Birthing Instincts

Episod

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  #475: Birth Story & Body Health with Holistic Aesthetician, Michelle Vaughan 22.07.2026 1j 34min

  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 MichelleMichelle 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 / @almaaestheticsClean Product Recommendations:Primally PureEarth Mama OrganicsUnder LunaLiving LibationsBranch BasicsWholesome organics Code Instincts for 20% offReferences: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-narmDiscussed in This EpisodeWhat MEAC's withdrawal from Department of Education recognition could mean for midwifery educationHospital birth versus home birth: one family's dramatically different experiencesTrauma, healing, and trusting the physiologic birth processThe connection between skincare, nutrition, inflammation, and overall wellnessSunscreen, deodorant, fragrances, household products, and reducing toxic exposureSimple swaps families can make without feeling overwhelmedPodcast 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% 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
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  #474: The Mystery Of Postpartum Preeclampsia 15.07.2026 1j 39min

  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 & advocacyPostpartum preeclampsia or eclampsia: defining its place and management among the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: https://www.ajog.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-9378%2820%2931201-1Discussed in This EpisodeResearching 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 dischargePodcast 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% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com•••#birthinginstinctspodcast #homebirth #midwife #BirthWithoutFear #PhysiologicBirth Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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  #473: Pursuing Peace With Courage & Confidence 08.07.2026 1j 16min

  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.comWhat 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 practitionerDiscussed in This EpisodeThe 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 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% 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
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  #472: Lupus in Pregnancy: Understanding the Risks Without the Fear 01.07.2026 1j 14min

  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_NagleReclaiming Birth Gathering: reclaimingbirthconference.comMade 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 recommendationsPodcast 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% 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
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  #471: How Birth Shapes Mothers, Babies, and The Future, with Suzanne Arms 24.06.2026 1j 26min

  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 shapes not only individual lives, but the future of our communities and culture. Suzanne's work has inspired countless midwives, doulas, physicians, educators, and families around the world.Book: Immaculate deception: A new look at women and childbirth in AmericaWebsite: birthingthefuture.orgReferences:Jennifer Margulis, Substack - The Valorous Vagina: Babies benefit from being born vaginally (moms do too)The Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health (APPPAH) https://birthpsychology.com/Pathways to Health pathwaystofamilywellness.orgACOG Instagram: @acog_orgDiscussed in This EpisodeThe origins of Suzanne Arms' groundbreaking book “Immaculate Deception”The decline of midwifery and what was lost along the wayHow birth practices influence bonding, breastfeeding, and early developmentThe role of fathers and partners in birth, then and nowWhy home birth rates have declined despite growing awarenessThe importance of understanding your own birth storyHow fear shapes maternity care decisionsThe connection between early life experiences, attachment, and cultureWhat Suzanne believes every pregnant woman should know todayThe continuing fight to preserve physiological birthPodcast 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% 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
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  470: "Allowed" To Birth with Documentary Filmmaker, Jacinta Lagos 17.06.2026 1j 11min

  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 finds birth work to be her true calling in this life.In 2024 started working on her first documentary feature film ""Allowed to birth: the journey of a global midwife"", which will come out at the end of the summer.Website: allowedtobirth.com / jacintalagos.comInstagram: @allowedtobirth / @jacintalagosbirthservicesDiscussed in This EpisodeArgentina's Cesarean CultureThe surprising origin story behind the documentary Allowed to BirthThe significance of the word "allowed" in maternity careBirth Around the World: Perspectives beyond American maternity care.The difference between hospital policy and patient rightsKristine Lauria's impact as a teacher and global midwifeAn award-winning documentary with one camera and determinationThe Hidden Message About Female ObstetriciansWhy documenting birth can become a powerful form of advocacyPodcast 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
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  #469: Should 38-Week Induction For Big Babies Become A Thing? 10.06.2026 1j 33min

  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 trialshttps://www.ajogmfm.org/article/S2589-9333(26)00008-X/fulltextThe Lancet Article: Induction of labour versus standard care to prevent shoulderdystocia in fetuses suspected to be large for gestational age in the UK (the Big Baby trial): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trialhttps://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2825%2900162-XBirthing Instincts Podcast #431: "Hold Your Beer" It's Fetal Macrosomia Guidelineshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1MJg92Du4WLUn7P8ypPBVc?si=SJ6YtH6CRMKClgCDGdXXqwDiscussed in This EpisodeAnalysis of the BIG BABY TrialWhy statistical significance does not always equal clinical significanceWhat shoulder dystocia rates actually meanLarge-for-gestational-age (LGA) v true macrosomiaAccuracy limitations of estimated fetal weightHow labels like "big baby" often trigger cascades of interventionDifferences between physiologic birth and hospital managementWhat informed consent should actually look like when discussing risksThe often-overlooked downstream consequences of routine inductionPodcast 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
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  #468: Everybody's Doing It", Not A Legal Standard Of Care With Hermine Hayes-Klein, ESQ. 03.06.2026 1j 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
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  #467: Magic Wand, The Benefits of Red Light Therapy With Liz Frey.... 27.05.2026 1j 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
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  #466: Update On The Use Of TXA (Tranexamic Acid) 20.05.2026 1j 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
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  #465: For All The Midwives In Texas: Fighting Injustice with Salli Gonzalez & Octavia Martinez, Esq 13.05.2026 1j 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
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  #464: A Confused Mixture Of Topics: Clearing The Desk 06.05.2026 1j 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
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  #463: The 20 Week Ultrasound: Dissecting the Anatomy Scan 29.04.2026 1j 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
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  #462: When Surrounded, Take The First Opportunity To Fight Like Hell With Del Bigtree 22.04.2026 1j 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
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  #461: Fertility Back In Balance With Acupuncturist Emily Marson 15.04.2026 1j 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
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  #460: The Process Is The Punishment....And The Reward with Angee Hock 08.04.2026 1j 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
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  #459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits. 01.04.2026 1j 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
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  #458: Why Home Birth? A New Book For Fathers To Be With Jacob Dubois 25.03.2026 1j 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
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  #457: Asymptomatic Bacturia & UTIs in Pregnancy. Balancing Antimicrobial Stewardship 18.03.2026 1j 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
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  #456: Principalities & Powers & Protecting Traditional Midwifery with Abby Iovine 11.03.2026 1j 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