The Birth Lounge Podcast

Hosted by HeHe Stewart

TechnologyInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Episodes

486

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

We’re exploring option from conception to childhood to help women take control of their fertility, birth experience, postpartum healing, and motherhood journey! This is a safe space for all parents to hear what the experts have to say and to hear from influencer parents and their take on parenthood! Join us for all things birth and parenthood for an empowering and educational walk with a birth and newborn expert and the found of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, HeHe Stewart.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 28, 2026Episode 49921 min

Ep. 497: Before You Get an Epidural: 5 Things to Know About Timing, Positions, and Your Anesthesiologist

Before you say yes to an epidural, there are a few things you need to know about timing, positioning, and who's actually placing that needle in your back. Because an epidural can be an amazing tool, but you deserve to understand your options before you're mid-contraction, trying to make decisions while your uterus is doing the absolute most. Let's be clear: an epidural isn't a failure, and an unmedicated birth isn't a gold star. The goal is for YOU to make the decision that feels right for you, with the information and support you need to make it. In this episode, HeHe breaks down five things to understand before getting an epidural, including what she calls the "rotisserie chicken" (yes, really), why lying flat after your epidural might not be your best move, and why every hospital's epidural medication protocol can look a little different. HeHe also shares a piece of advice that might surprise you: if you're considering an epidural, it's worth talking with your provider about timing before labor, even if you're planning an unmedicated birth. Add in what HeHe has learned from an OB anesthesiologist she follows on Instagram, why the person placing your epidural matters, and how to communicate your preferences to your birth team, and you've got a conversation you want to have before you're in the birth room. Because knowing what you want and feeling confident enough to speak up when you're in labor? Those are two very different things. That's exactly why HeHe created the Labor Live Challenge: to help you practice making decisions, asking questions, and advocating for yourself before the real-life contractions kick in. In this episode: Why the skill and experience of the person placing your epidural matter, and what HeHe learned from an OB anesthesiologist she follows What the "rotisserie chicken" is and why positioning after an epidural deserves more attention Why epidural medications and protocols can vary between hospitals What to discuss ahead of time if you have allergies, concerns, or specific pain-management goals Why HeHe recommends discussing epidural timing before labor, even if you're hoping for an unmedicated birth How to figure out whether you're at a "hell yes" or a "maybe" when making a birth decision Who on your birth team needs to know your preferences and plan Why information alone doesn't equal preparation—and what your birth confidence score has to do with it Ready to practice your birth decisions before you're in labor? The Labor Live Challenge starts on the first of every month. Get in there and practice advocating for yourself before you're trying to do it between contractions: https://joinlaborlive.com If this episode helped you, rate and review The Birth Lounge Podcast! It helps other parents find the show and get the information they deserve. CHAPTERS 00:00 Don’t Lie Flat 01:01 Birth Simulation Idea 02:37 Labor Live Challenge 04:08 Epidural Basics Intro 04:13 Anesthesiologist Skill 06:01 Rotisserie Chicken Positions 07:19 Medication Cocktail Goals 09:28 Purity Coffee Break 12:35 Timing Your Epidural 17:20 Practice and Wrap Up CONNECT HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ The Birth Lounge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.birth.lounge/ PURITY COFFEE This episode contains an affiliate promotion. If you buy Purity Coffee using HeHe’s code, she may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Shop Purity Coffee with HeHe’s link and use code HEHE: https://puritycoffee.com/HEHE KEEP LEARNING WITH HEHE Want the exact words for asking for alternatives, taking time to think, or saying no? Grab Scripts for Advocacy: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy LINKS MENTIONED Labor Live Challenge: https://joinlaborlive.com Purity Coffee (use code HEHE): https://puritycoffee.com/HEHE Safepartum on Instagram (OB anesthesiologist HeHe learns from): https://www.instagram.com/safepartum/ Scripts for Advocacy: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

October 23, 2026Episode 49813 min

Ep. 496 Hospital Triage Explained: Why You Might Not Be Admitted Yet (and What to Do About It)

You made it to the hospital! You’re having contractions, you’re ready to meet your baby, and then someone tells you… you’re not being admitted yet. WHAT?! Before you assume something is wrong or feel like you’re being sent home to fend for yourself, let’s talk about what hospital triage actually is, why it happens, and how to navigate it without feeling completely lost. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down what happens when you arrive at the hospital in labor, from the questions you’ll be asked and the monitoring you may encounter to cervical checks, IVs, and how your care team decides whether it’s time to admit you to labor and delivery. She explains why some hospitals use around six centimeters of dilation as an admission benchmark, why you might be asked to labor at home a little longer, and how to communicate with your provider before you even walk through the doors. She also covers why things like cervical checks and IV placement are not automatically something you have to agree to. Plus, HeHe shares practical tips for making triage work for you, including when to call your provider, what information to communicate ahead of arrival, and how to let your team know about your pain-management preferences. Because if you’re hoping for an epidural or nitrous oxide, having those conversations early can help your team understand what you’re looking for. You deserve to know what’s happening, understand your options, and feel like an active participant in your birth, not like you’re just waiting for someone to tell you what happens next. Knowing what triage looks like is one thing. Practicing how you’d handle it is another. Practice your birth decisions before you’re in labor with the Labor Live Challenge: https://joinlaborlive.com In this episode: What hospital triage actually is and why it’s a filtering process before admission When to call your provider after your water breaks or contractions become rhythmic Why you may be asked to labor longer at home before being admitted What to communicate to your birth team before arriving at the hospital What happens during triage, including contraction monitoring, fetal monitoring, vital signs, and cervical exams Why dilation, effacement, and your overall situation may factor into admission decisions How providers may check whether your water has broken Why cervical checks and IVs are options to discuss, not automatic yeses How to communicate your pain-management preferences before you’re deep in labor What you can do while waiting, including walking and tracking your contractions How to reframe triage so you feel more informed, prepared, and confident advocating for yourself Practice your birth decisions before you’re in labor with the Labor Live Challenge: https://joinlaborlive.com Get the exact words for saying no to cervical checks, IVs, and other interventions with Scripts for Advocacy: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy If this episode helped you, rate and review the show. It’s the #1 way other parents find it. CHAPTERS 00:00 You Made It, But You're Not Admitted?! 01:33 Introducing Labor Live 02:18 Join the Monthly Simulation 02:52 What Hospital Triage Is 03:28 Admission Criteria Basics 04:09 When to Call Your Provider 05:47 Arriving and Waiting in Triage 06:36 Triage Intake Questions 07:26 Checks, Monitors, and Options 09:26 Reframe and Next Steps CONNECT HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ The Birth Lounge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.birth.lounge/ KEEP LEARNING WITH HEHE Want the exact words for the conversations that can make or break your birth, from declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions? Grab Scripts for Advocacy: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy LINKS MENTIONED Labor Live Challenge: https://joinlaborlive.com Scripts for Advocacy: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

October 21, 2026Episode 49719 min

Ep. 495: Pitocin in Labor: 5 Things to Know Before It’s Hooked Up to Your IV

Pitocin is one of the most commonly used drugs in labor, but how much do you actually know about it before someone asks you to start it? It’s not about being for or against Pitocin. It’s about understanding what it does, how it works differently from your body’s natural oxytocin, and what questions you should be asking before it’s hooked up to your IV. In this episode, HeHe breaks down five things every pregnant person should understand about Pitocin, from dosing limits and contraction intensity to induction timing and whether the medication can be turned down or off. She explains why synthetic oxytocin doesn’t work quite like the oxytocin your body produces naturally, why the timing of an induction matters, and why how Pitocin is used can make a big difference in your birth experience. She also explores concerns around high or prolonged dosing and how Pitocin may affect oxytocin receptors, including their role in postpartum hemorrhage treatment. Practice your birth decisions before you’re in labor with the Labor Live Challenge: https://joinlaborlive.com The goal isn’t to make you afraid of Pitocin. It’s a tool that can be incredibly useful when it’s needed! But you deserve to understand the benefits, risks, alternatives, and options before making a decision. Knowing about Pitocin is one thing. Feeling prepared to navigate that conversation when you’re in labor is another. HeHe shares how to take that next step with the Labor Live Challenge and her free Pitocin Guide, so you can walk into birth with more than a vague memory of something you heard on a podcast. Get HeHe’s free Pitocin Guide: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin IN THIS EPISODE Why does synthetic Pitocin confuse your body’s natural oxytocin feedback, and what happens when it ramps up faster than your brain can register? What do the FDA’s dosing recommendations actually say, and how do you find out if your hospital’s policy follows them? Why can Pitocin lead to contractions that are too close, too hard, and too fast, and how does your baby handle that? Why does the timing of an induction matter, and what do prostaglandins have to do with it before Pitocin ever enters the picture? Can you really turn Pitocin down or off, and when is that a smart conversation versus one HeHe says isn’t advised? How can too much Pitocin in labor affect your receptors, and why does that matter if you ever need help with a postpartum hemorrhage? Why does knowing all of this still leave a gap, and what is the difference between information and preparation? CHAPTERS 00:00 Pitocin Can Be Adjusted 01:08 Why Providers Simulate Births 02:44 Introducing Labor Live 04:15 Pitocin Episode Kickoff 04:35 Pitocin vs Natural Oxytocin 06:58 FDA Limits and Hospital Policies 08:35 Timing Pitocin in Induction 10:07 Turning Pitocin Down or Off 12:44 High Doses and Hemorrhage Risk 14:41 Practice for Birth Confidence

October 16, 2026Episode 4962 hr 54 min

Ep. 494: Allowed to Birth: Who Decides What You're "Allowed" to Do in Labor? Breech, VBAC, and Birth Advocacy

What does it actually mean to be allowed to give birth a certain way? And who gets to decide? Spoiler: it shouldn't come down to hospital policy, a provider's comfort level, or skills they were never taught in the first place. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives deeper into Allowed to Birth, the documentary challenging the way we think about birth, autonomy, and the options parents are offered. From breech birth and VBAC to ultrasound, midwifery, and the fear that can shape the entire birth experience, this conversation gets into what happens when the system's limitations become your limitations. Plus, HeHe introduces the Labor Live Challenge, a three-day live birth simulation starting November 1, where you can practice making decisions, advocating for yourself, and navigating the unexpected before you're in the birth room. Sign up at joinlaborlive.com You'll hear from experts featured in the film, including an OB/GYN who traveled to Germany to learn upright, physiologic breech birth skills; a certified nurse-midwife making the case for evidence-based care and real collaboration between midwives and OBs; and a midwife and sonographer unpacking how ultrasound can be a helpful tool without turning every finding into a reason to panic. The conversation also explores the global shortage of midwives, the difference between regulation and safety, and how fear affects the body's response to labor. Because information should help you feel more prepared, not more terrified. The takeaway? You deserve options, honest conversations, informed consent, and a care team that respects your voice. This isn't about saying every birth option is right for every person. It's about making sure your choices are based on your individual circumstances, good information, and actual conversations, not fear or someone else's assumptions about what you're "allowed" to do. In this episode: Why birth options can depend on provider training, hospital policies, and the skills available in your area What an OB/GYN learned while pursuing upright, physiologic breech birth training in Germany How fear, litigation concerns, and gaps in training can influence breech birth and VBAC access Why hands-on skills and true collaboration between OBs and midwives matter How to approach ultrasound as a tool for information and planning, without treating every result as a worst-case scenario The difference between understanding a baby's size or position and using those findings to fuel unnecessary fear Why the global midwife workforce gap matters for families seeking more options How regulation, access, and safety intersect in maternity care What fear does to the body during labor, including the roles of adrenaline and oxytocin How language and frightening messaging can shape the birth experience Why hypnobirthing isn't about being hypnotized or magically having a pain-free birth How partners can help you practice advocacy and prepare for decisions before labor begins Why knowing your options is important, but practicing how to navigate them can make all the difference Explore Allowed to Birth and find screening information: https://allowedtobirth.com Practice your birth decisions before you're in labor with Labor Live: https://joinlaborlive.com Explore The Birth Lounge: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Timestamps 00:00 Reclaim Your Power 01:23 Birth Simulation Idea 03:00 Labor Live Challenge 04:30 Allowed to Birth Setup 06:04 Breech Twins and VBAC Limits 11:19 An OB/GYN Trains in Germany 15:47 Why Breech Birth Is Limited in the U.S. 21:46 The Importance of Hands-On Breech Skills 24:16 Demanding Better Birth Options 33:44 What Does "Allowed" Really Mean? 35:39 Meet Midwife Whitney 38:47 Evidence-Based Hospital Birth 45:39 Collaboration and Accountability 48:46 Building Trust Around VBAC 50:04 Doulas and Team Culture 51:53 Gaps in Hospital Training 52:49 Redefining What's "Allowed" 54:17 Technology vs. Intuition 56:56 Ultrasound Safety Basics 01:00:13 Scan Limitations and Errors 01:08:25 Fearmongering Around a "Big Baby" 01:11:21 Ultrasound as a Planning Tool 01:15:52 Lineage, Trauma, and Power 01:22:33 Balancing Tools and Change 01:25:25 Non-Toxic Baby Gifts 01:27:34 Data vs. Certainty 01:30:37 The Reality of Emergency Planning 01:36:43 Ultrasound Limitations and Fear 01:44:38 Birth, Permission, and Autonomy 01:50:43 The Goal of One Million Midwives 01:58:45 Regulation vs. Safety 02:07:18 The Fear Response in Labor 02:11:30 How Words Can Trigger Fear 02:12:17 Adrenaline vs. Oxytocin 02:15:24 Induction and the Cascade of Interventions 02:18:35 Learning About Birth Without Fear 02:20:34 Hypnobirthing, Reframed 02:26:11 Debunking Hypnosis Myths 02:30:56 The Partner's Role and Practicing Advocacy 02:34:47 Planning Birth Decisions Ahead of Time 02:38:49 Who Decides What's "Allowed"? 02:45:45 Film Takeaways and Final Call 02:51:21 Inside the Labor Live Simulation 02:53:30 Final Wrap and Outro Guests: Dr. Bradley Meyer: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/bradley/ Whitney Pinger: https://wisdommidwifery.com/about Amariee Collins: https://radicle.my.canva.site/ Zulgeil "Zul" Ruiz-Ginés, LM: https://kibimidwifery.org/about-the-team Katharine Graves: https://www.kghypnobirthing.com/us/hypnobirthing-online-course SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin 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/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app LINKS MENTIONED: HeHe’s go-to gift is the Primally Pure Baby Bundle! After having Saggy, these became products she actually uses at home, from the baby balm and bath bar to the baby oil and powder. Want to gift a new parent some simple baby-care staples? Head to primallypure.com and use code HEHE for 10% off your order. This episode contains affiliate links, which means HeHe may earn a commission if you purchase through her link, at no extra cost to you.

October 14, 2026Episode 49557 min

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 built the film after years of watching obstetric violence, disrespectful care, and hospital policy get put ahead of the person actually giving birth, and she wanted to do something bigger about it than another social post. Knowing what's possible in your birth is one thing, actually practicing it before you're in the room is another. That's exactly what the Labor Live Challenge is built for, a three day live birth simulation you can do every single month: https://joinlaborlive.com/ Jacinta and HeHe get into the real story behind the documentary, from how midwife Kristine Lauria became the center of the film (including the triplet home birth that changed the entire shape of the project) to why Jacinta deliberately chose a cast with no political overlap, because birth doesn't have a side. They talk about the unexpected reactions she's gotten on the road, including a nurse-midwife who told her she felt threatened by the film, and what that reaction actually revealed. And they're both clear about one thing: this isn't an anti-hospital or pro-home-birth film. It's a film about informed choice. In this episode: Why birth is a pivotal life transition, and why feeling safe, supported, and autonomous matters long after your baby arrives The Labor Live Challenge and why practicing birth decisions before labor can help you actually feel prepared, not just informed What inspired Jacinta to create Allowed to Birth after witnessing obstetric violence, disrespect, and hospital policies overriding patient choice Why midwife Kristine Lauria became central to the film, and what the triplet home birth she caught on camera did to the shape of the whole project How Jacinta chose her cast, and why she was intentional about pulling people from every corner of the political spectrum The unexpected reactions from screenings, including a provider who said the film made her feel threatened Why this isn't an anti-hospital or pro-home-birth documentary, but a conversation about informed choice Where to find a screening, how to host your own, and when the film is coming online If you want to feel ready instead of just informed, go practice your birth before you're actually in it: https://joinlaborlive.com/ If this episode moved you, rate and review the show. It's the number one way other parents find it. CHAPTERS 00:00 Birth Changes You 00:31 Practice Labor Live 02:27 Allowed to Birth Premiere 08:00 Why Jacinta Made It 23:00 Truly Free 26:36 Screenings and Pushback 35:27 System Failing Mothers 36:02 Premiere Speech Highlights 39:07 Choosing the Interviewees 44:07 Film Impact and Alternatives 49:11 How to Watch and Final Wrap GUEST BIO Jacinta Lagos is an Argentinian-born filmmaker, birth photographer, and videographer based in the United States. A former doula and mother of three, she is the director of Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global Midwife, marking her debut as a feature filmmaker. The documentary follows midwife Kristine Lauria and explores birth practices, maternal autonomy, and the importance of physiological birth, built as a tool for education and advocacy around informed choice in maternity care. CONNECT HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ The Birth Lounge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.birth.lounge/ Allowed to Birth: https://www.allowedtobirth.com/ Allowed to Birth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allowedtobirth/ TRULY FREE This episode contains an affiliate link, which means HeHe may earn a commission if you purchase through it at no extra cost to you. After going down the laundry detergent rabbit hole, HeHe landed on Truly Free, a plant-based, dye-free option that comes completely unscented and actually gets the job done. Because baby clothes, sheets, and approximately a million loads of family laundry deserve a detergent that checks all the boxes. One box lasts for months, too! Head to trulyfreehome.com and use code HEHE to save on your order. KEEP LEARNING WITH HEHE Download The Birth Lounge app for evidence-based childbirth education and data-driven postpartum support delivered straight to your phone: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app LINKS MENTIONED Watch or host a screening of Allowed to Birth: https://www.allowedtobirth.com/ Practice your birth with the Labor Live Challenge: https://joinlaborlive.com/ Truly Free (use code HEHE): https://www.trulyfreehome.com Allowed to Birth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allowedtobirth/ The Birth Lounge app: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app LISTEN NEXT Ep. 492: Kristine Lauria on Allowed to Birth, Informed Consent, and the Fight to Preserve Midwifery Skills (HeHe references this one directly in the episode as last week's conversation): https://youtu.be/OvNC_N8Y0Ig

October 9, 2026Episode 4941 hr 9 min

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 the birth you planned runs into the rules and routines of the system. They unpack why women can feel like they have to ask permission to eat, move, labor in a certain position, or make decisions about their own care, and how to build a birth team that actually supports your goals. The conversation goes deeper into the medicalization of birth, the loss of clinical skills like physiological breech and vaginal twin birth, and why Kristine believes birth should be understood as a normal physiological process that sometimes needs medical support. She and HeHe also talk about freebirth, choosing a provider and birth setting based on your own goals rather than fear, and what makes New Zealand's collaborative model of midwives and physicians so different. In this episode: What does “Allowed to Birth” actually mean? Why do so many women feel like they need permission in the birth room? What informed consent and true autonomy can look like in practice How hospital policies can conflict with a patient's wishes What a “bait and switch” can look like when the birth plan meets the reality of labor Why skills like breech birth and vaginal twin birth are becoming increasingly rare What happens to your options when providers aren't trained in different types of birth Freebirth, autonomy and making decisions without fear How to choose a birth team and setting that actually align with your goals Why Kristine points to New Zealand as an example of collaborative maternity care The difference between supporting normal birth and being prepared when medical intervention is actually needed If you want the actual words to use when you're advocating for yourself in the birth room, grab Scripts for Advocacy here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy If this episode helped you, rate and review the show. It's one of the best ways to help other parents find the podcast. CHAPTERS 00:00 Birth Beyond Medicine 00:56 The New Baby Sleep Guide 06:06 Why This Episode, Informed Consent 11:02 Meet Kristine And The Documentary 17:56 What Allowed To Birth Really Means 34:48 A Freebirth Reality Check 37:14 Autonomy Without Fear 40:15 Choosing The Right Birth Team 43:30 Hospital Policies And Real Consent 53:12 Fixing Birth Culture Worldwide 58:24 Patriarchy And Provider Ego 01:03:27 Birth, Power, And Gratitude 01:04:11 How To Watch The Film 01:05:58 Trusting Your Intuition In Birth 01:07:28 Final Links And Wrap-Up GUEST BIO Kristine Lauria is an internationally recognized midwife, educator, author, and birth advocate. Renowned for her expertise in physiological breech birth, she has dedicated her career to preserving and teaching clinical skills that support safe, individualized care for mothers and babies. A sought-after international speaker and educator, Kristine has trained midwives and physicians around the world, helping to revitalize knowledge and hands-on skills that are increasingly rare in modern maternity care. She is featured in the award-winning documentary Allowed to Birth, The Journey of a Global Midwife, which explores informed choice, the sacred nature of birth, and the preservation of the art of midwifery. CONNECT HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Kristine's website: https://www.allowedtobirth.com/ Kristine's website: https://www.kristinelauria.com/ Kristine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmidwife64/ Allowed to Birth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allowedtobirth/ KEEP LEARNING WITH HEHE 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 LINKS MENTIONED Scripts for Advocacy: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy Baby Sleep Solutions Guide: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep Kristine's website: https://www.allowedtobirth.com/ Kristine's website: https://www.kristinelauria.com/ Kristine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmidwife64/ Allowed to Birth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allowedtobirth/ Affiliates Mentioned (HeHe may earn a small commission when you use her link): Lalo Beautiful, minimalist baby gear that actually works for real life. From their travel-friendly Hook-On High Chair to their durable, design-forward Play Kit, Lalo creates pieces that grow with your family and look good doing it. Head to https://www.meetlalo.com/ and use code HEHE to save.

October 7, 2026Episode 49338 min

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 episode gives you the real playbook, but the next question is always what do I actually do when I walk in the door, and that's exactly what HeHe's new Baby Sleep Solutions Guide is built for too, giving you a concrete plan instead of vague advice: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep HeHe breaks down the difference between her pre baby support style (packing a suitcase and living with her postpartum friends, no joke) and what she does now that she has her own kid at home, plus the exact mental checklist she runs before showing up: do they want company or space, do they want you holding the baby or doing their dishes, and how to offer help without making it weird. In this episode: What HeHe actually used to do when a bestie had a baby (here's a hint, it involved a suitcase) The one thing you should never do when you walk into a postpartum friend's house, even if you mean well How to run a meal train that doesn't backfire and leave a family drowning in lasagna Why checking in from far away matters just as much as showing up in person, and the exact apps and habits that make it easy When sharing your own experience helps a new mom, and when it crosses into advice she didn't ask for The one thing in every hospital bag that saved HeHe's nipples twice, once from a tongue tie and once from teething If you have ever stood outside a friend's door with a casserole wondering if you're about to overstep, this episode is your permission slip and your plan. Grab the Baby Sleep Solutions Guide here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep If this episode helped you, rate and review the show. It's the number one way other parents find it. CHAPTERS 00:00 Show Up As The Village 00:52 A Very Late Night Life Update 01:43 The New Baby Sleep Guide Is Here 05:44 Where This Episode Idea Came From 07:02 What HeHe Used To Do, Pre Baby 08:56 How To Help Without Holding The Baby 11:37 Meals And Meal Trains Done Right 14:58 The Silverette Fix For Nipple Pain 17:54 Checking In When You Can't Show Up In Person 26:06 Knowing Your Role And Final Thoughts CONNECT HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ The Birth Lounge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.birth.lounge/ SILVERETTE This episode contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through it, HeHe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. If you're planning to breastfeed, Silverette cups are a registry must. HeHe used hers for cracked, bleeding nipples from her son's tongue tie, and again months later for teething bites, and both times they were a lifesaver. They're real silver and a one time investment that lasts through every baby you have. Grab them at https://www.silveretteusa.com and use code HEHE for 10% off. KEEP LEARNING WITH HEHE Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app LINKS MENTIONED Baby Sleep Solutions Guide: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep Silverette cups (use code HEHE): https://www.silveretteusa.com

October 2, 2026Episode 4921 hr 17 min

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 her mind before this conversation, what if a tongue tie isn't just about feeding at all? Michelle breaks down why oral restrictions are connective tissue, not muscle, and why they start forming as early as eight to nine weeks in utero, genetically, before anything about birth or positioning even gets involved. From there she connects dots HeHe did not see coming, torticollis, high palate, micrognathia, a distended belly, reflux, slow gastric motility, even head shape and posture, all potentially tracing back to the same restricted tissue. Michelle's line that stuck with HeHe: the tongue is a multi-muscular midline organ connected all the way down to the toes. Then HeHe gets vulnerable. Her son's tongue release at 48 hours old changed everything for breastfeeding overnight, but tummy time was still a nightmare, screaming, arching, refusing to tolerate it on any flat surface. Turns out that was a sign too. After staged revisions of his buccal ties and upper lip tie, tummy time stopped being torture and started being something he actually enjoyed. Michelle explains why that connection is real, why staged releases can be the smarter call for a brand new baby, and why rushing a release before a baby's tissue and nervous system are ready can actually backfire. They also get into the messier, more honest parts of this world, the total lack of research on wound care and buccal or lip tie releases, why Michelle avoids the word "tongue tie" now in favor of "oral dysfunction and restrictions," and what to do when your pediatrician brushes off your concerns (her answer, start with an IBCLC). And because airway is where this whole series is headed, Michelle closes with the direct line between tongue mobility, mouth breathing, snoring, and the sleep disruption so many parents chalk up to "just a bad sleeper." Oh, and don't skip the part where HeHe finally reveals which laundry detergent won the great mom-group debate , you'll want to hear this one. Want the shortcut version of what HeHe has learned about getting real sleep from 4 to 24 months? Grab her Baby Sleep Solutions Guide here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep CHAPTERS 00:00 Tongue Tie Breakthrough 00:57 Baby Sleep Guide Launch 06:06 Pandemic Parenting Rant 07:17 Oral Ties Explained 22:00 Signs And Support Strategies 40:40 Training Over Social Media 43:12 Tummy Time And Revisions 46:57 Staged Releases And Evidence 59:59 Wound Care Debate 01:06:25 Airway, Timing, And Wrap-Up GUEST BIO Michelle Emmanuel is a baby-specialized occupational therapist with 30 years of experience, focused on infant posture, body movement, and whole-body development from the newborn period through pre-crawling. She created the Tummy Time Method and Baby Myo, and spends much of her time training other therapists (OT, PT, speech, and lactation professionals) to support babies with oral restrictions as part of a multidisciplinary care team. Connect with Michelle: https://www.tummytimemethod.com https://www.babymyo.com SOCIAL MEDIA HeHe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe Michelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonguetiebabies TRULY FREE Ready to ditch laundry detergent that's secretly loaded with hormone disruptors? HeHe made the switch to Truly Free, plant-based, dye-free, and available completely unscented, and it's what she uses on everything her baby touches. Head to https://www.trulyfreehome.com and use code HEHE to save on your order. BIRTH EDUCATION RESOURCES 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 Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app LINKS MENTIONED Baby Sleep Solutions Guide: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep Truly Free (use code HEHE): https://www.trulyfreehome.com Hear Baby Saggy’s Tongue Tie release story here: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-488-tongue-tie-release-signs-pain-and-why-some-babies-need-a-second-revision-my-babys-story/

September 30, 2026Episode 4911 hr 14 min

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 week's episode, you already know HeHe's own tongue tie story was not exactly simple. This week she's zooming out with Dr. Heidi Aaronson, a general dentist who specializes in tethered oral tissues, to answer the question so many parents get stuck on: is this actually a tongue tie, or is something else going on entirely? Dr. Heidi's whole approach starts with function over appearance, meaning what a tie looks like under your baby's tongue matters a lot less than what it's actually doing. She and HeHe get into why clicking, a poor seal, feeding fatigue, gas, reflux, and colic can all have more than one root cause, and why body tension and fascia can mimic or even feed into feeding problems that look exactly like a tongue tie on the surface. They also talk through when lactation consultants and bodywork should come before you even consider a release, because sometimes the answer really isn't a release at all. From there they go deep on what actually happens during a frenectomy or frenotomy, laser versus scissors, what recovery looks like for a tiny human, and HeHe finally gets the truth on whether tongue ties really cause a lisp (spoiler, it's more myth than you'd think). And because ties don't just affect feeding, Dr. Heidi breaks down the sleep and airway side too, mouth breathing, snoring, tooth grinding, and the specific red flags that mean it's time to loop in an ENT. Dr. Heidi's philosophy the whole way through is less is more, and this episode is basically a masterclass in knowing the difference between a tie that needs treatment and one that just needs time. Oh, and stick around for HeHe's current favorite low-tox laundry detergent . In this episode: How tongue, lip and cheek ties can affect oral function Why function matters more than how a tie looks Tongue ties and breastfeeding or bottle-feeding challenges Clicking, poor seal, feeding fatigue, gas, reflux and colic How body tension can mimic or contribute to feeding problems The connection between oral restrictions, fascia and whole-body compensation When lactation support and bodywork may be helpful before considering a release What actually happens during a frenectomy or frenotomy Laser vs. scissors, pain and infant recovery Tongue ties, speech development and lisp myths Mouth breathing, snoring and disrupted sleep Why baby snoring can be an airway red flag When to involve an ENT Why Dr. Aaronson believes less is more when deciding what to release Timestamps 00:00 Baby Snoring Red Flags 00:55 New Baby Sleep Guide 02:27 Four-Month Sleep Shift 06:06 Oral Ties & Sleep 11:24 What Tongue Ties Are 39:26 Tongue Ties & Digestion 41:26 Fascia Chain & Compensation 43:35 Feeding Fatigue & the Witching Hour 46:01 Injury Tension vs. Tongue Tie 48:22 Release Procedure Explained 52:58 Laser vs. Scissors & Pain 58:18 Speech Issues & Lisp Myths 01:02:44 Mouth Breathing, Snoring & Airway 01:07:24 Who to See: ENT & Red Flags 01:10:38 Wrap-Up, Resources & Insurance Want more restful nights for the whole family? Grab HeHe's Baby Sleep Solutions Guide here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep , or treat yourself to Cozy Earth's bamboo sheets with code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off. Guest Bio: Dr. Heidi Aaronson is a general dentist and owner of New Generation Dental Center in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with a special focus on tethered oral tissues and their impact on feeding, oral function, growth and development. She evaluates and treats hundreds of infants and children each year for tongue, lip and buccal ties and works closely with lactation consultants, feeding therapists, myofunctional therapists and other healthcare providers to determine when treatment is appropriate — and, just as importantly, when it isn’t. Dr. Heidi has pursued extensive continuing education in tethered oral tissues and airway-focused dentistry and has trained with leading clinicians in the field. She also lectures to other healthcare professionals on the evaluation and treatment of tongue ties across the lifespan. Her approach focuses on function rather than appearance and on helping families understand the whole picture before deciding whether a release is right for their child. Connect with Dr. Heidi: https://www.ngdentalcenter.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Dr. Heidi on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bostontonguetie/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Not ready for the 4-24 month sleep solution guide? Check out our Newborn Sleep Solution guide here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/newbornsleep Want birth prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

September 25, 2026Episode 49027 min

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 midwife and her chiropractor flagged possible restriction, but the real diagnosis? That came from a pediatric dentist, not a hunch and not Instagram. She takes you inside the laser release itself (quick, weirdly anticlimactic), and then into the part nobody warns you about, the post-release stretches and exercises that keep scar tissue from creeping back in and undoing the whole thing. You guys, the symptom list on this one is long: painful nursing, nipple damage, clicking, leaking milk, a poor latch, chomping, the lipstick-shaped nipple nobody wants to talk about, low milk transfer. Left alone, that combo can snowball into clogged ducts, mastitis, and a supply that just tanks. HeHe also calls out the guilt spiral hard, because no, you did not do this to your baby, and gets real about what the pain actually feels like versus what you're told to expect going in. Not every tie needs a release. Hers needed two. And both times? Immediate latch change, better drainage, zero regrets. Want the shortcut version of everything HeHe has learned about getting real sleep postpartum? Grab her new sleep guide here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/babysleep SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar . HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin 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/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app Ready to simplify your supplements with a brand you can actually trust? Check out Just Ingredients for clean protein, prenatals, electrolytes, and more, made with real, transparent ingredients. Head to https://www.justingredients.us and use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE to save 10% on your first order.