Birthing Instincts

Épisodes

• #468: Everybody's Doing It", Not A Legal Standard Of Care With Hermine Hayes-Klein, ESQ. 03.06.2026 1h 43min

  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: @fringehealsBlog: 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 Fischbeinhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3HChoFaUvAmmHsGMoCRvCp?si=LHN-gYRgS_OgE6f24W2qHACHD.TV segment with Stu NEEDEDMentorship with Blyss:  wovenmoon.comElena Bridgers Substack: To Home Birth or Not to Home Birth?https://elenabridgers.substack.com/p/to-home-birth-or-not-to-home-birth?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=l982rDr. Sara Wickham Instagram Post @drsarawickhamhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DYPHRC0DPqg/?igsh=NmZwMHNpNGxiY2VxDiscussed in This EpisodeThe dangerous misuse of the phrase “standard of care”Why informed consent is a legal duty, not a physician preferenceHow hospital policies quietly override individualized careThe lasting trauma many women experience during cesareans and epiduralsThe legacy and flaws of the infamous Term Breech TrialWhy bodily autonomy in childbirth matters now more than everPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | 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% offCaraway Home | Go to Carawayhome.com/instincts for an additional 10% off, or use code INSTINCTS at checkout!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #467: Magic Wand, The Benefits of Red Light Therapy With Liz Frey.... 27.05.2026 1h 36min

  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% offInstagram: @fringehealsBlog: 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 Fischbeinhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3HChoFaUvAmmHsGMoCRvCp?si=LHN-gYRgS_OgE6f24W2qHACHD.TV segment with Stu NEEDEDMentorship with Blyss: wovenmoon.comElena Bridgers Substack: To Home Birth or Not to Home Birth?https://elenabridgers.substack.com/p/to-home-birth-or-not-to-home-birth?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=l982rDr. Sara Wickham Instagram Post @drsarawickhamhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DYPHRC0DPqg/?igsh=NmZwMHNpNGxiY2VxDiscussed in This EpisodeHome birth vs. hospital birth outcomesRelative risk vs. absolute risk in birth statisticsHospital birth culture and liability-driven carePelvic floor dysfunction after birthIncontinence, prolapse, and pelvic painMenopause and pelvic healthBreathwork and diaphragmatic functionRed light and blue light pelvic therapyPelvic floor physiotherapy explainedWhy postpartum recovery deserves more attentionPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | 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% offCaraway Home | Go to Carawayhome.com/instincts for an additional 10% off, or use code INSTINCTS at checkout!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #466: Update On The Use Of TXA (Tranexamic Acid) 20.05.2026 1h 26min

  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, PhDhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ebb-396-inequities-in-vbac-access-with-dr-nicholas/id1334808138?i=1000764260687Mom who sued the State of Nebraska in home birth case delivers babyhttps://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 concernshttps://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/home-births-resumed-safety-concerns-183648374.htmlPractice Bulletin No. 183: Postpartum Hemorrhage: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/abstract/2017/10000/practice_bulletin_no__183__postpartum_hemorrhage.56.aspxEffect 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 trialshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41066405/Discussed in This EpisodeThe Momnibus Act & the Future of MidwiferyTXA Enters the Midwifery WorldWhat TXA Actually Does in the BodyThe Evidence Behind TXA for HemorrhageWhy Routine Prophylactic TXA Raises ConcernsDoes TXA Cross the Placenta?Four Ts of Postpartum HemorrhageWhy Timing Matters in Hemorrhage CareDefining “High Risk” in BirthUse of Oral and Intermuscular TXAPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offCaraway Home | Go to Carawayhome.com/instincts for an additional 10% off, or use code INSTINCTS at checkout!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #465: For All The Midwives In Texas: Fighting Injustice with Salli Gonzalez & Octavia Martinez, Esq 13.05.2026 1h 34min

  In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss sit down with Texas midwife Salli Gonzalez and attorney Octavia Martinez to unpack a case that should concern not only licensed midwives, but anyone with a license.Together they discuss what happens when a midwife follows protocol, transfers appropriately, and still becomes the target?What happens when unverified screenshots, incomplete records, and social media comments are used to justify suspending a license, without a trial?And more importantly, what does this mean for the future of midwifery?This conversation goes beyond the case of one midwife, and beyond what is happening in Texas. This is about the direction birth care is heading in the U.S and why we all need to pay attention.About Salli:My love of birth started with my own births, the first on in a typical hospital system, birthing in lithotomy in the OR in 1984. The second baby I chose a birth center and decided to take more control of my choices in birth. I gave birth in a birth center under my own terms, which included eating and drinking in labor, moving with the contractions instead of being tied to the bed with monitors, no IV and limited vaginal exams. This birth propelled me to want to share with the world that birth doesn’t have to be traumatic nor painful. I set out to educate the world, as I had four more babies at home, one of which included a breech birth under qualified hands.  It’s been my life’s work to uphold birth as a normal and natural process of the female body. I’ve taken the steps to attend as many emergency skills preparedness workshops as I can as well as many breech and twin conferences as possible. I’ve also mentored and offered my assistance to newer midwives who are also interested in learning. We are always learning and renewing our skills in midwifery. Midwifery is the future of our country. Without midwifery the true nature of women’s autonomy will be lost. Instagram: @for_the_love_of_birthGoFundMe: gofund.me/a54e40705About Octavia:Professional BackgroundA graduate of The University of Virginia and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Octavia began her career in Phoenix. As a felony prosecutor and civil litigator, she handled high-stakes matters ranging from commercial trucking defense to complex medical malpractice.Her time on the defense side — working alongside institutional defendants and their counsel — gave her an understanding of how those cases are built, where the vulnerabilities lie, and what separates the attorneys who win from the ones who simply file. She brought that knowledge with her when she crossed to the plaintiff's side.The Move to TexasBringing this diverse experience to the Rio Grande Valley, Octavia expanded her practice to meet the border region's unique needs. Her scope grew to cover defamation, and specialized defense for medical providers, including physicians and midwives.South Texas presented a client population that had historically been underserved by high-quality legal representation — complex multigenerational estates, a healthcare industry with its own licensing ecosystem, and individuals whose situations required an attorney willing to engage the full weight of the law on their behalf.Launch of the FirmOctavia later paused her legal career to focus on stewardship: homeschooling her children and managing her family's homestead farm. However, she reactivated her license to assist a client whose legal matters had stagnated under conventional representation. That crisis highlighted the urgent need for uncompromised advocacy, leading to the launch of Octavia LaVon Martinez PLLC.Today, she has become a resource for clients who seek an alternative to the status quo — clients who have been failed by passive representation, whose matters are too complex for a generalist, or who simply need an attorney who will fight with the same conviction they feel about their own case.Website: octaviamartinezlaw.comX: @OctaviaLaVonReferences:Sham Peer Review: The Leave-of-Absence TrapExpedited Motion for Hearing (PDF)Facebook Post and CommentsFacebook Comment #2Media Release: TDLR Suspends Midwife’s License Following Maternal and Infant DeathsKLTV Texas midwife requests state to reinstate license amid death investigationsSupport Salli: Defend Her Midwifery License gofund.me/a54e40705Discussed in This EpisodeMidwives under fire, and why this isn’t just a Texas problemWhat actually happened in the case of Salli GonzalezWhen outcomes don’t have clear causes, who gets blamed?The Legal Reality of what is happeningSocial Media as “Evidence”?Anonymous posts, cropped screenshots, and missing contextWhy this case could affect doctors, lawyers, and beyondLicensing doesn’t mean protectionPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #464: A Confused Mixture Of Topics: Clearing The Desk 06.05.2026 1h 25min

  This week’s podcast Blyss and Stu come to you with no guest and no single topic, just a “hodgepodge” of what’s been piling up in Dr. Stu’s mind attic.From collapsing birth options and disappearing breech skills…to food, fear, and the quiet coercion baked into modern maternity care.It may seem random, but there is a common thread here: Systems replacing skills, policy replacing autonomy, and women left navigating the falloutReferences:Fringe Red Light Therapy: Code BirthingInstincts10 for 10% offICAN Coalition for Breech Birth Coalition Facebook GroupCPT Maternity Care Services Codes and Guidelines | AMALeaked Kaiser email on FacebookReclaiming Birth Conference - https://www.reclaimingbirthconference.com/Discussed in This EpisodeOregon moms left without hospital breech providers The dying art of vaginal breech deliveryThe System That Forces You to LieCoercion Disguised as CareUltra-Processed Food & Pregnancy OutcomesEMFs, Fertility & What No One’s Talking AboutNew AMA Obstetric CodesRisks of VBAC with a T-InscisionRisk of repeat uterine rupturePodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderCaraway Home | Go to Carawayhome.com/instincts for an additional 10% off, or use code INSTINCTS at checkout!Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #463: The 20 Week Ultrasound: Dissecting the Anatomy Scan 29.04.2026 1h 47min

  The 20-week anatomy scan has become a routine part of modern pregnancy, but is it truly essential, or just another layer of over-monitoring?After receiving a listener question, Dr. Stu and Blyss dissect the purpose, limitations, and unintended consequences of the anatomy scan. From what providers are actually looking for, to why so many women walk away with more anxiety than answers, this episode challenges the assumption that more information always equals better outcomes.At the end of the day, the real question isn’t can we look, it’s should we?Additional References:Birthing Instincts Podcasts:Episode 446: Baby Aspirin For All??Episode 459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits.Episode 313: Comforting Truths About Low Lying PlacentasEpisode 274: I Remember Every DetailPub Med Study: Therapeutic ultrasound as a potential male contraceptive: power, frequency and temperature required to deplete rat testes of meiotic cells and epididymides of sperm determined using a commercially available systemCleveland Clinic: What to Expect at Your 20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan)Discussed in This EpisodeThe many names of the anatomy scan (and what it’s supposed to do)Ultrasound, anomaly scan, fetal survey—same test, very different interpretationsThe 11 major conditions they look for vs. everything else that gets added onHow tiny measurements turn into weeks of stress and follow-upsThe rise of false positives and soft markersUltrasound-free pregnancy: radical or reasonable?Why more testing keeps becoming the standard, regardless of outcomesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #462: When Surrounded, Take The First Opportunity To Fight Like Hell With Del Bigtree 22.04.2026 1h 44min

  What if the system you trust never did the science you assume it did?In this explosive episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss sit down with Del Bigtree to pull back the curtain on vaccines, medical authority, and the institutions shaping maternal and pediatric care. From ACOG recommendations to the hidden realities behind “safe and effective,” this conversation challenges everything we’re told—and asks the question no one in mainstream medicine seems willing to ask.This isn’t just about vaccines. It’s about power, profit, fear… and what happens when parents start saying no..About Del:Del Bigtree is one of the preeminent voices of the MAHA Movement. He was the Director of Communications for Robert Kennedy Jr’s 2024 presidential campaign, the founder and CEO of the non-profit, Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), and host of the internet talk show TheHighWire.com, boasting over 400 million views world-wide. A former Emmy winning producer of the CBS talk show The Doctors, and most recently Executive Producer of the film, An Inconvenient Study. Del’s multi-pronged approach incorporates media, legislative, and legal actions to expose the fraud, lies, and conflicts of interest that have allowed US regulatory agencies to collude with industry power brokers to evade standardized safety testing on products including vaccines, drugs, food, drinking water, and 5G. On behalf of American citizens, Del’s non-profit, ICAN, has submitted over one thousand Freedom Of Information Requests (FOIA) and has won multiple lawsuits against government agencies including HHS, NIH, FDA and the CDC. Most notable are the FDA case that forced the release of Pfizer’s Covid Vaccine trial data which the FDA had attempted to hide for 75 years, the CDC case that forced the release of the CDC’s V-Safe Covid Vaccine Injury data, and the State of Mississippi Case which reinstated the Religious Exemption from Vaccination which had been denied for over 30 years.Instagram: @delbigtreeX: @delbigtreeWebsites: https://thehighwire.com / https://icandecide.orgDocumentary: An Inconvenient StudyAdditional References:Jennifer Margulis Substack: Breaking News in Delivery Rooms: More Parents Saying “No, Thank You” to Vaccines and Other Unnecessary InterventionsDocumentary: Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to CatastropheThe Inconvenient StudyHenry Ford Health Denounces Claim That System Suppressed Research, Cautions Against Dangerous Viral Disinformation and MisinformationBook: Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense)Discussed in This EpisodeInside ICAN, legal strategy, and the fight for transparency against federal agencies.Who Controls the Vaccine Narrative? Follow the MoneyDr. Zervos Vaccinated v. Unvaccinated Study An Inconvenient Study—what happens when even insiders admit the science was never done.Vaccinated v. Unvaccinated Study ResultsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #461: Fertility Back In Balance With Acupuncturist Emily Marson 15.04.2026 1h 19min

  What if infertility isn’t a broken body… but a disconnected one?In this episode, Blyss and Stu sit down with integrative fertility expert Emily Marson to challenge everything you’ve been told about conception, IVF, and what it actually means to “optimize” the body for pregnancy.From the forgotten intelligence of the body to the overreach of modern fertility medicine, this conversation pulls back the curtain on why more intervention isn’t always the answer, and what happens when you start working with physiology instead of overriding it.About Emily:Emily Marson is the Founder and CEO of Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture, a San Diego–based integrative fertility clinic specializing in root-cause infertility, acupuncture for IVF, cycle syncing, and hormonal regulation through Chinese medicine and holistic care. Her team supports women who feel stuck, discouraged, or failed by conventional fertility approaches alone.Emily’s work blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with evidence-informed fertility and pregnancy care, functional and lifestyle-based strategies, and a deep understanding of the full arch of womanhood - from cycle to fertility, to pregnancy and postpartum. Her mission is to improve women's health by giving women personalized care, and a structured path forward toward a healthy pregnancy and beyond.Instagram: @aphroditefertilityWebsite: aphroditefertility.comE-mail: info@aphroditeacupuncture.com References:In Memory of Suzannah Weening GoFund me for Suzannah: https://gofund.me/31b9a66bdBook: The last in vitro, by Dr. Francisco Güell Discussed in This EpisodeWhy doctors treat body parts, not peopleThe physiology behind acupunctureIVF vs. Physiology: Control vs. CoordinationWhy Fertility Rates Are Dropping Acupuncture for MenWhat Acupuncture Can Do in Pregnancy The Hidden Risks of IVFIntegrative fertility as the bridge back to physiologyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #460: The Process Is The Punishment....And The Reward with Angee Hock 08.04.2026 1h 35min

  A home birth.A tragic outcome.And a midwife the state tried to make an example of.In this episode, Blyss and Stu talk with Angee Hock to unpack what it’s really like to be prosecuted for birth work. From a traumatic breech birth to jail time, national headlines, and a courtroom battle that could have changed everything, this conversation goes where most won’t.But what came out of her trial may change everything: a judge declaring home birth is a constitutional right. This isn’t just her story. It’s about who controls birth in America, and what it costs to challenge it.About Angee:Angee’s greatest passion is to be in-sync with the heartbeat of God. She longs to help people reach their God-given potential through their God-given identity and all aspects of growth. She has a heart for Christian leaders and churches to thrive for greater impact on earth. Angee is a certified instructor with People Skills for You and a certified pastor and church coach through Church Boom. She is currently working towards her masters and doctorate in Global Leadership and Applied Ministry and Theology through Wagner University. She serves as Volunteer Coordinator, Council, and Board member for Nebraska Christian Leader’s Forum. Angee is a retired traditional midwife and wholistic wellness and health practitioner. She has served as peer counsel internationally in peer legal cases in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, with focuses on human rights, medical freedom, and private and constitutional law. Additionally Angee has experiences within the Nebraska legislature with Senator support and bill support.Angee’s hobbies can be mostly summed up with the enjoyment of traveling and experiencing the world, near and far. She lives north of Kearney with her amazing husband and has six wonderful children, ranging from adults to elementary. Instagram: @nebraskabirthkeeperReferences:The Highwire with Del Bigtree THE CRISIS IN MODERN MATERNITY CARE | DR. STU FISCHBEINSafe and Effective? LIVE with Nico LaganNE v. Angela Hock: Midwife Delivery Death Trial on Court TVA&E Show Accused: Did I Do It? Negligent Midwife or Responsible Caregiver?Discussed in This EpisodeThe 2019 Nebraska breech trialEmergency maneuvers, impossible conditions, and a devastating outcomeArrested, jailed, and made an example“I’d rather go to prison than lie.” Why Angee refused a plea dealThe real punishment: fear, restrictions, and a life on holdThe courtroom battle: truth vs. narrativeA judge declares: home birth is a constitutional rightEmotion vs. logic, and the strategy behind choosing a bench trialWhat was really lost, even with a not guilty verdictPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits. 01.04.2026 1h 26min

  What happens when we monitor birth too much?In this episode, Blyss and Stu pull back the curtain on one of the most normalized, and least questioned, practices in modern obstetrics: continuous monitoring. What starts as “safety” can quietly become interference, and the consequences aren’t small.Together, they break down how over-monitoring can derail physiologic birth, increase unnecessary interventions, and shift trust away from a woman’s body and into machines. From hospital protocols to real-world birth room dynamics, this conversation challenges the narrative that more data always equals better outcomes.If you’ve ever been told “we just want to keep an eye on things,” this episode will make you ask: at what cost?References:Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #416: Disentangling Mono-chorionic TwinsDr. Stu’s Mind Attic: Routine Use of Color Flow Doppler: Who Benefits? (youtube.com/@birthinginstinctspodcast)Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #433: Q & A with Dr. K, Pregnancy SpecialistBirthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over ScienceBirthing Instincts Podcast Episode #408: Neonatal Jaundice. Be Vigilant, Not OverzealousDiscussed in This EpisodeHow monitoring became synonymous with safetyThe unintended consequences of continuous fetal monitoringFriedman’s Curve: The outdated standard still running birthWhat the research actually says about EFMHow liability and fear shape birth practicesBreaking down the glucose drink, thresholds, and alternativesWhen NSTs are useful, and when they’re just routineBiophysical Profiles: What Are We Really Looking For?Color Flow Doppler: More Information…or More Intervention?How “abnormal” findings can fast-track inductionPractical, empowering questions for parents navigating hospital birthPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #458: Why Home Birth? A New Book For Fathers To Be With Jacob Dubois 25.03.2026 1h 19min

  What happens when a skeptical dad starts asking real questions about birth? Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss sit down with Dad Jacob Dubois, author of Why Home Birth, to talk about how he went from doubter to outspoken home birth advocate, and why fathers may be one of the missing voices in the fight to reclaim birth from the medical system.About JacobJacob Dubois is a devoted husband to Madison and a proud father to two young sons (ages 2 and 4 months). He is the author of Why Home Birth? How hospitals turned birth into a medical procedure — and what the evidence actually shows, an evidence-based exploration that chronicles his personal journey from former home birth skeptic to confident advocate, drawing on what he learned over the past two years while supporting his wife through transformative birth experiences.As @apogee.dad on Instagram, he shares authentic content centered around faith, fatherhood, and awakening perspectives on topics like birth and parenting.Professionally, Jacob is an active-duty Marine Corps Officer with a background in logistics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a Master’s of Science in Information Technology Management from the Naval Postgraduate School.Jacob is committed to sharing his story of transformation, bringing more fathers into the conversation around birth, and empowering families to question mainstream narratives on health and childbirth.Instagram: @apogee.dadWebsite: whyhomebirthbook.comReferences:Business of Being Born Documentary: https://www.thebusinessof.life/the-business-of-being-bornDiscussed in This EpisodeWhy most people believe hospital birth is safestMidwifery care vs obstetric care differencesThe true meaning of birth beyond medical outcomesThe role of fathers in birth and pregnancyMedicalization of birth in America explainedBirth trauma in hospital settingsACOG guidelines, evidence-based care, and biasWhy dads need to speak up about birth Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #457: Asymptomatic Bacturia & UTIs in Pregnancy. Balancing Antimicrobial Stewardship 18.03.2026 1h 32min

  Is every positive urine culture in pregnancy a problem that needs antibiotics? Dr. Stu and midwife Blyss explore ACOG’s UTI guidelines, the evidence behind screening, and the growing concern about microbiome disruption and antibiotic resistance.References:Motherhood Equipped Podcast: 62. Birth Freedom, Breech Truth, and Why Physiologic Birth Matters with Dr. Stuart FischbeinPatreon.com/BirthingInstinctsPodcast Support the Podcast Velvet and Bone Somatic & Trauma-Informed Doula Training (velvet-and-bone.com)ACOG Clinical: Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant IndividualsPubMed: Asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria during antenatal visitsBirthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over ScienceDiscussed in This EpisodeBladder Infections Kidney Infections The Various Screening Recommendations and TreatmentsWhat is Asymptomatic Bacturia Benefits of Asymptomatic BacturiaWhy Eradicate Asymptomatic Bacturia?Alternatives to AntibioticsWhen to Seek Medical AdviceRisks of Antibiotics in Pregnancy, Labor and to Newborn Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #456: Principalities & Powers & Protecting Traditional Midwifery with Abby Iovine 11.03.2026 1h 23min

  On this week’s episode Blyss and Stu introduce guest Abigail Iovine, a Pennsylvania traditional midwife, and her mission to create legislation to protect traditional midwifery through her organization The National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights. Iovine discusses how legislation and institutional credentialing can criminalize basic midwifery care and shrink options. This episode outlines harms from siloed maternity care and discusses NARM’s influence.About Abby Iovine:Abby is a traditional midwife, mother of ten, and a passionate advocate for medical freedom who was raised with a deep love for God and family. Yes, all ten are hers, and yes, she has given birth ten times, an experience that profoundly shaped the way she approaches birth and care.Her journey into midwifery began after the birth of her fourth child, and while pregnant with her fifth, she famously searched, “How to NOT have a baby in the hospital?” That question set her on a new path. After welcoming her first homebirth with her fifth baby, she began formally studying midwifery in 2010, later becoming a certified doula in 2013 and attending births soon after.Trained through a five-year traditional apprenticeship under local elder midwives, she built her foundation in hands-on, relationship-centered care. In 2018, she officially began serving families through Cardinal Birth Midwifery, a family-centered, autonomy-respecting ministry that places real life, children, and family needs at the heart of care.In 2025, she also founded the National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights, further expanding her advocacy for family-centered care and the preservation of traditional midwifery.Facebook: ProtectTraditionalMidwifery / YourBirthMattersWebsite: Natbr.orgReferences:Back to Basics Podcast 42: Dr. Stu Fischbein, MD - Childbirth 101: Home birth, breech, VBAC, and moreAttend a Reteach Breech Workshop: birthinginstincts.com/eventsACOG Releases Updated Guidance on Maternal ImmunizationsThe Highwire Episode 464: STEEP TERRAINNational Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights (NATBR) Federal Policy BriefALEC Birth Freedom ActNATBR Petition Demand federal safeguards for traditional midwives and family choiceDiscussed in This EpisodeEffects of Legislation on Midwifery InvestigationsBill SB507 in PennsylvaniaAMA Influence and Hospital ControlDefining Traditional MidwiferyNARM Critique and LicensingHow Standards of Care Can Be ImprovedEradication of Midwifery and its Impact on Maternal Mortality“Heritage Care” Brief to Protect Midwifery Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #455: An Amazing OB Who Listens & Supports Triplets Vaginally with Dr. Michael Hervey II 04.03.2026 1h 18min

  With Blyss away, Stu sits down with Phoenix OB-GYN Michael Hervey II to explore what true physician–midwife partnership looks like in real time. Together, an OB and midwife team delivered a remarkable set of hospital triplets born in rapid succession within minutes, totaling just over fifteen pounds. It’s a conversation about collaboration over hierarchy, shared skill, and how complex physiologic birth can unfold safely when trust and teamwork lead the way.About Dr. Michael Hervey:Dr. Michael J. Hervey II, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician–gynecologist with extensive experience spanning private practice, academic medicine, trauma care, and women’s health consulting. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he pursued his education at several of the nation’s most respected institutions, including Morehouse College, Harvard University, and the University of Virginia, among other prestigious universities. His training and career reflect a deep commitment to clinical excellence, intellectual rigor, and service.Dr. Hervey is widely recognized for his patient-centered, concierge-oriented approach to maternity and gynecologic care, with a particular focus on improving outcomes, restoring trust, and addressing the lasting impact of birth trauma. He combines hands-on clinical expertise with systems-level leadership, advocating for care models that integrate medical excellence, mental health support, and compassionate communication.Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Hervey is an author, educator, and entrepreneur who contributes to thought leadership in women’s health and maternal wellness through writing, speaking, and media initiatives. He is married to Ellie Tan, CNM, and together they share two children, Michael and Kieara. His work and life are grounded in a steadfast commitment to dignity, safety, and healing for women and families at every stage of care.Instagram: @premierobgyn_llcFacebook: Premier Ob/Gyn LLCWebsite: Teambabycatcher.com Books: Empowering Birth: The Role of Midwifery and Physician Collaboration in Modern Maternity Care. Her Body, Her Baby: Real Stories of Autonomy in Child-birthReferences:A maneuver for head entanglement in term breech/vertex twin labor, Dr. Stuart J. Fischbein#373 BI Podcast Special Edition: A 90's Triplet StoryDiscussed in This EpisodeListening to Patients Over ProtocolTriplet Delivery CriteriaCollaborative Care Model: Midwives and OBsHow the Midwifery Model of Care Compares to Medical ModelThe Importance of Supportive MFM collaborationImportance of Client Autonomy Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #454: Getting Your Hands Wet: Water & Wisdom From Barbara Harper 25.02.2026 1h 56min

  Blyss and Stu are joined by guest Barbara Harper, founder of Waterbirth International, an internationally recognized expert on water birth and gentle birth. Join us for a roller coaster of an episode where we dig into the history of water birth, tell stories about how society lost its way in the world of birth, and dive into the physiology of birthing in water. Truly an episode you won’t forget.About Barbara:Barbara Harper is an internationally recognized expert on waterbirth and gentle birth who has dedicated her life to revolutionizing the way we welcome babies into the world.She founded Waterbirth International in 1988 with one goal in mind—to ensure that water birth is an “available option” for all women. During the past five decades, Barbara has worked as an obstetric and pediatric nurse, midwife, midwifery instructor, childbirth educator, hypnosis and doula trainer. Her unique seminars, and Waterbirth Certification Courses have been conducted within hospitals, nursing schools, midwifery and medical schools, and community groups worldwide. Barbara has taught over 30,000 doctors and midwives in 81 countries to date.She has been interviewed by hundreds of TV and radio shows, newspapers, and podcasts. Her bestselling 2005 book and DVD, ‘Gentle Birth Choices,’ has been translated into 9 languages, including a 2016 Mandarin Chinese edition. She is working on a new book due out in early 2026, The Comprehensive Guide to Waterbirth.”She is the mother of three adult children, two of whom were born at home in water. She lives in Boca Raton, Florida.Instagram: @waterbirthint @thebarbaraharperWebsite: waterbirth.org and barbaraharper.orgBook: Gentle Birth ChoicesReferences:Healthy as a Mother Podcast: How Breech Birth Exposes Hospital Dysfunction Deconstructing Conventional Podcast: Hospital vs Home Birth Truth with Dr. Fischbein & Blyss YoungBorn Free Twins-Breech Gathering Seven Secrets of Successful Waterbirth - MIDIRSMaternal and neonatal outcomes among spontaneous vaginal births occurring in or out of water following intrapartum water immersion: The POOL cohort studyWater birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomesAJOG Journal Pre-proof: Hospital Waterbirth for Low-Risk Birthing People: Findings of a Randomized Controlled TrialDiscussed in This EpisodeWater Birth Through History: Indigenous Traditions, Early Textbooks & Medical TakeoverModern Controversies: Why Water Birth Fell Out of Trust + Debunking Common ClaimsHow Babies Breathe in WaterUnderwater Birth: Why “Dive Reflex” Isn’t the ExplanationThe 3 Protective Mechanisms That Prevent a First Breath in WaterWhat Actually Initiates BreathingBreech & Water Birth Transitions + The “Aquatic APGAR” AssessmentLower APGARS in Water Birth Explained Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #453: Energetic Imprinting & Integration with Pre & Perinatal psychology practitioner, Mary Jackson 18.02.2026 1h 39min

  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.comReferences:WSJ Article: ‘My Family Thought I Was Crazy’: More Women Are Choosing to Give Birth at HomeSubstack: There’s Now a Medical Code for Vaccine Counseling Without Giving a VaccineDr. Joe Tate, Peachtree Corners, GATheHighwire.comThe Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & HealthDiscussed in This EpisodePre and Perinatal Psychologist, Mary JacksonRecognizing Birth Interventions in Adult LifeUnderstanding Birth Sequences and Their ImpactThe Phases of Labor and BirthEffects of Interventions During Labor on Baby and MotherThe Baby's Experience and Long-Term EffectsRepairing Birth Imprints in Children and AdultsSupporting Babies and Parents Post-BirthThe Importance of Birth Stories Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #452: The Importance of Gathering - We Are The Microbiome 11.02.2026 1h 24min

  In this episode, Blyss and Stu are joined by Nathan Riley and Carol Gautschi to discuss the profound importance of in-person gatherings within the birth work community. The conversation covers the unique value of face-to-face interactions, the differences between organic and inorganic communication, and the challenges and rewards of organizing birth-related events. They reflect on the impact of being physically present with others, the human connection in birth work, and ways to support and sustain these vital gatherings for a more connected and informed community.About Carol:Carol Gautschi CPM LM has actively attended homebirths since 1978 and has worked as a Classical Holistic Midwife on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula since 1979. She has been married since 1974 to Paul (backtoedenfilm.com), and has 7 children and eight grandchildren.For her first 25 years Carol served as an unlicensed midwife. This opportunity gave her lots of observational skills, creative ingenuity and a immense responsible trust in the power of physiological birth. Her teaching style is unique because, in addition to teaching the clinical nuts and bolts of her subjects, she emphasizes the unseen (or intuitive) realm of birth. She fosters the importance of the midwife relationship not just with the mama but the baby. Carol has been teaching the art of Classical Midwifery since the early 1990s, both in the US and across many countries. In September, she hosted her first international Classical Midwifery conference on the island of Crete in Greece. Many describe her passion as inspiring, rooted in her belief that when women are responsibly awakened to their creative selves, birth unfolds with the grace and power it was designed to carry, laying a miraculous foundation within her and the family. Witnessing this beauty over the years has become a passion. Carol believes that God is the primordial Midwife and she serves under that mantle with honor and humility.Instagram: @_midwyf_Website: classicalmidwifery.com & gentlebirths.netAbout Nathan:Dr. Nathan Riley is a board-certified OB/GYN and hospice & palliative care physician, and the co-creator of the Born Free Method. Through his private practice, Beloved Holistics, he supports midwives in 23 states, offering truly collaborative, physiologic, and relationship-centered care.Nathan is a trusted voice in the birth world, frequently invited onto leading podcasts and to speak at conferences about autonomy in maternity care, the art of true informed consent, and the importance of honoring the physiology of birth. Nathan is the vision behind the Born Free Twins–Breech gatherings, which have expanded into a midwife-led team directed by Sara Rosser. What began as a training for birthworkers on the nuances of physiologic vaginal breech and twin births has grown into something much more.....a place for ceremony, community, healing, and collective strength.Beyond his clinical work, Nathan is a devoted stay-at-home father of two and proudly married to his high-school sweetheart, Stephanie. His personal and professional lives are woven together by a commitment to presence, compassion, and helping families and providers return to a more intuitive, holistic model of care.Instagram: @NathanrileyobgynWebsite: Bornfreemethod.comReferences:Born Free Twins-Breech Gathering bornfreemethod.com/conferencebirthinginstincts.com/workwithstupatreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastbridgemidwives.com/communitycirclesDiscussed in This EpisodeThe Value of In-Person ConnectionsThe Power of Human Connection in Professional SettingsThe Impact of Social Media on Personal InteractionsBalancing Traditional Wisdom with Modern TechnologyChallenges and Rewards of Organizing EventsCreating Inclusive and Economical ConferencesThe Sacredness of Birth and Professional PassionSupporting Each Other in the Birth Community Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #451: We are not packaging sausages - Why Doulas should remain independent with Shellie Poulter & Ivy Joeva 04.02.2026 1h 43min

  This week on the podcast, Blyss and Stu take a hard look at what’s happening to the world of doula support as insurance and institutions move in. They’re joined by two seasoned doulas, Ivy Joeva and Shellie Poulter, who bring decades of experience advocating for women in birth. Together, they unpack how policy, regulation, and insurance reimbursement can quietly shift doula care away from individualized, relationship-based support and toward institutional control. They talk honestly about what’s gained, what’s lost, and why protecting the integrity of doula work matters if we truly want better birth outcomes.About Ivy:Ivy Joeva is a doula, coach, and educator serving women and couples seeking a conscious path to parenthood. She provides support throughout the childbearing year, including fertility coaching, holistic preparation for birth, postpartum recovery care, and counseling for all forms of pregnancy loss. Rooted in a trauma-informed, mind-body approach, Ivy sees these transitions as opportunities for transformation and healing. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Ivy became a doula in 2009 and serves clients across the United States and abroad.Instagram: @IvyJoevaWebsite: ivyjoeva.comAbout Shellie:Shellie trained in Osteopathic and Naturopathic medicine in 2005 and has been working as a doula/birth keeper and cranio-sacral therapist, mentor and lecturer for over 20 years. She teaches birthing biomechanics and trauma and birth rights informed, non-violent communication courses as well as co-hosting The Birth Untethered Podcast with former midwife and Birthkeeper Kemi Johnson. Shellie lives on a narrowboat with her family, exploring the English countryside whilst campaigning for human rights in birth.Instagram: @theserenitydoulaWebsite: theserenitydoula.co.ukReferences:Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: The Phenomenon Of Parents Opting Out Of Birth Certificates For Their Kids | Midwife Lindsey MeehleisDr. Pompa Podcast: What You're Not Told About Birth in the Hospital System with Dr. Stuart FischbeinThe Way Forward with Alec Zeck: Ep 213: The Corrupted World of Medicalized Birth with Dr. Stu FischbeinThe Way Forward with Alec Zeck: Ep 214: Exposing the Most Dangerous Childbirth Myths & Procedures with Dr. Nathan RileyDiscussed in This EpisodeRole of Doulas in Individualized CareChallenges Faced by DoulasInsurance and Doula ServicesImpact of Doula Support on Maternal OutcomesRegulations and Restrictions on Midwives and DoulasNavigating Hospital Policies as a DoulaFinancial and Operational Challenges for DoulasAdvocacy and Support Strategies for Doulas Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #450: What’s To Do About Fluoride? 28.01.2026 1h

  In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu explore the history, benefits, and controversies surrounding fluoride in drinking water, highlighting different perspectives and potential health implications. References:The Way Forward Podcast: Ep 213: The Corrupted World of Medicalized Birth with Dr. Stu FischbeinThe Highwire: EPA LOSES HISTORIC FLUORIDE CASEThe Tennessean: Fluoride has been a public health game changer. Florida is set to ban it anywayDr. Stu Blog: Gotta love Dr. FogelsonJama Network: Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 MonthsBook: The Fluoride DeceptionDiscussed in This EpisodeFluoride: History and ControversiesSkepticism Around Fluoride Public Sentiment and Legislative Views on FluorideHealth Risks and Benefits of FluorideConcerns About Fluoride in Vulnerable PopulationsFiltering Fluoride and Its Impact on Brain Health Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• #449: A Free OB: A Conversation with Dr. Poppy Daniels on The Dangers of DepoProvera 21.01.2026 1h 16min

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