Ep. 377: The Myth of the Aging Placenta with Sophie Messager, Phd  Have you ever been told your placenta might be “too old”? Maybe you’ve heard that once you hit 35 or if you’ve conceived through IVF, your placenta just can’t keep up. This so-called “aging placenta” idea gets tossed around a lot, but here’s the truth: it’s a myth. In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Sophie Messager, a former reproductive psychologist and current doula, to set the record straight. Together, we dive into: The history of the “aging placenta” myth and how it gained tractionWhat science really says about how the placenta changes in late pregnancyWhy these misconceptions can strip away maternal autonomy and fuel unnecessary interventionsThe role of intuition when navigating medical recommendationsHow systemic bias and racial disparities play into maternity careAnd drumming… yes, you read that right: how drumming can become a powerful, grounding tool during pregnancy This conversation will give you the knowledge (and confidence) to challenge outdated beliefs and trust that your body isn’t broken. It’’s brilliant. 🎧 Tune in now to reclaim your power and let’s bust this myth together! 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 01:16 Welcome to the Birth Lounge Podcast 01:22 The Birth Lounge App: Your Pregnancy Companion 04:19 Debunking the Myth of the Aging Placenta 05:02 Interview with Sophie Ee: Bridging Science and Doula Work 07:08 Understanding Placental Health and Misconceptions 08:43 The Role of Research and Personal Experiences 17:12 Navigating Medical Advice and Personal Instincts 19:53 The Complexity of Placental Aging and Birth Outcomes 36:50 The Importance of Trusting Maternal Instincts 43:53 The Importance of Counting Kicks 44:48 Trusting Maternal Instincts 45:32 Placental Health in Subsequent Pregnancies 47:40 Respecting the Birth Process 48:56 The Role of the Placenta 54:58 Cultural and Racial Differences in Placental Health 57:00 Challenges in Maternity Care Systems 01:13:55 The Power of Intuition and Spirituality in Birth 01:20:00 Resources and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Sophie Messager bridges worlds that rarely meet. A former reproductive physiologist with a PhD, she traded her microscope for doula work after experiencing the transformative power of an empowered birth. Her decade-long journey as a doula, birth educator, and author of Why Postnatal Recovery Matters deepened her exploration of the rhythms surrounding women’s transitions. Now a holistic life transition mentor, Sophie guides women through significant life thresholds – from birth to perimenopause and beyond. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and spiritual insight allows her to serve as a compassionate space holder for those seeking to harmonise their analytical and intuitive selves.   SOCIAL MEDIA: 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: https://sophiemessager.com/ Get 15% off any of Sophie’s online courses with code birthlounge https://sophiemessager.com/the-myth-of-the-aging-placenta/