Episodes

  • Ep. 308: Navigating Pregnancy Anxiety: Powerful Insights and Tools with Dr. Steph Lopez

    Ep. 308: Navigating Pregnancy Anxiety: Powerful Insights and Tools with Dr. Steph Lopez
    Dec 27 2024

    Join HeHe in this insightful episode of The Birth Lounge podcast as she welcomes Dr. Steph Lopez, a former NASA psychologist, to explore the intricacies of pregnancy anxiety, birth preparation, and postpartum mental health. Discover expert tips on managing fears, embracing uncertainty, and building confidence throughout your birthing journey. Learn about the importance of self-acceptance, handling negative self-talk, and breaking generational cycles of trauma. Whether you're preparing for birth or navigating early parenthood, this episode provides valuable strategies to help you feel empowered and informed.

    Understanding and Managing Anxiety

    The Power of Intuition vs. Fear

    Facing Fears in Pregnancy and Birth

    The Psychology Behind Failure and Birth Trauma

    Dealing with Disregulation and Control

    Embracing Life's Challenges

    The Power of Acceptance

    Self-Acceptance vs. Self-Improvement

    Breaking Cycles and Parenting

    Navigating Intrusive Thoughts

    Guest Bio:

    Dr. Steph is an I/O Psychologist and Brain Based Coach. She guides women to heal and become more emotionally resilient so that they feel happy, present, at ease, and capable. She previously worked at NASA and is the founder of The BRAVE Method.

    INSTAGRAM:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

    Connect with Dr. Steph 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:

    Free class on how to ditch anxiety: www.brave-method.com/anxiety

    HEHE - $200 off of BRAVE Breathwork, which is designed to recalibrate your nervous system and bring you out of fight or flight
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Ep. 307: Understanding Obstetric Violence in the US Maternity Care System and the Urgency to Implement Solutions with Dr. Lorraine Garcia and Dr. Brie Thumm

    Ep. 307: Understanding Obstetric Violence in the US Maternity Care System and the Urgency to Implement Solutions with Dr. Lorraine Garcia and Dr. Brie Thumm
    Dec 25 2024
    Dr. Lorraine and Dr. Brie join HeHe to discuss the critical and often overlooked topic of obstetrical violence. In this eye-opening episode, they break down what obstetrical violence is, its impact on women globally, including psychological trauma and avoidable morbidity, and how it violates human rights. The discussion highlights the importance of informed consent, respectful maternity care, and midwifery as potential solutions. The duo also emphasizes the need for systemic changes within the healthcare system to prevent obstetrical violence and improve maternal outcomes. Tune in to learn about practical steps women can take to avoid birth trauma and the crucial role of midwifery in transforming maternity care. Understanding Obstetrical Violence Examples and Impact of Obstetrical Violence Legal Recourse and Advocacy The Iceberg Analogy and Measurement Tools Respectful Maternity Care and Systemic Issues Transparency and Hospital Reporting Midwifery Care and Trauma Prevention Systemic Obstacles and Solutions Navigating the Complexities of U.S. Healthcare Challenges Faced by Healthcare Providers The Impact of Insurance on Birth Choices Midwifery Care and Its Benefits Policy and Systemic Barriers The Role of Consumer Advocacy Future Directions and Solutions Connecting and Collaborating for Change Guest Bio: Lorraine M. Garcia, PhD, WHNP-BC, CNM does research on the problem of obstetric violence in the US maternity care system and the public health and ethical duties to implement solutions. She also works as a Certified Nurse Midwife with experience in home birth, birth center, and hospital-based care. Lorraine is a reproductive justice advocate and frames most of her research with critical lenses from healthcare systems science, structural and organizational theories, and social justice in nursing. Her perspective on the systemic, normalized abuse and mistreatment of childbearing people is aligned with advocacy workers, interdisciplinary scientists, and all interested and affected parties working to end obstetric violence and achieve birth equity. Dr. Brie Thumm is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing. She has been practicing midwifery domestically and internationally since 2001 when she completed her Masters in the Science of Nursing at Yale University. She obtained her MBA in Healthcare Administration at Baruch College in New York City and her PhD in health systems research at University of Colorado College of Nursing. Her area of research is perinatal workforce development to address disparities in maternal health outcomes and improve the well-being of health care professionals. Prior to her current position, Brie provided care at Planned Parenthood of New York City, served as the Assistant Director of the Sexual Assault Response Team for the Manhattan public hospitals, conducted mental and behavioral health research at the Rocky Mountain Regional Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, and led the clinical and research arms of the Maternal Mortality Prevention Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. She continues to practice clinically at Denver Health. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with Lorraine on IG Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn 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: Lorraine’s website: https://www.makingbirthbettertogether.com/ Lorraine’s Online Store:https://makingbirthbetterstore.com/ Use code References: Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. (2022). Respectful maternity care framework and evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Nursing for Women's Health, 26(2), S1−S52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2022.01.001 Beck, C. T. (2018). A secondary analysis of mistreatment of women during childbirth in healthcare facilities. Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, 47(1), 94−104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2016.08.015 Borges, M. T. (2018). A violent birth: Reframing coerced procedures during childbirth as obstetric violence. Duke Law Journal, 67(4), 827−862. Carlson, N. S., Neal, J. L., Tilden, E. L., Smith, D. C., Breman, R. B., Lowe, N. K., Dietrich, M. S., & Phillippi, J. C. (2019). Influence of midwifery presence in United States centers on labor care and outcomes of low-risk parous women: A Consortium on Safe Labor study. Birth, 46(3), 487-499. https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12405 Chadwick, R. (2021). The dangers of minimizing obstetric violence. Violence Against Women, 29(9), 1899−1908. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012211037379 Cohen Shabot, S. (2021). Why ‘normal’ feels so bad: Violence and vaginal examinations during labour: A (feminist) ...
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Ep. 306: Choosing Home Birth as a First Time Mom with April Hardeman

    Ep. 306: Choosing Home Birth as a First Time Mom with April Hardeman
    Dec 20 2024

    In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe chats with April, a health coach and new mom, who shares her empowering home birth story. From the decision to have a home birth, navigating pregnancy, to the actual birthing experience, April's journey is filled with insightful tips and candid discussions. Learn about choosing the right midwife, preparing for birth and postpartum, and how trust in your body can transform your childbirth experience. Discover how April and her husband prepared for a smooth home birth, the importance of support, and how to handle unexpected situations calmly. This episode is a must-listen for expecting parents exploring birthing options outside of the hospital setting.

    Introducing April and Her Birth Story

    Deciding on a Home Birth

    The Birth Story Begins

    Support and Preparation for Birth

    Reflecting on the Birth Experience

    Emotional Transformation and Parenting

    Calmness in Birth and Parenting

    Navigating Hospital vs. Home Birth

    The Home Depot Adventure

    Labor and Pain Management

    The Importance of Preparation

    Guest Bio:

    April Hardeman founded Hardeman Health with the goal to inspire transformation and self-discovery. Through her own journey, April discovered the connection between the mind, body, and spirit and how this connection can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Driven by an unyielding commitment, April provides individuals with indispensable resources, facilitating sustainable lifestyle modifications and elevating overall well-being while enhancing the very fabric of life.

    INSTAGRAM:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

    Connect with April 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:

    https://www.hardemanhealth.com/
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    50 mins
  • Ep. 305: HBAC (Homebirth After Cesarean) with Angel Coleman

    Ep. 305: HBAC (Homebirth After Cesarean) with Angel Coleman
    Dec 18 2024

    In this heartfelt episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe and guest Angel dive into a rich conversation about VBACs (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) and home births. Angel shares her personal birth stories, including the challenges of having multiple C-sections and her journey to successful HBA2Cs at home. They discuss the importance of trusting one's intuition, the value of a supportive birth team, and the ongoing debates around midwifery regulations and doula advocacy. With insights from her extensive experience in family education, HeHe guides listeners through the evidence-based practices and options available for expecting parents, aiming to empower them for a confident and informed birth experience no matter the setting and no matter their goals.

    Diving into Birth Stories

    Navigating Complicated Pregnancies

    The Challenges of C-Sections

    Triumphs and Traumas of VBAC

    The Importance of Intuition in Birth

    Advocating for Your Birth Plan

    Navigating Intuition and Anxiety

    Finding Peace in Decision Making

    Personal Home Birth Story

    Labor and Contractions Begin

    Active Labor and Delivery

    Postpartum Care and Experience

    VBAC Preparation and Tips

    Advocacy and Regulations in Midwifery

    Doula Advocacy and Challenges

    Guest Bio:

    Angel is a Certified Lactation Counselor, Registered Kangaroula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Microbirth Approved Provider, and Doula, dedicated to providing essential support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

    With seven years of experience as a breastfeeding counselor, 5 years as a doula and childbirth educator and 10 years of mom experience with 6 children, Angel pulls on her personal and professional knowledge to educate women on the long term effects of modern health care practices that affect women during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

    Angel is the proud owner of Fruit of the Womb Perinatal Services, delivering breastfeeding, prenatal, and birth support to women in the greater Cleveland area.

    Listeners can also tune in to The Birth Rebel Podcast, hosted by Angel.

    INSTAGRAM:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Connect with Angel 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:

    Connect with Angel
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Ep. 304: Transforming Birth: Advocacy, Equity, and Empowerment for Expecting Parents with Frances Ivy Marie

    Ep. 304: Transforming Birth: Advocacy, Equity, and Empowerment for Expecting Parents with Frances Ivy Marie
    Dec 13 2024

    In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe engages in a powerful discussion with Frances about navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. They touch on the importance of empowering expecting parents through candid conversations with experts, mental health support, and birth preparation tips. Frances shares insights on the cultural shifts in labor and delivery over the past decade, particularly regarding the importance of asking questions and advocating for oneself in the birth suite. They also delve into the critical issues of racial disparities in maternal healthcare, systemic racism, and the ways healthcare providers can better support Black mothers. The episode concludes with practical advice for healthcare professionals and allies on how to elevate Black voices, hold each other accountable, and create a safer, more respectful birthing environment. Tune in to learn how we can all contribute to a transformative change in maternity care.

    A Long-Awaited Conversation

    Advocacy in Labor and Delivery

    Challenges in the Birth Suite

    The Role of Social Media in Birth Conversations

    Navigating Hospital Policies and Provider Dynamics

    The Importance of Informed Consent

    Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternity Care

    The Power of Speaking Up

    Building Trust Between Patients and Providers

    The Importance of Direct Communication

    Casual Conversations vs. Critical Moments

    The Need for Assurance and Planning

    Nurses' Role in Patient Comfort

    Addressing Systemic Issues in Healthcare

    The Power of White Allies

    Training and Protocols for Inclusivity

    The Reality of Black Maternal Mortality

    Mobilizing for Change

    Practical Steps for Improvement

    The Importance of Believing Black Women

    Guest Bio:

    Frances Ivy-Marie is a Mom Content Creator. Her goal is to have Black Mothers have the same chance of surviving childbirth as their white counterparts in the United States, with a dream of that goal making a global impact.

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube

    Connect with Frances on TikTok

    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!
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Ep. 303: From Necessity to Innovation: The Origin Story of Swaddelini with Liz Hilton

    Ep. 303: From Necessity to Innovation: The Origin Story of Swaddelini with Liz Hilton
    Dec 11 2024

    Join host HeHe on the Birth Lounge podcast as she welcomes Liz, the founder of Swaddelini, to discuss her revolutionary baby swaddle. Liz shares her personal journey from new mom to entrepreneur, and how the necessity to help her own baby sleep better led to the invention of the innovative Swaddelini. They discuss the importance of proper baby sleep, the benefits of sensory compression, and the process of developing a baby product that meets the needs of various medical and developmental requirements. Liz also opens up about her own experiences with postpartum emotional distress and how her first employee's journey helped shape her company's values. Tune in for an inspiring story of perseverance, motherhood, and groundbreaking innovation in baby sleep technology.

    Swaddelini is the soft and stretchy swaddle gives a gentle hug soothing your baby while allowing your baby freedom of movement!

    The Birth of Swaddelini

    Postpartum Emotional Distress

    The Science Behind Swaddelini

    The Comfort of Swaddelini

    Adapting Swaddelini for Special Needs

    Custom Orders and Team Effort

    How to Use the Swaddelini

    Temperature Control and Safety

    Washing and Maintenance Tips

    When to Stop Using Swaddelini

    Future Innovations and Sensory Products

    HeHe's Newborn Sleep Solutions Guide: A Guide to longer stretches of sleep by 6 weeks! Learn how to support your baby’s biological development, prioritize their weight gain goals & capitalize on the most nighttime sleep possible! By understanding newborn development, you will be able to avoid harsh, formal sleep training programs in the future! This Newborn Sleep Solution will teach you everything you need to know to properly support your baby’s sleep needs, understand what is happening in their development in each stage and how to adjust your routines to get your newborn sleeping soundly at night in the first few weeks!

    GET YOUR NEWBORN SLEEP SOLUTIONS GUIDE HERE!

    INSTAGRAM:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Find Swaddelini 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:

    Check out the Swaddelini here!

    YOUTUBE LINKS:

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube.
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    48 mins
  • Ep. 302: Understanding Pharmaceutical Inserts with Alexandra, Just The Inserts

    Ep. 302: Understanding Pharmaceutical Inserts with Alexandra, Just The Inserts
    Dec 6 2024

    In this episode, HeHe is joined by Alexandra, the founder of Just The Inserts, to discuss the crucial topic of informed consent in pregnancy and pediatric care. Discover how to support your mental health and craft your ideal birth experience with insights from experts. Alexandra shares her journey in advocating for informed consent, the importance of reading pharmaceutical inserts, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Whether you're an expecting parent or looking to make informed medical decisions for your family, this episode provides invaluable advice and resources. Don't miss Alexandra's tips on how to understand medical options, ensure safety, and feel confident in your healthcare choices.

    Informed Consent: Understanding Medical Decisions

    Navigating the Healthcare System

    The Importance of Reading Medical Inserts

    How to Read Medical Inserts

    Free Resources for Learning About Medical Inserts

    Understanding Bolded Text in Medical Inserts

    Introducing the New Book: A Handbook for Informed Medical Decisions

    Empowering Patients: Questions to Ask Your Medical Provider

    The Importance of Radical Responsibility in Medical Decisions

    The Role of Manufacturers and Legal Protections

    Concerns About Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)

    Risks Highlighted in Medical Inserts

    Transparency Issues in Adverse Reaction Reporting

    State Laws and Parental Authority in Medical Decisions

    Accessing Medical Inserts and Informed Consent

    Guest Bio:

    Alexandra is the visionary behind Just the Inserts, a resource dedicated to empowering individuals and families with clear, accessible information about medical choices. With a background steeped in research and a commitment to transparency, Alexandra has become a trusted voice in the informed consent community, helping countless people navigate the complex world of medical information.

    INSTAGRAM:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Connect with Alexandra 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:

    https://www.justtheinserts.com/

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

    Grab Alexandra’s book, Well Considered, here: https://justtheinserts.store/

    YOUTUBE LINKS:

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube
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    59 mins
  • Ep. 301: Secondary Infertility and Innovative Maternity Care Solutions: Garrett Wood's Journey with Koze

    Ep. 301: Secondary Infertility and Innovative Maternity Care Solutions: Garrett Wood's Journey with Koze
    Dec 4 2024

    Join us for a compelling episode with Garrett Wood, founder of Koze Kobe, as she shares her remarkable journey of revolutionizing maternal healthcare through innovative, sustainable solutions. Garrett candidly discusses her traumatic childbirth experience and the challenges faced postpartum, inspiring the development of groundbreaking products like biodegradable absorbent bras and 'nip gloss.' We delve into the emotional and physical impacts of childbirth, the importance of supportive midwifery care, and the systemic issues plaguing the U.S. maternity care system. This episode also features exciting announcements about Koze's latest product launches, their presence on Amazon, and engaging content on social media. Discover Garrett’s resilience, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the mission to support and empower mothers everywhere. Don't miss out on insights about balancing motherhood and startup life and the impactful stories of overcoming birth trauma. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation and catch all the vital links in the show notes.

    Introducing Koze: Revolutionizing Perinatal Products

    The Maternal Health Crisis

    Garrett's Traumatic Birth Story

    The Struggles of Induction and Labor

    The Battle with the Medical System

    The Painful Reality of Birth Trauma

    Reflecting on the Experience

    Looking Forward: Future Birth Plans

    The Healing Power of Home Birth

    Sharing and Processing Birth Trauma

    Postpartum Challenges and the Birth of Koze

    Innovative Solutions for New Moms

    Sustainable and Practical Products

    Future Endeavors and Personal Growth

    Guest Bio:

    kozēkozē is a perinatal products company, creating innovative products that reduce mess and stress for moms, so they can better bond with baby. USE CODE HEHE TO SAVE 20%

    INSTAGRAM:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

    Connect with Koze 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:

    Check out Koze here! USE CODE HEHE TO SAVE 20%

    Check out the Koze podcast with Garrett Wood here.

    YOUTUBE LINKS:

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

    Connect with Guest on YouTube.
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    1 hr and 9 mins