104: FFT: Overcoming Fear & Birth Trauma

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe discusses one of the most requested topics, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), with midwife Melissa Chappell. Melissa, who owns Utah Birth Suites and founded Songbird Maternity, offers a holistic view on women's health and is a staunch advocate for informed consent and patient autonomy. The conversation dives deep into what GDM is, how it occurs, the importance of testing, and why the typical 50-gram glucose challenge may not always reflect reality. The duo also covers alternative testing methods, including continuous glucose monitoring, diet and exercise's role, and the impact of GDM on the baby. Melissa sheds light on the myths and truths about GDM, the implications of controlled versus uncontrolled GDM, and the risks associated with traditional medical practices, such as induction. Listeners will walk away feeling informed and empowered to engage in confident discussions with their healthcare providers. Tune in to get evidence-based insights, especially focusing on holistic and patient-centered care approaches for managing gestational diabetes.   00:00 Introduction to Gestational Diabetes 01:27 Meet Our Expert Guest: Melissa Chappell 02:33 Understanding Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) 03:03 Testing and Alternatives for Gestational Diabetes 03:53 Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Mother and Baby 10:16 Historical Perspective and Current Statistics 12:42 Challenges with Current Testing Methods 16:26 Managing Gestational Diabetes: Diet and Monitoring 24:07 Risks and Misconceptions about Big Babies 31:37 Pitocin Use and Its Implications 39:13 Increased Medical Interventions in Pregnancy 40:17 The Impact of Glucose Restriction on Babies 42:31 Research Findings on Blood Glucose Thresholds 44:24 Managing Gestational Diabetes with Diet and Exercise 48:50 Alternative Testing Methods for Gestational Diabetes 01:00:06 Understanding HbA1c and Its Limitations 01:08:04 Postpartum Care for Babies of Gestational Diabetic Mothers 01:12:42 Connecting with Melissa and Doula Training Opportunities 01:14:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, and as well is a doula trainer of over 22 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She is the mother of 4 children and 4 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Melissa on IG  Connect with Melissa and her daughter 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: Lily Nichols: Real Food in Pregnancy    Use code HeHe to sign up for doula education and 25% off the Birth Education Library with Melissa at https://www.melissachappell.com/   RESEARCH: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/web/cochrane/content?templateType=full&urlTitle=/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012394.pub3&doi=10.1002/14651858.CD012394.pub3&type=cdsr&contentLanguage=   https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-023-05779-z   Gestational diabetes and the risk of late stillbirth: a case-control study from England, UK - PubMed   https://www.cochranelibrary.com/web/cochrane/content?templateType=full&urlTitle=/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011624.pub3&doi=10.1002/14651858.CD011624.pub3&type=cdsr&contentLanguage=   Big Babies: the risk of care provider fear | Dr Rachel Reed

18 Kesä 1h 15min

Welcome back to another episode of The Birth Lounge podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into managing and healing symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance. Host HeHe is joined by Heather Oricchio, an integrative health practitioner specializing in gut health, detoxification, hormone balancing, and holistic healing. Heather shares her personal journey with MCAS, exploring topics like the role of gut health, the impact of sleep and diet, nervous system regulation, and natural therapies such as lymphatic drainage, castor oil packs, and red light therapy. They discuss the importance of addressing environmental factors like mold, parasites, and EMFs and dive into personalized care plans for those experiencing MCAS. Heather also provides practical advice on supplements, probiotics, and gentle exercise for MCAS sufferers, along with her holistic approach for achieving remission.   00:55 Exploring Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) 01:33 Introducing Heather Oricchio 02:13 Heather's Personal Journey with MCAS 03:05 Understanding MCAS Symptoms and Triggers 04:16 Heather's Approach to Healing MCAS 06:03 Heather Explains MCAS in Detail 07:49 Challenges in Diagnosing MCAS 08:50 The Rise of Histamine and Mast Cell Issues 09:41 Personal Stories and Symptoms 14:34 The Role of Genetics and Environment 17:41 Nervous System Regulation and Healing 25:06 Morning Routines for MCAS Management 29:58 Trendy Foods and MCAS 32:01 Exercise and MCAS 35:42 Hormones and MCAS 38:35 Exploring MCAS and Infertility 39:12 Personal Fears and Fertility Journey 40:30 Hormonal Fluctuations and Histamine 41:30 Environmental and Emotional Triggers 41:59 Tracking Symptoms and Estrogen Dominance 44:03 Lymphatic Drainage and Detox Practices 46:00 Gut Health, Mold, and Mycotoxins 49:41 The Importance of Sleep and Circadian Rhythm 52:57 Supplements and Probiotics for MCAS 57:55 Heather's Healing Journey 01:01:00 Coffee Enemas and Detoxification 01:05:52 Genetic Factors and MCAS 01:07:36 Connecting with Heather and Final Thoughts Guest Bio: Heather Oricchio knows firsthand how frustrating it is to feel trapped by your own body. After struggling with histamine intolerance for years, she made it her mission to find real, lasting relief—and now she helps others to do the same. As an Integrative Health Practitioner, she specializes in histamine intolerance/ Mast Cell Activation Disorder with a strong focus on gut health, detoxification and hormone balancing, guiding women to heal naturally so they can feel like themselves again. Her approach honors the body’s natural wisdom to heal—when we stop fighting it and start giving it the right support to not just reverse symptoms but to truly thrive. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Heather on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.revivewithheather.com/mast-cell-recovery-program   Proper Dry Brushing with Kelly Kennedy

13 Kesä 1h 10min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares her 5-year struggle with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a condition where mast cells release chemicals like histamine inappropriately. She is sharing all the details about how diagnosing MCAS has been complicated, if not impossible in the allopathic care system, and describes her personal journey, including a surprising reprieve during pregnancy. In this episode, HeHe chats with Dr. Zac Spiritos, a neuro gastroenterologist, in a conversation about MCAS, its symptoms, triggers, and management. Dr. Zac provides an in-depth look at MCAS, comparing it to histamine intolerance and systemic mastocytosis, and discusses potential causes and common diagnostic tests. The dialogue also covers the impact of diets, the role of the immune system, and the complexities involved in treating such conditions. Insights into Dr. Zac's holistic approach and upcoming telehealth clinic for complex digestive disorders are also shared, providing valuable information for listeners navigating similar health challenges. 00:00 Introduction and Medication Dilemma 01:00 HeHe’s Journey with MCAS 01:31 Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) 02:32 Challenges in Diagnosing MCAS 04:34 Introducing Dr. Zac Spiritos 06:07 MCAS Symptoms and Triggers 07:49 MCAS Management and Treatment Options 16:14 MCAS and Pregnancy 23:56 Neuro Gastroenterology Explained 28:17 The Brain-Gut Connection 30:02 Understanding GI Health and MCAS 30:56 Histamine Intolerance Explained 31:52 Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) 33:17 Systemic Mastocytosis and Testing 36:35 High Histamine Foods and Diet Management 47:21 Genetics and Environmental Triggers 49:13 Conclusion and Resources   Guest Bio: Dr. Zac Spiritos is a Neurogastroenterologist and is the co-founder of EverBetter Medicine, a holistic telehealth clinic specializing in complex digestive conditions, dysautonomia, and medical weight management. The practice combines evidence-based medicine with personalized care, focusing on nutrition, movement, nervous system regulation, and targeted therapies. EverBetter Medicine is built on the belief that patients deserve time, attention, and a comprehensive approach to healing—because feeling better starts with being heard. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Dr. Zac on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://everbettermedicine.health/

11 Kesä 52min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of free birth with birth photographer and doula Lacey Barratt. They discuss the conditioning that leads women to rely on medical professionals, the spiritual and logistical aspects of planning a free birth, and the radical responsibility involved. Lacey shares her own powerful birth stories from moving to Australia, having a home birth, a birth center birth, a free birth, and then going back to hiring midwives. Tune in to hear about family-centered births, the role of intuition, and the impact of systemic challenges in both U.S. and Australian healthcare on birthing choices. This episode is packed with insights on medical autonomy, intuitive birthing, and the layers of responsibility in choosing to free birth. 00:00 Introduction to Free Birth 01:46 Statistics and Definitions of Free Birth 04:37 Lacey Barratt's Birth Story 05:44 Challenges and Decisions in Free Birth 29:53 Radical Responsibility in Birth Choices 48:57 Understanding Anxiety vs. Intuition 49:32 The Impact of Gaslighting on Women 50:22 Feminine and Masculine Energy Dynamics 52:33 The Importance of Speaking Up 57:02 Challenges in the Healthcare System 01:06:48 Navigating Birth Choices and Trauma 01:23:37 Family-Centered Birth Experiences 01:27:04 Advice for Considering Free Birth 01:29:52 Conclusion and Resources   Guest Bio: Lacey Barratt is a birth photographer and freebirth doula from Australia. She is also the Director of @birthphotogs.    SOCAIL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Lacey on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6642827/   https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/04/planned-home-birth

6 Kesä 1h 33min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, we delve into the often controversial topic of free birth with guest Alia Wright, a free birth coach, doula, and mother of three. Host HeHe discusses the principles of radical responsibility, autonomy, and the deep trust in women's ability to make informed choices about their birth experiences. The conversation covers what free birth entails, common myths and misconceptions of freebirth, prenatal care practices, and how to prepare yourself and your partner for a free birth. Alia Wright shares her insights on the sacredness of free birth, the role of intuition, and practical tips for handling emergencies. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive look at free birth, encouraging expectant mothers to explore their birthing options without fear. 00:00 Introduction to Free Birth 01:01 Discussing the Controversy of Free Birth 02:36 Exploring the Free Birth Community 04:37 Guest Introduction: Alia Wright 06:38 Defining Free Birth 09:50 The Role of Support in Free Birth 14:49 Challenges and Misconceptions 37:37 Legalities and Authority in Free Birth 49:07 Navigating Medical Counsel During Free Birth 49:41 Advocating for Your Birth Choices 52:40 Personal Responsibility in Free Birth 56:53 Exploring Prenatal Care Options 01:03:12 Trusting Your Intuition 01:13:39 Partner's Role in Free Birth 01:22:51 Handling Common Free Birth Concerns 01:33:48 Connecting with Alia Wright 01:35:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell   Guest Bio: Alia Wright is a freebirth coach, doula, and mother of three, devoted to helping women reclaim birth as a natural, intuitive, and sovereign experience. As a wife, homemaker, and homeschooling mother, Alia weaves the sacred into the everyday—believing that birth is not something to be feared or managed, but something to be embodied and honored. With over a decade in the birth world and two powerful freebirths of her own, she supports women in shedding the fears and conditioning of the medical model so they can fully trust their instincts and bodies. Her work centers on mindset, intuition, radical responsibility, and returning birth to women. Known for her “tough love with a soft landing” approach, Alia guides mothers to deepen their confidence, embrace the unknown, and step into birth as a rite of passage. Her passion extends into holistic living, from herbal remedies and low-tox homemaking to nourishing food and natural family rhythms.   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Alia 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: aliawright.com

4 Kesä 1h 36min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares untraditional aspects to consider when creating your birth plan, or birth preference sheet, as HeHe likes to call it. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the phases of labor, choosing the right people in your birth space, considering all available tools and medications, and planning for postpartum care. HeHe also shares insights on maintaining flexibility and making informed decisions during labor. Tune in to learn how to create a thoughtful and comprehensive birth preference sheet that prioritizes your autonomy and informed consent. 00:00 Introduction: The Rush to Labor 00:24 Untraditional Birth Plan Considerations 01:47 The Importance of Birth Preferences 03:44 Understanding the Phases of Labor 04:45 Early Labor: Managing Time and Anxiety 09:09 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing 11:06 Choosing Your Birth Team 17:46 Preparing Your Partner with Dad Daze 21:33 Pain Relief Options in Labor 28:31 Medical and Non-Medical Tools for Labor 31:39 Postpartum Planning and Preferences 36:07 Conclusion: Empowering Your Birth Experience INSTAGRAM: 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: Get HeHe’s free class on how to avoid a c-section here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection https://www.thebirthlounge.com/daddaze https://www.justtheinserts.com/

30 Touko 37min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe delves into the transformative journey of birth and parenthood with guest Dr. Britta Bushnell—an expert in childbirth education, mythology, and parenting. The episode explores the impactful themes from Dr. Britta's book, 'Transformed by Birth,' emphasizing the balance between feminine (Artemis) and masculine (Apollo) energies during childbirth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace both the untamed, intuitive side of birth and the structured, analytical aspects. The discussion also highlights the importance of partner involvement, the practice of receiving support, and the experience of parenthood as a rite of passage. HeHe gets vulnerable, sharing personal insights and fears as an expecting mother, offering a relatable and heartfelt narrative for listeners navigating similar journeys. 00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome 01:08 The Joy of Podcasting and Listener Engagement 04:02 Encouragement and Requests for Listeners 05:13 Introduction to Today's Episode and Guest 09:26 Discussion on Birth as a Rite of Passage 12:55 Intuition and Pregnancy Experiences 18:31 Challenges and Changes in Parenthood 32:25 Building Resilience and Strong Relationships 41:12 Encouraging Partner Involvement 47:14 The Role of Partners in Pregnancy 47:59 Involving Partners in Birth Decisions 48:44 Supporting Partners' Emotional Needs 51:33 The Metaphor of the River and the Banks 56:50 Practical Tips for Sharing the Mental Load 59:31 Practicing Discomfort Together 01:02:52 Empowering Partners in Birth 01:10:59 The Balance of Artemis and Apollo 01:24:54 Final Thoughts and Resources   Guest Bio: Britta Bushnell, PhD, is a mother, veteran childbirth educator, celebrated speaker, mythologist, and specialist in childbirth, couples, and parenting. For the last 20 years, Dr. Bushnell has worked with individuals and couples as they prepare for the life-changing experience of giving birth. Her work with parents has been enriched by her doctoral work in mythology and psychology, her years spent as a co-owner of Birthing From Within, as well as her dedicated study of solution-focused brief therapy, storytelling, and sustaining vibrancy and helping romantic partnerships thrive even during parenthood. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Dr. Britta 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: brittabushnell.com Curious about Transformed by Birth? Enjoy this free download of Chapter One! https://brittabushnell.com/free-resources/

28 Touko 1h 30min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe discusses the topic of fetal growth restriction (FGR), including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and small for gestational age (SGA) with maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Stephanie Martin. They dive into the implications of these conditions on pregnancy and birth plans, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and the potential need for early delivery to prevent adverse outcomes like stillbirth. Dr. Martin, with over 25 years of experience, also addresses the importance of patient autonomy, advocating for second opinions, and understanding the nuances of ultrasound accuracy. This episode aims to empower expectant parents with evidence-based information, providing a thorough understanding of how to navigate high-risk pregnancies. 00:00 Switching OB Providers: You Have Options 00:51 Welcome Back to The Birth Lounge Podcast 01:56 Support the Podcast: Leave a Review 03:46 Today's Topic: Understanding Baby's Size 04:46 Introducing Dr. Stephanie Martin: Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist 06:08 Understanding IUGR, FGR, and SGA 07:00 Monitoring and Managing Small Babies 28:17 The Importance of Kick Counts and Trusting Your Instincts 31:56 Finding the Right OB Provider for You 32:58 The Importance of Trust in Healthcare Relationships 33:15 Challenges in Rural Healthcare Access 34:24 The Right to Seek a Second Opinion 35:38 Advocating for Your Own Care 40:31 Understanding Growth Restriction and Birth Plans 42:15 Managing High-Risk Pregnancies 46:52 Post-Birth Expectations for Growth-Restricted Babies 52:25 The Role of Continuous Monitoring During Labor 53:41 Balancing Control and Flexibility in Birth Plans 57:56 Connecting with Dr. Stephanie and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Dr. Martin is an MFM Physician with over 25 years experience caring for complicated pregnancies. She has a special interest in critical care and is passionate about improving maternal pregnancy outcomes and educating teams about how to improve their care. 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! SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Dr. Stephanie Martin on IG  LINKS MENTIONED: Clinical Concepts In OB Connect with Dr. Stephanie on LinkedIn:  Connect with Clinical Concepts in OB on LinkedIn

23 Touko 1h