The Birth Lounge Podcast

Ep. 147: Friday Free Talk: The ARRIVE Study

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I get asked A LOT about The ARRIVE Study. It’s a hot topic. For some people they are thrilled to hear there is science backing up an induction and s...

Ep. 146: What to know about Inductions with Becca Helie, CNM

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Inductions are one of the most common interventions when it comes to birthing a baby. Some people welcome inductions, and some want to avoid it at all...

Ep. 145: Friday Free Talk: Must-Have Breastfeeding Tools

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I am sharing the 7 tools that will change your breastfeeding life! Feeding your baby can be tough--cracked nipples, mastitis, clogged ducts, ove...

Ep 144: A Vote for Better Postpartum Care with Skyler Jacobs, CNM

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, HeHe is joined by Certified Nurse Midwife, Skyler Jacobs, to discuss how the current US postpartum care schedule sorely fails birt...

Ep. 143: Friday Free Talk: The 'Magic Words' in Birth

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I recently attended a birth where the provider was forcibly suggesting that my client allow for an IV hep-lock to be placed. The issue arose when my c...

Ep. 142: The Beginning of Homebirth with Katelyn Fusco

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s rewind the clock—and I means AGES— I want to talk about how we used to birth—before we moved it to hospitals. Lets go all the way back t...

Ep. 141: Friday Free Talk: The Bishop Score

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today is all about inductions and how to know if you are a 'good candidate' for one. HeHe is diving into a tool that the women's health field uses to ...

Ep.140: Your Child's Physical Development in the First Year with Pediatric PT, Kara Masse

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about your child’s physical development in the first year of life! Pediatric Physical Therapist, Kara Masse, joins HeHe on the s...

Ep. 139: Friday Free Talk: When Nurses Perpetuate the Patriarchy

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Inside The Birth Lounge, HeHe does a weekly group prenatal visit with our members! We chat about all things pregnancy, planning for birth, and prepari...

Ep. 138: The Truth about Exercise in Pregnancy with Kayla Mehr

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a dear friend of mine and a fitness expert specializing in prenatal and postnatal corrective exercise! Kayla Mehr, Founder of Your ...

Ep 137: Friday Free Talk, When "Checking In" Hinders the Process

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When people check in with us, it's generally done with good intention, but sometimes "checking in" can do more harm than good! There are multiple plac...

Ep. 136: An Inside Look at Obstetrical Violence

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever heard the term “obstetrical violence” and wondered what it meant? Or maybe you envisioned this blatant act of disrespect or an assau...

Ep. 135: Friday Free Talk: Don't Stop Pushing

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Inside The Birth Lounge, I teach my Secret Sauce to Pushing. Part of that formula is based on your baby's position in your pelvis! I actively advise a...

Ep.134 Why Preparing for Postpartum is Essential BEFORE Birth with Ariana Witkin, MD

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

  Today’s episode is all about planning for the unexpected parts of postpartum! HeHe is joined by MaMa MD, Ariana Within, to dive into how to thriv...

Ep. 133: Friday Free Talk: Your Responsibility in Labor

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone in the birth room has a job—your provider, your nurse, your partner, and you…but, what does your job really look like? Probably different...

Ep. 132: A Basic Understanding of Your Menstrual Cycle with Ginny Parham

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, HeHe is joined by Ginny Parham, a Period Coach who help women with bed bound periods turn them into kick ass periods so they can live their liv...

Ep 131: Friday Free Talk: The 7 Slippery Slopes of Birth

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you really need childbirth education classes? Wondering if you can get all the information you need for a good birth by reading books and taking a...

Ep. 130: Why your sexual wellness products matter with Rebecca Alvarez Story

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that 98% of all feminine care products has at least 1 toxic ingredient? That's scary! Healthy products are my jam! I’m always looking ...

Ep. 129: Friday Free Talk, Nubain/Staidol is the Magic Pill

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Its ironic because Nubain isn't a pill at all--it's an IV narcotic! Do you know your pain relief options during labor? Like, really know them? There...

Ep. 127: Friday Free Talk: Expanding Your Ideas of Birth

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One of the best ways to empower yourself is to dive in head first. Go searching for various birth stories, for various birth approaches, for various p...

Ep. 126: Plagiocephaly, One Mom's Voice

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today on The Birth Lounge Podcast, I am joined by Rebekkah Tran, mom of twins, to share about one of her twins’ journey with Plagiocephaly! Rebekka...

Ep. 125: Friday Free Talk: Why Your Baby's Position Matters

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Your baby’s positions matters so much when it comes to your labor and delivery. A baby that is engaged in the right position can lead to a shorter l...

Ep. 124: Healing Your Pelvic Floor during Postpartum with Melissa Dessaulles

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is diving into postpartum pelvic floor! How’s that for alliteration?! Melissa Dessaulles, Founder of Mommy Berries, is joining me ...

Ep. 123: Friday Free Talk: Birth Trauma is *NOT* Normal

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It irks me to pieces when someone says, "birth trauma is totally normal." No, it's not. In this episode, I am breaking down exactly why perpetuating t...

Ep. 122: Inclusion in Women's Health with Olivia Chisholm

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Olivia Chisolm is a dear friend of mine and joins me today to chat about inclusion (or lack there of) in women’s health. She is the Founder of To Li...

Ep. 121: Friday Free Talk: The Positive Side of Coronavirus

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Coronavirus has caused some definite headaches in 2020, but I would like to highlight a few positive changes that I’ve witnessed come about in the b...

Ep. 120: Being Your Own Advocate with Ali Levine

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

HeHe is the queen of saying “Be an Educator Consumer” when it comes to your heathcare and, particularly, your birth. Today, HeHe is joined by cele...

Ep 119: Friday Free Talk, The SNOO

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did you hear there is a FDA approved IV infusion treatment for postpartum depression? 1 in 9 women suffer from postpartum depression (1). This could b...

Ep. 118: What is medical Manipulation? with Olivia Friel

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No one expects medical manipulation to happen during birth, but what are you supposed to do if you find yourself feeling manipulated during or after b...

Ep. 117: Friday Free Talk, How to Calm a Fussy Baby

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

 A fussy baby is hard. Most of the time, you’re both crying! I’ve been there, too! A crying baby seems to escalate everything so I’m sharing th...

Ep. 116: Redefining Self-Love with Kimmay Caldwell

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is redefining beauty! Kimmay Caldwell is a self-love coach and Undergarment educator who supports people to say hurray inside, outside, a...

Ep. 115: Friday Free Talk, Eating + Drinking during Labor

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Studies show that, on average, 80% of laboring people don’t eat the entire time they are in labor and 60% don’t drink during labor! YET, 95% of th...

Ep. 114: How to Cloth Diaper with Bailey Bowman

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is so timely! At the time of recording, I had no idea that we’d be in the middle of a global pandemic when it aired, but here we a...

Ep. 113: Friday Free Talk: Pro-Plan or No Plan?

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Which team are you on? Would you believe me if I said I’m team middle? I am! I do’t think the power is so much in having a written out plan as the...

Ep. 112: Hormones 101 with Dr. Maggie Luther

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Help people balance their hormones to get their energy back. She loves her incredible perception to help women heal & listen to your body and then res...

Ep. 111: Friday Free Talk, Alcohol in Pregnancy

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In my endless scrolling on social media, I inevitably see an expecting parent jokingly say they wish they could have a glass of wine or a glass of bee...

Birthing in the COVID-19 Pandemic with Pediatrician, Julia Brown, MD

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Julia Brown, MD to discuss COVID-19 and newborns/infants! Julia is a local pediatrician at one of the top 5 birthin...

Ep. 108: Friday Free Talk: What to Expect at Triage

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

 If you don’t know..you might not get to the hospital and go straight to Labor and Delivery. Sometimes you do, but sometimes you don’t. When you ...

Ep. 107: How to Decrease Your Chances of a C-Section with Dr. Neel Shah, MD

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

  From intentionally choosing your birth place to understanding c-section rates in your area, it all plays a role in your birth experience. In this e...

105: Exploring Sensuality & Yoni Eggs with Ann Marie Paul

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today, HeHe is joined by Ann Marie Paul, a spiritual activator for divine feminine wisdom. She teaches the ancient art of Yoni Eggs which opens up a w...

104: FFT: Overcoming Fear & Birth Trauma

01 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a mama that wonders if your birth is "normal"? Do you look back on your birth and think "Things didn't go... like I thought they would." Maybe...

103: Using Hypnosis in Labor with Kelley Keenan

26 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered if hypnosis might be a useful tool for your labor support toolbox? Many women use hypnosis as a way to manage with the pressure...

102: FFT: Stop Washing Your Vagina!

22 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Seriously, stop washing your vagina. First, HeHe is explaining why you should never wash your vagina and if you wash your vulva, there are a few rules...

101: Choosing Childcare for First Time Parents with Hannah Riddle de Rojas

19 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is one that many families ("nanny families" --check out episode #89) will need to hear, relisten to, and probably refer back to numerous ...

100: Friday Free Talk: Get Out of Your Own Pond + HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you blocking yourself? Are you really the problem?! The good news is that if you're the problem, then that's an easy solution! In this episode, He...

99: Do You Need Sex Therapy? with Dr. Alex Chinks

12 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today is an episode that is so needed, but so many people do not dare walk in this territory. Well, we are. Sex Therapist, Dr. Alex Chinks, joins HeHe...

98: Friday Free Talk: Love Yourself More

11 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's no secret that HeHe is a firm believer in "Mindset is 90%" of the game mentality. This episode, she is sharing how you can mold your mindset and ...

97: What No One will Tell You about Yoga During Pregnancy with Julie Starr

05 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Julie Starr, Founder of Starr Yoga and Shift by Julie, joins HeHe in today's episode to talk all about the common misconceptions that people have when...

96: Friday Free Talk: How Worrying is Holding You Back

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is raw and real. Some might even say brutal. HeHe is diving into how you might be sabotaging yourself when it comes to conceiving, your b...

95: Being Mindful in Motherhood with Sarah Bivens

29 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We dug up episode #13 from the files and are re-sharing it here! Sarah Bivens in coming Boston in February to speak at our 2019 TBH Retreat! She will ...

94: Friday Free Talk: What's a Maternity Concierge?

25 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, HeHe is breaking down exactly what a Maternity Concierge does each day. The care that TBH clients receive is above and beyond beca...

93: CBD + Motherhood with Ashley Reynolds

22 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ahhhh! Alas, the topic that is quietly buzzing, circling like a taboo topic, but almost everyone is curious. Cannabis and parenting. Can you use it fo...

92: Friday Free Talk: Bulldog Parenting

18 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Inspired by 3 different events seemingly placed in HeHe’s path intentionally by the universe, she sat down and chatted about a term she coined in gr...

91: Are You Disrupting Your Hormones with Food? with Kristin Thomas

15 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

HeHe is joined by the Founder of Thrive by Food, Kristin Thomas, to chat about all things hormones and food, plus a little leaky gut! Did you know tha...

90: Friday Free Talk: This Is NOT A DRILL!

11 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Remember when you used to practice fire drills as a child. For me, there were different expectations at home and at school. Fire drills came up in a r...

89: Is Nanny Care Right For Your Family? with Sara Cook

08 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

HeHe is sitting down with the Founder of Cloud9nannies, Sara Cook. They are chatting about deficits in the industries that lead to common fears of hir...

87: What To Expect When Expecting With TBH in 2019

01 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the new year, pal!I absolutely love the turn into the new year. For me, it is not bitter sweet-- it's just sweet. It feels refreshing and l...

86: Friday Free Talk: How To Interact with Pregnant & Postpartum Humans in Social Settings

21 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I'm is sharing the social expectations and "rules" when interacting with pregnant and postpartum humans. Sparked by the holiday se...

84: Friday Free Talk: Surviving the Holidays After A Loss

14 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Holidays are a time that people are expected to be filled with cheer and glee. Everywhere you turn, people are wishing you happy holidays and a merry ...

83: Postpartum Mood Disorders in Motherhood: Part 2 with Jessica Vanderwier

11 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2: This is the second part to a two-part series on mental health + motherhood. I introduce Jess in Episode 81. In this episode we are discussing ...

82: Friday Free Talk: The Top 10 Baby Items Every New Parent Needs

07 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Friday, villagers! I am sharing my top 10 essential baby items that I couldn't live without. I started with a list of over 20 items that I thoug...

81: Postpartum Mood Disorders in Motherhood: Part 1 with Jessica Vanderwier

04 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1: Today's episode is the first half of a very in-depth conversation with Mental Health Therapist, Jess Vanderwier. This episode was broken down ...

80: Friday Free Talk: Teaching With Someone Who Holds Opposing Views

30 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I am sharing my experience of teaching with someone who holds opposing views to me in many things, but I chose to teach with her! That's right...

79: Managing Anxiety in Pregnancy with Shayna Mahoney

27 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is THE most requested episode. HeHe is chatting with Shayna Mahoney, Founder of HOPE Products, holistic life coach, and fellow anxiety...

78: FridayFree Talk: How To Set Boundaries with Your Family During the Holidays

23 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The holidays is a time that senses are already heightened and the feeling of love is in the air. However, if you are an expectant parent, the holidays...

77: Sweetening the Pill: Why We Are Addicted to Hormonal Birth Control with Holly Grigg-Spall

20 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is equal parts terrifying and empowering. HeHe is sitting down with Holy Grigg-Spall, Author of Bestselling book ‘Sweetening The Pill: ...

76: Friday Free Talk: What Parents Need to Know About Pacifiers

16 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

HeHe got the chance to attend an event put on by Smilo, a new company on the market that creates baby bottles and pacifiers. They say their design is ...

75: Birthing Without Fear with January Harshe

13 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode may be one of the most exciting one yet! HeHe got the chance to sit down with January Harshe, Founder of Birth Without Fear, Co-host...

74: Friday Free Talk: Bring Your BRAIN To Birth

09 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Bring your BRAIN to birth. Today, HeHe is helping you know how to assess the benefits and risks of each step in pregnancy! She’s diving into alterna...

73: Knowing Your Choices and Rights In Birth with Chloe Lubell

06 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

TRIGGER WARNING: Talk of abortion and rape  Vaginal suppositories, shifting the paradigm of control, and exploring your options, OH MY! Today, HeHe i...

72: Friday Free Talk: Taking The Stress Out of Traveling with Young Children

02 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Since the holiday season is quickly approaching, HeHe wanted to share a few tips to make traveling with newborns, infants, and young children less pai...

71: Gut Health 101 with Liz Bane

30 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

HeHe is flipping the script on this one. Gut health seemingly has nothing to do with pregnancy and birth, but it's much bigger underneath the surface....

70: Friday Free Talk: My IUD Horror Story

26 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the spirit of halloween, I’m sharing one of my very own medical horror stories. In July 2017, I made the decision to get the copper IUD. I had no...

69: Communicating During Pregnancy with Amanda Houle

23 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, HeHe is chatting with Amanda Houle, Designer Nanny and Parenting Guru to explore just what you should be talking about with your partner befor...

68: Friday Free Talk: Morning Sickness

19 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, HeHe share what you need to know about morning sickness, why it may be a good thing, what causes it, and numbeorus remedies you can t...

67: Using Food to Fuel Your Fertility with Elizabeth Raybould

16 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

#InfertilityWarriors, this one goes out to yal! If you have tried all the things in all the way from all the experts, this episode will speak right to...

66: Friday Free Talk: How the Seasons Impact Human Behavior and Birth

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is all about how the seasons impact humans! Turns out, the teachers who say the moon controls the children and can make them maniacs...

65: Chiropractic Care Can Change Your Life with Dr. Lizzie Sobel

09 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, HeHe is sitting down with Dr. Lizzie Sobel, Founder of Wholesome Healing Chiropractic. We are chatting into the benefits of chiro-care duri...

64: Friday Free Talk: My Harvard Interview

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is somewhat of a bonus episode to give a real #bts (behind the scenes) glance of TBH. HeHe was asked by a student at Harvard for an in...

63: Free birthing with Kelley Tejada

02 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, HeHe is chatting all about freebirthing! Kelley is sharing her story of courage and having her baby at her, trusting only her body, b...

62: Friday Free Talk: How Important is Your Baby's Name?

28 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

 Happy Friday! In today's episode, HeHe is diving into picking baby names! There are very interesting thigns connected with your name and this episod...

61: Let Me Introduce You to Your Vagina

25 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is getting scandelous! We all talking all things clitoris, vaginal canals, orgasms, natural lubes, and menstration. Welcome to Vagina ...

60: Friday Free Talk: Respecting the Golden Hour

21 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Friday, Yal! In this episode of Friday Free Talk, I'm talking about the benefits of being intentional with the first 60 minutes after your baby ...

59: Lotus Births, Herbal Remedies, and Crystal Healing! Oh My!

18 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, HeHe is chatting with a mom of one, Jasper, who has strong feelings toward the medical field and planned an unassisted homebirth. Things didn't...

58: Friday Free Talk: I'm a Barbie Girl in a Barbie World

14 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I am talking all about your imperfections as a parent and partner. Plus, I’m even sharing what I’m not that great at either... We will take...

57: Copper Toxicity- The Copper IUD 

11 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Is your IUD poisoning you? Could your copper IUD being causing your body to be overloaded and needing a serious detox? Kirby Costa Campos is joining ...

56: Free Friday Talk: Car Seat Safety

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Front facing, rear facing, booster seats and 5 point harnesses! Buying a carseat can be overwhelming! Did you know that your child's height and weight...

55: Upleveling Your Birth with Rachel Cunningham

05 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

You are not ready for today's episode! This one is too good! HeHe is sitting down with a mom of 3 and is the epitome of a birth warrior. She has three...

54: Friday Free Talk: Hyper Focus in Birth

31 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is inspired by a combination of background chatter, TED Talks, Netflix series, and various blogs. I'm diving into the brain and how hu...

53: Homebirth Midwifery Legislation: Part 2 with Diana Snyder

28 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Last week's episode is all about the midwifery bill H.4655 in Massachusetts and one side of the bill. This week we are diving into part 2. HeHe is sit...

52: Free Friday Talk: First Come Marriage

24 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

I'm sharing a special skill that I have that helps my clients prepare for their birth. This podcast was inspired by a blog that I wrote last year abou...

51: Homebirth Midwifery Legislation: Part 1 with Joyce Hunt Kimball

21 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, it's all about birthing at your home! HeHe is chatting with Joyce Hunt-Kimball, a Homebirth Midwife in Massachusetts, about fear-based care in ...

50: Free Talk Friday: Best Apps for New Parents

17 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Every new parent wants to know apps that can make their life easier, simpler, organized or more structured. "There's an app for that" has never been s...

49: Budgeting for a Baby with Nicole LeGuern

14 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, HeHe is helping you budget for your baby! HeHe is sitting down with Nicole Leguern, a mom of four kids and Financial Planner, to dive deep into...

48: Free Friday Talk: Packing for Your Birth Part 2

11 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, HeHe shared her tips for packing your birth bag for the hospital or birth center. This week, she shares what SHE brings to births in her ni...

47: Eliminating Toxins in Your Home with Bri Pruitt

07 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is all about common household toxins and the impacts they have on your health. HeHe is sitting down with Bri Pruitt who has been livin...

46: Free Friday Talk:Packing For Your Birth

03 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Packing for your birth experience can be a tantalizing task. Some people have no clue where to start while others feel like they can't possibly prepar...

45: Tranquilo Mat with Melissa Gersin

31 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, HeHe is chatting with Melissa Gersin, Founder and CEO of Tranquil Mat! This magical baby product is a gently vibrating mat that helps newborns ...

44: Friday Free Talk: Vaginal Stank

27 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today, HeHe is diving into the skittle flavors of you vagina! Dive into what contributes to your personal vaginal odor as well as what can be done to ...

43: Meal Delivery and Organic Eating with Fuel Up TV

24 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features the founders of Fuel Up TV and Fitness Foods. Erika and Tiffany are sister who started a business together then became mother...