Birthing Instincts

In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss sit down with Texas midwife Salli Gonzalez and attorney Octavia Martinez to unpack a case that should concern not only licensed midwives, but anyone with a license.Together they discuss what happens when a midwife follows protocol, transfers appropriately, and still becomes the target?What happens when unverified screenshots, incomplete records, and social media comments are used to justify suspending a license, without a trial?And more importantly, what does this mean for the future of midwifery?This conversation goes beyond the case of one midwife, and beyond what is happening in Texas. This is about the direction birth care is heading in the U.S and why we all need to pay attention.About Salli:My love of birth started with my own births, the first on in a typical hospital system, birthing in lithotomy in the OR in 1984. The second baby I chose a birth center and decided to take more control of my choices in birth. I gave birth in a birth center under my own terms, which included eating and drinking in labor, moving with the contractions instead of being tied to the bed with monitors, no IV and limited vaginal exams. This birth propelled me to want to share with the world that birth doesn’t have to be traumatic nor painful. I set out to educate the world, as I had four more babies at home, one of which included a breech birth under qualified hands.  It’s been my life’s work to uphold birth as a normal and natural process of the female body. I’ve taken the steps to attend as many emergency skills preparedness workshops as I can as well as many breech and twin conferences as possible. I’ve also mentored and offered my assistance to newer midwives who are also interested in learning. We are always learning and renewing our skills in midwifery. Midwifery is the future of our country. Without midwifery the true nature of women’s autonomy will be lost. Instagram: @for_the_love_of_birthGoFundMe: gofund.me/a54e40705About Octavia:Professional BackgroundA graduate of The University of Virginia and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Octavia began her career in Phoenix. As a felony prosecutor and civil litigator, she handled high-stakes matters ranging from commercial trucking defense to complex medical malpractice.Her time on the defense side — working alongside institutional defendants and their counsel — gave her an understanding of how those cases are built, where the vulnerabilities lie, and what separates the attorneys who win from the ones who simply file. She brought that knowledge with her when she crossed to the plaintiff's side.The Move to TexasBringing this diverse experience to the Rio Grande Valley, Octavia expanded her practice to meet the border region's unique needs. Her scope grew to cover defamation, and specialized defense for medical providers, including physicians and midwives.South Texas presented a client population that had historically been underserved by high-quality legal representation — complex multigenerational estates, a healthcare industry with its own licensing ecosystem, and individuals whose situations required an attorney willing to engage the full weight of the law on their behalf.Launch of the FirmOctavia later paused her legal career to focus on stewardship: homeschooling her children and managing her family's homestead farm. However, she reactivated her license to assist a client whose legal matters had stagnated under conventional representation. That crisis highlighted the urgent need for uncompromised advocacy, leading to the launch of Octavia LaVon Martinez PLLC.Today, she has become a resource for clients who seek an alternative to the status quo — clients who have been failed by passive representation, whose matters are too complex for a generalist, or who simply need an attorney who will fight with the same conviction they feel about their own case.Website: octaviamartinezlaw.comX: @OctaviaLaVonReferences:Sham Peer Review: The Leave-of-Absence TrapExpedited Motion for Hearing (PDF)Facebook Post and CommentsFacebook Comment #2Media Release: TDLR Suspends Midwife’s License Following Maternal and Infant DeathsKLTV Texas midwife requests state to reinstate license amid death investigationsSupport Salli: Defend Her Midwifery License gofund.me/a54e40705Discussed in This EpisodeMidwives under fire, and why this isn’t just a Texas problemWhat actually happened in the case of Salli GonzalezWhen outcomes don’t have clear causes, who gets blamed?The Legal Reality of what is happeningSocial Media as “Evidence”?Anonymous posts, cropped screenshots, and missing contextWhy this case could affect doctors, lawyers, and beyondLicensing doesn’t mean protectionPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week’s podcast Blyss and Stu come to you with no guest and no single topic, just a “hodgepodge” of what’s been piling up in Dr. Stu’s mind attic.From collapsing birth options and disappearing breech skills…to food, fear, and the quiet coercion baked into modern maternity care.It may seem random, but there is a common thread here: Systems replacing skills, policy replacing autonomy, and women left navigating the falloutReferences:Fringe Red Light Therapy: Code BirthingInstincts10 for 10% offICAN Coalition for Breech Birth Coalition Facebook GroupCPT Maternity Care Services Codes and Guidelines | AMALeaked Kaiser email on FacebookReclaiming Birth Conference - https://www.reclaimingbirthconference.com/Discussed in This EpisodeOregon moms left without hospital breech providers The dying art of vaginal breech deliveryThe System That Forces You to LieCoercion Disguised as CareUltra-Processed Food & Pregnancy OutcomesEMFs, Fertility & What No One’s Talking AboutNew AMA Obstetric CodesRisks of VBAC with a T-InscisionRisk of repeat uterine rupturePodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderCaraway Home | Go to Carawayhome.com/instincts for an additional 10% off, or use code INSTINCTS at checkout!Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The 20-week anatomy scan has become a routine part of modern pregnancy, but is it truly essential, or just another layer of over-monitoring?After receiving a listener question, Dr. Stu and Blyss dissect the purpose, limitations, and unintended consequences of the anatomy scan. From what providers are actually looking for, to why so many women walk away with more anxiety than answers, this episode challenges the assumption that more information always equals better outcomes.At the end of the day, the real question isn’t can we look, it’s should we?Additional References:Birthing Instincts Podcasts:Episode 446: Baby Aspirin For All??Episode 459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits.Episode 313: Comforting Truths About Low Lying PlacentasEpisode 274: I Remember Every DetailPub Med Study: Therapeutic ultrasound as a potential male contraceptive: power, frequency and temperature required to deplete rat testes of meiotic cells and epididymides of sperm determined using a commercially available systemCleveland Clinic: What to Expect at Your 20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan)Discussed in This EpisodeThe many names of the anatomy scan (and what it’s supposed to do)Ultrasound, anomaly scan, fetal survey—same test, very different interpretationsThe 11 major conditions they look for vs. everything else that gets added onHow tiny measurements turn into weeks of stress and follow-upsThe rise of false positives and soft markersUltrasound-free pregnancy: radical or reasonable?Why more testing keeps becoming the standard, regardless of outcomesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What if the system you trust never did the science you assume it did?In this explosive episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss sit down with Del Bigtree to pull back the curtain on vaccines, medical authority, and the institutions shaping maternal and pediatric care. From ACOG recommendations to the hidden realities behind “safe and effective,” this conversation challenges everything we’re told—and asks the question no one in mainstream medicine seems willing to ask.This isn’t just about vaccines. It’s about power, profit, fear… and what happens when parents start saying no..About Del:Del Bigtree is one of the preeminent voices of the MAHA Movement. He was the Director of Communications for Robert Kennedy Jr’s 2024 presidential campaign, the founder and CEO of the non-profit, Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), and host of the internet talk show TheHighWire.com, boasting over 400 million views world-wide. A former Emmy winning producer of the CBS talk show The Doctors, and most recently Executive Producer of the film, An Inconvenient Study. Del’s multi-pronged approach incorporates media, legislative, and legal actions to expose the fraud, lies, and conflicts of interest that have allowed US regulatory agencies to collude with industry power brokers to evade standardized safety testing on products including vaccines, drugs, food, drinking water, and 5G. On behalf of American citizens, Del’s non-profit, ICAN, has submitted over one thousand Freedom Of Information Requests (FOIA) and has won multiple lawsuits against government agencies including HHS, NIH, FDA and the CDC. Most notable are the FDA case that forced the release of Pfizer’s Covid Vaccine trial data which the FDA had attempted to hide for 75 years, the CDC case that forced the release of the CDC’s V-Safe Covid Vaccine Injury data, and the State of Mississippi Case which reinstated the Religious Exemption from Vaccination which had been denied for over 30 years.Instagram: @delbigtreeX: @delbigtreeWebsites: https://thehighwire.com / https://icandecide.orgDocumentary: An Inconvenient StudyAdditional References:Jennifer Margulis Substack: Breaking News in Delivery Rooms: More Parents Saying “No, Thank You” to Vaccines and Other Unnecessary InterventionsDocumentary: Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to CatastropheThe Inconvenient StudyHenry Ford Health Denounces Claim That System Suppressed Research, Cautions Against Dangerous Viral Disinformation and MisinformationBook: Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense)Discussed in This EpisodeInside ICAN, legal strategy, and the fight for transparency against federal agencies.Who Controls the Vaccine Narrative? Follow the MoneyDr. Zervos Vaccinated v. Unvaccinated Study An Inconvenient Study—what happens when even insiders admit the science was never done.Vaccinated v. Unvaccinated Study ResultsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What if infertility isn’t a broken body… but a disconnected one?In this episode, Blyss and Stu sit down with integrative fertility expert Emily Marson to challenge everything you’ve been told about conception, IVF, and what it actually means to “optimize” the body for pregnancy.From the forgotten intelligence of the body to the overreach of modern fertility medicine, this conversation pulls back the curtain on why more intervention isn’t always the answer, and what happens when you start working with physiology instead of overriding it.About Emily:Emily Marson is the Founder and CEO of Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture, a San Diego–based integrative fertility clinic specializing in root-cause infertility, acupuncture for IVF, cycle syncing, and hormonal regulation through Chinese medicine and holistic care. Her team supports women who feel stuck, discouraged, or failed by conventional fertility approaches alone.Emily’s work blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with evidence-informed fertility and pregnancy care, functional and lifestyle-based strategies, and a deep understanding of the full arch of womanhood - from cycle to fertility, to pregnancy and postpartum. Her mission is to improve women's health by giving women personalized care, and a structured path forward toward a healthy pregnancy and beyond.Instagram: @aphroditefertilityWebsite: aphroditefertility.comE-mail: [email protected] References:In Memory of Suzannah Weening GoFund me for Suzannah: https://gofund.me/31b9a66bdBook: The last in vitro, by Dr. Francisco Güell Discussed in This EpisodeWhy doctors treat body parts, not peopleThe physiology behind acupunctureIVF vs. Physiology: Control vs. CoordinationWhy Fertility Rates Are Dropping Acupuncture for MenWhat Acupuncture Can Do in Pregnancy The Hidden Risks of IVFIntegrative fertility as the bridge back to physiologyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

A home birth.A tragic outcome.And a midwife the state tried to make an example of.In this episode, Blyss and Stu talk with Angee Hock to unpack what it’s really like to be prosecuted for birth work. From a traumatic breech birth to jail time, national headlines, and a courtroom battle that could have changed everything, this conversation goes where most won’t.But what came out of her trial may change everything: a judge declaring home birth is a constitutional right. This isn’t just her story. It’s about who controls birth in America, and what it costs to challenge it.About Angee:Angee’s greatest passion is to be in-sync with the heartbeat of God. She longs to help people reach their God-given potential through their God-given identity and all aspects of growth. She has a heart for Christian leaders and churches to thrive for greater impact on earth. Angee is a certified instructor with People Skills for You and a certified pastor and church coach through Church Boom. She is currently working towards her masters and doctorate in Global Leadership and Applied Ministry and Theology through Wagner University. She serves as Volunteer Coordinator, Council, and Board member for Nebraska Christian Leader’s Forum. Angee is a retired traditional midwife and wholistic wellness and health practitioner. She has served as peer counsel internationally in peer legal cases in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, with focuses on human rights, medical freedom, and private and constitutional law. Additionally Angee has experiences within the Nebraska legislature with Senator support and bill support.Angee’s hobbies can be mostly summed up with the enjoyment of traveling and experiencing the world, near and far. She lives north of Kearney with her amazing husband and has six wonderful children, ranging from adults to elementary. Instagram: @nebraskabirthkeeperReferences:The Highwire with Del Bigtree THE CRISIS IN MODERN MATERNITY CARE | DR. STU FISCHBEINSafe and Effective? LIVE with Nico LaganNE v. Angela Hock: Midwife Delivery Death Trial on Court TVA&E Show Accused: Did I Do It? Negligent Midwife or Responsible Caregiver?Discussed in This EpisodeThe 2019 Nebraska breech trialEmergency maneuvers, impossible conditions, and a devastating outcomeArrested, jailed, and made an example“I’d rather go to prison than lie.” Why Angee refused a plea dealThe real punishment: fear, restrictions, and a life on holdThe courtroom battle: truth vs. narrativeA judge declares: home birth is a constitutional rightEmotion vs. logic, and the strategy behind choosing a bench trialWhat was really lost, even with a not guilty verdictPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when we monitor birth too much?In this episode, Blyss and Stu pull back the curtain on one of the most normalized, and least questioned, practices in modern obstetrics: continuous monitoring. What starts as “safety” can quietly become interference, and the consequences aren’t small.Together, they break down how over-monitoring can derail physiologic birth, increase unnecessary interventions, and shift trust away from a woman’s body and into machines. From hospital protocols to real-world birth room dynamics, this conversation challenges the narrative that more data always equals better outcomes.If you’ve ever been told “we just want to keep an eye on things,” this episode will make you ask: at what cost?References:Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #416: Disentangling Mono-chorionic TwinsDr. Stu’s Mind Attic: Routine Use of Color Flow Doppler: Who Benefits? (youtube.com/@birthinginstinctspodcast)Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #433: Q & A with Dr. K, Pregnancy SpecialistBirthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over ScienceBirthing Instincts Podcast Episode #408: Neonatal Jaundice. Be Vigilant, Not OverzealousDiscussed in This EpisodeHow monitoring became synonymous with safetyThe unintended consequences of continuous fetal monitoringFriedman’s Curve: The outdated standard still running birthWhat the research actually says about EFMHow liability and fear shape birth practicesBreaking down the glucose drink, thresholds, and alternativesWhen NSTs are useful, and when they’re just routineBiophysical Profiles: What Are We Really Looking For?Color Flow Doppler: More Information…or More Intervention?How “abnormal” findings can fast-track inductionPractical, empowering questions for parents navigating hospital birthPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when a skeptical dad starts asking real questions about birth? Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss sit down with Dad Jacob Dubois, author of Why Home Birth, to talk about how he went from doubter to outspoken home birth advocate, and why fathers may be one of the missing voices in the fight to reclaim birth from the medical system.About JacobJacob Dubois is a devoted husband to Madison and a proud father to two young sons (ages 2 and 4 months). He is the author of Why Home Birth? How hospitals turned birth into a medical procedure — and what the evidence actually shows, an evidence-based exploration that chronicles his personal journey from former home birth skeptic to confident advocate, drawing on what he learned over the past two years while supporting his wife through transformative birth experiences.As @apogee.dad on Instagram, he shares authentic content centered around faith, fatherhood, and awakening perspectives on topics like birth and parenting.Professionally, Jacob is an active-duty Marine Corps Officer with a background in logistics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a Master’s of Science in Information Technology Management from the Naval Postgraduate School.Jacob is committed to sharing his story of transformation, bringing more fathers into the conversation around birth, and empowering families to question mainstream narratives on health and childbirth.Instagram: @apogee.dadWebsite: whyhomebirthbook.comReferences:Business of Being Born Documentary: https://www.thebusinessof.life/the-business-of-being-bornDiscussed in This EpisodeWhy most people believe hospital birth is safestMidwifery care vs obstetric care differencesThe true meaning of birth beyond medical outcomesThe role of fathers in birth and pregnancyMedicalization of birth in America explainedBirth trauma in hospital settingsACOG guidelines, evidence-based care, and biasWhy dads need to speak up about birth Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Is every positive urine culture in pregnancy a problem that needs antibiotics? Dr. Stu and midwife Blyss explore ACOG’s UTI guidelines, the evidence behind screening, and the growing concern about microbiome disruption and antibiotic resistance.References:Motherhood Equipped Podcast: 62. Birth Freedom, Breech Truth, and Why Physiologic Birth Matters with Dr. Stuart FischbeinPatreon.com/BirthingInstinctsPodcast Support the Podcast Velvet and Bone Somatic & Trauma-Informed Doula Training (velvet-and-bone.com)ACOG Clinical: Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant IndividualsPubMed: Asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria during antenatal visitsBirthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over ScienceDiscussed in This EpisodeBladder Infections Kidney Infections The Various Screening Recommendations and TreatmentsWhat is Asymptomatic Bacturia Benefits of Asymptomatic BacturiaWhy Eradicate Asymptomatic Bacturia?Alternatives to AntibioticsWhen to Seek Medical AdviceRisks of Antibiotics in Pregnancy, Labor and to Newborn Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

On this week’s episode Blyss and Stu introduce guest Abigail Iovine, a Pennsylvania traditional midwife, and her mission to create legislation to protect traditional midwifery through her organization The National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights. Iovine discusses how legislation and institutional credentialing can criminalize basic midwifery care and shrink options. This episode outlines harms from siloed maternity care and discusses NARM’s influence.About Abby Iovine:Abby is a traditional midwife, mother of ten, and a passionate advocate for medical freedom who was raised with a deep love for God and family. Yes, all ten are hers, and yes, she has given birth ten times, an experience that profoundly shaped the way she approaches birth and care.Her journey into midwifery began after the birth of her fourth child, and while pregnant with her fifth, she famously searched, “How to NOT have a baby in the hospital?” That question set her on a new path. After welcoming her first homebirth with her fifth baby, she began formally studying midwifery in 2010, later becoming a certified doula in 2013 and attending births soon after.Trained through a five-year traditional apprenticeship under local elder midwives, she built her foundation in hands-on, relationship-centered care. In 2018, she officially began serving families through Cardinal Birth Midwifery, a family-centered, autonomy-respecting ministry that places real life, children, and family needs at the heart of care.In 2025, she also founded the National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights, further expanding her advocacy for family-centered care and the preservation of traditional midwifery.Facebook: ProtectTraditionalMidwifery / YourBirthMattersWebsite: Natbr.orgReferences:Back to Basics Podcast 42: Dr. Stu Fischbein, MD - Childbirth 101: Home birth, breech, VBAC, and moreAttend a Reteach Breech Workshop: birthinginstincts.com/eventsACOG Releases Updated Guidance on Maternal ImmunizationsThe Highwire Episode 464: STEEP TERRAINNational Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights (NATBR) Federal Policy BriefALEC Birth Freedom ActNATBR Petition Demand federal safeguards for traditional midwives and family choiceDiscussed in This EpisodeEffects of Legislation on Midwifery InvestigationsBill SB507 in PennsylvaniaAMA Influence and Hospital ControlDefining Traditional MidwiferyNARM Critique and LicensingHow Standards of Care Can Be ImprovedEradication of Midwifery and its Impact on Maternal Mortality“Heritage Care” Brief to Protect Midwifery Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

With Blyss away, Stu sits down with Phoenix OB-GYN Michael Hervey II to explore what true physician–midwife partnership looks like in real time. Together, an OB and midwife team delivered a remarkable set of hospital triplets born in rapid succession within minutes, totaling just over fifteen pounds. It’s a conversation about collaboration over hierarchy, shared skill, and how complex physiologic birth can unfold safely when trust and teamwork lead the way.About Dr. Michael Hervey:Dr. Michael J. Hervey II, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician–gynecologist with extensive experience spanning private practice, academic medicine, trauma care, and women’s health consulting. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he pursued his education at several of the nation’s most respected institutions, including Morehouse College, Harvard University, and the University of Virginia, among other prestigious universities. His training and career reflect a deep commitment to clinical excellence, intellectual rigor, and service.Dr. Hervey is widely recognized for his patient-centered, concierge-oriented approach to maternity and gynecologic care, with a particular focus on improving outcomes, restoring trust, and addressing the lasting impact of birth trauma. He combines hands-on clinical expertise with systems-level leadership, advocating for care models that integrate medical excellence, mental health support, and compassionate communication.Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Hervey is an author, educator, and entrepreneur who contributes to thought leadership in women’s health and maternal wellness through writing, speaking, and media initiatives. He is married to Ellie Tan, CNM, and together they share two children, Michael and Kieara. His work and life are grounded in a steadfast commitment to dignity, safety, and healing for women and families at every stage of care.Instagram: @premierobgyn_llcFacebook: Premier Ob/Gyn LLCWebsite: Teambabycatcher.com Books: Empowering Birth: The Role of Midwifery and Physician Collaboration in Modern Maternity Care. Her Body, Her Baby: Real Stories of Autonomy in Child-birthReferences:A maneuver for head entanglement in term breech/vertex twin labor, Dr. Stuart J. Fischbein#373 BI Podcast Special Edition: A 90's Triplet StoryDiscussed in This EpisodeListening to Patients Over ProtocolTriplet Delivery CriteriaCollaborative Care Model: Midwives and OBsHow the Midwifery Model of Care Compares to Medical ModelThe Importance of Supportive MFM collaborationImportance of Client Autonomy Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Blyss and Stu are joined by guest Barbara Harper, founder of Waterbirth International, an internationally recognized expert on water birth and gentle birth. Join us for a roller coaster of an episode where we dig into the history of water birth, tell stories about how society lost its way in the world of birth, and dive into the physiology of birthing in water. Truly an episode you won’t forget.About Barbara:Barbara Harper is an internationally recognized expert on waterbirth and gentle birth who has dedicated her life to revolutionizing the way we welcome babies into the world.She founded Waterbirth International in 1988 with one goal in mind—to ensure that water birth is an “available option” for all women. During the past five decades, Barbara has worked as an obstetric and pediatric nurse, midwife, midwifery instructor, childbirth educator, hypnosis and doula trainer. Her unique seminars, and Waterbirth Certification Courses have been conducted within hospitals, nursing schools, midwifery and medical schools, and community groups worldwide. Barbara has taught over 30,000 doctors and midwives in 81 countries to date.She has been interviewed by hundreds of TV and radio shows, newspapers, and podcasts. Her bestselling 2005 book and DVD, ‘Gentle Birth Choices,’ has been translated into 9 languages, including a 2016 Mandarin Chinese edition. She is working on a new book due out in early 2026, The Comprehensive Guide to Waterbirth.”She is the mother of three adult children, two of whom were born at home in water. She lives in Boca Raton, Florida.Instagram: @waterbirthint @thebarbaraharperWebsite: waterbirth.org and barbaraharper.orgBook: Gentle Birth ChoicesReferences:Healthy as a Mother Podcast: How Breech Birth Exposes Hospital Dysfunction Deconstructing Conventional Podcast: Hospital vs Home Birth Truth with Dr. Fischbein & Blyss YoungBorn Free Twins-Breech Gathering Seven Secrets of Successful Waterbirth - MIDIRSMaternal and neonatal outcomes among spontaneous vaginal births occurring in or out of water following intrapartum water immersion: The POOL cohort studyWater birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomesAJOG Journal Pre-proof: Hospital Waterbirth for Low-Risk Birthing People: Findings of a Randomized Controlled TrialDiscussed in This EpisodeWater Birth Through History: Indigenous Traditions, Early Textbooks & Medical TakeoverModern Controversies: Why Water Birth Fell Out of Trust + Debunking Common ClaimsHow Babies Breathe in WaterUnderwater Birth: Why “Dive Reflex” Isn’t the ExplanationThe 3 Protective Mechanisms That Prevent a First Breath in WaterWhat Actually Initiates BreathingBreech & Water Birth Transitions + The “Aquatic APGAR” AssessmentLower APGARS in Water Birth Explained Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Blyss Stu challenge one of the most ignored questions in modern obstetrics: what does birth actually do to a human being? Joined by midwife and pre- and perinatal psychology educator Mary Jackson, they explore how experiences from conception through early childhood leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, emotional development, and lifelong behavior.Mary unpacks how routine medical interventions, often dismissed as benign or “necessary”, can carry psychological and physiological consequences for both babies and mothers, consequences that are rarely acknowledged or integrated. The conversation pushes back against a system that prioritizes efficiency and control over awareness, connection, and respect for the baby’s lived experience. This episode is an invitation to slow down, question what has been normalized in birth culture, and reconsider what it truly means to protect, honor, and support the innate intelligence of birth.About Mary:Mary Jackson started her journey to become a home birth midwife in 1975. She has had the honor to catch her second generation of babies. She supports families to integrate their early experiences of preconception throughout their life span.She incorporates Castellino somatic pre and perinatal psychology, Somatic Experience, Circle of Security, BCST, her training as an RN and Licensed Midwife. She is an international teacher/speaker and has brought her work to 12 countries. She currently teaches the Castellino foundation Training.Website: birthinconnection.com / castellinotraining.com Email: [email protected]:WSJ Article: ‘My Family Thought I Was Crazy’: More Women Are Choosing to Give Birth at HomeSubstack: There’s Now a Medical Code for Vaccine Counseling Without Giving a VaccineDr. Joe Tate, Peachtree Corners, GATheHighwire.comThe Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & HealthDiscussed in This EpisodePre and Perinatal Psychologist, Mary JacksonRecognizing Birth Interventions in Adult LifeUnderstanding Birth Sequences and Their ImpactThe Phases of Labor and BirthEffects of Interventions During Labor on Baby and MotherThe Baby's Experience and Long-Term EffectsRepairing Birth Imprints in Children and AdultsSupporting Babies and Parents Post-BirthThe Importance of Birth Stories Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Blyss and Stu are joined by Nathan Riley and Carol Gautschi to discuss the profound importance of in-person gatherings within the birth work community. The conversation covers the unique value of face-to-face interactions, the differences between organic and inorganic communication, and the challenges and rewards of organizing birth-related events. They reflect on the impact of being physically present with others, the human connection in birth work, and ways to support and sustain these vital gatherings for a more connected and informed community.About Carol:Carol Gautschi CPM LM has actively attended homebirths since 1978 and has worked as a Classical Holistic Midwife on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula since 1979. She has been married since 1974 to Paul (backtoedenfilm.com), and has 7 children and eight grandchildren.For her first 25 years Carol served as an unlicensed midwife. This opportunity gave her lots of observational skills, creative ingenuity and a immense responsible trust in the power of physiological birth. Her teaching style is unique because, in addition to teaching the clinical nuts and bolts of her subjects, she emphasizes the unseen (or intuitive) realm of birth. She fosters the importance of the midwife relationship not just with the mama but the baby. Carol has been teaching the art of Classical Midwifery since the early 1990s, both in the US and across many countries. In September, she hosted her first international Classical Midwifery conference on the island of Crete in Greece. Many describe her passion as inspiring, rooted in her belief that when women are responsibly awakened to their creative selves, birth unfolds with the grace and power it was designed to carry, laying a miraculous foundation within her and the family. Witnessing this beauty over the years has become a passion. Carol believes that God is the primordial Midwife and she serves under that mantle with honor and humility.Instagram: @_midwyf_Website: classicalmidwifery.com & gentlebirths.netAbout Nathan:Dr. Nathan Riley is a board-certified OB/GYN and hospice & palliative care physician, and the co-creator of the Born Free Method. Through his private practice, Beloved Holistics, he supports midwives in 23 states, offering truly collaborative, physiologic, and relationship-centered care.Nathan is a trusted voice in the birth world, frequently invited onto leading podcasts and to speak at conferences about autonomy in maternity care, the art of true informed consent, and the importance of honoring the physiology of birth. Nathan is the vision behind the Born Free Twins–Breech gatherings, which have expanded into a midwife-led team directed by Sara Rosser. What began as a training for birthworkers on the nuances of physiologic vaginal breech and twin births has grown into something much more.....a place for ceremony, community, healing, and collective strength.Beyond his clinical work, Nathan is a devoted stay-at-home father of two and proudly married to his high-school sweetheart, Stephanie. His personal and professional lives are woven together by a commitment to presence, compassion, and helping families and providers return to a more intuitive, holistic model of care.Instagram: @NathanrileyobgynWebsite: Bornfreemethod.comReferences:Born Free Twins-Breech Gathering bornfreemethod.com/conferencebirthinginstincts.com/workwithstupatreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastbridgemidwives.com/communitycirclesDiscussed in This EpisodeThe Value of In-Person ConnectionsThe Power of Human Connection in Professional SettingsThe Impact of Social Media on Personal InteractionsBalancing Traditional Wisdom with Modern TechnologyChallenges and Rewards of Organizing EventsCreating Inclusive and Economical ConferencesThe Sacredness of Birth and Professional PassionSupporting Each Other in the Birth Community Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week on the podcast, Blyss and Stu take a hard look at what’s happening to the world of doula support as insurance and institutions move in. They’re joined by two seasoned doulas, Ivy Joeva and Shellie Poulter, who bring decades of experience advocating for women in birth. Together, they unpack how policy, regulation, and insurance reimbursement can quietly shift doula care away from individualized, relationship-based support and toward institutional control. They talk honestly about what’s gained, what’s lost, and why protecting the integrity of doula work matters if we truly want better birth outcomes.About Ivy:Ivy Joeva is a doula, coach, and educator serving women and couples seeking a conscious path to parenthood. She provides support throughout the childbearing year, including fertility coaching, holistic preparation for birth, postpartum recovery care, and counseling for all forms of pregnancy loss. Rooted in a trauma-informed, mind-body approach, Ivy sees these transitions as opportunities for transformation and healing. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Ivy became a doula in 2009 and serves clients across the United States and abroad.Instagram: @IvyJoevaWebsite: ivyjoeva.comAbout Shellie:Shellie trained in Osteopathic and Naturopathic medicine in 2005 and has been working as a doula/birth keeper and cranio-sacral therapist, mentor and lecturer for over 20 years. She teaches birthing biomechanics and trauma and birth rights informed, non-violent communication courses as well as co-hosting The Birth Untethered Podcast with former midwife and Birthkeeper Kemi Johnson. Shellie lives on a narrowboat with her family, exploring the English countryside whilst campaigning for human rights in birth.Instagram: @theserenitydoulaWebsite: theserenitydoula.co.ukReferences:Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: The Phenomenon Of Parents Opting Out Of Birth Certificates For Their Kids | Midwife Lindsey MeehleisDr. Pompa Podcast: What You're Not Told About Birth in the Hospital System with Dr. Stuart FischbeinThe Way Forward with Alec Zeck: Ep 213: The Corrupted World of Medicalized Birth with Dr. Stu FischbeinThe Way Forward with Alec Zeck: Ep 214: Exposing the Most Dangerous Childbirth Myths & Procedures with Dr. Nathan RileyDiscussed in This EpisodeRole of Doulas in Individualized CareChallenges Faced by DoulasInsurance and Doula ServicesImpact of Doula Support on Maternal OutcomesRegulations and Restrictions on Midwives and DoulasNavigating Hospital Policies as a DoulaFinancial and Operational Challenges for DoulasAdvocacy and Support Strategies for Doulas Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu explore the history, benefits, and controversies surrounding fluoride in drinking water, highlighting different perspectives and potential health implications. References:The Way Forward Podcast: Ep 213: The Corrupted World of Medicalized Birth with Dr. Stu FischbeinThe Highwire: EPA LOSES HISTORIC FLUORIDE CASEThe Tennessean: Fluoride has been a public health game changer. Florida is set to ban it anywayDr. Stu Blog: Gotta love Dr. FogelsonJama Network: Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 MonthsBook: The Fluoride DeceptionDiscussed in This EpisodeFluoride: History and ControversiesSkepticism Around Fluoride Public Sentiment and Legislative Views on FluorideHealth Risks and Benefits of FluorideConcerns About Fluoride in Vulnerable PopulationsFiltering Fluoride and Its Impact on Brain Health Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss welcome special guest Dr. Poppy Daniels, a holistic OB-GYN with over 22 years of private practice experience. They discuss the severe side effects of Depo-Provera, revealing alarming risks like bone loss, weight gain, immune suppression, and even brain tumors. She advocates for a more informed and individualized approach to female health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive hormone testing and functional medicine. About Poppy Daniels:Dr Poppy Daniels is a holistic OBGYN with 22 years in private practice. She has an interest in Functional Fertility, Integrative Women's Health & a root-cause oriented approach to wellness.Website: Drpoppyandco.comFacebook: Dr. PoppyInstagram: @drpoppybhrtX: @drpoppybhrtReferences:Book: THE DANGERS OF DEPODiscussed in This EpisodeDr. Poppy's Journey to Holistic OBGYNThe Dangers of Depo-ProveraThe Dark History of Depo-ProveraDepo-Provera's Side Effects and RisksThe FDA Petition and Political ComplicationsNew Study on Depo-Provera and Brain TumorsThe Importance of Informed ConsentDetoxifying from Depo-ProveraThe Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode Stu is finally back and excited to engage in a candid discussion with Blyss about the overlooked risks of using tampons, highlighting a 2024 study that found harmful metals and chemicals in these products. They explore the hidden dangers of tampons. Stu emphasizes the lack of long-term safety testing and regulatory oversight for menstrual products, and Blyss discusses alternative menstrual products.References:Substack Article: Delivered Directly: Tampons, Toxins, and the Diseases Medicine Cannot ExplainDiscussed in This EpisodeFlu Vaccine DiscussionTampons, Toxins, and Health RisksHPV and Unexplained Reproductive IssuesToxic Shock Syndrome and Tampon SafetyMetal Contaminants in TamponsChemical Exposures in Menstrual ProductsThe Research Void and Regulatory FailuresAlternative Menstrual ProductsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode Blyss interviews Adele Rose, an elder and mentor in the midwifery community, about her long-standing career and insights on the evolution of midwifery. Adele shares her personal journey from listening to her mom’s birth stories at the age of five to practicing as both a lay and licensed midwife for decades. They discuss the significant changes in community practices, the impact of licensure, and the current struggles faced by midwives and birthing women. Adele reflects on her renewed passion for birth work after experiencing setbacks, including the revocation of her license, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spiritual and meditative approach to midwifery. The conversation also touches on the influence of patriarchal systems in Western medicine, the rise of unassisted births, and the need for midwives to create supportive, non-hierarchical communities.About Adele:Adele’s interest in birth is literally life long. As the 8th of 9 children she began asking about her moms birth stories when she was about 5. This interest is still with her at 68 yrs. Home birth came into her consciousness at 14 yrs of age when she learned of the Santa Cruz birth collective, Raven Lang & her birth work through her writings. She began studying birth in earnest at 19 & attending births that same year. She practiced as a lay midwife 23-38, attended Birthingway Midwifery School in Portland OR which allowed her to obtain a license in WA & OR, practiced as a licensed midwife for 16 yrs, and now mostly retired & helping other midwives as they establish their practices.Discussed in This EpisodeLicensure and Its Impact on MidwiferyManaging Fear in MidwiferyThe Importance of Spiritual Mindfulness in MidwiferyChallenges with Modern Birth PracticesCreating a Sacred Space for BirthReflections on Unassisted BirthsCritique of Radical Birth Keeper CourseThe Role of Midwives in Modern SocietyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode you get a special sneak peak into The Birthing Instincts Patreon Community. With Dr. Stu still healing from knee surgery we decided to share an exclusive Bonus Content episode with you on baby aspirin. Together, Blyss and Stu explore the medical community's perspective on aspirin, discussing its potential benefits in preventing preeclampsia, growth restriction, and other complications. Using ChatGPT for detailed insights, they highlight the quality of evidence, potential risks, and the differing approaches between mainstream medical practices and personalized care. Discussed in This EpisodeWhen Baby Aspirin is RecommendedBaby Aspirin and PreeclampsiaAlternatives to Treating PreeclampsiaBaby Aspirin and Twin PregnanciesRisks and Benefits of Baby AspirinPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Dr. Stu hosts a special edition podcast featuring Sarah Stead, a registered massage therapist specializing in C-section recovery. Together they dive into various topics surrounding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). They discuss the importance of informed consent, the flaws in using VBAC calculators, and societal and systemic issues affecting VBAC rates.About Sarah SteadSarah Stead is a registered massage therapist based in Ontario, Canada, with over 12 years of experience and a five-year specialization in C-section recovery. After experiencing burnout in full-time practice, she transitioned her work to focus on microcurrent scar therapy, where she discovered a deep passion for supporting C-section healing.Her interest in this work began while supporting her sister through C-section recovery and later witnessing her sister’s VBAC, which sparked a broader fascination with birth, healing, and informed choice. Though she doesn’t have children herself, she proudly calls herself a “birth nerd,” attending every Reclaiming Birth Conference to date and recently presenting her work there.She is passionate about education, empowering clients with tools and information often missing from mainstream conversations, and supporting more informed, holistic birth and recovery experiences.Website: thescarconnection.comE-book: C-Section Recovery GuideInstagram: @gingey91Mentioned in this EpisodeDolphin Neurostim Provider LocatorBillie Harrigan Episode 405: "Call The Neighbour" Birthing Wisdom From Traditional Birth Companion, Billie HarriganDiscussed in This EpisodeDiscovering Microcurrent Point StimulationUnderstanding the Impact of Scar TissueThe History and Evolution of Cesarean SectionsThe Importance of Informed ConsentEvaluating Risks and Benefits of VBAC vs. Repeat C-SectionShort-Term and Long-Term Consequences of C-SectionsThe Importance of Provider Competence and ConfidenceHospital Policies and VBAC SupportThe Role of Partners in VBAC SuccessVBAC Calculator and Its LimitationsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss interview Rowan Bailey and Sarita Bennett, two midwives who have faced significant legal and professional challenges. They discuss Rowan's experience of being jailed for practicing traditional midwifery and Sarita's struggles with administrative hearings. The conversation dives into the importance of traditional, individualized midwifery care and critiques the current medical and midwifery systems for their lack of emotional and community support. Rowan and Sarita share their innovative approach to restorative peer review, aiming to create a compassionate, accountable midwifery community. About Rowan BaileyMy heart for midwifery is rooted deeply in my conviction for sovereignty in the childbearing year.  The more I studied and became involved in birth work, the more stories I heard that began with ‘they wouldn’t let me ____’ or ‘I was high risk because ____’ and that solidified the midwife I was to become. The infantilization of women within obstetrics and modern day midwifery is systemic, damaging, and down right patriarchal. I didn’t take my call to be the one to say yes to those that the system failed lightly. I knew that they were smart, capable women who just wanted someone to walk with them. I figured if I was going to answer this call, I was going to do it with integrity.My mission is to be a mirror and a reminder that when we break out of captivity and become our most powerful selves we can make the movement move. I want us all to find our feet and our breath and be fully who we are meant to be: wild, raw, messy, and beautifully ungovernable. About Sarita BennettI learned midwifery in the traditional model - by attending those families who were choosing home birth early in the modern home birth movement. Most of the forty-plus years I have served as a midwife and osteopathic family physician have been in a rural, mountainous region that is far from any hospital with OB providers or surgical capability, leading to the development of a detailed understanding of reproductive physiology and the inter-relatedness of all parts of the reproductive process.  The added experience of teaching - from home school with my children to medical students - has given me the ability to explain complicated concepts in understandable terms.  Fueled by my passion for supporting healthy humans, I am excited to share my embodied knowledge with those who are on the same journey towards building thriving communities.Website: Foundationalconcepts4mws.comInstagram: @foundational.concepts4mwsMentioned in this EpisodeCompromised to Alchemized PodcastDiscussed in This EpisodeChallenges in Midwifery PracticeCritical Thinking in MidwiferyPersonal Work and Midwifery SkillsThe Importance of Knowing WhyHumanizing ObstetricsDefensibility & Autonomy in Birth ChoicesThe Obstetric Myth and Women's PowerRestorative Peer Review in MidwiferyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Blyss and Stu address a recent Guardian article discussing free birth and the Free Birth Society. They welcome guests Joni Edelman and Ivy Joeva to explore the complexities of unassisted births, the importance of informed consent, and sovereignty in childbirth. The conversation highlights both the potential risks and benefits of free birth, as well as the influence of social media and the challenges within the medical system.About Joni EdelmanJoni Edelman is a mother of six, grandmother, and traditional birth attendant who has walked beside more than 1,000 families through birth. Once an L&D and hospice nurse within the system, she stepped away in 2009 to honor a more sacred calling—guiding families with intuition, physiology, and sovereignty toward the births that feel safest and most aligned.Website: 13moonsbirthwork.comInstagram: @13moonsbirthAbout Ivy JoevaIvy Joeva is a doula, coach, and educator serving women and couples seeking a conscious path to parenthood. She provides support throughout the childbearing year, including fertility coaching, holistic preparation for birth, postpartum recovery care, and counseling for all forms of pregnancy loss. Rooted in a trauma-informed, mind-body approach, Ivy sees these transitions as opportunities for transformation and healing. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Ivy became a doula in 2009 and serves clients across the United States and abroad.Website: ivyjoeva.comInstagram: @IvyJoevaMentioned in this EpisodeIntentional Birth Pro https://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2148190529/HUkqrEuo, code IBP2026 for 10% offUnintended Consequences of Invoking the “Natural” in Breastfeeding PromotionGuardian Articles:Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the worldFive key findings from our investigation into the Free Birth Society‘Ignorant and life-threatening’: experts condemn Free Birth Society misinformationDiscussed in This EpisodeIn-depth Discussion on Free Birth SocietyThe Complexity of Blame in Birth OutcomesInformed ConsentThe Influence of Social Media on Birth ChoicesNavigating Risks and Medical PerspectivesThe Role of Trust and Trauma in Birth DecisionsMedicalized Safety vs. Holistic BirthIntegrity and Honesty in Birth PracticesThe Reality of Birth ComplicationsThe Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions of BirthThe Importance of Listening to WomenPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu introduce Paul Golden, a maternal and neonatal medical and legal specialist, midwife, and international advocate. Together they discuss the intricacies and challenges of midwifery practice around the world. Paul highlights his experiences working in various countries, combating legal threats to midwives, and advocating for birthing rights, while emphasizing the need for legal awareness, protective documentation, and proactive measures to support midwives and promote safer childbirth practices globally.About Paul GoldenPaul Golden, is a maternal–neonatal medical and legal specialist whose career spans clinical care, worldwide childbirth, and advocacy. Paul is a midwife and international legal advocate, a skilled tongue-tie release practitioner, and a dedicated naturopath. He also brings expertise as a mediator, lecturer, and author, weaving together science, tradition, and legal insight to protect and elevate the practice of midwifery worldwide.Website: LinkedIn.com/in/goldenpaulInstagram: @Active.birthDiscussed in This EpisodePaul Golden: Midwifery and AdvocacyLegal Aspects and Advocacy in MidwiferyChallenges in Maternal Healthcare SystemsThe Abuse of Peer Review SystemsGunny Sacking: Silencing WhistleblowersLisa Barra's Legal StrugglesRicardo Jones: A Targeted MidwifeThe Double Standards in Home BirthsLegal and Spiritual Advice for MidwivesMentioned in this EpisodeHuman Rights and Birth Choices In the BalkansBook: Keeping Midwives Safe: Practical Legal Advice and support for Midwives (Helpful Legal Advice Actions & Templates)Book: Protect Your Practice: And Keep Your Clients SafeBooks on Gumroad: https://midwifemediator.gumroad.com/Article: Criminalizing Natural Birth: An Interview with Ricardo JonesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage:birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week’s episode discusses the profound impacts of birth trauma on the nervous system and the transformative potential of pediatric chiropractic care. Blyss and Stu invite Tony Ebel, a wellness chiropractor, to explore the benefits of chiropractic interventions. They also discuss the importance of holistic, less interventionist approaches in childbirth and medical care, emphasizing simplicity, nervous system regulation, and overall well-being for healthier outcomes in children and families.About Tony EbelDr. Tony Ebel is the lead writer and educational guide for PX Docs. He is a Certified Pediatric + Wellness Chiropractor with 15 years of clinical experience.In addition, Dr. Tony has been teaching and training other Pediatric + Family Chiropractors for the past 10+ years, primarily teaching the clinical protocols he created for pediatric neurodevelopmental challenges such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Epilepsy, Anxiety, and more.This clinical program is now taught in collaboration with the Life University Postgraduate Department and has over 700 graduates. Dr. Tony’s passion is educating, empowering, and informing parents about the nervous system’s role in natural, drug-free healing for all pediatric conditions and cases.Website: www.pxdocs.comInstagram: @pxdocsDiscussed in This EpisodeDr. Tony Abel's Chiropractic JourneyThe Impact of Medical Interventions on BirthUnderstanding Brainstem TraumaThe Role of the Nervous System in HealingBirth Interventions and Neurological DysfunctionThe Importance of Craniosacral TherapyChallenges in Pediatric HealthcareThe Simplicity of HealingThe Role of Chiropractors in Pediatric CareMentioned in this EpisodeThe Birth Lounge with HeHe, Episode 396:Twins Untangled: The Data Behind Safe Twin Birth with Dr. Stu Perspektiv Podcast with Madeleine Mofjärd, Episode 201: Reclaim the power of childbirth: how the system fails women in labour - Dr. Stuart FischbeinRadiant Birth Podcast with Britt Andres, Episode 19: The Truth About Hospital Birth: Dr. Stu Fischbein on Fear, Control & Reclaiming Physiological BirthFuture Generations Podcast with Dr. Stanton Hom, Episode 272: Challenging Medical Orthodoxy: One Doctor's Revolutionary Path with Dr. Stu FischbeinThe All Ears Podcast with Jodi Thom, Episode 18 Are We Being Scammed by the Medical Industry? The Truth About Childbirth Ft. Dr. Stuart FischbeinReteach Breech Workshops: birthinginstincts.com/eventsAll Ears PodcastPX Docs Directory: https://pxdocs.com/px-docs/The Experience Miracles PodcastBook: The Biology of Belief 10th Anniversary Edition: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & MiraclesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss discuss healthcare challenges and solutions with Andy Schoonover, CEO of Crowdhealth. Schoonover shares his personal journey that led him to start Crowdhealth, an innovative alternative to traditional health insurance that leverages community crowdfunding to cover medical expenses. The conversation examines the inefficiencies and complexities of the current health insurance system, comparing Crowdhealth's approach to other options such as Christian Sharing ministries and Liberty Health Share. Schoonover emphasizes the importance of maintaining the patient-doctor relationship, explains the regulatory landscape, and shares touching stories of improved customer experiences.About Andy SchoonoverCrowdHealth is a revolutionary alternative to traditional health insurance. Instead of paying premiums into a bloated system, members contribute directly to one another’s medical needs—saving money, fostering transparency, and creating a healthcare experience rooted in trust. Since its founding, CrowdHealth has helped members save millions on medical expenses while empowering them with tools to navigate care confidently and affordably.At the helm is Andy Schoonover, CrowdHealth’s founder and CEO. A passionate advocate for medical freedom, Andy is dedicated to breaking down the inefficiencies of the insurance industry and building a member-first model that prioritizes people over profits. His mission is simple yet bold: to put control back in the hands of individuals and create a community where healthcare is funded by people, not corporations.Website: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/Instagram: @joincrowdhealthDiscussed in This EpisodeDeep Dive into Crowdhealth and Healthcare IssuesCrowdhealth MechanicsHow Crowdhealth Makes MoneyCommunity Component and Member ExperiencesComparing Crowdhealth to Traditional Health SharesHandling Health Disagreements and TransparencyScalability and Growth of CrowdhealthCrowdhealth's Approach to Maternity CareChallenges with Traditional Health InsuranceMentioned in this EpisodeHealthy as a Mother Podcast, Episode 136Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu enjoy another hodgepodge discussion where they dig into the intricacies of dealing with unexpected medical issues such as heavy postpartum bleeding linked to a fibroid, iron deficiency, and the unconventional use of Jay breathing during labor. The episode features strong themes of patient advocacy, the importance of seeking multiple opinions, and the personal journeys of managing one's health amidst a complex medical system.Discussed in This Episode Postpartum Bleeding and Fibroid ConcernsExploring Treatment Options for FibroidsFibroid Surgical Procedures and RisksAlternative Treatments for Fibroids and EmbolizationHysterectomy vs. MyomectomyIron Infusion and Postpartum RecoveryTongue and Lip Ties in NewbornsMentioned in this EpisodeBirthing Instincts Episode 327: Interesting Stuff About FibroidsBirthing Instincts Episode 436: What Is Vs. What Could Be. Models Of Care In FluxSMFM Statement on Acetaminophen Use DuringPregnancy and AutismCOVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation Tool KitPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offerWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu invited Vita and Ronit, the founders of WeNatal, for a conversation about the significance of 'Trimester Zero,' the period leading up to conception, and its impact on egg and sperm quality. The founders share their personal journeys through pregnancy loss and how it led to the creation of WeNatal. They emphasize the importance of holistic health, including diet, supplementation, and stress management, in improving fertility outcomes. About Ronit and Vida:Bio for your reference: Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim are the founders of WeNatal, a prenatal supplement company that is transforming the fertility space with the first prenatal supplement optimized for her AND him. WeNatal’s mission to change the narrative surrounding fertility and reproductive health is personal; after suffering miscarriages a week apart Ronit and Vida were given little direction on what to do differently. More importantly, the health of Ronit & Vida’s partners (including the health of their sperm) was completely missing from their fertility dialogue with their doctors… something had to change. WeNatal shifts the fertility journey from "me" to "we” and is revolutionizing the prenatal space with a formulation team composed of industry leading Functional Medicine doctors, nutritionists, and fertility experts, including Dr. Mark Hyman and Kelly LeVeque. With 24 key clean, bioavailable nutrients, WeNatal steps up where other supplements fall short for all things preconception to postpartum for both parents and baby.Website: wenatal.comInstagram: @we_natalDiscussed in This EpisodeWeNatal: The Journey and MissionExploring the Impact of Diet on FertilityOvercoming IVF Challenges and Natural ConceptionControlling What You Can for a Healthier LifestyleWellness Doesn't Have to Be Complicated or ExpensiveThe Concept of Trimester ZeroOptimizing Sperm and Egg QualityChoosing High-Quality SupplementsMentioned in this EpisodeBirthing Instincts Patreon Bonus Episode: Baby Aspirin For Allhttps://wenatal.com/birthinginstincts for a free mag with subscription https://wenatal.com/masterclass for Free masterclass https://wenatal.com/blog for the blogPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu do a deep dive into the methodology, history, and current practices surrounding the non-stress test (NST) used in prenatal care. They answer all your questions: What is a non-stress test? Where did it come from? How did it become so accepted? Does it actually tell you what it's supposed to tell you? And, is there evidence that a previous stillbirth is an indication for for NST testing?Discussed in This EpisodeUnderstanding Non-Stress Test (NST) and Its LimitationsHistory and Evolution of NSTNST vs. Biophysical ProfilesPredictive Value of NSTACOG Guidelines on NSTFetal Kick Counting vs. NSTMentioned in this EpisodeAn Inconvenient Study: aninconvenientstudy.comACOG Practice Bulletin: Antepartum Fetal SurveillanceBirthing Instincts Episode #386 with David HayesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Blyss is back and Stu has a hodgepodge of topics to cover with her. Blyss shares her enriching experience at an international midwifery conference in Greece, while Dr. Stu sheds light on the impersonal nature of modern medical practices and the hope brought by the Alice Walton School of Medicine. The episode enriches listeners with firsthand stories of birth, the dynamics between midwives and healthcare systems, and the promising future of holistic medical education.Discussed in This EpisodeBlyss' Greece Trip and Midwifery ConferenceCOVID-19 Vaccine UpdatesChanges in Vaccine RecommendationsDocumentary on Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated KidsMidwives' Perspectives and ChallengesNew Medical School InitiativeMentioned in this EpisodePatreon Events patreon.com/birthinginstinctsCDC Rewrite of Vaccine Guidelines Is a BIG Win for Medical FreedomAn Inconvenient Study Doctor’s Art: EP. 151: TO CREATE A MEDICAL SCHOOLArticle: The World’s Richest Woman Has Opened a Medical SchoolHerbal Pregnancy Blend, By Carol GautschiPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode of The Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu is joined by Ashley Mariani, also known as 'The Rogue Therapist' from Instagram, to discuss the complexities of fatherhood and relationships. While Blyss is traveling, Ashley and Dr. Stu get deep and personal in conversation about how men can navigate fatherhood, improve their relationships, and break generational trauma. A valuable episode for anyone looking to strengthen their relationships and foster healthy family environments.About Ashley Mariani:Ashley Mariani is a couples therapist, Reverend, and founder of Mind Online Therapy. She specializes in intimacy, polarity, and the nervous system, with a focus on supporting couples through the impact of birth trauma and the challenges it creates in relationships. With over a decade of experience, Ashley blends neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, and her own frameworks to help couples repair trust, rebuild connection, and rediscover desire.In addition to her clinical work, Ashley is a public speaker and educator whose voice has been featured on podcasts and at conferences across North America. She is the creator of programs and workshops that teach couples practical tools for navigating conflict, intimacy, and long-term partnership. Through her work, Ashley brings a direct yet compassionate approach to some of the most personal aspects of human connection, helping couples move from survival to genuine thriving. She is also a wife and mom of three, including boy–girl twins who keep life lively both inside and outside the therapy room." Website: www.mindonline.caInstagram: @therogue.therapist / @mindonline.ca / @heartandhearthministryDiscussed in This EpisodeAshley Mariani on Fatherhood and RelationshipsJohn and Jill: A Case StudyThe Rite of Passage in FatherhoodMen's Learning and Wilderness SurvivalFatherhood and NeuroscienceThe Role of Fathers in Child DevelopmentChoosing and Supporting Your PartnerThe Work of a Good ManCommunication and Responsibilities in RelationshipsMentioned in this Episode@findingpolariswcBirthing Instincts Episode 368: Boys to Men: The Importance of MasculinityResourcesProtecting your family from obstetric violence course, understanding tetany, and other helpful links can be found at Linktr.ee/mindonlinePodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of The Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu is joined by HeHe Stewart from The Birth Lounge Podcast to explore common reasons for C-sections, how hospital policies and interventions often lead to unnecessary surgeries, and strategies for avoiding them. The episode features poignant birth stories that highlight the challenges and triumphs of navigating the medical system to achieve a desired birth experience. HeHe shares her expertise on protecting birth goals, advocating for oneself, and the importance of informed decision-making. About HeheHeHe 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.Website: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/joinInstagram: instagram.com/tranquilitybyheheMentioned in This EpisodeAre hospital births really safer? Featuring Dr. Stuart FischbeinReclaiming Birth ConferenceBirthing Instincts Podcast PatreonRetrievals Podcast Season 2Resources:ACOG Guideline 664: Refusal of Medically Recommended Treatment During PregnancyCovered in This EpisodeThe Role of Men in BirthEthics and Autonomy in Medical DecisionsThe Reality of Labor DystociaFetal Distress and Augmented LaborVBAC and Repeat C-SectionsRed Flags in Birth PracticesUnnecessary Interventions and Their ConsequencesNavigating the Healthcare System for BirthPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu hosts a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist known on Instagram as Dr. K Pregnancy Specialist. From the rising C-section rates and the impact of continuous fetal monitoring, to the role of litigation in shaping medical practice, Dr. K shares her insights and the importance of incorporating midwifery approaches. Together, they also address more sensitive topics like the implications of maternal vaccines and SSRIs during pregnancy. Throughout the discussion, Dr. K emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, maternal autonomy, and the need for a balanced and non-alarmist approach to patient care. About Dr. K:Dr K Pregnancy Specialist is the brand persona for a double board certified MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician in the USA, who has membership in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians are specialists in managing maternal health conditions that complicate pregnancy and use prenatal ultrasound to evaluate normal and abnormal fetal development in the womb. Obstetricians that write suggested national guidelines for safe Obstetric practice are often Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists.Dr. K has special interests in advocacy for maternal autonomy; preventing unnecessary cesarean delivery; risk prevention & reduction for pregnant parents; diagnosing and managinganomalies of development for the unborn fetus; and encouraging generational health practices after childbirth, such as breastfeeding/ human milk feeding. She has a panache for clear, non-alarmist communication of complex ideas. Website: www.drkpregnancyspecialist.comInstagram: @DrK_pregnancyspecialistMentioned in This EpisodeRising C-Section RatesChallenges in Maternal Fetal MedicineThe Impact of Litigation on Medical DecisionsUltrasound and Diagnostic PracticesBig Baby Concerns and Induction DebatesVBACs: Risks and ConsiderationsThe Controversy Over Growth Restriction DefinitionsDebating the Safety of Vaccines During PregnancyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this weeks episode, Blyss and Stu examine the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, providing historical context and the latest research findings. They discuss the relevance of abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy and the challenges of interpreting self-reported research data. Mentioned in This EpisodeStu’s 9/11 reflections on PatreonPresident Trump Signs Executive Order Limiting Big Pharma AdsStudies ReferencesImpact of Childhood Vaccination on Short and Long-Term Chronic Health Outcomes in Children: A Birth Cohort StudyA Brief History of Awareness of the Link Between Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderAlcohol LeafletAn overview of current advances in perinatal alcohol exposure and pathogenesis of fetal alcohol spectrum disordersHaving Alcohol Before Realizing You’re Pregnant: How Dangerous Is It, Really?Gin LaneCovered in This EpisodeAlcohol Use in Pregnancy: Myths and FactsUnderstanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderImpact of Alcohol Consumption During PregnancyResearch on Alcohol Exposure and PregnancyHistorical Perspectives on Alcohol and PregnancyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week Blyss and Stu go on a deep dive into macrosomia, also known as a large baby. They review extensive data from multiple sources, including ACOG, NICE guidelines, and the Big Baby Study, and discuss the implications of predicted and actual macrosomia. They discuss risk factors, maternal and fetal morbidity, ultrasound accuracy, the pros and cons of induction of labor, and the impact of the standard of care. As always, Blyss balances the conversation with discussing the stark contrast between the way macrosomic babies are cared for in the hospital v at home under the care of midwives. She shares tips on how to reduce the risks of macrosomia, especially when a mom is diabetic or has gestational diabetes. Mentioned in This EpisodeHomeopathy for Community MidwivesBirth Outside the BoxMidwifery Over Medicine: Leaving The Medical Model Of Delivering Babies To The Midwifery Model With OBGYN Dr. Stuart Fischbein Part OneApollo the Original Podcast: Home Birth, Feminism and Hospital Misogyny | Midwife Tells it All, with Midwife Aleks Birthing Instincts Episode 252: Inducing Naturally & Letting Fear Control UsStudies ReferencedNICE Study: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. “Induction of Labour for Suspected Fetal Macrosomia: Evidence Review A.” NICE Guideline NG207, [2021]. PDF.Big Baby Study: Gardosi, Jason, et al. “Induction of Labour versus Standard Care to Prevent Shoulder Dystocia in Fetuses Suspected to Be Large for Gestational Age in the UK (the Big Baby Trial): A Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial.” The Lancet, vol. 405, no. 10491, 17 May 2025, pp. 1743–1756. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00162-X.ACOG Practice Guidelines: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Macrosomia.” Practice Bulletin: Obstetrics, Committee on Practice Bulletins—Obstetrics, William H. Barth Jr, MD, and Rebecca Jackson, MD, [2016] PDF.Preyer, Oliver, et al. “Fetal Weight Estimation at Term—Ultrasound versus Clinical Examination with Leopold’s Manoeuvres: A Prospective Blinded Observational Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 19, 2019, article 122.In This EpisodeMacrosomia: Definitions and Risk FactorsUnderstanding Shoulder Dystocia and Its RisksClinical Estimated Weights and Palpation SkillsInduction of Labor and MacrosomiaVBAC and Macrosomia ConsiderationsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Blyss was experiencing issues with her wifi so Stu tackled the topic of blood transfusions solo. He discusses the challenges and alternatives to blood transfusions, particularly focusing on the concerns of patients who decline blood products due to personal, medical, or religious reasons. The episode covers recent studies on the risks associated with transfusions, explores iron replacement, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and the use of tranexamic acid (TXA). It also delves into the controversial topic of blood safety in the COVID-19 era, presenting contrasting views on the potential risks of receiving blood from vaccinated donors.Mentioned in This EpisodeRaquel’s Interview with the Breech Birth PodcastStu’s Interview on the Rewire for Birth Podcast, Ep 56Birthing Instincts Patreon CommunityAbout Vitamin K Deficiency BleedingDavid Hayes Substack: All things in moderation?Transfusion Replacement Strategies in Jehovah’s Witnesses and Others Who Decline Blood ProductsBlood Transfusion 2: Alternatives to blood transfusionNIH: Alternatives to blood transfusionConcerns regarding Transfusions of Blood Products Derived from Genetic Vaccine Recipients and Proposals for Specific MeasuresThe Science Behind Transfusion Safety in the COVID-19 Era Problems Following Blood Transfusion, using Blood Products Prepared From Donated Blood of Genetic Vaccine Recipients, and the Need for Traceability of Blood Products for Transfusion.In This EpisodeTransfusion Replacement Strategies for Jehovah's WitnessesBalancing Risks and Benefits of Anemia TreatmentsUse of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) to help prevent blood lossArtificial Blood: The Elusive SubstitutePreoperative Considerations for SurgeryBlood Draws and Minimizing Blood LossPregnancy and Postpartum HemorrhageAlternatives to Blood TransfusionPreoperative Autologous DonationCOVID-19 and Blood Transfusion SafetyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this heartfelt episode, Blyss and Stu pay tribute to the late Michel Odent, a luminary in the field of childbirth and midwifery. They reminisce about his groundbreaking contributions in the world of birth. A strong supporter of water birth, advocating for hormonal understanding in labor, and his unwavering belief in the power of love and natural birthing processes, he is truly a legend that has made a deep impact on childbirth practices and the importance of preserving his teachings for future generations. We honor his legacy with some personal stories, emotional letters from his colleagues, and tributes from various birth workers.Mentioned in This EpisodeMichel Odent on "love cocktails" in birthOrigin Birth and Health, David Hayes SubstackPhoto of Michel Odent taken by @evarosebirthBooks by Michel OdentAt Her Feet Podcast, by Blyss YoungIn This EpisodeRemembering Michel OdentThe Hormonal Symphony of ChildbirthLove Cocktails in BirthProtecting the Emotional State of Pregnant WomenDr. Odent’s Impact on Modern Birth PracticesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week's episode, Blyss and Stu discuss the medical complexities of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) during pregnancy. They particularly focus on a listener's experience with blood clots during her second pregnancy and explore the risks, treatments, and recommendations associated with VTE. The discussion includes in-depth analysis of medical guidelines, the effectiveness of heparin and Lovenox, and the considerations for home birth and hospital protocols. Through data and expert opinions, they aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of managing blood clot risks in pregnancy.Mentioned in This EpisodeDr. Stu’s Deep Dive on Twin Birth Scans: Patreon.com/birthinginstincts Birthing Instincts Podcast, Episode 346: The One Hour Prenatal VisitThromboembolism in PregnancyReducing the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism during Pregnancy and the PuerperiumCustomized growth charts for twin vs singleton pregnancies and their ability to identify small-for-gestational age associated risk of adverse perinatal outcomeIn This EpisodeVenous Thromboembolism Medical Guidelines and RecommendationsDiagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismAnticoagulant Therapy During PregnancyManaging Anticoagulation Around DeliveryPostpartum Anticoagulation TherapyRisk Factors for VTE in PregnancyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss interview Larissa Paul, founder of 'Girls Who Know®,' an organization dedicated to educating young girls about their bodies, menstrual cycles, and childbirth. They highlight how early education, and the knowing one's body can empower young girls, reduce fear, and lead to better birthing experiences. About Laurisa:Laurisa Paul is a Registered Nurse, home birther, writer, and founder of Girls Who Know®, an organization that inspires girls to love who they are and to know and respect their bodies.Medically trained, Laurisa stumbled across homebirth when she was actively seeking for better birth experiences. Since then, she has worked as a midwife assistant and an instructor for Evidence Based Birth.Laurisa has a deep passion for supporting women and connecting with those she loves. She resides in Texas, where she is a mother of five and an outdoor adventurer. Laurisa loves a good challenge like Spanish speaking, hiking, running, tree climbing or raising wholehearted human beings.Laurisa and her team at Girls Who Know® are improving childbirth outcomes through the education of girls while they are young.Instagram: @officialgirlswhoknowWebsite: www.girlswhoknow.comMentioned in This EpisodeBirth Is Not a Medical Emergency: The Fight for Autonomy in Women’s Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ny0fuPYaKoThe Pregnancy Scam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXki4uYWOQ8Birth Outside the Box: https://BirthOutsidetheBoxSeries.com/stfiACOG IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNDgCeVs8N-/?igsh=ejBqdmlwMWVwYjloBridge Midwives IG: @thebridgemidwivesIn This EpisodeGirls Who Know: Mission and VisionEducational Gaps and Cultural TaboosEmpowering the Next GenerationTeaching Reproductive Anatomy to Young GirlsThe Power of Childbirth EducationHollywood vs. Reality in ChildbirthPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Stu and Blyss are joined by Gail Tully, the founder of Spinning Babies, to discuss the intricate dynamics of birth and fetal positioning. Gail shares both her personal journey and the scientific insights that have shaped Spinning Babies. Together they explore how balance, gravity, and movement can impact labor, and how practitioners and expectant mothers can prepare for a smoother birthing experience. About Gail:Gail Tully is the midwife who conceived and developed Spinning Babies®, first appearing in 2001. A dozen professional journal articles report Spinning Babies® effectiveness in reducing interventions, with reductions in cesarean surgery up to 50%. Gail brings more than 45 years of experience in birth, with 20 years focused on homebirths. Back in the day, Gail was kept busy organizing doula program development in hospitals and community non-profits in Minneapolis/St. Paul, while training doulas with DONA International approval status. Gail learned midwifery in the home with a variety of community midwives. Gail now writes, teaches, and supports change in the Spinning Babies® paradigm.Gail Tully developed the concepts and curriculum that revolutionized our view on physiological birth, breech birth and shoulder dystocia (Breech Basics and Resolving Shoulder Dystocia are now with Restory Birthwork). Spinning Babies®, Belly Mapping®, Belly Mapping MethodTM, Helping Your Breech Baby Turn, When Baby Lies Sideways, and Changing Birth on Earth. Gail and her husband live in Minnesota, USA.Instagram: @spinningbabiesWebsite: www.GailTully.com / https://www.spinningbabies.com    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spinningbabies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/spinningbabieslady  X: https://twitter.com/spinningbabies  ResourcesDr. Stuart Fischbein - “Birthing Instincts” and Trusting Nature in Childbirth | The Daily Showhttps://youtu.be/5lhi0Xxnc4Ehttps://www.spinningbabies.com/blog-resource-library/research-references/https://www.spinningbabies.com/parents/spbcbp-directory/https://www.spinningbabies.com/shop/Free Fetal Compass Rose: https://www.spinningbabies.com/free-gift/In This EpisodeOrigins of Spinning BabiesUnderstanding Posterior Position in LaborChallenges with Epidurals and Labor ProgressionThe Role of Pelvic Floor and Side Lying ReleaseTechniques for Balancing the PelvisImpact of Uterine Ligaments on LaborPreparation and Techniques for Easier LaborPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week's episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss Young are joined by Claire Holloway, founder of the Center for Bright Beginnings. Claire discusses the deeper philosophy of yoga, highlighting its relevance not just during pregnancy but as a preparation for home birth and beyond. She explains how yoga supports autonomy and personal sovereignty, guiding individuals to connect with their bodies, manage energy, and integrate spiritual practices into their birthing experience. The discussion goes into techniques like breathing exercises and space creation to enhance the birthing experience. Whether you're planning a home or hospital birth, this episode offers valuable insights into how yoga can profoundly impact the journey from pregnancy through birth and into motherhood.Guest Bio:Claire Holloway is the founder of the Centre of Bright Beginnings where she supports people throughout the journey of matrescence. She is an experienced yoga practitioner, facilitator and movement educator with a special interest in perinatal and pelvic health. Her prenatal, postpartum and parenting programs are informed by her own experiences of becoming a mother and her training as a Matrescence Coach and are designed with far more than stretching in mind. She holds space for women and parents to explore their own transformative journey, feeling supported and empowered towards autonomy in their perinatal care. Her latest online program is Yoga for Homebirth.Instagram: @yourbrightbeginningWebsite: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/ResourcesYoga for Homebirth: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/yoga-for-homebirthPractical Yoga Philosophy for Conception, Pregnancy and Parenthood: https://blissbabyyoga.com/yogaphilosophyforparenthood/Free webinar "Plan Your Dream Homebirth":  https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-planFree homebirth community catchup details (in-person in Perth and online coming soon): https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-communityResearch articles:Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy and Infant Influenza in the First 6 Months of Life: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2025/08000/influenza_vaccination_during_pregnancy_and_infant.18.aspxThe role of Spirituality in the lives of Women coping with Early Motherhood and Postpartum Depression, by Sandra Martins:https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstreams/ad923855-6e67-4bda-a81f-24f09dc74df0/downloadSpiritual Awakening through the Motherhood Journey, by Aurelie M. Athan and Lisa Miller:   304987363.pdfSee Blyss and Stu become Frodo & Gandolf on PatreonIn This EpisodeExploring the Layers of Yoga in PregnancyAutonomy and EmpowermentBreath Awareness and PersonalizationGuided Breathing ExerciseThe Importance of Personal Awareness in LaborYoga Philosophy and Practical ApplicationCreating Space in LaborPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss are joined by Dr. Marguerite Duane to discuss the shortcomings of conventional infertility treatments and the promising potential of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM). Dr. Duane, a family physician and expert in RRM, explains the importance of treating infertility as a symptom of underlying health issues rather than as a disease itself. Together, they dive into specifics about conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, emphasizing the benefits of lifestyle changes and identifying root causes. Marguerite shares insights on male infertility, the flawed default approach of using hormonal contraception for various female health issues, and the ethical concerns surrounding the IVF industry. The episode underscores the need for a more integrated, patient-centered approach in reproductive healthcare.Guest Bio:Dr. Marguerite Duane, a board-certified family physician, is co-founder and Executive Director of FACTS about Fertility, an organization dedicated to educating medical professionals and students about the science supporting fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). She serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown and Associate Professor of Restorative Reproductive Medicine and Director of the Center for Fertility Awareness Based Education and Research at Duquesne University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Duane cares for patients via a direct primary care house-calls based practice, MD for Life. She has served on the board of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Family Medicine Education Consortium.Instagram: @FertilityFACTSWebsite: www.FACTSaboutFertility.orgResourcesA Raw Talk with Dr. Stuart Fischbein- VBAC, Ultrasounds, C-sections & the Lies We’ve Been Told // S4E34Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: 'It's All A Lie:’ Buried Science On Vaccines & An Agenda Keeping Parents In The Dark | Del BigtreeTreating Infertility: The New Frontier of Reproductive MedicineFertility Awareness-Based Methods for Women's Health and Family Planning: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods.pdfApp study: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/rating-of-fertility-apps-avoiding/Webinars (Know your body and Facts about fertility explained): https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/learn-more/webinars/Virtual conference: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/2025-facts-virtual-conference/Sample our CME: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/sample-our-cme/Introduction to charting and the different methods: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/what-is-charting/ In This EpisodeUnderstanding Restorative Reproductive MedicineEmpowering Women with KnowledgePolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) ExplainedThe Role of Nutrition in Medical EducationRestorative Reproductive Medicine ApproachesEndometriosis: Symptoms and TreatmentsThe Ethics and Economics of Reproductive MedicineMale FertilityPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss discuss elective sterilization methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation. The episode details the procedures, potential complications, and success rates of reversals, offering a comprehensive overview of the various sterilization methods. Blyss brings the conversation back to natural and ancient methods of contraception. ResourcesPossible Complications After a VasectomyVasectomy and Prostate Cancer Risk: A 38-Year Nationwide Cohort StudyVasectomy Reversal: What You Need to KnowImmunological consequences of vasectomyTypes of Tubal LigationLong-Term Side Effects of Tubal LigationWhat to know about salpingectomyIn This EpisodePermanent Birth Control OptionsVasectomy: Procedure and RisksProstate Cancer Risk and VasectomyImmunologic Consequences of VasectomyReversibility of VasectomyMethods of Tubal LigationTubal Ligation: Procedure and RisksAncient Methods of Birth ControlPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu discuss various reasons for medical inductions, the process involved in hospital inductions, and alternative methods like castor oil and homeopathic remedies that can be pursued for a more natural approach. Listener stories highlight personal experiences with induction, offering insight into both the challenges and positive outcomes associated with this intervention.Resources Reduced risk of cesarean delivery with oxytocin discontinuation in active labor: a systematic review and meta-analysisEffect of Castor Oil on Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMCInduced Labor: Reasons, Procedure, Risks & ResultsIn This EpisodeInduction Insights and RecommendationsAssessing Baby's Environment and IUGRUnderstanding Oligohydramnios and Ultrasound ReliabilityPlacenta Issues and AbruptionNon-Reassuring Biophysical ProfilesInfection and Eclampsia ManagementInduction for Precipitous Labor and Other ConsiderationsPreparing for Medical InductionNatural Induction MethodsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week Blyss and Stu welcome Patti Wood, founder and executive director of Grassroots Environmental Education, to discuss the potential risks of exposure to cell phones and other wireless devices, particularly focusing on their effects on fetal development and general human health. About Patti:Patricia Wood is the founder and Executive Director of Grassroots Environmental Education, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the relationship between environmental exposures and human health risks. Grassroots serves local and state governments, health care providers, school systems, community groups, other environmental organizations and individuals nationwide.She is the co-creator of the BabySafe Project and a Visiting Scholar at Adelphi University where she lectures on the environment and related health issues in the College of Nursing and Public Health.Website: thebabysafeproject.orgFacebook: baby safe projectInstagram: @thebabysafeprojectTikTok: @BabySafeProjectbrochure "What You Need to Know About Wireless Radiation and Your Baby ResourcesTwin home birth stories,send your full birth story, high resolution photos and photo credit. If you had any, your full name and the age that you gave birth to the twins and where you're located. to [email protected] Living Technologies: safelivingtechnologies.comTech safe schools: techsafeschool.orgWhy electrohypersensitivity and related symptoms are caused by non-ionizing man-made electromagnetic fields: An overview and medical assessment Green Bank, West VirginiaIn This EpisodeImpact of Wireless Radiation on HealthProtective Measures and RecommendationsFetal Exposure to Wireless RadiationEnvironmental Insults and Brain VulnerabilityEvidence from Human and Animal StudiesProtecting Pregnant Women and ChildrenPractical Tips to Reduce Wireless Radiation ExposureHealth Risks of Wireless Baby MonitorsElectromagnetic Spectrum and Non-Ionizing RadiationPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss are joined by Stacia Garmon, a dental hygienist who shares her expertise on periodontal disease and its potential impact on overall health, including its association with heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Additionally, Stacia shares her pregnancy journey with her son Dax, who was born with bilateral renal agenesis. Her advocacy for her son and her thirst for knowledge will open your heart and mind to the often overlooked connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes.About Stacia:Stacia will be married for eight years this fall, to her incredible Husband, Ken. Together they have a son, Dax, who would have been two this July, but he passed away after a mighty battle with renal agenesis. Professionally, Stacia is a dental hygienist and has been working in dentistry for over 12 years now. She is a self proclaimed knowledge seeker who questions everything, and loves to help people.Instagram: @daxsfamilyfarmResourcesAt Her Feet Podcast with Blyss YoungMyles Textbook for MidwivesPregnancy Questions with Dr. Stu + Mothers 2B: RhoGAMPeriodontal Disease and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Study from PakistanAssociation Between Periodontal Health Status and Pregnancy and Delivery Complications in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Pregnant Women: A Case-Control StudyIs periodontal disease associated with gestational diabetes? Exploring the evidenceAssociation Between Periodontitis and Blood Pressure Highlighted in Systemically Healthy Individuals: Results From a Nested Case-Control StudyIn This EpisodeThe Importance of Oral Health During PregnancyDaily Oral Hygiene TipsChoosing the Right Dental ProductsFluoride and Toothpaste ChoicesOral Health and Systemic ConnectionsPeriodontal Disease and Pregnancy RisksPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week's podcast, Blyss and Stu are joined by renowned midwife and author Robin Lim to explore her new book, The Yoni Owner's Manual. Robin shares her awe-inspiring experiences and insights into midwifery, childbirth, and the spiritual aspects of the female body, emphasizing the importance of pleasure and the interconnectedness of humans with nature and the divine.About Robin:Robin Lim CPM Filipina~American~Micronesian midwife founder Bumi Sehat Foundation maintains six clinics in Indonesia, Philippines.Honors: 2006 Alexander Langer Foundation, 2011 CNN Hero of the Year, in 2012 APPPAH, The Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology and Health, gave Ibu Robin the Jeannine Parvati BirthKeeper Award, and in 2016 she became Earth Company’s Impact Hero. Lim is an Ashoka Fellow.Books authored: After the Baby’s Birth, Wellness for Mothers, Ecology of Gentle Birth Awakening Birth, Eating for Two, Placenta the Forgotten Chakra, Eat Pray Doula, The Geometry of Splitting Souls, Natural Family Planning Workbook, Butterfly People, Bali… A Cage in Paradise, Yoni Owner’s Manual, Bali… A Cage in Paradise. Seven health autonomy booklets in Bahasa Indonesia.In the era of planetary and political change we must implement Humanitarian response geared to serve women, & children, including gender equality, cultural safety, and consideration for the needs of women left homeless, hungry, without water, and with no access to health services. Lim has headed up early response teams in the after math of disasters in:Bali, Aceh, Lombok, Palu, Padang, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Jacmel, Haiti, Philippines, Dhading, Nepal, Global Pandemic shutdown.Robin Lim is an inspirational figure in health care, particularly in obstetrics, where she combines traditional midwifery & Doula wisdom and modern scientific knowledge to provide care that respects both mothers and babies. She and her team have saved thousands of women and newborns in difficult hygienic, social, or humanitarian conditions. As part of her lifelong commitment to resolving the impacts of climate crisis, she focuses on supporting women recovering from the effects of war, earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, pandemic, climate change disasters around the world.Instagram: @iburobinWebsite: iburobin.comResourcesAt Her Feet PodcastGuerrilla Midwife DVDRobin’s books: iburobin.com/shopIn This EpisodeThe Yoni Owner's ManualCultural Perspectives on the ClitorisHistorical and Medical NeglectEmpowerment and SovereigntySexual Health and MenopauseThe Menstrual Cycle and Moon TimeReconnecting with Nature in ChildbirthAdvocating for Women's AutonomyThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this edition of The Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu hosts an enlightening discussion with guest Millie Hill, a renowned writer and feminist advocate. Millie, the author of 'The Positive Birth Book' and 'Birth Like a Feminist,' shares her journey from a drama therapist to a prolific writer on childbirth and women's health. The conversation delves into the significance of positive birth experiences, the impact of fear in childbirth, and the influence of language and cultural norms on maternal care. About Milli:Milli Hill is a writer and freelance journalist with a passion for reframing the narrative around women’s bodies. She is the author of the bestselling Positive Birth Book (2017), Give Birth like a Feminist (2019) and My Period (2021, for preteen girls). Her fourth book, Ultra Processed Women, will be published by Harper Collins in July 2025, with a fifth book to follow in 2026. To date, her books have been translated into seven languages. From 2012 to 2021 she founded and ran the Positive Birth Movement, a global network of antenatal discussion groups aimed at improving birth and giving women better access to support and information. Milli has spoken nationally and internationally about positive birth, obstetric violence and female autonomy in health. As a journalist since 2013 she has been a columnist for the Telegraph women’s section and written for many publications including Mail, Guardian, Independent, ipaper and Mother&Baby, and has appeared on BBC Breakfast news, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 2, BBC 5 Live, talkradio, LBC and many leading podcasts. She writes a bestselling substack about women’s health, feminism, and issues around sex and gender including the erasure of women from language. Milli lives in Somerset, UK with her partner, three children and two dogs. Instagram: @milli.hillWebsite: www.millihill.co.ukSubstack: substack.com/@millihillResourcesBridge MidwivesStu’s 3 minute reel on Overuse of Colorflow DopplerMilli Hill’s Blog: The Mule Milli’s books:Ultra-Processed Women: The new no-holds-barred look into the ultra-processed foods industry’s lasting impact on our health and wellness – and how we can break free Give Birth Like a Feminist: Your body. Your baby. Your choices.My Period: Find your flow and feel proud of your period!The Positive Birth Book: The Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and the Early WeeksIn This EpisodeRising Intervention Rates in BirthThe Ideological Battle: Safety vs. ExperienceFeminism and Childbirth: A Complex RelationshipThe Power of Language in Maternity CarePandemic's Impact on Birth PracticesEmpowering Women Through KnowledgeMillie Hill's Books and Future ProjectsThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week Dr. Stu is solo as Blyss is away and joined by guest Ellie Stangl, a certified doula and legislative aide in Nebraska. Together they delve into the legislative process affecting maternity care: Does anyone understand the process? Does it make any logical sense? The short answer is no, but dive into this conversation with us to dig deeper and discuss the complications and frustrations of introducing and passing bills that advocate for midwifery and home birth practices. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by the medical lobby, the legislative process, why laws differ from state to state, and how the cultural misperceptions about natural birth results in a lot of confusion around legislation.About Ellie:Ellie Stangl is a dedicated advocate and policy professional who has spent the past seven years working in the Nebraska Legislature. With a lifelong passion for natural and wholesome living, Ellie began in the birth world as a young girl assisting her mother during the home births of her siblings. This early exposure to God's design of birth and the beauty of motherhood inspired her to become a certified doula, a role in which she continues to serve friends, family, and members of the birthing community. Ellie has seamlessly integrated her personal and professional commitments by championing maternal health policy at the state level. She is actively drafting legislation to expand access to midwifery care and protection for women's birthing rights in Nebraska.Instagram: @miss_elimsResourcesBirthing Instincts Podcast PatreonPatreon: Advocacy Role Play EpisodeAJOG Article: Quantifying the association between doula care and maternal and neonatal outcomesIn This EpisodeEllie's Journey to Legislative AdvocacyThe Complexity of Legal LanguageChallenges with Medical RegulationsOpposition from Medical AssociationsThe Influence of Campaign FundingComparing State Laws on MidwiferyThe Importance of Community and EducationThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss do a deep dive into mono-chorionic twin pregnancies, with a focus on debunking common myths about mono-mono twins. Drawing on recent research and personal experiences, they explore topics like the risks of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), cord entanglement, and the overall safety of vaginal deliveries for mono-mono twins.ResourcesBetween a Shot and a Hard Place, by Joel WarshJama Article: Pregnancy Related Deaths in the US 2018 to 2022. Twin home birth: Outcomes of 100 sets of twins in the care of a single practitioner, by Stu Fischbein and Rixa FreezeDocumentary: Heads Up: The Disappearing Art of Vaginal Breech DeliveryObstetrics and Gynecology Journal: Cord entanglement and perinatal outcome in monoamniotic twin pregnanciesIn This EpisodeIntroduction to Monochorionic TwinsDebunking Myths About Twin PregnanciesCase Studies and Rare AnomaliesChallenges and Interventions in Twin PregnanciesThe Overuse of Ultrasound in Twin PregnanciesMisuse of Growth Charts for TwinsThis show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Restorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands