Podcast
The Birth Lounge Podcast
Hosted by HeHe Stewart · EN
We’re exploring option from conception to childhood to help women take control of their fertility, birth experience, postpartum healing, and motherhood journey! This is a safe space for all parents to hear what the experts have to say and to hear from influencer parents and their take on parenthood! Join us for all things birth and parenthood for an empowering and educational walk with a birth and newborn expert and the found of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, HeHe Stewart.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 452: Membrane Sweeps, Bishop Scores & Advocating at Prenatal Visits Solocast with HeHe stewart (Reair of Ep. 268)
3d ago00:20:18Tap to summarizeInside 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. 💜 Want more support navigating cervical checks, membrane sweeps, Bishop scores, and induction conversations? 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. 00:00 Advocacy Scripts Teaser 03:07 Welcome and Topic Setup 03:33 Membrane Sweep Basics 03:59 How It Works and Success Odds 06:27 What It Feels Like 07:08 After Effects and Warning Signs 07:54 Prodromal Labor Risk 09:29 Stacking Sweeps and Timing 10:45 Boosting Success With Bishop Score 14:01 Research, VBAC, and Final Pros Cons 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
Transcribe →Ep. 451: Medicaid coverage for doulas - is it really a good thing? with Leslie Moon
6d ago01:40:37Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Ep. 450: Baby Bath Routine: How to Bathe Your Newborn Safely
2w ago00:39:42Tap to summarizeIn 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. 💜 Listeners get a sweet little podcast-exclusive audio moment from baby Saggy before HeHe dives into one of the most requested newborn topics: how to bathe your baby safely and confidently without turning it into an overwhelming production. She breaks down everything from how often newborns actually need baths (hint: it’s probably less than you think) to sponge baths before the umbilical cord falls off, ideal bath temperature, and why baths absolutely do not have to happen at night if that timing doesn’t work for your family. HeHe also walks through practical tips for keeping baby warm and calm, avoiding common safety mistakes, and setting yourself up with the right tools before you even turn the water on. This episode is packed with simple, evidence-based guidance to help new parents feel more relaxed and confident during those early newborn weeks. From washing all those adorable little baby rolls to mastering a quick post-bath routine before your baby decides they are personally offended by towels, HeHe’s got you covered. Baby Saggy and HeHe’s favorite bath tools: Primarily Pure baby soap: Use code HEHE to save here: https://primallypure.com/products/the-baby-kit Find more of her favorites in the registry guide: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/registry 00:00 Bath Safety First 00:51 Back From Maternity Leave 03:58 Why This Episode Matters 05:08 Bath Frequency and Timing 08:18 Water Temperature Basics 10:05 Keep Baby Warm and Quick 12:03 Ear Safety and Supervision 15:01 Bath Gear Checklist 28:09 Step by Step Newborn Bath 37:06 Wrap Up and Encouragement 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
Transcribe →Ep. 449: Orgasmic Birth with Tilly Storm
2w ago01:12:46Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Ep. 448: Epidural Experiences: 3 things that can go wrong with an epidural and How to Manage It solocast with HeHe Stewart
3w ago00:51:47Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Ep. 447: Microplastics in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Babies: What You’re Being Exposed To and What to Actually Do About It with Dana Zhaxylykova
3w ago01:13:25Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Ep. 446: 4 Key Terms That Can Change How You Push Your Baby Out Solocast with HeHe Stewart
4w ago00:43:14Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Ep. 445: Reair of Ep. 248: Mirror Neurons in Labor with Dr. Jaz Robbins
4w ago01:08:23Tap to summarizeThis 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
Transcribe →Ep. 444 Why I Regret the Postpartum 5-5-5 Rule (and How to Modify It)
Apr 2400:39:52Tap to summarizeFirst 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
Transcribe →Ep. 443: From overwhelm to calm: understanding your nervous system with Dr Brooke Weinstein
Apr 2201:19:57Tap to summarizeThis 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
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