The uterus is a miraculous creation but sometimes it doesn't follow nature's blueprint. Today on the podcast we discuss these fairly common blips (AKA anomalies or abnormalities) and their significance.

With awareness and empathy, we weave through personal stories and clinical presentations, highlighting the profound impact these uterine anomalies can have on fertility and pregnancy. We dissect the various types of these conditions, the possible complications, and the importance of a compassionate, patient-centric approach to care. It's a deep exploration of a topic that's typically clouded by misunderstanding, so we aim to bring light and informed guidance to those it affects.

Blyss shares a VBAC story as she continues to "patiently" recover. Dr. Stu wonders about the saying, "Life is like riding a bicycle!" and reads an uplifting twin story.

Key highlights:

• VBAC Support and Hospital Policies
• Long Labor Story With A Happy Ending
• Controversy Over Doula Regulation
• Understanding Congenital Uterine Abnormalities
• Management of Uterine Anomalies and Complications

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• National Library of Medicine: The impact of congenital uterine abnormalities on pregnancy and fertility: a literature review
• Up To Date: Congenital uterine anomalies: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Skin disorders exclusive to pregnant women have always been puzzling to Blyss & Dr. Stu. How do we know one from the other? Today we look at the dermatoses of pregnancy and differentiate the physiologic from the pathologic.

You'll hear us dissect the five major types of rashes that can puzzle even seasoned healthcare professionals, the challenges of medical information access, and personal accounts of birth timing, premature labor, and the vital role of clear clinical documentation. We also delve into the nuances of supporting births in the community, examining the value of trust and adaptability when changes arise, such as a different midwife attending a birth, and discussing the impact of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) testing on hospital transfers and treatment.

We also take a critical eye to medical misinformation spread by healthcare professionals on social media and the exasperating experiences with insurance companies, using personal anecdotes to highlight the issues. We also examine a range of skin and hair changes during pregnancy, and take a thought-provoking look at how control over medical literature might shape our understanding of autoimmune diseases and their potential environmental triggers.

Blyss shares a birthkeeper dilemma while Dr. Stu does his civic duty.

Key highlights:

• Medical misinformation and insurance frustrations
• How skin conditions affect pregnancy
• Many rashes are annoying but not harmful
• What can be done for relief from pregnancy rashes?
• Exploring medical literature and information control

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Dermatoses of pregnancy
• Birthing Instincts Event: The Talk: Bringing the Homebirth Hesitant on Board

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Blyss returns only a week post op! She is a Goddess! Today's guests, Lenny Sue Tinseth & Corinne Flatt, OG Nevada midwives share their thoughts on the laws of Nevada, California and the state of midwifery. So much wisdom, so few diplomas!

About Lenny Sue Tinseth:

Lenny Sue is a Licensed California Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife and a Certified Health Coach. She has been practicing Midwifery in the Lake Tahoe, Reno Nevada and surrounding areas for 38 years.

Having practiced in a grass roots unlicensed environment in her early years, both in Nevada and California has given her the perspective of licensure’s pros and cons.

She is a member of Nevada Midwives Association.

NMA is devoted to maintaining full access to midwifery care for all women in the state of Nevada.

She has been an advocate during the last 2 legislative sessions in Nevada to ensure proposed licensure does not limit families receiving access to midwifery care.

About Corrine Flatt:

Corrine is a midwife, serving families in southern Nevada since 1998, the founder of Pinkpeas Pregnancy and Parenting Care, and a long-time activist for birth freedom. Find Corrine everywhere on the internet, but don't miss the speech she made on Birth Freedom in Panama at dondeseayconquiensea.org

 Key highlights:

• Home Birth Midwife Conference Announcement
• Challenges of Birthing Freedom in Nevada
• Modern Midwifery Practice and Medicalization
• Restrictions on Midwife Practices in Nebraska
• State by State Birth Rights Debate
• Global Push for Midwifery Regulation

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• alpinemidwifery.com
• @alpine_midwifery on IG
• @corrineflatt on IG
• Birth Freedom in Panama presentations | Donde Sea y Con Quien Sea dondeseayconquiensea.org
• Beautiful One Midwifery | Holistic Women's Health beautifulonemidwiferysandiego.com

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

The two authors who despise home birth are at it again with a new pre-print on the "Enduring Safety Concerns" of community birthing. Does their evidence hold water? The disconnect of priorities by organized medicine continues. Dr. Stu is joined by guest co-host Lindsey Meehleis, to break down the data.

Together, Dr. Stu and Lindsey dissect this paper that scrutinizes the safety of out-of-hospital births, and discuss the complexities surrounding breech births, twin pregnancies, and the sacred moments of life and death, advocating for the wisdom of traditional midwifery in today's polarized birth setting debates.

They take a closer look at the ACOG's rigid stance on planned home birth risks, untangling the often-misleading statistics that shape many women's choices about their birth setting.

California no longer tracks stillbirths! What? We send blessings to and burn a candle for Blyss who had hip replacement surgery today.

Key highlights:

• Holistic Home Birth
• Fetal Death Reporting Controversy
• Debate on Planned Home Birth Safety
• Challenges in Traditional Midwifery Training
• Home Birth Studies

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• OC midwifery: orangecountymidwives.com/lindsey-meehleis-lm-cpm
• About Lindsey Meehleis
• ACOG article: Planned Home Birth
• Science direct article: Enduring safety concerns for out-of-hospital births in the United States
• PubMed article: Perinatal or neonatal mortality among women who intend at the onset of labour to give birth at home compared to women of low obstetrical risk who intend to give birth in hospital
• PubMed article: Perinatal and maternal outcomes by planned place of birth for healthy women with low risk pregnancies
• PubMed article: Planned home versus planned hospital births in women at low-risk pregnancy: A systematic review with meta-analysis
• Thebmj article: Outcomes of planned home births with certified professional midwives: large prospective study in North America
• BJOG article: Perinatal mortality and morbidity up to 28 days after birth among 743 070 low-risk planned home and hospital births: a cohort study based on three merged national perinatal databases

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Today on the podcast Blyss & Dr. Stu chat with the creators of a new film exploring home birth. The film explores the empowering journey of home birth and combines the wisdom of families, midwives, doulas, and some of our favorite people in the birth world. We also discuss the importance of how babies enter this world and, of course, catch up and reveal some new dumb doctor dogma.

About Eleanor Currie:

Eleanor Currie is a documentary filmmaker, videographer, photographer and mother of two beautiful children. She has a passion for telling stories about the human experience. Her newest film 'Born At Home' (created with long-term friend, Amanda Banks) explores the emotional journey of homebirth. 

About Amanda Banks:

Amanda is mother of two children, both born at home. She has always had a passion for health which led her to complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) and now works as an Acupuncturist in Brisbane, supporting families through fertility, pregnancy and beyond for over 8 years. Amanda was the former Convenor for Homebirth QLD for 2.5 years until mid 2023 and worked as a maternity consumer representative on the QLD Normal Birth Strategy.

Empowered by the homebirth of her second child in 2020, Amanda together with long term dear friend Eleanor, set out to create a film exploring Homebirth in QLD. She is the co-creator and Producer of Born at Home.

About the Documentary Born At Home:

Where and how women choose to birth matters. Born at Home is a stunning documentary film exploring what it takes to have a positive and transformative birth experience. Born at Home is an informative and emotive documentary exploring homebirth. This is a must-see event for all birth nerds, birth workers, mothers, those curious about birth and those seeking an alternative option to hospital birth.

Key highlights:

• Birth at Home Documentary Filmmakers
• Home Birth Documentary Discussion
• Contrasting Birth Experiences in Film
• Life Choices and Home Birth Perspectives
• Free Birth and Home Birth Exploration

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• sacredbirthing.com/blog/author/sunni
• bornathomefilm.com.au
• Born at Home Film on Instagram: @bornathomefilm

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Blyss responds to a comment about safety and mortality. There will always be disputes about what safety means and to know where we are we need to know where we were. Today Blyss & Dr. Stu look back at childbirth in America over the last 300 years and try to sort through the accomplishments and clarify the statistics.

In an episode that's both a history lesson and a call to action, we reflect on the transformative journey of childbirth practices. Venture through time with us, from the days of home births and midwives to the formalization of hospital deliveries and the controversial medical interventions that followed. We peer into the darker chapters of obstetrics, acknowledging the exploitation that has tainted its history, and celebrate the triumphs that have led to significant declines in maternal and infant mortality rates. 

This is a story of advancement and advocacy, of reclaiming agency and acknowledging the past to better navigate the present. Let's continue this dialogue and foster a future where the instincts of birthing and the wisdom of midwifery guide us toward a safer, more empowered experience for all.

Key highlights:

• Birth Choices and Maternal Mortality
• History of Obstetric Interventions
• History of Childbirth Practices in America
• Evolution of Obstetrics and Childbirth
• Declines in Infant Mortality and Interventions
• Maternal and Infant Mortality Trends

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Article: Changes in childbirth in the United States: 1750–1950
• Book: Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers
• CDC Article: Achievements in Public Health, 1900-1999: Healthier Mothers and Babies

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

While it's not yellow brick, Dr. Stu is on the road teaching breech and twins and renewing family ties in California. Blyss joins in to share stories and wisdom and sanity, as usual.

Echoing the dedication of mothers and birth workers, we dive into stories that underscore the triumphs of natural birth, like a listener's VBAC victory over early induction using natural remedies—proof that self-advocacy can indeed rewrite the standard medical narrative. These stories aren't just about births; they're about the struggle for autonomy and the challenging journey of advocacy within a system that sometimes seems set up for our silence.

This episode is a blend of education, empowerment, and the drive for a maternity care system that honors the sanctity and individuality of the birthing process. Join us as we celebrate the power of informed decision-making, the legacy of childbirth, and the enduring spirit of woman-centered care.

Key highlights:

• Natural Birth Advocacy and VBAC Success
• Challenges With Breech Delivery Options
• Regulatory Challenges in Midwifery and Healthcare
• Midwives vs Medical Standardization
• Questioning Medical Fear-Mongering
• Maternity Care and Obstetrician Education

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Book: Immaculate deception: A new look at women and childbirth in America

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any of their fitness programs
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Academia just can't stop meddling with nature especially when profit is involved. Today Blyss & Dr. Stu explore another likely fallacy of "Big Medicine" - the Chemical imbalance Theory of Depression. Even feral cats get it. Why can't they?

We delve into the complexities of managing low platelet counts during pregnancy and the importance of respecting the body's natural processes, juxtaposing this against the philosophy of minimal intervention at home births.

We navigate the contentious issues surrounding pharmaceutical interventions and discuss the implications of readily available over-the-counter contraceptives and the possible health risks of daily routines, such as prolonged bra usage. We share thought-provoking insights into the links between hormonal birth control, depression, and the subsequent use of SSRIs, shedding light on the cascading effects of health decisions. We scrutinize the long-held serotonin theory of depression, questioning the ethics of drug marketing and the necessity for more informed public knowledge about the treatment of depression.

Key highlights:

• Birth Choices and Pharmaceutical Controversy
• Platelet Count and Birth Philosophy
• Health Risks of Contraception and Bras
• Debunking the Serotonin Theory of Depression
• Risks of Using SSRIs During Pregnancy
• Critiquing Medical Guidelines

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Psychology Today: A Decisive Blow to the Serotonin Hypothesis of Depression
• PubMed: The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence
• PLOS medicine: Serotonin and Depression: A Disconnect between the Advertisements and the Scientific Literature
• ACOG on Instagram: @acog_org

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Trying to clarify the questions about child spacing, Blyss & Dr. Stu discover nature is pretty wise. What are the medical recommendations and how do they compare? We review some of the guidelines and share our opinions. We discuss the rhythm of natural child spacing through ecological breastfeeding and contrast it with the rigidity of medical guidelines, advocating for a healthcare model that respects the unique journey of each mother.

We challenge the cultural obsession with the speed of labor and dissect the impact of our discussions by sharing the courageous decision of a labor and delivery nurse to switch to a home birth midwife. 

As we address the realities of postpartum depression, we stress the vital roles of healthcare providers in supporting new mothers. We question the effectiveness of the current medical model in addressing nutritional needs and mental health issues during the postpartum and interpregnancy periods, advocating for a healthcare model that ensures thorough diagnosis, effective treatment, and diligent follow-up. This episode is a call to action for a more compassionate and tailored approach to reproductive health. Blyss shares about a birth with low platelets and Dr. Stu has some daughter time.

Key highlights:

• Interpregnancy Interval and Natural Birth
• Debating Emergency Cesarean for Fetus' Heart
• Challenging Medical Practices and Recommendations
• Breastfeeding and Interpregnancy Intervals
• Women's Health and Postpartum Depression

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• ACOG article: Interpregnancy Care
• PubMed article: Re-evaluation of link between interpregnancy interval and adverse birth outcomes
• PubMed article: Interpregnancy Interval and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
• PubMed article: Effects of birth spacing on maternal, perinatal, infant, and child health
• PubMed article: Short interpregnancy interval: risk of uterine rupture and complications of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery
• PubMed article: Ecological breastfeeding and child spacing
• Book: Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing
• Article: Ecological Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing
• Ask Dr. Sears: Breastfeeding and Natural Childspacing
• Find a breech provider: breechwithoutborders.org/directory

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Our guest today is "Birth Attendant", Jaymie Lewis who shares her insight into Hawaii's birthing world. Blyss & Dr. Stu chime in on the creeping blob that is the administrative state and wonder when the last time a regulation made things better.

About Jaymie Lewis:

Jaymie is a mother of three children all born at her residence In Hawaii. The birth of her 1st child brought her into birth work in 2010 when she began an apprenticeship with two different naturopathic physicians and a CPM. She started an independent midwifery practice in 2014 attending anywhere from 40-60 births per year. She joined several other midwives across the islands igniting strong activism regarding REAL choices in childbirth. In 2017 she helped create Hawaii Home Birth Collective which is an advocacy organization dedicated to expansion of midwifery care and to the preservation and integration of traditional and indigenous practices of the childbearing cycle. The long arm of the medical industrial complex swept in and deemed her a “birth attendant” in 2019 because she did not have any “formal” education” and as of last July has been pushed out of practice due to Hawaii’s restrictive midwifery law. Jaymie is a dreamer, a realistic optimist, and a lifetime learner, knowing that when there is compression, there is also an opportunity for infinite expansion.

Key highlights:

• Home Births and Midwifery Regulations
• Bureaucracy and Midwifery Laws
• Challenges and Barriers in Midwifery
• The Impact of Standardization on Midwifery
• Laws and Colonialism in Hawaii

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• hihbc.org
• pacificbirthcollective.org
• Article: ‘Medical colonialism’: midwives sue Hawaii over law regulating Native birth workers
• Article: U.S. home births hit 30-year high

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Time seems to be on Blyss & Dr. Stu's mind and a moment of insight is a fortune. Should we redefine "Second Stage"? We address the medical data behind active coaching vs. laboring down and then apply some common sense.

We unravel the nuances of research in the birth field, advocating for a discerning approach to medical studies and the impact they have on birthing practices. From the spiritual undertones of bringing new life into the world to the complexities of client management, we touch on the transformative experiences that shape both caregivers and families.

We highlight the power of intuition in birth choices, sharing an inspiring testimonial from a listener who embraced a home birth. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of trusting the body's inherent knowledge and the challenges that the medical industry faces in supporting physiological birth. Whether you're a seasoned birth worker, an expectant parent, or simply fascinated by the miracle of life, this discussion offers valuable insights and encouragement to trust the natural journey of childbirth.

In our Patreon segment, we look at the confusion about progesterone supplementation.

Key highlights:

• Discussion on Laboring Down in Birth
• Value of Time and Support
• Pushing Techniques in Second Stage Labor
• Research on Pushing Practices in Labor
• Research, Academia, and VBAC Testimonials

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Stu's shirt: Merch | BI Podcast (birthinginstinctspodcast.com)
• Book: The Sabbath
• Article: Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth
• Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes With Early Compared With Delayed Pushing Among Nulliparous Women
• Instagram: @drjoelgator

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Old friend and midwife, Aleks Evanguelidi joins us to share her wisdom about healing our bodies naturally and restoring our innate bodily systems. 

As we swapped tales of unexpected birth work requests and the impact of dietary choices, Alex's holistic approach shines a light on the path to wellness. Her insights, grounded in her dual expertise, offers a refreshing perspective that stands in beautiful contrast to more traditional medical views on fertility and pregnancy health.

 We need to realign our priorities from the food and water we ingest to the habits we have formed to the craziness that surrounds us. Fertility isn't just a clinical concept—it's a tapestry woven from our lifestyles, from the sunlight we bathe in to the stress we release through laughter.

Blyss & Dr. Stu also share some thoughts and frustrations with record keeping, both vital and medical.

Key highlights:

• Nutrition and Fertility
• Diet and Health Awareness in America
• Focusing on Preconception Health and Wellness
• Vaccines, Gut Health, and Autism
• Hashimoto's and Functional Medicine
• Trust Body's Fever Response, Avoid Overheating
• Challenges in Women's Health Care

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• gapsdiet.com
• The Weston A. Price Foundation
• https://www.aleksandraevanguelidi.com/

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month at thisisneeded.com
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Aleks Evanguelidi:

• website: aleksandraevanguelidi.com
• Instagram: @thevitalwoman



Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Thinking out of the box and individualizing care should not be rare. Join our conversation as Blyss & Dr. Stu host midwife Lindsey Meehleis & Home Birth x 2, Diabetic Mom and Naturopathic Physician, Gina Cummins.

We unfold the layers of managing diabetes during pregnancy, where technology and personal determination intersect to create successful birth stories at home. Hear firsthand from Gina about her experiences with blood sugar control during the intensity of childbirth and the crucial role of cortisol in this process. Lindsey provides a professional backdrop, highlighting the evolution of diabetes management tools and the power of informed collaboration between healthcare providers and mothers-to-be.

Diabetes care and options have evolved much over the last 40 years. Have hospitals and doctors kept up?

Key highlights:

• Diabetes, Pregnancy, and Ultrasounds
• Home Birth for Type 1 Diabetic
• Naturopathic Medicine and Diabetes Pregnancy
• Blood Sugar Levels During Labor and Birth
• Heavy Metals and Health Impact
• Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy Surveillance
• Empowering Women's Autonomy in Medical Decisions

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Lindsey Meeheis’s Instagram: @lindseymeehleis
• Gina Cummins Instagram: @drginacummins

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month at thisisneeded.com
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Blyss is in a birth whirlwind and Dr. Stu shares some great breech stories. Dr. Stu is especially excited to talk with our guest, Dr. Whittaker, a NAPRO doctor specializing in the Creighton Method and restorative reproductive medicine. We have a fascinating conversation about her journey to understanding alternative ways of viewing the menstrual cycle, ovulation and fertility.

About Dr. Naomi Whittaker:

Dr. Naomi Whittaker is the founder of RRMAcademy.org and an OBGYN fertility surgeon focused on women's restorative reproductive medicine, compassionate healthcare, and education.

Dr. Whittaker is a board certified OBGYN and a fellowship trained surgeon who specializes in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTechnology, which works cooperatively with a woman's body to treat the underlying cause of gynecologic issues and infertility, such as endometriosis and PCOS.

Dr. Whittaker helps women improve their gynecologic health, and avoid/achieve pregnancy in accordance with their natural fertility using the latest research, medicine, and surgery.

Key highlights:

• Q&A and Positive Birth Stories
• NaPro Technology Exploration
• Medical School Experience and Lack of Empathy
• Exploring Menstrual Irregularities and Reproductive Medicine
• Effective Treatment Options for Female Infertility
• Endometriosis and Its Impact on Fertility
• Alternative Approaches to Fertility Treatment

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Naomi Whittaker’s website: naomiwhittaker.com
• Instagram: @napro_fertility_surgeon
• Fearlessly Fertile Podcast
• Your Birth God's Way

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month at thisisneeded.com
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

ACOG states the hospital is the safest place to give birth and many families are convinced the hospital saved their baby. Sometimes it is true. Today Blyss and Dr. Stu talk about that and why much of the time it may not be and about the shaping of those perceptions. ACOG is still pushing untested jabs in pregnancy and do pediatricians take bonuses to do the same? Blyss has a birth to share and Dr. Stu returns from teaching breech & twin skills in Florida.

In 2015 the world was thrust into fear about the Zika Virus. In our Patreon segment Dr. Stu and Blyss discuss a chapter from the book "Crooked, Man Made Disease Explained" about the flawed science and thinking behind the paranoia.

Key highlights:

• RSV Prevention and Vaccination Challenges
• Debate on Vaccines and Medical Authority
• Cord Prolapse and Fetal Monitoring Misconceptions
• Hospital Interventions and Risks in Childbirth
• Home Birth vs Hospital Birth
• Vaccine Safety and the Zika Virus
• Toxins, Heavy Metals, and Vaccine Safety

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Are COVID-19 Vaccine Babies Toddling and Babbling Normally?
• Occurrence of placental abruption in relatives
• Book: Crooked: Man-Made Disease Explained: The incredible story of metal, microbes, and medicine - hidden within our faces
• Podcast: The Retrievals
• Podcast episode: Evidence Based Birth ep 298 - Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month at thisisneeded.com
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Question: How do obstetricians do in 10 minutes what midwives do in an hour? Answer: They don't! Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss the differences in models and share what a midwife prenatal visit looks like. 

We unpack the intricate layers of birthing options, from the empowering choice of vaginal breech delivery to the complex dance between a midwife's guidance and the birthing individual's instinct. Together, we navigate the challenging terrain of advocating for personal birth plans amidst the machinery of hospital protocols, and celebrate the strength of those who pursue supportive birthing environments with midwives. 

ACOG is at it again and some doctors and moms are going rogue. The courage to question the status quo in medicine leads us to fresh perspectives on patient care, education, and the pursuit of alternatives that may redefine the future of reproductive health. 

Dr. Stu is on the road again teaching breech and twin skills while Blyss is home waiting on babies.

Key highlights:

• HPV Vaccination Controversy and Alternative Approaches
• Pregnancy Symptoms, Supplements, Postpartum Plan
• Prenatal Visits and Midwifery Practices
• Managing a Transverse Lie in Labor
• Arm Presentation and Cesarean Section Risk

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast. This week's extra bonus content: When a Cesarean Was Necesarean.

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month at thisisneeded.com
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Today on the podcast, Blyss & Dr. Stu respond to fellow travelers' stories and take a hard look at a serious disorder.

This episode is a deep exploration of the complex and often urgent medical scenarios that can arise during childbirth, such as placental abruption and uterine rupture. From understanding the different classifications of placental abruption to recognizing the symptoms, we shed light on the critical importance of swift medical attention for the safety of both mother and child. 

Blyss shares our Patreon vision and Dr. Stu revisits some information on the cervix.

Key highlights:

• Routine Pelvic Examinations
• Placental Abruption and Uterine Rupture Risk
• Understanding Placental Abruption, Its Risk Factors, and Its Classifications
• Recognizing and Managing Placental Abruption
• Placenta Previa

Episode resources:

• Placental Abruption
• Routine Pelvic Examinations and the Ethics of Screening
• The “30-minute rule” for expedited delivery: fact or fiction?

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month at thisisneeded.com
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Blyss is back to discuss all things cervix and the lack of reverence for the birth process while Dr. Stu shares some silly rules from around the world. 

We raise our voices against the defensive jargon and standardized procedures that fail to honor each woman's unique journey through pregnancy and birth. We wade through a mother's right to personalized care, and the undercurrents of regulation that shape midwifery. 

As we explore the wonders of the cervix, from its role in Pap smears to its remarkable capacity to evolve during pregnancy and birth, our awe for the female body grows.

We introduce our new Patreon feature and respect for breech practitioners all.

Key highlights:

• Midwives for Women's Health Exams
• Cervical Insufficiency Treatment Options and Considerations
• Cervix Issues and Premature Membrane Rupture
• The Cervix and Labor Progression
• Downsides of Membrane Sweeps
• Understanding Cervical Dilation and Labor Progress

Episode resources:

• Article: Cerclage for the Management of Cervical Insufficiency
• Book:The HPV Vaccine On Trial: Seeking Justice For A Generation Betrayed
• Website: informedpregnancy.com/heads-up
• Birthing Instincts Patreon: patreon.com/BirthingInstinctsPodcast

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

We are re-releasing episode 261 and it is timely and ever-important! In this episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss take a glance into the past to inform the present. Dr. Stu reads a chapter about the history of whooping cough from a book he’s been reading titled, “Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and The Forgotten History”. Although the book was published 10 years ago, and its focus is historical, it offers lots of insight into the development, administration, and propaganda behind the world’s current most popular vaccine. This episode serves as a stark reminder that history repeats itself.

In this episode of Birthing Instincts:

• Differing perceptions of pain
• Comparing the covid and whooping cough vaccine
• Dr. Stu reads an excerpt from “Dissolving Illusions”
• How the medical paradigm can create widespread cognitive dissonance 
• Reasons not to trust organizations of authority

Books, Studies & Quotes Referenced:

• Association Between Menstrual Cycle Length and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination
• Patient Betrayal: The Corruption of Healthcare, Informed Consent and the Physician-Patient Relationship
• The Vaccine Schedule
• "Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines and Forgotten History" by Suzanne Humphries, MD & Roman Bystrianyk
• Motherhood deferred: U.S. median age for giving birth reaches 30
• “What I’ve Seen in the Last 2 Years Is Unprecedented': Physician on COVID Vaccine Side Effects on Pregnant Women”...Dr. James Thorp is an extensively published 68-year-old physician MD board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

While Blyss is away, Dr Stu goes solo and shares some holiday leftovers from his mind attic. Twins, breech, artificial intelligence, and more interventions. What can we hope for and what can we avoid in 2024.

Dr. Stu discusses the vital role of personal touch in childbirth and ponders the pushback received when challenging conventional medical narratives. He delves into the importance of hands-on expertise in birth settings, the challenges faced by aspiring home birth midwives, and the sometimes misplaced focus on potential problems in pregnancy.

In a world where women's choices in childbirth are paramount, this episode underscores the pressing need for skilled providers to support vaginal breech births, a choice often denied in conventional hospital settings. The episode concludes with a focus on the significance of respecting patient preferences and the empowerment that comes from having genuine birth options. Tune in for a thought-provoking session that champions the human element in medicine and the birthing experience.

Key highlights:

• Birthing Choices and Online Outrage
• Restrictions on Midwives and Home Births
• Concerns About Vaccines During Pregnancy
• Vaccines for Infants
• Men's Fertility 
• Vaginal Breech Birth

Episode resources:

• Book: The Moth in the Iron Lung: A Biography of Polio
• Book: Crooked: Man-Made Disease Explained
• Dr. Peter McCullough: Infant Mortality Concern Emerges with Nirsevimab RSV Monoclonal Antibody Given to Newborns
• Article: “I had no choice”: A mixed-methods study on access to care for vaginal breech birth
• Instagram: @thegreenmidwife
• Instagram: @james_the_midwife

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com 
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com