HeHe Stewart, advocate, educator and founder of Maternity Concierge and The Birth Lounge, joins Julia to discuss pregnancy, informed consent and the education of the birthing process. HeHe is passionate about helping people prepare for a pregnancy and birth experience. She educates women on their rights, the role of the hospital and physician and topics you may have yet to consider. This episode is for anyone who has childbirth in the future, along with your support team. You don’t want to miss this educational episode of Stork’d.   IN THIS EPISODE:   ● [00:00] Julia shares who HeHe Stewart is and the many educational resources she has made available [02:25] HeHe explains the services she provides and how she came to start her business [08:21] The critical need to bridge the gap between patients and providers [13:18] Julia outlines the changes within the system that need to change and four takeaways from the education she provides [18:44] How do you know what you don’t know medically, and what if your doctor/hospital is not following your plan [28:06] Six decisions from HeHe’s list of 175 decisions you could make [32:54] HeHe discusses how she works with clients and how to overcome fear and trauma and the percentages involved [42:30] What is the ambiance of the labor room [44:16]  HeHe defines her definition of family   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The policy of a hospital is not a law. Therefore, you can say no thank you. Also, find a doctor who honors your plan for birthing or change doctors until you find a doctor who is on the same page. Women in the past felt they had no say or control over their bodies.  That is a fallacy.  Informed consent is your right, and women need to champion that concept. Educate yourself before the pregnancy so you know the options, the process, and the what-ifs so you can make an informed decision.   RESOURCE LINKS:   Stork'd - Facebook   Stork'd - Instagram   Stork'd- YouTube   HeHe Stewart - Facebook   HeHe Stewart - Website   HeHe Stewart - Instagram   Birth Lounge/Tranquility - Podcast   Birth Lounge - TicTok   Birth Lounge - Instagram   Birth Lounge - App   ABOUT: HeHe Stewart   As a doula, I view my role as the guardian of the energy of your birth experience. I want you to be informed, in control, and supported. I believe in you and your body. I believe you are strong and courageous. I believe in trusting the process and surrounding yourself with love, warmth, encouragement, kindness, and serenity. I believe birth is a magical and transformative time in your life, your partner's life, and your baby’s life. I want you to feel respected and relaxed at your birth. I want your birth to be a pleasant memory that you carry with you for the rest of your life and are happy to share with others. There is no right or wrong; there is only what’s right for you.  I’m here to help you explore, discover, and advocate your wants and needs to have the birth experience you’ve always wanted. I believe there is a need for self-care and compassion in the care of expectant parents. It is important that every parent feels supported in their choices after discussing all possible options. It's imperative that parents have access to judgment-free spaces, educators, and support. That's what I want to be for all my clients and their partners.