Herbal Wisdom, Holy Trust, and 50 Years of Birth with Betty Griffith, LDM

In this intimate conversation, Blyss sits with Betty Griffith, LDM, a licensed midwife in Salem, Oregon, whose five decades of practice bridge the early days of the home birth revival with today’s changing landscape. From her beginnings as a labor-and-delivery nurse in the 1970s to years of practicing home birth prior to licensure, Betty shares the shifts she’s witnessed—both in women’s bodies and in the culture of birth.

With candor and warmth, Betty reflects on the simplicity of care in earlier times, the complications that arise from fear-based models, and why she believes too much testing can create more problems than it solves. She also opens her medicine bag—offering practical wisdom on prenatal nutrition, balancing energy to encourage optimal fetal position, the “midwife brew,” herbs, prayer, and the subtle art of listening deeply to both women and babies.

This conversation weaves history, philosophy, and practical midwifery into one tapestry—reminding us that birth is, above all, a sacred and natural process.

Betty Shares:

• Betty’s journey from farm girl to nurse to beloved Oregon midwife
• A stark look at obstetric practices in the 1960s and ’70s—and what changed
• How simplicity in care led to excellent outcomes before licensure
• Why fear and over-testing may contribute to complications
• Stories of faith, prayer, and “God births” that defied medical odds
• The midwife’s role as family-centered, bringing children into the process
• Betty’s homemade prenatal vitamins and natural remedies
• Tools for aligning babies in labor—including her unique pelvic-tilt technique
• Reflections on licensure, Medicaid, and the struggle to serve families with integrity

Mentioned in This Episode:

• NARM (North American Registry of Midwives)
• Midwife Brew – a natural induction blend often including:
• Castor oil
• Apricot nectar (sometimes Kern’s brand)
• Lemon verbena tea
• Almond butter
• Water
• Michel Odent — a French obstetrician who pioneered birthing pools, home-like maternity rooms, and the concept of the “fetus-ejection reflex.” He later founded the Primal Health Research Centre in London and authored numerous influential books on physiological birth. Learn more →
• Starwest Botanicals — a trusted source for high-quality organic herbs, teas, and botanicals since 1975. Visit Starwest Botanicals →
• Chlorophyll — for strengthening blood and preventing excessive bleeding
• TXA (Tranexamic Acid) — modern tool for postpartum hemorrhage
• Cayenne & Cinnamon — traditional remedies for hemorrhage
• Activated Charcoal — used for supporting newborns with jaundice

Useful Links & Resources

• Connect with Betty Griffith, LDM: Birth With Love Midwife Services
• Follow us on Instagram @bridge_midwives to see Betty’s tip for helping babies find a good position.
• Learn more about the Bridge Midwives Project: thebridgemidwives.com
• Join our monthly Community Circle: live conversations with elder midwives (first Thursday, 5pm PT).

If this episode inspired you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or consider supporting the Bridge Midwives Project so we can continue archiving and honoring the wisdom of midwives like Betty Griffith, LDM.

Thank you to all the elders, donations and volunteers that have made this project possible.

Together, we can preserve the wisdom of elder midwives for generations to come. Give today and be part of this legacy.…please visit bridgemidwives.com for more information on how to donate.

Community Circles (First Thursdays of each month)

Podcast Editor: Shea Lyons

Archivist and Producer: Blyss Young

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