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

In this episode, Blyss and Stu address a recent Guardian article discussing free birth and the Free Birth Society. They welcome guests Joni Edelman and Ivy Joeva to explore the complexities of unassisted births, the importance of informed consent, and sovereignty in childbirth. The conversation highlights both the potential risks and benefits of free birth, as well as the influence of social media and the challenges within the medical system.

About Joni Edelman

Joni Edelman is a mother of six, grandmother, and traditional birth attendant who has walked beside more than 1,000 families through birth. Once an L&D and hospice nurse within the system, she stepped away in 2009 to honor a more sacred calling—guiding families with intuition, physiology, and sovereignty toward the births that feel safest and most aligned.

Website: 13moonsbirthwork.com

Instagram: @13moonsbirth

About Ivy Joeva

Ivy Joeva is a doula, coach, and educator serving women and couples seeking a conscious path to parenthood. She provides support throughout the childbearing year, including fertility coaching, holistic preparation for birth, postpartum recovery care, and counseling for all forms of pregnancy loss.

Rooted in a trauma-informed, mind-body approach, Ivy sees these transitions as opportunities for transformation and healing. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Ivy became a doula in 2009 and serves clients across the United States and abroad.

Website: ivyjoeva.com

Instagram: @IvyJoeva

Mentioned in this Episode

Intentional Birth Pro https://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2148190529/HUkqrEuo, code IBP2026 for 10% off

Unintended Consequences of Invoking the “Natural” in Breastfeeding Promotion

Guardian Articles:

• Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
• Five key findings from our investigation into the Free Birth Society
• ‘Ignorant and life-threatening’: experts condemn Free Birth Society misinformation

Discussed in This Episode

In-depth Discussion on Free Birth Society

The Complexity of Blame in Birth Outcomes

Informed Consent

The Influence of Social Media on Birth Choices

Navigating Risks and Medical Perspectives

The Role of Trust and Trauma in Birth Decisions

Medicalized Safety vs. Holistic Birth

Integrity and Honesty in Birth Practices

The Reality of Birth Complications

The Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions of Birth

The Importance of Listening to Women

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care

This show is supported by

• WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
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