Ep. 333: Comparing Canadian and American Birth Experiences with Katherine Debs

Ep. 333: Comparing Canadian and American Birth Experiences with Katherine Debs

Author: HeHe Stewart April 2, 2025 Duration: 1:21:26
In this episode, HeHe has a heartfelt conversation with her close friend and past doula client, Katherine. Together, they explore Katherine's distinct birth experiences within the Canadian and American healthcare systems, discussing the challenges and joys of childbirth. Katherine shares insightful anecdotes about her breech birth in Canada and a water birth in the US, highlighting the emotional and physical differences. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's intuition, advocating for oneself, and setting boundaries. Throughout the episode, Katherine's journey as a mother interweaves with her experiences breaking generational patterns, nurturing her children's unique personalities, and finding joy in everyday moments. The conversation underscores the significance of support systems, intentional living, and the power of manifestation in creating a fulfilling life. 06:40 Comparing Canadian and American Healthcare Systems 07:26 Experiences with Canadian Healthcare System 12:39 Transition to American Healthcare System 12:59 The Beverly Birthing Center Experience 29:08 The Power of Manifestation and Trusting Yourself 44:55 Reflecting on Friendship and Support 46:34 The Challenges of Induction 48:59 Experiencing Labor and Delivery 50:53 Post-Birth Reflections 51:58 The Importance of Trust and Presence 55:02 Parenting and Childbirth Insights 01:01:39 Gratitude and High Vibrations 01:05:15 Raising Strong-Willed Children 01:11:35 Final Thoughts and Advice 01:18:25 Connecting with Katherine   Guest Bio: Katherine Debs has never followed the conventional path—she’s redefined what “normal” looks like. Born in Lebanon to a Lebanese father and an American mother, she grew up experiencing different cultures, later living in Boston and Montreal. Her passion for helping others led her to study International Affairs, dreaming of philanthropy and making a global impact. Her own health struggles in her teens introduced her to holistic wellness, sparking a lifelong commitment to empowering others to lead healthier, more intentional lives. Through her work with Arbonne, she’s helped countless people make meaningful changes, from nutrition to mindset. Now, Katherine is expanding her mission by becoming a Pilates teacher, bringing movement that feels good and helps people connect their mind and body. As a mom, entrepreneur, mentor, and passionate home cook, she wears many hats—but each one is rooted in her love for community, wellness, and personal growth. She currently lives in Boston with her husband and two daughters, leading with appreciation and inspiring others to live fully.   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Katherine on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Get the free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing!    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: Connect with Katherine here! 

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
Ep. 272: How to Choose the Right Car Seat & Stroller with Jami Reyes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:58
In this episode, HeHe welcomes Jami Reyes, owner of Hip Baby Gear, to discuss essential baby gear. They delve into topics like how to choose car seats and strollers, considerations for different lifestyles, safety tips,…
Ep. 271: How to Potty Train from Birth with Heather Medlin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:40
Heather is a professional architect, entrepreneur, and mother of two three and under. Her passion for sustainability and frustration with traditionally potty training her oldest led her to try Elimination Communication w…
Ep. 270: Maternity leave laws in the US with Attorney Ryan Stygar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:39
HeHe is joined by a Labor & Employment Lawyer and CEO of Centurion Trial Attorney to discuss maternity leave laws in the United States. Ryan shares what rights pregnant people have, when to share the big news with your b…
Ep. 269: Your Legal Rights in Labor with Marlie Willer, [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:23
HeHe and Birth Injury Lawyer, Marlie, dive deep into how legality intersects with maternity care. Join this conversation to hear about your rights as a patient, what you can and can't say 'no' to in labor and what leavin…
Ep. 268: SOLO CAST: Membrane Sweeps with HeHe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:39
Is a membrane sweep the right move for you? Is it a form of induction? In this episode, HeHe dives into what a membrane sweep is, why you might consider one, the risks & benefits plus what you can expect to feel during a…
Ep. 267: Ultrasounds in Pregnancy with Eyla Cuenca [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:27
Dive into the history of ultrasounds in maternity care, the various types of ultrasounds and how to know if they are right for you! Eyla and HeHe will talk about when you typically get ultrasounds in pregnancy and how to…
Ep. 265: SSRI's in Pregnancy with Alex Hoeft, RN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:37
SSRI's are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression, so what happens when you get pregnant? Can you stay on these medications? Should you consider a different prescription or different modality of support? Alex Hoe…
Ep. 264: Postpartum Hemorrhage with Mama Nurse Tina, L&D RN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:31
You asked and we delivered! In this episode, HeHe and MaMa Nurse Tina bring a human touch to the heavy topic of postpartum hemorrhage. We’re diving into what postpartum hemorrhage is, what increases your risk for experie…
Ep. 263: Pre-Eclampsia with OBGYN & MFM, Dr. Lexi Hill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:04
Join HeHe as she sits down with High Risk OBGYN & MFM, Dr. Lexi Hill to discuss Pre-Eclampsia which is a pregnancy complication that generally arises after 20-weeks of pregnancy and often presents as high blood pressure,…