S4: E19 Part 2 with Liz Farmer

Part 2 of this powerful and eye-opening episode of Love After Lullabies, Miranda sits down with birth worker and activist Liz Farmer to explore why the United States has the worst maternal health outcomes in the developed world — and what we can do about it.Liz shares her background in anthropology and birth work, explaining how both over-medicalization in the U.S. and lack of access to care globally impact mothers and babies. She breaks down the critical gap in postpartum care — especially the dangerous window between birth and the six-week checkup — and highlights how conditions like postpartum preeclampsia are often missed.The conversation dives deep into the role of birth and postpartum doulas, how Oregon now mandates insurance coverage for doula services, and why community-based support dramatically reduces postpartum depression, anxiety, and maternal mortality — particularly for under-resourced families.Miranda and Liz also explore the cultural history of birth, the impact of patriarchy and profit-driven medicine, and the importance of embodied childbirth education. Liz discusses the hormonal parallels between orgasm and birth, how stress hormones inhibit labor, and why safety and relaxation are essential for physiological birth.This episode is an empowering look at reclaiming ancestral wisdom, advocating for better maternal care, and preparing both your body and your relationship for the transition into parenthood.Bio of Liz Farmer:Liz Farmer is a second generation Jewish American anthropologist, activist and birth worker.  Liz holds a BA in Biological Anthropology and an MA in Cultural Anthropology.  During her studies she researched the detriment of over medicalization of birth in the US versus how withholding medical care in the Global South negatively affects birth outcomes. After graduate school she went on to become a birth and postpartum doula, providing private paid care to high income clients while volunteering with marginalized, historically underserved communities.  Liz is currently Director of Portland New Family Fund, a nonprofit that supports low income families across Oregon and Washington with birth and postpartum doula care and advocates for insurance to cover these services.  Liz is a mama to a rambunctious 9 year old, has two kitties and a wonderful husband of 11 years.⁠https://www.portlandnewfamilyfund.org⁠Take the FREE Parenthood Readiness Quiz:⁠https://square-fog-73231.myflodesk.com/readinessCheck out our new website:www.loveafterlullabies.comFollow Love After Lullabies on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube:⁠https://www.instagram.com/loveafterlullabies/⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/818194252548981https://www.youtube.com/@LoveAfterLullabiesVisit our Amazon Storefront:⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-fed02c38?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfinfluencer-fed02c38_1FAWEYQVF54XQ4X7TSY1⁠If you’d like to be a guest on our show or leave us a comment: [email protected] After Lullabies helps new and expectant parents stay connected through relationship coaching, postpartum wellness recipes, and date night meals. Tune into the podcast for expert advice and real conversations on love, parenting, and connection. Build a strong, lasting partnership with us! Before you were parents, you were partners - nurture both.