Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hehe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

HeHe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2018, I began to offer virtual doula services which included a membership-style online childbirth education and the world told me I was crazy. People said that you couldn’t possibly support someone in labor without being with them & that in-person childbirth education was never going away. I was convinced that they were wrong and if I wanted to positively impact as many births as possible, I was going to have to utilize the power of the internet’s reach. Fast forward less than 24 months later and the whole world shut down. Everyone was forced to offer virtual services if they were going to stay in business, therefore everyone had to pivot to offer online educational content in order to stay relevant. The (calculated) risk I had taken in 2018 had paid off because as everyone else was learning new platforms and delivery methods, our team was already familiar with such concepts. This allowed us to be able to grow during the pandemic and serve thousands of families as they prepared to have their babies in a time that was unprecedented and very uncertain. Taking risks can feel very scary and sometimes like you’re the only one that believes in your mission.. and that may be true at some points along the journey. But, if you have a clear vision and you are committed to making a difference, one little risk may be the difference between sinking or swimming!

HeHe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

HeHe Stewart is the Founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, the creator of The Birth Lounge membership. With a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and over 10 years in the Family Life Education field, HeHe helps people prepare for childbirth with research-backed education and data-driven support to have a confident birth experience while feeling informed and in control of labor (without fear or coercion). She is passionate about helping patients understand their rights around consent and autonomy in birth. Her expertise expands to supporting new parents in preparing for postpartum, helping you master feeding your tiny human and understanding newborn sleep! HeHe hosts The Birth Lounge Podcast which features leading experts in pregnancy, women’s health, and newborn development so parents can understand how to have an informed and confident birth!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, I was always taught that if you wanted something and you worked really really hard, that thing could be yours. The American healthcare system has taught me differently on many fronts. In the US, healthcare deserts impact millions of people and no matter how hard you work or want better care, it may not be available. Birth isn’t predictable and sometimes no matter how hard you work or want a good birth, it may not happen. Obstetrical abuse is a rampant issue in maternity care and no matter how hard you work or want to be respected, sometimes you’re not afforded that.

That was not a lesson that was easily unlearned. It was filled with grief, grim discoveries and ugly truths. I asked alot of questions. I had a lot of meetings. I listened to a lot of stories. And, I felt fueled to change the system and start improving the way women have babies in the US.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Compassion, resilience, understanding, respect for autonomy. There are so many pieces to being a doula that are often overlooked. Compassion is necessary in any health and human service as is understanding. But, something that isn’t always considered is the resistance you may face– from the public, from the healthcare system, from your friends and family. You must cultivate resilience if you’re going to power through the naysayers and the doubts of those who are watching your success unfold. As a doula, one of my most foundational beliefs is that a woman is the ultimate authority of her own body and this one is controversial because not everyone will believe this way or may have exceptions they are willing to make when it comes to bodily autonomy.

I also think it’s important that doulas understand the way a hospital works so that they can clearly see the gaps and how they can better serve their clients AND the hospital staff. We should be striving for a cohesive, integrated system and that starts with working as a team (knowing that each shift your team will change and you have to be able to operate within that).

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheBirthLounge.com, www.Tranquilitybyhehe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/bUHJtq9xmnrKBvQ5/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hehestewart
• Other: Podcast, Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kSfCZ5rlpnRAWZMlQnSC6

Image Credits

Cori Isabel Photography

Grazi Belucio Photography