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
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
In today’s episode, HeHe sits down with Lo Nigrosh, an IBCLC, to dive into what you need to know about hospital provided lactation support vs private lactation support! Lo is breaking down how to hire an IBCLC, why you may want to explore this option *before* your baby gets here, what to do if you are getting conflicting lactation advice and how hospital culture impacts the care you may be given in the hospital. We also dive into how your nurses own lactation and feeding journey with their baby impacts their lactation support they give to you!
Guest Bio:
Lo Nigrosh lives in Athol, Ma in a log cabin on 5 acres with her husband Max, 2 children, 1 dog and 2 cats. It was her own intense struggle to breastfeed her oldest that led her to birth and lactation work, but it was listening to the struggles of so many others that has kept her here.
As an IBCLC she focuses on helping each client feel proud of every ounce they make, and to recognize each hurdle they unfairly faced. The Milk Making Minutes Podcast explores baby feeding struggles and triumphs through the lens of systemic medical and cultural barriers so that you understands that your body did not fail and your successes really are the miracles you felt they were.
Connect with Lo in IG https://www.instagram.com/lonigrosh_ibclc_podcast_host/
Join The Birth Lounge! https://www.thebirthlounge.com
In-Person Childbirth Education, Boston MA: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/cbe-baby-booty
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
In this episode, HeHe answers some questions from our listeners! Tune in to hear HeHe’s advice on breastfeeding while pregnant, induction, dissecting your previous birth, anemia, iron infusions and supplements, VBAC, TOLAC, and and using breastmilk as a remedy for Pink Eye!
Below are the questions HeHe answered AND the resources mentioned!:
2:59 - “I’m two days past my due date with my second child. My first was induced at 42 weeks and it led to a c-section. I’m being urged to induce at 41 weeks now and I’d love your thoughts on this.”
Grab the Induction Cheat sheet HeHe mentioned here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction
1:1 consult: https://stan.store/TranquilityByHeHe/p/book-your-11-call-with-me-6uk9a
8:31 - “What do you think about an Iron infusion? Levels have dropped a bit and the midwife practice recommended one but I’m not sure of the pros and cons.”
14:35 - Breastfeeding and Getting Pregnant: “Do you have any content on getting pregnant while breastfeeding? I am breastfeeding my toddler and don’t have a period but I want to start trying. I also don’t want to wean.”
15:53 - Check out episode 229 with Jessie Brebner all about Tracking Your Fertility Using Cervical Mucus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baWmrqzyvvM&feature=youtu.be
16:04 - For more about Fertility Awareness Method check out episode 230 with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: https://youtu.be/W580-E2HYC8?si=LqUIrt52eDNFfNPa
18:01 - using breastmilk for pink eye
American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend breastmilk as a remedy.
19:20- check out our episode about donor milk with Sterling Grey-Simmons here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eExkweNQg8M
21:21 - Failed induction: “I had a failed induction. I was dilated to four centimeters for four days until I just gave up and got a C-section. I’m very sad about it and am wondering what are some things that I could have done differently. I was induced because my baby was measuring too big at 37 weeks. My baby was born at 7lb 14oz and I’m actually still mourning the birth that I wasted and I got everything I didn’t want. Also, the Pitocin was already on 30.”
Grab the pitocin cheat sheet here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin
29:47 - VBAC: “I’m looking for information about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean) with induction. First baby was a c-section and they were breech. I couldn’t find a provider who would attend a vaginal delivery. [My] provider is vbac supportive but will not let me go past 40 weeks due to my age of 39. I’m worried about induction and the chance of an “emergency c-section” and overall safety of TOLAC with induction. Thanks”
Links:
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!
Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/
VBAC:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-113-the-evidence-on-vbac/
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijgo.14159
Iron:
Desiccated Liver Supplement that HeHe takes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14571-intravenous-iron-supplementation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173188/
https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-020-03363-3
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2786031
ACOG video: https://www.acog.org/education-and-events/webinars/district-ix-iron-deficiency-anemia-in-pregnancy
Breastmilk as remedy for Pink Eye:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33098117/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6572138/
VBAC:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-113-the-evidence-on-vbac/
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijgo.14159
Iron:
Desiccated Liver Supplement that HeHe takes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14571-intravenous-iron-supplementation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173188/
https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-020-03363-3
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2786031
ACOG video: https://www.acog.org/education-and-events/webinars/district-ix-iron-deficiency-anemia-in-pregnancy
Breastmilk as remedy for Pink Eye:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33098117/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6572138/
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Friday Jan 26, 2024
In today’s episode, HeHe is joined by Embryologist, Alease Barnes, to discuss an ovulation- which simply means you aren’t ovulating as expected! You will hear the reasons why this occurs in some women, how to determine if you may not be ovulating, how it impacts fertility and what to do about it! Alease shares the data around ovulation prediction kits and how to properly use them when TTC!
Guest Bio:
Alease Barnes is an accomplished Embryologist, educator and content creator. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Genetics from North Carolina State University, she has established herself as a skilled embryologist in the field of reproductive medicine. In addition to her hands-on work in the IVF lab, Alease is a passionate educator and content creator, leveraging her extensive knowledge to educate and advocate for fertility awareness. With a strong presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, she has amassed a significant following and actively strives to empower individuals on their infertility journey by dispelling misinformation and providing support.
Connect with Alease on IG (@alease_the_embryologist)
Save $10 on your Temp Drop Wearable Thermometer with code: FRIEND-4B3HG7P
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
I know tearing in in birth is on your mind-- and something even scarier than tearing is having to have an episiotomy during labor! So, that's exactly what we are diving into on today's episode! HeHe is joined by Dr. Kia Lannaman, aka Dr. K, to discuss everything you need to know about episiotomies! While no one wants it to be done to them, it is sometimes needed (but, not often AT ALL) and I want you to know the questions to ask to advocate for yourself if you end up being the rare case that calls for one!
Dr. K's Bio:
Dr. K earned her doctorate of medicine from the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. She completed a residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Winthrop University Hospital in New York and a Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the joint program sponsored by the Perinatology Research Branch of the National Institute of Health, Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. Currently, she works in the midwest of the United States of America. Dr. K has special interests in risk prevention & reduction for pregnant mothers, diagnosing and managing birth defects for children in the womb and encouraging healthy practices after childbirth, such as breastfeeding. She has a panache for clear, non-alarmist communication of complex ideas. Dr. K has published in high-impact peer-reviewed Obstetric Journals. She is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “I am a wife and mom; I welcomed my first child in fall 2020, during the COVID-19/Pandemic. I am zealous to share helpful insights and advice on all things related to pregnancy and motherhood. I believe my work as a physician is a personal assignment from God.
Freebie: Questions to ask your provider
Links mentioned:
Friday Jan 19, 2024
Friday Jan 19, 2024
What do you know about blood sugars? Are you aware of the risks associated with high blood sugars? What about low blood sugar? Did you know that irritability is associated with out of balance blood sugars? Your blood sugars play a huge role when trying to conceive and in pregnancy! Join HeHe and Becca Romero to dive into what you need to know about balancing your blood sugars including symptoms of imbalanced blood sugars, foods that support healthy blood sugars and how blood sugar can impact egg quality!
Bio:
Becca Romero is the founder of Little Life Nutrition, an online fertility nutrition practice. Becca is a licenced dietitian nutritionist and a certified nutrition specialist. With a specialized focus on addressing infertility, she offers personalized dietary and lifestyle solutions, including menstrual cycle education for women aiming to enhance their conception potential and ensure the birth of a healthy baby. She is driven by the philosophy that optimal preconception nutrition and lifestyle can shape the well-being of generations to come.
HeHe's fave organic lube for TTC & Pregnancy, use code HEHE15 for 15% off
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
In today’s episode, HeHe is joined by Dr. Samanthan Briguglio, a naturopathic doctor, to discuss how our caffeine consumption may be negatively impacting our hormones, what that does to our bodily systems and how we can effectively curb bad habits that have formed over the years! HeHe even shares about the bad coffee habits she struggles with and what steps she is taking to better support her hormonal health!
Bio:
Samantha Briguglio started Walk the Natural Path Women's Health and Fertility Care because of her passion for helping women achieve their wellness and/or fertility goals! As an ND, she is licensed to treat – and teach – patients from a mindset of natural healing that treats the root cause of symptoms! Dr. B focuses in hormonal balancing and fertility support.
HeHe’s favorite magnesium lotion, use code HEHE10 for 10% off
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Friday Jan 12, 2024
In today's episode, HeHe sits down with homebirth Midwife, Blyss Young, to talk about understanding if you are a candidate for homebirth. Blyss shares what type of care homebirth midwives do and how it may differ from what you find in the hospital or a birth center environment. We dive into the power that comes along with tapping into your instincts and spiritual experience of homebirth, plus how to know when youre not a good candidate for homebirth! Does having a high-risk pregnancy automatically rule you out of being a candidate for homebirth? Tune in to hear HeHe & Blyss answers all your questions!
Bio:
Blyss Young, LM CPM, is a home birth midwife, childbirth educator, placenta encapsulator and natural birth and family consultant. Through her guidance and love centered approach she supports families to birth in the ways that they feel most empowered. She is a firm believer in intuition, the sacredness and ritual of birth and the power of autonomy in birth. She has studied with both Dr. Stu Fischbein (LA's only home birth obstetrician) and many skilled midwives. She has been fortunate to learn the art of midwifery in addition to the unique skills of delivering Breech, Twins and VBACs. At the heart of all of her work is a deeply rooted belief in the brilliant design of the human body and the symbiotic relationship between baby and parent. She continues to strive to support the sacredness of birth as a rite of passage, in the hopes to resurrect lost traditions that can bring connection to our high tech low touch lives.
Connect with Blyss: https://www.birthingblyss.com/
Listen to Episode 182: Is Homebirth Safer Than Hospital Birth?
Listen to Episode 142: The Beginning of Homebirth
Thrive Training Institute CPR course, use code HEHE10 for $10 off your purchase
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
In today's episode, HeHe sits down with Allison Yarrow to discuss her new book, 'Birth Control: The Insidious Power of Men Over Motherhood.' What happens when hospital culture is rooted in tradition and not evidence? How does it impact patient care when incentives are set up to reward providers for doing expensive surgeries and seeing as many patients as possible, but theres no incentive for supporting unmedicated, biological labor and meeting patients where they’re at in this journey? What happens when a system that is designed to be FOR PROFIT is faced with the decision profits or people— and, they can only choose one? Join us to discuss how the hospital system was designed to produce specific results and how that may affect your labor experience!
Connect with Ali: https://allisonyarrow.com/
Order Birth Control: The Insidious Power of Men Over Motherhood
Bio:
Allison Yarrow is an award-winning journalist, speaker, and author of 90s Bitch: Media, Culture, and the Failed Promise of Gender Equality (Harper Perennial, 2018), finalist for the Los Angeles Press Club book award, and Birth Control: The Insidious Power of Men Over Motherhood (Hachette/Seal Press, July 2023).
She has written about health, politics, and gender for many publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post, Vox, Insider, USA Today, Time, and Newsweek. She was a national magazine award finalist, a TED resident, an Aspen Ideas Festival fellow, and a grantee of the International Women’s Media Foundation. She produced the award-winning Vice News documentary “Misconception,” and gave a TED talk called “What to Expect Post-Expecting.”
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Is your period your fifth vital sign? Have we been taught to ignore a very insightful patterns and messages from our bodies? Has traditional birth control inhibited young women from properly learning their bodies? Today, Lisa Hendrickson-Jack sits down with HeHe to talk about optimizing your fertility with Fertility Awareness Method. Lisa shares how traditional birth control impacts the female libido, emotional states and the risks that many of us are never told about! She also shares how you can become familiar with your bodies patterns and relearn your menstrual cycle to improve your overall health and feel confident in your reproductive health decisions!
Connect with Lisa: https://fertilityfriday.com/
Grab your Temp Drop and save $10 with code
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Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Welcome to 2024! This year's podcast is being aired twice weekly! We get to have twice as much fun each week and chat with twice as many brilliant people to help you have a confident and informed birth experience! This season is about helping you avoid things you don't want in labor, advocate for your goals and take back your power!
HeHe sits down with Jessie Brebner to dive into the subject of using cervical mucus as a way to track your fertility. Whether you are trying for a baby right now, or trying not to have a baby, this episode is for you! Our cervical mucus is constantly changing and those changes tell us a lot about what is happening in your body and with your fertility. Jessie shares how to learn your patterns and how to accurately identify your fertile window! Plus she dives into knowing the best times to time the deed based on your goals-- to make or not make a baby!
Connect with Jessie: https://fertilitycharting.com.au/
Save $10 on your Temp Drop Wearable Thermometer: FRIEND-4B3HG7P