#206: The Long and Winding Road

Protection from untested interventions has long been the basis for ethical decisions in medicine and especially pregnancy. So what happened? Blyss & Dr. Stu discuss the wisdom of Naturopathy and the attack on longstanding principles and wisdom from many fronts. ACOG changes ethics and the Arrive Trial isn't all that we were sold.In this episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss cover the ACOG Committee Statement No. 6: Ethical Considerations for the Delivery of Obstetric and Gynecologic Care During a Pandemic.They scrutinize the risks associated with untested products for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the ethics of using such products, and heartrending news of sudden cardiac events in young people. The ebbs and flows of this conversation lead to the significance of finding a healthcare provider that resonates with your beliefs.Key highlights:Vaccines, Child Visits, and Medical EthicsCorruption in the Medical WorldNature's Importance and Preventive ActionsEthics and Vaccination in a PandemicThe ARRIVE Trial's Impact on Induction RatesEpisode resources:Ethical Considerations for the Delivery of Obstetric and Gynecologic Care During a PandemicEffects of the ARRIVE Trial on Elective Induction and Obstetric Outcomes in Term Nulliparous PatientsThis show is supported by:LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | 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 / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Call-in line: 805-399-0439

9 Aug 20231h 18min

Dr. Stu had eye surgery, again, this week and celebrated his birthday by recording with the Whimsical Blyss. So with little prep time, we gratefully explore the knowledge of our beloved fellow travelers in letters you have written to us.Through your letters, we've gained valuable insight into your experiences and queries, and together, we tackle them head-on. We explore hot topics in the birthing world, such as breech birth, twin birth, low platelets, and more. These discussions highlight the necessity of informed consent, the power of asking questions when certain decisions don't sit well with you, and the importance of trusting your instincts. So, if you’re pregnant, contemplating pregnancy, or just interested in the birthing world, this episode is rich with insights that challenge conventional wisdom and inspire informed decision-making.Key highlights:Birthday Celebrations and Listener LettersBreech Birth and Vaginal Delivery OptionsMidwifery Care for Mono-Di TwinsChallenges and Controversies of Hospital BirthHospital Births and Platelet Monitoring DebatePositive Hospital ExperiencesThis show is supported by:LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | 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 / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Call-in line: 805-399-0439

2 Aug 20231h 23min

We are often told by our doctors why we need a cesarean and how routine they are. But there are a lot of reasons to be wary. Today, Blyss & Dr. Stu discuss what you should know to help make that informed decision and then break down a popular YouTube podcast.Prepare to be enlightened as they unravel the intricate truth of cesarean sections – the most common surgical procedure in the US, and yet, one fraught with overlooked risks and consequences. Unleash your curiosity as we dissect the power of informed consent, the seriousness of risks linked to cesarean sections, and the importance of effective communication in the doctor-patient relationship. The conversation takes a deeper turn as Dr. Stu and Blyss disclose alarming insights about the potential risks of not having a vaginal delivery. The factors discussed range from the baby missing out on exposure to natural bacteria that aids immunity, to an increased likelihood of allergy, asthma, autism, and ADHD. Our exploration of the Amish population, their low rates of chronic disease and autism, and their preference for vaginal deliveries will definitely make you rethink conventional childbirth procedures.Wrapping up, they bring to light the grim reality associated with cesarean sections - the five times higher maternal mortality rate and the increased risk of abnormal placentation. Brace yourselves as we challenge the status quo and question the influence of litigation and politics on medical practices. By the end of the episode, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the complexities surrounding childbirth and the potential downsides of cesarean sections. Listen in as Dr. Stu and Blyss transform your perspective on childbirth and equip you with knowledge to prepare you to be your own advocate to get the birth you want. Key highlights:How Covid lockdowns failed usAction bias and why doctors feel they have to intervene Most people don't know their birth story, so does your birth story matter? Effects of c-section on the babyExploring the downsides of cesarean SectionsRisks and procedures of cesarean sectionConsequences of cesarean section delivery for both mother and babyEpisode resources:@katythedoula on InstagramYouTube video: Change in birth plan, considering a C-section & revealing our secretYouTube video: Mom Postnatals - You Are AmazingThis show is supported by:LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | 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 / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Call-in line: 805-399-0439

26 Jul 20231h 18min

Join us as we celebrate the arrival of Stu’s first grandchild, and finally cover a topic that has been highly requested: cholestasis. This is a lesser-known health issue that affects a significant number of pregnant women and usually results in interventions once it is discovered. You'll walk away from this episode with a deeper understanding of cholestasis - from its potential treatments, its impact on the liver, and whether or not it is as scary as it is sometimes portrayed.We dissect the risks and benefits of various treatments for cholestasis, alongside a poignant story from a listener who was diagnosed with this condition. We don't shy away from examining the harsh realities, but also shed light on the real facts of what different bile levels mean and their corresponding risks. We further delve into the medical model of treating cholestasis, highlighting the need for an individualized approach that takes into account the woman's unique experience and not just the medical perspective.Not only do we discuss cholestasis, but we also tackle topics like the potential risks of placental pathology and the controversy surrounding forceps usage in childbirth. We pull back the curtain on the medical world, questioning the incentives behind the non-disclosure of placental pathology by hospitals, and revisiting the debate on the induction of labor. This episode is packed with valuable insights, personal stories, and expert advice - an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of cholestasis and its management during pregnancy. Tune in and let's grow together!The Biology of Aging and FertilitySensitivity of Hands and FeetReevaluating Induction Practices in ObstetricsCholestasis in Pregnancy and Risk FactorsPreeclampsia Risk in ICP PatientsAntepartum Testing in Intrahepatic CholestasisLikelihood of ICP RecurrenceObstetricians' Approach to Risk and IndividualityRespiratory Distress Syndrome in Cholestatic PregnanciesEpisode resources:Statistics: Risk of Stillbirth with Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: What do Bile Acid Concentrations Tell Us?Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #53: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: Replaces Consult #13, April 2011Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and neonatal respiratory distress syndromeBlyss' Cholestasis ProtocolThis show is supported by:LMNT | Go to com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at com.BIRTHFIT | Go to 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 / @birthingblyssWebsite: com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439

19 Jul 20231h 26min

Medical induction of labor continues to rise. Most OBs will want to induce all of you. Does this make sense? No! Blyss & Dr. Stu explain. Blyss hangs with her boys & Dr. Stu becomes a grandpa.

12 Jul 20231h 39min

On the Summer Solstice, Dr. Sara Wickham, author and researcher, joins the podcast to share her wisdom. Dr. Stu and Dr. Sara talk about the meaning of risk and prevention and the risk of prevention as it pertains to some very relevant topics: BMI, "Needing" a cesarean, Pitocin & Vitamin K. She is a treasure trove of knowledge.

5 Jul 20231h 33min

In this episode, Blyss and Dr. Stu delve into the term 'Geriatric Pregnancy', debunking myths and embracing evidence around advanced maternal age and the need for individualized care. They also touch upon stories of successful births, medical interventions, and the risks of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) versus natural oxytocin. Amidst personal anecdotes, survival strategies for a metaphorical apocalypse, and reflections on adaptability, the episode underscores the importance of informed consent and patient autonomy in making birth choices.

28 Jun 20231h 21min

Today, Blyss meets up with Dr. Stu at his new homestead for some in-person podcasting! They discuss thrombocytopenia and low levels of independent thought in so many health care providers. Learn about the importance of a complete blood count and peripheral blood smear, the risks associated with certain medications, and the key characteristics of gestational thrombocytopenia. They also discuss various platelet count thresholds and what they mean for the expecting mother.

21 Jun 20231h 4min