Ep. 386 Exploring an Alternative Vaccination Schedule with Brian Thornburg

Ep. 386 Exploring an Alternative Vaccination Schedule with Brian Thornburg

Author: HeHe Stewart October 3, 2025 Duration: 1:54:13
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Brian Thornburg, a board-certified pediatrician, to tackle one of the most overwhelming parts of early parenthood: newborn procedures and vaccine decisions. From the very first hours after birth, parents are presented with a whirlwind of choices—Vitamin K, Hep B, eye ointment, vaccine schedules—and it can feel impossible to sort fact from fear. Dr. Thornburg breaks down what’s truly evidence-based, what questions to ask your care team, and how to advocate for your baby with confidence. Together, they explore: How your newborn’s immune system really works (and mom’s role in it!) The ins and outs of Vitamin K, Hep B, and erythromycin at birth How antibiotics during labor may impact your baby’s gut health Alternative vaccine schedules and what research actually says Hot-button topics like vaccine shedding, autoimmunity, and long-term impacts This conversation is about informed consent—not scare tactics. You’ll walk away empowered to make decisions that feel right for your family while knowing exactly how to navigate conversations with your providers. 05:09 – Meet Dr. Thornburg: advocacy in pediatrics 08:50 – Newborn immune system + maternal impact 18:49 – Vaccinations in pregnancy: risks + research gaps 34:41 – Newborn procedures explained (Vitamin K, Hep B, erythromycin) 53:11 – Antibiotics, Group B Strep, and gut health 01:00:43 – Gut microbiome, leaky gut, and autoimmunity 01:04:28 – Navigating vaccine schedules + global perspectives 01:19:15 – Making vaccine choices: categories, delays, and risks 01:28:29 – Adverse reactions, VAERS, and herd immunity 01:39:08 – Vaccine shedding + payment myths 01:44:57 – Finding a vaccine-friendly pediatrician Guest Bio: Dr. Thornburg Wellness focuses on educating families on health and wellness through the generations by the birth of their babies and raising of their children. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube BIRTH EDUCATION: 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: www.drthornburg.com

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
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