The Birth Lounge Podcast

Join HeHe and Labor & Delivery RN, Heidi Nielsen, to discuss the gap in care that exists within the hospital system when a fetal loss occurs. Many loss families report that their hospital staff did not deliver trauma-informed & compassionate care during the most dark of times. Heidi shares that nursing schools and the medical system does a very poor job of preparing nurses to care for families in the case of fetal demise. This episode is aimed towards medical professionals or support services (like doulas) who care for expectant families. This episode does come with a listener discretion as we dive into fetal demise in detail so healthcare professionals can be prepared for this experience and have evidence-based ways to support their patients in times of loss. 

Guest Bio:

Heidi has been in the OB world for over a decade which has been filled with the most incredible, happy, and heartbreaking experiences. In addition to working at the bedside, she is also a nurse educator for Bundle Birth Nurses and a fetal monitoring instructor for AWHONN. She has a love for curating a positive birth experience for my patients and helping them to navigate when things don't go as planned. She also has a passion for educating nurses and helping them to find their voice and expand on their knowledge to grow and build on to their day-to-day practice.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Bundle Birth Nurses 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!

Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

In this heartfelt episode, HeHe is joined by Ana Lepe Vick, a loss mom who courageously shares the story of her son, Owen, and her experience with preventable stillbirth. Together, they shed light on the disparities within the U.S. healthcare system and the critical gaps in care that may have saved Owen’s life if Ana’s concerns had been taken seriously. You’ll learn evidence-based techniques for monitoring your baby’s well-being at home, how to effectively communicate concerns to your care team, and ways to get involved in the movement to end preventable stillbirth in the U.S.

Guest Bio:

Following a “textbook” perfect pregnancy, Ana and her husband were blindsided by their son, Owen Nathaniel's, unexpected stillbirth. A subsequent, high-risk Pregnancy After Loss with 17 weeks of bedrest eventually blessed them with a healthy, living sibling for their elder daughter thanks to her own personal advocacy. Yet her family’s struggles through stillbirth and two subsequent miscarriages before the birth of her second son, resulted in deep emotional birth trauma. Today, Ana channels her trauma into advocacy heading to D.C. regularly to support legislative efforts. She also shares her insights on her personal Instagram @stillmyson*, aiming to spread awareness and empower those facing similar challenges to raise their voices for change. Above all, she fiercely advocates to advance the standard of care for pregnant families.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Ana 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!

Pregnancy After Loss (for practitioners) Course by PUSH Pregnancy 

Pregnancy After Loss (for parents) Guide

PUSH Pregnancy

Episode 221: Counting Kicks with Emily Price

PUSH Pregnancy educational material 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

Dr. Lizzie rejoins the show to delve into the specifics of adult tongue tie, its signs, and how chiropractic care can be a beneficial option for recovery. The discussion covers the anatomical and structural aspects of tongue ties, their impact on feeding in infants, and the potential benefits of body work before considering surgical interventions. Dr. Lizzie also shares her personal journey with tongue tie as an adult and offers insights for parents on assembling the right team for their child's care. This episode is packed with valuable information for parents suspecting tongue ties in their babies.

Understanding Tongue Ties

Signs and Symptoms in Babies

Anatomical vs. Structural Ties

Chiropractic Care for Tongue Ties

Body Work Before Surgical Intervention

Evaluating the Need for Frenectomy

Genetic Factors and Family History

Chiropractic Care for Weight Gain Issues

Collaborative Care Approach

Challenges and Overwhelm for Parents

Tongue Ties in Older Children and Adults

Personal Journey with Tongue Tie Release

The Importance of Tongue Training

Myofunctional Therapy Journey

The Frenectomy Procedure

Post-Procedure Recovery

Long-Term Benefits and Reflections

Considering Tongue Tie Release for Children

The Role of Pediatric Dentists

Guest Bio:

Dr. Lizzie Sobel discovered chiropractic care at twelve, finding relief from chronic headaches and back pain through holistic healthcare. This experience ignited a lifelong dedication to chiropractic. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Physical Anthropology and Sculpture from Skidmore College, she worked with environmental education centers and the American Cancer Society before traveling to Guatemala to study Spanish. Upon returning, she pursued chiropractic studies at New York Chiropractic College, graduating in 2012 with academic and service awards. She now practices in Massachusetts. 

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

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.wholesomehealingchiro.com/

HeHe is joined by Amanda, a certified professional and licensed midwife in Mississippi, to discuss the challenges and intricacies of maternity care in a state with high birth-related statistics but limited healthcare options. They explore the current state of midwifery in Mississippi, including the types of midwives, their credentials, and the lack of state regulations. Amanda shares her experiences and insights into providing holistic, client-focused care, the importance of informed consent, and the benefits of potential state licensure for midwives. They also delve into the logistics of home births, handling emergencies, and the process of hospital transfers. The conversation highlights the need for improved healthcare access and the integration of midwives into the broader healthcare system to address Mississippi's maternal and infant mortality rates.

Challenges of Maternity Care in Mississippi

Understanding Midwifery Credentials

Certified Nurse Midwives vs. Certified Professional Midwives

Regulations and Licensure Issues

The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

The Role of Doulas and Certification Challenges

Benefits and Controversies of Licensure

Handling Emergencies and Transfers

Lab Work and Postpartum Care

Informed Consent and Vitamin K Options

Respecting Parental Autonomy in Healthcare Decisions

Challenges in Hospital Systems and Provider Autonomy

Navigating Hospital Transfers

Advocating for Yourself in the Hospital

Legislation and Midwifery in Mississippi

Guest Bio:

While supporting her sister during labor and delivery in 2012, Amanda knew for certain that God was calling her to the ministry of birth work. In early 2014, she began serving families professionally during the childbearing years as a DONA Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator.

In July of 2017, Amanda began the  process of becoming a Certified Professional Midwife with the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). From 2018-2022, she  worked as a Student Midwife in an apprenticeship with Jennifer Green, CPM of Organic HomeBirth in Colorado Springs. After completing the Midwife To Be academic program, fulfilling all of the Clinical Requirements, and passing the NARM exam, she earned the designation of Certified Professional Midwife in May of 2022.  Amanda considers it an honor to walk with families through pregnancy, childbirth, and into parenthood.

 Amanda has been married to her husband Jason for 20 years, and she homeschools their five children.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Amanda on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

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.hattiesburgmidwifery.com/

In this episode, Labor Junkie RN joins us to dive deep into everything you need to know about epidurals. Listen along as they debunk common myths and provide crucial insights on epidurals. Understand the administration process, potential side effects, and the importance of informed consent. They dive into the details of epidural placement, the role of medical professionals, and possible complications. This episode covers everything you need to know about making informed, empowered decisions regarding epidurals during labor and delivery, ensuring you have the knowledge to navigate childbirth with confidence.

Understanding Epidurals: Basics and Misconceptions

Epidural Placement Process

Addressing Common Fears and Concerns

Hospital Policies and Procedures

Informed Consent and Timeouts

Epidural Placement and Initial Relief

Managing Epidural Effectiveness

Positioning and Movement with an Epidural

Eating During Labor with an Epidural

Walking Epidurals: Rare but Possible

Common Complications and Risks of Epidurals

Epidurals and Labor Progression

Understanding Epidural Side Effects

Making the Decision: To Epidural or Not

Who Can Administer Your Epidural?

Catheterization with an Epidural

Removing the Epidural: What to Expect

Final Thoughts on Epidurals and Birth Choices

Guest Bio:

Sara is a nurse of 15 years, the past decade of that in high risk OB and is the mom of 3! 

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with Sarah on TikTok

Connect with Sarah on Facebook

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!

Check out Birth Brigade Podcast to hear HeHe chat with Dr. Bill Chun, OBGYN!

Join HeHe and Colette, also known as 'My Friends a Nurse,' as they delve into the concept of the 'golden hour'—the crucial time period immediately after childbirth. This episode covers what the golden hour entails, its benefits for mother and baby, and how to navigate potential challenges in a hospital setting. They also discuss important newborn assessments and the emotional toll of missing out on this special time. Learn valuable tips on how to advocate for your birth plan and ensure uninterrupted bonding time with your newborn.

Understanding the Golden Hour

Hospital Practices During the Golden Hour

Managing Medical Procedures and Golden Hour

Nurse and Doctor Interactions

Benefits of Skin-to-Skin and Breastfeeding

The Breast Crawl and Natural Feeding

Signs of Baby's Health and Feeding Needs

Monitoring Baby's Sugar Levels

Skin-to-Skin Contact in the OR

Post-Delivery Procedures and Medications

Advocating for Your Golden Hour

Coping with Missed Golden Hour

Connecting with the Birth Community

Guest Bio:

Colette has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 7 years, traveling throughout the west coast, and is a certified OB clinical specialist in high risk deliveries. Educating new parents at the bedside was always the favorite part of the job and needed to be done so much sooner, so she joined the tribe of birth educators and began birth coaching with My Friend's a Nurse. She’s a mother of two daughters, 20 years apart with two very different birth stories!

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Colette on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

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://myfriendsanurse.com

The Birth Link Podcast anywhere you listen

Jess shares her inspiring water birth story with HeHe on this episode of the podcast, marking the first time this topic is explored on the show. She recounts her journey from her first challenging labor to her triumphant fifth birth, a water birth of her baby boy. Jess delves into her experience with hospital births, including an emergency C-section, and her determination to have a natural birth. Despite doubts and challenges, she successfully found a supportive midwife and had an empowering water birth. The conversation highlights the benefits of water birth, the crucial role of midwives, and the significance of mindset in overcoming birth-related fears. Jess also touches on her postpartum experience and gives insight into the coaching work she does to aid women in overcoming limiting beliefs.

Jess's Birth Story: From Hospital to Water Birth

The Water Birth Experience

Navigating VBAC and Finding the Right Provider

Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth

Postpartum Reflections and Coaching Insights

From Jess:

Years ago, I suffered a loss that ripped to the core of my heart. I searched for books and information of how to get past the pain and brokenness. When I couldn’t find information on how to get my heart and mind past the trauma, I buried the pain deep and moved on from there. The problem with burying things is that they find a way to surface through triggers and you find yourself responding from a place of doubt, fear and pain. Without realizing it, you have a new normal, a new learning history that shapes all of your future behaviors and beliefs. It wasn’t until I received emotional healing that my mindset shifted, and with a renewed mind I was able to respond to triggers and people for a healthy place. It was a process of renewing my mind, being intentional with my thoughts and taking the negative one’s captive. I now know which are the lies and which are the truths and when I‘m navigating triggers, transition, or looking to step into the next area of growth. I know how to navigate my heart, mind, body and spirit from a place of truth.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Jess on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

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://jessjcoaching.com/

Use code WELLNESS10 for 10% any coaching packages

Join HeHe and Dr. Ellese Nickels as they dive into the complex world of birth options and healthcare navigation. Ellese, a pelvic floor physical therapist, shares her two vastly different birth stories—one in a local birth center during the pandemic and another in a hospital setting following startling ultrasound results. Together, they explore the significance of informed choices, respectful care, and the challenging journey through the medical system. Ellese also discusses her shift from home birth plans to hospital delivery due to a false positive heart anomaly and how it reshaped her professional practice. Don't miss the insightful discussion on advocacy, trust in healthcare providers, and finding empowerment through childbirth.

Discussing Birth Stories and Healthcare Insights

First Birth Experience: Dreamy Yet Challenging

The Impact of Birth Experience on Body Image

Second Birth Story: From Home Birth Plans to Hospital Care

Navigating a False Positive Diagnosis

The Provider's Responsibility in Patient Communication

Addressing Soft Skills in Medical Training

Challenges in Medical Practice and Patient Trust

Navigating Amniocentesis Results and Long QT Syndrome

Confronting Medical Recommendations and Seeking Expert Advice

Transitioning to Hospital Birth and Final Preparations

Reflecting on the Birth Experience and Systemic Issues

Postpartum Care and Virtual Support Services

Guest Bio:

Ellese Nickles is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, who specializes in treating women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from UNC in 2016 and has practiced in outpatient orthopedics, pelvic health physical therapy and early intervention with children 0-3 years old. In addition to her career in physical therapy Ellese has experience in personal training, group fitness and teaching yoga and combines these skills with her clinical expertise to holistically help women navigate motherhood.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Ellese on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

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 a free month, just for our listeners, when you sign up for one of Dr. Ellese’s programs. 

Dr. Wood joins the show to discuss his groundbreaking new invention aimed at reducing unnecessary C-sections. The conversation explores the evolving trends in epidural use, the importance of patient autonomy, and effective coaching during labor. Dr. Wood elaborates on the issues surrounding 'failure to progress' and introduces his innovative catheter designed to mitigate common complications associated with Foley catheters during labor. This informative episode sheds light on improving maternal and infant health outcomes and offers insights into the future of obstetric care.

Epidurals: Trends and Practices

Coaching During Labor

Failure to Progress: Understanding the Issue

The Role of the Foley Catheter

Innovative Catheter Design

Addressing Failure to Progress

Managing Foley Catheters: Challenges and Solutions

Discussing Pitocin: Usage and Misconceptions

Innovative Medical Device: Development and Challenges

Crowdfunding for Medical Innovation

Help Dr. Wood Prevent The Primary Section | C-section Reduction Project (Powered by Donorbox)

Dr. Douglas Wood is a highly accomplished Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over 24 years of solo practice experience, managing and delivering more than 9,500 pregnancies. He serves as a Laborist and Hospitalist at UPMC, OBHG, and VeloSource, bringing a wealth of clinical expertise to these roles. Dr. Wood is also a product developer and patent holder, contributing to advancements in the field of obstetrics by reducing the US c-section rate. He holds academic appointments as OB/GYN Clinical Faculty at several institutions, including Baptist Health-UAMS Medical Education Program and New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. A decorated military veteran, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait with the Arkansas Army National Guard, where he served as a Lieutenant Colonel. Dr. Wood is board-certified in OB/GYN and has been recognized for his excellence in teaching with the NYIT Outstanding Preceptor Award in 2021.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

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!

Thank you to EISCO for the quality of their models. We’d like to give recognition to hBARSCI.  hBARSCI is the distributor that helped supply us with the model.  For any potential customers, hBARSCI

Help Dr. Wood Prevent The Primary Section | C-section Reduction Project (Powered by Donorbox)

Join HeHe and Dr. Jennifer Dunatov, an ethicist, in an eye-opening conversation about the vital role of ethics in childbirth. Discover what an ethicist does, how ethics consultations can support both patients and providers, and the complexities of navigating medical dilemmas in birthing spaces. Learn about real-life scenarios, the importance of patient autonomy, and ways to ensure your wishes are respected during labor and delivery. This episode is a must-watch for expectant parents, doulas, and healthcare professionals seeking to understand the intersection of ethics and birth.

Understanding the Role of an Ethicist

Ethics in Birthing Spaces

How to Request an Ethics Consult

Navigating Values Conflicts

Ethics Education for Providers

The Process of an Ethics Consult

Provider Hesitations and Ethical Dilemmas

Patient Autonomy and Medical Advice

Ethics Consults: When and Why to Call

Navigating Hospital Ethics Mechanisms

Real-Life Ethical Scenarios in Birth

The Role of Ethics in Patient Care

Addressing Ethical Conflicts in Labor

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jennifer Dunatov is a health care ethicist living and working in the greater Los Angeles area. She consults, teaches and writes on all things birth ethics. Jennifer co-founded the No Trauma Mama® Project in 2017 after learning as a new mother about the global epidemic of obstetric violence and birth trauma. She believes when people experience ethical and respectful births, it can be transformative for birthing people, families, and entire communities.

Jennifer has served in clinical and academic roles for 19 years. She is currently Senior Director of Ethics in Southern CA for a multi-state health care system.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Dr. Jennifer Dunatov on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

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://notraumamama.com/