The Birth Lounge Podcast

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into a conversation that's been weighing heavily on her heart since becoming a mom herself: how do we raise boys who grow into emotionally healthy, respectful, and compassionate men?

After reflecting on the rise of "boy mom culture" and the messages it often sends about sons, relationships, and masculinity, HeHe sits down with perinatal mental health therapist and mom of five boys, Breeze Weasel, creator of the Better Boys Project.

Together, they explore what it actually means to raise boys in today's world. From teaching consent and emotional intelligence to encouraging accountability, empathy, and healthy communication, they discuss how parents can intentionally break generational cycles and help their sons build strong, respectful relationships throughout their lives.

HeHe and Breeze also unpack the influence of social media and the "manosphere," why difficult conversations about bodies, puberty, and respect can't wait until the teenage years, and how creating a home where kids feel safe asking questions can protect them from harmful messaging elsewhere. They talk about the importance of repairing after conflict, modeling healthy apologies, and showing children that mistakes don't define us... it's how we respond to them that matters.

They also offer encouragement for parents navigating imperfect situations, including co-parenting challenges and relationships where emotional growth isn't always shared equally. Because while we can't control every influence our children will encounter, we can create a home where empathy, curiosity, respect, and accountability are lived out every day.

Whether you're raising boys, girls, or both, this episode is a thoughtful reminder that we're not just raising children... we're shaping the adults they'll one day become. And the conversations we have today have the power to change generations.

 

Guest Bio:

Breeze is a perinatal mental health therapist, content creator, and mother of 5. She loves creating content about being a millennial, mom, therapist, and comedy (sometimes dark humor because… the state of the world). She is currently in the middle of a series called “The Better Boys Project” where she records conversations about important topics - anything from privilege to menstruation - with her boys to help encourage others to do the same, and raise men who will help in the dismantling of the patriarchy. Follow her if you love: laughs, nostalgia about millennial childhood, feminism + anti-patriarchy content, reality tv takes, and talking shit about the government.

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

Connect with Breeze on IG: https://www.instagram.com/breezleweezle_/

Connect with Breeze on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breezleweezle?lang=en

 

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

Building your baby registry? Grab HeHe's free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide before you add another item to your cart. After spending more than 60 hours researching everything from car seats and strollers to bottles, bedding, and baby gear, HeHe created a registry focused on reducing toxic load, avoiding unnecessary purchases, and choosing products that are actually worth the investment. Download the complete guide, including her favorite products and exactly why she chose them, at thebirthlounge.com/registry.

In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe shares the low-tox changes she made before pregnancy that helped her feel more intentional about reducing her family's toxic load... without turning life upside down.

If you've ever wanted to make healthier choices but felt completely overwhelmed by all the conflicting information online, this episode is for you. HeHe walks through the mindset that helped her focus on progress instead of perfection, explaining why she didn't change everything overnight and how small, sustainable swaps can make a meaningful difference over time.

She shares the biggest changes she made before and during pregnancy, from prioritizing whole foods, protein, and key nutrients to switching to cleaner coffee, choosing a high-quality prenatal, and being more mindful about plastics and microplastics in the kitchen. She also talks through simple swaps for laundry detergent, household cleaners, skincare, makeup, toothpaste, and clothing, along with the products she decided weren't worth stressing over.

Throughout the episode, HeHe reminds listeners that low-tox living isn't about fear or achieving a "perfect" home. It's about making informed choices, reducing your family's overall exposure where you can, and giving yourself permission to start with the changes that matter most.

Whether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, building your baby registry, or simply looking for practical ways to create a healthier home, this episode is packed with realistic, evidence-informed ideas that meet you exactly where you are.

00:00 Detergent Wake Up Call

01:30 Non Toxic Registry Plug

05:14 Solo Cast Updates

06:30 Listener Questions Preview

07:51 Low Tox Fertility Plan

11:08 Food Minerals Coffee

15:00 Prenatal And Liver Pills

19:30 Plastics And Microplastics

23:18 Detergents And Cleaners

26:16 Makeup Hair Body Swaps

31:55 Natural Fabrics Dilemma

35:28 Heavy Hitters Mindset

39:13 Cravings And Wrap Up

40:47 Final Outro And Thanks

 

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

Other Episodes Mentioned:
Listen to Ep. 447: Microplastics in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Babies with Dana Zhaxylykova here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ4dI5Y7XWk

 

Listen to our episode with Health Illie: https://youtu.be/2njnfdlUa8Q?si=5qk3GpprT33LZQsd

 

Listen to episode 362 to learn about Retinol in pregnancy: https://youtu.be/_HxLknJGHGs?si=--db3Qw_XL91Qhxx

 

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

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

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 tackles one of the most emotional (and surprisingly common) parts of becoming a parent: setting boundaries with the people you love.

After becoming a mom herself, HeHe experienced firsthand how quickly family dynamics can shift after a baby arrives. That's why she's joined by Instagram creator and Gen X grandmother Mom Mom Maria, who has become a trusted voice for helping parents and grandparents build healthier, more respectful relationships during the postpartum season.

Together, they unpack some of the biggest boundary challenges new parents face, from grandparents calling your baby "my baby" and sharing pregnancy or birth news without permission to expecting unlimited access, pushing for sleepovers, or dismissing your parenting choices with, "Well, we did it this way."

HeHe and Mom Mom Maria also share practical strategies for setting boundaries without guilt, responding confidently in the moment, presenting a united front with your partner, and navigating family members who struggle to respect your decisions. They talk about the difference between healthy support and entitlement, why consequences sometimes become necessary, and how protecting your peace in postpartum isn't selfish... it's one of the greatest gifts you can give your growing family.

Whether you're pregnant and preparing for these conversations or already navigating complicated family dynamics, this episode will leave you feeling more confident protecting your postpartum experience while creating healthier relationships for everyone involved.

Guest Bio:

Alexis is on a mission to heal motherhood. As a manifesting generator (iykyk), Alexis achieves this mission in a variety of ways. From business support services for those aligning with her mission, to teaching children and their families social and emotional regulation skills, to helping moms create their own healing plan. Alexis believes firmly that every person is unique and helps them find what works for each individual. Alexis offers birth story debriefs for mothers and doulas, as well as a completely free course and workbook for new moms to complete with their support system.

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

Connect with Mom Mom Maria on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mommom.maria

https://www.facebook.com/people/MomMom-Maria/61577327715507/

 

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

We're bringing back one of our most-loved conversations because the truth is... every parent deserves to know all of their options before labor begins. Whether you're hoping for an unmedicated birth, planning an epidural, or simply want to feel prepared for whatever your birth unfolds, this episode is packed with evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Nicole Rankins for a balanced, judgment-free conversation about pain management in the hospital. Together, they break down the full spectrum of comfort measures available during labor, from epidurals and IV medications to nitrous oxide and non-medicated coping techniques, while discussing the benefits, limitations, and considerations of each.

They also dive into common misconceptions about epidurals, how different pain relief options can impact labor, and why understanding your choices before contractions begin can help you feel more confident, empowered, and in control throughout your birth experience.

Whether you're planning your first birth or preparing for another, this conversation is a reminder that there's no "right" way to give birth. The best choice is the one that's informed, intentional, and aligned with your goals.

Guest Bio
Dr. Nicole Rankins is a board-certified OB-GYN, childbirth educator, and host of the All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast. A Duke University-trained physician with more than two decades of experience delivering babies, she's passionate about helping parents understand their options so they can make informed, confident decisions throughout pregnancy and birth. Through her podcast, courses, and educational resources, Dr. Nicole empowers families with evidence-based information while championing patient autonomy and shared decision-making.

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

Connect with Dr. Rankins on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolerankins

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 episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Hayley Kava, founder of UMA Pelvic Health, to tackle one of the most common pregnancy complaints that doesn't get nearly enough attention: SI joint pain.

If you've been told pregnancy pain is "just part of it," this conversation is your reminder that you don't have to simply suffer through it. Hayley explains what's actually happening in your pelvis during pregnancy, why SI joint pain develops, and how your pelvic floor, core, ribcage, breathing, and overall movement patterns all work together.

Together, HeHe and Hayley break down why treating the pelvis in isolation often misses the bigger picture, how pregnancy hormones and your changing biomechanics influence pain, and why small changes to the way you move, stand, breathe, and rest can make a huge difference. They also discuss practical tools like SI belts, belly support bands, Pilates balls, yoga blocks, and gentle movement strategies, along with when those tools can help... and when they might not.

Hayley also shares why pelvic floor physical therapy isn't just about internal exams (and yes, those are always optional), how to build a supportive birth team, and why individualized care is one of the best investments you can make during pregnancy.

Whether you're already dealing with pelvic pain or hoping to prevent it, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based strategies to help you move more comfortably, feel more supported, and better understand your changing body throughout pregnancy.

00:00 Stop Blaming Pelvic Floor

01:03 Pelvic Floor Basics

01:56 Meet Hayley Kava

03:19 Why SI Pain Matters

06:43 SI Joint Anatomy

09:18 Normal Asymmetry Patterns

12:20 Pubic Pain and Rolling

15:52 Inhibit Then Retrain

17:56 Rubiks Cube Body Model

20:10 Stop Bracing to Sneeze

21:34 Pregnancy Posture Fixes

25:31 Preparing for Labor Moves

29:14 Build Your Care Team

33:39 Pregnancy Compensation Patterns

34:36 Spotting Habitual Postures

36:46 Mindful Pain Check Ins

38:29 Shifting Stance And Sitting

41:29 Tension Beyond Pelvic Floor

43:23 Guarding And SI Joint Myths

46:16 Ribs Hip And Big Picture

47:57 Internal Exam Is Optional

50:38 Daily Tools And Movement

56:43 Services Access And Wrap Up

 

Guest Bio:

Hayley became a pelvic floor therapist in 2017 after a birth injury opened her eyes to the limitations in traditional pelvic rehab.

Hayley took her Postural Restoration and Sports Medicine background and dug deep into the literature. Over the years developing an integrative whole person method to treat the pelvic floor.

She has become passionate about sharing this method with not only her clients and staff but to the masses via social media, online classes and various trainings for clinicians looking to take a different approach to pelvic rehab. You can learn more about those offerings at hayleykavapt.com

 

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

Connect with Hayley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykavapt/

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 AND RESEARCH MENTIONED:
www.umapelvichealth.com

www.hayleykavapt.com

Kiapour A, Joukar A, Elgafy H, Erbulut DU, Agarwal AK, Goel VK. Biomechanics of the Sacroiliac Joint: Anatomy, Function, Biomechanics, Sexual Dimorphism, and Causes of Pain. Int J Spine Surg. 2020 Feb 10;14(Suppl 1):3-13. doi: 10.14444/6077. PMID: 32123652; PMCID: PMC7041664.

Joukar, Amin MS∗; Shah, Anoli MS∗; Kiapour, Ali PhD∗; Vosoughi, Ardalan Seyed MS∗; Duhon, Bradley MD†; Agarwal, Anand K. MD∗; Elgafy, Hossein MD∗; Ebraheim, Nabil MD∗; Goel, Vijay K. PhD∗. Sex Specific Sacroiliac Joint Biomechanics During Standing Upright: A Finite Element Study. SPINE 43(18):p E1053-E1060, September 15, 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002623