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
61: Let Me Introduce You to Your Vagina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:16
Today's episode is getting scandelous! We all talking all things clitoris, vaginal canals, orgasms, natural lubes, and menstration. Welcome to Vagina 101. It's truly shocking how many adult women do not know their vagina…
60: Friday Free Talk: Respecting the Golden Hour [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:48
Happy Friday, Yal! In this episode of Friday Free Talk, I'm talking about the benefits of being intentional with the first 60 minutes after your baby is born. In this precious time, you have alot of choices to make and i…
59: Lotus Births, Herbal Remedies, and Crystal Healing! Oh My! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:17
Today, HeHe is chatting with a mom of one, Jasper, who has strong feelings toward the medical field and planned an unassisted homebirth. Things didn't quite turn on out as planned and she's sharing her story. Taylor Tolt…
58: Friday Free Talk: I'm a Barbie Girl in a Barbie World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:21
Today, I am talking all about your imperfections as a parent and partner. Plus, I’m even sharing what I’m not that great at either... We will take these imperfections and shift them into strengths and finding gratitude.…
57: Copper Toxicity- The Copper IUD  [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:31
Is your IUD poisoning you? Could your copper IUD being causing your body to be overloaded and needing a serious detox? Kirby Costa Campos is joining HeHe to chat about her experience with copper toxicity, the downward sp…
56: Free Friday Talk: Car Seat Safety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:07
Front facing, rear facing, booster seats and 5 point harnesses! Buying a carseat can be overwhelming! Did you know that your child's height and weight isn't the only thing to consider when transitioning from rear facing…
55: Upleveling Your Birth with Rachel Cunningham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:54
You are not ready for today's episode! This one is too good! HeHe is sitting down with a mom of 3 and is the epitome of a birth warrior. She has three very different birth stories to share and for the first time ever, we…
54: Friday Free Talk: Hyper Focus in Birth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:20
Today's episode is inspired by a combination of background chatter, TED Talks, Netflix series, and various blogs. I'm diving into the brain and how humans receive and process, how we block out information, and how people…
53: Homebirth Midwifery Legislation: Part 2 with Diana Snyder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:23
Last week's episode is all about the midwifery bill H.4655 in Massachusetts and one side of the bill. This week we are diving into part 2. HeHe is sitting down with Diana Snyder to discuss the other side of bill H.4655.…
52: Free Friday Talk: First Come Marriage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
I'm sharing a special skill that I have that helps my clients prepare for their birth. This podcast was inspired by a blog that I wrote last year about planning a wedding and planning for a baby. They are surprisingly si…