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. 115: Friday Free Talk, Eating + Drinking during Labor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:02
Studies show that, on average, 80% of laboring people don’t eat the entire time they are in labor and 60% don’t drink during labor! YET, 95% of them would have chosen TO eat and drink during labor if they had been given…
Ep. 114: How to Cloth Diaper with Bailey Bowman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:12
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Ep. 113: Friday Free Talk: Pro-Plan or No Plan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:01
Which team are you on? Would you believe me if I said I’m team middle? I am! I do’t think the power is so much in having a written out plan as there is in having already given thought to how you want your birth to unfold…
Ep. 112: Hormones 101 with Dr. Maggie Luther [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:38
Help people balance their hormones to get their energy back. She loves her incredible perception to help women heal & listen to your body and then respond to that message. She helps women relearn how to tap into their gu…
Ep. 111: Friday Free Talk, Alcohol in Pregnancy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:54
In my endless scrolling on social media, I inevitably see an expecting parent jokingly say they wish they could have a glass of wine or a glass of beer. I never know if I should write in that it’s A-OK to have something…
Birthing in the COVID-19 Pandemic with Pediatrician, Julia Brown, MD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:47
In this episode, HeHe is joined by Julia Brown, MD to discuss COVID-19 and newborns/infants! Julia is a local pediatrician at one of the top 5 birthing hospitals in Massachusetts and is sharing what parents need to know…
Ep. 108: Friday Free Talk: What to Expect at Triage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:40
If you don’t know..you might not get to the hospital and go straight to Labor and Delivery. Sometimes you do, but sometimes you don’t. When you get to the hospital, you will most likely be asked to go to a smaller exam r…
105: Exploring Sensuality & Yoni Eggs with Ann Marie Paul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:56
Today, HeHe is joined by Ann Marie Paul, a spiritual activator for divine feminine wisdom. She teaches the ancient art of Yoni Eggs which opens up a woman to her own bodies wisdom and sensuality. She is leading us today…
104: FFT: Overcoming Fear & Birth Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:16
Are you a mama that wonders if your birth is "normal"? Do you look back on your birth and think "Things didn't go... like I thought they would." Maybe you know your birth was traumatic and you're trying to navigate that…