17: Friday Free Talk: 8 Questions to Ask your Doula in an Interview

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

Join HeHe in an enlightening conversation with Nurse Dawn from Pivotal Birth to discuss the critical aspects of creating a birth plan and the importance of effective communication with medical staff during labor and delivery. Dawn shares her rich experience working in multiple hospitals and introduces the innovative PIVOT plan approach to improve birth experiences. Learn how to set clear expectations, handle unexpected pivots like C-sections and epidurals, and ensure that your values and preferences are respected throughout your birth journey. This episode is a must-watch for expecting parents looking to optimize their hospital birth experience and for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance patient care.   06:37 The Importance of Birth Plans 07:38 Experiences with Birth Plans in Hospitals 10:55 Advice for Communicating Birth Plans 15:04 Introducing the PIVOT Plan 16:28 Breaking Down the PIVOT Plan 18:22 The Role of Communication in Birth 24:58 Navigating Hospital Policies and Biases 35:23 Engaging with Medical Assessments 36:48 Introducing Birth Preferences to Hospital Staff 38:48 Understanding Individual Needs During Birth 49:44 The Importance of Childbirth Classes 51:33 Navigating Unexpected Diagnoses 54:17 Coping with Birth Plan Changes 56:49 Handling Unexpected C-Sections 01:04:02 Final Thoughts and Resources GUEST BIO:  Dawn Hancock is a seasoned Labor and Delivery Nurse certified in Obstetric Nursing, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Counselor and Board Certified Nurse Coach. She has worked exclusively in maternal child care in the hospital setting and in the home as well. She is passionate about empowering women and their partners to advocate for the care they desire for themselves and their newborns.   Her own experiences in childbirth with her three children prompted her to go into Nursing for Labor and Delivery.   Dawn is the founder of Pivotal Birth LLC where she hosts The Bridging Birth Membership. This membership provides on-demand Childbirth Education Classes, her Breastfeeding Starting Strong Course and live Q&A Sessions 2 times a month where members can come ask questions, share stories and build community. Nurse Dawn can be found on all platforms @pivotalbirth   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG   Connect with Dawn on IG Connect with Dawn on TikTok   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: Sign up for Dawn’s Pivotal Birth Workshop here.  Use code HeHe10 at Www.pivotalbirth.com for a special discount for our listeners!

31 Jan 1h 6min

In this episode, HeHe provides an in-depth guide to finding the perfect doula to support your birth journey. She covers the best time to hire a doula, what to consider when choosing one, and the variety of doula types available. HeHe emphasizes the importance of knowing your birth goals and expectations, and offers practical advice on interviewing potential doulas, including essential questions to ask. She also highlights the benefits of having a doula, from reducing the risk of a C-section to increasing breastfeeding success. Additionally, HeHe discusses how to find doulas using websites like doulamatch.net and community resources, and explores the significance of doula teams, backup plans, and business credentials. 00:00 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast 01:26 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing 03:13 Finding the Right Doula for Your Birth 12:17 The Role and Benefits of a Doula 18:08 How to Choose and Interview Your Doula 33:50 Final Thoughts and Next Steps INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out the free webinar to help you avoid a c-section!  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!

29 Jan 34min