Ep. 396 Twins Untangled: The Data Behind Safe Twin Birth with Dr. Stu

Ep. 396 Twins Untangled: The Data Behind Safe Twin Birth with Dr. Stu

In this week’s episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Stu Fischbein to unpack the truth about twin births, and it’s probably not what your provider has told you.

They dive into why C-sections have become the default for twins in the U.S. (hint: it’s not because it’s safer), and how our medical system continues to over-manage what can often be a normal variation of birth. Dr. Stu breaks down what’s really happening with rising twin pregnancies, how assisted reproductive technology plays a role, and why evidence still supports vaginal twin births when handled by skilled providers.

You’ll hear them talk about: How to find a provider who’s actually experienced with vaginal twin births The real deal on ECVs, breech twins, and what “mono-mono” and “mono-di” really mean How to advocate for your birth plan even when you’re having multiples

If you’re expecting twins, or just want to understand how broken our twin birth system has become, this episode is your blueprint for making informed, confident choices and protecting your power in the birth room.

00:00 Introduction to Twin Births

01:07 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:14 Black Friday Sale Announcement

02:29 The Birth Lounge Overview

09:52 Special Guest: Dr. Stu Fischbein

10:21 Challenges and Misconceptions About Twin Births

11:25 Dr. Stu's Background and Expertise

12:48 Navigating Twin Births in the Medical System

14:15 The Importance of Informed Consent

15:51 Current Landscape of Twin Births

20:49 Training and Skills in Obstetrics

35:34 Risks and Realities of Twin Births

57:29 Legislation and Training in Midwifery

59:07 Economic Incentives in Birth Practices

01:00:16 Personal Experience with Baby Gear

01:03:31 Cost Analysis of C-Sections vs. Vaginal Births

01:04:50 Hospital Policies and C-Section Rates

01:08:44 Historical Perspective on Birth Practices

01:14:08 Twin Births: Hospital vs. Home

01:20:30 Challenges in Breech Deliveries

01:24:27 External Cephalic Version (ECV) Insights

01:30:42 Timing and Risks in Twin Deliveries

01:40:07 Final Thoughts and Advice for Expecting Mothers

Guest Bio:

Stuart J. Fischbein MD is a community-based obstetrician and an Associate of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, published author of the book “Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, A Midwife and A Mom” and peer-reviewed papers Homebirth with an Obstetrician, A Series of 135 Out of Hospital Births and Breech birth at home: outcomes of 60 breech and 109 cephalic planned home and birth center births. After completing his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stu spent 24 years assisting women with hospital birthing and, for the last 13 years, has been a homebirth obstetrician who works directly with midwives. Since retiring from attending home births in 2022, Dr. Stu has turned his focus to traveling around the world as a lecturer and advocate for reteaching breech & twin birth skills, respect for the normalcy of birth and honoring informed consent. He hosts a weekly podcast with co-host Blyss Young and together they offer hope, reassurance and safe, honest evidence supported choices for those women who understand pregnancy is a normal bodily function not to be feared. Follow him on Instagram @birthinginstincts. His websites are www.birthinginstincts.com & www.birthinginstinctspodcast.com

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with Dr. Stu on IG

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

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LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Check out our episode with Dr. Stu’s cohost, Blyss Young (ep. 232)

Listen to episode 179 with Dr. Rixa Freeze

Here’s a link to the Primitive Reflexes episode Dr. Stu references

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0313941

www.birthinginstincts.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birthing-instincts/id1552816683

www.birthinginstinctspodcast.com

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30305050/

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52ca1028e4b05c5f2d7b157d/t/62e02090874eae67b683bc67/1658855570428/A+Maneuver+for+Head+Entanglement+Published.pdf