In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe discusses the topic of fetal growth restriction (FGR), including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and small for gestational age (SGA) with maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Stephanie Martin. They dive into the implications of these conditions on pregnancy and birth plans, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and the potential need for early delivery to prevent adverse outcomes like stillbirth. Dr. Martin, with over 25 years of experience, also addresses the importance of patient autonomy, advocating for second opinions, and understanding the nuances of ultrasound accuracy. This episode aims to empower expectant parents with evidence-based information, providing a thorough understanding of how to navigate high-risk pregnancies.

00:00 Switching OB Providers: You Have Options

00:51 Welcome Back to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:56 Support the Podcast: Leave a Review

03:46 Today's Topic: Understanding Baby's Size

04:46 Introducing Dr. Stephanie Martin: Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist

06:08 Understanding IUGR, FGR, and SGA

07:00 Monitoring and Managing Small Babies

28:17 The Importance of Kick Counts and Trusting Your Instincts

31:56 Finding the Right OB Provider for You

32:58 The Importance of Trust in Healthcare Relationships

33:15 Challenges in Rural Healthcare Access

34:24 The Right to Seek a Second Opinion

35:38 Advocating for Your Own Care

40:31 Understanding Growth Restriction and Birth Plans

42:15 Managing High-Risk Pregnancies

46:52 Post-Birth Expectations for Growth-Restricted Babies

52:25 The Role of Continuous Monitoring During Labor

53:41 Balancing Control and Flexibility in Birth Plans

57:56 Connecting with Dr. Stephanie and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio:

Dr. Martin is an MFM Physician with over 25 years experience caring for complicated pregnancies. She has a special interest in critical care and is passionate about improving maternal pregnancy outcomes and educating teams about how to improve their care.

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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Clinical Concepts In OB

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In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe is joined by guest Marisa Huebsch to discuss the topic of shoulder dystocia, a rare but serious obstetrical emergency. HeHe and Marisa, a certified nurse midwife, explain what shoulder dystocia is, its causes, and how it can be resolved through various maneuvers. She emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and informed decision-making during childbirth, particularly in high-stress situations like shoulder dystocia. They also delve into the risks of shoulder dystocia for both mothers and babies, including potential injuries and the importance of postpartum debriefing. The episode aims to demystify this complication, providing listeners with practical advice on staying in control and advocating for themselves during labor and delivery.

00:00 Introduction and Hospital Choices

01:38 Understanding Shoulder Dystocia

03:26 Preventing and Managing Shoulder Dystocia

03:42 Guest Introduction: Marisa Huebsch

06:21 Personal Experiences with Shoulder Dystocia

08:57 Detailed Maneuvers for Shoulder Dystocia

20:15 Induction and Shoulder Dystocia

25:48 Patient Autonomy and Birth Choices

42:46 Addressing Provider Self-Reflection and Bias

44:55 Handling Trauma and Patient Care

47:46 Navigating Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent

49:18 The Role of Providers in Birth Experiences

01:02:55 Managing Shoulder Dystocia Risks and Outcomes

01:15:15 Empowering Patients Through Education and Support

01:18:32 Final Thoughts and Resources

From Marisa: 

I was a Labor and delivery nurse for 6 years, worked in 3 different facilities including high risk units and low risk units. I was also a nurse home visitor with Nurse Family Partnership where I worked with low income first time moms and babies throughout pregnancy and through the child's first 2 years. I am now a hospital based CNM in a high volume practice who collaboratively cares for low and high risk patients with a robust midwife team. My practice philosophy is all about empowering patients to be informed about their care, normalizing physiologic birth, and providing the midwifery care model to high risk patients. I have two children, one born in a hospital and one born at home (unusually LONG multip labor , educated by The Birth Lounge)

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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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Join HeHe in a fascinating interview with Dr. Craig Clayton, a holistic dentist with a passion for birth and women's health. The conversation covers various aspects of holistic dentistry, what it is, functional approaches, and how it differs from traditional dental care. Dr. Clayton explains the connections between oral health and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, pregnancy outcomes, mental health, and fertility. The discussion also covers practical oral health tips, controversial topics like fluoride and root canals, and the impact of diet, hormones, and lifestyle on gum disease and cavities. Be ready to walk away with valuable insights for holistic health and well-being and a full understanding of the importance of comprehensive dental care. 

Guest Bio:

Dr. Craig D. Clayton is a functional and biomimetic dentist based in Meridian, Idaho, and an influential online educator with a following of over 380K on Instagram. Passionate about uncovering the root causes of oral health issues, Dr. Clayton focuses on holistic cavity prevention, airway health, and innovative, biologically sound approaches to restoring teeth. As the host of the Dentistry Disrupted podcast, he is on a mission to shift the dental industry toward a more patient-centered, root-cause-focused approach. Through educating and empowering patients, he hopes to bridge the gap between oral health and overall well-being. And fun fact: Dr. Clayton and his wife have two boys, one of which was born at home. In another life, Dr. Clayton would have been a home birth midwife and his wife would have been a doula and he is a self-proclaimed birth junkie!

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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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https://probiorahealth.com/

https://stan.store/restorationdentistry

Use code BIRTHLOUNGE for 10% off our signature Cavity Guide, The Ultimate Guide on How To Cure Cavities

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe introduces listeners to Incora Health, a revolutionary pair of earrings designed to give deep insights into women's health. The episode highlights the importance of personalized female health tracking, featuring a discussion with Theresa, Incora Health's co-founder. They delve into how these wearable earrings provide insights on temperature, cycle syncing, heart rate, stress levels, and more, adapting specifically to women's unique hormonal cycles. Theresa shares the journey of creating Incora Health, the science behind it, and the potential benefits for women's health, including cycle syncing and optimizing lifestyle choices. The conversation emphasizes the need for women-centric health data, privacy, and how these earrings overcome conventional shortcomings of unisex wearables. Additionally, they cover the practical aspects, like data safety, EMF concerns, and how users can get their own pair.

01:08 The Rise of Wearable Health Devices

01:40 Introducing Incora Health Earrings

05:00 Interview with Incora Health Co-Founder Theresa

06:21 The Importance of Personalized Health Metrics

08:57 The Journey of Creating Health-Tracking Earrings

14:21 Benefits of Cycle Syncing and Health Tracking

22:45 Recognizing Patterns and Health Insights

24:53 Practical Guidance for Health Tracking

25:13 Understanding Nervous System Regulation

25:34 The Importance of Stress Management

26:49 Overlooked Aspects of Women's Health

28:37 Using Wearables During Pregnancy

30:27 Audience Questions on Data and Privacy

35:03 EMF Concerns with Wearable Devices

36:41 Comfort and Design of the Earrings

39:25 App Features and Subscription Details

40:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio:

Theresa Gevaert is the inventor of the Incora earrings and brings extensive media expertise from her career as an Executive Producer across major networks. With a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and over a decade of broadcast journalism experience, Theresa brings a unique perspective to women's health technology. Her innovative vision for Incora was born from recognizing the gap in health tracking specifically designed for women's bodies. As a proud mother to four children, she combines her passion for innovation with her personal commitment to empowering women's health. Theresa's creative background and understanding of effective communication help Incora connect with women seeking better insights into their health.

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incorahealth.com

In this recast, you can 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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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

In this episode, Dr. Berlin shares his personal journey from childhood aspirations in healthcare to becoming a chiropractor, massage therapist, and birth advocate. He discusses combining chiropractic care, bodywork, and birth advocacy to support women in having informed pregnancies. Dr. Berlin explains the importance of collaborative care, the benefits of chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy, and the significance of the Webster Technique. The conversation also delves into the complexities of fetal positioning, specifically addressing breach and asynclitic babies, and the broader implications for childbirth. The episode underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.

03:33 Introducing Dr. Elliot Berlin

08:13 Dr. Berlin's Inspiring Journey

17:38 The Power of Chiropractic Care

31:09 Understanding the Webster Technique

36:09 Chiropractic Care for Breech and Asynclitic Babies

37:20 Understanding Breech Baby Statistics

38:39 Structural and Functional Reasons for Breech Babies

40:54 Chiropractic Techniques for Breech Babies

42:46 Mother's Day Special: Cozy Bamboo PJs

44:34 Discussion on Breech Birth Choices

47:50 The Term Breech Trial and Its Impact

54:54 The ARRIVE Trial and Its Implications

56:26 Chiropractic Care for Posterior Babies

01:00:59 The Role of Doulas in Birth

01:02:35 Fetal Positioning in Traditional Medical Models

01:06:36 Informed Pregnancy Media and Resources

01:08:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio:

Dr. Elliot Berlin is an award-winning prenatal chiropractor, childbirth educator, labor support bodyworker, filmmaker, co-founder of Berlin Wellness Group in Los Angeles, California and the host of the Informed Pregnancy Podcast. Dr. Berlin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Life University of Chiropractic in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Atlanta School of Massage.  

Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy® Project aims to utilize multiple forms of media (podcasts, YouTube series, documentaries, and online workshops) to compile and deliver unbiased information about pregnancy and childbirth to empower new and expectant parents to make informed choices regarding their pregnancy and parenting journey.  

Dr. Berlin lives in Los Angeles with his wife, perinatal psychologist Dr. Alyssa Berlin, and their four fantastic kids.

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Informed Pregnancy Podcast

One way or a Mother Podcast 

Heads Up, the Disappearing Art of Vaginal breech Delivery Documentary

Trial of Labor Documentary 

Have you ever wondered how a doula prepares for birth and pregnancy?! In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares some exciting news!!  After a decade-long journey of helping women through their pregnancies, HeHe vulnerably shares  her emotional reactions, initial symptoms, and peculiar cravings. She addresses unexpected symptoms, details her experience with pregnancy dreams, and shares all about the moment she and Mr. HeHe discovered the pregnancy. In case you’ve ever wondered how a doula chooses her birth team, HeHe also outlines her carefully chosen care team for a planned home birth and hospital-based support. We hope to see you in The Birth Lounge to walk through pregnancy at the same time as HeHe! 

00:00 Exciting Announcement

02:12 Emotional Reactions and Gratitude

04:11 Navigating Pregnancy Symptoms

17:45 Unexpected Pregnancy Cravings

20:26 Intensified Senses and Crazy Dreams

26:01 How We Found Out We Were Pregnant

29:38 Missed Period and Initial Concerns

30:58 Realization and Pregnancy Anxiety

32:36 Taking the Pregnancy Test

36:03 Confirming the Pregnancy

40:56 Emotional Reactions and Adjustments

43:49 Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy

48:26 Choosing the Right Care Team

57:05 Final Thoughts and Announcements

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Temp Drop: http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFHEHE

Needed Prenatals: Use code HEHESAMPLE for $10 off a sample pack or code HEHE for 20% off your first order: https://thisisneeded.com/

Just Ingredients - Chocolate: https://just.crrnt.app/tranquilitybyhehe

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe dives into what’s happening in women's health and healthcare access, focusing on the postpartum landscape and recent budget cuts impacting Medicaid. Special guest Natalie Davis, founder of United States of Care, joins to discuss pivotal healthcare legislation, Medicaid’s role in maternal and infant health, and the importance of universal access to quality healthcare. The discussion also touches on the power of virtual care and current legislative threats to preventive health services. We hope this episode will equip and inspire you to engage in local healthcare advocacy.

01:34 Current State of Women's Health in the US

02:23 Introducing Natalie Davis

05:51 Challenges in Postpartum Care

10:04 Impact of Budget Cuts on Medicaid

16:16 Supreme Court Case on Preventive Services

22:38 Advocacy for Better Healthcare

27:44 Universal Healthcare Debate

28:38 Debating Healthcare Access and Affordability

31:05 The 100 Weeks Project: Supporting Postpartum Women

32:57 Personalized and Comprehensive Postpartum Care

34:53 Navigating the Postpartum System

40:38 Resources for NICU Families and Mental Health Support

42:07 Legislation Impacting Women's Health

43:30 The Rise of Virtual Care

50:53 Getting Involved in Local Legislation

53:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Guest Bio:

For nearly two decades, Natalie Davis has worked shaping and implementing American health care policies to improve the lives of all people. In 2018, she and fellow national health care leaders, such as Andy Slavitt, launched United States of Care to ensure that everyone in the country has access to quality, affordable health care through a community-driven policy change. She is relentless in her person-centered approach to building health care solutions and has a history of building partnerships that work to create positive change in our country’s health care system. From 2010-2016, Natalie served at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implementing the Affordable Care Act, with the final two years as Senior Advisor to former CMS Administrator, Andy Slavitt. A social entrepreneur, Natalie also helped found Town Hall Ventures which focuses on bringing the best of innovation and care delivery to diverse communities. Natalie also served as the Director of Strategic Engagement at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Natalie holds an M.A. in Philosophy from George Washington University and is an alumna of Salisbury University schools of Sociology and Art History. Natalie lives in Washington, DC with her amazing husband and four children.

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State of Postpartum Care (State Maps)

Journey Map

Preventive Services Resource Hub

https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/nicu-family-support

https://postpartum.net/

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe chats about the  benefits and logistics of donor milk with Kelly Cox, founder of Share the Drop, an innovative app connecting donors to recipients. Kelly discusses the need for and benefits of donor milk, particularly for those facing various breastfeeding challenges and the stringent criteria of formal milk banks. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support and informed decision-making in ensuring the health and wellbeing of infants. They also touch on safety measures, the history and evolution of milk donation, and the cultural and health implications of lactation support. This episode serves as both an informational resource and a testament to the power of community-driven support systems in maternal and infant health.

01:01 The Benefits and Challenges of Breastfeeding

02:03 Introducing Donor Milk

02:13 Challenges in Donating Breast Milk

03:33 Meet Kelly Cox and Share the Drop

07:44 Kelly's Journey to Founding Share the Drop

21:00 The Importance of Community Support

23:02 Ensuring Safety in Donor Milk Sharing

29:05 How to Use the Share the Drop App

29:42 Creating and Managing Your Profile

30:07 Subscription Fees and Waivers

30:25 Traveling and App Activity

31:53 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

33:53 Legal and Liability Concerns

34:59 Importance of Feeding Plans

38:27 Community Support and Resources

39:57 Healthcare Providers' Perspectives

49:23 Historical and Cultural Context of Wet Nursing

54:40 Conclusion and Contact Information

Guest Bio:

Kelly Cox is a registered prenatal yoga teacher, a birth doula, former mental health therapist, and breast cancer survivor; all of which led her to understand the stress and anxiety felt when caregivers are unable to produce enough, or any, breast milk.

Cozy Earth, Use code HEHE at checkout to save 40% off your purchase! 

Cozy Earth has the softest, coziest pajamas on earth! I love their bedding, pajamas (I have three pair), socks, towels, and loungewear! I am a die-hard Cozy Earth fan and will absolutely be packing my CE pajamas in my birth bag and living in them during postpartum! Try their Bamboo sheets risk free with their 100 night trial! Use code HEHE at checkout to save 40% off your purchase! 

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Human Milk Banking Association of North America:  https://www.hmbana.org

Last chance to apply for the Business Accelerator for Doulas! 

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe and guest Janette Yee, a perinatal athletic therapist, discuss the often-overlooked aspect of C-section recovery and the importance of surgical rehabilitation. They dive deep into the phenomenon known as the C-section shelf, exploring its causes, preventive measures like compression garments, and the vital role of scar massage in recovery. Janette shares her expertise on the seven layers involved in a C-section, the significance of early movement, and the impact of mental health on physical healing. The episode also touches on helpful resources, including the C-Summit, and emphasizes the importance of seeking support and practicing self-care during the postpartum period. Whether you're immediately postpartum or years out from your C-section, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for a smoother recovery.

00:00 Introduction to Surgical Rehabilitation for Moms

01:00 Launching the Doula Business Accelerator Program

02:28 Success Stories and Business Growth Tips

04:26 C-Section Awareness and Prevention

05:47 Understanding the C-Section Shelf

07:02 Interview with Janette Yee: C-Section Recovery

10:28 The Layers and Cuts of a C-Section

21:20 The Importance of Compression Garments

24:23 Managing Swelling and Compression Techniques

32:13 Understanding Compression Garments

33:30 The Importance of Reducing Swelling

35:12 Wearing Belly Bands: Duration and Benefits

36:36 Preventing the C-Section Shelf

37:07 Scar Tissue Management and Movement

40:57 The Role of Pelvic Floor Therapy

45:08 Long-Term Recovery and Scar Massage

49:17 Lymphatic Drainage and Swelling

52:49 Mental and Emotional Healing

57:32 C-Summit and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio:

Janette Yee is a Perinatal Athletic Therapist whose goal is to completely redefine the current state of public C-section healthcare. She treats pregnancy like the ultimate endurance sport, and C-section like a season ending injury - from which every woman can recover, safely and simply.  

After 20+ years as a manual therapist and exercise professional, she now provides her services 1:1 and via online programs. She is best known for her tireless and passionate education in C-section recovery; for her groundbreaking Cesarean Recovery programs, and as a women’s health innovator on Instagram and TikTok (@ askjanette).

Through her social media platforms, free workshops and professional lectures, Janette is an internationally recognized advocate for perinatal healthcare.

Janette fills her days with mandatory playtime with her kids aged 7 and 10, while returning to her high school passion: competitive swimming. One of her greatest achievements is having her 15-year rugby career recognized with a team induction into the Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame.

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Get HeHe's free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing! 

Business Accelerator for Doulas

Get Janette’s c-section shelf mini workshop

Check out the c-summit here!