non-Evidence Based Decisions
36:28 Starting Aspirin and CGM
39:55 Anatomy Scan Experience
41:52 Ultrasound and Baby Movements
48:16 Colostrum and Heartburn
51:31 Round Ligament Pain and Chiropractic Care
55:42 Preparing for Birth: Classes and Plans
01:01:25 Final Thoughts and Excitement
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with HeHe on Instagram
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Weight Gain in Pregnancy Research
Low Dose Aspirin use in pregnancy
Exercise During Pregnancy Research
PRODUCTS I LOVE:
Needed Powder Prenatal: Use Code HeHe
Just Ingredients Protein powder: Use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE
Cozy Earth: one of my favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! 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/
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the world of baby wearing with Jordan Morillo, a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom. We’re talking everything from the ABCs of carrier choices to spotting a perfect carry (and avoiding the not-so-perfect ones). You’ll learn how to safely position your baby, back carry like a pro, tandem wear without losing your mind, and even breastfeed on the go. We tackle fears, hot-weather hacks, and ethical carrier picks, so whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned wearer, you’ll walk away confident, informed, and ready to rock that baby wearing life.
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Baby Wearing
05:42 Key Safety Components: The ABCs of Baby Wearing
08:53 Understanding the M Position for Baby's Legs
15:21 Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
20:59 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
25:03 Risks and Benefits of Baby Wearing
29:36 Special Considerations for NICU and Preemie Babies
33:40 Misleading Marketing and Safety Testing
39:22 Addressing Baby's Discomfort with Carriers
39:45 Tips for Easing Baby into Baby Wearing
41:05 Understanding Baby's Resistance to Carriers
45:14 Debunking Myths: Baby Wearing and Clinginess
48:52 Breastfeeding Benefits and Baby Wearing
50:55 Toddler Wearing: Tips and Techniques
54:44 Tandem Wearing: Managing Two Kids
56:21 Forward Facing: When and How
01:00:21 Favorite Carriers for Different Scenarios
01:07:44 Water Safe Baby Wearing
01:11:22 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Guest Bio:
Jordan Morillo is a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom, who is passionate about empowering families with the knowledge they need to babywear safely, comfortably, and with confidence. She provides parent support through worldwide virtual 1:1 consultations, home health services, and by sharing free resources and tutorials on social media.
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:
Visit Motherhoodtherapyservices.janeapp.com to book a consultation with Jordan!
Babywearing Resources
Everyday Carriers
- Hoppediz Primeo – https://hoppediz.de/en/baby-carriers/primeo
A buckle carrier that’s perfect for smaller babies. - Neko Tiny – https://www.nekoslings.com/en/
A stretchy wrap–buckle hybrid carrier for newborns. - Solly Baby – https://sollybaby.com/
Lightweight stretchy wraps designed for comfort in the early months. - Boba – https://boba.com/
Known for soft structured carriers and stretchy wraps. - Ring Slings – Popular ones are from Sakura Bloom https://sakurabloom.com/collections/ring-sling and Mama & Roos https://www.mama-roo.com/collections/ring-slings
Easy to adjust and stylish for on-the-go babywearing. - Onbuhimo Buckle Carrier
Strap-and-back-only carrier, ideal for toddlers who want up and down often. - Forward Facing Options – ErgoBaby Omni https://ergobaby.com/omni-breeze-baby-carrier and Tula Explore https://babytula.com/products/explore-baby-carrier
Safe forward-facing carry for older babies. - Jordan’s favorite ethical/organic brands: Ethically made, sustainable carriers with thoughtful design.
- Hope & Plum https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers
- Heritage Baby Designs https://heritagebaby.ca/
- LoveHeld https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers
- Beluga Baby https://belugababy.ca/
Size Inclusive Carriers
- Ring Slings – Sakura Bloom https://sakurabloom.com/collections/ring-sling, Mama & Roos https://www.mama-roo.com/collections/ring-slings
Adjustable and versatile for all body types. - Woven Wraps – Didymos https://www.didymos.de/en/Baby-Wraps/, Oscha Slings https://oschaslings.com/collections/baby-wraps
Endless tying options for perfect fit and comfort. - Keep Close(r) – https://keepcloser.com/
Designed specifically with plus-size parents in mind. - Kinderpack – https://kindercarry.com/
Extended sizes and supportive structure for all bodies. - Integra Baby – https://integrababy.co.uk/
Lightweight carriers with adjustable straps for inclusivity. - Hope & Plum – https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers
Ring slings made for every parent’s comfort. - LoveHeld – https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers
Soft, ethically made carriers with flexible sizing. - Tula Belt Extenders – https://babytula.com/products/tula-waistband-extenders
Expand Tula carriers for a more inclusive fit. - Meh Dai Carriers – Didymos https://www.didymos.de/en/Meh-Dai/, BabyHawk https://babyhawk.com/
Tie-on carriers with a customizable fit. - Lamb (Europe) – https://lamb-babycarriers.com/
European-made woven carriers, size-friendly. - WildBird – https://wildbird.co/
Long-tail ring slings for flexible carrying options.
Water Wearing Carriers
- Integra Solar – https://integrababy.co.uk/collections/integra-solar
Quick-drying, lightweight carrier for water activities. - Hope & Plum Hemp Sling – https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers
Breathable sling, perfect for summer and pool days. - LoveHeld Hemp Carrier – https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers
Durable hemp blend, suitable for water and sun. - Aloha & Light Eco Silk Hemp Blend – https://alohaandlight.com/
Soft, eco-friendly slings designed for hot climates. - Beachfront Baby – https://beachfrontbabywraps.com/
Mesh Meh Dais and wraps made for swimming and beach days. - Gustine Mesh Sling – https://gustinebabycarriers.com/
Breathable mesh sling perfect for water play.
RESEARCH:
Study on reduction of PMADs: Randomized controlled trial to prevent postpartum depressive symptomatology: An infant carrier intervention. Little EE, Bain L, Hahn-Holbrook J. J Affect Disord. 2023 Nov 1;340:871-876. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.044. Epub 2023 Aug 15. PMID: 37586649.
Study on decreased cry time when worn: Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Urs A. Hunziker; Ronald G. Barr. Pediatrics (1986) 77 (5): 641–648
Vital signs regulation:
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Katharine Graves, the powerhouse behind KG Hypnobirthing, to uncover the magic of turning birth into a calm, confident, and downright empowering experience. We’re talking about how hypnobirthing can completely change the way you feel about labor, why evidence-based maternity care is non-negotiable, and how partners can be fierce advocates in the birth space. Katharine also breaks down natural birth approaches like water birth, what you need to know about common interventions like inductions and C-sections, and why preparation is your secret weapon for a birth you feel good about. This is your permission slip to take charge of your birth story and make it an experience you actually want to remember.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:52 Katharine Graves on Hypnobirthing
05:20 Challenges and Misconceptions in Modern Birth Practices
20:05 The Role of Partners in Birth
30:15 Comparing Human and Animal Birth Practices
34:35 The Role of C-Sections in Modern Birth
34:54 Challenging Hospital Birth Assumptions
35:52 The Power and Pain of Birth
36:33 Hospital Interventions and Their Impact
39:18 Global Perspectives on Birth Practices
39:59 The Influence of Technology in Birth
40:49 The Debate on Birth Interventions
46:39 The Importance of Informed Choices
47:49 The Concept of Bonus Time in Late Pregnancy
56:37 The Golden Hour and Post-Birth Practices
01:02:57 Addressing Birth Trauma and Hypnobirthing
01:06:22 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Katharine Graves is the founder of KG Hypnobirthing, a leading antenatal pregnancy & birth education programme that has helped thousands of families approach birth with calm, confidence, and informed choice. She’s a highly respected hypnobirthing expert - having been the first person to introduce hypnobirthing to the UK. She is also a hypnotherapist and doula as well as being author of The Hypnobirthing Book, selling well over 100,000 copies worldwide. Katharine has spent over 15 years personally teaching over 3,000 parents and 2,000 teachers & maternity professionals how to support physiological, empowering birth.
Katharine is deeply passionate about respectful, evidence-based maternity care and the importance of giving women the tools to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and labour. Through her work, she’s trained hundreds of midwives and birth professionals, and continues to lead the way in transforming birth culture through education and compassion.
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:
Check out The Hypnobirthing Book here!
Keywords: hypnobirthing, KG Hypnobirthing, Katharine Graves, natural birth, water birth, positive birth, calm birth, empowered birth, birth preparation, partner support in birth, birth advocacy, induction alternatives, avoiding c-section, evidence based birth, childbirth without fear, hypnobirthing techniques, labor comfort measures, natural pain relief birth, pregnancy podcast, The Birth Lounge
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
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In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Whitney and Brandon Cawood to uncover the hidden ways synthetic food dyes can impact your child’s health and behavior. We’re talking real-life symptoms like irritability, hyperactivity, sleep struggles, and even aggression — and the science that backs it up. Whitney and Brandon share their powerful story of discovering their son’s sensitivity to dyes, the huge transformation they saw after removing them, and how that journey turned into advocacy work.
We’re pulling back the curtain on industry resistance, why the FDA has been slow to act, and what legislation is (and isn’t) doing to protect families. You’ll get practical tips for spotting dyes in your pantry, finding dye-free swaps, and trusting your gut when it comes to your child’s health — even if the experts say otherwise. This is your crash course in advocating for your kids, one grocery trip at a time.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Synthetic Dyes and Their Effects
01:07 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:37 The Secret Sauce to Pushing Course
02:00 Understanding the Anatomy of Pushing
04:06 Challenges in the Hospital System
05:26 A World Without Synthetic Food Dyes
07:17 How Synthetic Dyes Affect Children
10:24 The Cawood Family’s Story
17:12 Raising Awareness & Building Community
31:06 Genetics & Dye Sensitivity
34:35 The Push for Legislation & Safer Alternatives
37:03 The Health Toll of Synthetic Dyes
38:11 FDA Inaction & Public Pressure
41:23 Fighting for Education & Awareness
45:51 Barriers for Low-Income Families
48:14 Removing Harmful Chemicals from Daily Life
50:51 Why They Made a Documentary
52:25 Trust Issues with Regulatory Agencies
54:54 How Prevalent Synthetic Dyes Really Are
01:02:36 Easy Dye-Free Swaps
01:05:14 Industry Resistance to Change
01:07:55 State Efforts & Corporate Pushback
01:09:10 Empty Corporate Promises
01:12:25 The Worst Offending Dyes
01:17:42 Decoding Dye Labels
01:23:33 Parental Advocacy in a Broken System
01:31:54 Resources & Final Thoughts
BIO:
After discovering their child’s sensitivity to synthetic dyes, Brandon and Whitney Cawood, parents-turned-filmmakers, embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden impacts of these additives. Their documentary combines scientific insights and personal stories from affected families, revealing the unseen dangers of synthetic dyes. Through expert interviews and heartfelt narratives, the Cawoods aim to raise awareness of the profound effects these chemicals can have on individuals and families alike. Since beginning this journey, they’ve also become national advocates, working on legislation across the U.S. to help protect children from harmful food additives.
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BIRTH EDUCATION:
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LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.todyeforthedocumentary.com/
Keywords:
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