36: Dressing Intentionally for Pregnancy and Beyond with Helena Grant

Have you ever stopped to think about what’s really in your shampoo, cleaning spray, or even your favorite candle? Spoiler alert: everyday products are often loaded with hidden toxins that can impact your health, hormones, and even fertility. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by Illie Balaj, integrative nutritionist, children’s book author, and founder of Live HealthIllie, for a deep dive into low-tox living. Illie’s personal journey to toxin-free living is both eye-opening and inspiring, and she’s here to show you that making swaps doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Inside this conversation, we cover: The surprising toxins hiding in common products (like SLS in personal care) Easy, practical swaps to reduce toxins in your home and life How gut health and endocrine disruptors are connected to issues like eczema, dandruff, migraines, and painful periods Fertility prep 101: sunlight, muscle building, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction Why reducing synthetic fragrances might be one of the best things you can do for your body This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you feel confident and empowered as you lower your toxic load and prepare your body for pregnancy. Tune in now to learn how small, mindful changes can create big shifts in your health and fertility. 00:00 Introduction to Low Tox Living 00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast 02:19 The Journey to Low Tox Living 05:45 Common Health Issues and Hidden Toxins 07:35 Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle 17:42 Understanding Stress and Its Impact 26:09 Natural Detoxification Methods 36:06 The Importance of Hydration and Minerals 38:20 Creating Minerals and Chill 38:54 Hydration Beyond Water 40:26 The Coffee Conundrum 42:49 Preparing for Pregnancy 50:30 Understanding Leptin and Fertility 55:36 Challenges with Fertility Clinics 01:04:30 Addressing Common Health Issues 01:07:57 Detoxing and Cleansing Myths 01:10:26 Connecting with Healthillie 01:11:46 Conclusion and Farewell   Guest Bio: Illie is an Integrative Nutritionist, Children's Book Author, & Founder of Live Healthillie   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Illie on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: www.livehealthillie.com https://livehealthillie.com/products/live-healthillie-minerals-chill

5 Syys 1h 12min

Ep. 377: The Myth of the Aging Placenta with Sophie Messager, Phd  Have you ever been told your placenta might be “too old”? Maybe you’ve heard that once you hit 35 or if you’ve conceived through IVF, your placenta just can’t keep up. This so-called “aging placenta” idea gets tossed around a lot, but here’s the truth: it’s a myth. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Sophie Messager, a former reproductive psychologist and current doula, to set the record straight. Together, we dive into: The history of the “aging placenta” myth and how it gained traction What science really says about how the placenta changes in late pregnancy Why these misconceptions can strip away maternal autonomy and fuel unnecessary interventions The role of intuition when navigating medical recommendations How systemic bias and racial disparities play into maternity care And drumming… yes, you read that right: how drumming can become a powerful, grounding tool during pregnancy This conversation will give you the knowledge (and confidence) to challenge outdated beliefs and trust that your body isn’t broken. It’’s brilliant. 🎧 Tune in now to reclaim your power and let’s bust this myth together! 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 01:16 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast 01:22 The Birth Lounge App: Your Pregnancy Companion 04:19 Debunking the Myth of the Aging Placenta 05:02 Interview with Sophie Ee: Bridging Science and Doula Work 07:08 Understanding Placental Health and Misconceptions 08:43 The Role of Research and Personal Experiences 17:12 Navigating Medical Advice and Personal Instincts 19:53 The Complexity of Placental Aging and Birth Outcomes 36:50 The Importance of Trusting Maternal Instincts 43:53 The Importance of Counting Kicks 44:48 Trusting Maternal Instincts 45:32 Placental Health in Subsequent Pregnancies 47:40 Respecting the Birth Process 48:56 The Role of the Placenta 54:58 Cultural and Racial Differences in Placental Health 57:00 Challenges in Maternity Care Systems 01:13:55 The Power of Intuition and Spirituality in Birth 01:20:00 Resources and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Sophie Messager bridges worlds that rarely meet. A former reproductive physiologist with a PhD, she traded her microscope for doula work after experiencing the transformative power of an empowered birth. Her decade-long journey as a doula, birth educator, and author of Why Postnatal Recovery Matters deepened her exploration of the rhythms surrounding women’s transitions. Now a holistic life transition mentor, Sophie guides women through significant life thresholds – from birth to perimenopause and beyond. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and spiritual insight allows her to serve as a compassionate space holder for those seeking to harmonise their analytical and intuitive selves.   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://sophiemessager.com/ Get 15% off any of Sophie’s online courses with code birthlounge https://sophiemessager.com/the-myth-of-the-aging-placenta/

3 Syys 1h 24min

This episode isn’t just about birth plans—it’s about the plan no one wants to make, but every family needs. I’m joined by Kayleigh Summers, aka The Birth Trauma Mama, to have a real and raw conversation about creating a catastrophe plan during pregnancy. Kayleigh shares her personal story of surviving an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and how that experience changed everything about the way she views birth prep. We talk about what most people skip over: ICU protocols, feeding plans, postpartum care in emergencies, and yes—even life support decisions. It’s a heavy conversation, but it’s also incredibly empowering. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to start building a plan that ensures your wishes are respected and your voice is heard—even if things don’t go the way you envisioned. This is about protecting your power in birth, no matter what.   Guest Bio: Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. Drawing from her clinical expertise and lived experience as an amniotic fluid embolism survivor, Kayleigh is dedicated to supporting families navigating perinatal trauma and collaborating with healthcare institutions to implement trauma-informed care tailored to pregnant and postpartum populations. As The Birth Trauma Mama, Kayleigh has cultivated vibrant support communities through Instagram, TikTok, and her podcast, offering connection, storytelling, and valuable resources for individuals impacted by perinatal trauma. Her work bridges clinical knowledge and personal insight, fostering hope and healing for those in need. 00:00 Introduction and Third Trimester Update 02:51 Creating a Birth Plan 04:40 Introducing the Catastrophe Plan 05:50 Kayleigh Summers' Story and Lessons 08:41 Discussing Catastrophic Birth Plans 11:11 Advocating for Yourself and Your Baby 11:57 Welcoming Kayleigh Summers 12:24 The Importance of Hard Conversations 13:22 Planning for Postpartum and Catastrophic Events 16:44 Separation and Skin-to-Skin Contact 39:02 Feeding Plans and Breastfeeding Decisions 44:01 Struggles with Milk Supply 44:47 Navigating ICU Communication 49:24 The Importance of Family Support 52:08 Documenting ICU Experiences 58:48 Life Support Decisions 01:07:59 Preparing for Catastrophic Events 01:19:42 Final Thoughts and Resources   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Kayleigh on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: thebirthtraumamama.com   Keywords: birth trauma, birth trauma mama, Kayleigh Summers, catastrophe plan pregnancy, amniotic fluid embolism, AFE birth story, emergency birth planning, pregnancy birth plan, postpartum planning, ICU birth plan, feeding plan newborn, high risk pregnancy planning, birth advocacy, informed consent in birth, empowered birth, birth trauma support, The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe Stewart, maternal health advocacy, lowering birth trauma

29 Elo 1h 23min

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of my favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/ In this week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest elephants in the birthing room: sky-high C-section rates in the U.S. (yep, we’re talking about that 1 in 3 number). But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just accept that as the norm. I’m sitting down with Juli Pyle, a certified nurse midwife who has helped her small, rural hospital keep their C-section rate at just 12% (I know, jaw drop, right?). Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really working—things like midwives and OBs actually collaborating as a team, evidence-based care that puts families first, and a hospital culture that truly values physiological birth. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lower C-section rates and protect birthing families, this episode is going to light a fire in you. 00:00 Introduction to the Birth Lounge Podcast 01:16 The Nation's C-Section Rate and WHO Recommendations 01:55 Introducing Juli Pyle: A Nurse Midwife with a 12% C-Section Rate 03:26 Achieving Low C-Section Rates: Insights from Juli Pyle 06:18 Challenges and Solutions in Maternity Care 07:29 Encouragement for Large Hospital Systems 09:16 Interview with Juli Pyle Begins 10:41 The Project and Results: Integrating Midwifery into Hospital Practice 12:43 Midwifery Care and Trust Between Providers 19:04 Co-Managing High-Risk Pregnancies 25:56 Ego and Team Dynamics in Maternity Care 29:01 The Importance of Midwifery in Large Hospitals 31:58 Ad for Cozy Earth: Comfort During Pregnancy 34:03 Licensure Structure for Midwives in Pennsylvania 34:56 The Role and Training of Certified Nurse Midwives 35:25 Legislation and Independent Practice for Midwives 38:02 Challenges in Mississippi's Healthcare System 43:13 Midwifery Care Across Different Regions 45:40 Managing Labor and Reducing C-Section Rates 57:49 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice 01:04:23 Encouragement for Healthcare Advocates 01:06:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Guest Bio:   Juli Pyle (she/her) is a certified nurse midwife who practices at a community hospital in rural Pennsylvania. Juli was a stay at mom for many years to five children before deciding to return to school to pursue a degree in nursing. She graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a bachelors of science in nursing degree in 2016 and then began her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse. She quickly discovered that this was her true passion (as she had suspected since birthing her own children) and rapidly gained a reputation for professionalism, compassion and expertise among colleagues and patients. She then returned to Frontier Nursing University to complete a Master’s degree in Nursing with an emphasis in midwifery. In 2020, she began her career as a certified nurse-midwife at a small community hospital in central Pennsylvania where she has been since that time. Her focus as a CNM is to provide evidence-based education to all birthing families, give true autonomy and informed consent throughout their time with her and to share love, understanding, empathy and true shared-decision making. Juli also currently serves on the Pennsylvania MMRC (maternal mortality review committee). When not immersed in the birthing world, she enjoys spending time refinishing furniture, gardening, raising chickens, hiking and vacationing with her husband and family. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Juli on Facebook   BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone! Keywords: c section rates, lowering c section rates, midwifery care, nurse midwife, birth outcomes, evidence based birth, collaborative maternity care, informed consent in birth, physiological birth, reducing c sections, birth lounge podcast, maternity care reform, midwives and obstetricians, rural hospital birth, empowering birth choices

27 Elo 1h 9min

Ohhh baby! The second trimester is here, and it’s bringing all the feels! In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my pregnancy so far and giving you the inside scoop on some pretty big updates happening inside The Birth Lounge. Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode: ✨ The first magical moments of feeling baby kicks (inside and outside!) ✨ The less magical parts: hello, heartburn, round ligament pain, and late-night wedge pillow life ✨ What went down at our anatomy scan and how it’s shaping my birth prep ✨ Big news about The Birth Lounge membership: what’s changing, why the price is going up September 1, and which membership option (monthly, annual, or lifetime) might be the best fit for you ✨ Why I hired a home birth midwife and how I’m shaping my birth plans step by step This episode is part pregnancy diary, part behind-the-scenes of how The Birth Lounge is evolving, and part love note to every parent who’s navigating the wild ride of growing a human. Whether you’re here for the bump updates, the evidence-based pregnancy talk, or the scoop on how The Birth Lounge is about to get even juicier… this one’s got a little something for you. TIMESTAMPS: 00:59 Exciting Changes in The Birth Lounge Membership 03:24 Membership Options Breakdown 04:27 Exclusive Benefits for Lifetime Members 07:50 Second Trimester Experiences 08:57 Feeling the Baby Move 12:40 Weight Gain and Body Changes 17:41 Pregnancy Pillow and Sleep Adjustments 21:42 Cravings and Prenatal Vitamins 23:39 Hot Yoga and Sauna During Pregnancy 29:51 Hiring a Home Birth Midwife 31:52 Diastasis Recti and Pelvic Floor Therapy 34:35 Non-Evidence Based Decisions 36:28 Starting Aspirin and CGM 39:55 Anatomy Scan Experience 41:52 Ultrasound and Baby Movements 48:16 Colostrum and Heartburn 51:31 Round Ligament Pain and Chiropractic Care 55:42 Preparing for Birth: Classes and Plans 01:01:25 Final Thoughts and Excitement SOCIAL MEDIA Connect with HeHe on Instagram  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: Weight Gain in Pregnancy Research Low Dose Aspirin use in pregnancy Exercise During Pregnancy Research PRODUCTS I LOVE:  Needed Powder Prenatal: Use Code HeHe Just Ingredients Protein powder: Use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE Cozy Earth: one of my favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/

22 Elo 1h 5min

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the world of baby wearing with Jordan Morillo, a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom. We’re talking everything from the ABCs of carrier choices to spotting a perfect carry (and avoiding the not-so-perfect ones). You’ll learn how to safely position your baby, back carry like a pro, tandem wear without losing your mind, and even breastfeed on the go. We tackle fears, hot-weather hacks, and ethical carrier picks, so whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned wearer, you’ll walk away confident, informed, and ready to rock that baby wearing life. 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Baby Wearing 05:42 Key Safety Components: The ABCs of Baby Wearing 08:53 Understanding the M Position for Baby's Legs 15:21 Choosing the Right Baby Carrier 20:59 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions 25:03 Risks and Benefits of Baby Wearing 29:36 Special Considerations for NICU and Preemie Babies 33:40 Misleading Marketing and Safety Testing 39:22 Addressing Baby's Discomfort with Carriers 39:45 Tips for Easing Baby into Baby Wearing 41:05 Understanding Baby's Resistance to Carriers 45:14 Debunking Myths: Baby Wearing and Clinginess 48:52 Breastfeeding Benefits and Baby Wearing 50:55 Toddler Wearing: Tips and Techniques 54:44 Tandem Wearing: Managing Two Kids 56:21 Forward Facing: When and How 01:00:21 Favorite Carriers for Different Scenarios 01:07:44 Water Safe Baby Wearing 01:11:22 Final Thoughts and Takeaways   Guest Bio: Jordan Morillo is a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom, who is passionate about empowering families with the knowledge they need to babywear safely, comfortably, and with confidence. She provides parent support through worldwide virtual 1:1 consultations, home health services, and by sharing free resources and tutorials on social media. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Jordan on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: Visit Motherhoodtherapyservices.janeapp.com to book a consultation with Jordan!  Babywearing Resources Everyday Carriers Hoppediz Primeo – https://hoppediz.de/en/baby-carriers/primeo A buckle carrier that’s perfect for smaller babies. Neko Tiny – https://www.nekoslings.com/en/ A stretchy wrap–buckle hybrid carrier for newborns. Solly Baby – https://sollybaby.com/ Lightweight stretchy wraps designed for comfort in the early months. Boba – https://boba.com/ Known for soft structured carriers and stretchy wraps. Ring Slings – Popular ones are from Sakura Bloom https://sakurabloom.com/collections/ring-sling and Mama & Roos https://www.mama-roo.com/collections/ring-slings Easy to adjust and stylish for on-the-go babywearing. Onbuhimo Buckle Carrier Strap-and-back-only carrier, ideal for toddlers who want up and down often. Forward Facing Options – ErgoBaby Omni https://ergobaby.com/omni-breeze-baby-carrier and Tula Explore https://babytula.com/products/explore-baby-carrier Safe forward-facing carry for older babies. Jordan’s favorite ethical/organic brands:  Ethically made, sustainable carriers with thoughtful design. Hope & Plum https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers Heritage Baby Designs https://heritagebaby.ca/ LoveHeld https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers  Beluga Baby https://belugababy.ca/ Size Inclusive Carriers Ring Slings – Sakura Bloom https://sakurabloom.com/collections/ring-sling, Mama & Roos https://www.mama-roo.com/collections/ring-slings Adjustable and versatile for all body types. Woven Wraps – Didymos https://www.didymos.de/en/Baby-Wraps/, Oscha Slings https://oschaslings.com/collections/baby-wraps Endless tying options for perfect fit and comfort. Keep Close(r) – https://keepcloser.com/ Designed specifically with plus-size parents in mind. Kinderpack – https://kindercarry.com/ Extended sizes and supportive structure for all bodies. Integra Baby – https://integrababy.co.uk/ Lightweight carriers with adjustable straps for inclusivity. Hope & Plum – https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers Ring slings made for every parent’s comfort. LoveHeld – https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers Soft, ethically made carriers with flexible sizing. Tula Belt Extenders – https://babytula.com/products/tula-waistband-extenders Expand Tula carriers for a more inclusive fit. Meh Dai Carriers – Didymos https://www.didymos.de/en/Meh-Dai/, BabyHawk https://babyhawk.com/ Tie-on carriers with a customizable fit. Lamb (Europe) – https://lamb-babycarriers.com/ European-made woven carriers, size-friendly. WildBird – https://wildbird.co/ Long-tail ring slings for flexible carrying options. Water Wearing Carriers Integra Solar – https://integrababy.co.uk/collections/integra-solar Quick-drying, lightweight carrier for water activities. Hope & Plum Hemp Sling – https://www.hopeandplum.co/collections/baby-carriers Breathable sling, perfect for summer and pool days. LoveHeld Hemp Carrier – https://loveheld.com/collections/shop-all-baby-carriers Durable hemp blend, suitable for water and sun. Aloha & Light Eco Silk Hemp Blend – https://alohaandlight.com/ Soft, eco-friendly slings designed for hot climates. Beachfront Baby – https://beachfrontbabywraps.com/ Mesh Meh Dais and wraps made for swimming and beach days. Gustine Mesh Sling – https://gustinebabycarriers.com/ Breathable mesh sling perfect for water play. RESEARCH: Study on reduction of PMADs: Randomized controlled trial to prevent postpartum depressive symptomatology: An infant carrier intervention. Little EE, Bain L, Hahn-Holbrook J. J Affect Disord. 2023 Nov 1;340:871-876. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.044. Epub 2023 Aug 15. PMID: 37586649. Study on decreased cry time when worn: Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Urs A. Hunziker; Ronald G. Barr. Pediatrics (1986) 77 (5): 641–648 Vital signs regulation:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39369660/

20 Elo 1h 14min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Katharine Graves, the powerhouse behind KG Hypnobirthing, to uncover the magic of turning birth into a calm, confident, and downright empowering experience. We’re talking about how hypnobirthing can completely change the way you feel about labor, why evidence-based maternity care is non-negotiable, and how partners can be fierce advocates in the birth space. Katharine also breaks down natural birth approaches like water birth, what you need to know about common interventions like inductions and C-sections, and why preparation is your secret weapon for a birth you feel good about. This is your permission slip to take charge of your birth story and make it an experience you actually want to remember. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:52 Katharine Graves on Hypnobirthing 05:20 Challenges and Misconceptions in Modern Birth Practices 20:05 The Role of Partners in Birth 30:15 Comparing Human and Animal Birth Practices 34:35 The Role of C-Sections in Modern Birth 34:54 Challenging Hospital Birth Assumptions 35:52 The Power and Pain of Birth 36:33 Hospital Interventions and Their Impact 39:18 Global Perspectives on Birth Practices 39:59 The Influence of Technology in Birth 40:49 The Debate on Birth Interventions 46:39 The Importance of Informed Choices 47:49 The Concept of Bonus Time in Late Pregnancy 56:37 The Golden Hour and Post-Birth Practices 01:02:57 Addressing Birth Trauma and Hypnobirthing 01:06:22 Final Thoughts and Resources   Guest Bio: Katharine Graves is the founder of KG Hypnobirthing, a leading antenatal pregnancy & birth education programme that has helped thousands of families approach birth with calm, confidence, and informed choice. She’s a highly respected hypnobirthing expert - having been the first person to introduce hypnobirthing to the UK. She is also a hypnotherapist and doula as well as being author of The Hypnobirthing Book, selling well over 100,000 copies worldwide. Katharine has spent over 15 years personally teaching over 3,000 parents and 2,000 teachers & maternity professionals how to support physiological, empowering birth. Katharine is deeply passionate about respectful, evidence-based maternity care and the importance of giving women the tools to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and labour. Through her work, she’s trained hundreds of midwives and birth professionals, and continues to lead the way in transforming birth culture through education and compassion. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Katharine on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: kghb.org/thebirthlounge kghypnobirthing.com   Check out The Hypnobirthing Book here!    Keywords: hypnobirthing, KG Hypnobirthing, Katharine Graves, natural birth, water birth, positive birth, calm birth, empowered birth, birth preparation, partner support in birth, birth advocacy, induction alternatives, avoiding c-section, evidence based birth, childbirth without fear, hypnobirthing techniques, labor comfort measures, natural pain relief birth, pregnancy podcast, The Birth Lounge

15 Elo 1h 8min

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious. Grab The Secret Sauce to Pushing Here or join our lifetime membership to get free access!  In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Whitney and Brandon Cawood to uncover the hidden ways synthetic food dyes can impact your child’s health and behavior. We’re talking real-life symptoms like irritability, hyperactivity, sleep struggles, and even aggression — and the science that backs it up. Whitney and Brandon share their powerful story of discovering their son’s sensitivity to dyes, the huge transformation they saw after removing them, and how that journey turned into advocacy work. We’re pulling back the curtain on industry resistance, why the FDA has been slow to act, and what legislation is (and isn’t) doing to protect families. You’ll get practical tips for spotting dyes in your pantry, finding dye-free swaps, and trusting your gut when it comes to your child’s health — even if the experts say otherwise. This is your crash course in advocating for your kids, one grocery trip at a time. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Synthetic Dyes and Their Effects 01:07 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast 01:37 The Secret Sauce to Pushing Course 02:00 Understanding the Anatomy of Pushing 04:06 Challenges in the Hospital System 05:26 A World Without Synthetic Food Dyes 07:17 How Synthetic Dyes Affect Children 10:24 The Cawood Family’s Story 17:12 Raising Awareness & Building Community 31:06 Genetics & Dye Sensitivity 34:35 The Push for Legislation & Safer Alternatives 37:03 The Health Toll of Synthetic Dyes 38:11 FDA Inaction & Public Pressure 41:23 Fighting for Education & Awareness 45:51 Barriers for Low-Income Families 48:14 Removing Harmful Chemicals from Daily Life 50:51 Why They Made a Documentary 52:25 Trust Issues with Regulatory Agencies 54:54 How Prevalent Synthetic Dyes Really Are 01:02:36 Easy Dye-Free Swaps 01:05:14 Industry Resistance to Change 01:07:55 State Efforts & Corporate Pushback 01:09:10 Empty Corporate Promises 01:12:25 The Worst Offending Dyes 01:17:42 Decoding Dye Labels 01:23:33 Parental Advocacy in a Broken System 01:31:54 Resources & Final Thoughts BIO: After discovering their child’s sensitivity to synthetic dyes, Brandon and Whitney Cawood, parents-turned-filmmakers, embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden impacts of these additives. Their documentary combines scientific insights and personal stories from affected families, revealing the unseen dangers of synthetic dyes. Through expert interviews and heartfelt narratives, the Cawoods aim to raise awareness of the profound effects these chemicals can have on individuals and families alike. Since beginning this journey, they’ve also become national advocates, working on legislation across the U.S. to help protect children from harmful food additives. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with To Dye For on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Grab The Secret Sauce to Pushing Here!    Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.todyeforthedocumentary.com/   Keywords: synthetic food dyes, food dye effects on children, red dye 40 side effects, red 3 ban, hyperactivity and food dyes, dye free diet for kids, artificial food coloring dangers, parenting and food dyes, dye sensitivity in children, natural food dye alternatives, removing food dyes from diet, FDA and synthetic dyes, dye free living tips, birth lounge podcast, Whitney and Brandon Cawood interview

13 Elo 1h 37min