Well Considered

Why do doulas sometimes make doctors and nurses uneasy? And what does their presence reveal about the way our medical system handles birth? In this episode, we talk with HeHe Stewart, founder of The Birth Lounge and a doula with more than 10 years of experience. She shares about the politics of presence to explore why doulas sometimes make providers uncomfortable and why their role matters more than ever. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: What doulas really do (beyond the stereotype of “crunchy” home births) How doulas protect informed consent and help families navigate hospital policies Real-life examples of doula advocacy during cervical checks, inductions, and C-sections Why some providers push back against doulas, and how true collaboration improves outcomes Smart questions to ask when interviewing a doula for your own birth plan Whether you’re a mom preparing for birth, a partner wanting to support better, or a provider curious about doula collaboration, this conversation sheds light on the advocacy in birth that every family deserves. Because at the end of the day, informed consent isn’t just about what’s written on a chart. It’s about having the right people in the room, the right questions on your lips, and the courage to claim your role as the decision-maker for your body and your baby. Well Considered Resources: Read the free Motherhood Guide Build your birth team from our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend. You never know who needs to hear this conversation.

In Part Two of Hannah Morgan’s journey, the story moves from despair to resilience. With faith as her compass, Hannah navigated years of setbacks, new therapies, and near-death moments that tested her resolve. Today, as a mother and author of The Vile, she shares how hope and advocacy transformed her hardest chapters into sacred beginnings. Inside this episode: The turning point that helped Hannah begin healing How faith, persistence, and community support carried her forward The cost of speaking openly about vaccine injury in a polarized culture What Hannah wants every parent (especially mothers) to know about informed consent and trusting their instincts This powerful conclusion will encourage you to honor your voice, fight for transparency, and lean into the faith that sustains you when medicine falls short. Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend. You never know who needs to hear this conversation.

What happens when medicine doesn’t have the answers you need, but your faith calls you to keep going? In this first half of Hannah Morgan’s story, you’ll hear how a young woman’s health unraveled after a routine vaccine, and how she and her family fought to be heard. Inside this episode: Hannah’s sudden health collapse at age 17 after the HPV vaccine The maze of specialists, dismissals, and a system unprepared to help The moments when her faith became her only anchor in the midst of doubt Why her story raises deeper questions about transparency, trust, and informed consent If you’ve ever felt dismissed in a medical setting or struggled to reconcile your faith with your healthcare choices, Hannah’s story will resonate deeply. This episode isn’t about answers, but about the courage to keep asking questions and the strength to keep holding on. Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend. You never know who needs to hear this conversation.

What if the biggest influence on your medical decisions isn’t what’s said out loud, but what’s happening silently in the background? This episode is the final part of our 5-part series, The Empowered Mom’s Guide to Medical Advocacy. We uncover the subtle “nudges” built into the medical system that can steer your decisions without you even realizing it. These influences aren’t always malicious, but they are powerful, and every mom deserves to know how to spot them. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: The psychology of why “nudges” are so effective in high-pressure medical settings Common ways providers and systems frame information that shifts your choices Practical strategies to pause and recognize when you’re being steered How to bring the conversation back to informed consent and real options Why noticing these invisible nudges is the first step to reclaiming your voice in the exam room If you’ve ever left an appointment wondering, “Did I really choose that, or was I guided into it?” this episode will give you clarity and tools to slow down, notice the influence, and stand firm in making decisions that reflect your values. Start the free training course. Download the free The Empowered Mom’s Medical Advocacy Toolkit Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend. You never know who needs to hear this conversation.

We're pressing pause on our current podcast series, because millions of us witnessed something we never thought we’d see in real time; a political assassination streamed straight to our phones. No matter your views, moments like this leave behind a shared weight of shock, grief, and disorientation. For moms especially, it can feel impossible to stay grounded while caring for our families and holding space for our children. In this episode of Well Considered, Alexandra is joined by Dr. Rachel and Dr. Carly from Kale Blossom one week after the assassination to explore practical ways to process collective trauma and reclaim a sense of calm. Together, we share gentle yet powerful tools for nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and rediscovering balance in the days after tragedy. You won’t find political commentary here. Just compassionate conversation and actionable strategies to help you move from shock toward steadiness. Whether you felt this event deeply or you’re simply carrying the cumulative stress of today’s world, these insights will guide you toward healing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why collective trauma affects us all Simple tools for restoring balance and calming the nervous system How to create space for your own healing while supporting your family Steps to move forward with resilience and hope Resources mentioned: Join the Well Considered Community today! The Grounding [Earthing] Movie Sleep from The Motherhood Guide Sleep FAQ Urban Farm Collection Sea Salt Spray Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

What do you do when two “experts” give completely different answers about your health (or your child’s health)? Do you follow the credential, the confidence, or your own gut? This episode of Well Considered is Part Four of our 5-part series, The Empowered Mom’s Guide to Medical Advocacy. We tackle one of the hardest parts of medical decision-making: navigating conflicting advice. Because in today’s world, it’s not a matter of if you’ll encounter it, but when. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why even highly trained professionals can disagree on the “right” choice How to recognize when advice is incomplete, biased, or influenced by system pressures A practical framework for slowing down and asking clarifying questions before deciding The role of your own intuition, values, and lived experience in making confident choices Why informed consent means you don’t need to blindly pick a side If you’ve ever felt torn between two experts, overwhelmed by a flood of opinions, or afraid of making the “wrong” decision, this episode will help you reclaim your footing. It’s about learning to pause, ask, and discern, so you can move forward with clarity and peace. Start the free training course and take The Vaccine Perspective Spectrum™ Quiz Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

Ever felt like your doctor was speaking another language? You’re not alone. Medical jargon can feel intimidating, but here’s the truth: not knowing those words doesn’t make you less capable, less informed, or less worthy of clear answers. This episode of Well Considered is Part Three of our 5-part series, The Empowered Mom’s Guide to Medical Advocacy. We break down why jargon shows up in every profession (from lawyers and mechanics to hair stylists and tech support) and why it’s always the expert’s responsibility to translate, not yours. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why medical jargon can make moms feel small (and how to push past that feeling) Relatable examples from everyday professions (law, beauty, auto repair, finance, tech) that prove jargon is everywhere Practical ways to ask clarifying questions without feeling embarrassed Scripts to slow down conversations and bring language back to plain English How to turn intimidating moments into opportunities for true informed consent By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to spot jargon, pause with confidence, and respond with questions that put you back in the driver’s seat. Because your body, your child, your decision deserves plain language and real understanding. Take our free training course now! Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

Have you ever felt pressured to make a quick medical decision for yourself or your child only to regret not slowing down? This episode is Part Two in our 5-part series, The Empowered Mom’s Guide to Medical Advocacy. We go more in depth on a simple but powerful tool: The 10-Second Pause. By taking just ten seconds before responding, you create space for clarity, calm, and true informed consent even in rushed or high-pressure situations. In this episode, you’ll learn: 10 real-life situations where the 10-second pause can change the outcome of an appointment Sample scripts you can use with doctors, nurses, and specialists How a short pause can shift you from passive patient to confident advocate Why slowing down protects your child’s health and strengthens your role as decision-maker From well-check visits to ER discharges, these scripts will help you speak up without confrontation and keep the focus on what matters most: your family’s health and informed choices. Explore the Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

Ever felt your heart race before asking a doctor a question wondering if you’ll be brushed off or labeled “difficult”? You’re not the only mom who’s been there. This is the first episode in our 5-part series, The Empowered Mom’s Guide to Medical Advocacy. In this kickoff episode we share The Confidence Blueprint; a step-by-step guide to speaking up for your family with calm authority and clarity. We walk through: Simple scripts you can use to navigate tense or rushed medical conversations How to ask informed consent–focused questions without fear or guilt Mindset shifts that transform self-doubt into self-assurance Why practicing your advocacy language matters before the appointment How to move from passive patient to proactive, respected decision-maker Whether you’re facing a well-check, navigating a specialist referral, or preparing for a big medical decision, this episode will give you the tools to speak up with confidence while keeping connection intact. Take our free training course now! Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office with more questions than answers? Today, we sit down with Chloe Harrouche, founder and CEO of The Lanby, a patient-led concierge primary care practice in New York City that’s reimagining what healthcare could (and should) look like. At just 23, Chloe faced a breast cancer diagnosis that exposed the cracks in conventional medicine. While treatment saved her life, she was left without guidance on prevention, nutrition, fertility, or long-term wellness. That gap pushed her to become her own advocate, and eventually to build the healthcare model she wished had existed: one that integrates functional medicine, personalized care teams, and real coordination between doctors and wellness experts. Together, Alexandra and Chloe explore: Why self-care alone isn’t a healthcare plan The risks of “DIY wellness” without medical oversight How functional medicine can bridge the gap between prevention and treatment The unique care team model at The Lanby and why joint visits matter Why moms in particular need support that goes beyond quick fixes and supplement trends Whether you’re a mom juggling endless wellness advice, a provider looking for a better model, or someone who simply wants to take proactive steps toward real health, this conversation will affirm your intuition, challenge the system, and give you a hopeful glimpse of what true patient-led care can be. Resources & Links: Learn more about The Lanby Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

Tired of the same old “pro-vax” vs. “anti-vax” debate? In this pivotal episode, we introduce a groundbreaking tool to move beyond the binary: The Vaccine Perspective Spectrum™. It’s a 13-point framework designed to move the vaccine conversation beyond extremes and into clarity, compassion, and truth. Created after thousands of conversations with parents, providers, and professionals, The Vaccine Perspective Spectrum™ captures the lived experiences that shape real-world vaccine decisions from mandate-enforcing advocates to complex rejectors and everything in between. Whether you’re… A healthcare worker forced into compliance A parent struggling to make a decision A researcher transformed by personal injury Or simply someone who wants to understand others better …this episode offers language that liberates, not limits. Inside, you'll discover: Why “pro-” and “anti-” fail to capture the truth The 13 perspectives and how they’re shaped by trust, trauma, belief, and experience What it really means to find a unifying path forward After listening, take the free quiz (no email required) to find out which perspective represents your views. The results will include some tips on how to communicate better with people from across the Spectrum, too. Because the future of informed consent depends on one thing: our ability to understand each other. Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

Are you pro-vax? Anti-vax? Somewhere in between? No matter where you land, this episode will challenge you. In part one of this powerful two-part series, we take an unflinching look at the extremes on both sides of the vaccine debate. Drawing on years of research including product inserts, scientific literature, medical ethics, and firsthand conversations with experts and affected families, we break down what each side gets right… and where both fall dangerously short. You’ll learn: Why oversimplified “safe and effective” messaging is losing public trust The truth about financial conflicts of interest among science influencers How anti-vax purity culture and conspiracy overreach hurt the cause The danger of all-or-nothing thinking, from either direction The weaponization of personal stories on both sides How to make space for nuance in polarizing times This episode isn’t about picking a side. It’s about moving beyond tribalism to something more honest, more grounded, and more reflective of what people actually feel. If you’re tired of the binary, ready to think critically, and open to reclaiming conversation from extremes, this one’s for you. Stay tuned for part two, where we introduce the solution to this problem! Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

Are you a first-time mom craving more confidence and clarity as you step into motherhood? You’re not alone. In this uplifting episode, we sit down with Laila from Learning To Mom™, a Gen Z mother who's reshaping the early motherhood experience with joy, preparation, and informed perspective. Together, we explore how new moms can avoid the fear-based overwhelm so common on social media, and instead make empowered, informed choices from day one. Whether you're navigating birth plans, postpartum realities, or newborn health decisions, this episode will leave you feeling more grounded, hopeful, and ready to trust yourself. In this episode, we cover: Why so much content around motherhood feels fear-based (and how to shift out of it) How Gen Z moms are approaching birth and postpartum differently What veteran moms often don’t realize about how they’re passing on their stories Why informed consent matters for new moms... and how to get started today A free resource to help you confidently navigate healthcare decisions This conversation is a must-listen for moms of all ages who want to uplift, support, and empower each other without the panic. Follow Laila at Learning to Mom™ Take our free training course today Find a Pro-Informed Consent Provider Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear our conversation.

Looking for a way to feel more confident before your next medical decision or doctor’s appointment? In this episode, we walk through the foundational framework of Informed Consent is CLEAR™. It’s a simple, but powerful tool to help you recognize whether informed consent is truly happening in your healthcare encounters. Developed after years of listening to parents, patients, and providers, the Informed Consent is CLEAR™ method helps you: Understand the condition being diagnosed (not just accept it) See the full treatment plan, not just the first step Learn the known effects before saying yes Hear your real options... not just what’s convenient or covered Ask questions without fear of being dismissed Whether you're navigating childhood vaccine decisions, evaluating a new medication, or feeling uneasy in the exam room, this episode equips you to show up with clarity, calm, and confidence. You’ll also learn how product inserts (often ignored or hidden) can reveal crucial information to help bridge the gap between what’s marketed and what’s medically documented. Because true informed consent isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being CLEAR. Listen straight through or pause after each section for guided reflection prompts to help you apply this tool to your own experiences. Click "play" on these episodes next: “How to Ask the Right Questions—and Talk with Your Healthcare Provider with Confidence” “Understanding Risk vs. Benefit in Medicine” Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear that they’re allowed to ask more questions.

Looking for a way to feel more confident before your next doctor’s appointment or medical decision? In this episode of Well Considered, we explore how guided visualization can help you stay grounded, clear, and calm in high-pressure healthcare situations. Inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Beth Westie, this episode walks you through three immersive visualizations designed to help you: Prepare for medical appointments with confidence Navigate difficult conversations with family or friends about medical choices Share your informed consent story online or in your community Visualization isn’t just for athletes. It’s a powerful, science-backed technique for creating new neural pathways, regulating your nervous system, and advocating for yourself when it matters most. Whether you’re facing a vaccine decision, birth plan, or chronic care choice, these visualizations help you practice showing up fully informed and emotionally steady. Listen straight through or jump to the one that resonates most by tapping a chapter markers. Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear that they’re not alone.

What if your exhaustion or overwhelm isn’t just “mom life”, but a biological alarm your body’s been ringing for years? In this powerful and grounding episode, Dr. Beth Westie joins us to talk about a silent epidemic affecting millions of women (especially moms): chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation. Dr. Beth shares her unique perspective as a functional medicine practitioner and hormone specialist who’s helped thousands of women understand the root cause of their fatigue, weight struggles, anxiety, and sleep issues... all symptoms too often brushed off as “just being a mom” or “it's just your period”. Together, we dive deep into: What cortisol really does to your body when stress is constant Why traditional lab work often misses hormone imbalance How the nervous system responds to medical gaslighting The role of adrenal health in mood, energy, and metabolism Signs your body is stuck in survival mode (and how to shift out) The first steps to regulating your nervous system and reclaiming calm If you’ve been dismissed by providers, told your symptoms are “normal,” or feel like you’ve tried everything and still don’t feel like yourself, this episode offers both validation and a new path forward. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what your body is trying to tell you, and why it’s not all in your head. Resources: Dry Brush Kit DUTCH Test Free Training Course Learn more from Dr. Beth Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more moms find this information!) If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend... you never know who needs to hear that they’re not alone.

What happens when the system you trusted harms you (or the people you love most) and you're left questioning what it means to be a “good mom,” a “good wife,” or a “good patient”? Dr. Abigail Powell, a licensed clinical psychologist in Texas and a listed provider in the Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory, shares her family's story of medical coercion, injury, and identity upheaval in this gripping, grace-filled episode. From her husband’s mandated military COVID-19 vaccine and subsequent diagnosis of IgA nephropathy, to her own journey of maternal regret and clinical transformation, this conversation peels back the emotional layers of what it means to rebuild after regret. We talk about: How coercive “good mom” messages shaped her early medical decisions The moment her husband was denied life insurance after vaccination The long road to forgiveness (and the role of research along the way) The difference between fear-based decisions and informed ones Why she founded Village Psychology to support other moms like her If you’ve ever carried silent guilt after a medical decision you regret, this episode will help you feel seen and remind you that healing is possible. Resources: Are you a Texas Resident? Book your 15 minute free consult at Grapevine Psychology or contact Dr. Powell for more support. Read the first chapter of our book, “Well Considered: A Handbook for Making Informed Medical Decisions” today! Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and let’s empower more families to make informed choices.

What does it look like when a nurse chooses to honor patient autonomy even when the system makes it difficult? In this honest and deeply thoughtful conversation, we’re joined by Rita Rogers, a former Cardiovascular ICU nurse who spent 15 years working at a Level 1 trauma center. Rita shares her personal journey from pursuing emergency medicine out of a desire to help others, to navigating the challenges that came when her commitment to informed consent didn’t align with institutional policies. Together, we explore: How protocols and policies sometimes limit personalized care Why informed consent matters for every medical decision, not just vaccines What happened when Rita asked questions about COVID-era hospital policies How reimbursement systems impact provider decision-making Why supporting ethical, curious providers matters more than ever Rita also opens up about her decision to decline the COVID vaccine during pregnancy, the difficult consequences she faced, and the hope she still holds for a more respectful, patient-centered future in healthcare. Whether you’re a patient looking for a provider you can trust, or a healthcare professional trying to honor your values in a complex system, this episode is here to remind you: change doesn’t only come from the outside. It’s already happening from within. Learn more from Rita Rogers Resources: Free Training Course NVIC State Law Mandate and Exemptions Crowd Health Podcast Episode Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and let’s empower more families to make informed choices!

Have you ever walked out of a medical appointment wondering, “What just happened?” In this powerful solo episode, we explore the subtle psychological tactics, often invisible and unintentional, that shape medical decisions in the exam room. From time pressure and authority bias to fear appeals and social shaming, Alexandra unpacks how informed consent often gets engineered rather than earned. This episode dives into: The original purpose of informed consent (and how it’s been lost) How behavioral psychology shapes patient compliance Real stories from mothers and patients who’ve been nudged into decisions Emotional reasons we say “yes” when we mean “maybe” Practical tools to pause, reflect, and reclaim your voice A vision for healthcare rooted in transparency, patience, and true autonomy Whether you're a parent, patient, provider, or someone who's ever felt rushed or dismissed in a medical setting, this episode is your roadmap back to clarity and consent. Resources: Well Considered Book: Read the First Chapter Here Download The Vaccine Perspective Spectrum Here Search Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and let’s empower more families to make informed choices!

Why are so many parents leaving conventional pediatric care behind and what would it take to restore their trust? In this candid and deeply honest episode, integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel Gator joins us to explore the rising mistrust between parents and providers. Together, they unpack the root causes: from industry constraints and pharmaceutical pressure to the medical community's resistance to open dialogue. Drawing from his bestselling book “Between a Shot and a Hard Place”, Dr. Gator shares how censorship, institutional blind spots, and one-size-fits-all care are driving families toward alternative models and why he believes the future of medicine must center on humility, transparency, and truly informed consent. Whether you’re a parent who’s felt dismissed or a provider seeking to understand this cultural shift, this episode offers both insight and hope. Topics include: The growing exodus from traditional pediatric care Why many providers are afraid to question vaccine safety and what Dr. Gator found when he did How the definition of “safe and effective” has lost meaning for many parents What it really means to be a board-certified pediatrician and why it’s not as rigid as people think The urgent need for new research, honest dialogue, and post-marketing surveillance Tune in if you’re navigating pediatric decisions, questioning the system, or simply craving a more respectful path forward in healthcare. Follow Dr. Joel Gator and grab his book, “Between a Shot and a Hard Place” Want to go deeper? Check out the free training course or find a provider who cares at JustTheInserts.com Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts Subscribe & Leave a Review (It helps more people find this information!) If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and let’s empower more families to make informed choices!