#427: Changing The Narrative with Girls Who Know® Founder Laurisa Paul
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 Aug 1h 31min
#426: Gail Tully of Spinning Babies, Finally
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 Aug 1h 32min
#425: Yoga Is A State Of Being with Claire Holloway
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 Aug 1h 18min
#424: If You Teach A Woman To Fish...A Talk On Restorative Reproductive Medicine with Dr. Marguerite Duane
This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss are joined by Dr. Marguerite Duane to discuss the shortcomings of conventional infertility treatments and the promising potential of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM). Dr. Duane, a family physician and expert in RRM, explains the importance of treating infertility as a symptom of underlying health issues rather than as a disease itself. Together, they dive into specifics about conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, emphasizing the benefits of lifestyle changes and identifying root causes. Marguerite shares insights on male infertility, the flawed default approach of using hormonal contraception for various female health issues, and the ethical concerns surrounding the IVF industry. The episode underscores the need for a more integrated, patient-centered approach in reproductive healthcare.Guest Bio:Dr. Marguerite Duane, a board-certified family physician, is co-founder and Executive Director of FACTS about Fertility, an organization dedicated to educating medical professionals and students about the science supporting fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). She serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown and Associate Professor of Restorative Reproductive Medicine and Director of the Center for Fertility Awareness Based Education and Research at Duquesne University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Duane cares for patients via a direct primary care house-calls based practice, MD for Life. She has served on the board of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Family Medicine Education Consortium.Instagram: @FertilityFACTSWebsite: www.FACTSaboutFertility.orgResourcesA Raw Talk with Dr. Stuart Fischbein- VBAC, Ultrasounds, C-sections & the Lies We’ve Been Told // S4E34Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: 'It's All A Lie:’ Buried Science On Vaccines & An Agenda Keeping Parents In The Dark | Del BigtreeTreating Infertility: The New Frontier of Reproductive MedicineFertility Awareness-Based Methods for Women's Health and Family Planning: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods.pdfApp study: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/rating-of-fertility-apps-avoiding/Webinars (Know your body and Facts about fertility explained): https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/learn-more/webinars/Virtual conference: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/2025-facts-virtual-conference/Sample our CME: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/sample-our-cme/Introduction to charting and the different methods: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/what-is-charting/ In This EpisodeUnderstanding Restorative Reproductive MedicineEmpowering Women with KnowledgePolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) ExplainedThe Role of Nutrition in Medical EducationRestorative Reproductive Medicine ApproachesEndometriosis: Symptoms and TreatmentsThe Ethics and Economics of Reproductive MedicineMale FertilityPodcast 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. 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
30 Juli 1h 42min
#423: Elective Sterilization: Navigating Permanent Birth Control
In this episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss discuss elective sterilization methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation. The episode details the procedures, potential complications, and success rates of reversals, offering a comprehensive overview of the various sterilization methods. Blyss brings the conversation back to natural and ancient methods of contraception. ResourcesPossible Complications After a VasectomyVasectomy and Prostate Cancer Risk: A 38-Year Nationwide Cohort StudyVasectomy Reversal: What You Need to KnowImmunological consequences of vasectomyTypes of Tubal LigationLong-Term Side Effects of Tubal LigationWhat to know about salpingectomyIn This EpisodePermanent Birth Control OptionsVasectomy: Procedure and RisksProstate Cancer Risk and VasectomyImmunologic Consequences of VasectomyReversibility of VasectomyMethods of Tubal LigationTubal Ligation: Procedure and RisksAncient Methods of Birth ControlPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription 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
23 Juli 59min
#422: What Are Legitimate Reasons For Induction?
In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu discuss various reasons for medical inductions, the process involved in hospital inductions, and alternative methods like castor oil and homeopathic remedies that can be pursued for a more natural approach. Listener stories highlight personal experiences with induction, offering insight into both the challenges and positive outcomes associated with this intervention.Resources Reduced risk of cesarean delivery with oxytocin discontinuation in active labor: a systematic review and meta-analysisEffect of Castor Oil on Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMCInduced Labor: Reasons, Procedure, Risks & ResultsIn This EpisodeInduction Insights and RecommendationsAssessing Baby's Environment and IUGRUnderstanding Oligohydramnios and Ultrasound ReliabilityPlacenta Issues and AbruptionNon-Reassuring Biophysical ProfilesInfection and Eclampsia ManagementInduction for Precipitous Labor and Other ConsiderationsPreparing for Medical InductionNatural Induction MethodsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription 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
16 Juli 1h 11min
#421: Turn Down The Power: Patti Wood On Radiation Exposure
This week Blyss and Stu welcome Patti Wood, founder and executive director of Grassroots Environmental Education, to discuss the potential risks of exposure to cell phones and other wireless devices, particularly focusing on their effects on fetal development and general human health. About Patti:Patricia Wood is the founder and Executive Director of Grassroots Environmental Education, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the relationship between environmental exposures and human health risks. Grassroots serves local and state governments, health care providers, school systems, community groups, other environmental organizations and individuals nationwide.She is the co-creator of the BabySafe Project and a Visiting Scholar at Adelphi University where she lectures on the environment and related health issues in the College of Nursing and Public Health.Website: thebabysafeproject.orgFacebook: baby safe projectInstagram: @thebabysafeprojectTikTok: @BabySafeProjectbrochure "What You Need to Know About Wireless Radiation and Your Baby ResourcesTwin home birth stories,send your full birth story, high resolution photos and photo credit. If you had any, your full name and the age that you gave birth to the twins and where you're located. to twinhomebirth@gmail.comSafe Living Technologies: safelivingtechnologies.comTech safe schools: techsafeschool.orgWhy electrohypersensitivity and related symptoms are caused by non-ionizing man-made electromagnetic fields: An overview and medical assessment Green Bank, West VirginiaIn This EpisodeImpact of Wireless Radiation on HealthProtective Measures and RecommendationsFetal Exposure to Wireless RadiationEnvironmental Insults and Brain VulnerabilityEvidence from Human and Animal StudiesProtecting Pregnant Women and ChildrenPractical Tips to Reduce Wireless Radiation ExposureHealth Risks of Wireless Baby MonitorsElectromagnetic Spectrum and Non-Ionizing RadiationPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription 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
9 Juli 1h 27min
#420: Periodontal Disease & Health Is Often Overlooked with Stacia Garmon, RDH
In this episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss are joined by Stacia Garmon, a dental hygienist who shares her expertise on periodontal disease and its potential impact on overall health, including its association with heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Additionally, Stacia shares her pregnancy journey with her son Dax, who was born with bilateral renal agenesis. Her advocacy for her son and her thirst for knowledge will open your heart and mind to the often overlooked connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes.About Stacia:Stacia will be married for eight years this fall, to her incredible Husband, Ken. Together they have a son, Dax, who would have been two this July, but he passed away after a mighty battle with renal agenesis. Professionally, Stacia is a dental hygienist and has been working in dentistry for over 12 years now. She is a self proclaimed knowledge seeker who questions everything, and loves to help people.Instagram: @daxsfamilyfarmResourcesAt Her Feet Podcast with Blyss YoungMyles Textbook for MidwivesPregnancy Questions with Dr. Stu + Mothers 2B: RhoGAMPeriodontal Disease and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Study from PakistanAssociation Between Periodontal Health Status and Pregnancy and Delivery Complications in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Pregnant Women: A Case-Control StudyIs periodontal disease associated with gestational diabetes? Exploring the evidenceAssociation Between Periodontitis and Blood Pressure Highlighted in Systemically Healthy Individuals: Results From a Nested Case-Control StudyIn This EpisodeThe Importance of Oral Health During PregnancyDaily Oral Hygiene TipsChoosing the Right Dental ProductsFluoride and Toothpaste ChoicesOral Health and Systemic ConnectionsPeriodontal Disease and Pregnancy RisksPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.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
2 Juli 1h 9min
