The Birth Lounge Podcast

Join HeHe and Alex from Baby Led Weaning Academy as they take the confusion out of starting solids and bring you back to what’s actually normal for babies. This conversation walks you through true readiness signs, how to tell the difference between gagging and choking, and what to do with the very real fears around allergies. HeHe and Alex gently debunk the myths that make starting solids feel scarier than it needs to be, while reminding you that your baby’s instincts matter. You’ll hear how BLW and purees can work together, how to follow your baby’s lead with confidence, and what a safe, calm introduction to food really looks like. This episode is packed with practical tips and grounded wisdom to support your BLW journey from the very first bite.   Guest Bio: Alex King is a postpartum doula and baby-led weaning specialist who helps parents approach starting solids with calm, confidence, and trust. Through Baby-Led Weaning Academy, she supports families in honoring their baby’s cues and development—making feeding a joyful, connected experience instead of an overwhelming one. With her doula background and lived experience weaning three foster babies, Alex brings heart, real-life wisdom, and a deep respect for both baby and parent to every conversation. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram  Connect with Alex on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere. And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.   LINKS MENTIONED: babyledweaningacademy.com babyledweaningacademy.com/podcast babyledweaningacademy.com/registry-guide Use code  monthhehefree to try out a free month in Baby Led Weaning Academy: babyledweaningacademy.com/club EZPZ straw cup: use code  BLWAcademy Check out https://bapronbaby.com/ and use code BLWACADEMY10 to save 10%  Catch Alex on DoulaTok  CPR course: https://courses.thrivetraininginstitute.com/courses/cpr-aed?ref=084849 HEHE10 for 10% off, making the course only $15 with their current sale 75% off sale. (alexis FYI, they promote this as a sale but its been 75% off for like a year, 😂)

Ep. 407: Re-air-Setting Yourself Up for Breastfeeding Success with Brianne Taggart  Today we're bringing back one of the most loved breastfeeding episodes inside The Birth Lounge, because honestly… this conversation is too good to live in the archives. If you’re preparing for breastfeeding or already navigating those early days, this re-air is going to hit differently the second (or third!) time around. Lactation expert and IBCLC Brianne Taggart joins HeHe to dig into what truly sets you up for feeding success: protecting your mental health, grounding yourself in evidence-based lactation education, and knowing what’s normal so you’re not second-guessing every feed. Together, they lovingly bust the biggest breastfeeding myths, walk you through why colostrum is absolute gold, and break down how to follow your baby’s lead with confidence. You’ll learn what tools are actually helpful, how partners can show up as real support, and how to steer clear of the endless bad advice circulating online. Brianne brings her calming, clear, deeply supportive expertise — and whether it's your first time hearing this episode or a much-needed refresher, you’ll walk away feeling prepared, empowered, and rooted in what matters most.   Guest Bio: Brianne Taggart is a mother of three, a Registered Nurse, IBCLC Lactation Consultant, childbirth educator and Certified Educator of Infant Massage.  She loves teaching and empowering families about all things babies, boobs and breastfeeding. She understands firsthand how rocky the road into parenthood can be, so she likes to make that transition as smooth as possible for the families she teaches.  Follow Bri on Insta for quick tips and tricks @breezy__babies and at www.breezybabies.com to see the products she offers. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram  Connect with Brianne on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere. And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.   LINKS MENTIONED: https://breezybabies.com/   Listen to the original episode: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-172-setting-yourself-up-for-breastfeeding-success-with-brianne-taggart/

In this episode, HeHe welcomes Kassi to discuss the vital role doulas can play in lactation support. The conversation touches on the misconceptions about doulas' scope in providing lactation advice, Kassi's journey from a community clinic to becoming an IBCLC, and the importance of prenatal lactation education. They explore how doulas, with proper training, can address new parents' needs, identify red flags, and refer to IBCLCs when necessary. The episode delves into practical advice on breastfeeding, pumping, and supporting new mothers, highlighting the collaborative benefits when doulas and lactation consultants work together. Kassi also introduces her 'Bridge' program, designed to empower doulas with advanced lactation support skills. This comprehensive discussion aims to enhance breastfeeding success and maternal well-being by fostering a cohesive care approach. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:09 The Role of Doulas in Lactation Support 01:36 Personal Journey into Doula and Lactation Work 03:48 Challenges in Prenatal Lactation Education 06:05 Lactation Support in Hospitals 07:51 Insurance Coverage for Lactation Support 09:32 Educating Families Prenatally 16:19 Recognizing Red Flags in Lactation 19:01 Nipple Pain and Damage 23:53 Pumping Guidance for New Mothers 26:14 Understanding the Roles in Breastfeeding Support 26:55 Navigating the Scope of Doula Support 28:21 The Gray Area of Clinical Support 31:58 Diverse Advice in Lactation Support 35:17 The Importance of Standardized Lactation Education 39:14 The Role of Pediatricians in Lactation Support 46:29 Introducing the Bridge Program for Doulas 50:32 How to Join the Bridge Program   Guest Bio: Kassi Reyes: IBCLC, RN, Doula, Clinical Educator, and Mamá + your go-to person for real-world lactation tools. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and passionate about helping birthworkers gain real-world lactation skills, because I believe they’re the missing puzzle piece in helping families feel confident and supported on their feeding journeys. When Kassi’s not working, you’ll probably find her with a cup of coffee, chasing my toddler, practicing yoga, or exploring the outdoors. Connect with Kassi: https://www.kassireyes.com/apply https://www.kassireyes.com/training Free Lactation Guide for Perinatal Professionals - Answers to the Top 10 Feeding Questions your Clients will ask: https://www.kassireyes.com/guide SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram  Connect with Kassi on IG  Connect with Kassi on YouTube   BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere. And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor. LINKS MENTIONED: Get 10% off Silverettes to support your breastfeeding journey with code HEHE   Check out Kassi on HeHe's DoulaTok here!   

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with lactation superstar Kelly Kendall, RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), to get real about breastfeeding — the joys, the struggles, and everything in between. They dive into the realities new parents face, from hand-expressing colostrum and mastering proper latching to managing oversupply, nipple trauma, and sleepy newborns. HeHe also introduces the Birth Lounge app, packed with bite-sized, evidence-based tools to help you feel confident navigating parenthood. Kelly shares practical, heart-centered advice for building a supportive environment, getting your partner involved, using pumps effectively, and keeping your milk supply healthy — without shame or pressure. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or navigating feeding with a little one already at home, this episode is overflowing with actionable strategies, evidence-backed guidance, and a dose of compassion only HeHe can deliver/ 00:00 Embracing the Realities of Parenting 01:06 Introduction to The Birth Lounge App 02:16 Features of The Birth Lounge App 05:04 Breastfeeding Statistics and Challenges 08:27 Interview with Lactation Consultant Kelly Kendall 13:52 Breastfeeding Techniques and Tips 25:41 The Importance of Baby-Led Latching 36:03 Common Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions 38:31 Avoiding the Vicious Cycle of Breastfeeding 38:43 Frequency of Feeding and Its Impact on Supply 39:32 Sleepy Newborns and Feeding Challenges 46:11 The Importance of Night Feedings 47:48 Breastfeeding and Postpartum Self-Care 48:57 Navigating Social Media Expectations 49:33 Breastfeeding Subsequent Children 52:55 Dealing with Nipple Trauma 58:17 Introducing a Pump: Timing and Tips 01:03:40 Partner Support in Breastfeeding 01:05:22 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Parents   Guest Bio: Kelly Kendall is a registered nurse and internationally board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who’s been elbows-deep in boobs and babies for years—both in the hospital and as a private practice After watching too many parents get steamrolled by outdated advice and sugarcoated nonsense, she created Boob School: a no-fluff, all-facts lactation program that shows you how to prevent breastfeeding chaos, survive the messy middle, and get back on track when it all goes sideways. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Kelly on IG    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: https://firstdroplets.com/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13006-020-00261-4   https://firstdroplets.com/science/   https://www.thebalancedboob.com/boob-school-expectant   Use code Hehe10 to get 10% off boob school! https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/media/pdfs/2024/05/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf#page=65 https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/about/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com Listen to episode 240 of The Birth Lounge Podcast all about hand expression here!  Listen to episode 356 of The Birth Lounge Podcast all about perceived low milk supply here!  Get 10% off Silverettes to support your breastfeeding journey with code HEHE  

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s all-time favorite ways to stay cozy during pregnancy and postpartum. Their ultra-soft PJs, loungewear, and sheets make those long nights and lazy days feel a little more luxurious — and they’re a simple way to detox your home while you’re at it! Right now, you can use code HEHE to stack up to 40% off holiday sale prices on anything from dreamy PJs to new sheets: https://cozyearth.com/ Understanding Epidurals: Everything You Need to Know with Marissa Mulder of Sassy Anesthesia In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into the real talk on epidurals with Marissa Mulder, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and the brain behind the popular Instagram account Sassy Anesthesia. They break down why every labor is unique (so stop comparing yourself to everyone else!) and go step by step through the epidural process — the risks, benefits, pros, cons, and the myths you’ve probably heard. Plus, they cover the difference between epidurals and spinals, how to advocate for a birth experience that truly works for you, and how tools like the Birth Lounge App can give you bite-sized, evidence-based education to feel confident from pregnancy through postpartum. Whether you plan to use an epidural or not, this episode is packed with the knowledge and empowerment every parent deserves. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Advice on Epidurals 01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast 01:53 Introducing The Birth Lounge App 02:10 Features and Benefits of The Birth Lounge App 05:21 Today's Topic: All About Epidurals 05:54 Guest Introduction: Marissa Mulder, CRNA 06:54 Epidural FAQs and Common Concerns 10:41 Epidural Placement and Procedure 30:03 Medications Used in Epidurals 36:49 Postpartum Comfort: Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jogger Sets 40:20 Eating and Drinking During Labor: What's the Risk? 42:54 The Importance of Honesty with Hospital Staff 43:55 Why Partners Might Be Asked to Leave During Epidural Placement 48:36 Adjusting Your Epidural: What You Need to Know 51:53 Epidurals and Labor Progression: Myths and Facts 58:40 Epidural Risks and Benefits Explained 01:01:56 Spinal vs. Epidural: What's the Difference? 01:09:53 Emotional Aspects of Choosing an Epidural 01:13:59 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information   Guest Bio: Marissa is a CRNA and first time mama to a busy 5 month old and can be found on insta & tiktok at @sassyanesthesia .  SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram  Connect with Marissa on Instagram    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere. And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor. Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience. Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress.