The Birth Lounge Podcast

• Ep. 380 Redefining Care: Sally Hayes on Creating Integrated Support Systems

  In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Sally Hayes, founder of Matrikas, to talk about what it really takes to build a solid, supportive village for new parents. Together, they unpack the importance of continuity of care, how to create a trustworthy referral list, and the reality of navigating a maternal healthcare system that often feels broken and fragmented. Sally brings her wisdom on radical acceptance, the role of virtual care in expanding access, and why maternal health education has to start earlier than most people think. HeHe and Sally also dive into how to properly vet practitioners and what to do if client feedback uncovers red flags in your referral network. If you’ve ever wondered how collaboration between providers (and communities!) can change outcomes for families, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how to build the kind of village that supports birthing people and their care teams. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose-Driven Care 01:03 Client Testimonial and Birth Lounge App 05:04 Healthcare System Challenges 06:33 Interview with Sally Hayes: Continuity of Care 08:00 Building a Referral Network 25:45 Virtual Care and Overcoming Healthcare Deserts 36:26 Personal Experiences and Advice for New Doulas 40:03 Building Connections and Championing Others 41:05 Embracing Authenticity in Your Work 41:54 Finding Your Perfect Client 42:33 Creating Unique Services and Standing Out 43:02 Building a Referral Network 45:40 Aligning Values with Referral Partners 51:59 Handling Mismatched Referrals 01:05:42 The Importance of Preemptive Education 01:11:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Guest Bio: Before founding Matrikas, Sally spent 20+ years as a prenatal and postpartum massage therapist, working intimately with thousands of clients through some of the most transformative chapters of their lives. Her hands-on work illuminated a critical gap in the maternal health landscape: while there are countless talented practitioners, many work alone, disconnected from one another and often unsupported. Matrikas was born out of this need for a more connected, collaborative, and community driven model of care. Through Matrikas, Sally champions relationship based referrals, cross discipline education, and building a shared village that supports birthing people and the providers who care for them. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Sally 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: Www.wearematrikas.com

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• Ep. 379 Let's normalize talking about reproductive hardships with Dr.Jessica Zucker

  Miscarriage affects 1 in 4 pregnancies, yet it’s still surrounded by silence, shame, and stigma. In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Zucker, a reproductive psychologist, author of I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement, and an incredible voice in this space. Together, we’re getting real about the emotional and psychological impact of pregnancy loss, how our medical system often misses the mark, and what true support looks like for those navigating this experience. Dr. Zucker also shares her personal story of loss and how it shaped her mission to normalize these conversations and bring compassion to the forefront of reproductive health. This episode is for anyone who’s experienced miscarriage, loves someone who has, or simply wants to be part of breaking the silence. You’ll walk away with perspective, validation, and tools to change the way we show up for each other in this journey. 00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Miscarriage Stigma 00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast 01:03 Avoiding a C-Section: Free Class Overview 02:57 Empowering Women in Birth Choices 05:12 Introducing Today's Episode on Miscarriage 05:30 Conversation with Dr. Jessica Zucker 09:27 Jessica Zucker's Journey and Advocacy 14:38 Understanding and Supporting Pregnancy Loss 23:36 Breaking the Silence and Stigma 27:17 How to Support Someone Experiencing Loss 30:21 Offering Genuine Support After Loss 32:17 Personal Reflections on Loss and Support 34:25 Navigating Conversations About Loss 37:31 Professional Insights on Experiencing Personal Loss 45:47 The Importance of Early Education on Loss 50:17 The Role of Healthcare Providers in Supporting Loss 53:18 Conclusion and Resources   Guest Bio: Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning book I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America and earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University. Her second book, NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives, is out now and available everywhere books are sold. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Dr. Zucker on Instagram    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: www.drjessicazucker.com Keywords: miscarriage support, pregnancy loss, miscarriage stigma, Dr Jessica Zucker, miscarriage memoir, I Had a Miscarriage book, fertility journey, emotional impact of miscarriage, coping with miscarriage, miscarriage awareness, reproductive psychology, pregnancy loss support, breaking miscarriage silence, miscarriage podcast

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• Ep. 378: Low Tox Living with Illie Balaj

  Have you ever stopped to think about what’s really in your shampoo, cleaning spray, or even your favorite candle? Spoiler alert: everyday products are often loaded with hidden toxins that can impact your health, hormones, and even fertility. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by Illie Balaj, integrative nutritionist, children’s book author, and founder of Live HealthIllie, for a deep dive into low-tox living. Illie’s personal journey to toxin-free living is both eye-opening and inspiring, and she’s here to show you that making swaps doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Inside this conversation, we cover: The surprising toxins hiding in common products (like SLS in personal care) Easy, practical swaps to reduce toxins in your home and life How gut health and endocrine disruptors are connected to issues like eczema, dandruff, migraines, and painful periods Fertility prep 101: sunlight, muscle building, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction Why reducing synthetic fragrances might be one of the best things you can do for your body This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you feel confident and empowered as you lower your toxic load and prepare your body for pregnancy. Tune in now to learn how small, mindful changes can create big shifts in your health and fertility. 00:00 Introduction to Low Tox Living 00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast 02:19 The Journey to Low Tox Living 05:45 Common Health Issues and Hidden Toxins 07:35 Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle 17:42 Understanding Stress and Its Impact 26:09 Natural Detoxification Methods 36:06 The Importance of Hydration and Minerals 38:20 Creating Minerals and Chill 38:54 Hydration Beyond Water 40:26 The Coffee Conundrum 42:49 Preparing for Pregnancy 50:30 Understanding Leptin and Fertility 55:36 Challenges with Fertility Clinics 01:04:30 Addressing Common Health Issues 01:07:57 Detoxing and Cleansing Myths 01:10:26 Connecting with Healthillie 01:11:46 Conclusion and Farewell   Guest Bio: Illie is an Integrative Nutritionist, Children's Book Author, & Founder of Live Healthillie   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Illie 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: www.livehealthillie.com https://livehealthillie.com/products/live-healthillie-minerals-chill  

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• Ep. 377: The Myth of the Aging Placenta with Sophie Messager, Phd

  Ep. 377: The Myth of the Aging Placenta with Sophie Messager, Phd  Have you ever been told your placenta might be “too old”? Maybe you’ve heard that once you hit 35 or if you’ve conceived through IVF, your placenta just can’t keep up. This so-called “aging placenta” idea gets tossed around a lot, but here’s the truth: it’s a myth. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Sophie Messager, a former reproductive psychologist and current doula, to set the record straight. Together, we dive into: The history of the “aging placenta” myth and how it gained traction What science really says about how the placenta changes in late pregnancy Why these misconceptions can strip away maternal autonomy and fuel unnecessary interventions The role of intuition when navigating medical recommendations How systemic bias and racial disparities play into maternity care And drumming… yes, you read that right: how drumming can become a powerful, grounding tool during pregnancy This conversation will give you the knowledge (and confidence) to challenge outdated beliefs and trust that your body isn’t broken. It’’s brilliant. 🎧 Tune in now to reclaim your power and let’s bust this myth together! 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 01:16 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast 01:22 The Birth Lounge App: Your Pregnancy Companion 04:19 Debunking the Myth of the Aging Placenta 05:02 Interview with Sophie Ee: Bridging Science and Doula Work 07:08 Understanding Placental Health and Misconceptions 08:43 The Role of Research and Personal Experiences 17:12 Navigating Medical Advice and Personal Instincts 19:53 The Complexity of Placental Aging and Birth Outcomes 36:50 The Importance of Trusting Maternal Instincts 43:53 The Importance of Counting Kicks 44:48 Trusting Maternal Instincts 45:32 Placental Health in Subsequent Pregnancies 47:40 Respecting the Birth Process 48:56 The Role of the Placenta 54:58 Cultural and Racial Differences in Placental Health 57:00 Challenges in Maternity Care Systems 01:13:55 The Power of Intuition and Spirituality in Birth 01:20:00 Resources and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Sophie Messager bridges worlds that rarely meet. A former reproductive physiologist with a PhD, she traded her microscope for doula work after experiencing the transformative power of an empowered birth. Her decade-long journey as a doula, birth educator, and author of Why Postnatal Recovery Matters deepened her exploration of the rhythms surrounding women’s transitions. Now a holistic life transition mentor, Sophie guides women through significant life thresholds – from birth to perimenopause and beyond. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and spiritual insight allows her to serve as a compassionate space holder for those seeking to harmonise their analytical and intuitive selves.   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: https://sophiemessager.com/ Get 15% off any of Sophie’s online courses with code birthlounge https://sophiemessager.com/the-myth-of-the-aging-placenta/  

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• Ep. 376: Creating a Catastrophic Birth Plan with Kayleigh Summers

  This episode isn’t just about birth plans—it’s about the plan no one wants to make, but every family needs. I’m joined by Kayleigh Summers, aka The Birth Trauma Mama, to have a real and raw conversation about creating a catastrophe plan during pregnancy. Kayleigh shares her personal story of surviving an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and how that experience changed everything about the way she views birth prep. We talk about what most people skip over: ICU protocols, feeding plans, postpartum care in emergencies, and yes—even life support decisions. It’s a heavy conversation, but it’s also incredibly empowering. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to start building a plan that ensures your wishes are respected and your voice is heard—even if things don’t go the way you envisioned. This is about protecting your power in birth, no matter what.   Guest Bio: Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. Drawing from her clinical expertise and lived experience as an amniotic fluid embolism survivor, Kayleigh is dedicated to supporting families navigating perinatal trauma and collaborating with healthcare institutions to implement trauma-informed care tailored to pregnant and postpartum populations. As The Birth Trauma Mama, Kayleigh has cultivated vibrant support communities through Instagram, TikTok, and her podcast, offering connection, storytelling, and valuable resources for individuals impacted by perinatal trauma. Her work bridges clinical knowledge and personal insight, fostering hope and healing for those in need. 00:00 Introduction and Third Trimester Update 02:51 Creating a Birth Plan 04:40 Introducing the Catastrophe Plan 05:50 Kayleigh Summers' Story and Lessons 08:41 Discussing Catastrophic Birth Plans 11:11 Advocating for Yourself and Your Baby 11:57 Welcoming Kayleigh Summers 12:24 The Importance of Hard Conversations 13:22 Planning for Postpartum and Catastrophic Events 16:44 Separation and Skin-to-Skin Contact 39:02 Feeding Plans and Breastfeeding Decisions 44:01 Struggles with Milk Supply 44:47 Navigating ICU Communication 49:24 The Importance of Family Support 52:08 Documenting ICU Experiences 58:48 Life Support Decisions 01:07:59 Preparing for Catastrophic Events 01:19:42 Final Thoughts and Resources   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Kayleigh 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: thebirthtraumamama.com   Keywords: birth trauma, birth trauma mama, Kayleigh Summers, catastrophe plan pregnancy, amniotic fluid embolism, AFE birth story, emergency birth planning, pregnancy birth plan, postpartum planning, ICU birth plan, feeding plan newborn, high risk pregnancy planning, birth advocacy, informed consent in birth, empowered birth, birth trauma support, The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe Stewart, maternal health advocacy, lowering birth trauma

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