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. 136: An Inside Look at Obstetrical Violence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:19
Have you ever heard the term “obstetrical violence” and wondered what it meant? Or maybe you envisioned this blatant act of disrespect or an assault of sorts. These are both examples of obstetrical violence, but is anoth…
Ep. 135: Friday Free Talk: Don't Stop Pushing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:32
Inside The Birth Lounge, I teach my Secret Sauce to Pushing. Part of that formula is based on your baby's position in your pelvis! I actively advise against what's called 'directed pushing,' where birthing people are tol…
Ep. 133: Friday Free Talk: Your Responsibility in Labor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:03
Everyone in the birth room has a job—your provider, your nurse, your partner, and you…but, what does your job really look like? Probably different than you think if your goal is to have your dream birth! Deep breathing a…
Ep 131: Friday Free Talk: The 7 Slippery Slopes of Birth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:38
Do you really need childbirth education classes? Wondering if you can get all the information you need for a good birth by reading books and taking a one-hour online course? This largely depends on how you define 'good b…
Ep. 129: Friday Free Talk, Nubain/Staidol is the Magic Pill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:18
Its ironic because Nubain isn't a pill at all--it's an IV narcotic! Do you know your pain relief options during labor? Like, really know them? There are so many more options than just unmedicated birth and epidural birth…
Ep. 127: Friday Free Talk: Expanding Your Ideas of Birth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:34
One of the best ways to empower yourself is to dive in head first. Go searching for various birth stories, for various birth approaches, for various pain relief options. Do your research and, in that, you will find your…
Ep. 126: Plagiocephaly, One Mom's Voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:03
Today on The Birth Lounge Podcast, I am joined by Rebekkah Tran, mom of twins, to share about one of her twins’ journey with Plagiocephaly! Rebekkah is sharing the first signs that she noticed, what her first action step…