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The Birth Lounge Podcast

The Birth Lounge Podcast

By: HeHe Stewart
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We’re exploring option from conception to childhood to help women take control of their fertility, birth experience, postpartum healing, and motherhood journey! This is a safe space for all parents to hear what the experts have to say and to hear from influencer parents and their take on parenthood! Join us for all things birth and parenthood for an empowering and educational walk with a birth and newborn expert and the found of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, HeHe Stewart.Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • Ep. 364 The Hidden System Running Your Health: Lymphatic Drainage 101 with Dr. Chris Motley
    Jul 18 2025

    In this episode of the Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe interviews Dr. Chris Motley, an alternative health practitioner specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, frequency medicine, and kinesiology about the importance of the lymphatic system. They discuss how proper lymphatic drainage supports overall health, reduces stagnant toxins, and impacts everything from hormones to immune function. Dr. Motley shares practical tips for enhancing lymphatic movement through practices like dry brushing, gua sha, and vibrational plates, emphasizing the emotional and physical benefits of lymphatic massages. The conversation also touches on the safety and benefits of lymphatic drainage during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. HeHe and Dr. Motley explore how personalized care and traditional practices can significantly improve wellbeing. This episode is packed with data-driven insights and practical advice for anyone looking to optimize their health through lymphatic health.

    00:00 Introduction to the Fascial and Lymphatic Systems

    01:22 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast

    03:03 The Importance of Lymphatic Drainage

    05:12 Introducing Dr. Chris Motley

    08:54 Understanding the Lymphatic System

    15:13 Emotional and Physical Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage

    19:58 Choosing the Right Practitioner

    22:44 Personal Insights and Elemental Qualities

    33:32 Understanding Your Element and Body

    34:30 Facial Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine

    37:14 Lymphatic Drainage Techniques

    39:58 Lymphatic System and Immune Function

    47:51 Lymphatic Health and Hormones

    55:52 Lymphatic Drainage During Pregnancy and Postpartum

    01:02:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Guest Bio:

    Dr. Chris Motley is a globally recognized alternative health practitioner specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, frequency medicine, and kinesiology. His mission is to eliminate fear surrounding health information and empower individuals to take control of their well-being.

    As the host of the Ancient Health Podcast, Dr. Motley merges ancient Eastern wisdom with cutting-edge Western innovations to offer practical solutions for today’s health challenges. With over 120K downloads, the podcast has featured leading experts such as Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Josh Axe, and Dr. Mindy Pelz.

    Dr. Motley’s unique approach integrates modern technology with time-honored healing practices, recognizing physical, neurological, and emotional health as interconnected aspects of overall well-being. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Austin Peay State University, a Doctorate of Chiropractic, and certifications in Acupuncture, Kinesiology, and Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET).

    Through his transformative approach to medicine and passion for holistic health education, Dr. Motley continues to inspire individuals on their journey to optimal wellness.

    INSTAGRAM:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube

    Connect with Dr. Motley 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://www.doctormotley.com/

    Get a 15 Day Free trial of Dr. Motley’s Membership program (https://www.doctormotley.com/offers/LHigrcfn)

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ep. 363: The Overmedicalization of birth and your right to decline with Melanie the Midwife
    Jul 16 2025

    This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s favorite things to have on hand for a comfy pregnancy and postpartum period! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your pregnancy and postpartum feel a little more luxurious: https://cozyearth.com/

    Grab HeHe’s Scripts for Advocacy here!

    Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

    In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host Hehe welcomes Dr. Melanie Jackson, a renowned midwife and PhD holder in midwifery, also known as Melanie the Midwife. They dive into the intricacies of the hospital birth system, discussing how over-medicalization can affect birth outcomes and the importance of educating oneself to navigate these systems effectively. Dr. Jackson shares insights on the cascade of interventions, the significance of understanding hospital policies, and ways to take radical responsibility for your birth experience. Both Hehe and Dr. Jackson advocate for women to be well-informed and proactive in their childbirth planning. They also touch upon the similarities and differences between the Australian and U.S. healthcare systems, the rising cesarean rates, and how confirmation bias affects the acceptance and practice of new medical research. The episode wraps up with a discussion of Dr. Jackson’s resources, including her Guide to a Great Birth and the Great Birth Rebellion podcast.

    00:00 Introduction to Birth and Interventions

    01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

    01:14 Understanding the Cascade of Interventions

    02:30 Navigating the Hospital System

    03:32 Introducing Dr. Melanie Jackson

    05:42 Resources for Advocacy and Research

    08:42 Meet Preg Nancy: A Unique Educational Tool

    15:34 The Industrialization of Birth

    27:54 The Power of Advocacy and Education

    43:38 Equipping Your Birth Support Team

    44:46 Taking Control of Your Birth Experience

    46:48 The Reality of Postpartum Comfort

    49:25 Understanding C-Section Rates in Australia

    50:16 The Impact of Medicalization on Birth

    57:24 The Role of Research and Confirmation Bias

    01:06:53 Navigating Hospital Policies and Personal Responsibility

    01:17:26 Resources and Final Thoughts

    Guest Bio:

    Dr Melanie Jackson (AKA Melanie The Midwife) loves to help midwives and women around the world better understand and apply the research relating to matrescence (the process of becoming a mother). She does this as the host of The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast, supporting and mentoring midwives, as well as educating mothers.

    Melanie has a PhD in Midwifery - Birth Outside the System: Wanting the Best and Safest. She has various publications in academic journals. Mel has worked in multiple research roles and lectured at Western Sydney University.

    Since 2009, Mel has been a Privately Practising Midwife, providing homebirths in the Blue Mountains. She has mentored midwives into private practice in every state and territory across Australia and supports rebellious midwives around the world through The Assembly of Rebellious Midwives and The Convergence of Rebellious Midwives.

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    Connect with HeHe on IG

    Connect with HeHe on YouTube

    Connect with Mel the Midwife on IG

    Connect with Mel 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:

    Check out Dr. Mel’s website

    The Convergence for midwives

    Listen to The Great Birth Rebellion

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Ep. 362: Do's and don'ts of aesthetics like botox during pregnancy and nursing with Claire O'Bryan
    Jul 11 2025
    In this enlightening episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe dives into the world of skincare during pregnancy with nurse practitioner Claire O'Bryan, founder of The Skin Clique. They explore the surprising fact that most skincare ingredients are not regulated by the FDA and discuss what it truly means for a product to be 'clean'. They tackle common pregnancy skincare concerns such as melasma, acne, and the safety of popular ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid. The episode also touches on the controversial topics of Botox, fillers, and the efficacy of supplements like collagen in skincare. Claire provides practical advice on crafting an effective, simple daily skincare routine and the importance of sunscreen, while addressing misconceptions about the need for sunscreen. Tune in to get evidence-based answers to your burning skincare questions and learn how to navigate the complexities of beauty products safely in pregnancy and beyond. 00:00 Introduction to Skincare Safety 02:00 Common Skincare Concerns During Pregnancy 03:50 Interview with Claire O'Bryan 04:51 Skincare Regimens and Fads 07:20 Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients 11:06 Acne Treatments During Pregnancy 15:33 Retinol Alternatives and Supplements 20:37 Daily Skincare Routine Essentials 25:16 Sunscreen Myths and Facts 34:51 Effective Sunscreen Reapplication 35:42 Blue Light Protection in Sunscreens 36:32 Impact of Screen Time on Skin 38:39 Understanding Botox and Fillers 44:32 Botox Safety During Pregnancy and Nursing 50:36 Microneedling and Skincare During Pregnancy 01:01:34 Preventing and Treating Stretch Marks 01:06:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Guest Bio: Claire O'Bryan is a dynamic nurse practitioner and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women and amplifying the voices of female healthcare leaders globally. Her mission extends beyond traditional medical aesthetics – she's reshaping how we think about healthcare delivery while paving the way for women in leadership. As the co-founder of Skin Clique, Claire continues to help revolutionize the medical aesthetics industry through a groundbreaking concierge model. Since launching Skin Clique in 2019, what began as a vision for more accessible skin health has grown into a nationwide network of 1,000 skilled providers across 43 states. This expansion reflects not just business success but a transformation in how people access professional treatments and skincare. It is the modern approach to skin health. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with Claire 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: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page LINKS MENTIONED: www.claireobryan.com www.skinclique.com: Use code Claire10 for a discount! Pregnancy safe skincare: https://shopmy.us/collections/549485 Collagen meta analysis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/?utm_source ACOG https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/toxic-chemicals-steps-to-stay-safer-before-and-during-pregnancy ACOG Skin Conditions https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy Retinol VS Bakuchiol in a double blind RCT https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/ Systematic Review of Retinol VS Bakuchiol https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36176207/ Collagen https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/
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    1 hr and 10 mins

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.