The Birth Lounge Podcast

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, HeHe sits down with international parenting coach Mary Van Geffen for a conversation every parent of a “spicy” child needs to hear. 💜 We’re talking about the strong-willed, deeply feeling, highly perceptive kids who are often labeled “too much,” “difficult,” or “defiant” when really… they just experience the world differently.

HeHe opens up about her own experience growing up labeled as a strong-willed child and how years of psychology education, therapy, and nervous system work helped her realize the problem was never that she was “bad.” More often, parents simply weren’t given the tools, support, or understanding needed to parent kids with intense temperaments.

Together, HeHe and Mary unpack what’s actually happening beneath tantrums, power struggles, emotional explosions, and big reactions. They talk about nervous systems, attachment, triggers rooted in our own childhoods, and why “connect before you direct” changes everything when parenting highly sensitive or persistent kids. You’ll also hear practical conversations around boundaries that are calm and firm, respectful parenting vs. permissive parenting, repairing after conflict, parenting teenagers with curiosity instead of control, and how to regulate yourself before trying to regulate your child.

This episode is validating, healing, and packed with practical tools for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy kids without shame, fear, or constant power struggles. And if you’ve ever worried that your child is “too much” or that you’re somehow failing as a parent… this conversation is going to feel like a giant exhale. 💜

 

Guest Bio:

Mary Van Geffen is the international parenting coach for Moms of Spicy
Ones®️, as well as a legit Spicy One herself. She wrote the book on thriving when your child ‘s needs feel overwhelming titled, Parenting A Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Wonderfully Strong-Willed and Deep Feeling Kid. (The book is Amazon’s 2026 top new release in both Motherhood and Parenting School Aged Children!) Mary’s work helps parents practice the spiritual discipline of staying calm, kind, and firm with their strong-willed kids - especially when they don't deserve it. She combines her training as a Simplicity Parenting counselor and Professional Co-Active Coach with hard-earned personal experience raising her own spirited daughter and mild-mannered son.She has transformed the lives of over eight thousand mothers with her on-line support group Moms of Spicy Ones Academy that includes hours of on-demand digital parenting classes and group coaching. Mary shares daily inspiration for loving your child and yourself with her 400,000 followers on Instagram. Her greatest achievement is cultivating a connected relationship with both her adult Spicy One child and her Spicy One Enneagram 8 mother.

Connect with Mary: 

maryvangeffen.com

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

Connect with Mary on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryvangeffen

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

If you're exhausted from wondering whether your baby's sleep is normal, you're not alone. That's exactly why I created the Newborn Sleep Solution. It's an evidence-based guide that walks you through newborn sleep, wake windows, naps, feeding, and what's actually realistic in those first few months, so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start feeling confident. Grab it at https://www.thebirthlounge.com/newbornsleep 

In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe gets real about three things that completely caught her off guard in motherhood now that she's 6-7 months postpartum.

She opens up about how becoming a mom unexpectedly changed her friendships, why some of the people she thought would show up haven't, and how fellow moms have become some of her biggest sources of support. She also shares the surprising emotions that come up when people chalk her postpartum experience, baby's temperament, sleep, or travel success up to "luck" instead of recognizing the intentional, evidence-based choices behind them.

Finally, HeHe reflects on something she never expected to feel: how little she misses her pre-baby life. While motherhood has absolutely stretched and challenged her, she talks honestly about why she's never wanted to "go back," how becoming Saggy's mom has shifted her priorities, and what it's looked like to intentionally build a life and business that support both her family and the community she loves serving.

If you've ever wondered whether your friendships will change after baby, felt frustrated when your hard work gets dismissed as luck, or found yourself navigating the identity shift that comes with becoming a parent, this episode is an honest reminder that you're not alone. It might just leave you feeling a little more seen.

00:00 Three Things I Can’t Shake

00:57 Free Advocacy Scripts

04:12 Explicit Language Warning

04:32 Mindfucks of Motherhood Intro

05:37 Mom Friends Shift

08:47 Friendships After Baby

11:08 Offended by “Lucky”

18:15 Intentional Parenting Not Luck

25:13 Missing Old Life Less

32:18 Wrap Up and Where to Follow

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

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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