The Birth Lounge Podcast

HeHe Stewart
  • 4.9 (71)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Birth Lounge Podcast

We are diving into the variables and normal variations of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! This is a safe space for all parents to hear what the experts have to say and to hear from other parents and their take on parenthood! Join us for all things birth and parenting for an empowering and research-backed walk with a birth and newborn expert HeHe Stewart, Founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge and creator of The Birth Lounge.

  1. OCT 25

    Ep. 298: How Hospital Staff Can Compassionately Support Families After Fetal Loss with L&D RN, Heidi Nielsen

    Join HeHe and Labor & Delivery RN, Heidi Nielsen, to discuss the gap in care that exists within the hospital system when a fetal loss occurs. Many loss families report that their hospital staff did not deliver trauma-informed & compassionate care during the most dark of times. Heidi shares that nursing schools and the medical system does a very poor job of preparing nurses to care for families in the case of fetal demise. This episode is aimed towards medical professionals or support services (like doulas) who care for expectant families. This episode does come with a listener discretion as we dive into fetal demise in detail so healthcare professionals can be prepared for this experience and have evidence-based ways to support their patients in times of loss.    Guest Bio: Heidi has been in the OB world for over a decade which has been filled with the most incredible, happy, and heartbreaking experiences. In addition to working at the bedside, she is also a nurse educator for Bundle Birth Nurses and a fetal monitoring instructor for AWHONN. She has a love for curating a positive birth experience for my patients and helping them to navigate when things don't go as planned. She also has a passion for educating nurses and helping them to find their voice and expand on their knowledge to grow and build on to their day-to-day practice. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Bundle Birth Nurses on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

    1h 5m

  2. OCT 23

    297: Navigating Loss: A Stillbirth Journey, Personal Healing and Hope for Others with Ana Lepe Vick

    In this heartfelt episode, HeHe is joined by Ana Lepe Vick, a loss mom who courageously shares the story of her son, Owen, and her experience with preventable stillbirth. Together, they shed light on the disparities within the U.S. healthcare system and the critical gaps in care that may have saved Owen’s life if Ana’s concerns had been taken seriously. You’ll learn evidence-based techniques for monitoring your baby’s well-being at home, how to effectively communicate concerns to your care team, and ways to get involved in the movement to end preventable stillbirth in the U.S.   Guest Bio: Following a “textbook” perfect pregnancy, Ana and her husband were blindsided by their son, Owen Nathaniel's, unexpected stillbirth. A subsequent, high-risk Pregnancy After Loss with 17 weeks of bedrest eventually blessed them with a healthy, living sibling for their elder daughter thanks to her own personal advocacy. Yet her family’s struggles through stillbirth and two subsequent miscarriages before the birth of her second son, resulted in deep emotional birth trauma. Today, Ana channels her trauma into advocacy heading to D.C. regularly to support legislative efforts. She also shares her insights on her personal Instagram @stillmyson*, aiming to spread awareness and empower those facing similar challenges to raise their voices for change. Above all, she fiercely advocates to advance the standard of care for pregnant families.With prior career experience in event planning and media production at E! Entertainment, Ana brings a variety of creative, communications, and project management skills to her work at PUSH. Ana is also the founder of the Sacred Birth Circle podcast, which aims to empower women and families throughout their pregnancy journey, and Creadors De Luz, which provides culturally relevant Spanish-language information to reduce preventable stillbirth within the Latinx/Hispanic population. Ana holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA). INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Ana on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: Pregnancy After Loss (for practitioners) Course by PUSH Pregnancy    Pregnancy After Loss (for parents) Guide   PUSH Pregnancy   Episode 221: Counting Kicks with Emily Price   PUSH Pregnancy educational material  YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

    1h 29m

  3. OCT 18

    296: Adult Tongue Ties & the Release Process with Dr. Lizzie Sobel, DC

    Dr. Lizzie rejoins the show to delve into the specifics of adult tongue tie, its signs, and how chiropractic care can be a beneficial option for recovery. The discussion covers the anatomical and structural aspects of tongue ties, their impact on feeding in infants, and the potential benefits of body work before considering surgical interventions. Dr. Lizzie also shares her personal journey with tongue tie as an adult and offers insights for parents on assembling the right team for their child's care. This episode is packed with valuable information for parents suspecting tongue ties in their babies.   Understanding Tongue Ties Signs and Symptoms in Babies Anatomical vs. Structural Ties Chiropractic Care for Tongue Ties Body Work Before Surgical Intervention Evaluating the Need for Frenectomy Genetic Factors and Family History Chiropractic Care for Weight Gain Issues Collaborative Care Approach Challenges and Overwhelm for Parents Tongue Ties in Older Children and Adults Personal Journey with Tongue Tie Release The Importance of Tongue Training Myofunctional Therapy Journey The Frenectomy Procedure Post-Procedure Recovery Long-Term Benefits and Reflections Considering Tongue Tie Release for Children The Role of Pediatric Dentists   Guest Bio: Dr. Lizzie Sobel discovered chiropractic care at twelve, finding relief from chronic headaches and back pain through holistic healthcare. This experience ignited a lifelong dedication to chiropractic. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Physical Anthropology and Sculpture from Skidmore College, she worked with environmental education centers and the American Cancer Society before traveling to Guatemala to study Spanish. Upon returning, she pursued chiropractic studies at New York Chiropractic College, graduating in 2012 with academic and service awards. She now practices in Massachusetts.  INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.wholesomehealingchiro.com/

    1h 2m

  4. OCT 16

    Ep. 295: Navigating Maternity Care Deserts & Midwifery in Mississippi with Amanda Smith in Mississippi with Amanda Smith, CPM, LM

    HeHe is joined by Amanda, a certified professional and licensed midwife in Mississippi, to discuss the challenges and intricacies of maternity care in a state with high birth-related statistics but limited healthcare options. They explore the current state of midwifery in Mississippi, including the types of midwives, their credentials, and the lack of state regulations. Amanda shares her experiences and insights into providing holistic, client-focused care, the importance of informed consent, and the benefits of potential state licensure for midwives. They also delve into the logistics of home births, handling emergencies, and the process of hospital transfers. The conversation highlights the need for improved healthcare access and the integration of midwives into the broader healthcare system to address Mississippi's maternal and infant mortality rates.   Challenges of Maternity Care in Mississippi Understanding Midwifery Credentials Certified Nurse Midwives vs. Certified Professional Midwives Regulations and Licensure Issues The Importance of Asking the Right Questions The Role of Doulas and Certification Challenges Benefits and Controversies of Licensure Handling Emergencies and Transfers Lab Work and Postpartum Care Informed Consent and Vitamin K Options Respecting Parental Autonomy in Healthcare Decisions Challenges in Hospital Systems and Provider Autonomy Navigating Hospital Transfers Advocating for Yourself in the Hospital Legislation and Midwifery in Mississippi   Guest Bio: While supporting her sister during labor and delivery in 2012, Amanda knew for certain that God was calling her to the ministry of birth work. In early 2014, she began serving families professionally during the childbearing years as a DONA Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator.   In July of 2017, Amanda began the  process of becoming a Certified Professional Midwife with the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). From 2018-2022, she  worked as a Student Midwife in an apprenticeship with Jennifer Green, CPM of Organic HomeBirth in Colorado Springs. After completing the Midwife To Be academic program, fulfilling all of the Clinical Requirements, and passing the NARM exam, she earned the designation of Certified Professional Midwife in May of 2022.  Amanda considers it an honor to walk with families through pregnancy, childbirth, and into parenthood.    Amanda has been married to her husband Jason for 20 years, and she homeschools their five children.   INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Amanda on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.hattiesburgmidwifery.com/

    1h 2m

  5. OCT 9

    Ep. 294: Everything You Need to Know about Epidurals with Labor Junkie RN

    In this episode, Labor Junkie RN joins us to dive deep into everything you need to know about epidurals. Listen along as they debunk common myths and provide crucial insights on epidurals. Understand the administration process, potential side effects, and the importance of informed consent. They dive into the details of epidural placement, the role of medical professionals, and possible complications. This episode covers everything you need to know about making informed, empowered decisions regarding epidurals during labor and delivery, ensuring you have the knowledge to navigate childbirth with confidence.   Understanding Epidurals: Basics and Misconceptions Epidural Placement Process Addressing Common Fears and Concerns Hospital Policies and Procedures Informed Consent and Timeouts Epidural Placement and Initial Relief Managing Epidural Effectiveness Positioning and Movement with an Epidural Eating During Labor with an Epidural Walking Epidurals: Rare but Possible Common Complications and Risks of Epidurals Epidurals and Labor Progression Understanding Epidural Side Effects Making the Decision: To Epidural or Not Who Can Administer Your Epidural? Catheterization with an Epidural Removing the Epidural: What to Expect Final Thoughts on Epidurals and Birth Choices   Guest Bio: Sara is a nurse of 15 years, the past decade of that in high risk OB and is the mom of 3!  INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube Connect with Sarah on TikTok Connect with Sarah on Facebook BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   Check out Birth Brigade Podcast to hear HeHe chat with Dr. Bill Chun, OBGYN!

    1h 48m

  6. SEP 13

    Ep. 293: The Golden Hour with Colette Wagholikar, L&D RN

    Join HeHe and Colette, also known as 'My Friends a Nurse,' as they delve into the concept of the 'golden hour'—the crucial time period immediately after childbirth. This episode covers what the golden hour entails, its benefits for mother and baby, and how to navigate potential challenges in a hospital setting. They also discuss important newborn assessments and the emotional toll of missing out on this special time. Learn valuable tips on how to advocate for your birth plan and ensure uninterrupted bonding time with your newborn.   Understanding the Golden Hour Hospital Practices During the Golden Hour Managing Medical Procedures and Golden Hour Nurse and Doctor Interactions Benefits of Skin-to-Skin and Breastfeeding The Breast Crawl and Natural Feeding Signs of Baby's Health and Feeding Needs Monitoring Baby's Sugar Levels Skin-to-Skin Contact in the OR Post-Delivery Procedures and Medications Advocating for Your Golden Hour Coping with Missed Golden Hour Connecting with the Birth Community   Guest Bio: Colette has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 7 years, traveling throughout the west coast, and is a certified OB clinical specialist in high risk deliveries. Educating new parents at the bedside was always the favorite part of the job and needed to be done so much sooner, so she joined the tribe of birth educators and began birth coaching with My Friend's a Nurse. She’s a mother of two daughters, 20 years apart with two very different birth stories! INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Colette on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://myfriendsanurse.com The Birth Link Podcast anywhere you listen

    50 min

  7. SEP 11

    Ep. 292: VBAC Water Birth with Jess Jaruczyk

    Jess shares her inspiring water birth story with HeHe on this episode of the podcast, marking the first time this topic is explored on the show. She recounts her journey from her first challenging labor to her triumphant fifth birth, a water birth of her baby boy. Jess delves into her experience with hospital births, including an emergency C-section, and her determination to have a natural birth. Despite doubts and challenges, she successfully found a supportive midwife and had an empowering water birth. The conversation highlights the benefits of water birth, the crucial role of midwives, and the significance of mindset in overcoming birth-related fears. Jess also touches on her postpartum experience and gives insight into the coaching work she does to aid women in overcoming limiting beliefs.   Jess's Birth Story: From Hospital to Water Birth The Water Birth Experience Navigating VBAC and Finding the Right Provider Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth Postpartum Reflections and Coaching Insights   From Jess: Years ago, I suffered a loss that ripped to the core of my heart. I searched for books and information of how to get past the pain and brokenness. When I couldn’t find information on how to get my heart and mind past the trauma, I buried the pain deep and moved on from there. The problem with burying things is that they find a way to surface through triggers and you find yourself responding from a place of doubt, fear and pain. Without realizing it, you have a new normal, a new learning history that shapes all of your future behaviors and beliefs. It wasn’t until I received emotional healing that my mindset shifted, and with a renewed mind I was able to respond to triggers and people for a healthy place. It was a process of renewing my mind, being intentional with my thoughts and taking the negative one’s captive. I now know which are the lies and which are the truths and when I‘m navigating triggers, transition, or looking to step into the next area of growth. I know how to navigate my heart, mind, body and spirit from a place of truth. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Jess on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube.   BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://jessjcoaching.com/ Use code WELLNESS10 for 10% any coaching packages

    51 min

  8. SEP 6

    Ep. 291: How to Build Self-Advocacy Skills for Navigating the Hospital with Ellese Nickels, PFPT

    Join HeHe and Dr. Ellese Nickels as they dive into the complex world of birth options and healthcare navigation. Ellese, a pelvic floor physical therapist, shares her two vastly different birth stories—one in a local birth center during the pandemic and another in a hospital setting following startling ultrasound results. Together, they explore the significance of informed choices, respectful care, and the challenging journey through the medical system. Ellese also discusses her shift from home birth plans to hospital delivery due to a false positive heart anomaly and how it reshaped her professional practice. Don't miss the insightful discussion on advocacy, trust in healthcare providers, and finding empowerment through childbirth.   Discussing Birth Stories and Healthcare Insights First Birth Experience: Dreamy Yet Challenging The Impact of Birth Experience on Body Image Second Birth Story: From Home Birth Plans to Hospital Care Navigating a False Positive Diagnosis The Provider's Responsibility in Patient Communication Addressing Soft Skills in Medical Training Challenges in Medical Practice and Patient Trust Navigating Amniocentesis Results and Long QT Syndrome Confronting Medical Recommendations and Seeking Expert Advice Transitioning to Hospital Birth and Final Preparations Reflecting on the Birth Experience and Systemic Issues Postpartum Care and Virtual Support Services   Guest Bio: Ellese Nickles is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, who specializes in treating women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from UNC in 2016 and has practiced in outpatient orthopedics, pelvic health physical therapy and early intervention with children 0-3 years old. In addition to her career in physical therapy Ellese has experience in personal training, group fitness and teaching yoga and combines these skills with her clinical expertise to holistically help women navigate motherhood. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Ellese on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube.   BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: Get a free month, just for our listeners, when you sign up for one of Dr. Ellese’s programs.

    1h 7m
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4.9
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

We are diving into the variables and normal variations of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! This is a safe space for all parents to hear what the experts have to say and to hear from other parents and their take on parenthood! Join us for all things birth and parenting for an empowering and research-backed walk with a birth and newborn expert HeHe Stewart, Founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge and creator of The Birth Lounge.

Information

  • Creator
    HeHe Stewart
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Birth Lounge Podcast

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