The Birth Lounge Podcast

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, HeHe sits down with Dr. Kristin Lasseter to unpack perinatal mental health with a focus on postpartum anxiety (PPA) versus postpartum depression (PPD), how they differ, and when “baby blues” may signal something more. While mood shifts are common in the early postpartum days, symptoms that persist beyond a couple of weeks, disrupt sleep, bring constant anxiety or sadness, intrusive thoughts, or thoughts of death deserve real support.

They talk candidly about the guilt, shame, and fear of judgment that keep many women silent, and why telling one safe person can be a powerful first step. The conversation explores common risk factors like fertility struggles, pregnancy or birth complications, and PMDD, along with the significant hormonal shift that happens after the placenta is delivered and why the brain can feel especially vulnerable during that window.

HeHe and Dr. Lasseter also navigate the often-stigmatized topic of psychiatric medication during pregnancy and postpartum. They discuss why abruptly stopping medication is usually unsafe, how to thoughtfully weigh medication risks against the risks of untreated mental illness, what research tells us about breastfeeding compatibility, and what to expect when starting or adjusting treatment. They touch on newer, faster-acting postpartum depression options, therapy modalities like CBT and EMDR, and additional treatments such as TMS and ECT.

The episode closes with an honest conversation about bounce-back culture, social media pressure, and choosing support systems that protect a mother’s mental health. Throughout, the message is clear: evidence-based care matters, suffering in silence isn’t a badge of honor, and there is no shame in using medication when it’s needed.

0:00 - Introduction: Mental Health Medications in Pregnancy & Postpartum

4:36 - Postpartum Anxiety vs Postpartum Depression: Key Differences

6:01 - Normal Baby Blues vs Red Flags: When to Seek Help

9:51 - Intrusive Thoughts & Breaking the Stigma

17:26 - Medication Safety in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

24:43 - Should You Stop Your Meds When Pregnant?

30:03 - Hormones & Mental Health: The Postpartum Crash

43:56 - Breastfeeding While on Psychiatric Medications

51:26 - How Long Should You Stay on Medication?

60:50 - Fighting the "Bounce Back" Culture & Social Media's Impact

 

Guest Bio:

Kristin Yeung Lasseter, MD is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Texas who specializes in Reproductive Psychiatry and Women’s Mental Health. 

She graduated cum laude from Southwestern University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology prior to attending medical school at the Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Lasseter excelled in medical school and was awarded membership into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

After receiving her Medical Degree, she completed Psychiatry residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin where she served as Chief Resident. She additionally spent time training in Reproductive Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. 

Dr. Lasseter founded Reproductive Psychiatry Clinic of Austin in 2018, which now hosts multiple psychiatrists and psychotherapists specialized in treating mental health disorders related to the reproductive lifespan. She dedicates much of her time educating the public and other providers about reproductive mental illness through speaking engagements, writing and social media.

 

Connect with Dr. Lasseter: 

 www.rpcaustin.com   www.kristinlassetermd.com   https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist

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

 Connect with Dr. Lasseter on IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist

 

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-download-page

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Maternal Mental Health Suicide Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA

Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/

Ep. 429: The Science Behind Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Katayune Kaeni aka Dr. Kat

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with perinatal psychologist Dr. Kat to have the conversation we don’t have enough: the real, nuanced truth about mental health in pregnancy and postpartum.

They break down the full spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. They cover what’s common, what’s urgent, and what deserves immediate support.

A major focus of this conversation is intrusive thoughts.

Dr. Kat explains that intrusive thoughts are incredibly common, especially postpartum. They are typically unwanted, distressing, and they don’t reflect your true desires. But when thoughts become frequent, graphic, intense, or begin to interfere with daily functioning (like avoiding holding your baby out of fear), that’s when it’s time to reach out for professional support.

HeHe shares personal examples and normalizes how sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, stress, and identity changes can amplify anxiety and intrusive thoughts, while emphasizing that struggling does not mean you are broken.

They discuss:

How to tell the difference between common intrusive thoughts and something more serious


Why suicide is the second leading cause of death in the postpartum period


When therapy and/or medication are appropriate and valid tools


How to talk to your partner and loved ones about not feeling like yourself


Why reassurance alone may not be enough for severe anxiety or OCD


How to use resources like Postpartum Support International


The importance of proactive conversations during pregnancy


This episode is compassionate, evidence-based, and deeply validating.

If you have ever thought, “Why is my brain doing this?” or felt afraid to say your thoughts out loud, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening, and remind you that support is not weakness. It is care.

You deserve to feel safe in your own mind.




Guest Bio:

Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, aka, Dr. Kat is a perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques, and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast, the longest-running perinatal mental health podcast since 2016, covering perinatal mental health personal stories and expert interviews. She volunteers her time, serving on the board of Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a board member and as the immediate past chair. Dr. Kat began specializing in perinatal mental health after her own experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD over 14 years ago. Dr. Kat continues to offer psychotherapy virtually to clients across California.

 

www.momandmind.com, IG and Tiktok @momandmind, FB @momandmindpodcast

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

Connect with Dr. Kat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momandmind/

 

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-download-page

LINKS MENTIONED:
PSI descriptions of symptoms: https://paulspector.com/assessments/pauls-no-cost-assessments/physical-symptoms-inventory/

What are the most common reasons for a home birth transfer?
Is every transfer an emergency?

If you’ve found yourself wondering about this, you’re exactly where you need to be.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with birth doula, childbirth educator, business owner, former teacher, and MSW student Jen Walts to talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: creating a thoughtful transfer plan to support a smooth, patient-centered, trauma-informed transition from a home or birth center setting to the hospital if the need arises. Because here’s the truth: planning for transfer isn’t planning for failure — it’s planning for safety, flexibility, and peace of mind.

HeHe and Jen walk through why transfer planning matters and encourage parents to ask their midwife about transfer timing and transfer rates (and why a rate of zero can actually be a red flag). They gently reframe transfer as a responsible, informed pivot when circumstances call for additional support.

This conversation covers common reasons for transfer, like maternal health, baby’s health, and access to additional tools such as pain management (including epidurals), assisted vaginal delivery options, and postpartum repair.

They also explore how fear of the hospital can complicate transfer, the importance of understanding the “why” behind birth location choice, how a transfer can impact the nervous system, and the role of surrender and flexibility when a birth plan changes. Jen recommends developing a hospital backup birth preference sheet, including a shorter “top 10” list of non-negotiables to share with the receiving team, with examples such as immediate skin-to-skin, backup skin-to-skin plans if separation occurs, delayed cord clamping, newborn feeding preferences, and cesarean-specific requests. 

 

Guest Bio:

Jen has been a birth doula, childbirth educator and business owner for five years. She taught high school for ten years and is now pursuing her second Masters degree. She hopes to become a licensed social worker and therapist to children and families in Massachusetts.

 

Connect with Jen here: Thebirthpath.org

https://www.pioneervalleydoulas.com/

 

Get $100 OFF Hypnobirthing with Jen Walts (virtual or in person) when you mention that heard about it here! 

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

Connect with Jen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/_thebirthpath_/

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-download-page

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 is joined by Tracy aka Modern Day Midwife (a hospital-based midwife in Arizona with a NICU background) for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about the realities of modern healthcare.

Together, they unpack how the U.S. healthcare system is failing both patients and providers, from provider burnout and lack of mental health support to the pressures of hospital politics, insurance reimbursement, and productivity quotas.

They explore the difference between  “Medicine 1.0” (acute care) and “Medicine 2.0” (preventative care, functional medicine, wellness), and how insurance-driven, fee-for-service models often prioritize sick care over true health. The result? Confusing medical bills, rushed care, poor patient experiences, and providers who are stretched thin despite doing deeply meaningful work.

HeHe and Tracy dive into the unique challenges facing women’s health, maternity care, and birth: over-medicalization, the cascade of interventions, the limits of 10-minute OB-GYN appointments, maternity care deserts, and the need for individualized care, informed consent, and continuity of care. From ACOG guidelines to ever changing evidence and research, they explore possible solutions including a midwifery-led model of care, better transfer systems for home birth and birth center patients, coverage for doulas and health coaching, and shifting consumer demand away from traditional insurance and towards alternatives like health shares. 

Tracy shares her exciting vision for an integrated wellness hub that could include midwifery, obstetrics, pelvic floor PT, lactation, chiropractic care, and community-based health supports, and ends by sharing how to connect with her at Premier OB GYN in Phoenix and via Modern Day Midwife online and on Instagram.

 

00:00 Why Healthcare Breaks Providers

02:24 Burnout and Speaking Up

04:59 Fear and Privilege in Advocacy

07:18 Who Supports Clinicians

12:32 Medicine 1.0 vs Prevention

17:25 Billing Confusion and Fee for Service

19:06 Burn It Down or Reform It

23:55 Disrupting Insurance and Incentives

26:49 Birth Care Needs a New Model

29:36 Preeclampsia Prevention Debate

30:47 Rethinking Maternity Care Roles

32:04 Money in Wellness Care

34:55 Building a One Stop Birth Hub

37:43 Continuity Across Birth Settings

41:45 Evidence Based Medicine Reality Check

47:56 ACOG Guidelines vs Individual Choice

53:23 Demanding Individualized Care

55:11 Rebuilding Healthcare and Provider Support

56:59 Where to Find Tracy

58:15 Closing Thanks and Resources

 

Guest Bio:

Meet Tracy Burns, Board Certified Nurse Midwife. Tracy graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2003 with her bachelor's degree in nursing. After graduation, Tracy spent a year in labor and delivery as a bedside RN and then took a job in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Tracy spent the first 13 years of her career taking care of premature infants and mothers before pursuing her advanced practice career in Women’s Health.

 

Tracy graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2017 with her Master’s degree in Midwifery. With a big heart for women, Tracy is an advocate for midwifery care for women and the continuity of care model. Tracy has been an active team player in bringing midwifery services to Banner Estrella and Abrazo West. Tracy is passionate about health and wellness. She believes in using a functional/integrative approach to health promotion/disease prevention through an early introduction to nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, and community. Tracy is committed to caring for women by collaborating with other like-minded providers who are as committed to changing the way we care for women in America.

 

Tracy is married and has two teenage daughters. She enjoys Crossfit, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She is a co-owner of Crossfit Fury, CrossFit Trainer, and BirthFit professional. Tracy and her husband are actively involved in changing maternal and neonatal outcomes globally through Helping Babies and Mothers Survive Campaign.

 

Connect with Tracy here: Www.moderndaymidwife.com

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

Connect with Tracy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymidwife/

 

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-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe welcomes Kara, a Mother-Baby Nurse and mom of three, to walk through what actually happens after you leave labor and delivery and transition to postpartum care. From fundal checks and C-section vitals to newborn screenings, pain management, lactation support, and discharge, this episode gives you clarity without overwhelm.

This episode is detailed, practical, and empowering. Postpartum in the hospital doesn’t have to feel chaotic when you understand what’s routine, what’s optional, and where your voice matters most.

00:00 Speak Up in the Hospital: You Can Say No (Advocacy Mindset)

01:05 Listener Story: Holding Firm Against 39-Week Induction Pressure

03:56 How to Use the Birth Lounge App to Back Up Your Choices

06:10 Maternity Leave Update + Why This Episode Is a Re-Air

07:50 Postpartum in the Hospital: What We’ll Cover (Tests, Checks, Taboo Topics)

09:08 Meet Kara the Baby Nurse: Mother-Baby RN + Mom of Three

10:40 The Postpartum Unit Reality Check: It’s More Than ‘Rest and Discharge’

12:10 Transition from L&D to Postpartum: Bedside Report + LDRP vs Separate Units

15:25 First 4 Hours Post-Birth: Fundal Checks, Vitals, Safety Paperwork, Goals

18:27 Getting Up After Birth: Movement, Gas Pain, and C-Section Recovery

20:47 If You Decline Fundal Checks: Bleeding & Clot Warning Signs to Watch

23:19 Postpartum Pain Management: Meds, Non-Pharm Options, and Speaking Up

27:35 Who’s Coming in Your Room: Rounds, Labs, Screens, and the DND Sign

35:09 Baby’s Pediatrician Exam: Nursery vs In-Room, No-Separation Rights

39:40 Newborn Head-to-Toe Exam & Routine Postpartum Checks

40:26 Newborn Screening Labs: PKU Heel Prick, Bilirubin, Car Seat & Hearing

42:46 Sponsor Break: Lalo Registry Must-Haves (Travel High Chair + Play Kit)

45:55 Bilirubin & Jaundice: What the Numbers Mean + Phototherapy Options

48:05 Newborn Hearing Screen: How It Works & What a “Fail” Usually Means

50:28 Newborn Meds/Vaccines in Postpartum: Vit K, Erythromycin, Hep B Timing

51:45 Breastfeeding Support in the Hospital: Nurse Training, Latch Help & Pumps

55:43 Baby Weight Loss & When to Supplement (Pumping, Donor Milk, Formula)

58:24 Circumcision 101: Procedure, Pain Control, Aftercare & Red Flags

01:03:40 Advocating for Yourself: Communication, Boundaries & Requesting a New Nurse

01:07:08 The Postpartum Poop: Why Staff Ask, What Helps, When to Call Your Doctor

01:11:26 Wrap-Up: Kara’s Book & Sleep Course + Where to Follow




Guest Bio:

Kara is a mother-baby, hospital based nurse with 3 kids of her own. Her passion is educating and empowering people through her social media pages. She shares nurse tips and mom tricks, author of the book Why Didn’t I Learn all this Parent Stuff Sooner?, and creator of a tried and true baby sleep course. You can find her @karathrbabynurse on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram!

 

Connect with Kara here: https://karathebabynurse.com/link-in-bio/

 

Check out Kara's sleep course here: https://kara-s-site-b397.thinkific.com/courses/karathebabynurse

 

Snag her book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBSH4Q9Z/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2GWZSFDOW1WFP&keywords=kara+thompson&qid=1661365188&sprefix=kara+thompson%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-6

 

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

Connect with Kara on IG: https://www.instagram.com/karathebabynurse/

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-download-page

LINKS MENTIONED:
Lalo
Beautiful, minimalist baby gear that actually works for real life. From their travel-friendly Hook-On High Chair to their durable, design-forward Play Kit, Lalo creates pieces that grow with your family and look good doing it. Head to https://www.meetlalo.com/ and use code HEHE to save.