29: Free Friday Talk: Having Sex After Birth

In this recasted episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes midwife Melissa Chapel to discuss critical topics for expecting parents. They dive into the intricacies of cervical checks, including when they are necessary and how to navigate them in hospital settings. Melissa shares her extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of educated and informed decisions, advocating for oneself, and recognizing the difference between early and intense pushing urges. HeHe emphasizes that birth is an intuitive process and encourages listeners to trust their bodies. Various strategies for maintaining confidence and reducing fears in labor are discussed, ensuring an empowered birth experience.  01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section 03:10 Introducing Melissa Chapel: Midwife Extraordinaire 03:50 Navigating Late Labor and Pushing 04:28 Melissa's Journey and Day-to-Day Life 07:03 The Role of Cervical Exams in Labor 12:41 Advocating for Your Birth Preferences in the Hospital 19:03 Empowering Women's Instincts 20:04 Navigating Cervical Exams 20:55 Understanding Labor Progression 24:48 The 5-1-1 Rule and Hospital Transition 29:19 Early Urge to Push: What to Do 34:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, as well as a doula trainer of over 20 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’s the owner of Fresh Melissa, a company dedicated to creating tasty treats that are also healthy. She is the mother of 4 children and 3 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.   INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Melissa 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!   Connect with Melissa here!

21 Mars 37min

In this episode of the Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe provides a thorough overview of effective and evidence-based induction methods that may be lesser-known. This episode is jam packed with data and discussion points to help you have an informed conversation around finding your perfect induction equation so you can have a positive induction experience! With a focus on empowering expectant parents, HeHe discusses various induction techniques including oral and vaginal misoprostol, outpatient cervical ripeners, melatonin, and evening primrose oil. She underscores the importance of informed decision-making in the birth process and how these methods can help reduce the risk of unnecessary C-sections. The choice to be induced is a very personal one and one that should be made very intentionally. This episode dives into 4 options of induction that you probably have never heard of! These options can help decrease your risk for cesarean and reduce the need for additional interventions!    01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Sections 03:30 Understanding Inductions and Their Importance 05:34 Exploring Induction Methods 27:03 The Role of Melatonin in Labor 36:39 Evening Primrose Oil for Induction 45:52 Join The Birth Lounge Community 48:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe 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! Get HeHe’s free class on how to avoid a c-section here!    Induction Equation Video: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction-equation   Induction Cheat Sheet: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction   Oral Miso:  https://www.cochrane.org/CD001338/PREG_oral-misoprostol-induction-labour   Outpatient Ripeners:  https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00798-0/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_aip_email   https://www.obgproject.com/2023/05/10/outpatient-labor-induction-with-misoprostol-impact-on-length-of-stay-and-vaginal-delivery-rates/?mc_cid=83f577ac38&mc_eid=854ebe014b   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027046/   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519220302845   Melatonin: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/12/3252   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00616/full    https://www.cochrane.org/CD010527/PREG_giving-melatonin-women-pregnancy-protect-babys-brain-and-improve-long-term-outcomes-baby   https://grantome.com/grant/NIH/R21-HD086392-01 (Brigham & Women’s Hospital)   https://fetalmedicine.org/abstracts/2022/var/pdf/abstracts/2022/03846.pdf   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34058776/    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044825/   EPO: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-evening-primrose-oil-epo/    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382022000257   https://brieflands.com/articles/fga-130352.html

19 Mars 49min

In this episode, HeHe interviews Dr. Nina-Marie, an expert on gut health and pediatric wellness. They discuss the foundational importance of gut health, connections between gut microbiome and conditions such as eczema, cancer, and sleep disorders, as well as the impact of heavy metals and environmental factors. Dr. Nina-Marie emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing health concerns, advocating for thorough testing such as GI maps and HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis). The conversation also covers vaccination concerns, especially related to aluminum and mercury, as well as safe and effective alternative approaches to managing pediatric health issues. Dr. Nina-Marie provides practical advice for parents on how to address their children’s health concerns through diet, lifestyle changes, and appropriate testing and supplements.   From Nina: I love reading, hiking, sitting outside in the sun, and spending undistracted time with my husband and 3 children. As a traditionally trained Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on perinatal and pediatric health, I help your family grow without Big Pharma. Whether you’re coming to me for help getting and staying pregnant, or because your child is dealing with chronic eczema, constipation, ADHD, or autism - you can be sure that I will not be giving you the same one-size symptom-suppressing approach your typical doc gives you. Instead, I make sure your care is tailored to your specific body’s needs with functional testing so we can tackle the root cause of your/your child’s health issues. My areas of expertise are : Pediatric Health: Eczema ADHD Constipation Autism/ASD Behavioral concerns Picky eating Women’s Health: Preconception Pregnancy Postpartum Breastfeeding Thyroid disorders PCOS/Endometriosis   TIMESTAMPS 01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section 03:10 Understanding Eczema in Children 07:16 The Importance of Gut Health 24:40 Heavy Metals and Their Impact 34:21 Vaccination Concerns and Alternatives 41:23 Discussing Aluminum and Metals in Vaccinations 42:04 Understanding the Immune System and Vaccination Impact 47:05 Gut Health and Eczema Connection 47:59 Exploring Causes and Treatments for Eczema 50:49 Direct-to-Consumer Testing and Its Implications 01:00:30 Probiotics: To Use or Not to Use? 01:06:26 Steroid Creams for Eczema: Pros and Cons 01:14:24 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice     SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Dr. Nina Marie on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   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!   Attend our free class to help you avoid a c-section!  LINKS MENTIONED: Connect with Dr. Nina-Marie here!

14 Mars 1h 17min

In this episode, Amanda joins HeHe to discuss the critical importance of protein intake for women, specifically regarding overall health, pregnancy, and fertility. Key topics include basic protein requirements, potential deficiencies, the role of protein during pregnancy trimesters, and protein's impact on fetal growth and postpartum recovery. Amanda emphasizes the need for intentional eating, recommending strategies for protein intake through diet and supplements while debunking popular myths about nutrition trends such as collagen and soy. This episode offers practical advice for women at various stages of their reproductive journey, highlighting the broad-reaching benefits of adequate protein consumption.   Guest Bio: Amanda Howell is a dedicated public health professional and current Master of Science in Nursing student specializing in women's health, with a focus on pre and postnatal nutrition and fitness. She is committed to providing evidence-based insights that empower women to make informed decisions. Amanda emphasizes the vital connection between proper nutrition during pregnancy and improved health outcomes, striving to support women through education, advocacy, and accessible resources. 03:10 Introducing the Birth Lounge App 04:24 Today's Topic: Protein in Pregnancy 06:34 Special Guest: Amanda Howell 07:48 The Importance of Protein in Pregnancy 21:04 Understanding Protein Sources 27:27 Debunking Soy Myths 34:53 Navigating Shift Work and Sleep 42:21 Navigating the Wild West of Supplements 42:39 Choosing Safe and Reputable Protein Brands 42:50 Importance of Protein During Pregnancy 43:19 Third-Party Testing for Supplements 43:35 Avoiding Unsafe Ingredients in Supplements 44:02 Artificial Sweeteners and Personal Preferences 44:48 Recommended Protein Brands 48:02 Protein's Role in Conception and Pregnancy 51:00 Protein Deficiency and Fertility Issues 52:09 Protein's Impact on Hormones and Stress 55:56 Optimizing Protein Intake for Pregnancy 01:05:05 Postpartum Protein Needs and Recovery 01:07:16 Quick and Easy Protein Snacks for New Moms 01:11:23 The Importance of Protein for Overall Health 01:14:15 Stress and Its Impact on Pregnancy 01:16:48 Final Thoughts and Resources   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Amanda on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   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!   Watch the Avoid a C-Section webinar here!     RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Amanda here!    Get HeHe’s favorite protein powder from Just Ingredients, here!     Optimum Nutrition Prepared Protein Shakes    Premier Protein Prepared Protein Shakes

12 Mars 1h 20min

In this episode of the Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes Jessie and Amanda, hosts of the Pregnant Bitches podcast, to discuss a variety of topics crucial for expecting and new parents. The discussion covers candid birth stories, navigating the medical system, mental health, postpartum experiences, and the complexities of relationships after having children. Jessie and Amanda share personal anecdotes about hospital vs. natural births, partner involvement, overcoming fears, and the reality of motherhood, including sex after birth. They emphasize the importance of community, informed choices, and embracing each phase of parenting.  01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section 03:10 Introduction to Today's Episode 04:32 Big Sister Advice with Jesse and Amanda 07:20 Birth Stories: Hospital vs. Natural Birth 13:29 NICU Experience and Postpartum Recovery 30:08 Partner Support During Labor 34:12 Navigating Labor with a Doula 35:13 The Role of Partners During Childbirth 38:53 Postpartum Relationship Dynamics 40:22 Adjusting to Life with Multiple Children 44:59 Considering a Third Child 47:29 Balancing Personal Freedom and Parenthood 56:13 Sex After Baby: What to Expect   Guest Bio: Jessie and Amanda are 2 moms, each to 2 boys, that struggled through their pregnancy & postpartum journey, feeling like there was so much they didn't know and that no one told them. Fast forward to today, and they share the real, raw and relatable side of motherhood. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on YouTube Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Pregnant Bitchez on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Check out the free class: How to avoid a c-section and reduce your chance 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: Connect with Jessie and Amanda here!

7 Mars 1h 7min

In this episode, Kayla Grove, an ICU nurse, joins the podcast to talk about the importance of patient autonomy and informed consent in healthcare. Kayla shares her journey of following her intuition over strictly adhering to medical guidelines, highlighting her respectful approach to patient choices. The discussion includes practical advice for making healthcare decisions, the role of intuition, and how medical professionals can better support patient autonomy. Kayla also discusses her personal birth plan choices and the importance of choosing the right healthcare provider. TIMESTAMPS 01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section 03:10 Empowering Birth Choices 05:18 Meet Kayla Grove: Advocate and Doula 06:24 Kayla's Journey Through Loss and Advocacy 09:52 Patient Autonomy and Medical Decisions 14:57 Humanizing Healthcare 20:40 Challenging Medical Norms 27:25 Maintaining Your Power in Medical Decisions 28:05 Alternative Birth Plan Choices 29:10 Deciding Against Hepatitis B Shot and Eye Ointment 30:41 Addressing Postpartum Hemorrhage Fears 32:36 The Controversy of Declining an IV 38:18 The Importance of Choosing the Right Provider 46:19 Trusting Your Intuition and Making Empowered Decisions 49:51 Final Thoughts and Connecting with the Community   Guest Bio: Kayla is a naturally minded certified ICU nurse with over 12 years of experience, a board-certified integrative nurse coach, holistic doula, and mom of two. Her passion is helping women feel informed and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her mission is to advocate for women to receive the care they deserve—aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates, postpartum mood disorders, and help women truly enjoy their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Kayla's personal experiences have shaped her path. She endured the loss of her best friend due to medical negligence just weeks before having her first baby—a catalyst for her fierce advocacy. She also navigated a difficult birth, followed by postpartum anxiety and OCD and internal tremors. In 2022 she had a missed miscarriage that led her deeper down her path of education and training, and then she had her rainbow baby in 2023. She opened up her coaching business in Nov 2023 and then her doula business in May 2024. Her positive second birth experience, paired with a healing postpartum, drives her to support other women on their journey so they can have the same.   INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on YouTube Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Kayla 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 Kayla here!

5 Mars 51min

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