#444: Restoring Midwifery: Breaking Down the Indefensible
In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss interview Rowan Bailey and Sarita Bennett, two midwives who have faced significant legal and professional challenges. They discuss Rowan's experience of being jailed for practicing traditional midwifery and Sarita's struggles with administrative hearings. The conversation dives into the importance of traditional, individualized midwifery care and critiques the current medical and midwifery systems for their lack of emotional and community support. Rowan and Sarita share their innovative approach to restorative peer review, aiming to create a compassionate, accountable midwifery community. About Rowan BaileyMy heart for midwifery is rooted deeply in my conviction for sovereignty in the childbearing year. The more I studied and became involved in birth work, the more stories I heard that began with ‘they wouldn’t let me ____’ or ‘I was high risk because ____’ and that solidified the midwife I was to become. The infantilization of women within obstetrics and modern day midwifery is systemic, damaging, and down right patriarchal. I didn’t take my call to be the one to say yes to those that the system failed lightly. I knew that they were smart, capable women who just wanted someone to walk with them. I figured if I was going to answer this call, I was going to do it with integrity.My mission is to be a mirror and a reminder that when we break out of captivity and become our most powerful selves we can make the movement move. I want us all to find our feet and our breath and be fully who we are meant to be: wild, raw, messy, and beautifully ungovernable. About Sarita BennettI learned midwifery in the traditional model - by attending those families who were choosing home birth early in the modern home birth movement. Most of the forty-plus years I have served as a midwife and osteopathic family physician have been in a rural, mountainous region that is far from any hospital with OB providers or surgical capability, leading to the development of a detailed understanding of reproductive physiology and the inter-relatedness of all parts of the reproductive process. The added experience of teaching - from home school with my children to medical students - has given me the ability to explain complicated concepts in understandable terms. Fueled by my passion for supporting healthy humans, I am excited to share my embodied knowledge with those who are on the same journey towards building thriving communities.Website: Foundationalconcepts4mws.comInstagram: @foundational.concepts4mwsMentioned in this EpisodeCompromised to Alchemized PodcastDiscussed in This EpisodeChallenges in Midwifery PracticeCritical Thinking in MidwiferyPersonal Work and Midwifery SkillsThe Importance of Knowing WhyHumanizing ObstetricsDefensibility & Autonomy in Birth ChoicesThe Obstetric Myth and Women's PowerRestorative Peer Review in MidwiferyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.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 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
17 Joulu 1h 40min
#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 EdelmanJoni 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.comInstagram: @13moonsbirthAbout Ivy JoevaIvy 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.comInstagram: @IvyJoevaMentioned in this EpisodeIntentional Birth Pro https://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2148190529/HUkqrEuo, code IBP2026 for 10% offUnintended Consequences of Invoking the “Natural” in Breastfeeding PromotionGuardian Articles:Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the worldFive key findings from our investigation into the Free Birth Society‘Ignorant and life-threatening’: experts condemn Free Birth Society misinformationDiscussed in This EpisodeIn-depth Discussion on Free Birth SocietyThe Complexity of Blame in Birth OutcomesInformed ConsentThe Influence of Social Media on Birth ChoicesNavigating Risks and Medical PerspectivesThe Role of Trust and Trauma in Birth DecisionsMedicalized Safety vs. Holistic BirthIntegrity and Honesty in Birth PracticesThe Reality of Birth ComplicationsThe Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions of BirthThe Importance of Listening to WomenPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.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 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
10 Joulu 1h 54min
#442: Allegations Are Not Evidence With Paul Golden: A Man For All Seasons
In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu introduce Paul Golden, a maternal and neonatal medical and legal specialist, midwife, and international advocate. Together they discuss the intricacies and challenges of midwifery practice around the world. Paul highlights his experiences working in various countries, combating legal threats to midwives, and advocating for birthing rights, while emphasizing the need for legal awareness, protective documentation, and proactive measures to support midwives and promote safer childbirth practices globally.About Paul GoldenPaul Golden, is a maternal–neonatal medical and legal specialist whose career spans clinical care, worldwide childbirth, and advocacy. Paul is a midwife and international legal advocate, a skilled tongue-tie release practitioner, and a dedicated naturopath. He also brings expertise as a mediator, lecturer, and author, weaving together science, tradition, and legal insight to protect and elevate the practice of midwifery worldwide.Website: LinkedIn.com/in/goldenpaulInstagram: @Active.birthDiscussed in This EpisodePaul Golden: Midwifery and AdvocacyLegal Aspects and Advocacy in MidwiferyChallenges in Maternal Healthcare SystemsThe Abuse of Peer Review SystemsGunny Sacking: Silencing WhistleblowersLisa Barra's Legal StrugglesRicardo Jones: A Targeted MidwifeThe Double Standards in Home BirthsLegal and Spiritual Advice for MidwivesMentioned in this EpisodeHuman Rights and Birth Choices In the BalkansBook: Keeping Midwives Safe: Practical Legal Advice and support for Midwives (Helpful Legal Advice Actions & Templates)Book: Protect Your Practice: And Keep Your Clients SafeBooks on Gumroad: https://midwifemediator.gumroad.com/Article: Criminalizing Natural Birth: An Interview with Ricardo JonesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.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 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage:birthinginstinctspodcast.com
3 Joulu 1h 34min
#441: Early Intervention for Newborn Trauma & Other Wisdom with Peds & Wellness Chiropractor, Tony Ebel
This week’s episode discusses the profound impacts of birth trauma on the nervous system and the transformative potential of pediatric chiropractic care. Blyss and Stu invite Tony Ebel, a wellness chiropractor, to explore the benefits of chiropractic interventions. They also discuss the importance of holistic, less interventionist approaches in childbirth and medical care, emphasizing simplicity, nervous system regulation, and overall well-being for healthier outcomes in children and families.About Tony EbelDr. Tony Ebel is the lead writer and educational guide for PX Docs. He is a Certified Pediatric + Wellness Chiropractor with 15 years of clinical experience.In addition, Dr. Tony has been teaching and training other Pediatric + Family Chiropractors for the past 10+ years, primarily teaching the clinical protocols he created for pediatric neurodevelopmental challenges such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Epilepsy, Anxiety, and more.This clinical program is now taught in collaboration with the Life University Postgraduate Department and has over 700 graduates. Dr. Tony’s passion is educating, empowering, and informing parents about the nervous system’s role in natural, drug-free healing for all pediatric conditions and cases.Website: www.pxdocs.comInstagram: @pxdocsDiscussed in This EpisodeDr. Tony Abel's Chiropractic JourneyThe Impact of Medical Interventions on BirthUnderstanding Brainstem TraumaThe Role of the Nervous System in HealingBirth Interventions and Neurological DysfunctionThe Importance of Craniosacral TherapyChallenges in Pediatric HealthcareThe Simplicity of HealingThe Role of Chiropractors in Pediatric CareMentioned in this EpisodeThe Birth Lounge with HeHe, Episode 396:Twins Untangled: The Data Behind Safe Twin Birth with Dr. Stu Perspektiv Podcast with Madeleine Mofjärd, Episode 201: Reclaim the power of childbirth: how the system fails women in labour - Dr. Stuart FischbeinRadiant Birth Podcast with Britt Andres, Episode 19: The Truth About Hospital Birth: Dr. Stu Fischbein on Fear, Control & Reclaiming Physiological BirthFuture Generations Podcast with Dr. Stanton Hom, Episode 272: Challenging Medical Orthodoxy: One Doctor's Revolutionary Path with Dr. Stu FischbeinThe All Ears Podcast with Jodi Thom, Episode 18 Are We Being Scammed by the Medical Industry? The Truth About Childbirth Ft. Dr. Stuart FischbeinReteach Breech Workshops: birthinginstincts.com/eventsAll Ears PodcastPX Docs Directory: https://pxdocs.com/px-docs/The Experience Miracles PodcastBook: The Biology of Belief 10th Anniversary Edition: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & MiraclesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.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 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
26 Marras 1h 34min
#440: Thrive Again With Crowdheath CEO Andy Schoonover
In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss discuss healthcare challenges and solutions with Andy Schoonover, CEO of Crowdhealth. Schoonover shares his personal journey that led him to start Crowdhealth, an innovative alternative to traditional health insurance that leverages community crowdfunding to cover medical expenses. The conversation examines the inefficiencies and complexities of the current health insurance system, comparing Crowdhealth's approach to other options such as Christian Sharing ministries and Liberty Health Share. Schoonover emphasizes the importance of maintaining the patient-doctor relationship, explains the regulatory landscape, and shares touching stories of improved customer experiences.About Andy SchoonoverCrowdHealth is a revolutionary alternative to traditional health insurance. Instead of paying premiums into a bloated system, members contribute directly to one another’s medical needs—saving money, fostering transparency, and creating a healthcare experience rooted in trust. Since its founding, CrowdHealth has helped members save millions on medical expenses while empowering them with tools to navigate care confidently and affordably.At the helm is Andy Schoonover, CrowdHealth’s founder and CEO. A passionate advocate for medical freedom, Andy is dedicated to breaking down the inefficiencies of the insurance industry and building a member-first model that prioritizes people over profits. His mission is simple yet bold: to put control back in the hands of individuals and create a community where healthcare is funded by people, not corporations.Website: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/Instagram: @joincrowdhealthDiscussed in This EpisodeDeep Dive into Crowdhealth and Healthcare IssuesCrowdhealth MechanicsHow Crowdhealth Makes MoneyCommunity Component and Member ExperiencesComparing Crowdhealth to Traditional Health SharesHandling Health Disagreements and TransparencyScalability and Growth of CrowdhealthCrowdhealth's Approach to Maternity CareChallenges with Traditional Health InsuranceMentioned in this EpisodeHealthy as a Mother Podcast, Episode 136Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.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 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
19 Marras 1h 26min
#439: Where Did The Courageous Doctors Go?
In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu enjoy another hodgepodge discussion where they dig into the intricacies of dealing with unexpected medical issues such as heavy postpartum bleeding linked to a fibroid, iron deficiency, and the unconventional use of Jay breathing during labor. The episode features strong themes of patient advocacy, the importance of seeking multiple opinions, and the personal journeys of managing one's health amidst a complex medical system.Discussed in This Episode Postpartum Bleeding and Fibroid ConcernsExploring Treatment Options for FibroidsFibroid Surgical Procedures and RisksAlternative Treatments for Fibroids and EmbolizationHysterectomy vs. MyomectomyIron Infusion and Postpartum RecoveryTongue and Lip Ties in NewbornsMentioned in this EpisodeBirthing Instincts Episode 327: Interesting Stuff About FibroidsBirthing Instincts Episode 436: What Is Vs. What Could Be. Models Of Care In FluxSMFM Statement on Acetaminophen Use DuringPregnancy and AutismCOVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation Tool KitPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offerWholesome 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 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
12 Marras 1h 5min
#438: Wellness Is Free! A Conversation On Trimester Zero With WeNatal Founders Vida & Ronit
In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu invited Vita and Ronit, the founders of WeNatal, for a conversation about the significance of 'Trimester Zero,' the period leading up to conception, and its impact on egg and sperm quality. The founders share their personal journeys through pregnancy loss and how it led to the creation of WeNatal. They emphasize the importance of holistic health, including diet, supplementation, and stress management, in improving fertility outcomes. About Ronit and Vida:Bio for your reference: Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim are the founders of WeNatal, a prenatal supplement company that is transforming the fertility space with the first prenatal supplement optimized for her AND him. WeNatal’s mission to change the narrative surrounding fertility and reproductive health is personal; after suffering miscarriages a week apart Ronit and Vida were given little direction on what to do differently. More importantly, the health of Ronit & Vida’s partners (including the health of their sperm) was completely missing from their fertility dialogue with their doctors… something had to change. WeNatal shifts the fertility journey from "me" to "we” and is revolutionizing the prenatal space with a formulation team composed of industry leading Functional Medicine doctors, nutritionists, and fertility experts, including Dr. Mark Hyman and Kelly LeVeque. With 24 key clean, bioavailable nutrients, WeNatal steps up where other supplements fall short for all things preconception to postpartum for both parents and baby.Website: wenatal.comInstagram: @we_natalDiscussed in This EpisodeWeNatal: The Journey and MissionExploring the Impact of Diet on FertilityOvercoming IVF Challenges and Natural ConceptionControlling What You Can for a Healthier LifestyleWellness Doesn't Have to Be Complicated or ExpensiveThe Concept of Trimester ZeroOptimizing Sperm and Egg QualityChoosing High-Quality SupplementsMentioned in this EpisodeBirthing Instincts Patreon Bonus Episode: Baby Aspirin For Allhttps://wenatal.com/birthinginstincts for a free mag with subscription https://wenatal.com/masterclass for Free masterclass https://wenatal.com/blog for the blogPodcast 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.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
5 Marras 1h 17min
#437: What Is The Value Of The Fetal Non Stress Test?
In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu do a deep dive into the methodology, history, and current practices surrounding the non-stress test (NST) used in prenatal care. They answer all your questions: What is a non-stress test? Where did it come from? How did it become so accepted? Does it actually tell you what it's supposed to tell you? And, is there evidence that a previous stillbirth is an indication for for NST testing?Discussed in This EpisodeUnderstanding Non-Stress Test (NST) and Its LimitationsHistory and Evolution of NSTNST vs. Biophysical ProfilesPredictive Value of NSTACOG Guidelines on NSTFetal Kick Counting vs. NSTMentioned in this EpisodeAn Inconvenient Study: aninconvenientstudy.comACOG Practice Bulletin: Antepartum Fetal SurveillanceBirthing Instincts Episode #386 with David HayesPodcast 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.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
29 Loka 1h 33min
