This episode isn’t just about birth plans—it’s about the plan no one wants to make, but every family needs. I’m joined by Kayleigh Summers, aka The Birth Trauma Mama, to have a real and raw conversation about creating a catastrophe plan during pregnancy.

Kayleigh shares her personal story of surviving an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and how that experience changed everything about the way she views birth prep. We talk about what most people skip over: ICU protocols, feeding plans, postpartum care in emergencies, and yes—even life support decisions.

It’s a heavy conversation, but it’s also incredibly empowering. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to start building a plan that ensures your wishes are respected and your voice is heard—even if things don’t go the way you envisioned.

This is about protecting your power in birth, no matter what.

Guest Bio:

Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. Drawing from her clinical expertise and lived experience as an amniotic fluid embolism survivor, Kayleigh is dedicated to supporting families navigating perinatal trauma and collaborating with healthcare institutions to implement trauma-informed care tailored to pregnant and postpartum populations. As The Birth Trauma Mama, Kayleigh has cultivated vibrant support communities through Instagram, TikTok, and her podcast, offering connection, storytelling, and valuable resources for individuals impacted by perinatal trauma. Her work bridges clinical knowledge and personal insight, fostering hope and healing for those in need.

00:00 Introduction and Third Trimester Update

02:51 Creating a Birth Plan

04:40 Introducing the Catastrophe Plan

05:50 Kayleigh Summers' Story and Lessons

08:41 Discussing Catastrophic Birth Plans

11:11 Advocating for Yourself and Your Baby

11:57 Welcoming Kayleigh Summers

12:24 The Importance of Hard Conversations

13:22 Planning for Postpartum and Catastrophic Events

16:44 Separation and Skin-to-Skin Contact

39:02 Feeding Plans and Breastfeeding Decisions

44:01 Struggles with Milk Supply

44:47 Navigating ICU Communication

49:24 The Importance of Family Support

52:08 Documenting ICU Experiences

58:48 Life Support Decisions

01:07:59 Preparing for Catastrophic Events

01:19:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

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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!

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thebirthtraumamama.com

Keywords: birth trauma, birth trauma mama, Kayleigh Summers, catastrophe plan pregnancy, amniotic fluid embolism, AFE birth story, emergency birth planning, pregnancy birth plan, postpartum planning, ICU birth plan, feeding plan newborn, high risk pregnancy planning, birth advocacy, informed consent in birth, empowered birth, birth trauma support, The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe Stewart, maternal health advocacy, lowering birth trauma

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of my favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/

In this week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest elephants in the birthing room: sky-high C-section rates in the U.S. (yep, we’re talking about that 1 in 3 number).

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just accept that as the norm. I’m sitting down with Juli Pyle, a certified nurse midwife who has helped her small, rural hospital keep their C-section rate at just 12% (I know, jaw drop, right?).

Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really working—things like midwives and OBs actually collaborating as a team, evidence-based care that puts families first, and a hospital culture that truly values physiological birth.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lower C-section rates and protect birthing families, this episode is going to light a fire in you.

00:00 Introduction to the Birth Lounge Podcast

01:16 The Nation's C-Section Rate and WHO Recommendations

01:55 Introducing Juli Pyle: A Nurse Midwife with a 12% C-Section Rate

03:26 Achieving Low C-Section Rates: Insights from Juli Pyle

06:18 Challenges and Solutions in Maternity Care

07:29 Encouragement for Large Hospital Systems

09:16 Interview with Juli Pyle Begins

10:41 The Project and Results: Integrating Midwifery into Hospital Practice

12:43 Midwifery Care and Trust Between Providers

19:04 Co-Managing High-Risk Pregnancies

25:56 Ego and Team Dynamics in Maternity Care

29:01 The Importance of Midwifery in Large Hospitals

31:58 Ad for Cozy Earth: Comfort During Pregnancy

34:03 Licensure Structure for Midwives in Pennsylvania

34:56 The Role and Training of Certified Nurse Midwives

35:25 Legislation and Independent Practice for Midwives

38:02 Challenges in Mississippi's Healthcare System

43:13 Midwifery Care Across Different Regions

45:40 Managing Labor and Reducing C-Section Rates

57:49 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice

01:04:23 Encouragement for Healthcare Advocates

01:06:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio:

Juli Pyle (she/her) is a certified nurse midwife who practices at a community hospital in rural Pennsylvania. Juli was a stay at mom for many years to five children before deciding to return to school to pursue a degree in nursing. She graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a bachelors of science in nursing degree in 2016 and then began her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse. She quickly discovered that this was her true passion (as she had suspected since birthing her own children) and rapidly gained a reputation for professionalism, compassion and expertise among colleagues and patients. She then returned to Frontier Nursing University to complete a Master’s degree in Nursing with an emphasis in midwifery. In 2020, she began her career as a certified nurse-midwife at a small community hospital in central Pennsylvania where she has been since that time. Her focus as a CNM is to provide evidence-based education to all birthing families, give true autonomy and informed consent throughout their time with her and to share love, understanding, empathy and true shared-decision making. Juli also currently serves on the Pennsylvania MMRC (maternal mortality review committee). When not immersed in the birthing world, she enjoys spending time refinishing furniture, gardening, raising chickens, hiking and vacationing with her husband and family.

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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!

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Keywords: c section rates, lowering c section rates, midwifery care, nurse midwife, birth outcomes, evidence based birth, collaborative maternity care, informed consent in birth, physiological birth, reducing c sections, birth lounge podcast, maternity care reform, midwives and obstetricians, rural hospital birth, empowering birth choices

Ohhh baby! The second trimester is here, and it’s bringing all the feels! In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my pregnancy so far and giving you the inside scoop on some pretty big updates happening inside The Birth Lounge.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:

✨ The first magical moments of feeling baby kicks (inside and outside!)

This episode is part pregnancy diary, part behind-the-scenes of how The Birth Lounge is evolving, and part love note to every parent who’s navigating the wild ride of growing a human.

Whether you’re here for the bump updates, the evidence-based pregnancy talk, or the scoop on how The Birth Lounge is about to get even juicier… this one’s got a little something for you.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:59 Exciting Changes in The Birth Lounge Membership

03:24 Membership Options Breakdown

04:27 Exclusive Benefits for Lifetime Members

07:50 Second Trimester Experiences

08:57 Feeling the Baby Move

12:40 Weight Gain and Body Changes

17:41 Pregnancy Pillow and Sleep Adjustments

21:42 Cravings and Prenatal Vitamins

23:39 Hot Yoga and Sauna During Pregnancy

29:51 Hiring a Home Birth Midwife

31:52 Diastasis Recti and Pelvic Floor Therapy

34:35 Non-Evidence Based Decisions

36:28 Starting Aspirin and CGM

39:55 Anatomy Scan Experience

41:52 Ultrasound and Baby Movements

48:16 Colostrum and Heartburn

51:31 Round Ligament Pain and Chiropractic Care

55:42 Preparing for Birth: Classes and Plans

01:01:25 Final Thoughts and Excitement

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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!

Weight Gain in Pregnancy Research

Low Dose Aspirin use in pregnancy

Exercise During Pregnancy Research

Needed Powder Prenatal: Use Code HeHe

Just Ingredients Protein powder: Use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE

Cozy Earth: one of my favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the world of baby wearing with Jordan Morillo, a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom. We’re talking everything from the ABCs of carrier choices to spotting a perfect carry (and avoiding the not-so-perfect ones). You’ll learn how to safely position your baby, back carry like a pro, tandem wear without losing your mind, and even breastfeed on the go. We tackle fears, hot-weather hacks, and ethical carrier picks, so whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned wearer, you’ll walk away confident, informed, and ready to rock that baby wearing life.

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Baby Wearing

05:42 Key Safety Components: The ABCs of Baby Wearing

08:53 Understanding the M Position for Baby's Legs

15:21 Choosing the Right Baby Carrier

20:59 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

25:03 Risks and Benefits of Baby Wearing

29:36 Special Considerations for NICU and Preemie Babies

33:40 Misleading Marketing and Safety Testing

39:22 Addressing Baby's Discomfort with Carriers

39:45 Tips for Easing Baby into Baby Wearing

41:05 Understanding Baby's Resistance to Carriers

45:14 Debunking Myths: Baby Wearing and Clinginess

48:52 Breastfeeding Benefits and Baby Wearing

50:55 Toddler Wearing: Tips and Techniques

54:44 Tandem Wearing: Managing Two Kids

56:21 Forward Facing: When and How

01:00:21 Favorite Carriers for Different Scenarios

01:07:44 Water Safe Baby Wearing

01:11:22 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Guest Bio:

Jordan Morillo is a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom, who is passionate about empowering families with the knowledge they need to babywear safely, comfortably, and with confidence. She provides parent support through worldwide virtual 1:1 consultations, home health services, and by sharing free resources and tutorials on social media.

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Connect with Jordan 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 for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

Visit Motherhoodtherapyservices.janeapp.com to book a consultation with Jordan! 

RESEARCH:

Study on decreased cry time when worn: Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Urs A. Hunziker; Ronald G. Barr. Pediatrics (1986) 77 (5): 641–648

Vital signs regulation: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39369660/ 

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Katharine Graves, the powerhouse behind KG Hypnobirthing, to uncover the magic of turning birth into a calm, confident, and downright empowering experience. We’re talking about how hypnobirthing can completely change the way you feel about labor, why evidence-based maternity care is non-negotiable, and how partners can be fierce advocates in the birth space. Katharine also breaks down natural birth approaches like water birth, what you need to know about common interventions like inductions and C-sections, and why preparation is your secret weapon for a birth you feel good about. This is your permission slip to take charge of your birth story and make it an experience you actually want to remember.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:52 Katharine Graves on Hypnobirthing

05:20 Challenges and Misconceptions in Modern Birth Practices

20:05 The Role of Partners in Birth

30:15 Comparing Human and Animal Birth Practices

34:35 The Role of C-Sections in Modern Birth

34:54 Challenging Hospital Birth Assumptions

35:52 The Power and Pain of Birth

36:33 Hospital Interventions and Their Impact

39:18 Global Perspectives on Birth Practices

39:59 The Influence of Technology in Birth

40:49 The Debate on Birth Interventions

46:39 The Importance of Informed Choices

47:49 The Concept of Bonus Time in Late Pregnancy

56:37 The Golden Hour and Post-Birth Practices

01:02:57 Addressing Birth Trauma and Hypnobirthing

01:06:22 Final Thoughts and Resources

Guest Bio:

Katharine Graves is the founder of KG Hypnobirthing, a leading antenatal pregnancy & birth education programme that has helped thousands of families approach birth with calm, confidence, and informed choice. She’s a highly respected hypnobirthing expert - having been the first person to introduce hypnobirthing to the UK. She is also a hypnotherapist and doula as well as being author of The Hypnobirthing Book, selling well over 100,000 copies worldwide. Katharine has spent over 15 years personally teaching over 3,000 parents and 2,000 teachers & maternity professionals how to support physiological, empowering birth.

Katharine is deeply passionate about respectful, evidence-based maternity care and the importance of giving women the tools to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and labour. Through her work, she’s trained hundreds of midwives and birth professionals, and continues to lead the way in transforming birth culture through education and compassion.

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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!

kghb.org/thebirthlounge

kghypnobirthing.com

Check out The Hypnobirthing Book here! 

Keywords: hypnobirthing, KG Hypnobirthing, Katharine Graves, natural birth, water birth, positive birth, calm birth, empowered birth, birth preparation, partner support in birth, birth advocacy, induction alternatives, avoiding c-section, evidence based birth, childbirth without fear, hypnobirthing techniques, labor comfort measures, natural pain relief birth, pregnancy podcast, The Birth Lounge

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious.

Grab The Secret Sauce to Pushing Here or join our lifetime membership to get free access! 

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Whitney and Brandon Cawood to uncover the hidden ways synthetic food dyes can impact your child’s health and behavior. We’re talking real-life symptoms like irritability, hyperactivity, sleep struggles, and even aggression — and the science that backs it up. Whitney and Brandon share their powerful story of discovering their son’s sensitivity to dyes, the huge transformation they saw after removing them, and how that journey turned into advocacy work.

We’re pulling back the curtain on industry resistance, why the FDA has been slow to act, and what legislation is (and isn’t) doing to protect families. You’ll get practical tips for spotting dyes in your pantry, finding dye-free swaps, and trusting your gut when it comes to your child’s health — even if the experts say otherwise. This is your crash course in advocating for your kids, one grocery trip at a time.

Timestamps

After discovering their child’s sensitivity to synthetic dyes, Brandon and Whitney Cawood, parents-turned-filmmakers, embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden impacts of these additives. Their documentary combines scientific insights and personal stories from affected families, revealing the unseen dangers of synthetic dyes. Through expert interviews and heartfelt narratives, the Cawoods aim to raise awareness of the profound effects these chemicals can have on individuals and families alike. Since beginning this journey, they’ve also become national advocates, working on legislation across the U.S. to help protect children from harmful food additives.

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Grab The Secret Sauce to Pushing 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!

https://www.todyeforthedocumentary.com/

Keywords:

In this spicy World Breastfeeding Week episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is calling out the BS that’s messing with your breastfeeding journey. From the "feed every three hours" myth to the outdated fear around nursing your baby to sleep, we’re busting it all wide open.

HeHe breaks down 9 of the most common (and flat-out harmful) pieces of advice that new parents are being fed — and shows you exactly how to ditch the bad info and trust your baby, your body, and your instincts instead. We’re talking evidence-based truth bombs, real-time solutions, and the exact shifts that can make breastfeeding feel less like a struggle and more like second nature.

You’ll also get access to HeHe’s free class on how to avoid a c-section, because spoiler alert: how you feed your baby matters, but how you're supported while doing it matters even more.

This episode is for every new or expecting parent who’s feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just plain tired of hearing 15 different opinions on the same thing. If you're ready to quiet the noise and feel confident in your breastfeeding journey — you're in the right place.

What We Cover:

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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!

Keywords: breastfeeding tips, breastfeeding myths, newborn feeding, nursing mistakes, breastfeeding advice, how to breastfeed, World Breastfeeding Week, breastfeeding help, lactation support, breast milk supply, nursing to sleep, cluster feeding, pumping tips, nipple confusion, supplementing with formula, avoid c-section, evidence-based birth, postpartum support, new mom tips, birth lounge podcast, HeHe Stewart

Welcome back to The Birth Lounge Podcast, where we say the quiet parts out loud and hold nothing back when it comes to protecting your power in birth.

In this episode, I’m joined by Krysta Dancy, a licensed trauma therapist, birth doula, and one of the most honest voices in the trauma-informed care space. Together, we unpack what birth trauma really is, how to spot it, how to prevent it, and how to start healing if it’s already part of your story.

We’re digging into:

Whether you had a traumatic birth or just want to avoid becoming another horror story statistic, this episode is here to remind you: You are not broken. You are not alone. And there is a way forward.

Timestamps:

This episode is full of validation, education, and the tools you need to take the next best step, whether you’re deep in healing or just beginning to realize you’ve got some unpacking to do. You are allowed to feel everything. And you're allowed to heal, your way.

Guest Bio:

Krysta Dancy is a licensed trauma therapist, birth doula, and passionate advocate for healing after a difficult birth.

With over 20 years of experience in psychology, trauma recovery, and perinatal care, Krysta has walked alongside countless families and professionals through some of their most vulnerable moments. She believes that every birthing person deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported — and that healing is always possible, even after trauma.

As the founder and CEO of Dancy Perinatal Counseling, a nationwide organization dedicated to supporting both parents and the professionals who care for them, Krysta’s mission is to make trauma-informed obstetric care the norm, not the exception.

Whether she’s offering therapy, teaching, or simply holding space for someone’s story, Krysta brings compassion, deep expertise, and a fierce commitment to helping people reclaim their strength after a traumatic birth.

Dancy Perinatal Website: http://www.DancyPerinatal.com

Dancy Perinatal IG: https://www.instagram.com/dancyperinatalcounseling/

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Grab HeHe’s free guide to pitocin use 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!

The IES-R scale as a pdf 

Check out Krysta’s on demand classes here, including debrief and trauma prevention skills for doulas. 

Use the promo code "HEHE" to watch Krysta’s on-demand class "Healing After A Traumatic Birth"  for free.

Welcome back to The Birth Lounge, where we ditch shame, question the mainstream, and talk about your body with zero fluff and full truth.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mimi Lindquist, co-host of The Medicine Podcast and expert in AHCC and medicinal mushrooms, to break down everything you need to know about HPV — the "common cold of the cervix."

If you've ever felt confused, judged, or totally overwhelmed after an HPV diagnosis, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

We’re covering:

This episode is for the woman who’s ready to stop feeling powerless and start leading her healing journey with confidence.

Timestamps:

Guest Bio:

Meagan (Mimi) Lindquist is the co-host of The Medicin Podcast where she and her husband, Chase, help others proactively create deep, passionate partnership supported by a healthy and conscious lifestyle. With her background as a clinical dental hygienist, culinary nutrition expert, AHCC® educator, and mushroom enthusiast, she has been helping others prevent disease for over 12 years now. Over the last 4 years, Mimi’s work has led her to educating and supporting women from all over the world who’ve received an HPV+ result and receiving little or no support from conventional medicine. She assists women in becoming empowered, active participants in their expression of health and proactively creating a life that they love.

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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!

www.TheMedicin.com

Welcome back to The Birth Lounge Podcast—where we challenge the status quo, ask the questions the system hopes you won’t, and take your family’s health seriously (without fear-mongering or fluff).

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Kelly Ryerson, co-executive director of American ReGen and founder of Glyphosate Facts. With degrees from Dartmouth and Stanford, Kelly brings the heat and the receipts on one of the most important (and honestly, infuriating) topics in modern health: glyphosate.

Yup, that’s the same chemical in Roundup—the most widely used pesticide on Earth.

We dive deep into:

This episode is part science, part scandal, and fully focused on helping you take back control of your health—because no one is coming to do that for you.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually in your food, how it’s affecting your hormones, fertility, or your growing baby, or why the U.S. is behind other countries in banning toxic chemicals…

Timestamps:

Guest Bio:

Kelly Ryerson works at the intersection of agriculture and health. She regularly collaborates with regenerative farmers, scientists, policymakers and media to address agrochemical damage to our soil and bodies. Kelly is the co-Executive Director of American Regeneration and also founded the news site Glyphosate Facts. Kelly has contributed to numerous podcasts, publications, and documentaries including the recent award winning documentary Common Ground. She is an Ambassador for The Rodale Institute. Kelly has a BA from Dartmouth College, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and completed training in integrative health coaching at Duke Integrative Medicine. 

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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!

www.americanregeneration.org 

www.glyphosatefacts.com 

Connect with HRI Labs here

Firehawk bio herbicide

Pestie