Ep. 397 Re-Air of The Safety of Breech Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze

Ep. 397 Re-Air of The Safety of Breech Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze

Author: HeHe Stewart November 12, 2025 Duration: 55:36
In this re-aired fan-favorite episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Rixa Freeze, research professor and president of Breech Without Borders, to challenge everything you think you know about breech birth. Together, they unpack the real facts, not the fear, behind breech birth, from what it actually is to the true statistics and why the right provider can change everything. Dr. Freeze breaks down short- and long-term risks for both mom and baby, exposes how outdated research continues to shape today’s birth practices, and explains how upright birth positions can dramatically improve outcomes. You’ll also hear what’s really going on behind the scenes when families try to find breech-competent providers (and how to advocate when your baby’s got their own plans for positioning!). Whether you’re currently expecting a breech baby or just want to be prepared for anything, this episode is packed with evidence, empowerment, and that signature HeHe honesty that helps you feel calm, confident, and in control of your birth choices. Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of infant and maternal mortality statistics. 00:00 Introduction and Common Misconceptions About Breech Birth 00:52 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast 01:01 Black Friday Sale Announcement 02:15 The Birth Lounge: Comprehensive Childbirth Education 04:48 Special Offers and Membership Perks 08:51 Exclusive Black Friday Deal Details 09:38 Re-airing Popular Episodes During Maternity Leave 10:51 Introduction to Breech Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze 11:55 Understanding Breech Birth Basics 16:18 Safety and Risks of Breech Birth 25:46 Maternal and Long-term Outcomes of Breech Birth 29:24 Understanding Long-Term Effects of Birth Decisions 30:34 Insights on Preterm Breech Births 31:08 Discovering a Clean Brand: Just Ingredients 33:40 Hospital vs. Home Birth Data for Breech Births 36:47 Encouraging Breech Birth Training for Providers 42:53 Labor and Birth Positions for Breech Births 54:33 Final Thoughts and Resources   Guest Bio: Dr. Rixa Freeze holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa and is an internationally recognized researcher, professor, and mother of four. As president of Breech Without Borders, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, she specializes in vaginal breech birth and advocates for autonomy and human rights in childbirth. Her work bridges history, research, and education to bring evidence-based, respectful care to every birth setting. Dr. Rixa blogs at Stand and Deliver (rixarixa.blogspot.com) and is passionate about all things birth- and breastfeeding-related.    This is a re-air of episode 179 with Dr. Rixa Freeze, which you can find here:  https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-179-the-safety-of-breech-birth-with-rixa-freeze/ INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Breech Without Borders on IG    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!   .

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: 100

The Birth Lounge Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 404 Epidurals: Pros, Cons & Alternatives with Marissa Mulder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:46
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s all-time favorite ways to stay cozy during pregnancy and postpartum. Their ultra-soft PJs, loungewear, and sheets make those long nights and lazy days feel a li…
Ep. 400 Re-air of What to know about Inductions with Becca Helie, CNM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:15
Black Friday is here, and it’s your chance to snag $150 off your Lifetime Membership to The Birth Lounge — one of only two sales all year! This is your shot to get HeHe’s full evidence-based birth system, handpicked Birt…
Ep. 399 Real Food for GD with Lily Nichols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:17
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, one of HeHe’s all-time favorite ways to stay cozy during pregnancy and postpartum. Their ultra-soft PJs, loungewear, and sheets make those long nights and lazy days feel a li…
Ep. 398 One Mom, Five Breech Births with Jessica Geay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:58
In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Jessica, a mama of five — all born breech — to unpack what it’s really like to birth outside the box (literally!). From her first head-down birth to her se…