The Birth Lounge Podcast

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe dives into the big, messy, beautiful reality of life after baby. She introduces Dad Daze, a course created to give dads-to-be the tools, knowledge, and confidence to show up fully—from labor and delivery to postpartum support—so they can be active partners in parenthood.

HeHe is joined by Kalista Anderson, founder of the New Mom Boss podcast, RN, lactation counselor, and new mom coach. Together, they unpack how relationships shift after a baby, why it’s so important to notice and prepare for those changes, and how love languages impact connection in the postpartum period. They share practical strategies for communicating, leaning on your support system, and reigniting intimacy, so partners feel supported, connected, and empowered in this wild transitional time.

This conversation is full of real talk, actionable tips, and gentle guidance for navigating your relationship during the rollercoaster of postpartum life.

00:00 Introduction to New Parenthood Challenges

00:59 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:41 Introducing Dad Days Course

02:24 Course Details and Benefits

04:48 Re-airing Popular Episodes During Maternity Leave

06:46 Interview with Kallista Anderson

08:44 Postpartum Relationship Changes

14:43 Importance of Communication and Affection

17:35 Date Nights and Love Languages

22:29 Understanding Fertility Tracking

22:48 Personal Fertility Tracking Methods

24:02 Navigating Postpartum Touch and Intimacy

28:18 Reengaging in Sex After Baby

29:32 Supporting Each Other Postpartum

33:19 Building Your Postpartum Village

35:15 Adapting Postpartum Plans

38:13 Final Thoughts and Resources

 

Guest Bio:

Kallista is married and is a mom of 3.  She is a registered nurse and finished the lactation counselor training course through The Center for Breastfeeding.  Kallista helps new moms in their journey into motherhood. From pregnancy to welcoming baby in arms and beyond, she offers education, support, as well as her own experience.  In this episode we are diving into your relationship with your partner postpartum! 

See the originally published episode here: Ep. 173: Your Relationship with Your Partner Post Baby with Kallista Andersen

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with Kalista on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kallista-andersen-7762651b2/ to see what she’s up to now 

 

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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ 

Psst. Dad Daze is included in the lifetime membership! 

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with couples therapist and relationship coach Jonathan Van Viegen to unpack something that shows up in almost every partnership at some point: emotional dysregulation.

Together, they break down what dysregulation actually means, not as a label or a flaw, but as what happens when emotions come out sideways instead of being expressed in healthy, connecting ways. Jonathan shares insights from his upcoming book, including what he’s learned from working with couples in high-stress, high-conflict seasons, while also reminding listeners that regulation, repair, and connection deserve just as much attention as the hard moments.

The conversation explores how expectations, self-awareness, and reflection shape the way we show up for our partners, especially during seasons like financial stress, career pressure, pregnancy, and parenting. They talk openly about communication breakdowns, rebuilding physical intimacy, and why support and curiosity matter more than “getting it right.”

You’ll also hear Jonathan’s practical, no-fluff tools for improving communication, reconnecting emotionally and physically, and navigating hard conversations without spiraling into blame or shutdown. Yes, they even go there on the topic of scheduled sex and why it can actually support intimacy instead of killing it.

This episode is a reminder that strong relationships aren’t built by avoiding conflict, they’re built by learning how to come back to each other with honesty, regulation, and care.

 

Guest Bio:

Jonathan Van Viegen is a couples therapist, relationship coach, and author of an upcoming book to be found in stores in 2026. With over 10,000 hours helping couples rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional connection, he’s known for his no-fluff, solution-focused approach that actually gets results. His work has transformed thousands of relationships, and he’s on a mission to save a million marriages.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with Jonathan 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://stan.store/relationshipswithjonathan

In this episode, HeHe shares a quick life update before re-airing one of our most-loved conversations while she’s on maternity leave and it’s one that still matters a lot.

This episode pulls back the curtain on hospital-sponsored childbirth education and why so many expectant parents leave those classes feeling more confused, constrained, or quietly uneasy instead of truly prepared. We talk about how bias shows up, why informed consent is often glossed over, and what gets left out when education is tied to the same system providing your care.

This is an honest, empowering conversation about why independent, evidence-based, out-of-hospital childbirth education can change how you experience pregnancy, birth, and advocacy. It’s about understanding your options, protecting your autonomy, and reducing the risk of trauma by being informed before decisions feel urgent.

If you’ve ever wondered why traditional birth classes didn’t quite sit right, or you want education that trusts your intelligence and centers your voice, this episode is for you.

New episodes drop every Wednesday and Friday. Follow along and join The Birth Lounge community for grounded, non-judgmental birth education and support that actually prepares you for the real thing. 💛

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:36 Re-airing Popular Episodes During Maternity Leave
02:51 The Importance of Out-of-Hospital Childbirth Education
03:50 Biases in Hospital-Sponsored Childbirth Education
05:52 Informed Consent in Childbirth Education
06:50 Outdated Hospital Policies and Their Impact
09:54 The Role of Bias in Childbirth Education
14:30 Conflict of Interest in Hospital Childbirth Education
16:02 Join The Birth Lounge for Comprehensive Childbirth Education
18:26 Conclusion and Call to Action

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe 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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

The Secret Sauce to Pushing course gives you step-by-step guidance on how to push effectively — whether you have an epidural or not — so you can reduce tearing, labor faster, and feel in control from start to finish. HeHe teaches which muscles to engage, how to position your body, and the techniques that actually work, giving you the confidence and tools to achieve your best birth possible.

Learn more: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/SSP

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

 

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe shares her personal journey through the final weeks of her pregnancy. As she eagerly anticipates the arrival of her baby, she details her physical and emotional experiences, including her decisions on newborn resuscitation training, gestational diabetes testing, and preparation for labor. HeHe discusses the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy, counting kicks for fetal monitoring, and the importance of having a supportive birth team. Follow along as she provides insights into staying active, managing pregnancy symptoms, and preparing for the big day.

 

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Welcome

01:05 Pregnancy Reflections and Preparations

05:27 Third Trimester Experiences

09:35 Gestational Diabetes Testing

11:38 Baby Gear and Nursery Planning

28:22 Unexpected Pregnancy Symptoms

33:45 Final Preparations and Reflections

41:11 Conclusion and Farewell

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe 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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

The Secret Sauce to Pushing course gives you step-by-step guidance on how to push effectively — whether you have an epidural or not — so you can reduce tearing, labor faster, and feel in control from start to finish. HeHe teaches which muscles to engage, how to position your body, and the techniques that actually work, giving you the confidence and tools to achieve your best birth possible.

Learn more: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/SSP

LINKS MENTIONED:
Check out our episode on pushing her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZrzPyJLu50

 

Check out our episode on Gestational Diabetes here: https://youtu.be/rgRyNfOOgKU?si=DjdOM21A_yqhw0lr

  

Listen to our episode about counting kicks here: https://youtu.be/0nBT2FxZJfA?si=prnyGCdjwzXUZXfc

 

Listen to our episode about choosing a stroller with Hip Baby Gear: https://youtu.be/ljVnpZwhKlk?si=eTiU16-XHlzVnvMy


Check out Dr. Berlin’s Growing with HeHe: https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/growing-with-hehe

Check out the electrolytes HeHe likes here (use code HEHE for a discount!): https://justingredients.us/products/electrolytes-blue-hawaiian?selling_plan=3422945473

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

 

Preeclampsia is one of those pregnancy conditions that gets mentioned often, explained poorly, and frequently dismissed until it suddenly isn’t. In this episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Dallas Reed to pull back the curtain on what preeclampsia actually is, how it shows up, and what expectant parents deserve to understand long before things feel urgent.

Together, they break down the basics in a way that’s clear and human, including how common preeclampsia really is, what symptoms to take seriously, and how to make sense of blood pressure readings and pregnancy-related hypertension diagnoses. Dr. Reed explains the differences between severe and non-severe preeclampsia, what monitoring can look like before and after 37 weeks, and why postpartum preeclampsia deserves more attention than it often gets.

The conversation also explores prevention and management, including lifestyle considerations, aspirin use, and how care plans may differ depending on risk level, gestational age, and whether someone is being monitored inpatient or outpatient.

A major focus of the episode is the future of personalized maternal care, including a deep dive into the Encompass test. This new RNA-based blood test, available between 18 and 22 weeks, helps identify pregnancies at higher risk for preeclampsia and pairs that insight with an evidence-based action plan and virtual support. Dr. Reed shares how this type of testing may change the way providers and families approach monitoring, communication, and early intervention, including potential benefits for out-of-hospital birth settings.

This episode is grounded, evidence-based, and empowering, offering expectant parents tools, language, and understanding so they can participate confidently in their care rather than feeling blindsided by it.

 

Mirvie will be accepting insurance soon so check with your providers! You can also use code HeHe for $300 off! 

 

Learn more at https://encompasstest.com/get-the-test

 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Preeclampsia

00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:39 Features of The Birth Lounge App

03:00 Pregnancy and Postpartum Articles

04:54 Introduction to Today's Episode

07:47 Discussion with Dr. Dallas Reed

08:35 Understanding Preeclampsia

10:46 Symptoms and Diagnosis

18:56 Managing Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

22:37 Risk Factors and Prevention

31:59 Strategies to Prevent Preeclampsia

32:29 Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations

33:37 Monitoring and Follow-Up

35:05 Risks and Complications of Preeclampsia

37:05 Postpartum Preeclampsia

39:20 Managing Preeclampsia Before 37 Weeks

41:20 Inpatient Care and Medications

46:22 Understanding the Encompass Test

53:06 Benefits of the Encompass Test for Home Births

58:19 Final Thoughts and Resources

 

Guest Bio:

Dr. Dallas Reed, practicing OBGYN, medical geneticist and advisor to Mirvie, a company delivering data-driven solutions for predictive and preventive care in pregnancy. Mirvie recently launched Encompass, which is the first RNA-based blood test to predict preeclampsia risk, combined with an evidence-based preventive action plan and virtual assistant to guide individualized support and care. 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram 

Connect with Mirvie 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.