In this solo episode, HeHe dives into the questions flooding her DMs—covering some of the most common (and confusing) topics in pregnancy and birth! We’re unpacking 39-week inductions, what to do when you’re told your baby is “too big,” navigating a GBS+ diagnosis, using upright positions during labor, the truth about hydrotherapy, and what your options really are when your water breaks at term. This episode is packed with evidence-based insight and empowering guidance to help you feel informed, confident, and in control of your birth choices.

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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!

Big Baby: 

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/01/macrosomia

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fetal-macrosomia

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Big-Babies-Handout.pdf

Vaccines: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/index.html

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/

https://justtheinserts.com/

Vaccine Books:

The Vaccine Book, Dr. Robert Sears

The Vaccine Friendly Plan, Dr. Paul Thomas and Dr. Jennifer Margulis

What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About Vaccines, Dr. Stephanie cave 

Calling The ShotL Why Parents Reject Vaccines, Jennifer A. Reich 

Vaccines, Autoimmunity, and the Changing Nature of Childhood Illness, Dr. Thomas Cowan 

Dr. Green Mom

Hydrotherapy (Tub Use in Labor)

Infection After Water Breaks at Term

GBS:

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/groupbstrep/

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0315/p378.html

https://neonatalsepsiscalculator.kaiserpermanente.org

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-risk-assessment-and-initial-management-of-newborns-with-risk-factors-for-early-onset-sepsis

In this episode, HeHe and Sarah Trott discuss the integration and benefits of AI in parenting, particularly focusing on the new tool Hello Gaia, developed to provide reliable, non-medical parenting advice. The hosts delve into AI's strengths and limitations, emphasizing the importance of using AI as a complement to professional medical advice and personal intuition. They highlight AI's potential to save time and reduce mental load in parenting tasks and outline how Hello Gaia has been tailored to source credible information from reputable organizations. The conversation also touches on the importance of social support, the skepticism surrounding AI, and policy implications for postpartum care.

Guest Bio:

Sarah Trott is creator and host of the Fourth Trimester Podcast. She created the show after realizing that many of the questions she had about her own experience as a new parent were the same questions her postpartum doula was asking some thirty years prior. She is passionate about helping other parents find the resources and confidence they need on their parenting journey.

She is also the founder of HelloGaia Parenting Copilot, a tool providing evidence-based support for families, offering fast, reliable answers from pregnancy to parenting, anytime. HelloGaia draws upon trusted sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, March of Dimes, the US Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, plus credentialed and experienced Perinatal professionals.

Sarah also works in tech as a startup advisor, and she loves spending time with her husband and three daughters in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with Sarah 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!

Get Sarah's Postpartum Plan Template here! 

Listen to the Fourth Trimester Podcast here! 

Download HelloGaia Parenting Copilot for evidence-based support for families, offering fast, reliable answers from pregnancy to parenting, anytime. Get started with HelloGaia here. https://hellogaia.ai/

Postpartum Support International 

Check out the wonder weeks app: https://thewonderweeks.com/the-wonder-weeks-app/

Check out the Baby Connect app: https://en.babyconnect.com/

Calling all doulas ready to level up! In this Q+A-style episode, I’m answering your most-asked questions straight from Instagram about how I built a thriving doula business that generates over $500K in annual revenue. From launching 3 online courses and a membership that’s helped thousands have their dream births, to creating 20+ digital products that sell in my sleep, building a top-ranked podcast, and launching an app—I'm sharing the real behind-the-scenes of how I did it all. You’ll walk away with actionable insights on growing your brand, supporting your clients with confidence, and scaling your impact without burning out. If you’re ready to go from passion to profit and build a doula business that changes lives (including your own!), this episode is your roadmap.

Just Ingredients, Use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE at checkout to save on your purchase! 

Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/

Business Accelerator for Doulas

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

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!

In this empowering episode, we’re talking directly to the dads and partners! If you’ve ever wondered “What can I actually do during labor?” — this one’s for you. We’re breaking down exactly how you can be a confident, calm, and supportive presence in the birth room. From hands-on comfort techniques to powerful advocacy tips, you’ll leave this episode knowing how to show up for your partner like a pro. Plus, we’re sharing go-to resources that will help guide you every step of the way. Let’s turn nervous energy into confident action — because you play a crucial role in this birth story!

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

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!

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! 

Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/

Dad Daze Course

In this episode, we share a recast of episode 302 where HeHe chats with Alexandra, the founder of Just The Inserts, to discuss the crucial topic of informed consent in pregnancy and pediatric care. With the current measles outbreak, it’s more important than ever for parents and professionals to understand informed consent in the context of vaccines. Alexandra shares her journey in advocating for informed consent, the importance of reading pharmaceutical inserts, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Whether you're an expecting parent or looking to make informed medical decisions for your family, this episode provides invaluable advice and resources. Don't miss Alexandra's tips on how to understand medical options, ensure safety, and feel confident in your healthcare choices.

00:00 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast

00:48 Introducing the Host and Podcast Purpose

11:07 Diving into the Vaccine Debate

13:20 Navigating Medical Decisions and Providers

20:14 Understanding Informed Consent

25:13 The Importance of Reading Medical Inserts

31:40 Resources for Learning About Medical Inserts

34:00 Understanding the Bolded Parts

34:28 Introducing the New Book

35:12 Empowering Medical Decisions

37:04 The Importance of Vaccine Inserts

40:25 Concerns About Adverse Reactions

43:44 Transparency in Medical Information

47:51 State Laws and Medical Freedom

56:46 Resources for Informed Consent

Guest Bio:

Alexandra is the visionary behind Just the Inserts, a resource dedicated to empowering individuals and families with clear, accessible information about medical choices. With a background steeped in research and a commitment to transparency, Alexandra has become a trusted voice in the informed consent community, helping countless people navigate the complex world of medical information.

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

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 IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/

Connect with Alexandra on IG: https://www.instagram.com/justtheinserts/

https://www.justtheinserts.com/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Grab Alexandra’s book, Well Considered, here: https://justtheinserts.store/

In this episode, HeHe has a heartfelt conversation with her close friend and past doula client, Katherine. Together, they explore Katherine's distinct birth experiences within the Canadian and American healthcare systems, discussing the challenges and joys of childbirth. Katherine shares insightful anecdotes about her breech birth in Canada and a water birth in the US, highlighting the emotional and physical differences. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's intuition, advocating for oneself, and setting boundaries. Throughout the episode, Katherine's journey as a mother interweaves with her experiences breaking generational patterns, nurturing her children's unique personalities, and finding joy in everyday moments. The conversation underscores the significance of support systems, intentional living, and the power of manifestation in creating a fulfilling life.

06:40 Comparing Canadian and American Healthcare Systems

07:26 Experiences with Canadian Healthcare System

12:39 Transition to American Healthcare System

12:59 The Beverly Birthing Center Experience

29:08 The Power of Manifestation and Trusting Yourself

44:55 Reflecting on Friendship and Support

46:34 The Challenges of Induction

48:59 Experiencing Labor and Delivery

50:53 Post-Birth Reflections

51:58 The Importance of Trust and Presence

55:02 Parenting and Childbirth Insights

01:01:39 Gratitude and High Vibrations

01:05:15 Raising Strong-Willed Children

01:11:35 Final Thoughts and Advice

01:18:25 Connecting with Katherine

Guest Bio:

Katherine Debs has never followed the conventional path—she’s redefined what “normal” looks like. Born in Lebanon to a Lebanese father and an American mother, she grew up experiencing different cultures, later living in Boston and Montreal. Her passion for helping others led her to study International Affairs, dreaming of philanthropy and making a global impact.

Her own health struggles in her teens introduced her to holistic wellness, sparking a lifelong commitment to empowering others to lead healthier, more intentional lives. Through her work with Arbonne, she’s helped countless people make meaningful changes, from nutrition to mindset.

Now, Katherine is expanding her mission by becoming a Pilates teacher, bringing movement that feels good and helps people connect their mind and body. As a mom, entrepreneur, mentor, and passionate home cook, she wears many hats—but each one is rooted in her love for community, wellness, and personal growth.

She currently lives in Boston with her husband and two daughters, leading with appreciation and inspiring others to live fully.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with Katherine on IG 

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

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 Katherine here! 

In this episode, Sarah discusses the often overlooked importance of specific minerals and vitamins during pregnancy, with a deep dive into vitamin D. She explains the complexity of vitamin D's role in the body, its conversion process, and its myriad functions, including the regulation of calcium, neurotransmitters, hormone production, iron absorption, and immune function. The conversation covers common deficiencies, reasons why many are affected, and the impact of different lifestyle factors. Sarah also addresses potential over-supplementation of vitamin D, optimal dosing, and the intricate relationships among various nutrients crucial for its effectiveness. Other key topics include vitamin D's connection to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, PCOS, postpartum mood complications, and breastfeeding. Practical advice on testing, supplementation, and dietary considerations is provided to help ensure adequate vitamin D levels for maternal and fetal health. This comprehensive discussion highlights the importance of tailored approaches to vitamin D intake based on individual needs and circumstances.

TIMESTAMPS and check on DR 

Guest Bio:

Sarah Thompson is a board certified acupuncturist and herbalist as well as a certified functional medicine practitioner and birth doula. Sarah started practicing in 2005 after doing her internship in Beijing, China. Sarah founded Sacred Vessel in 2012 after years of working alongside medical doctors. She serves as clinic director as well as lead practitioner at Sacred Vessel.  ​​

One of her great passions, and missions, is to educate women and their providers on the vital role nutrition plays in pregnancy and labor outcomes. Through her, nearly, 20 years of experiences she has provided care to hundreds of expectant mamas. In 2021 she authored the book, Functional Maternity - Using Functional Medicine and Nutrition to Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes. In 2024, she published her second book, a reference book for providers, Beyond Results - A Practitioner's Guide to Functional Lab Analysis in Pregnancy. 

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with HeHe on YouTube.

Connect with Sarah 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!

https://www.functionalmaternity.com/

Get Functional Maternity, the book here! 

Check out Sarah’s book for practitioners here! 

In this recast episode of the Birth Lounge Podcast, host HeHe and certified professional midwife Melissa Chapel dive into candid discussions about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The podcast offers a wealth of evidence-based information, understanding the importance of feeling pressure during labor, and recognizing the difference between intermittent and constant rectal or vaginal pressure. Melissa also addresses the controversial practice of being asked not to push if a doctor isn't present. Both emphasize the significance of mental and emotional preparedness in labor. The episode concludes with insights into laboring down, resting stages during labor, and navigating hospital protocols. This episode is a must-listen for expecting parents, laboring mothers, and professionals supporting childbirth.

01:23 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing

03:10 Part Two: Interview with Midwife Melissa Chapel

03:33 Understanding the Urge to Push

10:00 Navigating Hospital Birth Challenges

20:30 Understanding Cervical Dilation

21:15 Factors Affecting Cervical Changes

23:22 The Role of Fear in Labor

26:21 Mental and Emotional Barriers

27:34 The Importance of Acceptance in Birth

31:25 Laboring Down: Rest and Be Thankful

35:24 Navigating Hospital Births

38:03 Resources and Support for Birth

40:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio:

Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, as well as a doula trainer of over 20 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She’s the owner of Fresh Melissa, a company dedicated to creating tasty treats that are also healthy. She is the mother of 4 children and 3 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

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Connect with Melissa on IG 

Get HeHe’s Free Class to Avoid C-Section

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!

In this recasted episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes midwife Melissa Chapel to discuss critical topics for expecting parents. They dive into the intricacies of cervical checks, including when they are necessary and how to navigate them in hospital settings. Melissa shares her extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of educated and informed decisions, advocating for oneself, and recognizing the difference between early and intense pushing urges. HeHe emphasizes that birth is an intuitive process and encourages listeners to trust their bodies. Various strategies for maintaining confidence and reducing fears in labor are discussed, ensuring an empowered birth experience. 

01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Section

03:10 Introducing Melissa Chapel: Midwife Extraordinaire

03:50 Navigating Late Labor and Pushing

04:28 Melissa's Journey and Day-to-Day Life

07:03 The Role of Cervical Exams in Labor

12:41 Advocating for Your Birth Preferences in the Hospital

19:03 Empowering Women's Instincts

20:04 Navigating Cervical Exams

20:55 Understanding Labor Progression

24:48 The 5-1-1 Rule and Hospital Transition

29:19 Early Urge to Push: What to Do

34:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, as well as a doula trainer of over 20 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She’s the owner of Fresh Melissa, a company dedicated to creating tasty treats that are also healthy. She is the mother of 4 children and 3 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard.

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with Melissa 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 Melissa here! 

In this episode of the Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe provides a thorough overview of effective and evidence-based induction methods that may be lesser-known. This episode is jam packed with data and discussion points to help you have an informed conversation around finding your perfect induction equation so you can have a positive induction experience! With a focus on empowering expectant parents, HeHe discusses various induction techniques including oral and vaginal misoprostol, outpatient cervical ripeners, melatonin, and evening primrose oil. She underscores the importance of informed decision-making in the birth process and how these methods can help reduce the risk of unnecessary C-sections. The choice to be induced is a very personal one and one that should be made very intentionally. This episode dives into 4 options of induction that you probably have never heard of! These options can help decrease your risk for cesarean and reduce the need for additional interventions! 

01:24 Free Class to Avoid C-Sections

03:30 Understanding Inductions and Their Importance

05:34 Exploring Induction Methods

27:03 The Role of Melatonin in Labor

36:39 Evening Primrose Oil for Induction

45:52 Join The Birth Lounge Community

48:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

Get HeHe’s free class on how to avoid a c-section here! 

Induction Equation Video: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction-equation

Induction Cheat Sheet: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction

Oral Miso:

 https://www.cochrane.org/CD001338/PREG_oral-misoprostol-induction-labour

Outpatient Ripeners: 

https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00798-0/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_aip_email

https://www.obgproject.com/2023/05/10/outpatient-labor-induction-with-misoprostol-impact-on-length-of-stay-and-vaginal-delivery-rates/?mc_cid=83f577ac38&mc_eid=854ebe014b

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027046/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519220302845

Melatonin:

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/12/3252

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00616/full 

https://www.cochrane.org/CD010527/PREG_giving-melatonin-women-pregnancy-protect-babys-brain-and-improve-long-term-outcomes-baby

https://grantome.com/grant/NIH/R21-HD086392-01 (Brigham & Women’s Hospital)

https://fetalmedicine.org/abstracts/2022/var/pdf/abstracts/2022/03846.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34058776/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044825/

EPO:

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-evening-primrose-oil-epo/ 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382022000257

https://brieflands.com/articles/fga-130352.html