Podcasts about Hehe

Father's Day Sale: June 14-16 If your partner wants to be more than the guy holding your Stanley cup during contractions, Dad Daze is for him. This childbirth and postpartum course teaches dads exactly how to support, advocate, and show up with confidence from pregnancy through postpartum. Use code DAD50 to save $50 at thebirthlounge.com/daddaze June 14th-16th only. *psst* If you decide a lifetime membership is for you, we won't keep you from applying this discount code to get full access + our exclusive gift box. In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with perinatal therapist Ashley Mariani for a powerful conversation about birth trauma, obstetric violence, and the ways a difficult birth experience can ripple through your postpartum life long after you've left the hospital. Together, they unpack how birth trauma can impact trust, intimacy, communication, and emotional safety within a relationship. Ashley shares why so many partners leave a traumatic birth carrying their own unresolved stress response, how feelings of helplessness in the birth room can create resentment and disconnection, and why some couples find themselves struggling to reconnect after becoming parents. HeHe and Ashley also explore the mental load that often falls on mothers after birth, the common dynamic of feeling like you're parenting your partner, and why that can quickly erode desire and partnership. They discuss emotional attunement, advocacy during labor, and the important role partners play in helping prevent birth trauma before it happens. This conversation goes beyond the typical postpartum advice and dives into what it actually takes to rebuild trust, improve communication, and find your way back to each other after a challenging birth experience. If you've ever wondered whether your birth experience changed your relationship, your intimacy, or the way you show up as a couple, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and equipped with practical tools for moving forward. 00:00 Birth Trauma Reality Check 01:22 Meet Ashley Mariani 07:40 Partners Preventing Trauma 09:40 Anecdotes vs Evidence 16:58 Pandemic Policies Fallout 21:19 When Intimacy Disappears 24:51 Dads Carry Trauma Too 30:18 Masculine Feminine Energy 33:03 Safety and Resentment Loop 34:39 Dad Daze Course Break 37:37 Patterns After Birth Trauma 38:32 Resentment Kills Desire 39:59 Man Child Dynamic 42:23 Initiation Into Manhood 53:48 Helicopter Parenting Fallout 57:09 Love Languages Learning Styles 58:47 Teach Needs By Style 01:04:07 Love Language Mismatch 01:07:02 Therapy Shared Accountability 01:09:44 Intimacy Resources Plug 01:11:16 Final Wrap And Outro Guest Bio: Ashley Mariani is a registered social worker specializing in perinatal mental health, couples therapy, sexual wellness, and birth trauma recovery. She is a passionate advocate against obstetric violence and helps individuals and couples navigate the emotional, relational, and physiological impacts of difficult birth experiences. Drawing from her background in sexuality, counseling, couples work, nervous system regulation, and holistic health, Ashley supports families in building resilience, healing trauma, and creating deeper connection in parenthood. She is also the mother of three free-spirited children, including twins. Connect with Ashley: https://mindonline.ca/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Ashley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/therogue.therapist/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

With an elite education and a high powered career, careful planner Parul Somani discusses pregnancy, motherhood, and what happens when control slips out of reach. Connect with the guest: @pdsomani LinkedIn parulsomani.com Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father's Day Sale: June 14-16 If your partner wants to be more than the guy holding your Stanley cup during contractions, Dad Daze is for him. This childbirth and postpartum course teaches dads exactly how to support, advocate, and show up with confidence from pregnancy through postpartum. Use code DAD50 to save $50 at thebirthlounge.com/daddaze June 14th-16th only. *psst* If you decide a lifetime membership is for you, we won't keep you from applying this discount code to get full access + our exclusive gift box.  As we head into another summer season, HeHe is bringing back one of the most important episodes in The Birth Lounge Podcast archive. Water safety is something she feels incredibly passionate about because drowning is often silent, fast, and far more common than most families realize. If you have children, spend time around pools, visit the beach, own a backyard pool, or simply want to be more prepared, this is information every caregiver needs to hear. In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Tyler Bradshaw from Aqua-Tots Swim School for a conversation every parent, grandparent, and caregiver needs to hear. Because when it comes to water safety, most of us think it won't happen to our family... until it does. Together, they unpack the sobering realities of childhood drowning, including where it most commonly happens, why it often occurs when adults are nearby, and the simple mistakes that can turn a fun day around water into an emergency. Tyler shares the statistics every parent should know, explains the difference between fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents, and clears up common misconceptions about "dry drowning." HeHe and Tyler also dive into practical, actionable ways to reduce risk, including why designated water watchers matter, how distractions like phones can become dangerous around water, and the truth about puddle jumpers, floaties, and water wings. They discuss home pool safety, the best swimsuit colors for visibility, and what parents with multiple children can do to keep everyone safer during pool days. You'll also learn why swim lessons are about so much more than learning strokes, how early children can start building water safety skills, and what progression through swim lessons actually looks like from infancy through childhood. Whether you're heading into summer, planning pool days, vacationing near water, or simply wanting to be more prepared, this episode is packed with life-saving information that could make all the difference for your family. 00:00 Put the Phone Down 00:54 Partner as Birth Advocate 02:46 Father's Day Dad Daze Deal 09:23 Why Water Safety Matters 13:10 Where Drowning Happens 15:05 Dry vs Nonfatal Drowning 17:30 Poolside Distractions 19:02 Water Watcher System 22:06 Floaties and False Security 26:22 Multiples and Home Pool Safety 32:17 Pool Alarms And Sensors 33:15 Highway Rule Pool Temptations 34:36 Fence Durability And Gate Safety 35:48 Why Swim Lessons Matter 39:31 Lesson Levels Skills And Wrap Up Guest Bio: Tyler Bradshaw is the owner of Aqua-Tots Swim School Norwood and a passionate advocate for childhood water safety and drowning prevention. Aqua-Tots is one of the largest providers of year-round swim instruction in the world, helping children as young as four months old build confidence and critical water safety skills. Through swim lessons, community outreach, and education, Tyler and the Aqua-Tots team are dedicated to helping families create safer experiences around water and empowering children with skills that can save lives. LINKS MENTIONED: Connect with Tyler at Norwood Aqua-Tots here!  http://aqua-tots.com/norwood Find an Aqua-Tots near you! https://www.aqua-tots.com/ Social Media: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Aqua-Tots on IG: https://www.instagram.com/aquatotsofficial/ Connect with HeHe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hehestewart BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app  Key words: Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, Kids Swim Lessons, Swimming Tips for Parents, Water Safety Tips, Child Swim Lessons, Summer Safety Tips, Pool Safety Tips, Accident Prevention, Water Safety Month, Child Safety

Holistic Fertility, “Unexplained Infertility,” and Mercier Therapy with Dr. Jen Mercier In this episode, HeHe sits down with fertility specialist, midwife, and creator of Mercier Therapy Dr. Jennifer Mercier for a powerful conversation about infertility, reproductive health, and why so many families are being told “everything looks normal” while still struggling to conceive. Together, they unpack the reality behind “unexplained infertility,” the labs and diagnostics that are often skipped in traditional fertility care, and why true fertility support has to look at the whole body—not just your ovaries. Dr. Mercier breaks down cycle-specific hormone testing, thyroid health, prolactin, semen analysis, endometriosis, C-section scar tissue, and the environmental factors impacting fertility rates today, from microplastics and endocrine disruptors to chronic stress and lifestyle exposures. HeHe and Dr. Mercier also dive into restorative reproductive medicine, NaPro approaches, and Mercier Therapy, Dr. Mercier's pelvic visceral manipulation technique designed to support reproductive function and improve pelvic mobility. This episode is packed with practical education, hope, and empowering reminders that infertility care should never be one-size-fits-all. If you've ever felt dismissed, rushed toward IVF without answers, or frustrated by “normal” labs that don't explain what's happening in your body, this conversation is for you. 00:00 Non Toxic Registry 04:48 Meet Dr Jen Mercier 11:09 What Traditional Care Misses 22:15 Fertility Crisis Causes 39:07 Unexplained Infertility Roots 45:09 Seven Pregnancies Later 45:48 Joy of Later Motherhood 47:27 VBAC and Hospital Pressure 48:15 Why Doulas Matter 49:07 Mercier Therapy Explained 50:04 Documentaries and Premiere 54:41 Finding a Practitioner 58:05 Phones, Nature, and Ions 59:50 NAPRO and Systemic Issues 01:02:35 Microplastics Practical Swaps 01:09:47 Hope and Final Takeaways   Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer Mercier, ND, PhD, is a fertility specialist, midwife, and the creator of Mercier Therapy®, a pelvic visceral manipulation technique supporting reproductive health. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped hundreds of couples conceive naturally and has trained healthcare professionals worldwide. She is the author of Conceive and the filmmaker behind Fertility: The Shared Journey and Conceiving Miracles. Connect with Dr. Mercier:  www.ExpectAMiracle.life SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Mercier on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jennifer.mercier   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Check out the study by Shanna Swan here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9370524/

Former nurse Lia Butler found herself fighting to be heard in her own journey to motherhood. She discusses learning a powerful lesson about trusting instincts and advocating for oneself during pregnancy. Connect with the guest: LinkedIn Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with parenting science educator Violetta to unpack one of the biggest questions new parents face: how do you support your baby's development without falling into the trap of over-parenting? Together, they dive into what the research actually says about the first 12 to 24 months of life, including attachment, temperament, responsiveness, language development, and the everyday interactions that help shape a child's foundation. Violetta shares why so much parenting advice online misses the mark, how modern parenting culture often creates unnecessary pressure, and what parents really need to know about raising confident, securely attached children. HeHe and Violetta also explore the difference between being responsive and being overly responsive, how temperament influences the way children experience the world, and what secure attachment actually looks like across different ages and personalities. They discuss practical ways to support development during wake windows, encourage language and social skills, and build connection without feeling like you need to entertain your child every waking minute. The conversation wraps up with a thoughtful, research-informed discussion on daycare, sleep training, and the parenting decisions that often come with the most noise and judgment. If you've ever wondered how to support your baby's development without spiraling over every parenting choice, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights and reassurance. Timestamps / Chapters: 00:00 AI Parenting Misinformation 00:33 Birth Lounge App Advocacy 05:38 Episode Roadmap Attachment 11:53 Violeta Origin Story 23:00 Attunement First Two Years 29:12 Support Systems Colic 32:14 Attunement Vs Attachment 40:41 Temperament Goodness Fit 44:32 Attachment Styles Explained 47:58 Healthy Pushing Repair 51:32 Healing Through Repair 52:49 Mindful Home Swaps 56:17 Boys vs Girls Temperament 58:27 Language and Attention Foundations 01:13:11 Daycare Sleep Training Wrap   Guest Bio: Violeta is a science communicator and the founder of The Parenting Class. She started her work after realizing that a lot of the research on early childhood development simply isn't made accessible to parents—especially in the years that matter most. She believes that sharing this data in a clear, practical way can help raise healthier children and more thriving families. Connect with Violeta: https://www.the-parenting-class.com/ Get 10% off the entire Science of Parenting Babies Parenting Library which includes 13 areas of development from feeding, sleep and brain development over nutrition, daycare research, potty training, raising multilingual kids and more when you mention The Birth Lounge Podcast  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Violeta on IG: https://www.instagram.com/violeta.parenting.science/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this re-aired episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Heather Florescue for an incredibly important and deeply educational conversation about stillbirth prevention, placental health, and the warning signs families deserve to know during pregnancy. Together, they unpack why conversations around stillbirth are so often avoided, how education can empower—not scare—parents, and what proactive care can look like when we truly prioritize maternal and fetal health. Dr. Florescue explains the role of placental function in pregnancy outcomes, why estimated placental volume matters, and how recognizing changes in fetal movement and maternal intuition can be life-saving. She also shares current research, discusses risk factors that are often overlooked, and highlights protocols used in places like the UK and Australia that have helped reduce stillbirth rates through earlier intervention and better patient education. This episode is not about fear. It's about informed awareness, advocacy, and helping families understand that paying attention to your body and your baby matters. If you've ever felt dismissed during pregnancy or wondered whether you were “overreacting” to a concern, this conversation is such an important reminder that your instincts deserve to be heard.   Guest Bio: Dr. Florescue is an ob.gyn. in private practice at Women Gynecology and Childbirth Associates in Rochester, N.Y. She delivers babies at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.  She received her medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, completed her internship and residency in obstetrics & gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.  She is certified by the American Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology.  She and her husband are parents to a set of triplets.  Dr. Florescue is passionate about the prevention of pregnancy and infant loss and the care for families who suffer these terrible tragedies.  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Florescue on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drflorescueobgyn/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Star Legacy Foundation: https://starlegacyfoundation.org/ Count the Kicks: https://countthekicks.org/ PUSH Pregnancy: https://www.pushpregnancy.org/ Tommys.org: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information Saving Babies Lives Care Bundles: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Saving-Babies-Lives-Care-Bundle-Version-Two-Updated-Final-Version.pdf

What if the biggest threat to your health didn't come with a warning? Mother of two Zuleyma Santos had a pregnancy and postpartum journey that suddenly turned life altering, testing her strength and instincts. Connect with the guest: @inspirational.lifecoach motivationallifecoach.net Go Red for Women Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. After struggling to find nursery curtains that were both beautiful and made with higher-quality materials, HeHe fell in love with their customizable cotton and linen styles for Saggy Boy's nursery. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE for exclusive savings on your favorite styles. In this episode, HeHe dives into one of the parenting topics that gets so many raised eyebrows… elimination communication (EC).

...dette er tittelen på den teoretiske filmen vår. Kanskje vår favorittepisode noen genuint sinne. Hehe. I dag har vi et helt nytt konsept, hvor vi (gjennom litt tilfeldigheter, litt diskusjon) setter sammen vår egen teoretiske film. En god blanding av alt vi ikke forventet; Kos dere! I studio: Brage Merkesdal, Sverre Aars, Astrid Johanne Sørnes, Samuel Alois Starck Sjøen Produsent: Alfhild Vuolab

Inside The Birth Lounge Membership, HeHe recently taught a live deep dive on these exact topics—and new members get instant access to the replay library packed with evidence-based birth education and advocacy support. In this re-aired episode, HeHe breaks down one of the most common late-pregnancy questions: Should you get a membrane sweep? If you're approaching your due date, feeling pressure about induction, or wondering whether a sweep is actually “natural,” this episode gives you the evidence-based, no-fear explanation you've been looking for. HeHe walks through exactly what a membrane sweep is, how it works, what it feels like, and whether it technically counts as a form of induction. She explains what providers often don't tell parents about success rates, Bishop scores, VBAC safety, prodromal labor, and why going into labor isn't the only way a sweep can still “work.” You'll also learn the potential risks, what informed consent should sound like during prenatal visits, and how to advocate confidently if a provider is pushing interventions you're unsure about. This episode is packed with practical education and real-world advocacy tools to help you make a decision that feels aligned for your body, your birth, and your goals—not just the hospital's timeline.

In this episode, HeHe sits down with Nebraska doula, childbirth educator, and birth photographer Leslie Moon for a nuanced conversation about Medicaid-covered doulas, birth equity, and the unintended consequences that can happen when community birth work becomes tied to insurance systems and hospital oversight. At first glance, Medicaid coverage for doulas sounds like a massive win—and in many ways, increased access to support absolutely matters. But HeHe and Leslie unpack the deeper concerns many doulas and birth workers are quietly asking behind the scenes: What happens when doulas become accountable to the system instead of the families they serve? Could regulation, certification, and insurance reimbursement slowly reshape doula work the same way it transformed midwifery care over time? Together, they dive into the realities of low reimbursement rates, hospital-employed doulas, licensure fears, and how profit-driven maternity care can directly conflict with relationship-based, autonomy-centered support. Leslie also shares what birth access looks like in Nebraska, where legal out-of-hospital birth options are extremely limited, and why protecting true community-based support matters now more than ever. This episode is thoughtful, spicy in the best way, and packed with bigger-picture conversations about autonomy, advocacy, informed consent, and the future of birth work. Whether you're a doula, birth worker, or parent who cares about protecting individualized support in maternity care, this conversation will absolutely give you a lot to think about. Chapters:  00:00 Medicaid Doula Hype 01:37 Host Story and Credibility 07:00 Birth Lounge App Pitch 09:50 Medicaid Coverage Concerns 50:17 Regulation Risks and Community Fixes 55:02 Doula Stipend Proposal 01:00:58 Board Certification Debate 01:11:14 Flexner Report Origins 01:14:08 Insurance Strings Attached 01:29:53 Protecting Doulas Call Guest Bio: Leslie Moon is a single mom of 2, a birth doula, birth photographer, and childbirth educator based in Lincoln, Nebraska. She supports families locally with in-person birth support and documentation, and works with families nationwide to prepare for navigating hospital birth in a system that wasn't designed for birth. She is the co-founder of The Birth Alchemy Course, where she teaches parents how to understand their options, advocate for themselves, and trust themselves throughout pregnancy and birth. Leslie is passionate about protecting relationship-based, community-centered care and helping families feel confident making decisions that align with their values Connect with Leslie:  Novitabirthstories.com birthalchemycourse.com/birth-alchemy-course Listeners can get $100 off our childbirth prep series, the Birth Alchemy Course using code HEHE SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Leslie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/novitabirthstories Find Birth Alchemy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/birthalchemy_official/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/join Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Here's a link to the full Flexner Report:  http://archive.carnegiefoundation.org/publications/pdfs/elibrary/Carnegie_Flexner_Report.pdf

Open House, Oh No! Hehe, hi Hunny! Melodybee here!

In a special 500th episode, Dr. Berlin opens up personally to discuss a recent unexpected major medical episode with guest host Jenna Pastuszek. Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, HeHe is officially back behind the mic after a five-month maternity leave… and she's bringing a very special guest with her.

In this episode, HeHe sits down with somatics, sex, and intimacy coach Tilly Storm for a conversation that completely reframes what “orgasmic birth” actually means. Spoiler alert: we're not talking about some performative movie-scene orgasm during labor. We're talking about surrender, safety, primal energy, deep embodiment, and what can happen when a birthing person feels fully connected to their body instead of trapped in fear and tension. Tilly breaks down how cultural conditioning, fear-based birth narratives, and male-centered definitions of pleasure disconnect women from both birth and sexuality. She shares her own birth stories, including a fast and powerful unassisted freebirth and a second birth that included hospital care, PROM, breast-pump induction, and a NICU stay that was still deeply empowering because she stayed rooted in advocacy, autonomy, and trust in herself. Together, HeHe and Tilly dive into birth plans vs. flexibility, the role partners play during labor, how sexuality work can strengthen your voice and self-trust, and why reclaiming pleasure matters in postpartum too. Tilly also shares about Taoist jade egg practices, pelvic vitality, and reconnecting with your body after birth. This episode is expansive, thought-provoking, and such an important reminder that empowered birth is not about perfection—it's about presence, safety, and sovereignty. 00:00 Conditioning Sets the Stage 01:53 Meet Tilly and Orgasmic Birth 04:23 Redefining Female Orgasm 08:55 Surrender Through Pain and Bliss 16:05 Roots of Trust and Freebirth 25:15 Farm Lessons and Birth Plans 30:19 Dissociation Versus Ecstasy 31:50 Nursery Curtains Sponsor Break 34:57 Taoism and Empowered Presence 36:13 Second Birth Curveball 36:40 ER After Water Break 38:21 Breast Pump Induction 41:52 NICU Advocacy And Care 47:34 Sovereignty Over Sexuality 01:05:02 Jade Egg And Wrap Up Guest Bio: If lack of confidence, low libido, or guilt and shame around your sexuality are the cause of your bedroom woes, (the hot, wild sex you never have any more, or the transition into motherhood or menopause that sucked your libido dry), you need Tilly. She's a somatic sex and intimacy coach for women who lack desire or pleasure in the bedroom and beyond. With a background in Taoism and Tantra, Tilly brings a modern twist to unlocking pleasure and passion in the bedroom. Using somatic healing, psychotherapy, and proven coaching techniques, she helps ambitious women reignite their desire and experience more pleasure in the bedroom and beyond. Connect with Tilly: https://www.tillystorm.com/5daytraining SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe returns from maternity leave and continues the listener-requested deep dives by breaking down what can actually go wrong with an epidural in labor, and more importantly, what you can do about it in real time. After more than a decade working as a doula, HeHe walks through the three most common epidural issues she sees in practice: when the epidural is too dense (meaning overly heavy numbness and limited mobility), when there's a “window” (one specific area that is not fully covered and still feels intense contraction pain), and the rare but stressful situation where an epidural seems to stop working altogether. She explains how each scenario can show up in the body, what communication with anesthesia can sound like, and the practical options available in the moment, including repositioning, using gravity and labor positions strategically, pressing the PCA button when appropriate, requesting medication adjustments or a bolus, and when it may be time for anesthesia to reassess or replace the epidural. Throughout the episode, HeHe emphasizes informed decision-making, calm advocacy, and flexibility in labor so you can respond to what is actually happening in your body instead of feeling stuck or panicked if things don't go exactly as expected. This episode is all about staying grounded, informed, and supported if an epidural needs troubleshooting during birth. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/    BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Listen to Episode 404 Epidurals: Pros, Cons & Alternatives with Marissa Mulder of Sassy Anesthesia: https://youtu.be/m8As_lYXkMM?si=dNxuOvG04I8hFOVM

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with microplastics researcher and science communicator Dana for an eye-opening conversation about what microplastics are, where they're hiding, and what this means for pregnancy, postpartum, and babies. Dana explains the basics of microplastics, how they enter our water, food, air, and everyday products, and why researchers are paying close attention to the chemicals often linked with plastics, including BPA, PFAS, and other hormone-disrupting compounds. Together, they break down some of the most common and surprising exposure sources, from takeout containers, tea bags, canned foods, nonstick cookware, and synthetic clothing to baby bottles, wipes, toys, and feeding products. HeHe and Dana also talk about how to reduce exposure in a realistic, non-overwhelming way, because this is not about perfection or panic. They share practical low-tox swaps that actually move the needle, like avoiding heating food in plastic, focusing on kitchen changes first, being more intentional with clothing and laundry habits, supporting gut health, and learning where small shifts can have the biggest impact. Dana also shares how her Microplastic Free app helps families better understand ingredients and everyday product choices. If you've ever wondered how to lower your toxic load during pregnancy or make more informed choices for your family without spiraling into fear, this episode is packed with practical, grounded guidance.   Guest Bio: Dana Zhaxylykova is a microplastics researcher and science communicator passionate about environmental, sustainability and microplastics. She shares educational content on Instagram as @dankazh, where she breaks down complex topics like plastic pollution, and microplastic exposure for a wide audience. Dana has published scientific work on microplastics in Kazakhstan and co-authored research on faster microplastic detection methods in Germany. Through her social media platforms, Dana reaches a global audience of over 150,000 followers, translating science into stories that inspire real change. Her work has been featured on BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, and ELLE US, and she is also the co-founder of MicroplasticFree, an innovative app helping people identify and reduce microplastics in everyday products.   Check out Dana's microplastic free app here!    SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dana on IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dankazh/reels/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Grab HeHe's low tox baby registry guide here:  https://www.thebirthlounge.com/registry

Catchphrases are things that can be used to make characters more recognisable and instantly familiar. It can really help them connect with audiences! But when used badly it can make them cloying, irritating or even hateful. This quackcast was inspired by Banes' use of a catch phrase on his latest page of Continuity Falls: "Ah'll be Gosh-Durned!". We also chat a bit about how content creators in general often come up with catchphrases in order to better connect with audiences and how silly that can be. Coming up with catch phrases like content creation is not usually easy, you have to craft and spit out a lot of it before something sticks and you can never really tell what they will be until it's happened… so the conversation also shifts to the constant treadmill of content creation that has become its own niche in the economy and how that can become a drag on a lot of people and lead them to doing dark deals… For example the once excellent Veritasium channel on Youtube, who's creator went from doing extensive research on interesting and unusual scientific questions, who then after he sold his channel to a production company it degraded to slickly produced illustrations of other people's articles, usually very poorly researched ones that have a lot of popularity. We'll chat more about that next week and how it can drive people to using AI and further degrade their content. But for now: catchphrases! What are your faves and have you ever come up with some for your characters or even yourself? For me a couple of my faves are "UNACCEPTABLE!" from Lemongrab on Adventure Time, and "Bah-leted" from Stongband on Homestar Runner and Friends. The closest I've come in my comics is "Hehe, DIE" by Cc in my comic Pinky TA, that seemed to strike a note with people. The best off Gunwallace track this week was Typical Strange - Great pop! Originally from Quackcast 188, 13th of October, 2014. Topics and shownotes NEXT WEEK'S TOPIC: Content vs Art Links Continuity Falls - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/news/2026/apr/30/continuity-falls/ Featured comic: Bad Heroes - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/news/2026/apr/27/featured-comic-bad-heroes/ Featured music: Typical Strange - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/Typical_Strange/ - by Banes, rated T. Special thanks to: Gunwallace - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/Gunwallace/ Tantz Aerine - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/Tantz_Aerine/ Ozoneocean - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/ozoneocean Banes - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/Banes/ VIDEO exclusive! Become a subscriber on the $5 level and up to see our weekly Patreon video and get our advertising perks! - https://www.patreon.com/DrunkDuck Even at $1 you get your name with a link on the front page and a mention in the weekend newsposts! Join us on Discord - https://discordapp.com/invite/7NpJ8GS

In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down four key terms every pregnant person should understand before pushing begins. Inspired by a listener question, she unpacks what's actually happening physiologically when your body starts bearing down and why the pushing stage is often misunderstood inside modern birth culture. HeHe explains the Early Pushing Urge (EPU), what it can feel like, and the two common schools of thought around responding to it. She also breaks down the difference between the Ferguson reflex and the fetal ejection reflex, two terms often confused online but very different in practice. Plus, she shares why reaching 10 centimeters does not automatically mean it is time to start pushing. You'll also learn about laboring down, how passive descent can sometimes create a more effective pushing phase, signs transition may be happening without a cervical exam, and what research says about delayed pushing, active pushing time, postpartum outcomes, and baby safety. If you want to walk into labor understanding your options, trusting your body, and knowing that pushing is more nuanced than “count to ten and hold your breath,” this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 Mothers Day Offer 03:45 Podcast Topic Pushing 05:28 Early Pushing Urge 09:00 Ferguson Reflex Explained 11:49 When To Start Pushing 14:56 Fetal Ejection Reflex 16:24 My Birth FER Surprise 21:58 Advocacy Scripts Promo 25:22 Laboring Down Basics 30:48 Passive Vs Active Pushing 33:41 Laboring Down Research 41:09 Wrap Up And Resources 42:35 Outro And Subscribe SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Hear HeHe's birth story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noh5eFpCFcs Check out the Secret Sauce to Pushing here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/SSP Data on Laboring Down and The Early Pushing Urge:  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth https://www.lamaze.org/Connecting-the-Dots/new-research-states-laboring-down-with-an-epidural-shows-no-benefits https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-birthing-positions/ https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(21)00708-0/fulltext https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009124.pub3/full For a breakdown of the data, be sure to download The Birth Lounge App. 

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of. In this re-air of Episode 248 of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with trauma therapist, nutritionist, and mental health consultant Dr. Jaz Robbins to explore the powerful role mirror neurons can play in labor, birth outcomes, and the overall birth experience. Dr. Jaz breaks down the science behind mirror neurons and explains how we naturally absorb the emotions, energy, and behaviors of the people around us, especially in high-stress moments like labor. Together, they discuss how intense stress can take the prefrontal cortex offline during labor, increasing fight, flight, or freeze responses, particularly for those with a trauma history. HeHe and Dr. Jaz also unpack why providers, doulas, and partners often become the grounding presence in the room, and how tone of voice, body language, eye contact, breathing, and calm leadership can help create safety and support physiological birth. They also cover trauma-informed communication, the harm of labeling someone a “difficult patient,” provider burnout, and practical ways partners can prepare before labor so they know how to confidently support when it matters most. This episode is a powerful reminder that birth is not just physical. The emotional environment in the room matters too. Timestamps:  00:00 Mirror Neurons Teaser 00:48 Free Pitocin Guide 02:07 Why This Episode Matters 04:11 Meet Dr Jazz Robbins 07:38 Defining Mirror Neurons 10:53 Monkey Study Breakthrough 13:55 Birth Room Dynamics 20:43 Nervous System States 26:58 Trauma And Freeze Response 34:17 Who Leads Attunement 35:41 Using Mirror Neurons Well 35:47 Mirror Neurons in Birth Prep 37:01 Partner Training and Prenatal Classes 40:38 Safety and Positive Birth Mindset 40:59 Difficult Patient Reframe 42:41 Provider Burnout and Bias 46:43 Patient Self Advocacy Scripts 49:53 Trauma Informed Provider Response 53:34 Preparing Partners to Ground 55:10 Mirror Neuron Tools in Labor 01:02:13 Key Takeaways and Helpers High 01:04:49 Wrap Up and Where to Connect 01:06:03 Podcast Outro and Call to Action Guest Bio: Dr. Jaz Robbins is a therapist, nutritionist, author, professor, and mental health consultant. She is the founder of the nonprofit, Healing, Hope & Love as well as the mental health consulting firm, The Active Experience®. She specializes in working with clients who have histories of trauma and/or complicated health concerns. Additionally, Dr. Robbins is a poet and stage performer who enjoys integrating expressive arts into her work with clients when appropriate. Work with Dr. Jaz: https://www.drjazrobbins.com/ The Active Experience: https://www.activeexperience.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Jaz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jazrobbins/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

First off, Have you gotten HeHe's brand new low-tox registry guide? Be sure to snag it here:  https://www.thebirthlounge.com/registry In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe shares one of her biggest personal postpartum surprises after spending more than a decade supporting new mothers: she deeply regretted following the popular 5-5-5 rule after having her own baby. The 5-5-5 rule encourages five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed to prioritize rest and recovery in the early postpartum period. HeHe breaks down where this approach comes from, including cultural postpartum traditions around the world that center healing, nourishment, and community support. She also explains why those practices often exist within systems that provide far more hands-on help than many families receive in the United States. HeHe shares how strict rest impacted her own recovery, including unexpected lower back and hip pain, difficulty feeling good in her body, and why staying too sedentary did not feel supportive for her healing process. She also talks about postpartum bleeding, mobility, and the difference between rest that restores versus rest that restricts. Most importantly, this episode offers a more realistic and individualized approach to postpartum recovery. HeHe explains why healing should be body-led, flexible, and responsive to your unique needs, not based on rigid rules or one-size-fits-all expectations. If you're planning for postpartum or currently in the thick of recovery, this episode will help you think critically about what support, movement, and rest may actually look like for you. Timestamps / Chapters: 00:00 A Big Postpartum Regret 01:03 Birth Lounge App Plug 05:21 Postpartum Expectations 07:49 What Is the 555 Rule 10:23 Where 555 Comes From 18:27 Why I Hated It 20:53 Registry Download Break 24:44 Bleeding and Healing Lessons 29:05 A Better Modified 555 34:12 Flexibility and Accepting Help 37:32 Wrap Up and Takeaways 39:13 Outro and Review Request SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/    BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of.   In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe returns for her first newly recorded show since maternity leave and sits down with Dr. Brooke Weinstein to unpack what nervous system regulation really means for mothers. Dr. Brooke, a doctor of occupational therapy and neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation expert, explains why being “regulated” doesn't mean calm all the time. Instead, it means having the awareness and tools to move through stress, recover more efficiently, and reduce the constant peaks and crashes so many parents experience. They talk through why nervous system regulation has become such a buzzword online, how social media often oversimplifies healing, and why understanding your own sensory profile, triggers, and patterns matters more than quick-fix hacks. HeHe and Dr. Brooke also discuss postpartum overwhelm, identity shifts after baby, communication with partners, shame-free ways to respond to emotional meltdowns, and how both parents can experience dysregulation during the transition to parenthood. Timestamps 00:00 Awareness Before Change 01:03 Nervous System Basics 05:46 What Regulation Means 11:44 Regulation Is Not Calm 17:14 Peaks, Valleys, and Resets 19:09 No Shame, Just Data 23:45 Reparenting Self Talk 29:47 Autopilot and Patterns 36:15 Quick Wins Postpartum 41:04 Brain-Body Awareness Tools 49:51 Pregnancy and Nervous System 58:31 Regulation vs Newborn Phase 01:01:10 Partner Support and Communication 01:12:02 Avoid Quick Fix Gimmicks 01:15:41 Closing Resources and Wrap Up Guest Bio: Dr. Brooke Weinstein is a leading expert in neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation, helping parents and high performers create healthier, more sustainable lives through practical, science-backed strategies. A doctor of occupational therapy and creator of the THRIVE Like a Parent podcast, Brooke is known for combining neuroscience expertise, humor, and honest conversations about burnout, healing, and modern parenthood. With more than one million followers and over half a million podcast downloads, she is trusted by families and Fortune 500 leaders alike. Connect with Dr. Brooke: https://drbrookeweinstein.com/ Instagram: @brookeweinst: https://www.instagram.com/brookeweinst/ Tik Tok: brookeweinstein: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeweinstein  Youtube: dr.brookeweinstein: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC40kFZWuWeZ_-e2fFDTgzgw/videos SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Hehe the word "Booby" is in the title, and that's the level of maturity we are going to bring to this episode. For this edition of Holodeck Divas we discuss the Holodeck Divas episode we discuss the Star Trek - The Next Generation episode "Booby Trap" (s3e6). Geordi wants to find love, and accidently predicts the rise of men who will become addicted to their AI bots. Meanwhile the entire Enterprise is in a lot of danger and everyone is going to die of radiation. Oh no! Listen to hear what the divas have to say about this episode!

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. With Mother's Day coming up, skip the flowers and ask for something you'll actually use… their insanely soft bamboo sheets. Right now, they're running a limited-time buy one, get one free on sheet sets. Head to cozyearth.com and use code HEHEBOGO to grab yours. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down one of the most common questions in labor: when do you actually leave for the hospital? She shares what she's seen over 10 years as a doula, from people arriving way too early at 1 cm to babies being born in cars, hallways, and yes… accidental home births. And why the standard 5-1-1 rule doesn't work for everyone. HeHe explains how timing your arrival should be based on you — your birth goals (unmedicated vs epidural), how far you are from the hospital, your contraction pattern, and your labor history. She also gives more realistic guidelines based on distance, like shifting to 4-1-1 or even 3-1-1 if you live closer, and talks about how car rides can actually slow contractions (rude, honestly). The biggest takeaway? This isn't one-size-fits-all. Your intuition, your body, and your context matter. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Too Early vs Too Late 05:16 When to Leave for the Hospital 08:29 Why 5-1-1 Doesn't Work for Everyone 13:40 Listening to Your Body + Past Labors 15:16 Adjusting for Distance + Travel 17:54 Hospital Arrival + Final Tips   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. With Mother's Day coming up, skip the flowers and ask for something you'll actually use… their insanely soft bamboo sheets. Right now, they're running a limited-time buy one, get one free on sheet sets. Head to cozyearth.com and use code HEHEBOGO to grab yours. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Kristen to break down how to actually choose a breast pump and prepare for pumping… without the overwhelm. They talk through when to order your pump (hint: don't wait until baby is here), how insurance coverage works, and why you may need to advocate for yourself to get what you want. Kristen explains the difference between primary and secondary pumps, and why wearable pumps aren't always the best place to start if you're trying to build and protect your milk supply. They also get into what actually matters when it comes to effectiveness, portability, and real-life use. One of the biggest takeaways? Flange sizing. Most pumps come with sizes that don't fit the majority of people, and that can seriously impact output and comfort. They walk through how to measure, test, and find your correct size without wasting money. They also cover pump parts, when to replace them, how to clean everything safely (without overcomplicating it), and how to use your pump settings in a way that actually works with your body. If pumping is part of your plan, this episode will help you feel way more prepared and way less confused walking into it. Timestamps 00:00 Why Flange Size Matters 10:52 Do You Actually Need a Pump 19:22 Ordering Through Insurance 27:10 Primary vs Wearable Pumps 35:47 Flange Sizing + Fit 55:21 Pump Parts + Cleaning 01:09:06 Settings + Features 01:16:18 Insurance + Final Tips Guest Bio: Kristen is a Certified Lactation Counselor, CLC, and mother of 5 earthside. She has been pumping for 7+ years for her multiples and 3 singletons. Between her own experiences of both exclusively pumping, feeding at the breast and formal CLC training she is able to share a mix of real experiences, expectations and training based advice.   Kristen Krahl, CLC bemybreastfriend.com Instagram: @bemybreastfriend: https://www.instagram.com/bemybreastfriend YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bemybreastfriend?si=oBmm2NxV1c1gztrU  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bemybreastfriend/   

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Brit Patos, founder of Infant Feeding Care, to clear up one of the biggest feeding myths out there: that all bottles are basically the same… they're not. They break down why bottle feeding is not one size fits all, and how things like nipple flow rate can make or break both feeding safety and your breastfeeding relationship. Brit explains that what people call “nipple confusion” is often actually flow confusion since bottles deliver milk instantly while breastfeeding requires a little more patience and coordination. They also talk through how to introduce bottles without derailing breastfeeding, what to do if your baby starts refusing the breast, and why feeding before your baby is crying can make a huge difference. This conversation gets into the details most people never hear, like how “slow flow” labels aren't regulated (yes, really), why that matters, and what to look for instead, especially in higher-risk feeding situations. If you're navigating bottles, breastfeeding, or both, this episode will help you feel a whole lot more confident in what you're choosing and why. 00:00 Reflexive Sucking Warning 01:17 Listener Email Advocacy Win 04:08 How to Use the App 06:22 Meet Brit Bottle Basics 10:55 Flow Confusion Explained 12:54 When to Introduce Bottles 16:14 Hunger Cues Before Crying 18:07 If Breastfeeding Is Struggling 20:37 Sponsor Just Ingredients 23:13 Nipple Flow Labels Exposed 29:23 Best Slow Flow Options 32:45 Hospital Disposable Nipple Risks 34:56 Special Feeding Needs Down Syndrome 37:26 Do Nipples Need to Match 39:41 Wrap Up Resources Goodbye   Guest Bio: Britt Pados is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner & Nurse Researcher AND founder of Infant Feeding Care.  Britt is a neonatal nurse practitioner with a clinical background in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She has a PhD in Nursing focused on feeding in infants and has done research on flow rates from bottle nipples. She owns Infant Feeding Care where she provides breastfeeding and bottle-feeding support to infants in Massachusetts. Follow along with Britt here: www.infantfeedingcare.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Britt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/infantfeedingcare/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Listen to the original episode here: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-191-bottle-flow-rates-and-choosing-the-right-bottle-with-britt-pados/

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe walks you through the birth prep she and her husband actually did for their home birth… and what actually mattered once they were on the other side of it. They took The Birth Lounge childbirth education course together to understand labor, get aligned on preferences, and make sure her husband felt confident and steady through a three-day labor. He also went through Dad Days to learn real, practical support skills from other dads. HeHe also shares how the Secret Sauce to Pushing course played a huge role in her pushing experience, supporting her pelvic floor, minimizing tearing, and setting her up for a smoother recovery, even with hours of pushing and a long crowning phase. They prepared for the “what ifs” too, taking a newborn resuscitation class and a breech birth course, and she brought in an IBCLC prenatally for breastfeeding support so she wasn't figuring it out for the first time postpartum. This episode is a real look at what prep can actually do for your birth and recovery, and how to focus your energy on what truly makes a difference.   00:00 Postpartum Perspective 01:10 Episode Overview 01:49 Birth Lounge Prep 03:52 Water Break Moment 05:26 Dad Daze Course 08:37 Secret Sauce Pushing 13:53 Newborn Resuscitation 17:13 Breech Birth Training 19:23 Lactation Support Plan 23:12 What We Could Skip 25:18 Wrap Up and Resources SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/courses/  

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with family physician and circumcision safety innovator Dr. David Tomlinson for a detailed, no-fluff conversation about newborn circumcision in the U.S. They unpack why this topic can feel so taboo, what most parents aren't told about risks and complications, and how technique and device choice can significantly impact safety. Dr. Tomlinson also walks through the proposed health benefits often associated with circumcision, including infection and disease risk, and how those claims are supported in research. The conversation also explores timing, including why circumcision is often done within the first 24 to 48 hours in the U.S., why that differs from other countries, and what considerations come with waiting. HeHe and Dr. Tomlinson discuss pain management options, vitamin K and bleeding risks, aftercare, and what parents should know before making this decision. This episode isn't about telling you what to choose. It's about giving you a fuller picture so you can make a decision that feels informed, intentional, and aligned for your family. 00:00 Circumcision Injury Reality 01:13 Birth Lounge App Overview 04:43 Episode Setup Circumcision Questions 05:55 Meet Dr Tomlinson 09:48 Why Circumcision Feels Taboo 12:16 Safety Risks And Common Devices 14:21 AccuCirc Origin Story 18:26 How Often Injuries Happen 21:11 Long Term Injury Impacts 22:36 Foreskin Function And HIV 24:30 Benefits Evidence And Sexual Function 26:10 Devils Advocate Hygiene Question 27:46 Paraphimosis And Origins 30:50 Guidelines Without Shame 38:07 Why Delay Circumcision 38:47 War History And Early Timing 42:54 Ideal Timing 7 To 14 Days 44:05 Waiting Until Adolescence Tradeoffs 47:08 Beyond 28 Days And Anesthesia 49:04 Anesthesia Timing Risks 49:46 Topical vs Injectable Lidocaine 50:59 Hospital Cost Tradeoffs 52:53 Sponsor Cozy Earth 56:28 Vitamin K and Bleeding Rules 59:27 Oral vs Intramuscular Vitamin K / IM Vitamin K Options 01:04:33 Bleeding Prevention Techniques 01:06:11 Safer Clamp Design Explained 01:13:22 Healing Timeline and Dressing 01:14:20 Aftercare Vaseline and Trapped Penis 01:19:15 Transparency and Follow Up Care 01:22:49 Foreskin Disposal and Donation 01:26:20 How to Connect with SafeCirc 01:29:15 Final Encouragement and Wrap Up   Guest Bio: Dr. David Tomlinson is a family physician, medical innovator, and international leader in newborn male circumcision care. An Academic All-American from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he went on to earn his MD at the University of Colorado and complete his Family Medicine training in the U.S. Navy. For over 20 years, he has worked to make newborn circumcision safer worldwide, leading the development of the minimally invasive AccuCirc® device. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at Brown University, Dr. Tomlinson has advised the World Health Organization, NIH, and Gates Foundation, and created training programs across Africa. He has served as an expert witness in malpractice cases involving circumcision injuries and has dedicated his career to preventing these devastating complications. A longtime staff physician at South County Hospital, where he was named Physician of the Year, Dr. Tomlinson has also lectured at leading institutions including Mass General, Brigham and Women's, and Dartmouth. He authored the surgical chapters of the WHO's global manual on infant circumcision and continues to shape programs for HIV prevention and safer newborn care worldwide. Connect with Dr. Tomlinson here: www.SafeCirc.com And Get a 10% discount anytime in 2026, just by mentioning The Birth Lounge Podcast  You can find links to all the research Dr. Tomlinson shared in this document.  You can learn more about the SafeCirc here.  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

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In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with filmmaker and activist Brendon Marotta to explore the history, ethics, and modern practice of circumcision. Brendon shares how circumcision became medicalized over time, shifting from early cultural and religious roots to routine use in modern hospital systems. The conversation looks at how messaging has evolved, including past beliefs about infant pain, what current research suggests, and how conversations around consent and bodily autonomy have changed over the years. HeHe and Brendon also discuss the function of the foreskin, common claims around hygiene and health, and why circumcision rates in the U.S. have been declining. They touch on cultural influences, generational beliefs, and how parents today are navigating this decision with more access to information than ever before. Throughout the episode, the focus stays on informed decision-making, understanding the full picture, and creating space for thoughtful, pressure-free conversations around a topic that is often considered routine but rarely questioned. Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open + Why This Topic Matters 02:50 HeHe's Perspective + Research Lens 09:20 Circumcision Conversation Begins 16:25 Meet Brendon Marotta 22:58 History, Power, and Culture 32:06 Infant Pain and What We Know 44:19 Trauma and Long-Term Considerations 57:06 Health Claims and Controversies 01:04:30 Industry and System Incentives 01:10:16 Function and Anatomy 01:17:24 Parenting, Autonomy, and Decision-Making 01:28:03 Cultural Shifts and Changing Rates 01:42:22 Documentary + Final Thoughts See American Circumcision here: https://circumcisionmovie.com/ Guest Bio: Brendon Marotta is a filmmaker, author, and speaker. His last film, American Circumcision, won multiple awards and played on Netflix. He is the author of four books, The Intactivist Guidebook,  The Haunting of Bob Cratchit, Children's Justice, and The Gods of AI. He has spoken at Yale University, the International Conference on Men's Issues, the International Symposium on Genital Autonomy and Children's Rights, and the Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology. Brendon hosts a regular podcast called The Brendon Marotta Show. He is creating music and art with AI under the name Strange Aura. He currently lives with his family in Austin, TX.   Follow Brendon on social media here: http://www.brendonmarotta.com/subscribe/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with OB-GYN Dr. Kirti Patel, host of The Gynarchy Podcast, to unpack how patriarchy has shaped women's health, maternity care, and the way society talks about our bodies. With more than 25 years in obstetrics, Dr. Patel brings both experience and perspective to a conversation that challenges a lot of the norms we've been taught to accept. They talk about what “gynae” really means, why Dr. Patel intentionally centers women's voices, and how sexism has historically influenced medical training, leadership, and the care women receive. HeHe and Dr. Patel also explore the displacement of midwives, the slow shift toward more women in OB-GYN leadership, and the reality that women's bodies are often treated like public property when it comes to birth control, abortion, and fertility. The conversation dives into medical paternalism in labor and delivery, why informed consent is still a major issue in maternity care, and the very real physical, emotional, and career sacrifices that often come with pregnancy and motherhood. They also talk about the need for better support systems, the importance of community and “the village,” and why men sharing the mental load at home is part of the cultural shift families need.   Guest Bio: Dr. Kirti Patel is a board-certified OB-GYN with over 25 years of experience and the host of The Gynarchy Podcast. Known for her bold, feminist perspective and evidence-based approach, she's passionate about challenging outdated narratives in women's health and calling out misinformation. Through her work, Dr. Patel blends science, advocacy, and real talk to help women better understand their bodies and feel more confident navigating their care. www.thegynarchypodcast.com The Gynarchy is a podcast at the intersection of women's health and feminism, hosted by ob/gyn Dr. Kirti Patel. @thegynarchy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegynarchy TikTok, and Bluesky, Find The Gynarchy on most podcast platforms and YouTube SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Bronx-based doula and Bridge Directory founder Emilie Rodriguez for a real conversation about the uncomfortable truths inside U.S. maternity care. They talk about why the system is failing families and why avoiding hard conversations only keeps things the same. HeHe and Emilie unpack the debate around doula certification, why some doulas intentionally remain uncertified, and how certification can sometimes become a tool for control within hospital systems. Emilie shares how Bridge Directory is working to create a more accessible pathway that allows doulas to work within institutions and bill Medicaid while still honoring traditional training, ancestral knowledge, and doula autonomy. They also dive into the difference between true informed consent and the watered-down version often called “shared decision making,” the role racism plays in obstetrics, and why it's unrealistic to expect doulas to fix systemic problems they didn't create. This episode explores accountability, transparency in maternity outcomes, and why community, mentorship, and ongoing self-reflection are essential in doula work. Guest Bio: Emilie Rodriguez is a Black traditional birth and postpartum doula and medical anthropologist. She founded Ashe Birthing Services, a team of BIPOC doulas serving over 400 families a year in NYC, and co-founded The Bridge Directory, a platform of perinatal providers and professionals of color creating a new standard of maternal health. They are on a mission to heal the disparities in healthcare from within by training institutions and providers, redefining expectations in care, and closing the access gap. As an active Bronxite and reproductive justice advocate, Emilie is deeply passionate about her community and perinatal health. She is also a leading expert in policy-level change, particularly in advocating for doula pay-equity and the development of accessible doula qualifications and standardization, as doulas begin to accept insurance in New York City and New York State.   Connect with Emilie:  https://www.ashebirthingservices.com/ https://www.thebridgedirectory.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilie-rodriguez11/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.thebridgedirectory.com/

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe continues the surrogacy series with Tiffany Jo Baker, a three-time surrogate who carried five babies, including two sets of twins. Tiffany shares how her faith first led her to surrogacy and walks through what the process actually looked like behind the scenes, from agency screening and psychological evaluations to matching with intended parents. They talk honestly about IVF hormone protocols, embryo transfers that didn't stick, experiencing pregnancy loss, and how consent and autonomy are navigated when it's the surrogate's body but not her baby. Tiffany also shares what conversations around selective reduction looked like, how relationships with intended parents evolved after birth, and why her surrogacy journeys ultimately ended in C-sections after previously having unmedicated vaginal births. HeHe and Tiffany also unpack the practical side of surrogacy, including contracts, escrow, insurance, compensation, birth certificate logistics, and some of the biggest myths and misunderstandings surrounding the fertility industry.   Guest Bio: Tiffany Jo Baker is a caffeinated mom of two young adult daughters, surrogate mom who has delivered five babies for three families dealing with infertility, proud dog-mom, and wife to an extreme outdoorsman. She is the podcast host of The Tiffany Jo Baker Podcast, author of the devotional Soul-Care for Go-Getters, speaker, and Holy Spirit-led strategist who uplifts the soul and success of women walking out their "why" at home, online and in the real world so they can get free, live full and birth their God-given dreams. https://www.TiffanyJoBaker.com https://www.tiffanyjobaker.com/tiffany-jo-baker-podcast https://www.tiffanyjobaker.com/services  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Kallie Fell, executive director of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, for a thought-provoking conversation about the ethics of surrogacy. Kallie shares why she believes modern surrogacy raises serious concerns about exploitation, commodification, and what she calls “fragmented motherhood,” where the roles of biological, gestational, and social mother are separated. Together, they explore questions about surrogate health risks, potential long-term impacts for children conceived through IVF, and the complicated legal landscape surrounding contracts, autonomy, and representation. Throughout the conversation, HeHe reflects on how her own perspective shifted after becoming pregnant and emphasizes the importance of having open, respectful conversations about topics that are often considered taboo. Guest Bio: From the beginning, Kallie has been passionate about women's health. After graduating with a Masters of Science degree in Animal Sciences with an emphasis on Reproductive Physiology and Molecular Biology and working in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center,  Kallie continued her education in nursing and has been a perinatal nurse for nearly a decade. Kallie has worked with the CBC since 2018, first as a volunteer writer, then as our staff Research Associate, and now as the Executive Director. In 2021, Kallie co-directed the CBC's first documentary on “transgender medicine” titled Trans Mission: What's the Rush to Reassign Gender? In 2022 Kallie co-wrote and co-produced The Detransition Diaries: Saving Our Sisters. Kallie hosted the popular podcast Venus Rising and is currently the Program Director for the Paul Ramsey Institute. Her latest film, The Lost Boys: Searching for Manhood and new book, co-authored with Jennifer Lahl, The Detransition Diaries (published by Ignatius Press) were both released in early 2024.    About The Center for Bioethics and Culture:  The Center for Bioethics and Culture Network (CBC) is an educational nonprofit addressing bioethical issues that most profoundly affect our humanity, especially issues that arise in the lives of the most vulnerable among us. We work through a variety of media platforms—documentary film, writing, speaking, interviews, social media, and more—to educate and inform members of the general public, thought leaders, lawmakers, and others on ethical issues in healthcare, biomedical research, and biotechnological advancement. We exist to educate and inform members of the general public, thought leaders, lawmakers, and others on ethical issues in healthcare, biomedical research, and biotechnological advancement by intentionally bring together diverse voices from across the spectrum of human experience to build common cause in addressing the crucial questions that accompany these fields.   Connect with CBC: https://cbc-network.org  X: @kal_fell and @CBCnetwork Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cbc-networkOrg  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Just Ingredients Ready to simplify your supplements with a brand you can actually trust? Check out Just Ingredients for clean protein, prenatals, electrolytes, and more, made with real, transparent ingredients. Head to justingredients.us and use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE to save 10% on your first order.

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe is back behind the mic for the first newly recorded episode since having her baby and let's just say… postpartum has been full of surprises. Three months in, she's sharing the unexpected symptoms no one warned her about. From intense cold flashes (sometimes right after eating or nursing) to a wave of jealousy and nausea when someone else holds her baby, HeHe gets honest about the weird, emotional, and very real postpartum moments that don't make it into most conversations. She also talks about the shock of a painfully strong breastfeeding letdown that feels like electricity, random hormone symptoms like a metallic taste in her mouth, and even scalp sensitivity that suddenly made ponytails unbearable. And yes… we're talking about the “downstairs” surprises too. HeHe shares about severe rectal pain after a long pushing phase, intense vaginal itchiness, and the random “throbbing vagina” sensation that had her briefly spiraling before getting reassurance from her midwife and pelvic floor physical therapist. This episode is honest, a little funny, and deeply validating for anyone navigating the wild world of postpartum recovery. If you've ever wondered “is this normal?” after having a baby, you are definitely not alone. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/    BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Check out HeHe's birth story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noh5eFpCFcs

Originally from Sweden, Emilia Davis discusses her three dramatically different birth experiences: a highly medicalized first delivery, a planned home birth with a midwife, and going nearly 42 weeks with her third baby before a last minute decision changed everything. Connect with the guest: @emiliapods @emiliadavisphoto Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with former labor and delivery nurse, mom of nine, and founder of Transformational Motherhood, Sarah Martin, for a real talk conversation about labor room rights, hospital policies, and what it actually looks like to advocate for yourself during birth. Together, they pull back the curtain on how hospital systems work, why many hospital birth classes can be biased, and why evidence-based childbirth education outside the hospital can make such a difference. Sarah shares practical ways families can navigate the system with more confidence, from choosing a provider who aligns with your goals to requesting a specific provider, hiring a doula, and understanding your right to informed consent. They also talk about fear-based maternity care, how to decline students or procedures you are not comfortable with, when it is appropriate to request a different nurse, and how to report concerns if you feel disrespected or mistreated. This conversation is all about helping parents understand their options, protect their autonomy, and walk into the birth room feeling informed, supported, and in control. This episode originally aired Tuesday Mar 02, 2021 and can be found here:  https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-154-rights-in-the-labor-room-with-sarah-martin-rn/   Guest Bio: Sarah Martin is a mother of 9, an experienced OB nurse, and founder of Transformational Motherhood (previously Traditional Motherhood).  Sarah has taken her passion, knowledge and experience in pregnancy, birth and postpartum to create a community dedicated to education, empowerment and support of expectant and new mamas to take them from feeling scared to confidently prepared! Traditional Motherhood is taking expectant and new mamas from scared to confidently prepared through education. Connect with Sarah:  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/transformationalmotherhood/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Temp Drop If you're over peeing on sticks, overthinking charts, or trying to take your temp at the same time every morning, Tempdrop does the work for you while you sleep. Grab a discount with code AFHEHE at tempdrop.com/discount/AFHEHE

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of. In this episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Kristin Lasseter to unpack perinatal mental health with a focus on postpartum anxiety (PPA) versus postpartum depression (PPD), how they differ, and when “baby blues” may signal something more. While mood shifts are common in the early postpartum days, symptoms that persist beyond a couple of weeks, disrupt sleep, bring constant anxiety or sadness, intrusive thoughts, or thoughts of death deserve real support. They talk candidly about the guilt, shame, and fear of judgment that keep many women silent, and why telling one safe person can be a powerful first step. The conversation explores common risk factors like fertility struggles, pregnancy or birth complications, and PMDD, along with the significant hormonal shift that happens after the placenta is delivered and why the brain can feel especially vulnerable during that window. HeHe and Dr. Lasseter also navigate the often-stigmatized topic of psychiatric medication during pregnancy and postpartum. They discuss why abruptly stopping medication is usually unsafe, how to thoughtfully weigh medication risks against the risks of untreated mental illness, what research tells us about breastfeeding compatibility, and what to expect when starting or adjusting treatment. They touch on newer, faster-acting postpartum depression options, therapy modalities like CBT and EMDR, and additional treatments such as TMS and ECT. The episode closes with an honest conversation about bounce-back culture, social media pressure, and choosing support systems that protect a mother's mental health. Throughout, the message is clear: evidence-based care matters, suffering in silence isn't a badge of honor, and there is no shame in using medication when it's needed. 0:00 - Introduction: Mental Health Medications in Pregnancy & Postpartum 4:36 - Postpartum Anxiety vs Postpartum Depression: Key Differences 6:01 - Normal Baby Blues vs Red Flags: When to Seek Help 9:51 - Intrusive Thoughts & Breaking the Stigma 17:26 - Medication Safety in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know 24:43 - Should You Stop Your Meds When Pregnant? 30:03 - Hormones & Mental Health: The Postpartum Crash 43:56 - Breastfeeding While on Psychiatric Medications 51:26 - How Long Should You Stay on Medication? 60:50 - Fighting the "Bounce Back" Culture & Social Media's Impact   Guest Bio: Kristin Yeung Lasseter, MD is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Texas who specializes in Reproductive Psychiatry and Women's Mental Health.  She graduated cum laude from Southwestern University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology prior to attending medical school at the Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Lasseter excelled in medical school and was awarded membership into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. After receiving her Medical Degree, she completed Psychiatry residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin where she served as Chief Resident. She additionally spent time training in Reproductive Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.  Dr. Lasseter founded Reproductive Psychiatry Clinic of Austin in 2018, which now hosts multiple psychiatrists and psychotherapists specialized in treating mental health disorders related to the reproductive lifespan. She dedicates much of her time educating the public and other providers about reproductive mental illness through speaking engagements, writing and social media.   Connect with Dr. Lasseter:   www.rpcaustin.com   www.kristinlassetermd.com   https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Lasseter on IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page RESOURCES MENTIONED: Maternal Mental Health Suicide Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/   

Los Angeles born naturopathic doctor Brisa Mahoney has a passion for fertility and pregnancy care. Things became deeply personal when her own journey required her to rethink her entire approach as her pregnancy went off course. Connect with the guest: @dr.brisamahoney @carenaturopathics Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 429: The Science Behind Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Katayune Kaeni aka Dr. Kat In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with perinatal psychologist Dr. Kat to have the conversation we don't have enough: the real, nuanced truth about mental health in pregnancy and postpartum. They break down the full spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. They cover what's common, what's urgent, and what deserves immediate support. A major focus of this conversation is intrusive thoughts. Dr. Kat explains that intrusive thoughts are incredibly common, especially postpartum. They are typically unwanted, distressing, and they don't reflect your true desires. But when thoughts become frequent, graphic, intense, or begin to interfere with daily functioning (like avoiding holding your baby out of fear), that's when it's time to reach out for professional support. HeHe shares personal examples and normalizes how sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, stress, and identity changes can amplify anxiety and intrusive thoughts, while emphasizing that struggling does not mean you are broken. They discuss: How to tell the difference between common intrusive thoughts and something more serious Why suicide is the second leading cause of death in the postpartum period When therapy and/or medication are appropriate and valid tools How to talk to your partner and loved ones about not feeling like yourself Why reassurance alone may not be enough for severe anxiety or OCD How to use resources like Postpartum Support International The importance of proactive conversations during pregnancy This episode is compassionate, evidence-based, and deeply validating. If you have ever thought, “Why is my brain doing this?” or felt afraid to say your thoughts out loud, this conversation will help you understand what's happening, and remind you that support is not weakness. It is care. You deserve to feel safe in your own mind. Guest Bio: Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, aka, Dr. Kat is a perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques, and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast, the longest-running perinatal mental health podcast since 2016, covering perinatal mental health personal stories and expert interviews. She volunteers her time, serving on the board of Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a board member and as the immediate past chair. Dr. Kat began specializing in perinatal mental health after her own experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD over 14 years ago. Dr. Kat continues to offer psychotherapy virtually to clients across California.   www.momandmind.com, IG and Tiktok @momandmind, FB @momandmindpodcast SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Kat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momandmind/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: PSI descriptions of symptoms: https://paulspector.com/assessments/pauls-no-cost-assessments/physical-symptoms-inventory/

What are the most common reasons for a home birth transfer? Is every transfer an emergency? If you've found yourself wondering about this, you're exactly where you need to be. In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with birth doula, childbirth educator, business owner, former teacher, and MSW student Jen Walts to talk about something that doesn't get discussed enough: creating a thoughtful transfer plan to support a smooth, patient-centered, trauma-informed transition from a home or birth center setting to the hospital if the need arises. Because here's the truth: planning for transfer isn't planning for failure — it's planning for safety, flexibility, and peace of mind. HeHe and Jen walk through why transfer planning matters and encourage parents to ask their midwife about transfer timing and transfer rates (and why a rate of zero can actually be a red flag). They gently reframe transfer as a responsible, informed pivot when circumstances call for additional support. This conversation covers common reasons for transfer, like maternal health, baby's health, and access to additional tools such as pain management (including epidurals), assisted vaginal delivery options, and postpartum repair. They also explore how fear of the hospital can complicate transfer, the importance of understanding the “why” behind birth location choice, how a transfer can impact the nervous system, and the role of surrender and flexibility when a birth plan changes. Jen recommends developing a hospital backup birth preference sheet, including a shorter “top 10” list of non-negotiables to share with the receiving team, with examples such as immediate skin-to-skin, backup skin-to-skin plans if separation occurs, delayed cord clamping, newborn feeding preferences, and cesarean-specific requests.    Guest Bio: Jen has been a birth doula, childbirth educator and business owner for five years. She taught high school for ten years and is now pursuing her second Masters degree. She hopes to become a licensed social worker and therapist to children and families in Massachusetts.   Connect with Jen here: Thebirthpath.org https://www.pioneervalleydoulas.com/   Get $100 OFF Hypnobirthing with Jen Walts (virtual or in person) when you mention that heard about it here!  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Jen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/_thebirthpath_/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Episode 500 has arrived. Fifteen years in, long before podcasting became mainstream, we're celebrating a milestone that calls for something truly special. Hundreds of powerful birth stories. Cutting-edge research. Memorable conversations with cultural icons. Myth-shattering discussions that reshaped the way we view pregnancy and birth. So who's joining us for this historic episode? You'll have to tune in to find out. But here's a hint: this one might be about you. Dr. Berlin is opening the mic to our listeners to help create the official 500th episode. Tell us your dream guest or the topic you've always wanted us to cover and help shape what's next. Leave a voice message at:speakpipe.com/informedpregnancypodcast Stay tuned. The real Episode 500 is almost here. Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe is joined by Tracy aka Modern Day Midwife (a hospital-based midwife in Arizona with a NICU background) for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about the realities of modern healthcare. Together, they unpack how the U.S. healthcare system is failing both patients and providers, from provider burnout and lack of mental health support to the pressures of hospital politics, insurance reimbursement, and productivity quotas. They explore the difference between  “Medicine 1.0” (acute care) and “Medicine 2.0” (preventative care, functional medicine, wellness), and how insurance-driven, fee-for-service models often prioritize sick care over true health. The result? Confusing medical bills, rushed care, poor patient experiences, and providers who are stretched thin despite doing deeply meaningful work. HeHe and Tracy dive into the unique challenges facing women's health, maternity care, and birth: over-medicalization, the cascade of interventions, the limits of 10-minute OB-GYN appointments, maternity care deserts, and the need for individualized care, informed consent, and continuity of care. From ACOG guidelines to ever changing evidence and research, they explore possible solutions including a midwifery-led model of care, better transfer systems for home birth and birth center patients, coverage for doulas and health coaching, and shifting consumer demand away from traditional insurance and towards alternatives like health shares.  Tracy shares her exciting vision for an integrated wellness hub that could include midwifery, obstetrics, pelvic floor PT, lactation, chiropractic care, and community-based health supports, and ends by sharing how to connect with her at Premier OB GYN in Phoenix and via Modern Day Midwife online and on Instagram.   00:00 Why Healthcare Breaks Providers 02:24 Burnout and Speaking Up 04:59 Fear and Privilege in Advocacy 07:18 Who Supports Clinicians 12:32 Medicine 1.0 vs Prevention 17:25 Billing Confusion and Fee for Service 19:06 Burn It Down or Reform It 23:55 Disrupting Insurance and Incentives 26:49 Birth Care Needs a New Model 29:36 Preeclampsia Prevention Debate 30:47 Rethinking Maternity Care Roles 32:04 Money in Wellness Care 34:55 Building a One Stop Birth Hub 37:43 Continuity Across Birth Settings 41:45 Evidence Based Medicine Reality Check 47:56 ACOG Guidelines vs Individual Choice 53:23 Demanding Individualized Care 55:11 Rebuilding Healthcare and Provider Support 56:59 Where to Find Tracy 58:15 Closing Thanks and Resources   Guest Bio: Meet Tracy Burns, Board Certified Nurse Midwife. Tracy graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2003 with her bachelor's degree in nursing. After graduation, Tracy spent a year in labor and delivery as a bedside RN and then took a job in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Tracy spent the first 13 years of her career taking care of premature infants and mothers before pursuing her advanced practice career in Women's Health.   Tracy graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2017 with her Master's degree in Midwifery. With a big heart for women, Tracy is an advocate for midwifery care for women and the continuity of care model. Tracy has been an active team player in bringing midwifery services to Banner Estrella and Abrazo West. Tracy is passionate about health and wellness. She believes in using a functional/integrative approach to health promotion/disease prevention through an early introduction to nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, and community. Tracy is committed to caring for women by collaborating with other like-minded providers who are as committed to changing the way we care for women in America.   Tracy is married and has two teenage daughters. She enjoys Crossfit, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She is a co-owner of Crossfit Fury, CrossFit Trainer, and BirthFit professional. Tracy and her husband are actively involved in changing maternal and neonatal outcomes globally through Helping Babies and Mothers Survive Campaign.   Connect with Tracy here: Www.moderndaymidwife.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Tracy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymidwife/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe welcomes Kara, a Mother-Baby Nurse and mom of three, to walk through what actually happens after you leave labor and delivery and transition to postpartum care. From fundal checks and C-section vitals to newborn screenings, pain management, lactation support, and discharge, this episode gives you clarity without overwhelm. This episode is detailed, practical, and empowering. Postpartum in the hospital doesn't have to feel chaotic when you understand what's routine, what's optional, and where your voice matters most. 00:00 Speak Up in the Hospital: You Can Say No (Advocacy Mindset) 01:05 Listener Story: Holding Firm Against 39-Week Induction Pressure 03:56 How to Use the Birth Lounge App to Back Up Your Choices 06:10 Maternity Leave Update + Why This Episode Is a Re-Air 07:50 Postpartum in the Hospital: What We'll Cover (Tests, Checks, Taboo Topics) 09:08 Meet Kara the Baby Nurse: Mother-Baby RN + Mom of Three 10:40 The Postpartum Unit Reality Check: It's More Than ‘Rest and Discharge' 12:10 Transition from L&D to Postpartum: Bedside Report + LDRP vs Separate Units 15:25 First 4 Hours Post-Birth: Fundal Checks, Vitals, Safety Paperwork, Goals 18:27 Getting Up After Birth: Movement, Gas Pain, and C-Section Recovery 20:47 If You Decline Fundal Checks: Bleeding & Clot Warning Signs to Watch 23:19 Postpartum Pain Management: Meds, Non-Pharm Options, and Speaking Up 27:35 Who's Coming in Your Room: Rounds, Labs, Screens, and the DND Sign 35:09 Baby's Pediatrician Exam: Nursery vs In-Room, No-Separation Rights 39:40 Newborn Head-to-Toe Exam & Routine Postpartum Checks 40:26 Newborn Screening Labs: PKU Heel Prick, Bilirubin, Car Seat & Hearing 42:46 Sponsor Break: Lalo Registry Must-Haves (Travel High Chair + Play Kit) 45:55 Bilirubin & Jaundice: What the Numbers Mean + Phototherapy Options 48:05 Newborn Hearing Screen: How It Works & What a “Fail” Usually Means 50:28 Newborn Meds/Vaccines in Postpartum: Vit K, Erythromycin, Hep B Timing 51:45 Breastfeeding Support in the Hospital: Nurse Training, Latch Help & Pumps 55:43 Baby Weight Loss & When to Supplement (Pumping, Donor Milk, Formula) 58:24 Circumcision 101: Procedure, Pain Control, Aftercare & Red Flags 01:03:40 Advocating for Yourself: Communication, Boundaries & Requesting a New Nurse 01:07:08 The Postpartum Poop: Why Staff Ask, What Helps, When to Call Your Doctor 01:11:26 Wrap-Up: Kara's Book & Sleep Course + Where to Follow 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!   Connect with Kara here: https://karathebabynurse.com/link-in-bio/   Check out Kara's sleep course here: https://kara-s-site-b397.thinkific.com/courses/karathebabynurse   Snag her book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBSH4Q9Z/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2GWZSFDOW1WFP&keywords=kara+thompson&qid=1661365188&sprefix=kara+thompson%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-6   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Kara on IG: https://www.instagram.com/karathebabynurse/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: Lalo Beautiful, minimalist baby gear that actually works for real life. From their travel-friendly Hook-On High Chair to their durable, design-forward Play Kit, Lalo creates pieces that grow with your family and look good doing it. Head to https://www.meetlalo.com/ and use code HEHE to save.  

Sasha Bessonova crossed continents, cultures, and different medical systems after growing up in Russia. Finding herself pregnant with identical twins in Los Angeles, her story is one of inherited birth trauma and late pregnancy pressure as her doctors pressed for a scheduled delivery date (but her babies had other plans). Connect with the guest: @sashabessonova Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of. In this episode of the The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe shares her full home birth story and early postpartum reflections after welcoming her baby boy earthside. She breaks down her intentional choice to build a home birth team to protect autonomy and avoid unnecessary interventions, walks through a long, physiologic labor, and shares how informed consent, continuous support, and advocacy shaped a trauma-free birth experience. From 'late' labor, slow progress, and powerful pushing to staying grounded through conversations about hospital transfer, this episode is a real look at what empowered, supported birth can actually look like. HeHe also shares early postpartum life, including her thoughts on lying-in, breastfeeding, babywearing, and motherhood updates on Instagram @TranquilityByHeHe. 00:00 Why This Birth Couldn't Happen in a Typical U.S. Hospital 01:09 “I Have a Baby!” Postpartum Awe + Becoming a Mom 04:18 Why I Share Online: Birth Rights, Options & Normalizing Motherhood 07:16 Privacy Boundaries: Protecting Baby's Details in the AI Era 09:31 12 Days Past Due: Date Night Sushi & The First Contractions 12:44 Water Breaks at 6:30 AM: Confirming, Mucus Plug & Waking Dad 15:53 All-Day Early Labor: Staying Home, No Pressure, Infection Precautions 19:51 Night 2 Ramps Up: Birth Space Setup, Dinner, Slow Dance & Shower 27:03 3 AM Toilet Time: Transition Signs, Filling the Tub & Calling the Team 33:59 Sponsor Break: Cozy Earth Postpartum Comfort Essentials 36:04 In the Birth Pool: Team Arrives, Complete Dilation & Passive Pushing Begins 38:27 Ferguson vs. Fetal Ejection Reflex: When FER Never Shows Up 40:10 Benadryl Rest Strategy: Trying to Reset a Stalled Pushing Pattern 41:47 Calling in the Chiropractor: Adjustments for Positioning & Persistent Rectal Pain 42:52 All the Positions, No Progress: Movement Marathon to Bring Contractions Closer 43:21 Midwives Say ‘You Have to Push': Letting Go of Waiting for FER 45:51 Shower + Birth Ball & ‘Hulk Out' Mode: Feeling Hair and Finding Fuel 48:43 Perfect Vitals, Growing Concern: The Transfer Conversation Looms 50:37 Clearing the Bathroom: Talking to Baby, Asking for a Sign 54:06 Husband Advocates to Stay Home: Autonomy, Risk Talk, and Trust 57:16 Crowning for 90 Minutes: The Final Push to Birth 59:29 After Birth Care: APGARs, Pitocin Decision, and Stitches 01:01:07 The Afterglow: Doulas, Dad's Support, and First Night at Home 01:04:01 What Made It Possible: Prep, Team Support, and Mindset Lessons 01:08:04 Big Takeaways: Autonomy, No Birth Trauma, and Final Thanks   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience — all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin LINKS MENTIONED: Check out the First Trimester Update HeHe mentioned here: https://youtu.be/DgcQGnHJ-Aw?si=6sgC5o4iOtuT94WE   Save 10$ on Tubina Wild with code HEHE: https://www.tubinawild.com/shop   Check out the birth sling here: https://thebirthsling.com/ 

Adopted at birth, Jenna Wysocki grew up with a strong sense of purpose and family. Now she's approaching birth in a way that's informed, intentional, and fully in charge. Her home birth story is a blue print for reclaiming agency through birth. Connect with the guest: @jennawysocki Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the way we prepare women for pregnancy, birth, and recovery is fundamentally broken? Alex Redelico and Dara Cook come together from two high performance worlds to challenge fear based narratives around perinatal fitness. Connect with the guests: @expectfit @alexredfit expect.fit Expect Fitness Module on IP+ Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today...I'm my own guest, and I wanted to share a bit about my personal story and the inspiration behind my work. Starting out in emergency medicine in New York City, I eventually moved into family centered care. From personal experience and unanswered questions, I have always been driven by a deep discomfort with the lack of choice and context many people are given during pregnancy and birth. From podcasts, documentaries, and courses to founding a wellness practice and a growing media platform, I've designed offerings with the goal of helping people make informed, empowered choices. Connect with me! @doctorberlin Grow with us on ⁠IP+⁠! Informed Pregnancy Media presents two all new intimate short-form video series following Garrett and HeHe's real-time pregnancy journeys as they prepare for an empowered birth and postpartum experience. Each episode features weekly updates with personal photos and videos to help bring these raw stories to life, a visually dynamic guide through each mother's emotional and physical experiences. ⁠Watch Growing with Garrett⁠ ⁠Watch Growing with HeHe⁠ Keep up with Dr. Berlin and Informed Pregnancy Media online! ⁠⁠⁠informedpregnancy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@doctorberlin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices