Birth Is Not a Medical Emergency: The Fight for Autonomy in Women's Health with Dr. Stuart Fischbein from Birthing Instincts

In this powerful episode, Dr. Stuart Fischbein—renowned OBGYN, midwifery ally, and co-host of the Birthing Instincts podcast—unpacks the truth behind modern obstetrics, the rise in unnecessary interventions, and what it really means to trust your body during birth. We explore my own C-section experience, why breech births aren't inherently dangerous, and how to prepare for a VBAC, twins, or a home birth—even when everyone around you says you're "high-risk." This is not just about birth. It's about reclaiming our autonomy, questioning a broken system, and remembering that pregnancy is not a disease. It's a sacred biological process. WE TALK ABOUT:  08:10 – The truth behind rising C-section and NICU rates 11:55 – Choosing your birth team like you would buy a house 15:30 – Why midwifery care is essential, even if you choose a hospital birth 19:10 – What really causes the cascade of interventions 27:50 – My breech baby experience: Navigating fear, pressure, and a last-minute C-section 33:30 – Why doctors rarely ask if you want more kids after your first C-section 43:50 – VBACs: What the data actually says about risks and scar rupture 51:30 – The misleading "scar thickness" test and why some doctors weaponize it 56:20 – What hospitals don't want you to know about twin births and VBACs 1:01:20 – The outdated rituals of hospital birth and what to ask instead 1:07:30 – How the hospital environment sabotages labor 1:14:30 – Educating our daughters (and sons) to break the cycle 1:30:15 – Red flags to look out for in your OB care SPONSORS: Swap restless nights for real recovery with Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers (code: BIOHACKINGBRITTANY) — the full-spectrum formula I trust for calmer nerves, balanced hormones, and deep, restorative sleep. RESOURCES: Trying to conceive? Join my Baby Steps Course to optimize your fertility with biohacking. Free gift: Download my hormone-balancing, fertility-boosting chocolate recipe. Explore my luxury retreats and wellness events for women. Shop my faves: Check out my Amazon storefront for wellness essentials. Dr. Stuart Fischbein's Birthing Instincts website and Instagram The Birthing Instincts podcast LET'S CONNECT: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music