Ep 165: Navigating Infertility in a Pandemic with Arielle Spiegel

In this heartfelt episode, HeHe and Sarah Lingle discuss the sensitive topics of infertility, pregnancy loss, and the emotional and psychological impacts they have. The conversation covers statistics on infertility and miscarriage, personal experiences with loss, and the ways to support a friend who has experienced pregnancy loss. Sarah shares valuable insights on how to talk about loss, the importance of normalizing these discussions, and the resources available for those going through these difficult times. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand and support friends, family, or clients dealing with pregnancy loss. Understanding Infertility and Loss Statistics Stigma and Sharing About Loss Emotional Responses to Loss Postpartum Care After Loss Support and Resources for Bereaved Parents TFMR Community and Support How to Support Friends Experiencing Loss A Friend's Support During Miscarriage Memorializing Lost Babies The Emotional Complexity of Pregnancy After Loss Navigating Triggers and Boundaries Connecting with Sarah and Final Thoughts Guest Bio: Sarah is the host of The PAL Doula Podcast, and owner of The Pregnancy After Loss Doula, both of which exist to give help and hope to moms navigating pregnancy after loss. She’s a mom to Peanut, who died before birth, and to J, her earthside rainbow baby. When she’s not talking about birth, you can usually find her hiking to a nearby waterfall with my family! Instagram: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with Sarah 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://pregnancyafterlossdoula.com/ Use code Podcast10 to get listeners 10% off of any of Sarah’s offers https://anchor.fm/thepalpod https://littlesantidesigns.co.uk/ https://stillbirthday.com/ https://www.gatheringhope.net/timely-tender-tote-1 https://miscarriagehopedesk.org/ https://www.thecomfortcub.org/

5 Juli 20241h 1min

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Heather Florescue to discuss the vital but often overlooked topic of stillbirth prevention. Dr. Florescue introduces the concept of placental health, the importance of measuring estimated placental volume, and the role this plays in ensuring healthy pregnancies. We dive deep into the current research, debunk myths, and highlight the significance of understanding risk factors and maternal instincts. Dr. Florescue also shares insights on protocols followed in the UK and Australia that could help reduce stillbirth rates. Tune in to learn why education and proactive healthcare can save lives.   Guest Bio: Dr. Florescue is an ob.gyn. in private practice at Women Gynecology and Childbirth Associates in Rochester, N.Y. She delivers babies at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.  She received her medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, completed her internship and residency in obstetrics & gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.  She is certified by the American Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology.  She and her husband are parents to a set of triplets.  Dr. Florescue is passionate about the prevention of pregnancy and infant loss and the care for families who suffer these terrible tragedies.    INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Dr. Florescue 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: Star Legacy Foundation Count the Kicks PUSH Pregnancy Tommys.org Saving Babies Lives Care Bundles

3 Juli 20241h 12min

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Caitlyn Schollmeier to discuss electronic fetal monitoring. They cover what electronic fetal monitoring is, why it is used, differences between continuous and intermittent monitoring, and various related topics. They also explore the implications of different monitoring choices on labor and delivery, including how interventions like Pitocin and epidurals require monitoring and tips for how different monitoring methods might affect movement and comfort during labor. In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: When providers often use each type of monitoring and why they may use continuous monitoring more often.  How long are the breaks during intermittent monitoring? What types of monitoring are best for low risk labors versus more complicated pregnancies?  What helps when we start to see wonky fetal heartones?  So what are some scenarios where you would want electronic fetal monitoring? Guest Bio: Caitlyn Schollmeier is a former birth doula and labor & delivery nurse. She created Lila, a maternity brand that specializes in creating beautiful and comfortable labor clothing that provides privacy while still being accessible for routine medical care. Lila has 4 different styles of birth gown that all provide access for fetal heart monitoring, skin to skin, breastfeeding, massage, epidural placement and more. Social Media: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with Caitlyn on Instagram Connect with Caitlyn 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: Birth Gown (use code BIRTHLOUNGE15 to save 15% off): https://www.wearlila.com/    ACOG stance on EFM: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/fetal-heart-rate-monitoring-during-labor   https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2010/11/management-of-intrapartum-fetal-heart-rate-tracings   https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2021/06/antepartum-fetal-surveillance

13 Juni 202454min

In this episode, HeHe welcomes Jami Reyes, owner of Hip Baby Gear, to discuss essential baby gear. They delve into topics like how to choose car seats and strollers, considerations for different lifestyles, safety tips, and practical advice for parents. Additionally, they cover the pros and cons of popular brands and offer insights into making informed decisions to meet individual needs. In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: What should people be thinking about in terms of the weight and durability of strollers? What are we actually looking for in a car seat? What type of car seats are out there and who they might be best appropriate for from newborn all the way up to big kids in car seats?  What do we need to consider when it comes to thinking about the usage of our car seat and our stroller system and multiple cars?  What’s the installation process like for car seats?  I want to add a mirror and I want to have a camera and I want to have the window covers but are mirrors, cameras, toys, and window covers safe for Baby?  How to dress baby in car seats safely.  Take a listen to learn about…  Choosing the Right Stroller  Considering Your Terrain  The Weight and Durability of Strollers  Car Seat Safety and Installation  Types of Car Seats  The Importance of Proper Installation  Dealing with Accessories and Clothing  Most Frequently Asked Questions including is the Nuna and the Vista stroller systems really worth it and is the Doona safe?    Guest Bio: Jami Reyes is the owner of Hip Baby Gear, in the Marblehead Old Town District. Jami and her husband took over the store in 2016. They had been living in Marblehead for a few years and had their son and loved the idea of not only working locally but being a part of the community in a larger way. HBG has been such an integral partner to local families not only in education but as a way for families to connect. HBG provides an experience unlike any in the area. You can let the little ones play in the back while you grab a coffee or sometimes mimosa and chat! If you are expecting they help with registries, baby must-haves or even offer a little guidance or support.   Instagram: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with Hip Baby Gear 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: Hipbabygear.com https://www.luvbugcompany.com/collections/all-towels https://www.amazon.com/Luv-Bug-Company-Sunscreen-Towel/dp/B08XPVPSR2 Buckle me baby coats: https://www.bucklemecoats.com/

8 Juni 20241h 20min

Heather is a professional architect, entrepreneur, and mother of two three and under. Her passion for sustainability and frustration with traditionally potty training her oldest led her to try Elimination Communication with her second baby. With her youngest using the potty at 5 weeks and able to take HERSELF by 12 months, Heather is now on a mission to show new and expecting parents everywhere what is possible and how they too can naturally potty train their babies from as early as birth.  As the host of the Ready From Birth Community, she brings together EC parents from all over the world so they can relax and enjoy the journey to early toilet independence without ever having to navigate the roadblocks alone. The Ready From Birth Course launched in May 2024, so new and expecting parents can get all the information they need to start EC and have their baby toilet independent as early as walking! 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!  Instagram:  Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Heather on IG  Links: Heather’s Community: community.readyfrombirth.com  Heather’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@readyfrombirth The Huckleberry app is mentioned as a tool to track your baby’s elimination schedule

5 Juni 20241h 17min

HeHe is joined by a Labor & Employment Lawyer and CEO of Centurion Trial Attorney to discuss maternity leave laws in the United States. Ryan shares what rights pregnant people have, when to share the big news with your boss & what's the minimum lawful amount of time off you're entitled to when you have a baby? We also cover what to do if you experience retaliation and how to protect your job while you are on maternity leave.    In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: How am I supposed to leave work?  How early do I tell them?  When am I supposed to tell them?  What legal rights do I have?  What if they say I don't get paid?  How am I supposed to make this work financially?  What do I do about the insurance?   Take a listen to learn all about the Family Medical Leave Act ( FMLA ), what questions your employer can and can’t ask you, your rights in the workplace as a pregnant person, your rights in the workplace as a pumping mom, and more!  Guest Bio: Ryan is a former firefighter who spent four years battling California's wildfires.    Ryan is recognized as a leading voice in the field of Labor & Employment law. He has gained a massive following on TikTok as @AttorneyRyan aka "The Labor Lawyer." Through his videos, Ryan empowers employees and small businesses by educating them about the law and worker's rights.   Ryan is a recognized thought-leader in the field of criminal procedure and civil trial practice. He has authored multiple books on the subjects of law, civil trial procedure, and wealth-creating strategies. In his spare time, Ryan also writes crime fiction for adults and educational fiction for children. Ryan graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California.    Instagram: Connect with Ryan on IG Ryan's Website   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!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://edd.ca.gov/paidfamilyleave https://www.eeoc.gov/ https://www.dol.gov/ https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/jobaccommodations https://www.centuriontrialattorneys.com/lawyer-exposes-classic-hr-trap-that-destroys-harassment-cases https://www.centuriontrialattorneys.com/ryan-stygar-helps-pregnant-women-protect-themselves-from-discrimination   YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with HeHe on YouTube

31 Maj 20241h 16min

HeHe and Birth Injury Lawyer, Marlie, dive deep into how legality intersects with maternity care. Join this conversation to hear about your rights as a patient, what you can and can't say 'no' to in labor and what leaving 'AMA' really means! Marlie also breaks down what type of allegations are most commonly brought against OB's and how top down pressure from insurance companies and hospital systems impact patient care and outcomes! This is such an amazing episode!    Bio: Marlie H. Willer is an experienced trial lawyer that has dedicated her practice to 100% litigation. Marlie focuses her practice on medical malpractice, with a particular emphasis in obstetric negligence. She has successfully litigated hundreds of brachial plexus cases across the country.   Connect with Marlie on IG Connect with Marlie Here   Download Scripts for Advocacy!    Connect with HeHe on IG 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 in your App Store --for Android & Apple

30 Maj 20241h 15min

Is a membrane sweep the right move for you? Is it a form of induction? In this episode, HeHe dives into what a membrane sweep is, why you might consider one, the risks & benefits plus what you can expect to feel during and after the procedure! If you are worried about going past your due date or considering an induction, this episode is a must-listen!    Connect with HeHe on IG    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!

24 Maj 202422min