The Birth Lounge Podcast

In this re-aired episode, HeHe sits down with reflux specialist Aine Homer to unpack one of the most stressful (and most misunderstood) newborn challenges: baby reflux. 💜 If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Is this normal spit-up or something more?” or spending hours soothing a crying, uncomfortable baby with no clear answers, this conversation is going to feel incredibly validating.

Aine breaks down the difference between normal infant spit-up, reflux, and silent reflux, and explains why reflux is not a diagnosis on its own, but a symptom pointing to something deeper. Together, HeHe and Aine explore the many possible root contributors—from feeding mechanics and overfeeding, to swallowed air, birth interventions, allergies and intolerances, oral restrictions like tongue ties, nervous system stress, and even microbiome imbalance.

They also walk through common medical approaches, what medications like H2 blockers and PPIs actually do, and the considerations families should understand when weighing treatment options. Most importantly, this episode gives you a “puzzle piece” framework for understanding your baby’s symptoms, plus practical strategies to help you cope in those long, exhausting stretches when nothing seems to soothe your baby.

This episode is equal parts educational and deeply reassuring—reminding parents that reflux isn’t something you just “wait out,” and you are not wrong for wanting answers and support when something feels off.

00:00 Trust Your Parent Instincts

00:59 Non Toxic Registry Plug

04:50 Reflux Episode Setup

08:10 What Reflux Really Is

12:57 Spit Up Balloon Theory

16:45 Simple Fixes Burps Feeds

18:39 When Spit Up Signals More

22:04 Reflux Is A Symptom

25:45 Reflux Free Journey Map

29:14 Upright Time And Tongue Ties

37:44 Chewing For Facial Tone

38:22 Tongue Posture Basics

38:55 Nasal Breathing For Kids

42:02 Reflux Remedies And Red Flags

47:05 Meds Risks Probiotics And Support

Connect with Aine: https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk
 

Guest Bio:

Áine is the mum of two girls who between them had diagnoses of colic, reflux, silent reflux, CMPA, and multiple other food intolerances and allergies. Coupled with a three year relationship with post natal depression, left her feeling lost, alone and like she didnt even know who she was anymore. During that time, her instinct was to always listen to her babies, even though she wasn’t naturally maternal, and so she never accepted the explanations that the healthcare professionals offered. Her daughters WERE in pain, and there HAD to be a reason.

With a background in mechanical engineering, maths and then retraining in 2012 in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Áine believed that there was one question which would unlock the answers for her babies. And that is still the same question she supports her clients around the world to answer for these children. And that is “What is causing your babys distress?” No matter what is going on for your baby, the answer to this question brings pathways for resolution.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with GUEST on IG: 

BIRTH EDUCATION:
Skip the registry overwhelm. HeHe spent 60+ hours researching baby gear, comparing brands, and digging into everything from microplastics and forever chemicals to quality and functionality, so you don't have to. Grab her free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide for the exact products she chose for her own baby, plus the reasoning behind every recommendation: thebirthlounge.com/registry

 

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

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

 

Resources:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acid-reflux-gastroesophageal-reflux-in-babies-beyond-the-basics
 https://llli.org/why-infant-reflux-matters/
 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/GERD-Reflux.aspx
 https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/gerd

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe is sharing something so many dog parents worry about during pregnancy: bringing home a baby and introducing them to the family dog.

After receiving countless questions about Maximus Prime and baby Saggy, HeHe pulls back the curtain on exactly what she did (and didn't do) to prepare her 13-year-old dog for life with a newborn. She shares the boundaries, routines, and safety rules that helped create a calm and respectful relationship between her baby and her dog, while also protecting Max's comfort and autonomy.

HeHe talks about why she wasn't focused on creating an instant "best friends" relationship, the importance of giving dogs choice and space, and how setting clear expectations from day one can help everyone feel safer and more relaxed. She also shares the specific rules her family follows around petting, licking, feeding areas, supervision, and respecting a dog's body language.

As Max has aged and lost his vision due to diabetes, these conversations around boundaries and safety have become even more important. This episode offers a realistic look at what it means to raise a baby alongside an older dog while honoring the needs of both.

Whether you're pregnant and preparing to bring home a baby, navigating life with pets and little ones, or simply curious about how HeHe handled introducing Saggy to Max, this episode is packed with practical tips and a gentle reminder that successful dog-baby relationships are built through respect, boundaries, and consistency, not luck.

You'll learn:

How HeHe introduced Max to baby Saggy

The safety rules her family follows every day

Why supervision is non-negotiable around dogs and babies

How to create "baby spaces" and "dog spaces"

Why consent and body language matter, even with family pets

How to support an aging dog during a major family transition

What a healthy dog-and-baby relationship actually looks like

If you're a dog parent preparing for life with a baby, this episode will help you feel more confident, prepared, and realistic about what success can look like.

For more about introducing your baby and your dog, listen to our episode with dog trainer, children's book author, and founder of Dog Meets Baby, Dominika Knossalla-Pado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_7LI1p2f1Q

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

BIRTH EDUCATION:
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

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

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe 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

Grab HeHe’s free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide for the exact products she chose for baby Saggy, plus the reasoning behind every recommendation: thebirthlounge.com/registry

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with certified dog trainer, children's book author, and founder of Dog Meets Baby, Dominika Knossalla-Pado, for a conversation every dog parent needs to hear before bringing home a baby.

We all love the idea of our dog instantly becoming our baby's best friend. But the reality? Safe, successful relationships between dogs and babies don't happen by accident. They happen through preparation, boundaries, and understanding what our dogs are actually communicating.

Dominika shares the personal experience that inspired her work after her own beloved Labrador displayed concerning behavior around her newborn twins. That experience revealed a major gap in education for growing families and sparked her mission to help parents safely navigate life with both dogs and children.

Together, HeHe and Dominika break down the biggest mistakes families make before baby arrives, the common myths that can create unnecessary risk, and the practical skills every dog should have before postpartum begins. They discuss how to prepare your dog for major household changes, why separation tolerance matters, and how simple routines can make the transition smoother for everyone involved.

You'll also learn how to recognize subtle signs of stress in dogs, including behaviors that are often misunderstood or overlooked, safer ways to introduce your baby and dog, and why supervision and management are far more important than simply trusting that your dog will "figure it out."

This conversation isn't about fear, blame, or assuming the worst about your dog. It's about setting your family up for success, protecting your baby, reducing stress for your dog, and creating an environment where both can thrive.

Whether you're expecting your first baby, currently pregnant, or already navigating life with little ones and furry family members, this episode is packed with practical, judgment-free strategies to help your home feel safer, calmer, and more prepared for this huge life transition.

00:00 Labrador Hunting Scare

01:27 Meet Dog Meets Baby

08:30 How Predation Looked

15:10 Breeds and Temperament

20:07 Pregnancy Prep Essentials

39:34 Low Tox Registry Picks

43:34 Bed Training Basics

50:35 Safe Boundaries Rules

56:03 Stress Signs And Introductions

01:04:54 Labor Myths And Wrap Up

 

Guest Bio:

Dominika is a Certified Dog Trainer, Children's Book Author,
and the founder of Dog Meets Baby. When her beloved Labrador, Lola, showed predatory behavior toward her newborn twins, Dominika realized most parents lack the tools and knowledge to navigate these moments safely. This experience inspired her to found Dog Meets Baby, now a trusted resource for families worldwide through their online courses, consultations, and free resources.

Connect with Dominika: 

https://www.dogmeetsbaby.expert/

LINKS MENTIONED:
Teach your dog to go to bed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn3UTEBwSH0

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Dominika on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dogmeets_baby/

BIRTH EDUCATION:
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

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

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe 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

 

 

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In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with attorney, human rights advocate, and birth justice champion Hermine Hayes-Klein for a conversation every pregnant person needs to hear.

 

If you've ever wondered whether you can say no during labor, change your mind after signing a consent form, refuse an induction or cesarean, or push back against a hospital policy that doesn't align with your wishes, this episode is for you.

 

Hermine breaks down what informed consent actually means, what your legal rights are during pregnancy and birth, and why so many families leave their birth experience feeling powerless, unheard, or violated. Together, she and HeHe unpack the difference between hospital policy and patient rights, discuss the reality of obstetric violence in the United States, and explore how coercion and fear-based counseling can impact birth outcomes and long-term mental health.

 

They also dive into why so many people are losing trust in the maternity care system, how providers can unintentionally override consent, and what happens when patients feel they have no real choice. Hermine shares powerful stories from her legal work advocating for birthing families and explains why being informed before labor begins is one of the most effective ways to protect your autonomy.

 

You'll learn:

 

What informed consent actually requires in pregnancy and birth

 

Why signing hospital paperwork does not mean you've given blanket consent

 

Whether you can change your mind or withdraw consent during labor

 

The difference between a recommendation and a requirement

 

What your rights are if you're being pressured into an induction or cesarean

 

Why hospital policies are not the same thing as medical necessity

 

How obstetric violence can occur, even in well-intentioned healthcare settings

 

The critical role doulas play in supporting informed decision-making

 

Practical ways to advocate for yourself before and during labor

 

How preparation can help reduce fear, coercion, and birth trauma

 

This episode is a powerful reminder that your body is not public property, your consent matters at every stage of labor, and you deserve to understand your options before making decisions about your care.

 

Guest Bio:

 

Hermine Hayes-Klein is an attorney, human rights advocate, and founder of the Know Your Rights campaign, which helps families understand and exercise their legal rights during pregnancy and childbirth. After experiencing the Dutch maternity care system firsthand, Hermine became passionate about addressing obstetric violence, protecting informed consent, and improving access to respectful maternity care. Through litigation, education, and advocacy, she works to advance accountability and reproductive justice for birthing families around the world.

Connect with Hermine: 

Birthrightslawproject.com

hayeskleinlaw.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Hermine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/herminehayesklein/

 

BIRTH EDUCATION:
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

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

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe 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

 

LINKS MENTIONED:
Nursing article:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751485123001587?via%3Dihub

Examples of articles referencing how informed consent improves outcomes:
https://www.envisionhealth.com/news/2024/shared-decision-making-in-healthcare#:~:text=How%20do%20informed%20consent%20and,the%20overall%20cost%20of%20care.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486853/

Today's episode is brought to you by Two Pages Curtains. As a new mom, HeHe quickly realized how much her home environment impacted her postpartum recovery. Two Pages' beautiful cotton and linen curtains helped transform her home into a calmer, cozier space without sacrificing healthier materials. Visit twopagescurtains.com and use code HEHE to save on your favorite styles.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe brings together two pediatricians with different perspectives on vaccines for a respectful, nuanced conversation about one of the most polarizing topics in modern parenting.

Dr. Alok Patel approaches vaccination from a data-driven, public health perspective and generally supports the current CDC vaccine schedule. Dr. Joel takes a more vaccine-neutral approach centered on individualized care, informed consent, parental autonomy, and medical freedom. Rather than debating to "win," both physicians model what many parents have been asking for: thoughtful discussion, mutual respect, and room for questions.

Together, they explore why trust between families and the healthcare system has eroded, how pandemic-era messaging impacted public confidence, and what happens when parents feel dismissed for asking questions. The conversation also dives into the challenges of science communication, the role of social media in amplifying division, and whether there is still room for nuance in modern pediatric medicine.

Topics discussed include:

Why many parents no longer trust the healthcare system and what contributed to that shift

How pandemic-era communication affected public confidence in medicine

Why questioning vaccines can quickly lead to "anti-vax" labels

Whether vaccine recommendations should be more individualized and risk-stratified

Concerns surrounding rising rates of chronic illness in children alongside an expanding vaccine schedule

What current research can and cannot tell us about vaccine safety

Why long-term safety studies and adverse event discussions matter to many parents

The ethics and challenges of vaccine research and placebo-controlled trials

The role pharmaceutical companies and liability protections play in public perception and vaccine hesitancy

Whether pediatricians financially benefit from administering vaccines

What informed consent should actually look like in pediatric care

The impact of mandates, medical freedom, and public health policy on trust

Why respectful disagreement between medical professionals is becoming increasingly rare

How parents can navigate conflicting information without fear, shame, or pressure

What rebuilding trust between families and medicine may require moving forward

Throughout the conversation, HeHe encourages listeners to think critically, ask questions, and bring those questions back to trusted healthcare providers. This episode isn't about telling parents what decisions they should make. It's about creating space for honest conversation around a topic that affects nearly every family.

Whether you agree with one doctor, both doctors, or neither, this episode serves as a reminder that curiosity, transparency, and respectful dialogue are essential parts of informed decision-making.

Guest Bios:

Dr. Alok Patel is a board-certified pediatrician, health communicator, and ABC News contributor known for translating complex medical topics into accessible, evidence-based information. He is passionate about improving public health literacy and helping families make informed healthcare decisions.

Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative and holistic medicine. He focuses on individualized care, informed consent, and empowering families to make healthcare decisions that align with their values and circumstances while maintaining strong patient-provider relationships.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Dr. Joel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drjoelgator/

 

BIRTH EDUCATION:
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

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

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe 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