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
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Today's episode is featuring Lara Proud, RN, who is joining HeHe to discuss the signs + symptoms of Mastitis, what professionals can help & what options you have for remedying it! We also dive into preventative measures and what to consider when it comes to antibiotic use with Mastitis!
Lara’s Bio:
Beyond The Bump was started when Lara Proud went on maternity leave with her son in 2018. As a Registered Nurse, Lara was blown away by the lack of local resources for prenatal classes, postpartum support, and didn’t want anyone else to have to struggle like she did with breastfeeding. Beyond The Bump is located on the East Coast of Canada in Fredericton, New Brunswick serving all across Canada virtually and in-person locally. Her biggest goal is to empower parents in their decisions surrounding all things birth and parenting and help them feel prepared and supported along the way!
Join HeHe’s FREE CLASS that shares How to Avoid a C-Section & Reduce Tearing in Labor here!
Resources:
Breastfeeding Medicine: https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2336.pdf
Le Leche League: https://lllusa.org/mastitis-updated-la-leche-league-usa-resource-page/
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
This episode dives into the what it takes to be an exclusively pumping parent-- the mental load, the time, the commitment, all of it! Jacquie Ciccione, RN & CLC, joins HeHe to dive into how to know if you are using the correct flange size, what are common issues that arise when someone exclusively pumps and so much more!
Jacquie's Bio:
My name is Jacquie Ciccone. I am a wife, mom, registered nurse, and certified lactation counselor. After giving birth to my son and having several struggles, I became fascinated with breastfeeding. I ended up exclusively pumping for a year, so I’m passionate about breast pumps and pumping. I am determined to help close the gap between lactating mothers and breast pumps. I now offer 1:1 pumping consultations to improve their experience and increase the likelihood of success. I consider pumping a sport and an entirely new set of breastfeeding skills. I will be offering group counseling for pumping moms starting in July that I’m very excited about! I stay updated with the latest research and advancements in lactation counseling and breast pumps, ensuring I can provide my clients with the most current and evidence-based support.
Links/Tools Mentioned in episode:
https://sarahwellsbags.com/collections/hands-free-pumping-bra
https://www.loveandfit.com/collections/nursing-bras
Work with Jacquie: https://pumpedupmama.com/
Work 1:1 with HeHe & The TBH Team on Breastfeeding, formula feeding or bottle feeding
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Anyone else TIRED of the age old debate about baby feeding?! Fed is best?! Breast is best?! In today’s episode, HeHe sits down with Mallory Whitmore, The Formula Mom & Education Lead from Bobbie, a formula company working their tails off to create a product as similar to breastmilk as possible. They’re diving into all the things you need to know to choose the best formula for your baby! Our team is always 100% supportive of our clients' feeding goals and Bobbie is the formula we stand behind. Not only do we dive into the components needed to nourish your baby but we also dive into lactose intolerance…
We also dive into how to use formula in conjunction with breastfeeding.
Mallory's Bio:
Mallory is a mom of 2, educator, advocate, and certified infant feeding tech. She's the face behind The Formula Mom, an online platform that helps new parents make informed, confident, and supported infant feeding decisions-- without guilt or shame! She can be found on Instagram @theformulamom or behind the scenes leading education for @Bobbie.
Find Bobbie formula here: https://www.hibobbie.com/
Check out our FREE CLASS >> 6 Ways to Avoid a C-Section & Reduce your Risk of Tearing
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Have you heard of Hand Expression? Do you know how to do it? It can be a very beneficial skill to have in the first few days after your baby is born to collect colostrum (or even before labor to harvest colostrum to take with you to the hospital— ask your provider more details about this)!Knowing how to properly hand express is a very handy skill to have with you when you need it! Join Sarah Gregory, IBCLC, and HeHe on todays episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast!
Join The Birth Lounge: https://www.thebirthlounge.com
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Gina Mostly, IBCLC, joins HeHe to chat about colostrum harvesting, why telling someone their milk needs to ‘come in’ is bad advice and how to properly support your newborns feeding goals while you’re still in the hospital after birth! We also dive into how to hand express and the tools that can make that easier! Gina explains how your body begins prepping to feed your baby in the second trimester, but sometimes hospital policies or things that happen in birth can disrupt this bodily process + what to do about it if your goal is to nurse your baby! She also shares tips for you to take with you to the hospital and begin building a strong breastmilk supply from day 1!
Gina's bio:
Gina is an IBCLC, Mother of 5 (including twins), prior military and current mil-spouse. My main areas of focus in lactation are prenatal education, TOTs, oral rehabilitation and pumping aside from breastfeeding basics!
Connect with Gina on IG
Resources:
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.
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