#434: Decisions, Cesareans & How to Advocate with HeHe Stewart

In this episode of The Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu is joined by HeHe Stewart from The Birth Lounge Podcast to explore common reasons for C-sections, how hospital policies and interventions often lead to unnecessary surgeries, and strategies for avoiding them. The episode features poignant birth stories that highlight the challenges and triumphs of navigating the medical system to achieve a desired birth experience. HeHe shares her expertise on protecting birth goals, advocating for oneself, and the importance of informed decision-making.

About Hehe

HeHe Stewart is a leading childbirth educator, advocate, and maternity care reform expert. With a Master’s in Human Development and over a decade of experience, she empowers families with evidence-based birth prep, informed decision-making, and postpartum readiness. She is a fierce advocate for informed consent, reducing unnecessary interventions, and ensuring patient autonomy in birth.

Beyond working with families, HeHe is actively involved in legislative efforts to improve women’s health policies and expand access to midwifery care. She works to reform maternity care by advocating for patient rights, increased birth options, and improved maternal health outcomes.

As the host of The Birth Lounge Podcast, she interviews leading experts in pregnancy, women’s health, and newborn development, giving parents the knowledge they need to navigate birth and postpartum with confidence. Her work continues to drive meaningful change through education, advocacy, and policy reform.

Website: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/join

Instagram: instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe

Mentioned in This Episode

Are hospital births really safer? Featuring Dr. Stuart Fischbein

Reclaiming Birth Conference

Birthing Instincts Podcast Patreon

Retrievals Podcast Season 2

Resources:

ACOG Guideline 664: Refusal of Medically Recommended Treatment During Pregnancy

Covered in This Episode

The Role of Men in Birth

Ethics and Autonomy in Medical Decisions

The Reality of Labor Dystocia

Fetal Distress and Augmented Labor

VBAC and Repeat C-Sections

Red Flags in Birth Practices

Unnecessary Interventions and Their Consequences

Navigating the Healthcare System for Birth

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care

This show is supported by

• WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order.
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off



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• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com