The Birth Lounge Podcast

HeHe Stewart
  • 4.6 (87)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 438: Circumcision Through a Pro Lens: Health, Tradition, and Prevention with Dr. David R. Tomlinson

    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

    1h 31m

  2. 4D AGO

    Ep. 437: Circumcision Through an Anti Lens: Consent, Trauma, and Alternatives with Brendon Marotta

    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

    1h 47m

  3. MAR 27

    Ep. 436: Debunking & Dismantling the Patriarchy in Maternity Care with Kirti Patel

    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

    55 min

  4. MAR 25

    Ep. 435: Anti-racism in birthwork with Emilie Rodriguez

    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/

    1h 21m

  5. MAR 20

    Ep. 434: Why Surrogacy Is a Celebration, Not a Sacrifice: A Pro Perspective with Tiffany

    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

    1h 5m

  6. MAR 18

    Ep. 433: Risks & Realities of Surrogacy: An Anti Perspective with Kallie Fell

    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.

    1h 22m

  7. MAR 13

    432 SOLO: Things No One Tells You About Postpartum Recovery SoloCast with HeHe Stewart

    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

    39 min

  8. MAR 11

    Ep. 431: re-air 154 Understanding Your Rights in the Labor Room w/ Sarah Martin

    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

    1h 49m
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4.6
out of 5
87 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    HeHe Stewart
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    427
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Birth Lounge Podcast

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