Ep. 363: The Overmedicalization of birth and your right to decline with Melanie the Midwife

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe is joined by guest Marisa Huebsch to discuss the topic of shoulder dystocia, a rare but serious obstetrical emergency. HeHe and Marisa, a certified nurse midwife, explain what shoulder dystocia is, its causes, and how it can be resolved through various maneuvers. She emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and informed decision-making during childbirth, particularly in high-stress situations like shoulder dystocia. They also delve into the risks of shoulder dystocia for both mothers and babies, including potential injuries and the importance of postpartum debriefing. The episode aims to demystify this complication, providing listeners with practical advice on staying in control and advocating for themselves during labor and delivery. 00:00 Introduction and Hospital Choices 01:38 Understanding Shoulder Dystocia 03:26 Preventing and Managing Shoulder Dystocia 03:42 Guest Introduction: Marisa Huebsch 06:21 Personal Experiences with Shoulder Dystocia 08:57 Detailed Maneuvers for Shoulder Dystocia 20:15 Induction and Shoulder Dystocia 25:48 Patient Autonomy and Birth Choices 42:46 Addressing Provider Self-Reflection and Bias 44:55 Handling Trauma and Patient Care 47:46 Navigating Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent 49:18 The Role of Providers in Birth Experiences 01:02:55 Managing Shoulder Dystocia Risks and Outcomes 01:15:15 Empowering Patients Through Education and Support 01:18:32 Final Thoughts and Resources   From Marisa:  I was a Labor and delivery nurse for 6 years, worked in 3 different facilities including high risk units and low risk units. I was also a nurse home visitor with Nurse Family Partnership where I worked with low income first time moms and babies throughout pregnancy and through the child's first 2 years. I am now a hospital based CNM in a high volume practice who collaboratively cares for low and high risk patients with a robust midwife team. My practice philosophy is all about empowering patients to be informed about their care, normalizing physiologic birth, and providing the midwifery care model to high risk patients. I have two children, one born in a hospital and one born at home (unusually LONG multip labor , educated by The Birth Lounge)   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Marisa 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!

21 Maj 1h 22min

Join HeHe in a fascinating interview with Dr. Craig Clayton, a holistic dentist with a passion for birth and women's health. The conversation covers various aspects of holistic dentistry, what it is, functional approaches, and how it differs from traditional dental care. Dr. Clayton explains the connections between oral health and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, pregnancy outcomes, mental health, and fertility. The discussion also covers practical oral health tips, controversial topics like fluoride and root canals, and the impact of diet, hormones, and lifestyle on gum disease and cavities. Be ready to walk away with valuable insights for holistic health and well-being and a full understanding of the importance of comprehensive dental care.  02:13 Pregnancy and Dental Health Concerns 03:09 Meet Dr. Craig Clayton: Holistic Dentist 04:15 The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellbeing 05:17 Holistic Dentistry Explained 08:52 Oral Health and Systemic Diseases 15:05 Oral Health and Mental Health 16:32 Oral Probiotics and Their Benefits 18:26 Oral Health and Fertility 25:40 Causes and Prevention of Gum Disease 27:54 Hormonal Health and Oral Health 35:52 Practical Tips for Maintaining Oral Health During Pregnancy 42:24 Pregnancy and Coffee Choices 42:39 The Benefits of Purity Coffee 43:28 Milk and Creamer Options 44:17 Oral Health and Acidity 44:57 Remineralizing Toothpaste Debate 46:07 Concerns with Oral Care Products 50:17 Alcohol-Based Mouth Rinses 51:52 X-Rays in Dentistry 56:14 Mouth Breathing and Oral Health 59:05 Fluoride Controversy 01:03:56 Root Canals: Pros and Cons 01:10:08 Oral Health in Babies 01:14:52 Daily Oral Care Routine 01:17:04 Resources and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Dr. Craig D. Clayton is a functional and biomimetic dentist based in Meridian, Idaho, and an influential online educator with a following of over 380K on Instagram. Passionate about uncovering the root causes of oral health issues, Dr. Clayton focuses on holistic cavity prevention, airway health, and innovative, biologically sound approaches to restoring teeth. As the host of the Dentistry Disrupted podcast, he is on a mission to shift the dental industry toward a more patient-centered, root-cause-focused approach. Through educating and empowering patients, he hopes to bridge the gap between oral health and overall well-being. And fun fact: Dr. Clayton and his wife have two boys, one of which was born at home. In another life, Dr. Clayton would have been a home birth midwife and his wife would have been a doula and he is a self-proclaimed birth junkie! SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Dr. Clayton 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://probiorahealth.com/ https://stan.store/restorationdentistry Use code BIRTHLOUNGE for 10% off our signature Cavity Guide, The Ultimate Guide on How To Cure Cavities

16 Maj 1h 20min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe introduces listeners to Incora Health, a revolutionary pair of earrings designed to give deep insights into women's health. The episode highlights the importance of personalized female health tracking, featuring a discussion with Theresa, Incora Health's co-founder. They delve into how these wearable earrings provide insights on temperature, cycle syncing, heart rate, stress levels, and more, adapting specifically to women's unique hormonal cycles. Theresa shares the journey of creating Incora Health, the science behind it, and the potential benefits for women's health, including cycle syncing and optimizing lifestyle choices. The conversation emphasizes the need for women-centric health data, privacy, and how these earrings overcome conventional shortcomings of unisex wearables. Additionally, they cover the practical aspects, like data safety, EMF concerns, and how users can get their own pair. 01:08 The Rise of Wearable Health Devices 01:40 Introducing Incora Health Earrings 05:00 Interview with Incora Health Co-Founder Theresa 06:21 The Importance of Personalized Health Metrics 08:57 The Journey of Creating Health-Tracking Earrings 14:21 Benefits of Cycle Syncing and Health Tracking 22:45 Recognizing Patterns and Health Insights 24:53 Practical Guidance for Health Tracking 25:13 Understanding Nervous System Regulation 25:34 The Importance of Stress Management 26:49 Overlooked Aspects of Women's Health 28:37 Using Wearables During Pregnancy 30:27 Audience Questions on Data and Privacy 35:03 EMF Concerns with Wearable Devices 36:41 Comfort and Design of the Earrings 39:25 App Features and Subscription Details 40:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Theresa Gevaert is the inventor of the Incora earrings and brings extensive media expertise from her career as an Executive Producer across major networks. With a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and over a decade of broadcast journalism experience, Theresa brings a unique perspective to women's health technology. Her innovative vision for Incora was born from recognizing the gap in health tracking specifically designed for women's bodies. As a proud mother to four children, she combines her passion for innovation with her personal commitment to empowering women's health. Theresa's creative background and understanding of effective communication help Incora connect with women seeking better insights into their health.   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Incora Health on Instagram   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://bit.ly/incora-thebirthinglounge incorahealth.com

14 Maj 43min

In this recast, you can join HeHe and Tyler Bradshaw from Aqua Tots as they dive deep into the crucial topic of water safety for children. This episode covers alarming drowning statistics, the importance of swim lessons from as young as four months, and practical advice for preventing drowning incidents. Tyler shares expert insights on floatation devices, the role of water watchers, appropriate bath suit colors, and safe pool practices for homes and communities. This is an essential episode for all parents and caregivers to keep their kids safe around water in all settings year round. The Importance of Water Safety Drowning Statistics and Prevention Understanding Different Types of Drowning The Role of Swim Lessons Common Places for Drowning Dry Drowning Explained The Dangers of Distractions Water Wings and Flotation Devices Tips for Parents with Multiple Children at the Pool Home Pool Safety Ensuring Pool Safety: Skimmer Baskets and Barriers Water Safety Analogies: Highway and Pool The Importance of Swim Lessons for Children Starting Swim Lessons Early: Building Muscle Memory Overcoming Fear of Water in Young Children Swim Lesson Levels: From Babies to Competent Swimmers Swim Lesson Curriculum: Skills and Progression Choosing the Right Swimwear for Safety         Guest Bio: Tyler, owner of Aqua-Tots Swim School Norwood is passionate about childhood water safety!  Aqua-Tots was founded in 1991 and headquartered in the Phoenix area, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools is making waves as the largest international provider of year-round, indoor swim instruction, community outreach and drowning prevention education. Its trusted program is dedicated to children of all abilities from four months to 12 years old and features a proven curriculum used to teach more than five million swim lessons each year. Aqua-Tots is recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top 100 Franchises for Women in 2024, Entrepreneur's Top 15 Children’s Franchises of 2023, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, Inc. Magazine's Top 5000 and Franchise Times’ Top 200. Aqua-Tots has more than 150 locations in 25 states across 14 countries and is rapidly expanding with 90 locations in development.   Social Media: Connect with HeHe on Instagram  Connect with Aqua-Tots 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: Connect with Tyler at Norwood Aqua-Tots here!  Find an Aqua-Tots near you!    Key words: Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, Kids Swim Lessons, Swimming Tips for Parents, Water Safety Tips, Child Swim Lessons, Summer Safety Tips, Pool Safety Tips, Accident Prevention, Water Safety Month, Child Safety

9 Maj 53min

In this episode, Dr. Berlin shares his personal journey from childhood aspirations in healthcare to becoming a chiropractor, massage therapist, and birth advocate. He discusses combining chiropractic care, bodywork, and birth advocacy to support women in having informed pregnancies. Dr. Berlin explains the importance of collaborative care, the benefits of chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy, and the significance of the Webster Technique. The conversation also delves into the complexities of fetal positioning, specifically addressing breach and asynclitic babies, and the broader implications for childbirth. The episode underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. 03:33 Introducing Dr. Elliot Berlin 08:13 Dr. Berlin's Inspiring Journey 17:38 The Power of Chiropractic Care 31:09 Understanding the Webster Technique 36:09 Chiropractic Care for Breech and Asynclitic Babies 37:20 Understanding Breech Baby Statistics 38:39 Structural and Functional Reasons for Breech Babies 40:54 Chiropractic Techniques for Breech Babies 42:46 Mother's Day Special: Cozy Bamboo PJs 44:34 Discussion on Breech Birth Choices 47:50 The Term Breech Trial and Its Impact 54:54 The ARRIVE Trial and Its Implications 56:26 Chiropractic Care for Posterior Babies 01:00:59 The Role of Doulas in Birth 01:02:35 Fetal Positioning in Traditional Medical Models 01:06:36 Informed Pregnancy Media and Resources 01:08:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Dr. Elliot Berlin is an award-winning prenatal chiropractor, childbirth educator, labor support bodyworker, filmmaker, co-founder of Berlin Wellness Group in Los Angeles, California and the host of the Informed Pregnancy Podcast. Dr. Berlin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Life University of Chiropractic in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Atlanta School of Massage.     Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy® Project aims to utilize multiple forms of media (podcasts, YouTube series, documentaries, and online workshops) to compile and deliver unbiased information about pregnancy and childbirth to empower new and expectant parents to make informed choices regarding their pregnancy and parenting journey.     Dr. Berlin lives in Los Angeles with his wife, perinatal psychologist Dr. Alyssa Berlin, and their four fantastic kids. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube Connect with Dr. Elliot Berlin 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: Informed Pregnancy Podcast   One way or a Mother Podcast    Heads Up, the Disappearing Art of Vaginal breech Delivery Documentary   Trial of Labor Documentary

7 Maj 1h 9min

Have you ever wondered how a doula prepares for birth and pregnancy?! In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares some exciting news!!  After a decade-long journey of helping women through their pregnancies, HeHe vulnerably shares  her emotional reactions, initial symptoms, and peculiar cravings. She addresses unexpected symptoms, details her experience with pregnancy dreams, and shares all about the moment she and Mr. HeHe discovered the pregnancy. In case you’ve ever wondered how a doula chooses her birth team, HeHe also outlines her carefully chosen care team for a planned home birth and hospital-based support. We hope to see you in The Birth Lounge to walk through pregnancy at the same time as HeHe!  00:00 Exciting Announcement 02:12 Emotional Reactions and Gratitude 04:11 Navigating Pregnancy Symptoms 17:45 Unexpected Pregnancy Cravings 20:26 Intensified Senses and Crazy Dreams 26:01 How We Found Out We Were Pregnant 29:38 Missed Period and Initial Concerns 30:58 Realization and Pregnancy Anxiety 32:36 Taking the Pregnancy Test 36:03 Confirming the Pregnancy 40:56 Emotional Reactions and Adjustments 43:49 Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy 48:26 Choosing the Right Care Team 57:05 Final Thoughts and Announcements 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: Temp Drop: http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFHEHE Needed Prenatals: Use code HEHESAMPLE for $10 off a sample pack or code HEHE for 20% off your first order: https://thisisneeded.com/ Just Ingredients - Chocolate: https://just.crrnt.app/tranquilitybyhehe

2 Maj 59min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe dives into what’s happening in women's health and healthcare access, focusing on the postpartum landscape and recent budget cuts impacting Medicaid. Special guest Natalie Davis, founder of United States of Care, joins to discuss pivotal healthcare legislation, Medicaid’s role in maternal and infant health, and the importance of universal access to quality healthcare. The discussion also touches on the power of virtual care and current legislative threats to preventive health services. We hope this episode will equip and inspire you to engage in local healthcare advocacy. 01:34 Current State of Women's Health in the US 02:23 Introducing Natalie Davis 05:51 Challenges in Postpartum Care 10:04 Impact of Budget Cuts on Medicaid 16:16 Supreme Court Case on Preventive Services 22:38 Advocacy for Better Healthcare 27:44 Universal Healthcare Debate 28:38 Debating Healthcare Access and Affordability 31:05 The 100 Weeks Project: Supporting Postpartum Women 32:57 Personalized and Comprehensive Postpartum Care 34:53 Navigating the Postpartum System 40:38 Resources for NICU Families and Mental Health Support 42:07 Legislation Impacting Women's Health 43:30 The Rise of Virtual Care 50:53 Getting Involved in Local Legislation 53:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Guest Bio: For nearly two decades, Natalie Davis has worked shaping and implementing American health care policies to improve the lives of all people. In 2018, she and fellow national health care leaders, such as Andy Slavitt, launched United States of Care to ensure that everyone in the country has access to quality, affordable health care through a community-driven policy change. She is relentless in her person-centered approach to building health care solutions and has a history of building partnerships that work to create positive change in our country’s health care system. From 2010-2016, Natalie served at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implementing the Affordable Care Act, with the final two years as Senior Advisor to former CMS Administrator, Andy Slavitt. A social entrepreneur, Natalie also helped found Town Hall Ventures which focuses on bringing the best of innovation and care delivery to diverse communities. Natalie also served as the Director of Strategic Engagement at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Natalie holds an M.A. in Philosophy from George Washington University and is an alumna of Salisbury University schools of Sociology and Art History. Natalie lives in Washington, DC with her amazing husband and four children. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with United States of Care 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: State of Postpartum Care (State Maps) Journey Map Preventive Services Resource Hub https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/nicu-family-support   https://postpartum.net/

30 Apr 55min

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe chats about the  benefits and logistics of donor milk with Kelly Cox, founder of Share the Drop, an innovative app connecting donors to recipients. Kelly discusses the need for and benefits of donor milk, particularly for those facing various breastfeeding challenges and the stringent criteria of formal milk banks. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support and informed decision-making in ensuring the health and wellbeing of infants. They also touch on safety measures, the history and evolution of milk donation, and the cultural and health implications of lactation support. This episode serves as both an informational resource and a testament to the power of community-driven support systems in maternal and infant health. 01:01 The Benefits and Challenges of Breastfeeding 02:03 Introducing Donor Milk 02:13 Challenges in Donating Breast Milk 03:33 Meet Kelly Cox and Share the Drop 07:44 Kelly's Journey to Founding Share the Drop 21:00 The Importance of Community Support 23:02 Ensuring Safety in Donor Milk Sharing 29:05 How to Use the Share the Drop App 29:42 Creating and Managing Your Profile 30:07 Subscription Fees and Waivers 30:25 Traveling and App Activity 31:53 Mother's Day Gift Ideas 33:53 Legal and Liability Concerns 34:59 Importance of Feeding Plans 38:27 Community Support and Resources 39:57 Healthcare Providers' Perspectives 49:23 Historical and Cultural Context of Wet Nursing 54:40 Conclusion and Contact Information   Guest Bio: Kelly Cox is a registered prenatal yoga teacher, a birth doula, former mental health therapist, and breast cancer survivor; all of which led her to understand the stress and anxiety felt when caregivers are unable to produce enough, or any, breast milk.   Brought to you by: Cozy Earth, Use code HEHE at checkout to save 40% off your purchase!  Cozy Earth has the softest, coziest pajamas on earth! I love their bedding, pajamas (I have three pair), socks, towels, and loungewear! I am a die-hard Cozy Earth fan and will absolutely be packing my CE pajamas in my birth bag and living in them during postpartum! Try their Bamboo sheets risk free with their 100 night trial! Use code HEHE at checkout to save 40% off your purchase!    INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Share the Drop 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.sharethedrop.com   Human Milk Banking Association of North America:  https://www.hmbana.org Last chance to apply for the Business Accelerator for Doulas!

25 Apr 56min