Guest: HeHe Stewart, Birth Doula
Giving birth trauma a voice. Doula and advocate HeHe Stewart explores the emotional journey of NICU parents and the unseen wounds of traumatic birth experiences in this episode. From redefining advocacy to helping families find healing even in survival mode, HeHe shares powerful insights, personal stories, and practical support for those navigating life after the NICU. Whether you’re a parent, partner, or professional, this conversation sheds light on the resilience, grief, and hope that shape the path to recovery.
In this episode, we chat about:
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How HeHe became an advocate for childbirth, birth trauma awareness, and supporting NICU families.
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What “birth trauma” really means — and how it commonly shows up for NICU parents.
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The emotional and mental health impacts parents often face during and after a NICU stay.
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Myths and unhelpful narratives that make healing harder for families.
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Practical ways parents can begin processing trauma while still in survival mode, including how partners can best support them.
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Insightful reflections, stories, and what HeHe wishes every NICU parent knew at the start of their journey.
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About the guest
HeHe Stewart is a leading childbirth educator, advocate, and maternity care reform expert. With a Master’s in Human Development and over a decade of experience, she empowers families with evidence-based birth prep, informed decision-making, and postpartum readiness. She is a fierce advocate for informed consent, reducing unnecessary interventions, and ensuring patient autonomy in birth. Beyond working with families, HeHe is actively involved in legislative efforts to improve women’s health policies and expand access to midwifery care. She works to reform maternity care by advocating for patient rights, increased birth options, and improved maternal health outcomes. As the host of The Birth Lounge Podcast, she interviews leading experts in pregnancy, women’s health, and newborn development, giving parents the knowledge they need to navigate birth and postpartum with confidence. Her work continues to drive meaningful change through education, advocacy, and policy reform.