#205: No Place Like Home

In this weeks episode, Blyss and Stu examine the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, providing historical context and the latest research findings. They discuss the relevance of abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy and the challenges of interpreting self-reported research data. Mentioned in This EpisodeStu’s 9/11 reflections on PatreonPresident Trump Signs Executive Order Limiting Big Pharma AdsStudies ReferencesImpact of Childhood Vaccination on Short and Long-Term Chronic Health Outcomes in Children: A Birth Cohort StudyA Brief History of Awareness of the Link Between Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderAlcohol LeafletAn overview of current advances in perinatal alcohol exposure and pathogenesis of fetal alcohol spectrum disordersHaving Alcohol Before Realizing You’re Pregnant: How Dangerous Is It, Really?Gin LaneCovered in This EpisodeAlcohol Use in Pregnancy: Myths and FactsUnderstanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderImpact of Alcohol Consumption During PregnancyResearch on Alcohol Exposure and PregnancyHistorical Perspectives on Alcohol and PregnancyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

24 Syys 20251h 24min

This week Blyss and Stu go on a deep dive into macrosomia, also known as a large baby. They review extensive data from multiple sources, including ACOG, NICE guidelines, and the Big Baby Study, and discuss the implications of predicted and actual macrosomia. They discuss risk factors, maternal and fetal morbidity, ultrasound accuracy, the pros and cons of induction of labor, and the impact of the standard of care. As always, Blyss balances the conversation with discussing the stark contrast between the way macrosomic babies are cared for in the hospital v at home under the care of midwives. She shares tips on how to reduce the risks of macrosomia, especially when a mom is diabetic or has gestational diabetes. Mentioned in This EpisodeHomeopathy for Community MidwivesBirth Outside the BoxMidwifery Over Medicine: Leaving The Medical Model Of Delivering Babies To The Midwifery Model With OBGYN Dr. Stuart Fischbein Part OneApollo the Original Podcast: Home Birth, Feminism and Hospital Misogyny | Midwife Tells it All, with Midwife Aleks Birthing Instincts Episode 252: Inducing Naturally & Letting Fear Control UsStudies ReferencedNICE Study: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. “Induction of Labour for Suspected Fetal Macrosomia: Evidence Review A.” NICE Guideline NG207, [2021]. PDF.Big Baby Study: Gardosi, Jason, et al. “Induction of Labour versus Standard Care to Prevent Shoulder Dystocia in Fetuses Suspected to Be Large for Gestational Age in the UK (the Big Baby Trial): A Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial.” The Lancet, vol. 405, no. 10491, 17 May 2025, pp. 1743–1756. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00162-X.ACOG Practice Guidelines: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Macrosomia.” Practice Bulletin: Obstetrics, Committee on Practice Bulletins—Obstetrics, William H. Barth Jr, MD, and Rebecca Jackson, MD, [2016] PDF.Preyer, Oliver, et al. “Fetal Weight Estimation at Term—Ultrasound versus Clinical Examination with Leopold’s Manoeuvres: A Prospective Blinded Observational Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 19, 2019, article 122.In This EpisodeMacrosomia: Definitions and Risk FactorsUnderstanding Shoulder Dystocia and Its RisksClinical Estimated Weights and Palpation SkillsInduction of Labor and MacrosomiaVBAC and Macrosomia ConsiderationsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

17 Syys 20251h 30min

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Blyss was experiencing issues with her wifi so Stu tackled the topic of blood transfusions solo. He discusses the challenges and alternatives to blood transfusions, particularly focusing on the concerns of patients who decline blood products due to personal, medical, or religious reasons. The episode covers recent studies on the risks associated with transfusions, explores iron replacement, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and the use of tranexamic acid (TXA). It also delves into the controversial topic of blood safety in the COVID-19 era, presenting contrasting views on the potential risks of receiving blood from vaccinated donors.Mentioned in This EpisodeRaquel’s Interview with the Breech Birth PodcastStu’s Interview on the Rewire for Birth Podcast, Ep 56Birthing Instincts Patreon CommunityAbout Vitamin K Deficiency BleedingDavid Hayes Substack: All things in moderation?Transfusion Replacement Strategies in Jehovah’s Witnesses and Others Who Decline Blood ProductsBlood Transfusion 2: Alternatives to blood transfusionNIH: Alternatives to blood transfusionConcerns regarding Transfusions of Blood Products Derived from Genetic Vaccine Recipients and Proposals for Specific MeasuresThe Science Behind Transfusion Safety in the COVID-19 Era Problems Following Blood Transfusion, using Blood Products Prepared From Donated Blood of Genetic Vaccine Recipients, and the Need for Traceability of Blood Products for Transfusion.In This EpisodeTransfusion Replacement Strategies for Jehovah's WitnessesBalancing Risks and Benefits of Anemia TreatmentsUse of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) to help prevent blood lossArtificial Blood: The Elusive SubstitutePreoperative Considerations for SurgeryBlood Draws and Minimizing Blood LossPregnancy and Postpartum HemorrhageAlternatives to Blood TransfusionPreoperative Autologous DonationCOVID-19 and Blood Transfusion SafetyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off

10 Syys 20251h 4min

In this heartfelt episode, Blyss and Stu pay tribute to the late Michel Odent, a luminary in the field of childbirth and midwifery. They reminisce about his groundbreaking contributions in the world of birth. A strong supporter of water birth, advocating for hormonal understanding in labor, and his unwavering belief in the power of love and natural birthing processes, he is truly a legend that has made a deep impact on childbirth practices and the importance of preserving his teachings for future generations. We honor his legacy with some personal stories, emotional letters from his colleagues, and tributes from various birth workers.Mentioned in This EpisodeMichel Odent on "love cocktails" in birthOrigin Birth and Health, David Hayes SubstackPhoto of Michel Odent taken by @evarosebirthBooks by Michel OdentAt Her Feet Podcast, by Blyss YoungIn This EpisodeRemembering Michel OdentThe Hormonal Symphony of ChildbirthLove Cocktails in BirthProtecting the Emotional State of Pregnant WomenDr. Odent’s Impact on Modern Birth PracticesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

3 Syys 20251h 9min

In this week's episode, Blyss and Stu discuss the medical complexities of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) during pregnancy. They particularly focus on a listener's experience with blood clots during her second pregnancy and explore the risks, treatments, and recommendations associated with VTE. The discussion includes in-depth analysis of medical guidelines, the effectiveness of heparin and Lovenox, and the considerations for home birth and hospital protocols. Through data and expert opinions, they aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of managing blood clot risks in pregnancy.Mentioned in This EpisodeDr. Stu’s Deep Dive on Twin Birth Scans: Patreon.com/birthinginstincts Birthing Instincts Podcast, Episode 346: The One Hour Prenatal VisitThromboembolism in PregnancyReducing the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism during Pregnancy and the PuerperiumCustomized growth charts for twin vs singleton pregnancies and their ability to identify small-for-gestational age associated risk of adverse perinatal outcomeIn This EpisodeVenous Thromboembolism Medical Guidelines and RecommendationsDiagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismAnticoagulant Therapy During PregnancyManaging Anticoagulation Around DeliveryPostpartum Anticoagulation TherapyRisk Factors for VTE in PregnancyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

27 Elo 20251h 33min

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss interview Larissa Paul, founder of 'Girls Who Know®,' an organization dedicated to educating young girls about their bodies, menstrual cycles, and childbirth. They highlight how early education, and the knowing one's body can empower young girls, reduce fear, and lead to better birthing experiences. About Laurisa:Laurisa Paul is a Registered Nurse, home birther, writer, and founder of Girls Who Know®, an organization that inspires girls to love who they are and to know and respect their bodies.Medically trained, Laurisa stumbled across homebirth when she was actively seeking for better birth experiences. Since then, she has worked as a midwife assistant and an instructor for Evidence Based Birth.Laurisa has a deep passion for supporting women and connecting with those she loves. She resides in Texas, where she is a mother of five and an outdoor adventurer. Laurisa loves a good challenge like Spanish speaking, hiking, running, tree climbing or raising wholehearted human beings.Laurisa and her team at Girls Who Know® are improving childbirth outcomes through the education of girls while they are young.Instagram: @officialgirlswhoknowWebsite: www.girlswhoknow.comMentioned in This EpisodeBirth Is Not a Medical Emergency: The Fight for Autonomy in Women’s Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ny0fuPYaKoThe Pregnancy Scam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXki4uYWOQ8Birth Outside the Box: https://BirthOutsidetheBoxSeries.com/stfiACOG IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNDgCeVs8N-/?igsh=ejBqdmlwMWVwYjloBridge Midwives IG: @thebridgemidwivesIn This EpisodeGirls Who Know: Mission and VisionEducational Gaps and Cultural TaboosEmpowering the Next GenerationTeaching Reproductive Anatomy to Young GirlsThe Power of Childbirth EducationHollywood vs. Reality in ChildbirthPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

20 Elo 20251h 31min

In this episode, Stu and Blyss are joined by Gail Tully, the founder of Spinning Babies, to discuss the intricate dynamics of birth and fetal positioning. Gail shares both her personal journey and the scientific insights that have shaped Spinning Babies. Together they explore how balance, gravity, and movement can impact labor, and how practitioners and expectant mothers can prepare for a smoother birthing experience. About Gail:Gail Tully is the midwife who conceived and developed Spinning Babies®, first appearing in 2001. A dozen professional journal articles report Spinning Babies® effectiveness in reducing interventions, with reductions in cesarean surgery up to 50%. Gail brings more than 45 years of experience in birth, with 20 years focused on homebirths. Back in the day, Gail was kept busy organizing doula program development in hospitals and community non-profits in Minneapolis/St. Paul, while training doulas with DONA International approval status. Gail learned midwifery in the home with a variety of community midwives. Gail now writes, teaches, and supports change in the Spinning Babies® paradigm.Gail Tully developed the concepts and curriculum that revolutionized our view on physiological birth, breech birth and shoulder dystocia (Breech Basics and Resolving Shoulder Dystocia are now with Restory Birthwork). Spinning Babies®, Belly Mapping®, Belly Mapping MethodTM, Helping Your Breech Baby Turn, When Baby Lies Sideways, and Changing Birth on Earth. Gail and her husband live in Minnesota, USA.Instagram: @spinningbabiesWebsite: www.GailTully.com / https://www.spinningbabies.com    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spinningbabies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/spinningbabieslady  X: https://twitter.com/spinningbabies  ResourcesDr. Stuart Fischbein - “Birthing Instincts” and Trusting Nature in Childbirth | The Daily Showhttps://youtu.be/5lhi0Xxnc4Ehttps://www.spinningbabies.com/blog-resource-library/research-references/https://www.spinningbabies.com/parents/spbcbp-directory/https://www.spinningbabies.com/shop/Free Fetal Compass Rose: https://www.spinningbabies.com/free-gift/In This EpisodeOrigins of Spinning BabiesUnderstanding Posterior Position in LaborChallenges with Epidurals and Labor ProgressionThe Role of Pelvic Floor and Side Lying ReleaseTechniques for Balancing the PelvisImpact of Uterine Ligaments on LaborPreparation and Techniques for Easier LaborPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

13 Elo 20251h 32min

In this week's episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss Young are joined by Claire Holloway, founder of the Center for Bright Beginnings. Claire discusses the deeper philosophy of yoga, highlighting its relevance not just during pregnancy but as a preparation for home birth and beyond. She explains how yoga supports autonomy and personal sovereignty, guiding individuals to connect with their bodies, manage energy, and integrate spiritual practices into their birthing experience. The discussion goes into techniques like breathing exercises and space creation to enhance the birthing experience. Whether you're planning a home or hospital birth, this episode offers valuable insights into how yoga can profoundly impact the journey from pregnancy through birth and into motherhood.Guest Bio:Claire Holloway is the founder of the Centre of Bright Beginnings where she supports people throughout the journey of matrescence. She is an experienced yoga practitioner, facilitator and movement educator with a special interest in perinatal and pelvic health. Her prenatal, postpartum and parenting programs are informed by her own experiences of becoming a mother and her training as a Matrescence Coach and are designed with far more than stretching in mind. She holds space for women and parents to explore their own transformative journey, feeling supported and empowered towards autonomy in their perinatal care. Her latest online program is Yoga for Homebirth.Instagram: @yourbrightbeginningWebsite: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/ResourcesYoga for Homebirth: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/yoga-for-homebirthPractical Yoga Philosophy for Conception, Pregnancy and Parenthood: https://blissbabyyoga.com/yogaphilosophyforparenthood/Free webinar "Plan Your Dream Homebirth":  https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-planFree homebirth community catchup details (in-person in Perth and online coming soon): https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-communityResearch articles:Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy and Infant Influenza in the First 6 Months of Life: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2025/08000/influenza_vaccination_during_pregnancy_and_infant.18.aspxThe role of Spirituality in the lives of Women coping with Early Motherhood and Postpartum Depression, by Sandra Martins:https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstreams/ad923855-6e67-4bda-a81f-24f09dc74df0/downloadSpiritual Awakening through the Motherhood Journey, by Aurelie M. Athan and Lisa Miller:   304987363.pdfSee Blyss and Stu become Frodo & Gandolf on PatreonIn This EpisodeExploring the Layers of Yoga in PregnancyAutonomy and EmpowermentBreath Awareness and PersonalizationGuided Breathing ExerciseThe Importance of Personal Awareness in LaborYoga Philosophy and Practical ApplicationCreating Space in LaborPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

6 Elo 20251h 18min