The Birth Lounge Podcast
The Birth Lounge Podcast explores the variables and normal variations of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It offers a safe, empowering space for parents to hear from experts and from other parents about parenthood. Host HeHe Stewart is the founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge and creator of The Birth Lounge. Episodes provide research-backed guidance on birth and newborn care to help parents feel informed and supported.
Episodes
Ep. 493: Allowed to Birth, The Documentary Changing How We Talk About Maternity Care with Jacinta Lagos
Birth changes you. The real question is whether you come out the other side feeling strong, supported, and like your voice actually mattered, or like it never did.
In this episode HeHe sits down with Jacinta Lagos, Argentinian-born filmmaker, birth photographer, and director of the documentary Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global Midwife, right after attending the film's premiere. Jacinta b
Ep. 492: Are You Actually Allowed to Birth the Way You Want?
Are you actually allowed to say no in the birth room? Kristine Lauria has spent her career helping women understand that birth is not something that should require permission.
HeHe sits down with Kristine, an internationally recognized midwife, educator, author and birth advocate known for her expertise in physiological breech birth, to talk about informed consent, autonomy, and what happens when
Ep. 491: How to Actually Be the Village for Your Postpartum Friend
Your friend just had a baby and you have no idea what to actually do. Same.
HeHe is recording this one late at night in the thick of the 8 to 10 month growth spurt with her own son Saggy, and it got her thinking about something she has never actually sat down and mapped out for you guys: what does showing up for a postpartum friend actually look like, in practice, not just in theory.
This episo
Ep. 490: Tongue Ties, Posture, and Airway: Could They All Be The Same Problem? with Michelle Emmanuel
Baby hit four months and sleep went sideways? HeHe's Baby Sleep Solutions Guide covers exactly that, grab it here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep
Part three of the tongue tie series, and this one goes somewhere completely different. HeHe sits down with Michelle Emmanuel, a baby-specialized occupational therapist with 30 years in the field, to answer a question that never even crossed h
Ep. 489: Tongue Tie, Lip Tie, or Something Else? Feeding, Sleep, and When to Actually Release with Dr. Heidi Aaronson
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of.
If you caught last wee
Ep. 488: Tongue Tie Release: Signs, Pain, and Why Some Babies Need A Second Revision (My Baby's Story)
Story time, and it's a personal one. HeHe is kicking off a brand new series today, and it starts with the very real, very messy saga of her own baby's tongue tie release. If a midwife or chiro has ever casually dropped "possible tongue tie" into conversation and sent your brain into a full spiral, welcome, you are exactly who this episode is for.
Here's how it actually went down for HeHe: both her
Ep. 487: Snoring, Tantrums, and Airway Issues: Is It All Connected? with Dr. Rachel Hamel
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of...
Here's a wild thought:
Ep. 486: Co-Sleeping Isn't Illegal: How To Bed Share Safely (And How To Get Out Of It Later)
Be the first to know when the Baby Sleep Solution for ages 4-24 months is available here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/sleepwaitlist
Get the Newborn Sleep Solution Guide here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/newbornsleep
Let's just say it. Co-sleeping is not illegal, it is not something you have to whisper about at your pediatrician's office, and it is definitely not something that only happens t
Ep. 485: Why Your Pregnancy Dreams Are So Wild (And What They Might Mean) with D'Lisa, Dream Doula
Her bottom line, and it's a good one to tattoo somewhere: routine doesn't mean required. You're allowed to ask "cool, but do I need this?" even when the answer everyone gives you is "we just do this for everybody." Ready to walk into your birth already knowing exactly what's negotiable? Grab your spot in the free class: thebirthlounge.com/csection
Okay, real talk. Have you ever had a pregnancy dre
Ep. 484: Routine Doesn't Mean Required: What Hospitals Automatically Do During Labor (IVs, GBS Antibiotics, Induction, Monitoring & Growth Scans)
"That's just our policy" is not the same thing as "that's medically necessary for you." Y'all asked for a "what would HeHe do" episode, so here it is: HeHe is climbing on her soapbox for a full opinion piece (data-backed, but let's be honest, also just HeHe having thoughts) about five things hospitals treat as automatic that she does not think should be automatic for everybody. The routine IV. Un
Ep. 483: You Can Google Everything and Still Feel Completely Alone: Building Your Village Before Baby Arrives with Nina Spears, Founder of Baby Chick
You can Google every symptom, join every group chat, and still feel like you have no idea who's actually going to show up when the baby comes. That's the tension HeHe digs into with Nina Spears, Founder of Baby Chick, in this one.
Building your registry while you're at it? Grab HeHe's free guide before you add another item to your cart: thebirthlounge.com/registry
Here's the thing: we have mor
Ep. 482: 4 myths I keep hearing at Baby Showers
Ep. 482: 4 myths I keep hearing at Baby Showers
You know those baby shower conversations where everyone suddenly becomes a pregnancy expert? 😂 In this episode, HeHe breaks down some of the most common pregnancy and birth myths you’re likely to hear, from “you can’t eat sushi” to “your baby is going to be huge if you go past your due date” to the completely false idea that you can’t breastfeed afte
Ep. 481: How to be an emotionally secure enough parent with Eli Harwood
What if secure attachment isn't about doing everything perfectly? In this episode, HeHe sits down with licensed therapist and attachment expert Eli Harwood, aka Attachment Nerd, to break down what secure attachment actually looks like, how co-regulation and attunement shape our relationships with our kids, and why being “regulated enough” matters way more than being a perfect parent.
HeHe and Eli
Ep. 480: What would you do if your waters broke right now?
Labor Live is your chance to practice navigating labor before you’re actually in it. This interactive birth simulation delivers real-life labor scenarios straight to your phone, letting you make decisions, explore your options, and learn what questions to ask your provider along the way. Labor Live starts September 1. Head to https://joinlaborlive.com/ to save your spot!
Your water breaks... now w
Ep. 479: Let’s Talk About Low Amniotic Fluid: The Nuance Nobody Talks About with Dr. Lawren Honken
Labor Live is your chance to practice navigating labor before you’re actually in it. This interactive birth simulation delivers real-life labor scenarios straight to your phone, letting you make decisions, explore your options, and learn what questions to ask your provider along the way. Labor Live starts September 1. Head to https://joinlaborlive.com/ to save your spot!
Low amniotic fluid can be
Ep. 478: How Do I know Im in Labor Solocast with HeHe Stewart
Ready to prepare for labor like nobody has before? Head to https://www.thebirthlounge.com/laborlive
"How will I know if I'm in labor?"
If you've asked yourself this question fifty times already, you're not alone, and I promise it's not because you're missing something obvious. There's no single "poof" moment. No one clear sign that says this is it. Losing your mucus plug, bloody show, even being
Ep. 477: OCD and Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts with Špela Grašič
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe gets real about one of the most uncomfortable and misunderstood parts of postpartum life: intrusive thoughts. If you've ever had a scary, unwanted thought pop into your head after having a baby and immediately wondered, “What is wrong with me?!”, you are absolutely not alone.
HeHe sits down with Špela Grašič, a registered clinical counselor and new
Ep. 476: Failure to Progress? What ACOG Actually Says About Stalled Labor + Avoiding Unnecessary C-Sections
Free Class: How to Avoid an Unnecessarean HeHe is bringing back an updated version of her most-requested birth class with a fresh update of her best strategies for reducing your risk of an unnecessary C-section, plus how to confidently navigate interventions and decisions in the hospital. Join her live August 19 at 1:30 PM ET at thebirthlounge.com/freecall.
In this solo episode of The Birth Loung
Ep. 475: Bringing Back Home: Postpartum Care with Mama Shafia Monroe
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with veteran midwife, doula trainer, and author Shafia Monroe, aka Mama Shafia, to talk about something we don’t talk about nearly enough: who is taking care of the mother after she has the baby?
After a decade of supporting more than 2,000 families, HeHe knows firsthand that birth doesn’t end when the baby arrives. And Mama Shafia has sp
Ep. 474: Changing The Narrative with Girls Who Know® Founder Laurisa Paul
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with registered nurse, birth advocate, and Girls Who Know founder Laurisa Paul for a powerful conversation about changing birth culture long before pregnancy ever begins.
After experiencing two intervention-heavy hospital births, Laurisa's perspective on birth completely shifted through an unmedicated birth and later home births that show
Ep. 473 Taking back the title of boy mom with Breeze wood
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into a conversation that's been weighing heavily on her heart since becoming a mom herself: how do we raise boys who grow into emotionally healthy, respectful, and compassionate men?
After reflecting on the rise of "boy mom culture" and the messages it often sends about sons, relationships, and masculinity, HeHe sits down with perinatal men
Ep. 472: Low tox fertility swaps Solocast with HeHe Stewart
Building your baby registry? Grab HeHe's free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide before you add another item to your cart. After spending more than 60 hours researching everything from car seats and strollers to bottles, bedding, and baby gear, HeHe created a registry focused on reducing toxic load, avoiding unnecessary purchases, and choosing products that are actually worth the investment. Download the
Ep. 471: Mother in Law or Monster in Law with Mom Mom Maria
Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles.
In this episode of The
Ep. 470: Pain Relief Options in the Hospital with Dr. Nicole Rankins [REAIR Ep. 227]
We're bringing back one of our most-loved conversations because the truth is... every parent deserves to know all of their options before labor begins. Whether you're hoping for an unmedicated birth, planning an epidural, or simply want to feel prepared for whatever your birth unfolds, this episode is packed with evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
In th
Ep. 469: SI joint relief and clenching in pregnancy with Hayley Kava
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Hayley Kava, founder of UMA Pelvic Health, to tackle one of the most common pregnancy complaints that doesn't get nearly enough attention: SI joint pain.
If you've been told pregnancy pain is "just part of it," this conversation is your reminder that you don't have to simply suffer through it. Hayley e
Ep. 468: The Know Your Rights Map: Obstetrical Violence, Birth Trauma, and Patient Rights in the Hospital Birth Room with Cristen Pascucci [Re-Air of Ep. 203]
Ep. 468: The Know Your Rights Map: Obstetrical Violence, Birth Trauma, and Patient Rights in the Hospital Birth Room with Cristen Pascucci [Re-Air of Ep. 203]
In this Birth Lounge Podcast episode, host HeHe interviews Kristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly, about birth trauma and obstetric violence in hospital birth. They discuss trauma as a self-defined response that overwhelms the system, c
Ep. 467: Sex, Birth & Postpartum: Reclaiming Desire Through Motherhood with Ashley Mariani
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe welcomes back perinatal therapist Ashley Mariani for a conversation that isn't happening nearly enough: the relationship between sexuality, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
So often, our culture either completely ignores sexuality in motherhood or hypersexualizes birth in ways that don't actually serve women. HeHe and Ashley explore what it looks
Ep. 466: Vaccine Schedules, Herd Immunity, and Informed Consent with Dr. Bob Sears (The Vaccine Book Author)
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe continues her series on one of the most requested and emotionally charged topics in parenting: vaccines.
She's joined by pediatrician and The Vaccine Book author, Dr. Bob Sears, for a thoughtful conversation about vaccine schedules, informed consent, and why so many parents feel caught between asking questions and feeling heard. Together, they expl
Ep. 465: Parenting A Spicy One with Mary Van Geffen
Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles.
In this episode, HeHe s
Ep. 464: The Mindf*cks of Motherhood: Mom Friends, “You’re So Lucky,” and Not Missing Your Old Life Solocast with HeHe Stewart
If you're exhausted from wondering whether your baby's sleep is normal, you're not alone. That's exactly why I created the Newborn Sleep Solution. It's an evidence-based guide that walks you through newborn sleep, wake windows, naps, feeding, and what's actually realistic in those first few months, so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start feeling confident. Grab it at https://www.thebirt
Ep. 463: Baby Reflux Explained: Silent Reflux, Root Causes & What Actually Helps with Aine Homer [ Re-air Ep. 219: Baby Reflux]
In this re-aired episode, HeHe sits down with reflux specialist Aine Homer to unpack one of the most stressful (and most misunderstood) newborn challenges: baby reflux. 💜 If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Is this normal spit-up or something more?” or spending hours soothing a crying, uncomfortable baby with no clear answers, this conversation is going to feel incredibly validating.
Aine bre
Ep. 462: How Maximus Met Saggy: Boundaries, Safety Rules & What Actually Worked
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe is sharing something so many dog parents worry about during pregnancy: bringing home a baby and introducing them to the family dog.
After receiving countless questions about Maximus Prime and baby Saggy, HeHe pulls back the curtain on exactly what she did (and didn't do) to prepare her 13-year-old dog for life with a newborn. She shares the boundar
Ep. 461: What I wish dog parents did before bringing home their baby with Dominika Knossalla-Pado
Grab HeHe’s free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide for the exact products she chose for baby Saggy, plus the reasoning behind every recommendation: thebirthlounge.com/registry
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with certified dog trainer, children's book author, and founder of Dog Meets Baby, Dominika Knossalla-Pado, for a conversation every dog parent needs to hear before bring
Ep. 460: Your Legal Rights & Informed Consent in Childbirth: Insights from Advocate & Lawyer Hermine Hayes-Klein [Re-air Ep. 283]
In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with attorney, human rights advocate, and birth justice champion Hermine Hayes-Klein for a conversation every pregnant person needs to hear.
If you've ever wondered whether you can say no during labor, change your mind after signing a consent form, refuse an induction or cesarean, or push back against a hospital policy that doe
Ep. 459: The Vaccine Debate Parents Actually Need from their Pediatrician Drs Alok and Joel
Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles.
In this episode of The
Ep. 458: How Birth Trauma Impacts Your Partner & Intimacy with Ashley Mariani [RECAST]
Father's Day Sale: June 14-16 If your partner wants to be more than the guy holding your Stanley cup during contractions, Dad Daze is for him. This childbirth and postpartum course teaches dads exactly how to support, advocate, and show up with confidence from pregnancy through postpartum. Use code DAD50 to save $50 at thebirthlounge.com/daddaze June 14th-16th only. *psst* If you decide a lifetime
Ep. 457: Drowning Prevention: Essential Water Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know with Tyler Bradshaw, CWSI [RECAST]
Father's Day Sale: June 14-16 If your partner wants to be more than the guy holding your Stanley cup during contractions, Dad Daze is for him. This childbirth and postpartum course teaches dads exactly how to support, advocate, and show up with confidence from pregnancy through postpartum. Use code DAD50 to save $50 at thebirthlounge.com/daddaze June 14th-16th only. *psst* If you decide a lifetime
Ep. 456: Restorative Fertility: A Cutting-Edge Approach Mercier Therapy & Getting Real Answers with Jennifer Mercier
Holistic Fertility, “Unexplained Infertility,” and Mercier Therapy with Dr. Jen Mercier
In this episode, HeHe sits down with fertility specialist, midwife, and creator of Mercier Therapy Dr. Jennifer Mercier for a powerful conversation about infertility, reproductive health, and why so many families are being told “everything looks normal” while still struggling to conceive.
Together, they unpack
Ep. 455: How to shape your baby’s entire life in their first 24 months with Violeta Gordeljevic
Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles.
In this episode of The
Ep. 454: Understanding Placenta Health to Prevent Stillbirth with Dr. Heather Florescue, OBGYN (Re-air of Ep. 274)
In this re-aired episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Heather Florescue for an incredibly important and deeply educational conversation about stillbirth prevention, placental health, and the warning signs families deserve to know during pregnancy. Together, they unpack why conversations around stillbirth are so often avoided, how education can empower—not scare—parents, and what proactive care can loo
Ep. 453: Elimination Communication Explained: Potty Cues, Diaper-Free Babies & EC Tips w/ Andrea Olson
Today’s episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. After struggling to find nursery curtains that were both beautiful and made with higher-quality materials, HeHe fell in love with their customizable cotton and linen styles for Saggy Boy’s nursery. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE for exclusive savings on your favorite styles.
In this episode, HeHe dives into one of the parenting
Ep. 452: Membrane Sweeps, Bishop Scores & Advocating at Prenatal Visits Solocast with HeHe stewart (Reair of Ep. 268)
Inside The Birth Lounge Membership, HeHe recently taught a live deep dive on these exact topics—and new members get instant access to the replay library packed with evidence-based birth education and advocacy support.
In this re-aired episode, HeHe breaks down one of the most common late-pregnancy questions: Should you get a membrane sweep? If you’re approaching your due date, feeling pressure abo
Ep. 451: Medicaid coverage for doulas - is it really a good thing? with Leslie Moon
In this episode, HeHe sits down with Nebraska doula, childbirth educator, and birth photographer Leslie Moon for a nuanced conversation about Medicaid-covered doulas, birth equity, and the unintended consequences that can happen when community birth work becomes tied to insurance systems and hospital oversight.
At first glance, Medicaid coverage for doulas sounds like a massive win—and in many way
Ep. 450: Baby Bath Routine: How to Bathe Your Newborn Safely
In this episode, HeHe is officially back behind the mic after a five-month maternity leave… and she’s bringing a very special guest with her. 💜 Listeners get a sweet little podcast-exclusive audio moment from baby Saggy before HeHe dives into one of the most requested newborn topics: how to bathe your baby safely and confidently without turning it into an overwhelming production.
She breaks down e
Ep. 449: Orgasmic Birth with Tilly Storm
Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles.
In this episode, HeHe s
Ep. 448: Epidural Experiences: 3 things that can go wrong with an epidural and How to Manage It solocast with HeHe Stewart
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe returns from maternity leave and continues the listener-requested deep dives by breaking down what can actually go wrong with an epidural in labor, and more importantly, what you can do about it in real time.
After more than a decade working as a doula, HeHe walks through the three most common epidural issues she sees in practice: when the epidural
Ep. 447: Microplastics in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Babies: What You’re Being Exposed To and What to Actually Do About It with Dana Zhaxylykova
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with microplastics researcher and science communicator Dana for an eye-opening conversation about what microplastics are, where they’re hiding, and what this means for pregnancy, postpartum, and babies. Dana explains the basics of microplastics, how they enter our water, food, air, and everyday products, and why researchers are paying clo
Ep. 446: 4 Key Terms That Can Change How You Push Your Baby Out Solocast with HeHe Stewart
In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down four key terms every pregnant person should understand before pushing begins. Inspired by a listener question, she unpacks what’s actually happening physiologically when your body starts bearing down and why the pushing stage is often misunderstood inside modern birth culture.
HeHe explains the Early Pushing Urge (EPU), what it can
Ep. 445: Reair of Ep. 248: Mirror Neurons in Labor with Dr. Jaz Robbins
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this re-air of Episod
Ep. 444 Why I Regret the Postpartum 5-5-5 Rule (and How to Modify It)
First off, Have you gotten HeHe’s brand new low-tox registry guide? Be sure to snag it here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/registry
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe shares one of her biggest personal postpartum surprises after spending more than a decade supporting new mothers: she deeply regretted following the popular 5-5-5 rule after having her own baby.
The 5-5-5 rule encour
Ep. 443: From overwhelm to calm: understanding your nervous system with Dr Brooke Weinstein
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this episode of The
Ep. 442: When to go to the hospital in labor Solocast with HeHe Stewart
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. With Mother’s Day coming up, skip the flowers and ask for something you’ll actually use… their insanely soft bamboo sheets.
Right now, they’re running a limited-time buy one, get one free on sheet sets. Head to cozyearth.com and use code HEHEBOGO to grab yours.
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down one of the most common questio
Ep. 441: How to pick the best breast pump for you with Kristen Krahl
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. With Mother’s Day coming up, skip the flowers and ask for something you’ll actually use… their insanely soft bamboo sheets.
Right now, they’re running a limited-time buy one, get one free on sheet sets. Head to cozyearth.com and use code HEHEBOGO to grab yours.
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Kristen to break down how t
Ep. 440: Re-air of Bottle Flow Rates and Choosing the Right Bottle with Britt Pados
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Brit Patos, founder of Infant Feeding Care, to clear up one of the biggest feeding myths out there: that all bottles are basically the same… they’re not.
They break down why bottle feeding is not one size fits all, and how things like nipple flow rate can make or break both feeding safety and your breastfeeding relationship. Brit exp
Ep. 439: SOLO: Classes We Took to Prepare for Birth SoloCast with HeHe Stewart
Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe walks you through the birth prep she and
Ep. 438: Circumcision Through a Pro Lens: Health, Tradition, and Prevention with Dr. David R. Tomlinson
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with family physician and circumcision safety innovator Dr. David Tomlinson for a detailed, no-fluff conversation about newborn circumcision in the U.S.
They unpack why this topic can feel so taboo, what most parents aren’t told about risks and complications, and how technique and device choice can significantly impact safety. Dr. Tomlins
Ep. 437: Circumcision Through an Anti Lens: Consent, Trauma, and Alternatives with Brendon Marotta
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with filmmaker and activist Brendon Marotta to explore the history, ethics, and modern practice of circumcision.
Brendon shares how circumcision became medicalized over time, shifting from early cultural and religious roots to routine use in modern hospital systems. The conversation looks at how messaging has evolved, including past belie
Ep. 436: Debunking & Dismantling the Patriarchy in Maternity Care with Kirti Patel
Today’s episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this episode of Th
Ep. 435: Anti-racism in birthwork with Emilie Rodriguez
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Bronx-based doula and Bridge Directory founder Emilie Rodriguez for a real conversation about the uncomfortable truths inside U.S. maternity care. They talk about why the system is failing families and why avoiding hard conversations only keeps things the same.
HeHe and Emilie unpack the debate around doula certification, why some do
Ep. 434: Why Surrogacy Is a Celebration, Not a Sacrifice: A Pro Perspective with Tiffany
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this episode of The B
Ep. 433: Risks & Realities of Surrogacy: An Anti Perspective with Kallie Fell
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Kallie Fell, executive director of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, for a thought-provoking conversation about the ethics of surrogacy.
Kallie shares why she believes modern surrogacy raises serious concerns about exploitation, commodification, and what she calls “fragmented motherhood,” where the roles of biological, gestationa
432 SOLO: Things No One Tells You About Postpartum Recovery SoloCast with HeHe Stewart
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this episode of The B
Ep. 431: re-air 154 Understanding Your Rights in the Labor Room w/ Sarah Martin
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with former labor and delivery nurse, mom of nine, and founder of Transformational Motherhood, Sarah Martin, for a real talk conversation about labor room rights, hospital policies, and what it actually looks like to advocate for yourself during birth.
Together, they pull back the curtain on how hospital systems work, why many hospital bi
Ep. 430: Mental Health Medications in Pregnancy & Postpartum with Dr. Lasseter
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this episode, HeHe si
Ep. 429: The Science Behind Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Katayune Kaeni aka Dr. Kat
Ep. 429: The Science Behind Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Katayune Kaeni aka Dr. Kat
In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with perinatal psychologist Dr. Kat to have the conversation we don’t have enough: the real, nuanced truth about mental health in pregnancy and postpartum.
They break down the full spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, a
Ep. 428 How to Plan for a Gentle Homebirth Transfer with Jen Walts
What are the most common reasons for a home birth transfer?
Is every transfer an emergency?
If you’ve found yourself wondering about this, you’re exactly where you need to be.
In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with birth doula, childbirth educator, business owner, former teacher, and MSW student Jen Walts to talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: creating a thou
Ep. 427: Sick Care vs Healthcare: Burnout, Insurance, ACOG Guidelines, and a Midwifery-Led Model with Tracy Burns AKA Modern Day Midwife
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this episode of The B
Ep. 426: Re-Air of Navigating Postpartum Care: What to Expect After Labor and Delivery in the Hospital with Kara The Baby Nurse
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe welcomes Kara, a Mother-Baby Nurse and mom of three, to walk through what actually happens after you leave labor and delivery and transition to postpartum care. From fundal checks and C-section vitals to newborn screenings, pain management, lactation support, and discharge, this episode gives you clarity without overwhelm.
This episode is detailed,
Ep. 425: Sharing Her 41 Hour Home Birth Story Solocast with HeHe Stewart
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this episode of the T
Ep. 424 Re-Air of Your Relationship with Your Partner Post Baby with Kallista Andersen
In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe dives into the big, messy, beautiful reality of life after baby. She introduces Dad Daze, a course created to give dads-to-be the tools, knowledge, and confidence to show up fully—from labor and delivery to postpartum support—so they can be active partners in parenthood.
HeHe is joined by Kalista Anderson, founder of the New Mom Boss podcast, RN, lactation
Ep. 423: resentment and sexual dry spell with Jonathan Van Viegen
In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with couples therapist and relationship coach Jonathan Van Viegen to unpack something that shows up in almost every partnership at some point: emotional dysregulation.
Together, they break down what dysregulation actually means, not as a label or a flaw, but as what happens when emotions come out sideways instead of being expressed in healthy, co
422 Re-Air of The Problem with Hospital Childbirth Education Solocast with HeHe Stewart
In this episode, HeHe shares a quick life update before re-airing one of our most-loved conversations while she’s on maternity leave and it’s one that still matters a lot.
This episode pulls back the curtain on hospital-sponsored childbirth education and why so many expectant parents leave those classes feeling more confused, constrained, or quietly uneasy instead of truly prepared. We talk about
Ep. 421: 3rd Trimester Update Solocast with HeHe Stewart
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
In this episode of The
Ep. 420: Innovative Testing to Improve Preeclampsia Diagnosis with Dr. Dallas Reed
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
Preeclampsia is one of
Ep. 419: Placental Testing for preeclampsia with Hannah Mayoral
Some birth stories don’t go the way anyone expects, and Hannah’s is one that every expectant parent deserves to hear.
In this episode of The Birth Lounge, Hannah joins us to share her experience of developing preeclampsia and giving birth at 28 weeks, despite having what looked like a completely normal pregnancy. She walks us through the early signs that were easy to miss, the moment everything sh
Ep. 418: Re-Air of Pre-Eclampsia with OBGYN & MFM, Dr. Lexi Hill
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
Join HeHe in this re-air
Ep. 417: Anemia in Pregnancy with Kristy Goodman
Feeling exhausted, foggy, short of breath, or just not like yourself during pregnancy and being told “that’s normal”? This episode is for you.
In Episode 417 of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with OB/GYN PA and public health expert Kristy Goodman to talk about anemia in pregnancy and why it’s so often overlooked, minimized, or brushed off until it becomes a much bigger issue. Together, they brea
Ep. 416: Recast of Ep. 250: The KEYS to Newborn Sleep
This episode is brought to you by our Newborn Sleep Solutions Guide, because newborn sleep doesn’t need fixing, it needs understanding.
Newborn sleep can feel like one of those things everyone has opinions on… and somehow none of them actually help at 3am. In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe breaks down what newborn sleep really looks like and why daytime sleep matters way more than most par
Ep. 415: Get Better Sleep in Pregnancy with Hayley Oakes
If pregnancy sleep has you staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., running through every thought you’ve ever had… you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong.
In this episode, HeHe sits down with licensed midwife, educator, and Milk Trails podcast host Hayley Oakes to unpack why sleep can feel so hard during pregnancy and what actually helps. From first-trimester hormone shifts to third-trimes
Ep. 414: Re-Air of hospital culture or cult behavior? with Billie Harrigan
This is one of those conversations that pulls the curtain all the way back.
In this powerful episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with traditional birth companion and educator Billie Harrigan for an honest, unfiltered look at the modern medicalized birth system and how it impacts families. Together, they explore how maternity care has shifted away from physiology and toward control, efficie
