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 episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe chats with April, a health coach and new mom, who shares her empowering home birth story. From the decision to have a home birth, navigating pregnancy, to the actual birthing experience, April's journey is filled with insightful tips and candid discussions. Learn about choosing the right midwife, preparing for birth and postpartum, and how trust in your body can transform your childbirth experience. Discover how April and her husband prepared for a smooth home birth, the importance of support, and how to handle unexpected situations calmly. This episode is a must-listen for expecting parents exploring birthing options outside of the hospital setting.
Introducing April and Her Birth Story
Deciding on a Home Birth
The Birth Story Begins
Support and Preparation for Birth
Reflecting on the Birth Experience
Emotional Transformation and Parenting
Calmness in Birth and Parenting
Navigating Hospital vs. Home Birth
The Home Depot Adventure
Labor and Pain Management
The Importance of Preparation
Guest Bio:
April Hardeman founded Hardeman Health with the goal to inspire transformation and self-discovery. Through her own journey, April discovered the connection between the mind, body, and spirit and how this connection can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Driven by an unyielding commitment, April provides individuals with indispensable resources, facilitating sustainable lifestyle modifications and elevating overall well-being while enhancing the very fabric of life.
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.hardemanhealth.com/
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this heartfelt episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe and guest Angel dive into a rich conversation about VBACs (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) and home births. Angel shares her personal birth stories, including the challenges of having multiple C-sections and her journey to successful HBA2Cs at home. They discuss the importance of trusting one's intuition, the value of a supportive birth team, and the ongoing debates around midwifery regulations and doula advocacy. With insights from her extensive experience in family education, HeHe guides listeners through the evidence-based practices and options available for expecting parents, aiming to empower them for a confident and informed birth experience no matter the setting and no matter their goals.
Diving into Birth Stories
Navigating Complicated Pregnancies
The Challenges of C-Sections
Triumphs and Traumas of VBAC
The Importance of Intuition in Birth
Advocating for Your Birth Plan
Navigating Intuition and Anxiety
Finding Peace in Decision Making
Personal Home Birth Story
Labor and Contractions Begin
Active Labor and Delivery
Postpartum Care and Experience
VBAC Preparation and Tips
Advocacy and Regulations in Midwifery
Doula Advocacy and Challenges
Guest Bio:
Angel is a Certified Lactation Counselor, Registered Kangaroula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Microbirth Approved Provider, and Doula, dedicated to providing essential support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
With seven years of experience as a breastfeeding counselor, 5 years as a doula and childbirth educator and 10 years of mom experience with 6 children, Angel pulls on her personal and professional knowledge to educate women on the long term effects of modern health care practices that affect women during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.
Angel is the proud owner of Fruit of the Womb Perinatal Services, delivering breastfeeding, prenatal, and birth support to women in the greater Cleveland area.
Listeners can also tune in to The Birth Rebel Podcast, hosted by Angel.
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:
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe engages in a powerful discussion with Frances about navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. They touch on the importance of empowering expecting parents through candid conversations with experts, mental health support, and birth preparation tips. Frances shares insights on the cultural shifts in labor and delivery over the past decade, particularly regarding the importance of asking questions and advocating for oneself in the birth suite. They also delve into the critical issues of racial disparities in maternal healthcare, systemic racism, and the ways healthcare providers can better support Black mothers. The episode concludes with practical advice for healthcare professionals and allies on how to elevate Black voices, hold each other accountable, and create a safer, more respectful birthing environment. Tune in to learn how we can all contribute to a transformative change in maternity care.
A Long-Awaited Conversation
Advocacy in Labor and Delivery
Challenges in the Birth Suite
The Role of Social Media in Birth Conversations
Navigating Hospital Policies and Provider Dynamics
The Importance of Informed Consent
Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternity Care
The Power of Speaking Up
Building Trust Between Patients and Providers
The Importance of Direct Communication
Casual Conversations vs. Critical Moments
The Need for Assurance and Planning
Nurses' Role in Patient Comfort
Addressing Systemic Issues in Healthcare
The Power of White Allies
Training and Protocols for Inclusivity
The Reality of Black Maternal Mortality
Mobilizing for Change
Practical Steps for Improvement
The Importance of Believing Black Women
Guest Bio:
Frances Ivy-Marie is a Mom Content Creator. Her goal is to have Black Mothers have the same chance of surviving childbirth as their white counterparts in the United States, with a dream of that goal making a global impact.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with Frances on TikTok
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 Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Join host HeHe on the Birth Lounge podcast as she welcomes Liz, the founder of Swaddelini, to discuss her revolutionary baby swaddle. Liz shares her personal journey from new mom to entrepreneur, and how the necessity to help her own baby sleep better led to the invention of the innovative Swaddelini. They discuss the importance of proper baby sleep, the benefits of sensory compression, and the process of developing a baby product that meets the needs of various medical and developmental requirements. Liz also opens up about her own experiences with postpartum emotional distress and how her first employee's journey helped shape her company's values. Tune in for an inspiring story of perseverance, motherhood, and groundbreaking innovation in baby sleep technology.
Swaddelini is the soft and stretchy swaddle gives a gentle hug soothing your baby while allowing your baby freedom of movement!
The Birth of Swaddelini
Postpartum Emotional Distress
The Science Behind Swaddelini
The Comfort of Swaddelini
Adapting Swaddelini for Special Needs
Custom Orders and Team Effort
How to Use the Swaddelini
Temperature Control and Safety
Washing and Maintenance Tips
When to Stop Using Swaddelini
Future Innovations and Sensory Products
HeHe's Newborn Sleep Solutions Guide: A Guide to longer stretches of sleep by 6 weeks! Learn how to support your baby’s biological development, prioritize their weight gain goals & capitalize on the most nighttime sleep possible! By understanding newborn development, you will be able to avoid harsh, formal sleep training programs in the future! This Newborn Sleep Solution will teach you everything you need to know to properly support your baby’s sleep needs, understand what is happening in their development in each stage and how to adjust your routines to get your newborn sleeping soundly at night in the first few weeks!
GET YOUR NEWBORN SLEEP SOLUTIONS GUIDE HERE!
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:
Check out the Swaddelini here!
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
In this episode, HeHe is joined by Alexandra, the founder of Just The Inserts, to discuss the crucial topic of informed consent in pregnancy and pediatric care. Discover how to support your mental health and craft your ideal birth experience with insights from experts. 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.
Informed Consent: Understanding Medical Decisions
Navigating the Healthcare System
The Importance of Reading Medical Inserts
How to Read Medical Inserts
Free Resources for Learning About Medical Inserts
Understanding Bolded Text in Medical Inserts
Introducing the New Book: A Handbook for Informed Medical Decisions
Empowering Patients: Questions to Ask Your Medical Provider
The Importance of Radical Responsibility in Medical Decisions
The Role of Manufacturers and Legal Protections
Concerns About Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)
Risks Highlighted in Medical Inserts
Transparency Issues in Adverse Reaction Reporting
State Laws and Parental Authority in Medical Decisions
Accessing Medical Inserts and 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.
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.justtheinserts.com/
Grab Alexandra’s book, Well Considered, here: https://justtheinserts.store/
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Join us for a compelling episode with Garrett Wood, founder of Koze Kobe, as she shares her remarkable journey of revolutionizing maternal healthcare through innovative, sustainable solutions. Garrett candidly discusses her traumatic childbirth experience and the challenges faced postpartum, inspiring the development of groundbreaking products like biodegradable absorbent bras and 'nip gloss.' We delve into the emotional and physical impacts of childbirth, the importance of supportive midwifery care, and the systemic issues plaguing the U.S. maternity care system. This episode also features exciting announcements about Koze's latest product launches, their presence on Amazon, and engaging content on social media. Discover Garrett’s resilience, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the mission to support and empower mothers everywhere. Don't miss out on insights about balancing motherhood and startup life and the impactful stories of overcoming birth trauma. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation and catch all the vital links in the show notes.
Introducing Koze: Revolutionizing Perinatal Products
The Maternal Health Crisis
Garrett's Traumatic Birth Story
The Struggles of Induction and Labor
The Battle with the Medical System
The Painful Reality of Birth Trauma
Reflecting on the Experience
Looking Forward: Future Birth Plans
The Healing Power of Home Birth
Sharing and Processing Birth Trauma
Postpartum Challenges and the Birth of Koze
Innovative Solutions for New Moms
Sustainable and Practical Products
Future Endeavors and Personal Growth
Guest Bio:
kozēkozē is a perinatal products company, creating innovative products that reduce mess and stress for moms, so they can better bond with baby. USE CODE HEHE TO SAVE 20%
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:
Check out Koze here! USE CODE HEHE TO SAVE 20%
Check out the Koze podcast with Garrett Wood here.
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Connect with Guest on YouTube.
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Join us as HeHe welcomes Ashley and Aisha from Dear NICU Mama to discuss the highs and lows of having a NICU baby. Learn about coping strategies, the importance of peer support, advocacy tips, and the incredible services offered by Dear NICU Mama. Ashley and Aisha share their personal journeys and the transformative power of community for NICU parents. Discover how to navigate the NICU experience and find solidarity through shared stories and support. Don't miss this heartwarming and informative episode!
The NICU Experience: Coping and Advocacy
Founding Dear NICU Mama
Ashley and Aisha's Personal Stories
The Power of Peer Support
Isolation in the NICU
Emotional and Physical Isolation
Support and Validation
Navigating Conversations and Advocacy
Preparing for the NICU
Building Trust with Medical Professionals
Empowerment and Advocacy in the NICU
Finding Your Voice and Support System
Handling Conflicts with Medical Staff
Mental Health and Additional Resources
The Importance of Kangaroo Care
Letters of Hope and Community Support
Guest Bio:
Dear NICU mama is a nonprofit that brings hope and connection to NICU mothers through a community where mothers and families feel seen, understood, and supported. Ashley is one of the co-founders of DNM and Aisha is a loss mom & NICU mom.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Check out Dear NICU Mama on IG
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience! USE CODE SAVE150 FOR BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS!!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Check Out the Dear NICU Mama podcast
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
HeHe welcomes Kara, a Mother-Baby Nurse, to provide an in-depth look into what new parents can expect during postpartum care in the hospital. They discuss the transition from labor and delivery to postpartum, common procedures and checks for both mother and baby, pain relief options, the importance of advocating for yourself, and more. Learn about the first 24-hour care routines, baby monitoring, essential tips for breastfeeding, and dealing with postpartum concerns like baby’s weight loss and the infamous first postpartum poop.
Discussing Postpartum in the Hospital
Transitioning to Postpartum Care
Postpartum Care Procedures
Pain Relief Options
Visitors and Providers in Postpartum
Pediatric Assessments and Procedures
Newborn Screening Tests
Understanding Bilirubin and Jaundice
Hearing Tests for Newborns
Postpartum Care Procedures
Breastfeeding Support and Training
Baby Weight Loss and Supplementing
Circumcision: What to Expect
Postpartum Poop: What You Need to Know
Guest Bio:
Kara is a mother-baby, hospital based nurse with 3 kids of her own. Her passion is educating and empowering people through her social media pages. She shares nurse tips and mom tricks, author of the book Why Didn’t I Learn all this Parent Stuff Sooner?, and creator of a tried and true baby sleep course. You can find her @karathrbabynurse on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram!
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! USE CODE SAVE150 FOR BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS!!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Join HeHe and Labor & Delivery RN, Heidi Nielsen, to discuss the gap in care that exists within the hospital system when a fetal loss occurs. Many loss families report that their hospital staff did not deliver trauma-informed & compassionate care during the most dark of times. Heidi shares that nursing schools and the medical system does a very poor job of preparing nurses to care for families in the case of fetal demise. This episode is aimed towards medical professionals or support services (like doulas) who care for expectant families. This episode does come with a listener discretion as we dive into fetal demise in detail so healthcare professionals can be prepared for this experience and have evidence-based ways to support their patients in times of loss.
Guest Bio:
Heidi has been in the OB world for over a decade which has been filled with the most incredible, happy, and heartbreaking experiences. In addition to working at the bedside, she is also a nurse educator for Bundle Birth Nurses and a fetal monitoring instructor for AWHONN. She has a love for curating a positive birth experience for my patients and helping them to navigate when things don't go as planned. She also has a passion for educating nurses and helping them to find their voice and expand on their knowledge to grow and build on to their day-to-day practice.
INSTAGRAM:
Connect with Bundle Birth Nurses on IG
BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
YOUTUBE LINKS:
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
In this heartfelt episode, HeHe is joined by Ana Lepe Vick, a loss mom who courageously shares the story of her son, Owen, and her experience with preventable stillbirth. Together, they shed light on the disparities within the U.S. healthcare system and the critical gaps in care that may have saved Owen’s life if Ana’s concerns had been taken seriously. You’ll learn evidence-based techniques for monitoring your baby’s well-being at home, how to effectively communicate concerns to your care team, and ways to get involved in the movement to end preventable stillbirth in the U.S.
Guest Bio:
Following a “textbook” perfect pregnancy, Ana and her husband were blindsided by their son, Owen Nathaniel's, unexpected stillbirth. A subsequent, high-risk Pregnancy After Loss with 17 weeks of bedrest eventually blessed them with a healthy, living sibling for their elder daughter thanks to her own personal advocacy. Yet her family’s struggles through stillbirth and two subsequent miscarriages before the birth of her second son, resulted in deep emotional birth trauma. Today, Ana channels her trauma into advocacy heading to D.C. regularly to support legislative efforts. She also shares her insights on her personal Instagram @stillmyson*, aiming to spread awareness and empower those facing similar challenges to raise their voices for change. Above all, she fiercely advocates to advance the standard of care for pregnant families.
With prior career experience in event planning and media production at E! Entertainment, Ana brings a variety of creative, communications, and project management skills to her work at PUSH. Ana is also the founder of the Sacred Birth Circle podcast, which aims to empower women and families throughout their pregnancy journey, and Creadors De Luz, which provides culturally relevant Spanish-language information to reduce preventable stillbirth within the Latinx/Hispanic population. Ana holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).
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:
Pregnancy After Loss (for practitioners) Course by PUSH Pregnancy
Pregnancy After Loss (for parents) Guide
Episode 221: Counting Kicks with Emily Price
PUSH Pregnancy educational material