Birthing Instincts

Latest Episodes:

#398 Bandl's Ring, like life itself, is perplexing Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Before getting into today's topic, Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss the maternity care crisis in California that has been impacting local birth centers. They explain Bandl's Ring more in-depth and explain how it's detected. Bandl's Ring is a constriction in the uterus and a sign of obstructed labor. It obstructs normal labor and can put the lower uterine segment at risk of rupture.

Although Bandl's Ring can be seen (and sometimes felt) during labor and detected using ultrasonography, its symptoms are tricky to identify. At first glance, Bandl's Ring may look like a distended bladder. Anything that leads to obstructed labor, including dehydration, is going to be a risk factor for Bandl's Ring. Therefore, a cesarean section may be necessary to avoid uterine rupture. Tune in to learn more!

In this episode

Blyss and Dr. Stu explain what is Bandl's Ring
Risk factors of Bandl's Ring
Does the baby's position cause Bandl's Ring?
How Bandl's Ring is detected (possible symptoms)

Episode resources

This show is supported by

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Call-in line: 805-399-0439
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

BONUS Reflecting on a Monumental Weekend in Washington D.C.: Empowering Change in Maternal Health Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

In this special bonus episode Dr. Stu recaps his remarkable experiences in Washington D.C. with Lindsay Meehleis and Katie Allen. They had the honor of attending the 'Make America Healthy Again' gala and be a part of history. The episode captures emotional reflections and insights into their advocacy efforts, aiming to bring significant changes to the public health system, particularly in maternity care.

If you want to be a part of the future of maternity care reform, fill out this survey to tell us what changes you want to see made: bit.ly/changematernitycare

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast

Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss

Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com

Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com

Call-in line: 805-399-0439

Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#397 From The Cry Of A Mother, "Just The Inserts" was Born Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Why isn't healthcare more personalized? This is the question our guest today aims to address. Alexandra is the founder of Just the Inserts, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals with accessible and transparent information about medical choices. In today's conversation, you'll learn about the reasons behind this lack of personalization, the role pharmaceutical companies play in it, and how individuals can make confident medical decisions—such as those regarding childbirth—based on reliable and transparent information.

Much of the healthcare information provided to the public by official organizations is often influenced by marketing and publicity motives. Alexandra's mission, both personally and professionally, is to demystify this information and clearly present the pros and cons of various medical decisions.

About Alexandra

With a solid research background and a passion for informed consent, Alexandra guides people through the complexities of pharmaceutical products and decisions. Her commitment to clear, reliable information has earned her recognition as a trusted voice in the community, helping countless individuals make more informed, confident healthcare decisions.

Connect with Alexandra

Email: justtheinserts@protonmail.com
Website: www.justtheinserts.com
Instagram: @Justtheinserts @Justthealternatives
X: @Justtheinserts

In this episode

Alexandra's backstory and how she got into the field;
Marketing and the pharmaceutical companies;
Why some people are more sensitive to side effects;
How to make an informed decision based on reliable information;
Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).

Episode resources

This show is supported by

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Call-in line: 805-399-0439
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#396 Downsides of Induction Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Induced labors have pros and cons. For moms on the verge of delivery, it is fundamental to understand the whole scenery to make the best decision. However, interfering with the natural process can harm both the mother and the baby. Common risks of inducing labor are infections, postpartum hemorrhages, bleeding, umbilical cord issues, and general discomfort at the moment of delivery and even while breastfeeding.

In this episode, you will learn everything about this topic while Dr. Stu and Blyss explain all the details. It is fundamental to know when to wait and when to induce labor because sometimes an induction may be necessary to protect the fetus's health. It is all a matter of communicating with the medical providers involved and deciding the best choice.

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

The downsides of getting induced (for mothers);
The downsides of getting induced (for babies);
Why sometimes inductions are necessary.

Episode resources:

Thank You Dr. Fauci: tuckercarlson.com/fauci
DTaP Vaccine: physiciansforinformedconsent.org/dtap-vaccine-risk-statement/
UpToDate: www.uptodate.com/contents/induction-of-labor-with-oxytocin

This show is supported by:

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Call-in line: 805-399-0439
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#395 Certified Human: The era of A.I. is upon us Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to this week's of the Birthing Instincts Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss share their insights on various cases submitted via email. They discuss best practices for blood transfusions during pregnancy and delivery, the probable causes and symptoms of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), and the detection and risks associated with ureaplasma infection.

Additionally, you will learn about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) on the healthcare community and the professionals working within it. It is clear that A.I. is transforming the way we approach healthcare today, with its effects on various types of diagnoses and clinical care already being felt by those in need. Tune in to learn more!

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

The role of A.I. nowadays and how we are using it;
Blood transfusions during pregnancy and delivery;
Case study of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR);
Association between ureaplasma (bacteria) and miscarriages.

Episode resources:

If you love the podcast, come join us on Patreon: patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
www.chatgpt.com
Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode 350 with Aleks Evanguelidi
Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode 367 with Dr. Ben Lynch
Thank You Dr. Faucci Documentary

This show is supported by:

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Call-in line: 805-399-0439
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#394 Reminiscing 2024 Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

Join us in celebrating a journey of health, inspiration, and empowerment as we welcome 2025! In this special episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss recap the year's podcast episodes, highlighting important topics discussed throughout. They also share the victories and challenges from both their personal and professional lives, along with exciting upcoming projects and plans for the year ahead. Tune in to listen to the full episode, and we’ll see you next year!

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

Overview of the healthcare industry;
Recap of Blyss and Dr. Stu's personal and professional year;
Highlights of the 2024 episodes of Birthing Instincts;
Upcoming projects and plans for 2025.

Episode resources:

Birth worker retreat: www.theinnatejourney.com/birthworkers.
Nominate traditional midwives.

This show is supported by:

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Call-in line: 805-399-0439
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#393 Breast Has Always Been Best w/ IBCLC & Mom, Jaimie Zaki Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu and Blyss welcome Jaimie Zaki, an LPN, doula, IBCLC, and mom of 5 dedicated to transforming breastfeeding support. The importance of breastfeeding for the mental and emotional development of the baby is undebatable. On the same note, moms can benefit from breastfeeding as well since it reduces the potential for health issues after pregnancy. Other benefits include a quicker recovery from childbirth and a decrease in the stress of birth.

Throughout the conversation, you will also learn more about formula feeding and its pros and cons. After all, figuring out the best path to follow is also important during this phase.

Connect with Jaimie Zaki

E-mail: jaimiezaki@littlebearlactation.com
Website: www.littlebearlactation.com
Instagram: @littlebearlactation
Breastfeeding Class/Community

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

How breastfeeding is being approached currently;
Why women's health is the pulse of all of society's health;
Benefits of breastfeeding and why it matters;
Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding;
How professional breastfeeding support works;
The connection between nutrition and breastfeeding;
“Every mother deserves to feel confident when breastfeeding”.

Episode resources:

Mother Food: https://mother-food.com/

This show is supported by:

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Call-in line: 805-399-0439
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#392 Twin Home Birth Outcomes Published…Finally, with Rixa Freeze, PhD Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Today, Dr. Stu welcomes Dr. Rixa Freeze to discuss their paper “Twin Home Birth Outcomes” more deeply and all the topics related to this theme. You will learn more about the connection between twin pregnancies and breech birth and why it is common for one or both babies to be in a breech position, as well as the mode of delivery. Dr. Rixa Freeze has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Iowa. Her doctoral studies focused on the history of healthcare and medicine with a specialization in pregnancy, childbirth, and maternity care.

Connect with Dr. Rixa Freeze

Breech Without Borders: www.breechwithoutborders.org
Instagram: @breechwithoutborders

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

Dr. Rixa Freeze's background;
Dr. Stu and Dr. Rixa discuss their paper “Twin Home Birth Outcomes”;
Why women in North America choose unassisted home birth;
Why it's important to know what does twin home birth look like;
Correlation between twin pregnancies and breech birth;
Breech presentation: vaginal birth vs. c-section;
Understanding c-section births for future pregnancies;
Dr. Rixa Freeze's organization Breech Without Borders.

Episode resources:

Transplacental transmission of the COVID-19 vaccine messenger RNA: evidence from placental, maternal, and cord blood analyses post vaccination: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002937824000632
CDC Hep B vaccination during pregnancy
Robert Malone's post on X
Maternal rest improves growth in small-for-gestational-age fetuses: https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00530-1/fulltext
Fundraiser Link: https://chuffed.org/project/twinhomebirth
Twin Home Birth Study
Rixa Freeze Interview with Dr. Stu

This show is supported by:

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Call-in line: 805-399-0439
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#391 The Wisdom To Know The Difference Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss the importance of identifying the things you can do to feel better when you feel overwhelmed. Pinpointing the primary source of overwhelm is important, but finding ways to find relief is fundamental to getting out of this state. The other important thing to do is to go back to the basics. Having a good night's sleep, hydrating well, and eating properly can do wonders to get out of a rut. Small steps are still progress. Tune in to learn more!

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

How to go back to the basics when things are feeling hard;
The importance of gratitude and letting go of what we can’t control;
Food, sleep and hydration are the foundation of general health and mental health;
Strategies to reset, recharge and relax;
Finding ways to express what you're feeling and what has been bothering you;
Learn to identify the things you can do to feel better.

Episode resources:

This show is supported by:

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Call-in line: 805-399-0439
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

#390 Call To Action: Time to Make Mothers Healthy Again Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Today, Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss a variety of topics, which is always exciting. They reflect on the changes in the medical field over the last 30 years, the decision to take or not take vaccines during pregnancy, and the urgent need for both medical professionals and the general public to focus on making mothers and their children healthy again. They also emphasize the importance of prenatal care, not only for the health of the baby but also for identifying any potential risks for the mother-to-be.

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

Immune System conditions;
Relationship between vaccines and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder);
Make America Healthy Again policy;
What has changed over the last 30 years in the medical field;
Prenatal care and maternal care;
Vaccines during pregnancy.

Episode resources:

This show is supported by:

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.
Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.