Birthing Instincts

Latest Episodes:

#359 Unraveling the Legal Wrangling & Strangling of Midwifery May 01, 2024

Show notes

Blyss returns only a week post op! She is a Goddess! Today's guests, Lenny Sue Tinseth & Corinne Flatt, OG Nevada midwives share their thoughts on the laws of Nevada, California and the state of midwifery. So much wisdom, so few diplomas!

About Lenny Sue Tinseth:

Lenny Sue is a Licensed California Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife and a Certified Health Coach. She has been practicing Midwifery in the Lake Tahoe, Reno Nevada and surrounding areas for 38 years.

Having practiced in a grass roots unlicensed environment in her early years, both in Nevada and California has given her the perspective of licensure’s pros and cons.

She is a member of Nevada Midwives Association.

NMA is devoted to maintaining full access to midwifery care for all women in the state of Nevada.

She has been an advocate during the last 2 legislative sessions in Nevada to ensure proposed licensure does not limit families receiving access to midwifery care.

About Corrine Flatt:

Corrine is a midwife, serving families in southern Nevada since 1998, the founder of Pinkpeas Pregnancy and Parenting Care, and a long-time activist for birth freedom. Find Corrine everywhere on the internet, but don't miss the speech she made on Birth Freedom in Panama at dondeseayconquiensea.org

Key highlights:

Home Birth Midwife Conference Announcement
Challenges of Birthing Freedom in Nevada
Modern Midwifery Practice and Medicalization
Restrictions on Midwife Practices in Nebraska
State by State Birth Rights Debate
Global Push for Midwifery Regulation

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
alpinemidwifery.com
@alpine_midwifery on IG
@corrineflatt on IG
Birth Freedom in Panama presentations | Donde Sea y Con Quien Sea dondeseayconquiensea.org
Beautiful One Midwifery | Holistic Women's Health beautifulonemidwiferysandiego.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

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

#358 Homebirth Safety: What to Believe? Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

The two authors who despise home birth are at it again with a new pre-print on the "Enduring Safety Concerns" of community birthing. Does their evidence hold water? The disconnect of priorities by organized medicine continues. Dr. Stu is joined by guest co-host Lindsey Meehleis, to break down the data.

Together, Dr. Stu and Lindsey dissect this paper that scrutinizes the safety of out-of-hospital births, and discuss the complexities surrounding breech births, twin pregnancies, and the sacred moments of life and death, advocating for the wisdom of traditional midwifery in today's polarized birth setting debates.

They take a closer look at the ACOG's rigid stance on planned home birth risks, untangling the often-misleading statistics that shape many women's choices about their birth setting.

California no longer tracks stillbirths! What? We send blessings to and burn a candle for Blyss who had hip replacement surgery today.

Key highlights:

Holistic Home Birth
Fetal Death Reporting Controversy
Debate on Planned Home Birth Safety
Challenges in Traditional Midwifery Training
Home Birth Studies

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
OC midwifery: orangecountymidwives.com/lindsey-meehleis-lm-cpm
About Lindsey Meehleis
ACOG article: Planned Home Birth
Science direct article: Enduring safety concerns for out-of-hospital births in the United States
PubMed article: Perinatal or neonatal mortality among women who intend at the onset of labour to give birth at home compared to women of low obstetrical risk who intend to give birth in hospital
PubMed article: Perinatal and maternal outcomes by planned place of birth for healthy women with low risk pregnancies
PubMed article: Planned home versus planned hospital births in women at low-risk pregnancy: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Thebmj article: Outcomes of planned home births with certified professional midwives: large prospective study in North America
BJOG article: Perinatal mortality and morbidity up to 28 days after birth among 743 070 low-risk planned home and hospital births: a cohort study based on three merged national perinatal databases

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

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

#357 "Born At Home", A New Documentary Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

Today on the podcast Blyss & Dr. Stu chat with the creators of a new film exploring home birth. The film explores the empowering journey of home birth and combines the wisdom of families, midwives, doulas, and some of our favorite people in the birth world. We also discuss the importance of how babies enter this world and, of course, catch up and reveal some new dumb doctor dogma.

About Eleanor Currie:

Eleanor Currie is a documentary filmmaker, videographer, photographer and mother of two beautiful children. She has a passion for telling stories about the human experience. Her newest film 'Born At Home' (created with long-term friend, Amanda Banks) explores the emotional journey of homebirth.

About Amanda Banks:

Amanda is mother of two children, both born at home. She has always had a passion for health which led her to complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) and now works as an Acupuncturist in Brisbane, supporting families through fertility, pregnancy and beyond for over 8 years. Amanda was the former Convenor for Homebirth QLD for 2.5 years until mid 2023 and worked as a maternity consumer representative on the QLD Normal Birth Strategy.

Empowered by the homebirth of her second child in 2020, Amanda together with long term dear friend Eleanor, set out to create a film exploring Homebirth in QLD. She is the co-creator and Producer of Born at Home.

About the Documentary Born At Home:

Where and how women choose to birth matters. Born at Home is a stunning documentary film exploring what it takes to have a positive and transformative birth experience. Born at Home is an informative and emotive documentary exploring homebirth. This is a must-see event for all birth nerds, birth workers, mothers, those curious about birth and those seeking an alternative option to hospital birth.

Key highlights:

Birth at Home Documentary Filmmakers
Home Birth Documentary Discussion
Contrasting Birth Experiences in Film
Life Choices and Home Birth Perspectives
Free Birth and Home Birth Exploration

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
sacredbirthing.com/blog/author/sunni
bornathomefilm.com.au
Born at Home Film on Instagram: @bornathomefilm

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

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

#356 A Look Back at the History of U.S. Childbirth Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

Blyss responds to a comment about safety and mortality. There will always be disputes about what safety means and to know where we are we need to know where we were. Today Blyss & Dr. Stu look back at childbirth in America over the last 300 years and try to sort through the accomplishments and clarify the statistics.

In an episode that's both a history lesson and a call to action, we reflect on the transformative journey of childbirth practices. Venture through time with us, from the days of home births and midwives to the formalization of hospital deliveries and the controversial medical interventions that followed. We peer into the darker chapters of obstetrics, acknowledging the exploitation that has tainted its history, and celebrate the triumphs that have led to significant declines in maternal and infant mortality rates.

This is a story of advancement and advocacy, of reclaiming agency and acknowledging the past to better navigate the present. Let's continue this dialogue and foster a future where the instincts of birthing and the wisdom of midwifery guide us toward a safer, more empowered experience for all.

Key highlights:

Birth Choices and Maternal Mortality
History of Obstetric Interventions
History of Childbirth Practices in America
Evolution of Obstetrics and Childbirth
Declines in Infant Mortality and Interventions
Maternal and Infant Mortality Trends

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Article: Changes in childbirth in the United States: 1750–1950
Book: Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers
CDC Article: Achievements in Public Health, 1900-1999: Healthier Mothers and Babies

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

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

#355 Letters & Twins & Breeches, Oh My Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

While it's not yellow brick, Dr. Stu is on the road teaching breech and twins and renewing family ties in California. Blyss joins in to share stories and wisdom and sanity, as usual.

Echoing the dedication of mothers and birth workers, we dive into stories that underscore the triumphs of natural birth, like a listener's VBAC victory over early induction using natural remedies—proof that self-advocacy can indeed rewrite the standard medical narrative. These stories aren't just about births; they're about the struggle for autonomy and the challenging journey of advocacy within a system that sometimes seems set up for our silence.

This episode is a blend of education, empowerment, and the drive for a maternity care system that honors the sanctity and individuality of the birthing process. Join us as we celebrate the power of informed decision-making, the legacy of childbirth, and the enduring spirit of woman-centered care.

Key highlights:

Natural Birth Advocacy and VBAC Success
Challenges With Breech Delivery Options
Regulatory Challenges in Midwifery and Healthcare
Midwives vs Medical Standardization
Questioning Medical Fear-Mongering
Maternity Care and Obstetrician Education

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Book: Immaculate deception: A new look at women and childbirth in America

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 of their fitness programs
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

#354 SSRI Mythology: Bundling or Bungling Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Academia just can't stop meddling with nature especially when profit is involved. Today Blyss & Dr. Stu explore another likely fallacy of "Big Medicine" - the Chemical imbalance Theory of Depression. Even feral cats get it. Why can't they?

We delve into the complexities of managing low platelet counts during pregnancy and the importance of respecting the body's natural processes, juxtaposing this against the philosophy of minimal intervention at home births.

We navigate the contentious issues surrounding pharmaceutical interventions and discuss the implications of readily available over-the-counter contraceptives and the possible health risks of daily routines, such as prolonged bra usage. We share thought-provoking insights into the links between hormonal birth control, depression, and the subsequent use of SSRIs, shedding light on the cascading effects of health decisions. We scrutinize the long-held serotonin theory of depression, questioning the ethics of drug marketing and the necessity for more informed public knowledge about the treatment of depression.

Key highlights:

Birth Choices and Pharmaceutical Controversy
Platelet Count and Birth Philosophy
Health Risks of Contraception and Bras
Debunking the Serotonin Theory of Depression
Risks of Using SSRIs During Pregnancy
Critiquing Medical Guidelines

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Psychology Today: A Decisive Blow to the Serotonin Hypothesis of Depression
PubMed: The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence
PLOS medicine: Serotonin and Depression: A Disconnect between the Advertisements and the Scientific Literature
ACOG on Instagram: @acog_org

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 INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

#353 Is There An Ideal Interpregnancy Interval? Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Trying to clarify the questions about child spacing, Blyss & Dr. Stu discover nature is pretty wise. What are the medical recommendations and how do they compare? We review some of the guidelines and share our opinions. We discuss the rhythm of natural child spacing through ecological breastfeeding and contrast it with the rigidity of medical guidelines, advocating for a healthcare model that respects the unique journey of each mother.

We challenge the cultural obsession with the speed of labor and dissect the impact of our discussions by sharing the courageous decision of a labor and delivery nurse to switch to a home birth midwife.

As we address the realities of postpartum depression, we stress the vital roles of healthcare providers in supporting new mothers. We question the effectiveness of the current medical model in addressing nutritional needs and mental health issues during the postpartum and interpregnancy periods, advocating for a healthcare model that ensures thorough diagnosis, effective treatment, and diligent follow-up. This episode is a call to action for a more compassionate and tailored approach to reproductive health. Blyss shares about a birth with low platelets and Dr. Stu has some daughter time.

Key highlights:

Interpregnancy Interval and Natural Birth
Debating Emergency Cesarean for Fetus' Heart
Challenging Medical Practices and Recommendations
Breastfeeding and Interpregnancy Intervals
Women's Health and Postpartum Depression

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
ACOG article: Interpregnancy Care
PubMed article: Re-evaluation of link between interpregnancy interval and adverse birth outcomes
PubMed article: Interpregnancy Interval and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
PubMed article: Effects of birth spacing on maternal, perinatal, infant, and child health
PubMed article: Short interpregnancy interval: risk of uterine rupture and complications of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery
PubMed article: Ecological breastfeeding and child spacing
Book: Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing
Article: Ecological Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing
Ask Dr. Sears: Breastfeeding and Natural Childspacing
Find a breech provider: breechwithoutborders.org/directory

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 INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

#352 Regulatory Overreach & What Is Going On In Hawaii Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Our guest today is "Birth Attendant", Jaymie Lewis who shares her insight into Hawaii's birthing world. Blyss & Dr. Stu chime in on the creeping blob that is the administrative state and wonder when the last time a regulation made things better.

About Jaymie Lewis:

Jaymie is a mother of three children all born at her residence In Hawaii. The birth of her 1st child brought her into birth work in 2010 when she began an apprenticeship with two different naturopathic physicians and a CPM. She started an independent midwifery practice in 2014 attending anywhere from 40-60 births per year. She joined several other midwives across the islands igniting strong activism regarding REAL choices in childbirth. In 2017 she helped create Hawaii Home Birth Collective which is an advocacy organization dedicated to expansion of midwifery care and to the preservation and integration of traditional and indigenous practices of the childbearing cycle. The long arm of the medical industrial complex swept in and deemed her a “birth attendant” in 2019 because she did not have any “formal” education” and as of last July has been pushed out of practice due to Hawaii’s restrictive midwifery law. Jaymie is a dreamer, a realistic optimist, and a lifetime learner, knowing that when there is compression, there is also an opportunity for infinite expansion.

Key highlights:

Home Births and Midwifery Regulations
Bureaucracy and Midwifery Laws
Challenges and Barriers in Midwifery
The Impact of Standardization on Midwifery
Laws and Colonialism in Hawaii

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
hihbc.org
pacificbirthcollective.org
Article: ‘Medical colonialism’: midwives sue Hawaii over law regulating Native birth workers
Article: U.S. home births hit 30-year high

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 INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

#351 The Second Stage: Immediate or Delayed Pushing Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

Time seems to be on Blyss & Dr. Stu's mind and a moment of insight is a fortune. Should we redefine "Second Stage"? We address the medical data behind active coaching vs. laboring down and then apply some common sense.

We unravel the nuances of research in the birth field, advocating for a discerning approach to medical studies and the impact they have on birthing practices. From the spiritual undertones of bringing new life into the world to the complexities of client management, we touch on the transformative experiences that shape both caregivers and families.

We highlight the power of intuition in birth choices, sharing an inspiring testimonial from a listener who embraced a home birth. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of trusting the body's inherent knowledge and the challenges that the medical industry faces in supporting physiological birth. Whether you're a seasoned birth worker, an expectant parent, or simply fascinated by the miracle of life, this discussion offers valuable insights and encouragement to trust the natural journey of childbirth.

In our Patreon segment, we look at the confusion about progesterone supplementation.

Key highlights:

Discussion on Laboring Down in Birth
Value of Time and Support
Pushing Techniques in Second Stage Labor
Research on Pushing Practices in Labor
Research, Academia, and VBAC Testimonials

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Stu's shirt: Merch | BI Podcast (birthinginstinctspodcast.com)
Book: The Sabbath
Article: Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes With Early Compared With Delayed Pushing Among Nulliparous Women
Instagram: @drjoelgator

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 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 / @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

#350 A Sustainable Life & Natural Fertility with Aleks Evanguelidi Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Old friend and midwife, Aleks Evanguelidi joins us to share her wisdom about healing our bodies naturally and restoring our innate bodily systems.

As we swapped tales of unexpected birth work requests and the impact of dietary choices, Alex's holistic approach shines a light on the path to wellness. Her insights, grounded in her dual expertise, offers a refreshing perspective that stands in beautiful contrast to more traditional medical views on fertility and pregnancy health.

We need to realign our priorities from the food and water we ingest to the habits we have formed to the craziness that surrounds us. Fertility isn't just a clinical concept—it's a tapestry woven from our lifestyles, from the sunlight we bathe in to the stress we release through laughter.

Blyss & Dr. Stu also share some thoughts and frustrations with record keeping, both vital and medical.

Key highlights:

Nutrition and Fertility
Diet and Health Awareness in America
Focusing on Preconception Health and Wellness
Vaccines, Gut Health, and Autism
Hashimoto's and Functional Medicine
Trust Body's Fever Response, Avoid Overheating
Challenges in Women's Health Care

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
gapsdiet.com
The Weston A. Price Foundation
https://www.aleksandraevanguelidi.com/

This show is supported by:

LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month 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 Aleks Evanguelidi:

website: aleksandraevanguelidi.com
Instagram: @thevitalwoman

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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

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