The Tranquility Tribe Podcast

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Caitlyn Schollmeier to discuss electronic fetal monitoring. They cover what electronic fetal monitoring is, why it is used, differences between continuous and intermittent monitoring, and various related topics. They also explore the implications of different monitoring choices on labor and delivery, including how interventions like Pitocin and epidurals require monitoring and tips for how different monitoring methods might affect movement and comfort during labor. In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: When providers often use each type of monitoring and why they may use continuous monitoring more often.  How long are the breaks during intermittent monitoring? What types of monitoring are best for low risk labors versus more complicated pregnancies?  What helps when we start to see wonky fetal heartones?  So what are some scenarios where you would want electronic fetal monitoring? Guest Bio: Caitlyn Schollmeier is a former birth doula and labor & de

In this episode, HeHe welcomes Jami Reyes, owner of Hip Baby Gear, to discuss essential baby gear. They delve into topics like how to choose car seats and strollers, considerations for different lifestyles, safety tips, and practical advice for parents. Additionally, they cover the pros and cons of popular brands and offer insights into making informed decisions to meet individual needs. In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: What should people be thinking about in terms of the weight and durability of strollers? What are we actually looking for in a car seat? What type of car seats are out there and who they might be best appropriate for from newborn all the way up to big kids in car seats?  What do we need to consider when it comes to thinking about the usage of our car seat and our stroller system and multiple cars?  What’s the installation process like for car seats?  I want to add a mirror and I want to have a camera and I want to have the window covers but are mirrors, cameras, toys

Heather is a professional architect, entrepreneur, and mother of two three and under. Her passion for sustainability and frustration with traditionally potty training her oldest led her to try Elimination Communication with her second baby. With her youngest using the potty at 5 weeks and able to take HERSELF by 12 months, Heather is now on a mission to show new and expecting parents everywhere what is possible and how they too can naturally potty train their babies from as early as birth.  As the host of the Ready From Birth Community, she brings together EC parents from all over the world so they can relax and enjoy the journey to early toilet independence without ever having to navigate the roadblocks alone. The Ready From Birth Course launched in May 2024, so new and expecting parents can get all the information they need to start EC and have their baby toilet independent as early as walking! Birth Education: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an inform

HeHe is joined by a Labor & Employment Lawyer and CEO of Centurion Trial Attorney to discuss maternity leave laws in the United States. Ryan shares what rights pregnant people have, when to share the big news with your boss & what's the minimum lawful amount of time off you're entitled to when you have a baby? We also cover what to do if you experience retaliation and how to protect your job while you are on maternity leave.    In this episode, we’re diving into the following questions: How am I supposed to leave work?  How early do I tell them?  When am I supposed to tell them?  What legal rights do I have?  What if they say I don't get paid?  How am I supposed to make this work financially?  What do I do about the insurance?   Take a listen to learn all about the Family Medical Leave Act ( FMLA ), what questions your employer can and can’t ask you, your rights in the workplace as a pregnant person, your rights in the workplace as a pumping mom, and more!  Guest Bio: Ryan is a former firefighter who

HeHe and Birth Injury Lawyer, Marlie, dive deep into how legality intersects with maternity care. Join this conversation to hear about your rights as a patient, what you can and can't say 'no' to in labor and what leaving 'AMA' really means! Marlie also breaks down what type of allegations are most commonly brought against OB's and how top down pressure from insurance companies and hospital systems impact patient care and outcomes! This is such an amazing episode!    Bio: Marlie H. Willer is an experienced trial lawyer that has dedicated her practice to 100% litigation. Marlie focuses her practice on medical malpractice, with a particular emphasis in obstetric negligence. She has successfully litigated hundreds of brachial plexus cases across the country.   Connect with Marlie on IG Connect with Marlie Here   Download Scripts for Advocacy!    Connect with HeHe on IG Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospit

Is a membrane sweep the right move for you? Is it a form of induction? In this episode, HeHe dives into what a membrane sweep is, why you might consider one, the risks & benefits plus what you can expect to feel during and after the procedure! If you are worried about going past your due date or considering an induction, this episode is a must-listen!    Connect with HeHe on IG    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!

Dive into the history of ultrasounds in maternity care, the various types of ultrasounds and how to know if they are right for you! Eyla and HeHe will talk about when you typically get ultrasounds in pregnancy and how to navigate the conversation of declining them if they are not aligned with your birth goals!    Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Eyla on IG    Join Eyla's Doula training 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!

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Laura of The Nesting Place & TumTum Wedge Pillow. She shares her twin and breech hospital birth story. Tune in today to hear her story and explore all of the questions you should consider asking if you have a breech baby or twin pregnancy.   Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Laura at:  The Nesting Place on IG TumTum Tummy Time Wedge TumTum on IG   Use the code HEHE to get 10% off the TumTum Wedge Pillow!!  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!   Breech & Twin Resources: Rixa Freeze, David Hartung: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/ Nathan Riley: https://www.belovedholistics.com/ Stu Fischbein: http://www.birthinginstincts.com/   Twin Sleep: Episode 249 with Natalie Diaz and Kim West

SSRI's are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression, so what happens when you get pregnant? Can you stay on these medications? Should you consider a different prescription or different modality of support? Alex Hoeft is a Labor & Delivery Nurse, homeschool mama of 5 & doula here to talk to us about her experience taking an SSRI during pregnancy. We will be diving into the questions that you should be asking yourself and your provider to determine the right path for you! From what they are to how they can impact your baby after birth, and even some of the more natural ways to support your mental health whether you are looking to wean from your SSRI or supplement it with other resources.    Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Alex on IG  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!

You asked and we delivered! In this episode, HeHe and MaMa Nurse Tina bring a human touch to the heavy topic of postpartum hemorrhage. We’re diving into what postpartum hemorrhage is, what increases your risk for experiencing it, some things that to mitigate those risks and then what to ask your providers during prenatals and if you do experience a hemorrhage.    Guest Bio:   Tina has been a labor and delivery nurse since 2012 with experience as an emergency room nurse prior. Recently she obtained her perinatal nursing certificate and has a passion for educating and empowering people who are looking forward to welcoming their new baby or have recently had a baby and would like some direction and encouragement. She's also a mom of 4 herself. Links:  Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Mama Nurse Tina on IG   Connect with Nurse Tina on TikTok    Connect with Nurse Tina on YouTube   Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidentl

Join HeHe as she sits down with High Risk OBGYN & MFM, Dr. Lexi Hill to discuss Pre-Eclampsia which is a pregnancy complication that generally arises after 20-weeks of pregnancy and often presents as high blood pressure, possible proteins in your urine, a headache that won't go away and intense swelling of legs and feet! Dr. Lexi shares about monitoring yourself for signs & symptoms, diagnostic criteria, risk factors that may increase your risk of developing Pre-E, questions to ask your provider plus the medical remedies you can expect to be offered to you if you develop Pre-E in pregnancy.    Guest Bio: Dr. Lexi Hill obtained her BS in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University. After taking a year to volunteer abroad in Costa Rica, substitute teach, and work as a Medical Assistant, she attended medical school at Texas A&M followed by an OB/GYN residency in Phoenix, Arizona. The native Texan returned to Galveston, Texas to complete a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Me

In this episode, HeHe chats with Jessica Rita of Modern Courage. They discuss the impact an unplanned cesarean can have on the initiation into motherhood including dealing with feelings of failure and many more layers of emotions. Jessica dives a bit into the cause of birth trauma as well as steps you can take to start healing now, including the importance of nervous system regulation, and trigger tracking. She also shares how an unplanned cesarean can impact the mother-baby bond & attachment style!   Guest Bio: Jess is a specialist in supporting millennial and Gen X women with anxiety, and individuals who have experienced birth trauma. She is a licensed canadian clinical counselor who offers individual therapy to support your personal growth with a focus on helping you to improve your self-worth, and to grow a more mindful, and balanced lifestyle.    Links:  Connect with Jess on IG    Join Jessica’s group to repair your birth story   Jessica’s website   Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free child

In this episode HeHe sits down with our editor, Alexis Stearns to go through a birth story case study. This is one of the coolest episodes to date! Special thanks to Alexis who shares her story of the classic 'cascade to intervention' cycle that ended with an unwanted, yet emergency (necessary) cesarean induction and VBAC induction stories with a play by play from HeHe on the different options at each step of the way. We dive into the feelings she experienced finding out she was pregnant again, how she made the decision to VBAC and what her hospital experience looked like trying to VBAC! Tune in to explore all the options!    Guest Bio: Alexis is on a mission to heal motherhood. As a manifesting generator (iykyk), Alexis achieves this mission in a variety of ways. From business support services for those aligning with her mission, to teaching children and their families social and emotional regulation skills, to helping moms create their own healing plan. Alexis believes firmly that every person is unique and

Today's episode is all about Vaginal Birth After 3 C-sections! Petra Cruz, from The VBAC Junkie Podcast, joins HeHe to share her story of 3 cesarean births + a VBAC birth at a hospital that has a 'VBAC Ban' in place! Petra is stepping us through her decision making process to have a VBAC and how hard she had to fight in the hospital.   Join The Birth Lounge Membership!   Download The Birth Lounge App!   Connect with Petra on IG! Connect with HeHe on IG!         

  Listener Discretion Advised- this episodes shares the story of inappropriate Pitocin use in labor resulting in severe birth trauma and neonatal complications. Please make sure you are in a space to receive this story.   Today's episode is so informative and educates us about the repercussions of inappropriate use of Pitocin in labor! Pitocin is neither good nor bad, it is simply a tool. However, it must be used with intention and respect. It comes with massive risk if it is not properly administered. Katie Spinks shares her story of obstetrical abuse and the horrors that followed a misuse of Pitocin for her and her precious daughter, Jolene.    Connect with Katie on IG!   Join The Birth Lounge Membership!    Download The Birth Lounge App!    Connect with HeHe on IG!

This episode is everything that so many of us need! Hannah Gill is a wealth of knowledge with a soothing voice and unmatched determination! Listen in as Hannah shares her story of a primary cesarean followed by an unmedicated, low intervention hospital VBAC-- or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean!   Join The Birth Lounge!    Download The Birth Lounge App!   Connect with Hannah: Website: thehannahgill.com Instagram: @thehannahgill Podcast: https://motherhoodflow.buzzsprout.com VBAC Training for Doulas (waitlist): https://www.thehannahgill.com/doulawaitlist VBAC Prep Course for Parents (waitlist): https://www.thehannahgill.com/waitlist     Connect with HeHe on IG!

We all know that inductions are on the rise and many times they are not founded in evidence-based reasons! With so many women hoping to avoid unnecessary interventions, particularly c-sections, HeHe knew that Dr. Rachel Reed was the perfect expert to share how you can avoid an unnecessary induction which will lead to lower risk of unnecessary interventions and decrease your risk of a c-section.   JOIN THE BIRTH LOUNGE! >>> Just $55/m, cancel anytime!   Connect with Dr. Rachel: Her Website Her Blog   Follow HeHe on Instagram    

Unnecessareans (Unnecessary c-sections) are on the rise in America and for many reasons! So many women prepare for labor from a place of wanting to avoid a c-section but fail to understand what actually CAUSES unnecessary cesareans! Without understanding WHAT causes them, it will be very hard to implement HOW to actually avoid one!     There are things you can do, decisions you can make and conversations you can have that will mitigate your risk of unnecessary intervention and allow you to avoid having a cesarean birth when that is not your plan!    This episode will teach you the three most influential things you can do to avoid an unnecessarean!    Join the LIVE CLASS on April 9th on How to Avoid a Cesarean & Reduce Your Risk of Tearing in Labor!     Join The Birth Lounge     Sources for this episode:  Spontaneous Labor: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/215/4538/1396 https://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(98)00058-X/abstract https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.013718

HeHe asked yal to submit 'would you rather' questions on her social channels! Tune into to see if your question was featured and how HeHe answers each one!!    Connect with HeHe on IG so you can participate in our community!   Download the Evidence Based Induction Guide   Join The Birth Lounge

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 episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, Dr. Neel Shah dives into what we know about c-sections, why our country has such an astronomical rate of them, and what you can do to decrease your chances of “being sectioned” during labor and delivery.   We dive into access (or lack there of) and how this impacts thousand of birth stories each year. Dr. Neel shares how birthing people in rural parts of our country will have different experiences than folks in the cities with better and more abundant access to healthcare. Dr. Neel says, “We know the right mortality rate is zero. We don’t know know the right amount of c-sections..and it’s not zero.” We go deep into cesarean sections being life saving surgery, but also balancing that with medical manipulation. He shares that asking question is a wonderful way to stay in control of your care. Plus, he shares a tidbit about nuchal c