Ep. 253: Meditation as Pain Relief in Labor with Nathalie Walton

In this episode, HeHe interviews Trish, aka Labor Nurse Mama, discussing her extensive experience as a high-risk labor and delivery nurse specializing in VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). They explore the challenges and misconceptions surrounding VBAC, the importance of advocacy and informed decision-making, and the support systems available through Trish's VBAC Lab and other resources. They also address the impact of hospital policies, doctor-patient dynamics, and provide actionable tips for navigating the medical system to achieve a VBAC safely and confidently. 01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Sections 01:59 Understanding the U.S. Birth System 03:10 Navigating VBAC in Hospitals 05:28 Introducing Trish Ware: The VBAC Expert 06:20 Empowering Women Through Evidence-Based Education 08:13 Challenges and Misconceptions About VBAC 09:09 Advice for VBAC Mamas 09:47 The Reality of Hospital Policies 13:21 The VBAC Lab: Supporting Moms 14:42 The Importance of Informed Decisions 20:26 The Role of Providers in Birth Experiences 27:48 Advocating for Your Birth Plan 28:23 The Role of Labor Nurse Mama 29:13 Empowering Mothers Through Education 32:07 The Importance of Support and Community 34:28 Navigating Medical Recommendations 42:44 Induction and VBAC: What You Need to Know 45:50 Final Thoughts and Resources Guest Bio: Meet Trish, a mama to 7, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse with 16 years of experience, and the visionary behind Labor Nurse Mama and her online birth classes Calm Labor Confident Birth and The VBAC Lab. Since 2017, she's been on a mission to empower women through evidence-based education, aiming to change the birth culture to one that celebrates the natural process of birth and grants women the autonomy they deserve. Trish's small dream has blossomed, now serving thousands of women,and has expanded to mentoring women in business. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Trish on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor 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: Connect with Trish here!  Check out Trish's courses here!  Check out Trish's memberships here Hashtags:  #BirthLounge #VBAC #VBACBirth #VBACSuccessStories #VaginalBirthAfterCesarean #TrishWare #LaborNurseMama #VBACEducation #ReducingCSection #AvoidingCSection #EvidenceBasedBirth #ChildbirthEducation #PregnancyTips #LaborAdvice #MaternityCare #BirthOptions #BirthPlans #PostpartumPlanning #EmpoweringBirths #BirthConfidence #BirthCommunity #HealthCareSystem #BirthTrauma #InformedConsent #BirthAdvocacy

28 Feb 51min

HeHe shares 6 things she would absolutely do if she was getting an epidural in labor! These are not the traditional things like 'keep moving,' rather she is sharing exact conversations to have with your provider to make sure your epidural gives you the pain relief you're trying to achieve and what to do if you're epidural is too heavy (which may lead to longer pushing time and increased tearing!).    Download my Evidence Based Epidural Guide! (Clickable Link!)   INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with HeHe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hehestewart   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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

26 Feb 33min

HeHe is joined by Dr. Robert Hurst, who delves into the fascinating world of birth order and its profound impact on our lives. From understanding how birth order shapes our interpersonal relationships to uncovering the dynamics within blended families, Dr. Hurst provides an in-depth analysis of how our position in the family hierarchy influences who we are. The episode offers insights into the characteristics of firstborns, middle children, and only children, and touches on the complexities introduced by factors such as sibling spacing, cultural expectations, and unexpected family changes like the death of a child or divorce. Dr. Hurst also shares practical advice for parents on fostering healthy sibling relationships and guiding each child according to their unique birth order personality traits.   Guest Bio: Dr. Hurst never envisioned himself as a leading expert on birth order. His journey began during his extensive career in orthodontics at Tufts University and Louisiana State University. Over his career, he observed firsthand how birth order influences individual personalities and family dynamics, leading him to study these patterns in-depth. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Dr. Hurst on YouTube   BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor 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: Connect with Dr. Hurst on his website Order Dr. Hurst’s book here!

21 Feb 56min

In this insightful episode, HeHe welcomes Trisha Ludwig from the Down to Birth Show to explore the critical aspects of breastfeeding. They discuss the tremendous benefits for both mother and baby, including improved mental health for mom and reduced cancer risks. Trisha emphasizes the importance of prenatal education, the role of partners, and why breastfeeding is a learned skill. They also cover common breastfeeding problems, the significance of skin-to-skin contact, and how pain can indicate the need for latch adjustments. Essential tips for advocating breastfeeding in hospitals and advice on how to manage newborn feeding cues are also highlighted.   Guest Bio: Trisha Ludwig is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with a Master’s degree from Yale School of Nursing. After practicing as a homebirth midwife she started a holistic gynecology and women’s health practice, which she ran for 10 years. She is passionate about supporting and optimizing women’s transitions through the major shifts such as pregnancy, postpartum, peri-menopause, and menopause. She believes in treating health issues on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level.   She is a mother of three children, all of whom were born at home. It is her knowledge as a midwife and women’s health practitioner, but most importantly as a mother herself, which gives her first-hand insight into the complex emotional shifts of the postpartum transition. As a woman who is equally passionate about her work as she is about mothering, she understands the process of “becoming mom.” SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on YouTube Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Trisha on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor 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: Connect with Trisha

19 Feb 1h 10min

HeHe is joined by Dr. Gertrude Lyons to discuss the journey of living a fuller, more purposeful life, and the importance of authenticity in motherhood. Dr. Lyons shares her life story from a career in finance to transformational coaching, emphasizing the impact of premarital counseling, personal growth, and home birth experiences. They delve into the concept of the 'mother wound,' handling postpartum changes, and the importance of maintaining a sense of self while parenting. The conversation offers practical insights for aspiring and current mothers on navigating societal expectations, the importance of self-care, and utilizing support systems. The episode also highlights Dr. Lyons' upcoming book, 'Rewrite the Mother Code,' and her online course, 'Journey into the Dark,' aimed at exploring feminine aspects of self. 08:16 Journey to Personal Growth 10:16 Transformative Experiences in Motherhood 11:38 Challenges and Realizations 15:28 The Importance of Therapy 23:22 Understanding the Mother Wound 37:20 Navigating Parenthood and Personal Growth 42:05 Tuning into Your Intuitive Voice 43:05 Creating a Support System 49:41 Addressing Common Objections 56:01 Navigating Social Judgments 58:10 The Home Birth Experience 01:02:26 Empowerment Through Birth Choices 01:15:32 Introducing Dr. Gertrude's Book 01:21:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell   Guest Bio: Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a visionary leader in the realms of self-mothering, holistic women’s empowerment, and deep relationship transformation. With over 25 years of experience, she weaves together a rich tapestry of wisdom, education, and certifications to create a holistic, integrative, and nurturing approach to personal growth and healing. In her coaching, immersive experiences, and retreats Dr. Lyons lovingly guides women on transformative journeys to reclaim the art of mothering—not just for others, but for themselves, their dreams, and the lives they long to embody. She is the host of the longstanding and widely celebrated Rewrite the Mother Code podcast, consistently ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally. Her podcast is a trusted space where she explores the sacred essence of mothering in its many beautiful and expansive forms, reaching and inspiring thousands of listeners. A heartfelt speaker and published author, Dr. Gertrude’s forthcoming book, Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust – A Cosmic Approach to Motherhood, expands on these themes, inviting us all to honor feminine energy, creative flow, and authentic living. Through her work, she empowers women, couples, and families to rewrite the story of how we nurture, love, and thrive. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Preorder Rewrite the Mother Code here!  Connect with Dr. Lyons on Instagram  Rewrite the Mother Code on YouTube Connect with Dr. Gertrude Lyons on LinkedIn Listen to Rewrite the Mother Code Podcast   BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section 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!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Dr. Gertrude Lyons here   Use code HeHe to get an 11% discount on Dr. Gertrude's course, Journey into the Dark Check out Dr. Gertrude’s Self-Mothering Retreat in Zihuatanejo, MX March 16-2   Mother Hunger by Kelly McDaniel  Whole Brain Living by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

14 Feb 1h 23min

In this episode HeHe addresses one of the most frequently asked questions: How to achieve an unmedicated birth. These are the steps she would take if she was hoping for an unmedicated hospital birth. The discussion includes practical, actionable steps for expectant parents aiming for an unmedicated delivery, emphasizing the importance of preparation, mindset, and holistic health. Topics covered include laboring at home, choosing the right care providers like midwives, understanding the labor process, and the significance of self-advocacy. The episode also highlights the necessity of having coping skills, educating your partner, and making a flexible birth plan to navigate the birth process confidently.   04:10 Practical Steps for Unmedicated Birth 06:11 Understanding the Birth Process 08:29 Preparing for Unmedicated Birth 10:49 Top Tips for Unmedicated Birth 20:23 Coping Skills and Partner Support 27:12 Creating a Birth Plan 31:39 Mental and Physical Preparation 36:00 The Importance of Self-Advocacy 50:59 Conclusion INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out our free course on how to avoid a c-section 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: Get HeHe's birth planning guide here!

12 Feb 54min

In this Birth Lounge Podcast episode, host HeHe discusses the complexities surrounding screen time for kids with Dr. Joel Warsh aka DrJoelGator, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine. They explore critical questions about the impact of screen time on child development, ADHD, social behavior, and overall health. Dr. Warsh shares valuable insights on balancing screen use, the potential health risks, and the role of modern technology in increasing chronic diseases among children. He also touches on the importance of outdoor activities and real-world interactions. Additionally, Dr. Warsh introduces his upcoming book, 'Between a Shot and a Hard Place,' which aims to provide balanced, research-based information on vaccines for informed parental decision-making.   00:00 Introduction and Screen Time Dilemma 04:50 Introducing Dr. Joel Warsh 06:33 The Impact of Screen Time on Child Development 09:41 Balancing Screen Time and Healthy Habits 14:26 Screen Time and ADHD 18:14 Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Families 26:59 Over-Medicalization and Chronic Illness 33:02 Managing Screen Time in Public Spaces 36:09 Balancing Screen Time for Kids 37:06 The Impact of Video Games on Children 39:48 Concerns About EMF and Technology 42:57 Practical Tips to Reduce EMF Exposure 48:43 Introducing Dr. Joel's New Book 52:46 Vaccines and Their Controversies 01:05:41 Non-Screen Activities for Kids 01:07:23 Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Information   Guest Bio: Joel Warsh aka DrJoelGator of the popular parenting Instagram account is a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California who specializes in Parenting, Wellness and Integrative Medicine. He is the author of multiple books including: 1) Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Difficult Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity, 2) Love Dad 3) Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years.   INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Dr. Joel on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out the free Avoid a C-Section webinar here to learn evidence based ways avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing in labor. 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.theshotbook.com

7 Feb 1h 9min

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Brigid Tebaldi, a mother of five who shares her transformative journey through multiple childbirths, ranging from traumatic to idyllic experiences. Brigid recounts her pregnancies and labors, highlighting her evolution from hospital births to empowering home births. The discussion covers building resilience in mothers and children through challenging and rewarding tasks, the impact of nutrition and mindset on mental health, and the importance of processing birth trauma. Brigid’s insights aim to help mothers reclaim their power and find joy in their birthing experiences.   00:00 Introduction to Free Birth Class 01:59 Avoid High C-Section Rates and Navigating the System 07:53 Personal Birth Stories Begin 08:25 First Birth Experience 11:42 Second Birth Experience 21:34 Third Birth Experience 22:11 Fourth Birth Experience and Transition to Home Birth 23:36 Fifth Birth Experience and Empowerment 27:14 Discovering Pregnancy and Initial Reactions 29:57 Natural Family Planning Journey 32:59 The Reality of Precipitous Labor 36:47 Navigating Hospital Births and Family Expectations 38:13 Discovering Alternative Birth Options 42:10 Building Resilience Through Childhood Experiences 46:59 Fostering Resilience in Children 51:03 Maintaining Resilience as a Parent 57:44 The Importance of Resilience in Birth Trauma 01:04:52 Mind-Body Connection and Resilience 01:06:49 Conclusion and Contact Information   Guest Bio: Brigid is a Functional Women’s Health Coach and Mentor who helps moms who understand that their bodies are not broken, that they're not falling short in motherhood, how to get rid of those physical ailments that never seem to go away, and that life can be fun, full, and joyful even amongst the chaos. She guides women to see the truth: that their bodies are beautifully made by God, their vocation is holy work, and the birth of their children is only the beginning of the transformation God is calling them to walk in.    Through her signature program, Restored by Grace, she helps women reclaim vibrant, full, and healthy lives—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Her approach blends integrative methods with ancient wisdom about what our bodies truly need to thrive. In the program, you address the roots of past trauma, because these unhealed wounds don’t just affect how you feel—they can show up as physical symptoms like fatigue, pain, hormonal imbalances, and chronic health issues. By healing at the root level, you can finally experience the peace and health you’ve been longing for, restoring your energy, improving your relationships, and creating a healthier, happier life to spend with your family.    She believes that every mom has the power to create a holy, beautiful, and joy-filled life by embracing her God-given design and purpose.    Brigid is a wife, mother of 5, and homesteader in Pennsylvania. She enjoys spending time outside playing with her kids, reading about conspiracy theories, cooking and baking, and listening to all the podcasts she can.    INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube Connect with Brigid on IG  https://www.loretowellness.com/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out the free Avoid a C-Section webinar here to learn evidence based ways avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing in labor. 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!

5 Feb 1h 9min