Ep. 309: Navigating Unnecessary Interventions in Birth with Lisa Villani

Ep. 309: Navigating Unnecessary Interventions in Birth with Lisa Villani

Author: HeHe Stewart January 8, 2025 Duration: 1:07:25
In this episode of the Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe and Lisa Villani, founder of Empowered Birth Coaching, dive into the significance of prenatal tests and interventions during pregnancy. They discuss first-trimester genetic screening, gestational diabetes testing options, and the controversy around routine ultrasounds. Lisa shares her expertise on how to make informed decisions about these procedures, emphasizing the importance of understanding your options and advocating for your preferences. Tune in to gain valuable insights on managing prenatal care and preparing for a confident birth experience.   Defining Unnecessary Interventions First Trimester Tests and Genetic Screening Gestational Diabetes Screening Options The Controversy of Routine Ultrasounds Cervical Checks: What You Need to Know Understanding Cervical Exams The Importance of Bishop Score Preterm Labor and Cervical Checks Consent and Body Autonomy Making Informed Decisions Navigating IV Fluids During Labor The Debate on Birthing Positions Empowering Your Birth Experience   Guest Bio: Lisa is an ICF-certified Pregnancy Coach & Doula Mentor. Lisa empowers women to advocate for themselves and navigate the medical system with confidence by helping mothers connect with dedicated doulas. She has made it her mission to amplify the voices of women and birth workers alike so that mothers have the support they deserve! You can find her on IG as @loudmouthdoula or tune into Loud Mouth Doula podcast!   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Lisa on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: Freebie for doulas: 3 Must-Ask questions for a killer consultation for doulas: www.empoweredbirthcoaching.com/3questions    Fierce Mama Circle online community for pregnant and postpartum mothers: www.empoweredbirthcoaching.com/circle Use code BIRTHLOUNGE for 1 month free in Fierce Mama Circle  

Hosted by birth and newborn expert HeHe Stewart, The Birth Lounge Podcast creates a thoughtful conversation around the many paths through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. This podcast moves beyond simplistic advice to explore the wide spectrum of normal experiences, offering evidence-based insights alongside real stories from parents. HeHe, who founded Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, guides these discussions with a blend of professional knowledge and deep empathy, aiming to demystify the process and empower your choices. Each episode serves as a gathering place-a safe space where clinical expertise meets lived experience, covering topics that span education, family dynamics, physical fitness, holistic health, and parenting young children. You’ll find a supportive resource here, one that acknowledges the variables and nuances of bringing a child into the world and navigating the postpartum chapter. Tune in for honest dialogues that honor different perspectives, providing companionship and reliable information for your own journey. The goal is to leave you feeling more prepared, less alone, and confident in your unique path through parenthood, all within the supportive community of this podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 432

The Birth Lounge Podcast
Podcast Episodes
103: Using Hypnosis in Labor with Kelley Keenan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:20
Have you ever wondered if hypnosis might be a useful tool for your labor support toolbox? Many women use hypnosis as a way to manage with the pressures of labor and there are tons of programs to choose from (many choices…
102: FFT: Stop Washing Your Vagina! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:34
Seriously, stop washing your vagina. First, HeHe is explaining why you should never wash your vagina and if you wash your vulva, there are a few rules. HeHe is sharing what you can expect when it comes to the proper pH o…
100: Friday Free Talk: Get Out of Your Own Pond + HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:18
Are you blocking yourself? Are you really the problem?! The good news is that if you're the problem, then that's an easy solution! In this episode, HeHe is sharing the different options that you have when it comes to unb…
99: Do You Need Sex Therapy? with Dr. Alex Chinks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:56
Today is an episode that is so needed, but so many people do not dare walk in this territory. Well, we are. Sex Therapist, Dr. Alex Chinks, joins HeHe to chat all things intercourse! We are starting the conversation by d…
98: Friday Free Talk: Love Yourself More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:20
It's no secret that HeHe is a firm believer in "Mindset is 90%" of the game mentality. This episode, she is sharing how you can mold your mindset and help support your mental health! "Stop planning your birth for someone…
96: Friday Free Talk: How Worrying is Holding You Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:25
This episode is raw and real. Some might even say brutal. HeHe is diving into how you might be sabotaging yourself when it comes to conceiving, your birth, or motherhood. We know that worry is an emotion that is rooted i…
95: Being Mindful in Motherhood with Sarah Bivens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:30
We dug up episode #13 from the files and are re-sharing it here! Sarah Bivens in coming Boston in February to speak at our 2019 TBH Retreat! She will be teaching us all about finding balance in motherhood and how to be m…
94: Friday Free Talk: What's a Maternity Concierge? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:16
In today's episode, HeHe is breaking down exactly what a Maternity Concierge does each day. The care that TBH clients receive is above and beyond because our end goal is above and beyond, the mindset shifts we intentiona…