How to Prepare for Hospital Birth (and Avoid Unnecessary Interventions) with HeHe Stewart

How to Prepare for Hospital Birth (and Avoid Unnecessary Interventions) with HeHe Stewart

Author: Sarah Roselinda Trott July 14, 2025 Duration: 38:46

Here's a prep guide for hospital births that will help you feel more confident, and empower you with information that could help you avoid unnecessary procedures that can result in trauma and/or injury.

Our guest is HeHe Stewart, a birth doula and founder of The Birth Lounge, a non-judgmental, evidence-based childbirth education online platform known for helping parents navigate birth. HeHe also has her own podcast called the Birth Lounge. Here's some of what we discuss:

  • how to avoid unnecessary C-sections
  • how to confidently ask for options
  • what to do if things don't go as expected
  • crucial information to prepare you for hospital birth

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with HeHe Stewart Tranquility by HeHe | The Birth Lounge Education Platform

HeHe's Podcast The Birth Lounge Podcast

Learn more The 10 Questions Every First-Time Parent AsksHome Birth As An Alternative To The HospitalHow a Friend or Family Member Can Help You if You Don’t Have a Doula (What is a Doula?)

Our favorite Fourth Trimester Books The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother | Becoming the Parent You Want to Be: A Sourcebook of Strategies for the First Five Years | Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early Motherhood | Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La Cuarentena

Resources HelloGaia Parenting CopilotFREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth PlanFREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester PlanPostpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Some of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out 


Sarah Trott, a new mother herself, navigates the profound and often overlooked transition into parenthood alongside her postpartum doula and co-host, Esther Gallagher. Their conversations form the heart of Fourth Trimester: The First Months and Beyond. This isn't just a parenting podcast; it's a dedicated space exploring the physical, emotional, and logistical realities of the postpartum period, that critical window after birth where both baby and parents are learning and healing. Esther brings decades of experience as a perinatal educator and care provider, offering grounded wisdom, while Sarah asks the questions from her fresh, personal perspective as a mom to a vibrant baby girl. Together, they delve into topics from newborn care and maternal recovery to mental health and redefining identity, all with a focus on practical support and non-judgmental guidance. Listening feels like being welcomed into an honest, supportive conversation between a trusted mentor and a friend who's in the thick of it. You'll hear their genuine rapport and the tangible benefit of this partnership, as they aim to fill the common gap in care and preparation for life with a new baby. This podcast serves as an audio companion for mothers, fathers, and all caregivers seeking to nurture themselves as they nurture their newborn, moving through the fourth trimester and beyond with more confidence and compassion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Fourth Trimester: The First Months and Beyond | Parenting | Newborn Baby | Postpartum | Doula
Podcast Episodes
Improve Birth Recovery: Three Recommendations From An OBGYN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:45
In this episode of Fourth Trimester, we're joined by Dr. Melissa Dennis, a seasoned OBGYN with over two decades of experience in healthcare. Dr. Dennis shares her evidence-based insights and practical advice on how to na…
Wire Your Baby for Success Through Optimal Newborn Brain Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:51
Unlock the secrets of newborn brain development with Childhood Educator Rebecca Walsh. Discover how to wire your baby for success. Listen to the full episode to learn what you need to know for helping your baby develop i…
The Power of Touch in Supporting Infant Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:38
Did you know that appropriate, nurturing touch can relieve stress (for baby and parent/caregiver), facilitate secure attachment, optimize brain development, and potentially set a baby up for life to be a stable and healt…
Prepare For Birth With Confidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
In this episode we dive deep into the crucial aspects of physical preparation for childbirth as we unveil targeted exercises, expert insights, and practical tips to empower expectant parents. Leah Keller, Founder of Ever…
Mom Group Guide: How To Find, Join Or Facilitate A Mom Group [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:33
The Mom Group Guide features special guest Rebecca Walsh, veteran Mom Group facilitator and Early Childhood Education leader with 20+ years of experience. Rebecca is The Queen Of Mom Groups. We covered: *why Mom Groups a…