Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young

Birthing Instincts

A Parenting , Kids & Family and Health & Fitness podcast

#38 in Parenting · 🇺🇸 #80 in Parenting · 🇨🇦

About the show

The birth world can be overwhelming for parents and practitioners alike. Dr. Stuart Fischbein and Midwife Blyss Young and their combined 55+ years of experience are here to support you in this beautiful rite of passage.Join the weekly conversation as we blend wisdom and humor in discussing our recent births, the latest research, traditional healing, and instinctual birth.

Newest episodes

#491: Allowed to Birth: Live from Ashland

Nov 11, 2026 51 min

Coming to you from Ashland, Oregon, following a special screening of Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global Midwife, we're joined by filmmaker Jacinta Lagos, birth rights attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein, and a room full of passionate birth workers, parents, and advocates who aren't afraid to ask some uncomfortable questions. Who decides what's considered the "standard of care"? What happens when hospital policies conflict with informed consent? And have we created a maternity care system so afraid of birth that we've forgotten how to support it? We talk about the disappearing skills of obstetrics, the legal pressures facing midwives, the importance of protecting women's autonomy, and why collaboration, not competition, may be the key to preserving meaningful choices in birth. This was more than a film screening. It was a gathering of people who believe birth can, and should, be different. Discussed in This Episode Dr. Stu's Journey: How Midwives Changed His PracticeLearning from Mothers and Listening to WomenThe Inspiration Behind Allowed to BirthWhen Medical Recommendations Become ThreatsWhy Documenting Birth MattersWho Really Defines the Standard of Care?Finding Your People: Community Beyond GeographyHorizontal Violence and Unity Among MidwivesProtecting Midwifery Through Collective AdvocacyWhen Hospital Policies Override Individualized Care Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by Tallow Twins | Go to https://tallowtwins.ca/INSTINCTS and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off your orderLMNT | Got to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 30% off the Faith-Filled Childbirth Course!.Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthi...

#490: When the System Says No: A Twin Birth Story of Trust and Transformation

Nov 4, 2026 1 hr 28 min

One embryo. Two babies. And a birth story that challenges just about everything we've been taught about twins. What happens when a woman trusts her body, questions the system, and refuses to let fear write her birth story? This week, Blyss and I welcome Ashley, whose journey to motherhood took more than a few unexpected turns. After eight years of trying to conceive, an IVF transfer led to a surprise no one quite knew how to explain. But that was only the beginning. What followed was a roller coaster of medical warnings, conflicting opinions, a midwifery team that dropped her by text, and a determination to birth on her own terms. And just when you think you've heard it all, wait until you hear how these two little girls finally entered the world. This is more than a twin birth story. It's a conversation about intuition, informed choice, the limitations of modern obstetrics, and what becomes possible when we stop treating every variation of normal as a pathology. Blyss was there for the birth, and I'm hearing much of the story for the first time. Believe me, it's a good one. Are we protecting women from risk, or are we sometimes protecting the system from allowing women to choose? Pull up a chair, fellow travelers. You won't want to miss this one. About Ashley Sheffer Ashley is a mother, creative spirit, and self-described “ever-changing goddess” whose journey has taken her through the worlds of natural health and wellness, entrepreneurship, technology, and music. After years of wearing many different hats, she's now embracing her favorite role yet: being a mom. With a deep connection to nature, intuition, and holistic living, Ashley has traded the hustle of city life for a quieter existence surrounded by woods, chickens, and family. Her journey through motherhood has been anything but conventional, and her extraordinary twin birth story is a beautiful reflection of her belief in trusting her body and following her own path. Instagram: @ashleysheffer References: T...

#489: How We Choose To Respond Is Our Choice, with Jenée Carlson

Oct 28, 2026 1 hr 34 min

Can we prepare for the birth we want while still surrendering to the birth we get? Our guest, Jenée Carlson, experienced two births that couldn't have been more different. Her first was a home birth filled with suffering. Her second? A free birth she describes as completely painless, peaceful, and blissful. Same woman. Same body. So what changed? Jenée joins us to explore the power of our beliefs, the conditioning that teaches women to distrust their instincts, and what happens when we stop outsourcing our authority to everyone else. We get into manifestation, meditation, generational trauma, the uncomfortable truth about personal responsibility, and why some people seem downright offended when another woman has a beautiful birth experience. About Jenée Jenée is a prenatal mentor helping women across the globe align with their dream birth experience through intentional mindset shifts, paradigm transformation, guided meditation, & nervous system regulation. Her work bridges neuroscience & intuition, helping women understand how their beliefs, thoughts, & emotions can shape their birth experience. She guides women to reconnect with possibility & consciously create the experience they desire. After experiencing two profoundly contrasting births—from a homebirth full of suffering to a freebirth that was completely PAINLESS, calm, & filled with bliss—Jenée discovered firsthand that a difficult birth experience does not have to define what is possible in the future. That transformation changed the course of her life & her work. Since then, she has supported women from Mexico to Australia, & across the United States. Her experiences have shaped an empowerment-based framework, that provides women with the tools to approach their birth experience with greater awareness, intention, & trust. Website: JeneeCarlson.com Instagram: @Jeneecarlson14 References: Dr. Stu’s Podcast #162: Let’s Talk About Skye https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-stus-podcast-162-lets-talk-about-s...

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 479 episodes

#491: Allowed to Birth: Live from Ashland

Nov 11, 2026 51 min

#490: When the System Says No: A Twin Birth Story of Trust and Transformation

Nov 4, 2026 1 hr 28 min

#489: How We Choose To Respond Is Our Choice, with Jenée Carlson

Oct 28, 2026 1 hr 34 min

#488: The Mental Health Crisis, The Disease Industry & SSRIs with Investigative Journalist, Jefferey Jaxen

Oct 21, 2026 1 hr 26 min

What if the answer to our mental health crisis isn't another prescription? We're living in a world where depression, anxiety, and loneliness are seemingly everywhere. And somehow, despite more diagnoses, more medications, and more money being poured into mental health treatment, we're still struggling. So what exactly are we missing? This week, investigative journalist Jeffrey Jaxon of The HighWire joins Blyss and Dr. Stu for a conversation that might make you rethink everything you thought you knew about mental health. From the chemical imbalance theory and the uncomfortable questions surrounding SSRIs to the pharmaceutical industry's influence on medicine, Jeffrey isn't afraid to go where mainstream conversations often won't. We're not suggesting medication never has a place. We're asking whether we've forgotten that healing involves more than a prescription. Because maybe the real mental health crisis isn't just about what's happening in our brains. Maybe it's about what we've lost along the way. Join us for a conversation that challenges the narrative, asks uncomfortable questions, and reminds us that being human is about more than just managing symptoms. About Jefferey Jaxen Jefferey Jaxen is a veteran investigative journalist covering medical, health and a limitless array of breaking news. Also featured in his weekly segment, The Jaxen Report on The HighWire. An accomplished documentary film maker, his film series Jefferey Jaxen Investigates exposes the compelling topics of our time. Website: TheHighWire.com / highwire.plus Substack: substack.com/@jeffereyjaxen Instagram: @realjeffereyjaxen References: https://thehighwire.com/plus/show/jefferey-jaxen-investigates/ https://thehighwire.com/plus/video/jefferey-jaxen-investigates-the-mental-health-crisis-part-1/ https://jeffereyjaxen.substack.com/p/watch-new-episode-of-the-download-288 https://thehighwire.com/the-download/ The Isabella Brown Show: How SSRIs Are Silently Destroying Gen Z, One Zoloft at a Time...

#487: Listening To Women

Oct 14, 2026 1 hr 13 min

Listen to women. Seems simple enough. And yet, here we are. This week, the stories in our inbox keep bringing us back to the same uncomfortable truth: women know when something feels wrong. They know their bodies. They know their babies. They know their histories. And far too often, instead of being listened to, they're dismissed, frightened, managed, or told that someone else knows better. One mother screamed that she could feel her cesarean, and was told, “There’s no way she feels that.” Another was sent down the familiar rabbit hole of scans, labels, scary possibilities, and intervention because her baby measured small… while seemingly no one stopped to consider that maybe small parents sometimes make small babies. And then there's a twin home birth that ends in unimaginable loss—a story that challenges the idea that a tragic outcome automatically means someone made the wrong choice. Sometimes everyone does everything right, and tragedy still happens. These are the stories we need to be willing to hear. Not just the beautiful births. Not just the outcomes that validate what we already believe. All of them. Because informed consent means listening. Individualized care means listening. Supporting women means listening. And maybe if we did a little more of that, we'd need a whole lot less fixing afterward. References: FriYAY! Instagram.com/birthinginstincts Allowed to Birth Ashland Screening https://www.birthinginstinctspodcast.com/event-details-registration/allowed-to-birth-movie-screening Jehovah’s Witnesses allow blood-derived products but keep ban on whole-blood transfusions https://www.statnews.com/2026/09/19/jehovahs-witnesses-blood-derived-products-transfusions/ Birthing Instincts Podcast #314 Low Platelets & Deficiencies of Wisdom https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bMKgk1ZKtcI0QDQWCZtpT?si=3fb0f5eaad2445fb Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Adverse Maternal Pregnancy Outcomes https://www.ovid.com/jnls/greenjournal/fulltext/10.1097/aog....

#486: Holding Hope After Miscarriage with Kenzie Covarrubias

Oct 7, 2026 1 hr 7 min

There are some experiences in life that we simply cannot prepare our hearts for. Pregnancy loss is one of them. This week, we sit down with Kenzie Covarrubias, co-founder of Held in Hope, for a tender conversation about miscarriage, grief, and what it truly means to care for a woman through loss. Because a miscarriage is so much more than a medical event. There was a mother who was full of hopes and dreams, and a baby who was already deeply loved. How do we give women the information they need while still honoring the sacredness of what they're experiencing? And when someone we love is grieving, how do we resist the urge to fix it and simply be there? There is no one right way to move through loss. But there are gentler ways to hold one another through it. This is one of those conversations we wish no one ever needed, and one we believe every woman deserves to hear. .About Kenzie Covarrubias Kenzie Covarrubias is the co-founder of Held in Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and equipping women through miscarriage. After recognizing how often women are left unprepared to navigate pregnancy loss,, Kenzie and co-founder Amber Hassett created the Held in Hope Miscarriage Kit, providing clear information, practical supplies, and compassionate support during first-trimester loss. Today, Held in Hope works with hospitals, midwives, medical providers, pregnancy centers, and families across the country to help ensure no woman has to face miscarriage feeling alone or unprepared. Kenzie is also a wife and mom of five and is passionate about changing the way women are cared for through pregnancy loss. Website: heldinhope.org Instagram: @held.in.hope References: FriYAY! Instagram.com/birthinginstincts Allowed to Birth Ashland Screening https://rova.live/event/allowed-to-birth-film-screening-presented-by-woven-moon-2026-10-27-1800 Held In Hope - Miscarriage Boxes heldinhope.org Birthing Instincts Podcast #383: There Can Be Healing in Loss https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/...

#485: Understanding Blood Transfusion

Sep 30, 2026 1 hr 28 min

Blood transfusions can save lives, but when are they actually necessary, and what should you know before you're ever faced with that decision? This week, Blyss and Dr. Stu unpack blood transfusions in birth: postpartum hemorrhage, hemoglobin levels, blood types and compatibility, potential reactions, and why the number on a lab report doesn't always tell the whole story. They also dive into some of the harder questions: Can you choose where your blood comes from? What about directed donation? And what options exist for families who have concerns about receiving blood from vaccinated donors? From the surprising obstetric origins of modern transfusion medicine to the questions worth asking during pregnancy, this is one of those conversations you may never need, but you'll be glad you heard if you do. References: Vaccine Choice Canada vaccinechoicecanada.com Reclaiming Birth Gathering reclaimingbirthconference.com FriYAY! Instagram.com/birthinginstincts Up to Me. Up to You. Up to Everyone. uptoeveryone.com Safe Blood - The Global Leader In SafeBlood Matching safeblood.com Blessed By His Blood blessedbyhisblood.com History of Blood Transfusions https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood/blood-transfusions/history-blood-transfusion.html Allowed to Birth Ashland Screening https://rova.live/event/allowed-to-birth-film-screening-presented-by-woven-moon-2026-10-27-1800 Discussed in This Episode The history of blood transfusion, and its roots in obstetrics When postpartum blood loss may warrant transfusion Why hemoglobin is only one piece of the clinical picture How red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body ABO/Rh blood types and transfusion compatibility Common and rare transfusion reactions Why modern blood banking has made transfusion significantly safer Directed donor blood and the challenges of arranging it during pregnancy Questions surrounding vaccinated vs. unvaccinated donor blood Ways to optimize maternal...

#484: Isthmocoele, Infertility & Other Lesser Known Cesarean Risks

Sep 23, 2026 1 hr 20 min

Cesarean sections can be lifesaving. But are women actually being told about the potential long-term consequences before they consent to one? This week, Blyss and Stu dig into some of the lesser-discussed risks of cesarean birth, particularly the risks that may not show up until months or even years later. Stu walks through research examining isthmocoeles and the broader long-term outcomes associated with cesarean delivery, including future fertility, placenta previa and accreta, uterine rupture, miscarriage, stillbirth, and potential childhood outcomes. But this isn't an episode about frightening women away from cesareans. It's about informed decision-making. As Blyss points out, being informed shouldn't mean you're expected to consent. Women deserve to understand both the benefits and the risks, including the downstream risks that may affect their bodies, their babies, and pregnancies they haven't even had yet. References: Kristine’s instagram post https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdB70-Ohaek/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== FriYAY! Instagram.com/birthinginstincts Allowed to Birth Ashland Screening https://rova.live/event/allowed-to-birth-film-screening-presented-by-woven-moon-2026-10-27-1800 Classical Midwifery Conference - Tbilisi Georgia, 2027 gentlebirths.net/classicalmidwiferyconference Birth Untethered Podcast: S2E31 - In Conversation with Dr Stu-What Doctors Get Wrong About Safety, Consent, and Birth Outcomes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e31-in-conversation-with-dr-stu-what-doctors-get/id1836371735?i=1000788208319 Return to Wisdom Podcast: “Free Birth is a Rational Response” — with Dr Stu Fischbein https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/free-birth-is-a-rational-response-with-dr-stu-fischbein/id1829401357?i=1000788354017 Ancient Health Podcast: Your Gut Is Recirculating Your Own Bad Estrogen https://open.spotify.com/episode/7okFAoLL6xeBkpxwhnqWpi?si=vTRhY-wLToeW6d7rm_gYLA&nd=1&dlsi=ed1bb63852ff4f5b Long-term risks and bene...

#483: Safer Birthing with Childbirth Attorney, Gina Mundy

Sep 16, 2026 1 hr 30 min

What can nearly 24 years of birth injury litigation teach us about preventing birth injuries before they happen? This week, Blyss and Stu are joined by nationally recognized trial attorney, bestselling author, and host of The Childbirth Attorney Podcast, Gina Mundy. After spending her career reviewing the births that went wrong—studying medical records, questioning doctors and nurses, and identifying the decisions that changed families’ lives forever, Gina decided those lessons belonged in the hands of parents before they ever entered the delivery room. Take a look behind the curtain of both the hospital and legal systems. Gina shares why Pitocin inductions appear so frequently in the birth injury cases she sees, what she learned while attending her own daughter’s induction, why she believes doulas can play such an important role in hospital birth, and the questions families should consider before consenting to interventions. They also dig into the uncomfortable realities of “standard of care,” defensive medicine, emergency C-sections, expert witnesses, medical records, hospital accountability, and what happens when the accepted standard may not necessarily represent the best care. We can’t predict every possible outcome, but we can do our best to understand the system we’re walking into, asking better questions, and making informed decisions before you’re in the intensity of labor. About Gina Mundy: Gina Mundy is a nationally recognized trial attorney, internationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Childbirth Attorney Podcast. For more than two decades, her work has focused on one of the most consequential moments in a family’s life: childbirth. Gina has spent her career studying birth injury cases in hindsight. She analyzes what happened, why it happened, which warning signs were missed, and what could have changed the outcome. That perspective became the foundation for her internationally bestselling book, A Parent’s Guide to a Safer Childbirth. Gi...

#482: Tossing Seeds with Dr. Sherri Tenpenny

Sep 9, 2026 1 hr 40 min

Dr. Sherri Tenpenny joins Blyss and Dr. Stu for a wide-ranging conversation about vaccines, pregnancy, medical freedom, informed consent, institutional trust, and what it means to question the systems we’ve been taught to rely on. Blyss asks an important question for parents and birth workers: when major medical organizations say there are enormous amounts of data supporting recommendations during pregnancy, how is the average person supposed to evaluate those claims? Stu and Sherri also challenge the influence professional medical organizations have on hospital policy and discuss what happens when recommendations become protocols, sometimes without the kind of long-term or downstream outcomes they believe should be considered. But underneath all of these topics is a bigger conversation: How do we think for ourselves without simply replacing one authority with another? And that brings Blyss and Stu back to something they talk about often: we need each other, our community. Whether you agree with every perspective in this episode or find yourself questioning some of it, the invitation is the same, stay curious, look deeper, ask for the evidence, and make informed decisions for yourself and your family. About Dr. Sherri Tenpenny: Dr. Sherri Tenpenny is a globally recognized leader in exposing vaccine dangers and medical corruption. With over 50,000 hours of research spanning more than 25 years, she was one of the first medical professionals to sound the alarm on vaccine risks, paving the way for many of today’s voices in the medical freedom movement. Her relentless dedication to uncovering the truth behind public health policies, pharmaceutical influence, and vaccine-related injuries has made her one of the most sought-after educators and speakers in the field. Dr. Tenpenny began her career as an emergency room physician and served as Director of a Level II Trauma Center for 12 years, where she gained firsthand experience in critical care and the failures of convent...

#481: Microbirth, A Film Explains How We Birth Matters

Sep 2, 2026 1 hr 18 min

What if the way we enter the world has consequences that reach far beyond the day we're born? This week, Blyss and Stu dive into “Microbirth”, the 2014 documentary exploring the human microbiome and what happens during the extraordinary biological transition of birth. From exposure to maternal bacteria during vaginal birth to skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, antibiotics, cesarean delivery, and the hormonal physiology of labor. At the heart of the conversation is a much bigger question: When we intervene in birth, are we considering only the immediate outcome, or the ripple effects that may follow a baby for years, and perhaps even generations? Because birth isn't simply the moment a baby arrives. It may be one of the most important biological programming events of our lives. Listen now and join us as we ask: How much does the way we birth really matter? References: Microbirth Film https://play.xumo.com/free-movies/microbirth/XM0KT28KHM1VCA Do Antibiotics Given to Pregnant Women Harm the Baby's Brain? By Jennifer Margulis https://jennifermargulis.substack.com/api/v1/post/pdf?postId=192562195 Impact of maternal intrapartum antibiotics, method of birth and breastfeeding on gut microbiota during the first year of life: a prospective cohort study https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.13601 Allowed to Birth Ashland Screening birthinginstincts.com/events/allowed-to-birth Intentional Birth Pro Advocacy Training https://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2147925238/HUkqrEuo Discussed in This Episode Microbirth documentaryHumans as Living EcosystemsWhat Happens to the Microbiome During Birth?Ripple Effects of AntibioticsThe Incredible Biology of Breast MilkThe Gut-Brain AxisWhat Is Vaginal Seeding?Does Too Much Protection Hurt the Microbiome? Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by LMNT | Got to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go t...

#480: From Hashimoto’s to Breech: The Surprising Role of Thyroid in Pregnancy

Aug 26, 2026 1 hr 33 min

Thyroid health may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about pregnancy, but thyroid hormones play an important role in both maternal health and fetal development, especially during those early weeks when baby is relying on mom's thyroid hormones. This week, Blyss and Stu take a deep dive into thyroid disease in pregnancy. Stu breaks down the basics of how the thyroid works, the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's versus Graves' disease, and what TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies can actually tell us. They look at the potential pregnancy risks associated with overt thyroid disease, why subclinical disease is a very different conversation, and why pregnancy itself can change thyroid lab values. Together they answer the question, should every pregnant woman have her thyroid screened? And discuss how testing itself can sometimes set off an unnecessary cascade of referrals, surveillance, and intervention. This one gets into the weeds, but it's an episode worth saving as a resource for pregnant families, birth workers, and anyone navigating thyroid disease during the childbearing years. References: Reclaiming Birth Gathering reclaimingbirthconference.com/ Birth and Birth Psychology Congress in Istanbul, Turkey Instagram: @birthandbirthpsychology Website: dogumicinelele.org/ Birthing Instincts Podcast Patreon Patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast Open Evidence Links https://www.openevidence.com/ask/04b52887-1c7f-423d-aeb4-7d28376e225a Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy www.ovid.com/10.1097/AOG.0000000000003893 Maternal thyroid function during gestation is related to breech presentation at term https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19832853/ Allowed to Birth Ashland Screening birthinginstincts.com/events/allowed-to-birth Discussed in This Episode Thyroid 101: TSH, T3, T4 & How It All WorksHashimoto's vs. Graves' DiseaseWhy Thyroid Hormones Matter for Fetal DevelopmentThyroid Disease & Pregnancy Risks: What Do the Numbers Act...

#479: An Emotional Week & Some Data On Uterine Rupture

Aug 19, 2026 1 hr 15 min

This week, Blyss and Stu run the gamut, from joy and grief to frustration, research, and a whole lot of questions about who really gets to decide what “safe” birth looks like. After sharing personal updates and a moving remembrance of Dr. Rob Biter, Blyss and Stu turn their attention to autonomy in birth. They discuss a mother struggling to find a midwife willing to truly meet her where she is, the ongoing fight over traditional midwifery in Pennsylvania, and what happens when regulation and institutional standards begin limiting the choices available to birthing families. Then, Dr. Stu dives into new research examining oxytocin (Pitocin), TOLAC, and uterine rupture. What does the research actually tell us about uterine rupture when Pitocin is used during a VBAC? How much does the risk change compared with spontaneous labor? Does a higher dose matter? And perhaps most importantly, are we paying enough attention when a laboring body, or the woman herself, is telling us something isn't right? Blyss brings the midwifery perspective to the data, questioning directed pushing, prolonged augmentation, hospital timelines, and what can happen when physiology is pushed rather than supported. Together, she and Stu unpack the difference between relative risk and absolute risk, how the same research can be used to either support or discourage VBAC, and why informed decision-making requires more than simply being told what the “standard of care” recommends. References: Reclaiming Birth Gathering reclaimingbirthconference.com/ Allowed to Birth Ashland Screening birthinginstincts.com/events/allowed-to-birth Inquirer Article: Why Pennsylvania quietly repealed its 1929 midwifery law — and is now getting sued for it https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/midwives-pennsylvania-budget-law-20260804.html PubMed study: Maximum Oxytocin Dose and Uterine Rupture During Trial of Labor After Cesarean https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41325062/ Discussed in This Episode Remembering D...

#478: Deception In Documentation Is Pervasive & Pernicious

Aug 12, 2026 1 hr 21 min

What happens when the medical record doesn't match the birth experience? This week, Blyss and Stu dive into one of the most uncomfortable, but critically important topics in maternity care: documentation, informed consent, and the ways language can shape a family's entire birth experience. Using real-world examples, published legal cases, hospital consent forms, and an anonymous patient story, they examine how documentation can influence clinical decisions, legal outcomes, and patient autonomy. They discuss the difference between genuine informed consent and liability-driven documentation, why wording matters, and how routine practices can become normalized before parents even realize they have options. Whether you plan to birth at home, in a birth center, or in the hospital, understanding how consent, documentation, and communication intersect can help you become a more informed participant in your own care. References: Girls Who Know: girlswhoknow.com (code instincts for 15% off) Case Law Update: Gawthrop v Bendigo Health [2026] VSC 157 https://bravelegal.com.au/gawthrop-v-bendigo-health-vaginal-examination/ Melissa Philippe Facebook Post The Doula Group on Facebook Johns Hopkins: Delivering Your Baby https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/delivery Discussed in This Episode What true informed consent should look likeHow documentation can influence legal and medical narrativesThe difference between physiologic birth and procedure-based birth educationWhy coercive language mattersA court ruling that recognized non-consensual vaginal exams as assault.How fear-based counseling can affect birth decisionsWhy birth education before labor is more important than ever Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by LMNT | Got to drinklmnt.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 thre...

#477: False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR): Our Chat with Doula Dude, Travis Stroud

Aug 5, 2026 1 hr 35 min

This week, Blyss and Stu welcome Doula Dude, Travis Stroud, whose perspective has captivated millions of viewers in just a few short months. Travis never imagined he'd become one of the loudest voices encouraging fathers to educate themselves about pregnancy and birth. But after preparing for nearly two years, he and his wife chose a wild pregnancy and freebirth at home that forever changed the course of his life. Together they discuss why men have become disconnected from birth, what fathers lose when they're pushed to the sidelines, and why Travis believes childbirth is the "biggest rabbit hole" because it touches every aspect of health, family, and society. Whether you agree with every perspective or not, this conversation challenges listeners to ask questions, become informed, and reconsider the role fathers can play in protecting and supporting mothers during birth. About Travis Stroud: Travis is a 31-year-old husband and father in the small town of Brunswick, Maryland. On Valentine's Day in 2024, he and his wife welcomed their daughter through a planned free birth at home Travis was the sole birth attendant, and together they managed every aspect of the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey, with the exception of some postpartum support from his mother-in-law. The couple spent nearly two years preparing, beginning their research and planning back in 2022, before they had even conceived. Their birth experience profoundly changed Travis's perspective on pregnancy, birth, and fatherhood in ways he never expected. Today, he is passionate about sharing their story and the lessons they learned, inspiring conversations about birth trust, and the incredible role fathers can play in the journey. Instagram: @Doula.dude Eyla Cuenca's Uncover Birth Doula Training (Use code STU for 10% off) Dr. Bradley's Husband-Coached Childbirth book References: Earthbound Parenting Podcast: Mentorship & the Things That Weave Us with Blyss Young https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...

#476: Questioning the 2 cm Placenta Rule & A Remarkable Breech Twin Birth with Fadwah Halaby

Jul 29, 2026 1 hr 27 min

This week, Dr. Stu welcomes Florida midwife Fadwah Halaby for an inspiring conversation about evidence, autonomy, and trusting physiological birth. Before diving into an unforgettable breech twin home birth, Stu takes a deep dive into another one of obstetrics' commonly accepted practices, the "2-centimeter rule" for low-lying placenta, and uncovers the surprisingly weak evidence behind it. Together, Stu and Fadwah explore how outdated conventions become hospital policy, why individualized care matters, and what happens when skilled providers support families instead of protocols. From twin growth charts to cord prolapse, patient autonomy, and the realities of home birth, this episode challenges assumptions while celebrating the art and science of physiological birth. About Fadwah Fadwah has worked as a nurse since 1992 (34 years) in various areas such as home health, ER, and L&D. For the past 20 years she has worked as a Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife - 8 years in a busy OB practice facilitating hospital birth and office gynecology, and 12 years in her independent home birth practice. She has assisted over 2000 babies to be born with about 700 of those in the community birth setting. She has been offering breech and twin birth in her practice for several years, more often in the past few years since completing formal training through Spinning Babies and Breech Without Borders. The first birth she ever witnessed live (other than her own) was a breech birth, in 1986. She is a divorced mother of 6 grown children with 5 granddaughters. Currently living in Palm Beach County, south Florida where she has her office and home birth practice, Midwife360. She is currently back to working in a solo practice with back up from various other home birth midwives in the area. She is limiting her practice to 4 births per month and willing to take on breech births from the community whenever she is able as there are no options for breech for most women. She is a licens...

#475: Birth Story & Body Health with Holistic Aesthetician, Michelle Vaughan

Jul 22, 2026 1 hr 34 min

What happens when a traumatic first birth becomes the catalyst for a completely different second experience? This week, Blyss and Stu welcome holistic esthetician Michelle Vaughn to share the story of two births that couldn't have been more different, and how those experiences transformed not only the way she views birth, but the way she approaches health, skincare, motherhood, and everyday living. Michelle opens up about her husband's stage IV cancer diagnosis, the lifestyle changes that followed, and why she began questioning everything she was putting on and into her family's bodies. Together, they explore common skincare ingredients, sunscreen, deodorant, household products, and practical ways families can begin reducing toxic exposures without becoming overwhelmed. Whether you're interested in physiologic birth, holistic wellness, or simply making more informed choices for your family, this episode offers thoughtful conversation, personal stories, and plenty to consider. About Michelle Michelle Vaughan is a holistic esthetician with 19 years of experience, wellness educator, mom of two, and co-owner of Alma Aesthetics Organic Wellness Spa in Santa Barbara. She’s passionate about helping women and families make informed, balanced choices through holistic skincare, mindful living, and simple everyday wellness. Michelle shares her journey through motherhood, beauty, and healthy living with an approachable, evidence-informed perspective while encouraging others to feel confident in making the choices that are right for them. Instagram: @michellevaughanklett / @almaaesthetics Clean Product Recommendations: Primally Pure Earth Mama Organics Under Luna Living Libations Branch Basics Wholesome organics Code Instincts for 20% off References: Joint Statement From NACPM and NARM Regarding MEAC’s Withdrawal from U.S. Department of Education Recognition: https://www.nacpm.org/news/joint-statement-from-nacpm-and-narm Discussed in This Episode What MEAC's withdrawal from De...

#474: The Mystery Of Postpartum Preeclampsia

Jul 15, 2026 1 hr 39 min

Postpartum preeclampsia is one of the least talked about, but potentially most serious, complications after birth. This week, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss explore what we know, what we don't, and why every new mother should understand the warning signs, even after a healthy pregnancy and birth. Together they review the latest evidence surrounding postpartum hypertension and postpartum preeclampsia, discuss risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and why postpartum care deserves far more attention than it often receives. Whether you're currently pregnant, postpartum, or supporting growing families, this episode offers practical information, thoughtful discussion, and an important reminder to trust your instincts when something doesn't feel right. References: Breech Birth Podcast: S5 Ep3 Midwife Blyss Young: Legal restrictions, walking through life & death & advocacy Postpartum preeclampsia or eclampsia: defining its place and management among the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: https://www.ajog.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-9378%2820%2931201-1 Discussed in This Episode Researching Postpartum Preeclampsia (PPPE)PPPE Risk Factors Symptoms of PPPE And When It HitsThe importance of postpartum monitoring and listening to your bodyHow postpartum hypertension differs from classic preeclampsiaCurrent treatment recommendationsHome blood pressure monitoringRecognizing warning signsIs PPPE Iatrogenic?Why postpartum care shouldn't end at hospital discharge Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by LMNT | Got to drinklmnt.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% off Connect with Dr. Stu and...

#473: Pursuing Peace With Courage & Confidence

Jul 8, 2026 1 hr 16 min

This week, we're setting aside our usual topic-driven format to share something even more meaningful: real stories from our fellow travelers. Join us in reading one of the most moving letters we've ever received. A certified nurse-midwife shares the heartbreaking story of carrying a daughter diagnosed with anencephaly. Although her daughter, Olivia, was stillborn, she describes her birth as the most beautiful experience of her life, not because of the outcome, but because she was respected, supported, and allowed to birth in a way that brought peace instead of trauma. This episode is full of inspiring listener stories about twin births, breech births, home birth, and the power of education to preserve options for families around the world. This conversation is ultimately about more than birth. It's about autonomy. It's about courage. And it's about remembering that even in the hardest moments, peace is still possible. References: Mentorship with Blyss, schedule your clarity call to join at woven-moon.com What They Don’t Tell Us Podcast: He Was One of the Best OBs in the Country. Midwives Taught Him What He Was Missing. Book: Between a Shot and a Hard Place, by Joel Warsh @PerfectUnion on Instagram: "Watch Jacob Rockwell, a man fined for running a red light in Florida while being in Alabama, pop off against the use of the A.I. red light cameras that were used to "identify" him." Twin home birth: Outcomes of 100 sets of twins in the care of a single practitioner Discussed in This Episode The growing loss of human connection in healthcare why less intervention often creates more confidenceStillbirth becomes an experience of profound peace.Why respectful maternity care mattersTwin birth stories that challenge common assumptions about "high-risk" pregnancyThe importance of breech birth skills and preserving birth optionsHow preparation, mindset, and autonomy shape lifelong birth memoriesWhy confidence, not fear, changes birth experiences. Podcast Produced by: Raquel H...

#472: Lupus in Pregnancy: Understanding the Risks Without the Fear

Jul 1, 2026 1 hr 14 min

In this episode of Birthing Instincts, Blyss and Stu take a deep dive into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in pregnancy. Together they explore what lupus is, how it affects pregnancy, and what current evidence says about risks such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, stillbirth, and congenital heart block. Along the way, Stu revisits the decades-old Hadlock fetal growth curve and questions whether a single growth standard can accurately reflect diverse populations around the world. The conversation highlights the importance of individualized care, informed decision-making, and understanding risk without defaulting to fear-based management. References: Instagram Live with @Kristen_Nagle Reclaiming Birth Gathering: reclaimingbirthconference.com Made For Birth Podcast: Questioning The Standard of Maternity Care Discussed in This Episode • What systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is and how it affects pregnancy • Lupus flares, remission, and preconception planning • Preeclampsia risk in women with lupus • Hydroxychloroquine safety and use during pregnancy • Antiphospholipid antibodies and pregnancy outcomes • How lupus and preeclampsia can look similar • The limitations of the Hadlock fetal growth curve • Population differences in fetal growth and birth weight • Why individualized care matters more than blanket recommendations Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by LMNT | Got to drinklmnt.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% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: b...

#471: How Birth Shapes Mothers, Babies, and The Future, with Suzanne Arms

Jun 24, 2026 1 hr 26 min

This week, Blyss and Stu welcome birth pioneer, author, filmmaker, and educator Suzanne Arms, one of the most influential voices in the natural birth movement of the last half-century. Long before conversations about physiological birth, informed consent, and the over-medicalization of maternity care became mainstream, Suzanne was asking difficult questions. Her groundbreaking 1975 book *Immaculate Deception* challenged routine obstetrical practices and helped spark a movement that continues to influence birth professionals and families around the world. In this fascinating and deeply personal conversation, Suzanne shares how her own traumatic birth experience and the birth of her daughter led her to investigate maternity care practices, interview women across the country, and ultimately write one of the most important birth books ever published. This episode is part birth history lesson, part cultural critique, and part love letter to the women who have spent decades protecting physiological birth. About Suzanne Arms: Today on Birthing Instincts we're honored to welcome Suzanne Arms, one of the most influential voices in the natural birth movement of the last half century. Suzanne is an author, filmmaker, educator, and advocate whose work has helped generations of parents and birth professionals rethink pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early bonding. She is perhaps best known for her groundbreaking book Immaculate Deception. Came out in 1975, which challenged many of the routine practices of modern maternity care, and became a catalyst for change in how birth is understood and supported. Over the decades, Suzanne has co-founded an early free-standing birth center, produced award-winning films about childbirth, and dedicated her life to exploring what she calls the primal period, the critical time from conception through a baby's first year. Through her organization, Birthing the Future, she continues to champion the idea that how we care for mothers and babies...

470: "Allowed" To Birth with Documentary Filmmaker, Jacinta Lagos

Jun 17, 2026 1 hr 11 min

What happens when a birth photographer picks up a camera and decides she can no longer stay silent? This week, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss welcome Jacinta Lagos, an award-winning birth photographer, doula, filmmaker, and creator of the powerful new documentary, Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global Midwife. Born and raised in Argentina, Jacinta grew up believing cesarean birth was simply "how babies were born." After immigrating to the United States and discovering the world of birth photography, she witnessed both the beauty of physiological birth and the realities of obstetric violence. Armed with a single camera, relentless determination, and a passion for storytelling, she set out to create a documentary that challenges the stories we've been told about birth. Centered around the extraordinary work of global midwife Kristine Lauria, Allowed to Birth weaves together voices from around the world to explore the tension between physiology and policy, autonomy and authority, fear and trust. Birth belongs to women. Stories preserve wisdom. And sometimes all it takes to change hearts and minds is one person willing to press record. About Jacinta Lagos: Jacinta is an Argentinian 40 year old, a mom of 3. She's married to the guy who got a job offer in the USA and decided to move in 2017. She has had a camera in hand since ever. Video and film has always been a passion of her, since she was a little girl. Back in Argentina, she had a successful business in the wedding videography industry, and when she moved to the states with 2 little kids, she decided to stop giving away all of her weekends to attend weddings. That was when she found out that birth documenting was a thing: in Argentina, that would be completely unheard of. She started doing birth videography and photography in 2019, got her doula training in 2020 and has attended 200 births since. She has won many awards, she's been published and is considered one of the best birth documentarians in the world. She f...

#469: Should 38-Week Induction For Big Babies Become A Thing?

Jun 10, 2026 1 hr 33 min

This week, Blyss and Stu take a deep dive into the increasingly popular recommendation of inducing labor at 38 weeks for suspected “big babies”. Prompted by a recent social media post from a prominent obstetric influencer, they examine two studies being used to justify earlier inductions for "big babies" and ask an important question: do the data actually support the conclusions being promoted? Along the way, Blyss and Stu challenge listeners to look beyond headlines and social media summaries, examine how studies are designed, and consider whether interventions are being recommended based on meaningful risk reduction, or simply because they can be. The episode emphasizes the importance of respecting nature's design, individualizing care, and helping families understand the difference between relative risk, absolute risk, and true informed choice. References: AJOG MFM Article: Induction at 38 weeks for large-for-gestational-age or macrosomic fetuses decreases the incidence of cesarean delivery: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials https://www.ajogmfm.org/article/S2589-9333(26)00008-X/fulltext The Lancet Article: 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 https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2825%2900162-X Birthing Instincts Podcast #431: "Hold Your Beer" It's Fetal Macrosomia Guidelines https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MJg92Du4WLUn7P8ypPBVc?si=SJ6YtH6CRMKClgCDGdXXqw Discussed in This Episode Analysis of the BIG BABY Trial Why statistical significance does not always equal clinical significance What shoulder dystocia rates actually mean Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) v true macrosomia Accuracy limitations of estimated fetal weight How labels like "big baby" often trigger cascades of intervention Differences between physiologic birth and hospital management What informed...

#468: Everybody's Doing It", Not A Legal Standard Of Care With Hermine Hayes-Klein, ESQ.

Jun 3, 2026 1 hr 43 min

What happens when hospitals decide informed consent no longer applies to breech birth? In this powerful and deeply important episode, Blyss and Stu welcome back attorney and birth rights advocate Hermine Hayes-Klein to unpack a landmark Oregon malpractice trial centered on coercion, informed consent, and the growing normalization of mandatory cesarean sections for breech babies. This is not just a conversation about breech birth. It’s a conversation about power, coercion, medical culture, and whether women still have the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies during childbirth. If you care about birth autonomy, informed consent, or preserving disappearing birth skills, this is an episode you cannot miss. About Hermine Hayes-Klein: Hermine Hayes-Klein, JD is an attorney and advocate for reproductive justice and human rights in pregnancy and childbirth. Hermine works on legal actions and advocacy projects related to preventable injury and informed consent violations in childbirth, and advocacy for access to midwives and doulas around the US and beyond. Hermine began her international advocacy for the recognition of human rights in childbirth when she was teaching law at The Hague University in The Hague, the Netherlands, in 2012, and organized 6 international conferences on that topic in the US, Europe, South Africa, and India. She has worked on many cases related to breech birth for both plaintiffs and defendants. Website: https://fringeheals.com/ Instagram: @fringeheals Blog: https://fringeheals.com/blogs/blog/tagged/womens-health. Email: hi@fingeheals.com References: Realfoodology Podcast - Why So Many Women End Up With C-Sections: Birth Interventions Explained with Dr. Stuart Fischbein https://open.spotify.com/episode/3HChoFaUvAmmHsGMoCRvCp?si=LHN-gYRgS_OgE6f24W2qHA CHD.TV segment with Stu NEEDED Mentorship with Blyss: wovenmoon.com Elena Bridgers Substack: To Home Birth or Not to Home Birth? https://elenabridgers.substack.com/p/to-home-bi...

#467: Magic Wand, The Benefits of Red Light Therapy With Liz Frey....

May 27, 2026 1 hr 36 min

This week, Dr. Stu and Blyss break down a recent Substack article reviewing large studies comparing planned home birth and hospital birth for low-risk women. The data? Fewer interventions, lower C-section rates, fewer infections, less hemorrhage, and fewer severe tears with planned home birth. But as always, the conversation goes deeper, into absolute vs. relative risk, the infamous cascade of interventions, postpartum trauma, and why hospitals continue doubling down on systems that many families no longer trust. Later in the episode, pelvic health physiotherapist and Fringe medical director Liz Frey joins the podcast for a fascinating discussion on pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum recovery, menopause, prolapse, incontinence, breathing mechanics, and why so many women are told their symptoms are “normal” when they’re actually treatable. Liz also explains how red light, near-infrared, and blue light therapy may support healing, tissue health, pain relief, intimacy, and recovery through Fringe’s pelvic wand technology. This is a wide-ranging conversation about birth, healing, autonomy, and what happens when women finally start getting the support they actually deserve. About Liz Frey: Liz is a clinic owner and practicing pelvic health physiotherapist. As an orthopaedic and pelvic health physiotherapist, Liz’s practice focuses on helping women navigate pregnancy, menopause, and everything in between. Liz is always keen to explore and integrate evidence-based products into her pelvic health practice. Which led her to become the Women’s Health Medical Director at Fringe - a company that believes in helping people heal naturally. Website: https://fringeheals.com/ Code birthinginstincts10 for 10% off Instagram: @fringeheals Blog: https://fringeheals.com/blogs/blog/tagged/womens-health. Email: hi@fingeheals.com References: Realfoodology Podcast - Why So Many Women End Up With C-Sections: Birth Interventions Explained with Dr. Stuart Fischbein https://open.spotify.com...

#466: Update On The Use Of TXA (Tranexamic Acid)

May 20, 2026 1 hr 26 min

What happens when a medication designed to stop hemorrhage quietly starts creeping into routine birth care? This week, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss take on TXA (tranexamic acid), what it is, when it actually makes sense, and why they’re increasingly concerned about how it’s being used in modern maternity care. From postpartum hemorrhage protocols to the growing push for prophylactic use during cesareans and even BEFORE birth, this conversation digs into the science, the politics, and the unintended consequences nobody seems willing to talk about. Along the way, they tackle the bigger issue underneath it all: Who gets to define “safe” birth care? Hospital systems? Bureaucrats? International organizations? Or the people actually attending births? References: Evidence Based Birth Podcast Episode 396 - Inequities in VBAC Access with Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin, MD, PhD https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ebb-396-inequities-in-vbac-access-with-dr-nicholas/id1334808138?i=1000764260687 Mom who sued the State of Nebraska in home birth case delivers baby https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/mom-who-sued-the-state-of-nebraska-in-home-birth-case-delivers-baby/ Home births to resume after safety concerns https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/home-births-resumed-safety-concerns-183648374.html Practice Bulletin No. 183: Postpartum Hemorrhage: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/abstract/2017/10000/practice_bulletin_no__183__postpartum_hemorrhage.56.aspx Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum hemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28456509/ Efficacy of prophylactic tranexamic acid among parturient at increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage undergoing cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41066405/ Discussed in This E...

#465: For All The Midwives In Texas: Fighting Injustice with Salli Gonzalez & Octavia Martinez, Esq

May 13, 2026 1 hr 34 min

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_birth GoFundMe: gofund.me/a54e40...

#464: A Confused Mixture Of Topics: Clearing The Desk

May 6, 2026 1 hr 25 min

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 fallout References: Fringe Red Light Therapy: Code BirthingInstincts10 for 10% off ICAN Coalition for Breech Birth Coalition Facebook Group CPT Maternity Care Services Codes and Guidelines | AMA Leaked Kaiser email on Facebook Reclaiming Birth Conference - https://www.reclaimingbirthconference.com/ Discussed in This Episode Oregon moms left without hospital breech providers The dying art of vaginal breech delivery The System That Forces You to Lie Coercion Disguised as Care Ultra-Processed Food & Pregnancy Outcomes EMFs, Fertility & What No One’s Talking About New AMA Obstetric Codes Risks of VBAC with a T-Inscision Risk of repeat uterine rupture Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by LMNT | 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% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#463: The 20 Week Ultrasound: Dissecting the Anatomy Scan

Apr 29, 2026 1 hr 47 min

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 Placentas Episode 274: I Remember Every Detail Pub 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 system Cleveland Clinic: What to Expect at Your 20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan) Discussed in This Episode The many names of the anatomy scan (and what it’s supposed to do) Ultrasound, anomaly scan, fetal survey—same test, very different interpretations The 11 major conditions they look for vs. everything else that gets added on How tiny measurements turn into weeks of stress and follow-ups The rise of false positives and soft markers Ultrasound-free pregnancy: radical or reasonable? Why more testing keeps becoming the standard, regardless of outcomes Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by WeNatal | 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...

#462: When Surrounded, Take The First Opportunity To Fight Like Hell With Del Bigtree

Apr 22, 2026 1 hr 44 min

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: @delbigtree X: @delbigtree Websites: h...

#461: Fertility Back In Balance With Acupuncturist Emily Marson

Apr 15, 2026 1 hr 19 min

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: @aphroditefertility Website: aphroditefertility.com E-mail: info@aphroditeacupuncture.com References: In Memory of Suzannah Weening GoFund me for Suzannah: https://gofund.me/31b9a66bd Book: The last in vitro, by Dr. Francisco Güell Discussed in This Episode Why doctors treat body parts, not people The physiology behind acupuncture IVF vs. Physiology: Control vs. Coordination Why Fertility Rates Are Dropping Acupuncture for Men What Acupuncture Can Do in Pregnancy The Hidden Risks of IVF Integrative fertility as the bridge back to physiology Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by WeNatal | Go t...

#460: The Process Is The Punishment....And The Reward with Angee Hock

Apr 8, 2026 1 hr 35 min

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: @nebraskabirthkeeper References: The Highwire with Del Bigtree THE CRISIS IN MODERN MATERNITY CARE | DR. STU FISCHBEIN Safe an...

#459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits.

Apr 1, 2026 1 hr 26 min

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 Twins Dr. 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 Specialist Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over Science Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #408: Neonatal Jaundice. Be Vigilant, Not Overzealous Discussed in This Episode How monitoring became synonymous with safety The unintended consequences of continuous fetal monitoring Friedman’s Curve: The outdated standard still running birth What the research actually says about EFM How liability and fear shape birth practices Breaking down the glucose drink, thresholds, and alternatives When NSTs are useful, and when they’re just routine Biophysical Profiles: What Are We Really Looking For? Color Flow Doppler: More Information…or More Intervention? How “abnormal” findings can fast-track induction Practical, empowering questions for parents navigating hospital birth Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or...

#458: Why Home Birth? A New Book For Fathers To Be With Jacob Dubois

Mar 25, 2026 1 hr 19 min

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 Jacob Jacob 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.dad Website: whyhomebirthbook.com References: Business of Being Born Documentary: https://www.thebusinessof.life/the-business-of-being-born Discussed in This Episode Why most people believe hospital birth is safest Midwifery care vs obstetric care differences The true meaning of birth beyond medical outcomes The role of fathers in birth and pregnancy Medicalization of birth in America explained Birth trauma in hospital settings ACOG guidelines, evidence-based care, and bias Why dads need to speak up about birth Pod...

#457: Asymptomatic Bacturia & UTIs in Pregnancy. Balancing Antimicrobial Stewardship

Mar 18, 2026 1 hr 32 min

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 Fischbein Patreon.com/BirthingInstinctsPodcast Support the Podcast Velvet and Bone Somatic & Trauma-Informed Doula Training (velvet-and-bone.com) ACOG Clinical: Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Individuals PubMed: Asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria during antenatal visits Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over Science Discussed in This Episode Bladder Infections Kidney Infections The Various Screening Recommendations and Treatments What is Asymptomatic Bacturia Benefits of Asymptomatic Bacturia Why Eradicate Asymptomatic Bacturia? Alternatives to Antibiotics When to Seek Medical Advice Risks of Antibiotics in Pregnancy, Labor and to Newborn Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by 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% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#456: Principalities & Powers & Protecting Traditional Midwifery with Abby Iovine

Mar 11, 2026 1 hr 23 min

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 / YourBirthMatters Website: Natbr.org References: Back to Basics Podcast 42: Dr. Stu Fischbein, MD - Childbirth 101: Home birth, breech, VBAC, and more Attend a Reteach Breech Workshop: birthinginstincts.com/events ACOG Releases Updated Guidance on Maternal Immunizations The Highw...

#455: An Amazing OB Who Listens & Supports Triplets Vaginally with Dr. Michael Hervey II

Mar 4, 2026 1 hr 18 min

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_llc Facebook: Premier Ob/Gyn LLC Website: Teambabycatcher.com Books: Empowering Birth: The Role of...

#454: Getting Your Hands Wet: Water & Wisdom From Barbara Harper

Feb 25, 2026 1 hr 56 min

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 @thebarbaraharper Website: waterbirth.org and barbaraharper.org Book: Gentle Birth Choices References: Healthy as a Mother Podcast: How Breech Birth Exposes Hospital Dysfunction Deconstructing Conventional Podcast: Hospital vs Home Birth Truth with Dr. Fischbein & Blyss Young Born Free Twins-Breech Gathering Seven Secrets of Successful Waterbirth - MIDIRS Maternal and neonatal outcomes among...

#453: Energetic Imprinting & Integration with Pre & Perinatal psychology practitioner, Mary Jackson

Feb 18, 2026 1 hr 39 min

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: mjmidwife@gmail.com References: WSJ Article: ‘My Family Thought I Was Crazy’: More Women Are Choosing to Give Birth at Home Substack: There’s Now a Medical Code for Vaccine Counseling Without Giving a Vaccine Dr. Joe Tate, Peachtree Corners, GA TheHighwire.com The Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health Discussed in This Episode Pre and Perinatal Psychologist, Mar...

#452: The Importance of Gathering - We Are The Microbiome

Feb 11, 2026 1 hr 24 min

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: clas...

#451: We are not packaging sausages - Why Doulas should remain independent with Shellie Poulter & Ivy Joeva

Feb 4, 2026 1 hr 43 min

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: @IvyJoeva Website: ivyjoeva.com About 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: @theserenitydoula Website: theserenitydoula.co.uk References: Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: The Phenomenon Of Parents Opting Out Of Birth Certificates For Their Kids | Midwife Lindsey Meehleis Dr. Pompa Pod...

#450: What’s To Do About Fluoride?

Jan 28, 2026 1 hr 0 min

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 Fischbein The Highwire: EPA LOSES HISTORIC FLUORIDE CASE The Tennessean: Fluoride has been a public health game changer. Florida is set to ban it anyway Dr. Stu Blog: Gotta love Dr. Fogelson Jama Network: Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 Months Book: The Fluoride Deception Discussed in This Episode Fluoride: History and Controversies Skepticism Around Fluoride Public Sentiment and Legislative Views on Fluoride Health Risks and Benefits of Fluoride Concerns About Fluoride in Vulnerable Populations Filtering Fluoride and Its Impact on Brain Health Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by Wholesome 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% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#449: A Free OB: A Conversation with Dr. Poppy Daniels on The Dangers of DepoProvera

Jan 21, 2026 1 hr 16 min

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.com Facebook: Dr. Poppy Instagram: @drpoppybhrt X: @drpoppybhrt References: Book: THE DANGERS OF DEPO Discussed in This Episode Dr. Poppy's Journey to Holistic OBGYN The Dangers of Depo-Provera The Dark History of Depo-Provera Depo-Provera's Side Effects and Risks The FDA Petition and Political Complications New Study on Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors The Importance of Informed Consent Detoxifying from Depo-Provera The Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by Wholesome 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% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.c...

#448: Tampons: Convenience Does Not Imply Safety

Jan 14, 2026 1 hr 23 min

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 Explain Discussed in This Episode Flu Vaccine Discussion Tampons, Toxins, and Health Risks HPV and Unexplained Reproductive Issues Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampon Safety Metal Contaminants in Tampons Chemical Exposures in Menstrual Products The Research Void and Regulatory Failures Alternative Menstrual Products Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by Wholesome 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% off Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#447: Midwifery Past, Present and Future: Wisdom from Adele Rose

Jan 7, 2026 1 hr 6 min

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 Episode Licensure and Its Impact on Midwifery Managing Fear in Midwifery The Importance of Spiritual Mindfulness in Midwifery Challenges with Modern Birth Practices Creating a Sacred Space for Birth Reflections on Unassisted Births Critique of Radical Birth Keeper Course The Role of Midwives in Modern Society Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care ...

#446: Baby Aspirin for All??

Dec 31, 2025 35 min

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 Episode When Baby Aspirin is Recommended Baby Aspirin and Preeclampsia Alternatives to Treating Preeclampsia Baby Aspirin and Twin Pregnancies Risks and Benefits of Baby Aspirin Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by WeNatal | 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% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#445: Women Are Not a Formula: Debunking VBAC Myths with Sarah Stead

Dec 24, 2025 1 hr 21 min

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 Stead Sarah 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.com E-book: C-Section Recovery Guide Instagram: @gingey91 Mentioned in this Episode Dolphin Neurostim Provider Locator Billie Harrigan Episode 405: "Call The Neighbour" Birthing Wisdom From Traditional Birth Companion, Billie Harrigan Discussed in This Episode Discovering Microcurrent Point Stimulation Understanding the Impact of Scar Tissue The History and Evolution of Cesarean Sections The Importance of Informed Consent Evaluating Risks and Benefits of VBAC vs. Repeat C-Section Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of C-Sections The Importance of Provider Competence and Confidence Hospital Policies and VBAC Support The Role of Partners in VBAC Success VBAC Calcu...

#444: Restoring Midwifery: Breaking Down the Indefensible

Dec 17, 2025 1 hr 40 min

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 Bailey My 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 Bennett I 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,...

#443: Delusional Optimism: A Discussion of Recent Article On the Freebirth Society

Dec 10, 2025 1 hr 54 min

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 Edelman Joni 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.com Instagram: @13moonsbirth About Ivy Joeva 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. Website: ivyjoeva.com Instagram: @IvyJoeva Mentioned in this Episode Intentional Birth Pro https://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2148190529/HUkqrEuo, code IBP2026 for 10% off Unintended Consequences of Invoking the “Natural” in Breastfeeding Promotion Guardian 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 Socie...

#442: Allegations Are Not Evidence With Paul Golden: A Man For All Seasons

Dec 3, 2025 1 hr 34 min

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 Golden Paul 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/goldenpaul Instagram: @Active.birth Discussed in This Episode Paul Golden: Midwifery and Advocacy Legal Aspects and Advocacy in Midwifery Challenges in Maternal Healthcare Systems The Abuse of Peer Review Systems Gunny Sacking: Silencing Whistleblowers Lisa Barra's Legal Struggles Ricardo Jones: A Targeted Midwife The Double Standards in Home Births Legal and Spiritual Advice for Midwives Mentioned in this Episode Human Rights and Birth Choices In the Balkans Book: Keeping Midwives Safe: Practical Legal Advice and support for Midwives (Helpful Legal Advice Actions & Templates) Book: Protect Your Practice: And Keep Your Clients Safe Books on Gumroad: https://midwifemediator.gumroad.com/ Article: Criminalizing Natural Birth: An Interview with Ricardo Jones Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/bir...

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#491: Allowed to Birth: Live from Ashland

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Podcast details

Created by: Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 11, 2026
Episodes: 479
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 1 hr 25 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

Links

Official website ↗ Apple Podcasts ↗ RSS feed ↗

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