The Tranquility Tribe Podcast

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of free birth with birth photographer and doula Lacey Barratt. They discuss the conditioning that leads women to rely on medical professionals, the spiritual and logistical aspects of planning a free birth, and the radical responsibility involved. Lacey shares her own powerful birth stories from moving to Australia, having a home birth, a birth center birth, a free birth, and then going back to hiring midwives. Tune in to hear about family-centered births, the role of intuition, and the impact of systemic challenges in both U.S. and Australian healthcare on birthing choices. This episode is packed with insights on medical autonomy, intuitive birthing, and the layers of responsibility in choosing to free birth. 00:00 Introduction to Free Birth 01:46 Statistics and Definitions of Free Birth 04:37 Lacey Barratt's Birth Story 05:44 Challenges and Decisions in Free Birth 29:53 Radical Responsibility in Birth Choice

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, we delve into the often controversial topic of free birth with guest Alia Wright, a free birth coach, doula, and mother of three. Host HeHe discusses the principles of radical responsibility, autonomy, and the deep trust in women's ability to make informed choices about their birth experiences. The conversation covers what free birth entails, common myths and misconceptions of freebirth, prenatal care practices, and how to prepare yourself and your partner for a free birth. Alia Wright shares her insights on the sacredness of free birth, the role of intuition, and practical tips for handling emergencies. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive look at free birth, encouraging expectant mothers to explore their birthing options without fear. 00:00 Introduction to Free Birth 01:01 Discussing the Controversy of Free Birth 02:36 Exploring the Free Birth Community 04:37 Guest Introduction: Alia Wright 06:38 Defining Free Birth 09:50 The Role of Support in Free Birth

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares untraditional aspects to consider when creating your birth plan, or birth preference sheet, as HeHe likes to call it. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the phases of labor, choosing the right people in your birth space, considering all available tools and medications, and planning for postpartum care. HeHe also shares insights on maintaining flexibility and making informed decisions during labor. Tune in to learn how to create a thoughtful and comprehensive birth preference sheet that prioritizes your autonomy and informed consent. 00:00 Introduction: The Rush to Labor 00:24 Untraditional Birth Plan Considerations 01:47 The Importance of Birth Preferences 03:44 Understanding the Phases of Labor 04:45 Early Labor: Managing Time and Anxiety 09:09 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing 11:06 Choosing Your Birth Team 17:46 Preparing Your Partner with Dad Daze 21:33 Pain Relief Options in Labor 28:31 Medical and Non-Medica

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe delves into the transformative journey of birth and parenthood with guest Dr. Britta Bushnell—an expert in childbirth education, mythology, and parenting. The episode explores the impactful themes from Dr. Britta's book, 'Transformed by Birth,' emphasizing the balance between feminine (Artemis) and masculine (Apollo) energies during childbirth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace both the untamed, intuitive side of birth and the structured, analytical aspects. The discussion also highlights the importance of partner involvement, the practice of receiving support, and the experience of parenthood as a rite of passage. HeHe gets vulnerable, sharing personal insights and fears as an expecting mother, offering a relatable and heartfelt narrative for listeners navigating similar journeys. 00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome 01:08 The Joy of Podcasting and Listener Engagement 04:02 Encouragement and Requests for Listeners 05:13 Introduction to Today's Episode and Gu

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.

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

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.  02:13 Pregnancy and Dental Health Concerns 03:09 Meet Dr. Craig Clayton: Holistic Dentist 04:15 The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellbeing 05:17 Holistic Dentistry Explained 08:52 Oral Health and Systemic Diseases 15:05 Oral Hea

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 Incor

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 Les

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 Struc

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 An

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 Persona

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 Impo

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

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.   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   BIRTH EDUCATION: 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! LINKS MENTIONED: Big Baby:  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulle

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

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.   Brought to you by: Just Ingredients, Use code TRANQUILITYBYHEHE at checkout to save on your purchase!    INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/   LINKS MENTIONED: Business Accelerator for Doulas   BIRT

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!   BIRTH EDUCATION: 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!   Brought to you by: Cozy Earth, Use

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

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 Hea