Birthing Instincts

Епизоде

• 
  #483: Safer Birthing with Childbirth Attorney, Gina Mundy 16.09.2026 1ч 30мин

  What can nearly 24 years of birth injury litigation teach us about preventing birth injuries before they happen?This week, Blyss and Stu are joined by nationally recognized trial attorney, bestselling author, and host of The Childbirth Attorney Podcast, Gina Mundy. After spending her career reviewing the births that went wrong—studying medical records, questioning doctors and nurses, and identifying the decisions that changed families’ lives forever, Gina decided those lessons belonged in the hands of parents before they ever entered the delivery room.Take a look behind the curtain of both the hospital and legal systems. Gina shares why Pitocin inductions appear so frequently in the birth injury cases she sees, what she learned while attending her own daughter’s induction, why she believes doulas can play such an important role in hospital birth, and the questions families should consider before consenting to interventions.They also dig into the uncomfortable realities of “standard of care,” defensive medicine, emergency C-sections, expert witnesses, medical records, hospital accountability, and what happens when the accepted standard may not necessarily represent the best care.We can’t predict every possible outcome, but we can do our best to understand the system we’re walking into, asking better questions, and making informed decisions before you’re in the intensity of labor.About Gina Mundy:Gina Mundy is a nationally recognized trial attorney, internationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Childbirth Attorney Podcast. For more than two decades, her work has focused on one of the most consequential moments in a family’s life: childbirth.Gina has spent her career studying birth injury cases in hindsight. She analyzes what happened, why it happened, which warning signs were missed, and what could have changed the outcome. That perspective became the foundation for her internationally bestselling book, A Parent’s Guide to a Safer Childbirth.Gina believes the greatest lessons for helping babies enter the world safely should be learned before labor begins, not after something has gone wrong.Through her book, The Childbirth Attorney Podcast, speaking engagements, media appearances, and international platforms, Gina brings those lessons to parents, doulas, birth professionals, and families around the world. Her work has reached audiences throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and beyond.Instagram: @ginamundy Website: ginamundy.com / fiegerlaw.comBook: A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth https://a.co/d/03AlkDiLReferences:Allowed to Birth Ashland Screeningbirthinginstincts.com/events/allowed-to-birthClassical Midwifery Conference - Tbilisi Georgia, 2027gentlebirths.net/classicalmidwiferyconferenceGreat Birth Rebellion Podcast Episode 218 - The Cascade of Interventionhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3YikOJ1ADT9oC5NTL7JNH5?si=36a5db05f3dd4448Discussed in This EpisodeThe one intervention that shows up again and again in birth injury casesWhy “slow and steady” can make a huge difference when using PitocinThe question every parent should consider asking before allowing someone to break their waterAre some interventions really about safety, or getting the baby delivered on someone else’s timeline?The surprising way fear of being sued may actually lead to MORE interventions and C-sectionsWhat happens when the accepted “standard of care” may not actually be good careHow two highly qualified medical experts can look at the exact same birth and tell a jury two completely different storiesWhy doulas are rarely involved in the birth injury casesShould you record conversations during labor or after an unexpected outcome? The hospital details to look for when preparing to give 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comSubscribe to podcast newsletter: birthinginstinctsp.wixforms.com/f/7498520437421245447Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #482: Tossing Seeds with Dr. Sherri Tenpenny 09.09.2026 1ч 40мин

  Dr. Sherri Tenpenny joins Blyss and Dr. Stu for a wide-ranging conversation about vaccines, pregnancy, medical freedom, informed consent, institutional trust, and what it means to question the systems we’ve been taught to rely on.Blyss asks an important question for parents and birth workers: when major medical organizations say there are enormous amounts of data supporting recommendations during pregnancy, how is the average person supposed to evaluate those claims? Stu and Sherri also challenge the influence professional medical organizations have on hospital policy and discuss what happens when recommendations become protocols, sometimes without the kind of long-term or downstream outcomes they believe should be considered.But underneath all of these topics is a bigger conversation: How do we think for ourselves without simply replacing one authority with another?And that brings Blyss and Stu back to something they talk about often: we need each other, our community. Whether you agree with every perspective in this episode or find yourself questioning some of it, the invitation is the same, stay curious, look deeper, ask for the evidence, and make informed decisions for yourself and your family.About Dr. Sherri Tenpenny:Dr. Sherri Tenpenny is a globally recognized leader in exposing vaccine dangers and medical corruption. With over 50,000 hours of research spanning more than 25 years, she was one of the first medical professionals to sound the alarm on vaccine risks, paving the way for many of today’s voices in the medical freedom movement. Her relentless dedication to uncovering the truth behind public health policies, pharmaceutical influence, and vaccine-related injuries has made her one of the most sought-after educators and speakers in the field.Dr. Tenpenny began her career as an emergency room physician and served as Director of a Level II Trauma Center for 12 years, where she gained firsthand experience in critical care and the failures of conventional medicine. Realizing the limitations of the mainstream medical system, she founded Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center near Cleveland, Ohio, where she helped thousands of patients from all 50 states and more than 20 countries achieve true wellness through natural, holistic approaches.She was also one of the first doctors in the world to warn about the dangers of the COVID-19 shots. In April 2021, she released the groundbreaking ebook and webinar, “The 20 Mechanisms of Injury,” detailing how the shots could cause widespread harm. By July 2021, she expanded her research with “20 MORE Mechanisms of Injury,” further exposing the devastating effects of these experimental injections. Her work provided early, critical insights into the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 jab, helping countless people make informed choices—insights that other media sources slowly began to acknowledge long after her early dire warnings.A dynamic speaker, prolific writer, and fearless advocate, Dr. Tenpenny has appeared on countless media platforms, challenging the medical establishment and exposing the systemic deceptions behind vaccines, public health mandates, and Big Pharma’s unchecked power. She continues to educate, empower, and fight for medical freedom, making her one of the most influential and unwavering voices in the movement today."Instagram: @realdrsherritenpenny and @busydrtWebsite: DrTenpenny.com, Shoptenpenny.net, Vcourses.drtenpenny.com, primemembership.drtenpenny.comSubstack: drtenpenny.substack.com, Podcast: The Tenpenny Files PodcastsPublished Books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sherri%2Btenpenny&crid=1QNWOKPFHKB8X&sprefix=sherri%2Btenpenn%2Caps%2C241&ref=nb_sb_noss_2Vax App: drtenpenny.com/vaxapp/References:Allowed to Birth Ashland Screeningbirthinginstincts.com/events/allowed-to-birthIntentional Birth Pro Advocacy Traininghttps://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2147925238/HUkqrEuoNAET Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Techniquesnaet.comThyroid Function Throughout Pregnancy in Women With Subclinical Hypothyroidism or Hypothyroxinemiaovid.com/10.1097/AOG.0000000000006373A Quality-Improvement Study Evaluating Three Postpartum Prophylactic Oxytocin Rates and Blood Loss After Vaginal Birthovid.com/10.1097/AOG.0000000000006355High-Dose Oxytocin Protocol Implementation and Postpartum Hemorrhageovid.com/10.1097/AOG.0000000000006351Vaccines and the Diseases They Target: An Analysis of Vaccine Safety and Epidemiology (The Silver Booklet)physiciansforinformedconsent.org/silver-booklet/Book: Tylenol and Autism: Evidence, Scientific Blunders, and Medicine Gone WrongBook: Lab 257: The Disturbing Story of the Government's Secret Germ LaboratoryDiscussed in This EpisodePregnancy and vaccine recommendationsWhat “safe and effective” actually means, and what evidence should support those wordsPreparing for newborn medical decisions before laborGrandparents, Pertussis & the Newborn BubbleCombination vaccines and the questions parents should be askingWhy asking questions may be more effective than arguing factsThe importance of community when your choices fall outside the mainstreamLyme disease and alpha-gal syndromeBreast implant illness“Turbo Cancer” & COVID ClaimsHow professional medical organizations influence hospital policyScientific research, peer review, and fabricated AI citationsWhy Sherri believes being a “seed sower” mattersPodcast 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comSubscribe to podcast newsletter: birthinginstinctsp.wixforms.com/f/7498520437421245447Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #481: Microbirth, A Film Explains How We Birth Matters 02.09.2026 1ч 18мин

  What if the way we enter the world has consequences that reach far beyond the day we're born?This week, Blyss and Stu dive into “Microbirth”, the 2014 documentary exploring the human microbiome and what happens during the extraordinary biological transition of birth. From exposure to maternal bacteria during vaginal birth to skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, antibiotics, cesarean delivery, and the hormonal physiology of labor.At the heart of the conversation is a much bigger question: When we intervene in birth, are we considering only the immediate outcome, or the ripple effects that may follow a baby for years, and perhaps even generations?Because birth isn't simply the moment a baby arrives. It may be one of the most important biological programming events of our lives.Listen now and join us as we ask: How much does the way we birth really matter?References:Microbirth Filmhttps://play.xumo.com/free-movies/microbirth/XM0KT28KHM1VCADo Antibiotics Given to Pregnant Women Harm the Baby's Brain? By Jennifer Margulishttps://jennifermargulis.substack.com/api/v1/post/pdf?postId=192562195Impact of maternal intrapartum antibiotics, method of birth and breastfeeding on gut microbiota during the first year of life: a prospective cohort studyhttps://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.13601Allowed to Birth Ashland Screeningbirthinginstincts.com/events/allowed-to-birthIntentional Birth Pro Advocacy Traininghttps://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2147925238/HUkqrEuoDiscussed in This EpisodeMicrobirth documentaryHumans as Living EcosystemsWhat Happens to the Microbiome During Birth?Ripple Effects of AntibioticsThe Incredible Biology of Breast MilkThe Gut-Brain AxisWhat Is Vaginal Seeding?Does Too Much Protection Hurt the Microbiome?Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comSubscribe to podcast newsletter: birthinginstinctsp.wixforms.com/f/7498520437421245447Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #480: From Hashimoto’s to Breech: The Surprising Role of Thyroid in Pregnancy 26.08.2026 1ч 33мин

  Thyroid health may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about pregnancy, but thyroid hormones play an important role in both maternal health and fetal development, especially during those early weeks when baby is relying on mom's thyroid hormones.This week, Blyss and Stu take a deep dive into thyroid disease in pregnancy. Stu breaks down the basics of how the thyroid works, the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's versus Graves' disease, and what TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies can actually tell us. They look at the potential pregnancy risks associated with overt thyroid disease, why subclinical disease is a very different conversation, and why pregnancy itself can change thyroid lab values.Together they answer the question, should every pregnant woman have her thyroid screened? And discuss how testing itself can sometimes set off an unnecessary cascade of referrals, surveillance, and intervention.This one gets into the weeds, but it's an episode worth saving as a resource for pregnant families, birth workers, and anyone navigating thyroid disease during the childbearing years.References:Reclaiming Birth Gatheringreclaimingbirthconference.com/ Birth and Birth Psychology Congress in Istanbul, TurkeyInstagram: @birthandbirthpsychologyWebsite: dogumicinelele.org/Birthing Instincts Podcast PatreonPatreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastOpen Evidence Linkshttps://www.openevidence.com/ask/04b52887-1c7f-423d-aeb4-7d28376e225aThyroid Disease in Pregnancywww.ovid.com/10.1097/AOG.0000000000003893Maternal thyroid function during gestation is related to breech presentation at termhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19832853/Allowed to Birth Ashland Screeningbirthinginstincts.com/events/allowed-to-birthDiscussed in This EpisodeThyroid 101: TSH, T3, T4 & How It All WorksHashimoto's vs. Graves' DiseaseWhy Thyroid Hormones Matter for Fetal DevelopmentThyroid Disease & Pregnancy Risks: What Do the Numbers Actually Mean?Should Everyone Be Screened During Pregnancy?How Pregnancy Changes Thyroid LabsHypothyroidism: When Pregnancy Symptoms Look Like Thyroid SymptomsSubclinical Hypothyroidism: Does It Need Treatment?What Thyroid Labs Should Actually Be Ordered?Treating Overt Hypothyroidism During PregnancyHyperemesis and Thyroid ChangesPodcast 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #479: An Emotional Week & Some Data On Uterine Rupture 19.08.2026 1ч 15мин

  This week, Blyss and Stu run the gamut, from joy and grief to frustration, research, and a whole lot of questions about who really gets to decide what “safe” birth looks like.After sharing personal updates and a moving remembrance of Dr. Rob Biter, Blyss and Stu turn their attention to autonomy in birth. They discuss a mother struggling to find a midwife willing to truly meet her where she is, the ongoing fight over traditional midwifery in Pennsylvania, and what happens when regulation and institutional standards begin limiting the choices available to birthing families.Then, Dr. Stu dives into new research examining oxytocin (Pitocin), TOLAC, and uterine rupture. What does the research actually tell us about uterine rupture when Pitocin is used during a VBAC? How much does the risk change compared with spontaneous labor? Does a higher dose matter? And perhaps most importantly, are we paying enough attention when a laboring body, or the woman herself, is telling us something isn't right?Blyss brings the midwifery perspective to the data, questioning directed pushing, prolonged augmentation, hospital timelines, and what can happen when physiology is pushed rather than supported. Together, she and Stu unpack the difference between relative risk and absolute risk, how the same research can be used to either support or discourage VBAC, and why informed decision-making requires more than simply being told what the “standard of care” recommends.References:Reclaiming Birth Gatheringreclaimingbirthconference.com/Allowed to Birth Ashland Screeningbirthinginstincts.com/events/allowed-to-birthInquirer Article: Why Pennsylvania quietly repealed its 1929 midwifery law — and is now getting sued for ithttps://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/midwives-pennsylvania-budget-law-20260804.htmlPubMed study: Maximum Oxytocin Dose and Uterine Rupture During Trial of Labor After Cesareanhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41325062/Discussed in This EpisodeRemembering Dr. Rob Biter and his contributions to physiologic birthWhat’s happening with traditional midwifery in PennsylvaniaHow regulation can indirectly restrict access to home birthNewest Research on Pitocin use during TOLACUterine rupture rates with spontaneous labor vs. oxytocin exposureRelative risk vs. absolute risk when counseling familiesWhy increased Pitocin doses may be telling us something about the labor itselfDirected pushing, augmentation, and listening to the bodyHow confirmation bias influences the way research gets interpretedPodcast 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #478: Deception In Documentation Is Pervasive & Pernicious 12.08.2026 1ч 21мин

  What happens when the medical record doesn't match the birth experience?This week, Blyss and Stu dive into one of the most uncomfortable, but critically important topics in maternity care: documentation, informed consent, and the ways language can shape a family's entire birth experience.Using real-world examples, published legal cases, hospital consent forms, and an anonymous patient story, they examine how documentation can influence clinical decisions, legal outcomes, and patient autonomy. They discuss the difference between genuine informed consent and liability-driven documentation, why wording matters, and how routine practices can become normalized before parents even realize they have options.Whether you plan to birth at home, in a birth center, or in the hospital, understanding how consent, documentation, and communication intersect can help you become a more informed participant in your own care.References:Girls Who Know: girlswhoknow.com (code instincts for 15% off)Case Law Update: Gawthrop v Bendigo Health [2026] VSC 157https://bravelegal.com.au/gawthrop-v-bendigo-health-vaginal-examination/Melissa Philippe Facebook PostThe Doula Group on FacebookJohns Hopkins: Delivering Your Babyhttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/deliveryDiscussed in This EpisodeWhat true informed consent should look likeHow documentation can influence legal and medical narrativesThe difference between physiologic birth and procedure-based birth educationWhy coercive language mattersA court ruling that recognized non-consensual vaginal exams as assault.How fear-based counseling can affect birth decisionsWhy birth education before labor is more important than 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% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #477: False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR): Our Chat with Doula Dude, Travis Stroud 05.08.2026 1ч 35мин

  This week, Blyss and Stu welcome Doula Dude, Travis Stroud, whose perspective has captivated millions of viewers in just a few short months. Travis never imagined he'd become one of the loudest voices encouraging fathers to educate themselves about pregnancy and birth. But after preparing for nearly two years, he and his wife chose a wild pregnancy and freebirth at home that forever changed the course of his life.Together they discuss why men have become disconnected from birth, what fathers lose when they're pushed to the sidelines, and why Travis believes childbirth is the "biggest rabbit hole" because it touches every aspect of health, family, and society.Whether you agree with every perspective or not, this conversation challenges listeners to ask questions, become informed, and reconsider the role fathers can play in protecting and supporting mothers during birth.About Travis Stroud:Travis is a 31-year-old husband and father in the small town of Brunswick, Maryland. On Valentine's Day in 2024, he and his wife welcomed their daughter through a planned free birth at home Travis was the sole birth attendant, and together they managed every aspect of the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey, with the exception of some postpartum support from his mother-in-law.The couple spent nearly two years preparing, beginning their research and planning back in 2022, before they had even conceived. Their birth experience profoundly changed Travis's perspective on pregnancy, birth, and fatherhood in ways he never expected.Today, he is passionate about sharing their story and the lessons they learned, inspiring conversations about birth trust, and the incredible role fathers can play in the journey.Instagram: @Doula.dudeEyla Cuenca's Uncover Birth Doula Training (Use code STU for 10% off)Dr. Bradley's Husband-Coached Childbirth book References:Earthbound Parenting Podcast: Mentorship & the Things That Weave Us with Blyss Younghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentorship-the-things-that-weave-us-with-blyss-young/id1612737552?i=1000776872540Breech Birth Podcast: S5 Ep6 Dr Stuart Fischbein: Twins, VBAC, disempowered doctors & hospital systemshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1kef3azO2lkResOw4LMCmj?si=2vODGoHQS9Wr_9ikDMkMrg&nd=1&dlsi=f2411fe90011441dGermany drops routine COVID vaccination advice for healthy people under 75https://goodoil.news/germany-drops-routine-covid-vaccination-advice-for-healthy-people-under-75/#google_vignetteDiscussed in This EpisodePreparing for Birth Before PregnancyTravis’ Wild Pregnancy & Freebirth StoryWhy Birth Became His MissionWho Controls Birth?Why Fathers MatterHow Families Evaluate RiskThe Importance of Informed Decision-MakingWhy Every Parent Deserves to Understand All of their OptionsPodcast 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #476: Questioning the 2 cm Placenta Rule & A Remarkable Breech Twin Birth with Fadwah Halaby 29.07.2026 1ч 27мин

  This week, Dr. Stu welcomes Florida midwife Fadwah Halaby for an inspiring conversation about evidence, autonomy, and trusting physiological birth. Before diving into an unforgettable breech twin home birth, Stu takes a deep dive into another one of obstetrics' commonly accepted practices, the "2-centimeter rule" for low-lying placenta, and uncovers the surprisingly weak evidence behind it. Together, Stu and Fadwah explore how outdated conventions become hospital policy, why individualized care matters, and what happens when skilled providers support families instead of protocols. From twin growth charts to cord prolapse, patient autonomy, and the realities of home birth, this episode challenges assumptions while celebrating the art and science of physiological birth.About FadwahFadwah has worked as a nurse since 1992 (34 years) in various areas such as home health, ER, and L&D. For the past 20 years she has worked as a Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife - 8 years in a busy OB practice facilitating hospital birth and office gynecology, and 12 years in her independent home birth practice. She has assisted over 2000 babies to be born with about 700 of those in the community birth setting. She has been offering breech and twin birth in her practice for several years, more often in the past few years since completing formal training through Spinning Babies and Breech Without Borders. The first birth she ever witnessed live (other than her own) was a breech birth, in 1986.She is a divorced mother of 6 grown children with 5 granddaughters. Currently living in Palm Beach County, south Florida where she has her office and home birth practice, Midwife360. She is currently back to working in a solo practice with back up from various other home birth midwives in the area. She is limiting her practice to 4 births per month and willing to take on breech births from the community whenever she is able as there are no options for breech for most women. She is a licensed autonomous APRN in Florida.In 2023, she decided to exit the insurance game completely, after offering in-network provision of care through most insurance companies, both private and public. The reasons for this are numerous, but mainly financial and emotional. To help offset the difficulty some families have in affording home birth midwifery (a concierge service to be sure) she started a non profit - Birth Equity Resource. A 501(c)3 designed to attract donors wanting to help those more financially challenged to be able to choose home birth midwifery.Website: midwife360.com Non-Profit: birthequityresource.orgInstagram: @midwife360References:Placental edge to internal os distance in the late third trimester and mode of delivery in placenta praeviahttps://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2003.02491.xVaginal delivery in women with a low-lying placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysishttps://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.15622Fetal Imaging: Executive Summary of a Joint Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Radiology, Society for Pediatric Radiology, and Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Fetal Imaging WorkshopPlacenta previa: distance to internal os and mode of deliveryhttps://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378%2809%2900629-2/fulltextBirthing Instincts Podcast 378: The Cost of Homebirth, Navigating Insurance in Midwifery, with Fadwah HalabyA maneuver for head entanglement in term breech/vertex twin labor, by Dr. Stu Fischbeinhttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/52ca1028e4b05c5f2d7b157d/t/62e02090874eae67b683bc67/1658855570428/A+Maneuver+for+Head+Entanglement+Published.pdfDiscussed in This EpisodeWhere the 2-centimeter low-lying placenta guideline actually came fromCounseling families about twin pregnancy beyond fear-based statisticsFadwah's pathway from hospital midwifery to independent home birth practicePreparing for a planned breech twin home birthManaging cord prolapse in a breech presentationHome birth emergency preparedness and neonatal resuscitationThe importance of individualized risk assessment over blanket policiesPodcast 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #475: Birth Story & Body Health with Holistic Aesthetician, Michelle Vaughan 22.07.2026 1ч 34мин

  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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #474: The Mystery Of Postpartum Preeclampsia 15.07.2026 1ч 39мин

  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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com•••#birthinginstinctspodcast #homebirth #midwife #BirthWithoutFear #PhysiologicBirth Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #473: Pursuing Peace With Courage & Confidence 08.07.2026 1ч 16мин

  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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #472: Lupus in Pregnancy: Understanding the Risks Without the Fear 01.07.2026 1ч 14мин

  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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #471: How Birth Shapes Mothers, Babies, and The Future, with Suzanne Arms 24.06.2026 1ч 26мин

  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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  470: "Allowed" To Birth with Documentary Filmmaker, Jacinta Lagos 17.06.2026 1ч 11мин

  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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #469: Should 38-Week Induction For Big Babies Become A Thing? 10.06.2026 1ч 33мин

  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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #468: Everybody's Doing It", Not A Legal Standard Of Care With Hermine Hayes-Klein, ESQ. 03.06.2026 1ч 43мин

  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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #467: Magic Wand, The Benefits of Red Light Therapy With Liz Frey.... 27.05.2026 1ч 36мин

  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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #466: Update On The Use Of TXA (Tranexamic Acid) 20.05.2026 1ч 26мин

  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: [email protected] 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 1ч 34мин

  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: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
• 
  #464: A Confused Mixture Of Topics: Clearing The Desk 06.05.2026 1ч 25мин

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