HeHe is joined by Dr. Robert Hurst, who delves into the fascinating world of birth order and its profound impact on our lives. From understanding how birth order shapes our interpersonal relationships to uncovering the dynamics within blended families, Dr. Hurst provides an in-depth analysis of how our position in the family hierarchy influences who we are. The episode offers insights into the characteristics of firstborns, middle children, and only children, and touches on the complexities introduced by factors such as sibling spacing, cultural expectations, and unexpected family changes like the death of a child or divorce. Dr. Hurst also shares practical advice for parents on fostering healthy sibling relationships and guiding each child according to their unique birth order personality traits.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Hurst never envisioned himself as a leading expert on birth order. His journey began during his extensive career in orthodontics at Tufts University and Louisiana State University. Over his career, he observed firsthand how birth order influences individual personalities and family dynamics, leading him to study these patterns in-depth.

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with Dr. Hurst on YouTube

Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!

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 Dr. Hurst on his website

Order Dr. Hurst’s book here!

In this insightful episode, HeHe welcomes Trisha Ludwig from the Down to Birth Show to explore the critical aspects of breastfeeding. They discuss the tremendous benefits for both mother and baby, including improved mental health for mom and reduced cancer risks. Trisha emphasizes the importance of prenatal education, the role of partners, and why breastfeeding is a learned skill. They also cover common breastfeeding problems, the significance of skin-to-skin contact, and how pain can indicate the need for latch adjustments. Essential tips for advocating breastfeeding in hospitals and advice on how to manage newborn feeding cues are also highlighted.

Guest Bio:

Trisha Ludwig is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with a Master’s degree from Yale School of Nursing. After practicing as a homebirth midwife she started a holistic gynecology and women’s health practice, which she ran for 10 years. She is passionate about supporting and optimizing women’s transitions through the major shifts such as pregnancy, postpartum, peri-menopause, and menopause. She believes in treating health issues on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level.

She is a mother of three children, all of whom were born at home. It is her knowledge as a midwife and women’s health practitioner, but most importantly as a mother herself, which gives her first-hand insight into the complex emotional shifts of the postpartum transition. As a woman who is equally passionate about her work as she is about mothering, she understands the process of “becoming mom.”

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with Trisha on IG

Check out our free class on how to avoid a c-section and reduce tearing in labor here!

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 Trisha

In this episode HeHe addresses one of the most frequently asked questions: How to achieve an unmedicated birth. These are the steps she would take if she was hoping for an unmedicated hospital birth. The discussion includes practical, actionable steps for expectant parents aiming for an unmedicated delivery, emphasizing the importance of preparation, mindset, and holistic health. Topics covered include laboring at home, choosing the right care providers like midwives, understanding the labor process, and the significance of self-advocacy. The episode also highlights the necessity of having coping skills, educating your partner, and making a flexible birth plan to navigate the birth process confidently.

04:10 Practical Steps for Unmedicated Birth

06:11 Understanding the Birth Process

08:29 Preparing for Unmedicated Birth

10:49 Top Tips for Unmedicated Birth

20:23 Coping Skills and Partner Support

27:12 Creating a Birth Plan

31:39 Mental and Physical Preparation

36:00 The Importance of Self-Advocacy

50:59 Conclusion

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Check out our free course on how to avoid a c-section here!

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 birth planning guide here!

In this Birth Lounge Podcast episode, host HeHe discusses the complexities surrounding screen time for kids with Dr. Joel Warsh aka DrJoelGator, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine. They explore critical questions about the impact of screen time on child development, ADHD, social behavior, and overall health. Dr. Warsh shares valuable insights on balancing screen use, the potential health risks, and the role of modern technology in increasing chronic diseases among children. He also touches on the importance of outdoor activities and real-world interactions. Additionally, Dr. Warsh introduces his upcoming book, 'Between a Shot and a Hard Place,' which aims to provide balanced, research-based information on vaccines for informed parental decision-making.

00:00 Introduction and Screen Time Dilemma

04:50 Introducing Dr. Joel Warsh

06:33 The Impact of Screen Time on Child Development

09:41 Balancing Screen Time and Healthy Habits

14:26 Screen Time and ADHD

18:14 Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Families

26:59 Over-Medicalization and Chronic Illness

33:02 Managing Screen Time in Public Spaces

36:09 Balancing Screen Time for Kids

37:06 The Impact of Video Games on Children

39:48 Concerns About EMF and Technology

42:57 Practical Tips to Reduce EMF Exposure

48:43 Introducing Dr. Joel's New Book

52:46 Vaccines and Their Controversies

01:05:41 Non-Screen Activities for Kids

01:07:23 Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Information

Guest Bio: Joel Warsh aka DrJoelGator of the popular parenting Instagram account is a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California who specializes in Parenting, Wellness and Integrative Medicine. He is the author of multiple books including: 1) Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Difficult Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity, 2) Love Dad 3) Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years.

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with Dr. Joel on IG

Check out the free Avoid a C-Section webinar here to learn evidence based ways avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing in labor.

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!

www.theshotbook.com

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Brigid Tebaldi, a mother of five who shares her transformative journey through multiple childbirths, ranging from traumatic to idyllic experiences. Brigid recounts her pregnancies and labors, highlighting her evolution from hospital births to empowering home births. The discussion covers building resilience in mothers and children through challenging and rewarding tasks, the impact of nutrition and mindset on mental health, and the importance of processing birth trauma. Brigid’s insights aim to help mothers reclaim their power and find joy in their birthing experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Free Birth Class

01:59 Avoid High C-Section Rates and Navigating the System

07:53 Personal Birth Stories Begin

08:25 First Birth Experience

11:42 Second Birth Experience

21:34 Third Birth Experience

22:11 Fourth Birth Experience and Transition to Home Birth

23:36 Fifth Birth Experience and Empowerment

27:14 Discovering Pregnancy and Initial Reactions

29:57 Natural Family Planning Journey

32:59 The Reality of Precipitous Labor

36:47 Navigating Hospital Births and Family Expectations

38:13 Discovering Alternative Birth Options

42:10 Building Resilience Through Childhood Experiences

46:59 Fostering Resilience in Children

51:03 Maintaining Resilience as a Parent

57:44 The Importance of Resilience in Birth Trauma

01:04:52 Mind-Body Connection and Resilience

01:06:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

Guest Bio:

Brigid is a Functional Women’s Health Coach and Mentor who helps moms who understand that their bodies are not broken, that they're not falling short in motherhood, how to get rid of those physical ailments that never seem to go away, and that life can be fun, full, and joyful even amongst the chaos. She guides women to see the truth: that their bodies are beautifully made by God, their vocation is holy work, and the birth of their children is only the beginning of the transformation God is calling them to walk in.

Through her signature program, Restored by Grace, she helps women reclaim vibrant, full, and healthy lives—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Her approach blends integrative methods with ancient wisdom about what our bodies truly need to thrive. In the program, you address the roots of past trauma, because these unhealed wounds don’t just affect how you feel—they can show up as physical symptoms like fatigue, pain, hormonal imbalances, and chronic health issues. By healing at the root level, you can finally experience the peace and health you’ve been longing for, restoring your energy, improving your relationships, and creating a healthier, happier life to spend with your family.

She believes that every mom has the power to create a holy, beautiful, and joy-filled life by embracing her God-given design and purpose.

Brigid is a wife, mother of 5, and homesteader in Pennsylvania. She enjoys spending time outside playing with her kids, reading about conspiracy theories, cooking and baking, and listening to all the podcasts she can.

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with Brigid on IG

https://www.loretowellness.com/

Check out the free Avoid a C-Section webinar here to learn evidence based ways avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing in labor.

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!

Join HeHe in an enlightening conversation with Nurse Dawn from Pivotal Birth to discuss the critical aspects of creating a birth plan and the importance of effective communication with medical staff during labor and delivery. Dawn shares her rich experience working in multiple hospitals and introduces the innovative PIVOT plan approach to improve birth experiences. Learn how to set clear expectations, handle unexpected pivots like C-sections and epidurals, and ensure that your values and preferences are respected throughout your birth journey. This episode is a must-watch for expecting parents looking to optimize their hospital birth experience and for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance patient care.

06:37 The Importance of Birth Plans

07:38 Experiences with Birth Plans in Hospitals

10:55 Advice for Communicating Birth Plans

15:04 Introducing the PIVOT Plan

16:28 Breaking Down the PIVOT Plan

18:22 The Role of Communication in Birth

24:58 Navigating Hospital Policies and Biases

35:23 Engaging with Medical Assessments

36:48 Introducing Birth Preferences to Hospital Staff

38:48 Understanding Individual Needs During Birth

49:44 The Importance of Childbirth Classes

51:33 Navigating Unexpected Diagnoses

54:17 Coping with Birth Plan Changes

56:49 Handling Unexpected C-Sections

01:04:02 Final Thoughts and Resources

GUEST BIO:

Dawn Hancock is a seasoned Labor and Delivery Nurse certified in Obstetric Nursing, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Counselor and Board Certified Nurse Coach.

She has worked exclusively in maternal child care in the hospital setting and in the home as well. She is passionate about empowering women and their partners to advocate for the care they desire for themselves and their newborns.

Her own experiences in childbirth with her three children prompted her to go into Nursing for Labor and Delivery.

Dawn is the founder of Pivotal Birth LLC where she hosts The Bridging Birth Membership. This membership provides on-demand Childbirth Education Classes, her Breastfeeding Starting Strong Course and live Q&A Sessions 2 times a month where members can come ask questions, share stories and build community.

Nurse Dawn can be found on all platforms @pivotalbirth

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with Dawn on IG

Connect with Dawn on TikTok

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:

Sign up for Dawn’s Pivotal Birth Workshop here.

Use code HeHe10 at Www.pivotalbirth.com for a special discount for our listeners!

In this episode, HeHe provides an in-depth guide to finding the perfect doula to support your birth journey. She covers the best time to hire a doula, what to consider when choosing one, and the variety of doula types available. HeHe emphasizes the importance of knowing your birth goals and expectations, and offers practical advice on interviewing potential doulas, including essential questions to ask. She also highlights the benefits of having a doula, from reducing the risk of a C-section to increasing breastfeeding success. Additionally, HeHe discusses how to find doulas using websites like doulamatch.net and community resources, and explores the significance of doula teams, backup plans, and business credentials.

00:00 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast

01:26 Free Class: Avoiding C-Sections and Reducing Tearing

03:13 Finding the Right Doula for Your Birth

12:17 The Role and Benefits of a Doula

18:08 How to Choose and Interview Your Doula

33:50 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Connect with HeHe on IG

Check out the free webinar to help you avoid a 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!