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. 146: What to know about Inductions with Becca Helie, CNM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:49
Inductions are one of the most common interventions when it comes to birthing a baby. Some people welcome inductions, and some want to avoid it at all cost! Today, I am joined by Certified Nurse Midwife, Becca Helie, to…
Ep. 145: Friday Free Talk: Must-Have Breastfeeding Tools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:31
Today I am sharing the 7 tools that will change your breastfeeding life! Feeding your baby can be tough--cracked nipples, mastitis, clogged ducts, over supply, undersupply! This list goes on and on! The tools I share in…
Ep 144: A Vote for Better Postpartum Care with Skyler Jacobs, CNM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:25
In today's episode, HeHe is joined by Certified Nurse Midwife, Skyler Jacobs, to discuss how the current US postpartum care schedule sorely fails birthing people in getting them appropriate support after having a baby! S…
Ep. 143: Friday Free Talk: The 'Magic Words' in Birth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:32
I recently attended a birth where the provider was forcibly suggesting that my client allow for an IV hep-lock to be placed. The issue arose when my client asked if there was any medical reason to have the IV placed at t…
Ep. 142: The Beginning of Homebirth with Katelyn Fusco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:55
Let’s rewind the clock—and I means AGES— I want to talk about how we used to birth—before we moved it to hospitals. Lets go all the way back to how physiological birth is expected to work. Today, Katelyn Fusco, Host of H…
Ep. 141: Friday Free Talk: The Bishop Score [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:12
Today is all about inductions and how to know if you are a 'good candidate' for one. HeHe is diving into a tool that the women's health field uses to rate a a pregnant person’s cervix in order to determine their readines…
Ep. 139: Friday Free Talk: When Nurses Perpetuate the Patriarchy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:43
Inside The Birth Lounge, HeHe does a weekly group prenatal visit with our members! We chat about all things pregnancy, planning for birth, and preparing for postpartum. This week's episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast is…
Ep. 138: The Truth about Exercise in Pregnancy with Kayla Mehr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:55
Today’s guest is a dear friend of mine and a fitness expert specializing in prenatal and postnatal corrective exercise! Kayla Mehr, Founder of Your Fit Mom, is joining HeHe in an episode that is getting down and dirty ab…
Ep 137: Friday Free Talk, When "Checking In" Hinders the Process [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
When people check in with us, it's generally done with good intention, but sometimes "checking in" can do more harm than good! There are multiple places in women's health and birth work where this rings true! When it com…