The Tranquility Tribe Podcast

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 b

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 conversat

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 amni

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of my 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/ In this week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest elephants in the birthing room: sky-high C-section rates in the U.S. (yep, we’re talking about that 1 in 3 number). But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just accept that as the norm. I’m sitting down with Juli Pyle, a certified nurse midwife who has helped her small, rural hospital keep their C-section rate at just 12% (I know, jaw drop, right?). Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really working—things like midwives and OBs actually collaborating as a team, evidence-based care that puts families first, and a hospital culture that truly values physiological birth. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes t

Ohhh baby! The second trimester is here, and it’s bringing all the feels! In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my pregnancy so far and giving you the inside scoop on some pretty big updates happening inside The Birth Lounge. Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode: ✨ The first magical moments of feeling baby kicks (inside and outside!) ✨ The less magical parts: hello, heartburn, round ligament pain, and late-night wedge pillow life ✨ What went down at our anatomy scan and how it’s shaping my birth prep ✨ Big news about The Birth Lounge membership: what’s changing, why the price is going up September 1, and which membership option (monthly, annual, or lifetime) might be the best fit for you ✨ Why I hired a home birth midwife and how I’m shaping my birth plans step by step This episode is part pregnancy diary, part behind-the-scenes of how The Birth Lounge is evolving, and part love note to every parent who’s navigating the wild ride of growing a human. Whether you’re here for the bu

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the world of baby wearing with Jordan Morillo, a perinatal health OT, certified babywearing consultant, and toddler mom. We’re talking everything from the ABCs of carrier choices to spotting a perfect carry (and avoiding the not-so-perfect ones). You’ll learn how to safely position your baby, back carry like a pro, tandem wear without losing your mind, and even breastfeed on the go. We tackle fears, hot-weather hacks, and ethical carrier picks, so whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned wearer, you’ll walk away confident, informed, and ready to rock that baby wearing life. 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Baby Wearing 05:42 Key Safety Components: The ABCs of Baby Wearing 08:53 Understanding the M Position for Baby's Legs 15:21 Choosing the Right Baby Carrier 20:59 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions 25:03 Risks and Benefits of Baby Wearing 29:36 Special Considerations for NICU and Preemie Babies 33:40 Misleading Marketing and Safety Testing 39:22 Addres

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Katharine Graves, the powerhouse behind KG Hypnobirthing, to uncover the magic of turning birth into a calm, confident, and downright empowering experience. We’re talking about how hypnobirthing can completely change the way you feel about labor, why evidence-based maternity care is non-negotiable, and how partners can be fierce advocates in the birth space. Katharine also breaks down natural birth approaches like water birth, what you need to know about common interventions like inductions and C-sections, and why preparation is your secret weapon for a birth you feel good about. This is your permission slip to take charge of your birth story and make it an experience you actually want to remember. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:52 Katharine Graves on Hypnobirthing 05:20 Challenges and Misconceptions in Modern Birth Practices 20:05 The Role of Partners in Birth 30:15 Comparing Human and Animal Birth Practices 34:35 The Role of C-

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. Grab The Secret Sauce to Pushing Here or join our lifetime membership to get free access!  In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m sitting down with Whitney and Brandon Cawood to uncover the hidden ways synthetic food dyes can impact your child’s health and behavior. We’re talking real-life symptoms like irritability, hyperactivity, sleep struggles, and even aggression — and the science that backs it up. Whitney and Brandon share their powerful story of discovering their son’s sensitivity to dyes, the huge transformation they saw after removing them, and how that journey turned into advocacy work. We’re pulling back the curtain on industry resistance, why the FDA has been slow to act, and what legislation is (and isn’t) doing

In this spicy World Breastfeeding Week episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is calling out the BS that’s messing with your breastfeeding journey. From the "feed every three hours" myth to the outdated fear around nursing your baby to sleep, we’re busting it all wide open. HeHe breaks down 9 of the most common (and flat-out harmful) pieces of advice that new parents are being fed — and shows you exactly how to ditch the bad info and trust your baby, your body, and your instincts instead. We’re talking evidence-based truth bombs, real-time solutions, and the exact shifts that can make breastfeeding feel less like a struggle and more like second nature. You’ll also get access to HeHe’s free class on how to avoid a c-section, because spoiler alert: how you feed your baby matters, but how you're supported while doing it matters even more. This episode is for every new or expecting parent who’s feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just plain tired of hearing 15 different opinions on the same thing. If you're read

Welcome back to The Birth Lounge Podcast, where we say the quiet parts out loud and hold nothing back when it comes to protecting your power in birth. In this episode, I’m joined by Krysta Dancy, a licensed trauma therapist, birth doula, and one of the most honest voices in the trauma-informed care space. Together, we unpack what birth trauma really is, how to spot it, how to prevent it, and how to start healing if it’s already part of your story. We’re digging into: Why Pitocin is showing up in so many traumatic births — and what you deserve to know about it The actual role of doulas in preventing trauma (especially when sh*t gets hard) What your nervous system has to do with the way your birth felt and why it matters How to debrief with your care team, talk to your partner, and ask for what you need in the aftermath Evidence-based trauma therapies like EMDR and Brainspotting, and how to know what’s right for you Scripts and tools for those difficult conversations with providers, family, and frien

Welcome back to The Birth Lounge, where we ditch shame, question the mainstream, and talk about your body with zero fluff and full truth. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mimi Lindquist, co-host of The Medicine Podcast and expert in AHCC and medicinal mushrooms, to break down everything you need to know about HPV — the "common cold of the cervix." If you've ever felt confused, judged, or totally overwhelmed after an HPV diagnosis, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed. We’re covering: What HPV actually is and how common it really is Why HPV doesn't mean you're broken or dirty Natural remedies and holistic tools to support your immune system and help clear HPV How AHCC works and what the research says What to know about the Gardasil vaccine and how to make an informed decision How HPV impacts pregnancy, pap smears, and fertility What it means to take a root-cause approach to your cervical health This episode is for the woman who’s ready to stop feeling powerless and start le

Welcome back to The Birth Lounge Podcast—where we challenge the status quo, ask the questions the system hopes you won’t, and take your family’s health seriously (without fear-mongering or fluff). In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Kelly Ryerson, co-executive director of American ReGen and founder of Glyphosate Facts. With degrees from Dartmouth and Stanford, Kelly brings the heat and the receipts on one of the most important (and honestly, infuriating) topics in modern health: glyphosate. Yup, that’s the same chemical in Roundup—the most widely used pesticide on Earth. And spoiler alert: it’s likely in your pantry right now. We dive deep into: The truth about glyphosate’s impact on your gut, your mental health, and your baby’s long-term development How companies like Monsanto (now Bayer) are still running the show—and why we can’t trust the system to keep us safe What you can do today to reduce your exposure (hello, water filters + better food choices) Why baby food is a big red flag (yes, eve

In this eye-opening episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is joined by Jenn Thatcher, the founder and CEO of Zebra, to discuss the alarming truth about the misleading marketing of 'natural' products. They delve into Jenn's personal journey from battling her children's health issues to creating a truly clean and transparent brand. They break down the harmful ingredients often found in everyday wellness products like deodorant and toothpaste, and why the term 'natural' is frequently misused. Jenn shares insights on how to read personal care product labels, the significance of third-party certifications, and the intricacies of sourcing clean ingredients. This episode is packed with essential information for anyone looking to make informed choices about their personal care products and overall health. 00:00 The Deceptive Marketing of 'Natural' Products 01:05 The Struggle to Find a Clean Deodorant 03:06 The Painful Journey of Testing Deodorants 06:09 Discovering Zebra Deodorant 06:40 Interview with Zebra's CEO

Make sure your hubby is prepared for parenting with our Dad Daze course!  In this insightful episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is joined by Dr. Candice Wood, an OB-GYN with 18 years of experience in women's wellness and perinatal mental health. Together, they dive deep into postpartum challenges, focusing on the myths of perfect motherhood, managing postpartum rage, and the critical role of partner support. They discuss practical strategies for setting expectations with partners, ensuring mental well-being, and maintaining healthy relationship dynamics post-baby. Whether you're a new mom, expecting, or supporting one, this episode provides valuable guidance on how to navigate the emotional and psychological landscape of postpartum life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation full of practical advice and emotional support. 00:00 Welcome and Listener Request 02:39 Introducing Dr. Candice Wood 04:01 The Struggles of Postpartum 05:06 Navigating Social Media Pressures 05:22 Engaging Your Partner 09:00 The My

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 L

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 advocat

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 Conc

Join us in this solo-cast of the Birth Lounge podcast where HeHe dives into a Q&A from her instagram community!  In this episode, she is addressing some of your most pressing questions about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Topics covered include the differences between 'on paper' and actual pregnancy weeks, the nuances of cervical checks and how to decline them, navigating anxiety and nutrition during early pregnancy, how to handle airport security while pregnant, and the intricacies of declining certain medical procedures like membrane sweeps and scheduled C-sections. HeHe also shares essential tips on dealing with family visits to newborns and addressing the impact of GBS testing and breech births. Don't miss this episode to help ensure a healthy and autonomous pregnancy and birthing experience. 00:00 Introduction and Zero Tolerance Policy 00:56 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast 01:24 How to Get Your Questions Answered 03:15 Understanding Pregnancy Weeks 05:59 Declining Cervical Checks 11:42 Coping

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe welcomes special guest Helena Woods, a world-traveling astrocartographer and author of 'Slow Living.' Helena shares insightful knowledge on astrocartography, the astrology of location, and how it can influence your life map, career success, relationships, and motherhood. The discussion also delves deep into the power of manifestation and astrology, revealing how to live a magical life aligned with your astrological placements. HeHe and Helena explore the profound effects of migrating and how one’s birth chart and astrological lines can uncover significant opportunities and connections globally. Additionally, Helena offers valuable tips for each zodiac sign on how to embrace pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Tune in for an enlightening episode filled with wisdom on manifesting the life you desire through the lens of astrological insights. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:42 Manifestation Practices and Personal Insights 02:54 Guest Introduction: Helena Woods 04

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s favorite things to have on hand for a comfy postpartum! Use code HEHE for 40% off the softest PJ’s, loungewear, or even new sheets to make your postpartum feel a little more luxurious.  In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe discusses the key components of comprehensive postpartum preparation. She covers essential tools to make postpartum life easier, strategies for health and nutrition, best practices for feeding your newborn, and actionable tips to optimize both your and your baby's sleep. HeHe also highlights the resources available in the Birth Lounge membership and app, including evidence-based articles and supportive community features. The episode emphasizes the importance of mental health, informed decision-making, and how to prepare for a smoother transition to motherhood. 00:00 Introduction to Postpartum Preparation 00:53 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast 01:16 Postpartum Prep Overview 01:52 The Birth Lounge Membership and