The Birth Lounge Podcast

Have you made a birth plan? Have you heard in the whispers of the internet that they are bad luck? Or that nurses won't respect them? Today HeHe is joined by Nurse Sydney to clear up the confusion around birth plans! Sydney is sharing how birth plans can benefit your care team, what you want to consider when making a birth plan and what goes through a nurse's head when they are handed a birth plan! The is a must-listen for anyone who is planning a hospital birth and wants to prioritize open communication with your medical team to achieve the best birth possible!    Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Nurse Sydney 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!  

HeHe is joined by Jen Darwin to talk about reimagining postpartum in the US! As a former Labor & Delivery RN and now a doula, Jen is no stranger to the disparities that happen in postpartum support for moms-- the lack of 'the village,' the single six-week check up and no paid maternity care. Overall, the United States spends the most money in the world on healthcare per person. However, in regard to maternal outcomes, we typically rank last when compared to other wealthy nations. Today, Jen shares about her postnatal retreat center nestled in San Francisco and provides full-service, round the clock postpartum care for new parents! The retreat center is a comfortable, relaxing place where you, your partner and baby can get the support you need to get off to a healthy start. Meals are prepared for you, dishes are done for you, staff makes your bed, and washing bottles and pumping parts! Their King Studio and King Suites are customized for postpartum recovery and come equipped with heated bidet toilets, rainfall shower heads, and comfortable King Size beds. Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, a “village” of support can offer the resources you need.   INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with The Village 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: The Village Retreat Center **Receive $200 Spa Credit and $100 off your total stay when you mention The Birth Lounge Podcast

Join HeHe and Tyler Bradshaw from Aqua Tots as they dive deep into the crucial topic of water safety for children. This episode covers alarming drowning statistics, the importance of swim lessons from as young as four months, and practical advice for preventing drowning incidents. Tyler shares expert insights on floatation devices, the role of water watchers, appropriate bath suit colors, and safe pool practices for homes and communities. This is an essential episode for all parents and caregivers to keep their kids safe around water in all settings year round.   The Importance of Water Safety Drowning Statistics and Prevention Understanding Different Types of Drowning The Role of Swim Lessons Common Places for Drowning Dry Drowning Explained The Dangers of Distractions Water Wings and Flotation Devices Tips for Parents with Multiple Children at the Pool Home Pool Safety Ensuring Pool Safety: Skimmer Baskets and Barriers Water Safety Analogies: Highway and Pool The Importance of Swim Lessons for Children Starting Swim Lessons Early: Building Muscle Memory Overcoming Fear of Water in Young Children Swim Lesson Levels: From Babies to Competent Swimmers Swim Lesson Curriculum: Skills and Progression Choosing the Right Swimwear for Safety   Guest Bio: Tyler, owner of Aqua-Tots Swim School Norwood is passionate about childhood water safety!  Aqua-Tots was founded in 1991 and headquartered in the Phoenix area, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools is making waves as the largest international provider of year-round, indoor swim instruction, community outreach and drowning prevention education. Its trusted program is dedicated to children of all abilities from four months to 12 years old and features a proven curriculum used to teach more than five million swim lessons each year. Aqua-Tots is recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top 100 Franchises for Women in 2024, Entrepreneur's Top 15 Children’s Franchises of 2023, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, Inc. Magazine's Top 5000 and Franchise Times’ Top 200. Aqua-Tots has more than 150 locations in 25 states across 14 countries and is rapidly expanding with 90 locations in development.   Social Media: Connect with HeHe on Instagram  Connect with Aqua-Tots 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: Connect with Tyler at Norwood Aqua-Tots here!  Find an Aqua-Tots near you!    Key words: Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, Kids Swim Lessons, Swimming Tips for Parents, Water Safety Tips, Child Swim Lessons, Summer Safety Tips, Pool Safety Tips, Accident Prevention, Water Safety Month, Child Safety

Join HeHe in an inspiring conversation with Raquel as she shares her incredible journey from multiple cesarean sections to achieving a successful vaginal birth after three cesareans (VBA3C) in a home setting. Raquel discusses the importance of taking control of birth decisions, questioning standard practices, and finding the confidence to push back against a system that often prioritizes medical convenience over individual empowerment. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of birthing with autonomy and the transformative power it holds for mothers. Don't miss this pivotal episode filled with personal stories, expert insights, and practical advice for expecting mothers and birth advocates.   Raquel's First Birth Experience Navigating VBAC Challenges Meeting Dr. Stuart Fishbein Preparing for the Fourth Birth Labor and Delivery at Home Unexpected Sensations and Initial Fears Support and Reassurance from the Doula Smooth Sailing and Birth Experience Challenges and Emotional Disconnect Reflecting on Birth Choices and Statistics Empowerment and Advocacy in Birth Advice for Expectant Mothers from Racquel   Guest Bio: Raquel is a mother of four, ages 2, 5, 18, and 20. Together with her husband, she raises her family in Southern California. Raquel has a regular 9-5, but her superhero self works doing her soul work into the night supporting Goddess Blyss and Dr. Stu with the Birthing Instincts Podcast. In 2021 Dr. Stu supported Raquel’s 4th pregnancy, a breech HBA3C. It was life changing and has been a dream come true to be able to work along side him and especially Goddess Blyss in birth work, and spreading awareness to birth choices and the beauty of birth. Raquel is now a birth doula and teaches birth education classes with her husband. Social Media: Connect with HeHe on Instagram Connect with Raquel 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!

HeHe is joined with Kayleigh Summers, or The Birth Trauma Mama, to discuss a rare but serious pregnancy complication known as Amniotic Fluid Embolism. This episode dives into what causes AFE, the signs & symptoms plus what Kayleigh's healing process looked like after her experience. You will also hear questions and discussions to have with your provider if you have risk factors that increase your chances of experiencing AFE or if you're curious how your hospital would manage an event such as AFE in your birth. This episode mentions birth trauma, maternal death and fetal demise so please be kind with yourself and listen when you're in a safe space to consume this kind of content.    JOIN THE BIRTH LOUNGE   Guest Bio: Kayleigh Summers is an Amniotic Fluid Embolism survivor who shares her birth story as a way to be a space that women that safety learn about & heal from birth trauma. Some of you may follow her on social media where she is known as the birth trauma mama. Kayleigh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owns a private practice where she educates and supports those who have experienced perinatal trauma! She also has a podcast called the birth trauma mama podcast and she hosts small groups for people who are looking for birth trauma support!    CONNECT WITH KAYLEIGH Website IG Podcast   CONNECT WITH HEHE IG Work with HeHe   LINKS MENTIONED: https://afesupport.org/ https://www.uptodate.com/contents/amniotic-fluid-embolism https://obgconnect.com/library/2020/01/31/amniotic-fluid-embolism-afe/  

In this heartfelt episode, HeHe and Sarah Lingle discuss the sensitive topics of infertility, pregnancy loss, and the emotional and psychological impacts they have. The conversation covers statistics on infertility and miscarriage, personal experiences with loss, and the ways to support a friend who has experienced pregnancy loss. Sarah shares valuable insights on how to talk about loss, the importance of normalizing these discussions, and the resources available for those going through these difficult times. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand and support friends, family, or clients dealing with pregnancy loss. Understanding Infertility and Loss Statistics Stigma and Sharing About Loss Emotional Responses to Loss Postpartum Care After Loss Support and Resources for Bereaved Parents TFMR Community and Support How to Support Friends Experiencing Loss A Friend's Support During Miscarriage Memorializing Lost Babies The Emotional Complexity of Pregnancy After Loss Navigating Triggers and Boundaries Connecting with Sarah and Final Thoughts Guest Bio: Sarah is the host of The PAL Doula Podcast, and owner of The Pregnancy After Loss Doula, both of which exist to give help and hope to moms navigating pregnancy after loss. She’s a mom to Peanut, who died before birth, and to J, her earthside rainbow baby. When she’s not talking about birth, you can usually find her hiking to a nearby waterfall with my family! Instagram: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with Sarah 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://pregnancyafterlossdoula.com/ Use code Podcast10 to get listeners 10% off of any of Sarah’s offers https://anchor.fm/thepalpod https://littlesantidesigns.co.uk/ https://stillbirthday.com/ https://www.gatheringhope.net/timely-tender-tote-1 https://miscarriagehopedesk.org/ https://www.thecomfortcub.org/  

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Heather Florescue to discuss the vital but often overlooked topic of stillbirth prevention. Dr. Florescue introduces the concept of placental health, the importance of measuring estimated placental volume, and the role this plays in ensuring healthy pregnancies. We dive deep into the current research, debunk myths, and highlight the significance of understanding risk factors and maternal instincts. Dr. Florescue also shares insights on protocols followed in the UK and Australia that could help reduce stillbirth rates. Tune in to learn why education and proactive healthcare can save lives.   Guest Bio: Dr. Florescue is an ob.gyn. in private practice at Women Gynecology and Childbirth Associates in Rochester, N.Y. She delivers babies at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.  She received her medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, completed her internship and residency in obstetrics & gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.  She is certified by the American Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology.  She and her husband are parents to a set of triplets.  Dr. Florescue is passionate about the prevention of pregnancy and infant loss and the care for families who suffer these terrible tragedies.    INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Dr. Florescue 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: Star Legacy Foundation Count the Kicks PUSH Pregnancy Tommys.org Saving Babies Lives Care Bundles

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Caitlyn Schollmeier to discuss electronic fetal monitoring. They cover what electronic fetal monitoring is, why it is used, differences between continuous and intermittent monitoring, and various related topics. They also explore the implications of different monitoring choices on labor and delivery, including how interventions like Pitocin and epidurals require monitoring and tips for how different monitoring methods might affect movement and comfort during labor. In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: When providers often use each type of monitoring and why they may use continuous monitoring more often.  How long are the breaks during intermittent monitoring? What types of monitoring are best for low risk labors versus more complicated pregnancies?  What helps when we start to see wonky fetal heartones?  So what are some scenarios where you would want electronic fetal monitoring? Guest Bio: Caitlyn Schollmeier is a former birth doula and labor & delivery nurse. She created Lila, a maternity brand that specializes in creating beautiful and comfortable labor clothing that provides privacy while still being accessible for routine medical care. Lila has 4 different styles of birth gown that all provide access for fetal heart monitoring, skin to skin, breastfeeding, massage, epidural placement and more. Social Media: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with Caitlyn on Instagram Connect with Caitlyn 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!  LINKS MENTIONED: Birth Gown (use code BIRTHLOUNGE15 to save 15% off): https://www.wearlila.com/    ACOG stance on EFM: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/fetal-heart-rate-monitoring-during-labor   https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2010/11/management-of-intrapartum-fetal-heart-rate-tracings   https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2021/06/antepartum-fetal-surveillance  

In this episode, HeHe welcomes Jami Reyes, owner of Hip Baby Gear, to discuss essential baby gear. They delve into topics like how to choose car seats and strollers, considerations for different lifestyles, safety tips, and practical advice for parents. Additionally, they cover the pros and cons of popular brands and offer insights into making informed decisions to meet individual needs. In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: What should people be thinking about in terms of the weight and durability of strollers? What are we actually looking for in a car seat? What type of car seats are out there and who they might be best appropriate for from newborn all the way up to big kids in car seats?  What do we need to consider when it comes to thinking about the usage of our car seat and our stroller system and multiple cars?  What’s the installation process like for car seats?  I want to add a mirror and I want to have a camera and I want to have the window covers but are mirrors, cameras, toys, and window covers safe for Baby?  How to dress baby in car seats safely.  Take a listen to learn about…  Choosing the Right Stroller  Considering Your Terrain  The Weight and Durability of Strollers  Car Seat Safety and Installation  Types of Car Seats  The Importance of Proper Installation  Dealing with Accessories and Clothing  Most Frequently Asked Questions including is the Nuna and the Vista stroller systems really worth it and is the Doona safe?    Guest Bio: Jami Reyes is the owner of Hip Baby Gear, in the Marblehead Old Town District. Jami and her husband took over the store in 2016. They had been living in Marblehead for a few years and had their son and loved the idea of not only working locally but being a part of the community in a larger way. HBG has been such an integral partner to local families not only in education but as a way for families to connect. HBG provides an experience unlike any in the area. You can let the little ones play in the back while you grab a coffee or sometimes mimosa and chat! If you are expecting they help with registries, baby must-haves or even offer a little guidance or support.   Instagram: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with Hip Baby Gear 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: Hipbabygear.com https://www.luvbugcompany.com/collections/all-towels https://www.amazon.com/Luv-Bug-Company-Sunscreen-Towel/dp/B08XPVPSR2 Buckle me baby coats: https://www.bucklemecoats.com/

Heather is a professional architect, entrepreneur, and mother of two three and under. Her passion for sustainability and frustration with traditionally potty training her oldest led her to try Elimination Communication with her second baby. With her youngest using the potty at 5 weeks and able to take HERSELF by 12 months, Heather is now on a mission to show new and expecting parents everywhere what is possible and how they too can naturally potty train their babies from as early as birth.  As the host of the Ready From Birth Community, she brings together EC parents from all over the world so they can relax and enjoy the journey to early toilet independence without ever having to navigate the roadblocks alone. The Ready From Birth Course launched in May 2024, so new and expecting parents can get all the information they need to start EC and have their baby toilet independent as early as walking! 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!  Instagram:  Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Heather on IG  Links: Heather’s Community: community.readyfrombirth.com  Heather’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@readyfrombirth The Huckleberry app is mentioned as a tool to track your baby’s elimination schedule

HeHe is joined by a Labor & Employment Lawyer and CEO of Centurion Trial Attorney to discuss maternity leave laws in the United States. Ryan shares what rights pregnant people have, when to share the big news with your boss & what's the minimum lawful amount of time off you're entitled to when you have a baby? We also cover what to do if you experience retaliation and how to protect your job while you are on maternity leave.    In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: How am I supposed to leave work?  How early do I tell them?  When am I supposed to tell them?  What legal rights do I have?  What if they say I don't get paid?  How am I supposed to make this work financially?  What do I do about the insurance?   Take a listen to learn all about the Family Medical Leave Act ( FMLA ), what questions your employer can and can’t ask you, your rights in the workplace as a pregnant person, your rights in the workplace as a pumping mom, and more!  Guest Bio: Ryan is a former firefighter who spent four years battling California's wildfires.    Ryan is recognized as a leading voice in the field of Labor & Employment law. He has gained a massive following on TikTok as @AttorneyRyan aka "The Labor Lawyer." Through his videos, Ryan empowers employees and small businesses by educating them about the law and worker's rights.   Ryan is a recognized thought-leader in the field of criminal procedure and civil trial practice. He has authored multiple books on the subjects of law, civil trial procedure, and wealth-creating strategies. In his spare time, Ryan also writes crime fiction for adults and educational fiction for children. Ryan graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California.    Instagram: Connect with Ryan on IG Ryan's Website   Connect with HeHe 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://edd.ca.gov/paidfamilyleave https://www.eeoc.gov/ https://www.dol.gov/ https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/jobaccommodations https://www.centuriontrialattorneys.com/lawyer-exposes-classic-hr-trap-that-destroys-harassment-cases https://www.centuriontrialattorneys.com/ryan-stygar-helps-pregnant-women-protect-themselves-from-discrimination   YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with HeHe on YouTube

HeHe and Birth Injury Lawyer, Marlie, dive deep into how legality intersects with maternity care. Join this conversation to hear about your rights as a patient, what you can and can't say 'no' to in labor and what leaving 'AMA' really means! Marlie also breaks down what type of allegations are most commonly brought against OB's and how top down pressure from insurance companies and hospital systems impact patient care and outcomes! This is such an amazing episode!    Bio: Marlie H. Willer is an experienced trial lawyer that has dedicated her practice to 100% litigation. Marlie focuses her practice on medical malpractice, with a particular emphasis in obstetric negligence. She has successfully litigated hundreds of brachial plexus cases across the country.   Connect with Marlie on IG Connect with Marlie Here   Download Scripts for Advocacy!    Connect with HeHe on IG 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 in your App Store --for Android & Apple

Is a membrane sweep the right move for you? Is it a form of induction? In this episode, HeHe dives into what a membrane sweep is, why you might consider one, the risks & benefits plus what you can expect to feel during and after the procedure! If you are worried about going past your due date or considering an induction, this episode is a must-listen!    Connect with HeHe on IG    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!

Dive into the history of ultrasounds in maternity care, the various types of ultrasounds and how to know if they are right for you! Eyla and HeHe will talk about when you typically get ultrasounds in pregnancy and how to navigate the conversation of declining them if they are not aligned with your birth goals!    Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Eyla on IG    Join Eyla's Doula training 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!

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Laura of The Nesting Place & TumTum Wedge Pillow. She shares her twin and breech hospital birth story. Tune in today to hear her story and explore all of the questions you should consider asking if you have a breech baby or twin pregnancy.   Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Laura at:  The Nesting Place on IG TumTum Tummy Time Wedge TumTum on IG   Use the code HEHE to get 10% off the TumTum Wedge Pillow!!  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!   Breech & Twin Resources: Rixa Freeze, David Hartung: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/ Nathan Riley: https://www.belovedholistics.com/ Stu Fischbein: http://www.birthinginstincts.com/   Twin Sleep: Episode 249 with Natalie Diaz and Kim West

SSRI's are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression, so what happens when you get pregnant? Can you stay on these medications? Should you consider a different prescription or different modality of support? Alex Hoeft is a Labor & Delivery Nurse, homeschool mama of 5 & doula here to talk to us about her experience taking an SSRI during pregnancy. We will be diving into the questions that you should be asking yourself and your provider to determine the right path for you! From what they are to how they can impact your baby after birth, and even some of the more natural ways to support your mental health whether you are looking to wean from your SSRI or supplement it with other resources.    Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Alex on IG  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!

You asked and we delivered! In this episode, HeHe and MaMa Nurse Tina bring a human touch to the heavy topic of postpartum hemorrhage. We’re diving into what postpartum hemorrhage is, what increases your risk for experiencing it, some things that to mitigate those risks and then what to ask your providers during prenatals and if you do experience a hemorrhage.    Guest Bio:   Tina has been a labor and delivery nurse since 2012 with experience as an emergency room nurse prior. Recently she obtained her perinatal nursing certificate and has a passion for educating and empowering people who are looking forward to welcoming their new baby or have recently had a baby and would like some direction and encouragement. She's also a mom of 4 herself. Links:  Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Mama Nurse Tina on IG   Connect with Nurse Tina on TikTok    Connect with Nurse Tina on YouTube   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!

Join HeHe as she sits down with High Risk OBGYN & MFM, Dr. Lexi Hill to discuss Pre-Eclampsia which is a pregnancy complication that generally arises after 20-weeks of pregnancy and often presents as high blood pressure, possible proteins in your urine, a headache that won't go away and intense swelling of legs and feet! Dr. Lexi shares about monitoring yourself for signs & symptoms, diagnostic criteria, risk factors that may increase your risk of developing Pre-E, questions to ask your provider plus the medical remedies you can expect to be offered to you if you develop Pre-E in pregnancy.    Guest Bio: Dr. Lexi Hill obtained her BS in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University. After taking a year to volunteer abroad in Costa Rica, substitute teach, and work as a Medical Assistant, she attended medical school at Texas A&M followed by an OB/GYN residency in Phoenix, Arizona. The native Texan returned to Galveston, Texas to complete a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch where she received multiple teaching awards for her involvement with medical students and residents. Dr. Lexi Hill is licensed in over 20 states and practices telemedicine full-time to underserved communities. She is extensively involved with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine to help advocate for maternal health care at both the state and national level. She has traveled extensively and enjoys incorporating her study of the Spanish language into her daily clinical practice. Her commitment to teaching self-advocacy skills to patients, as well as physicians, led her to start her own business based on the three pillars of EXPANDING knowledge, DEVELOPING skills, IMPACTING lives (E.D.I). With this concept, Dr. Lexi Hill shares data driven pregnancy information through social media, YouTube videos, and her podcast. She also offers virtual concierge consultations which require no referral or delays due to insurance. She truly has a passion to help individuals experience a happy and healthy pregnancy.   Links:  Connect with HeHe on IG    JOIN THE BIRTH LOUNGE!   Connect with Dr. Lexi: https://www.drlexihill.com/ https://www.drlexihill.com/advocate www.drlexihill.com/aspirin www.drlexihill.com/fetaltesting   Link to purchase a module or book a consultation with Dr. Lexi https://www.drlexihill.com/pregnancy-advocacy

In this episode, HeHe chats with Jessica Rita of Modern Courage. They discuss the impact an unplanned cesarean can have on the initiation into motherhood including dealing with feelings of failure and many more layers of emotions. Jessica dives a bit into the cause of birth trauma as well as steps you can take to start healing now, including the importance of nervous system regulation, and trigger tracking. She also shares how an unplanned cesarean can impact the mother-baby bond & attachment style!   Guest Bio: Jess is a specialist in supporting millennial and Gen X women with anxiety, and individuals who have experienced birth trauma. She is a licensed canadian clinical counselor who offers individual therapy to support your personal growth with a focus on helping you to improve your self-worth, and to grow a more mindful, and balanced lifestyle.    Links:  Connect with Jess on IG    Join Jessica’s group to repair your birth story   Jessica’s website   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!   Connect with HeHe on IG    YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with Jess on IG: https://www.instagram.com/itsanewbirthstory/ Join Jessica’s group to repair your birth story:

In this episode HeHe sits down with our editor, Alexis Stearns to go through a birth story case study. This is one of the coolest episodes to date! Special thanks to Alexis who shares her story of the classic 'cascade to intervention' cycle that ended with an unwanted, yet emergency (necessary) cesarean induction and VBAC induction stories with a play by play from HeHe on the different options at each step of the way. We dive into the feelings she experienced finding out she was pregnant again, how she made the decision to VBAC and what her hospital experience looked like trying to VBAC! Tune in to explore all the options!    Guest Bio: Alexis is on a mission to heal motherhood. As a manifesting generator (iykyk), Alexis achieves this mission in a variety of ways. From business support services for those aligning with her mission, to teaching children and their families social and emotional regulation skills, to helping moms create their own healing plan. Alexis believes firmly that every person is unique and helps them find what works for each individual. Alexis offers birth story debriefs for mothers and doulas, as well as a completely free course and workbook for new moms to complete with their support system.   Links:  Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Alexis on IG    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!   Grab the posture guide referenced in the episode!    Grab Alexis’ free course to start healing a difficult birth here    YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Alexis on IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionally.alexis/