Join HeHe and Dr. Nathan Riley as they delve into the complexities of Marginal Cord Insertion (MCI), Velamentous Cord Insertion (VCI), and Vasa Previa, rare conditions that affect the umbilical cord's attachment to the placenta. Dr. Riley explains these conditions in detail, discusses their implications for labor and delivery, and provides guidance on how to manage them. Learn about the risks, potential complications, and how to have informed discussions with healthcare providers. This episode is packed with valuable insights for expectant mothers and birth workers alike. You won't want to miss it!

Understanding VCI and MCI

Diagnosing Cord Insertions

Risk Factors and Associations

Impact on Labor and Delivery

Nutritional and Lifestyle Considerations

Midwife vs. OBGYN: Understanding Different Approaches

Diagnosing and Managing Marginal Cord Insertion

Induction Decisions: Weighing the Options

Natural Induction Methods: Gentle Approaches

Understanding Vasa Previa: Risks and Realities

Navigating Low Intervention Births with Diagnoses

Community and Support: A New Consultation Model

Upcoming Conference: Learning and Networking Opportunities

Empowering Doulas: Knowledge and Advocacy

Guest Bio:

Dr. Nathan Riley is a holistic obgyn providing patient-centered, freedom-focused practice helping women find their healing signal through the noise. He also helps women birth on their own terms.

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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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Connect with Dr. Nathan Riley here

Twin & Breech Conference

References:

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand - 2015 - Ebbing - Third stage of labor risks in velamentous and marginal cord insertion a.pdf

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand - 2016 - Ebbing - Velamentous or marginal cord insertion and the risk of spontaneous preterm.pdf

marginal and velamentous outcomes.pdf

velamentous cord.pdf

Join HeHe as she dives deep into the world of micro dosing psilocybin with expert Tiffany Hurd. In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of psilocybin, its history, and its modern-day use, particularly focusing on microdosing. Tiffany sheds light on the science behind psilocybin, its potential benefits for mental health, creativity, and emotional well-being, and addresses the legal landscape surrounding its use. We also discuss its application in motherhood and how to responsibly integrate it into one’s life. For anyone curious about alternative therapies or looking to deepen their understanding of psilocybin, this is the perfect place to start.

Understanding Psilocybin and Microdosing

Historical Context and Modern Use

The Science Behind Psilocybin

Personal Stories and Experiences

Microdosing in Motherhood

Legality and Accessibility

Legal Status and Accessibility of Psilocybin

Future of Psilocybin: Medical and Therapeutic Models

Different Experiences: Microdosing vs. Higher Doses

Preparation and Integration in Psychedelic Therapy

Ayahuasca vs. Psilocybin: A Comparative Discussion

Safety Considerations and Contraindications

Consumption Methods and Dosage

Guest Bio:

Tiffany Hurd is a Microdosing and Plant Medicine Mentor, Speaker and Psychedelic Consultant based in San Diego who teaches the use of psychedelics within an intentional framework as a supportive and expansive offering for humanity’s healing, personal growth, and wellness.

As a seasoned expert in her field, she educates on how to effectively and intentionally work with psychedelics to facilitate personal transformation, human optimization and enhanced wellness with a focus on the intersections of physical and mental health

Having over fourteen years of experience working in high-level executive positions in Neurology and Neuroscience for Fortune 500 Companies, and over four years of experience consulting teams and coaching individual clients, Tiffany combines her business acumen and expertise to her clients. she teaches people how to effectively and intentionally optimize their psychedelic experiences through microdosing and integration guidance, somatic nervous system tools, wellness modalities and self ritual practices to help them achieve deep transformation.

With her guidance, individuals can unlock new levels of personal growth and self-awareness, with an approach grounded in compassion, integrity, and respect for the transformative power of psychedelics. Tiffany’s services are suitable for anyone seeking support for physical or mental health challenges, personal growth, or spiritual development.

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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!

Connect with Tiffany on her website: https://tiffanyhurd.com 

Have you made a birth plan? Have you heard in the whispers of the internet that they are bad luck? Or that nurses won't respect them? Today HeHe is joined by Nurse Sydney to clear up the confusion around birth plans! Sydney is sharing how birth plans can benefit your care team, what you want to consider when making a birth plan and what goes through a nurse's head when they are handed a birth plan! The is a must-listen for anyone who is planning a hospital birth and wants to prioritize open communication with your medical team to achieve the best birth possible! 

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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!

HeHe is joined by Jen Darwin to talk about reimagining postpartum in the US! As a former Labor & Delivery RN and now a doula, Jen is no stranger to the disparities that happen in postpartum support for moms-- the lack of 'the village,' the single six-week check up and no paid maternity care. Overall, the United States spends the most money in the world on healthcare per person. However, in regard to maternal outcomes, we typically rank last when compared to other wealthy nations. Today, Jen shares about her postnatal retreat center nestled in San Francisco and provides full-service, round the clock postpartum care for new parents! The retreat center is a comfortable, relaxing place where you, your partner and baby can get the support you need to get off to a healthy start. Meals are prepared for you, dishes are done for you, staff makes your bed, and washing bottles and pumping parts! Their King Studio and King Suites are customized for postpartum recovery and come equipped with heated bidet toilets, rainfall shower heads, and comfortable King Size beds. Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, a “village” of support can offer the resources you need.

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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!

The Village Retreat Center

**Receive $200 Spa Credit and $100 off your total stay when you mention The Birth Lounge Podcast

Join HeHe and Tyler Bradshaw from Aqua Tots as they dive deep into the crucial topic of water safety for children. This episode covers alarming drowning statistics, the importance of swim lessons from as young as four months, and practical advice for preventing drowning incidents. Tyler shares expert insights on floatation devices, the role of water watchers, appropriate bath suit colors, and safe pool practices for homes and communities. This is an essential episode for all parents and caregivers to keep their kids safe around water in all settings year round.

The Importance of Water Safety

Drowning Statistics and Prevention

Understanding Different Types of Drowning

The Role of Swim Lessons

Common Places for Drowning

Dry Drowning Explained

The Dangers of Distractions

Water Wings and Flotation Devices

Tips for Parents with Multiple Children at the Pool

Home Pool Safety

Ensuring Pool Safety: Skimmer Baskets and Barriers

Water Safety Analogies: Highway and Pool

The Importance of Swim Lessons for Children

Starting Swim Lessons Early: Building Muscle Memory

Overcoming Fear of Water in Young Children

Swim Lesson Levels: From Babies to Competent Swimmers

Swim Lesson Curriculum: Skills and Progression

Choosing the Right Swimwear for Safety

Guest Bio:

Tyler, owner of Aqua-Tots Swim School Norwood is passionate about childhood water safety!  Aqua-Tots was founded in 1991 and headquartered in the Phoenix area, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools is making waves as the largest international provider of year-round, indoor swim instruction, community outreach and drowning prevention education. Its trusted program is dedicated to children of all abilities from four months to 12 years old and features a proven curriculum used to teach more than five million swim lessons each year. Aqua-Tots is recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top 100 Franchises for Women in 2024, Entrepreneur's Top 15 Children’s Franchises of 2023, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, Inc. Magazine's Top 5000 and Franchise Times’ Top 200. Aqua-Tots has more than 150 locations in 25 states across 14 countries and is rapidly expanding with 90 locations in development.

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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!

Connect with Tyler at Norwood Aqua-Tots here! 

Find an Aqua-Tots near you! 

Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, Kids Swim Lessons, Swimming Tips for Parents, Water Safety Tips, Child Swim Lessons, Summer Safety Tips, Pool Safety Tips, Accident Prevention, Water Safety Month, Child Safety

Join HeHe in an inspiring conversation with Raquel as she shares her incredible journey from multiple cesarean sections to achieving a successful vaginal birth after three cesareans (VBA3C) in a home setting. Raquel discusses the importance of taking control of birth decisions, questioning standard practices, and finding the confidence to push back against a system that often prioritizes medical convenience over individual empowerment. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of birthing with autonomy and the transformative power it holds for mothers. Don't miss this pivotal episode filled with personal stories, expert insights, and practical advice for expecting mothers and birth advocates.

• Raquel's First Birth Experience

Guest Bio:

Raquel is a mother of four, ages 2, 5, 18, and 20. Together with her husband, she raises her family in Southern California. Raquel has a regular 9-5, but her superhero self works doing her soul work into the night supporting Goddess Blyss and Dr. Stu with the Birthing Instincts Podcast. In 2021 Dr. Stu supported Raquel’s 4th pregnancy, a breech HBA3C. It was life changing and has been a dream come true to be able to work along side him and especially Goddess Blyss in birth work, and spreading awareness to birth choices and the beauty of birth. Raquel is now a birth doula and teaches birth education classes with her husband.

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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!

HeHe is joined with Kayleigh Summers, or The Birth Trauma Mama, to discuss a rare but serious pregnancy complication known as Amniotic Fluid Embolism. This episode dives into what causes AFE, the signs & symptoms plus what Kayleigh's healing process looked like after her experience. You will also hear questions and discussions to have with your provider if you have risk factors that increase your chances of experiencing AFE or if you're curious how your hospital would manage an event such as AFE in your birth. This episode mentions birth trauma, maternal death and fetal demise so please be kind with yourself and listen when you're in a safe space to consume this kind of content. 

JOIN THE BIRTH LOUNGE

Guest Bio:

Kayleigh Summers is an Amniotic Fluid Embolism survivor who shares her birth story as a way to be a space that women that safety learn about & heal from birth trauma. Some of you may follow her on social media where she is known as the birth trauma mama. Kayleigh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owns a private practice where she educates and supports those who have experienced perinatal trauma! She also has a podcast called the birth trauma mama podcast and she hosts small groups for people who are looking for birth trauma support! 

CONNECT WITH KAYLEIGH

Website

IG

Podcast

CONNECT WITH HEHE

IG

Work with HeHe

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://afesupport.org/

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/amniotic-fluid-embolism

https://obgconnect.com/library/2020/01/31/amniotic-fluid-embolism-afe/

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

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!

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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! 

https://pregnancyafterlossdoula.com/

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/

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.

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. 

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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!

Star Legacy Foundation

Count the Kicks

PUSH Pregnancy

Tommys.org

Saving Babies Lives Care Bundles

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?

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.

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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! 

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