Birthing Instincts

Latest Episodes:

#349 Home Birth with Type 1 Diabetes Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Thinking out of the box and individualizing care should not be rare. Join our conversation as Blyss & Dr. Stu host midwife Lindsey Meehleis & Home Birth x 2, Diabetic Mom and Naturopathic Physician, Gina Cummins.

We unfold the layers of managing diabetes during pregnancy, where technology and personal determination intersect to create successful birth stories at home. Hear firsthand from Gina about her experiences with blood sugar control during the intensity of childbirth and the crucial role of cortisol in this process. Lindsey provides a professional backdrop, highlighting the evolution of diabetes management tools and the power of informed collaboration between healthcare providers and mothers-to-be.

Diabetes care and options have evolved much over the last 40 years. Have hospitals and doctors kept up?

Key highlights:

Diabetes, Pregnancy, and Ultrasounds
Home Birth for Type 1 Diabetic
Naturopathic Medicine and Diabetes Pregnancy
Blood Sugar Levels During Labor and Birth
Heavy Metals and Health Impact
Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy Surveillance
Empowering Women's Autonomy in Medical Decisions

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Lindsey Meeheis’s Instagram: @lindseymeehleis
Gina Cummins Instagram: @drginacummins

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 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

#348 A Conversation with NAPRO Obstetrician Naomi Whittaker Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Blyss is in a birth whirlwind and Dr. Stu shares some great breech stories. Dr. Stu is especially excited to talk with our guest, Dr. Whittaker, a NAPRO doctor specializing in the Creighton Method and restorative reproductive medicine. We have a fascinating conversation about her journey to understanding alternative ways of viewing the menstrual cycle, ovulation and fertility.

About Dr. Naomi Whittaker:

Dr. Naomi Whittaker is the founder of RRMAcademy.org and an OBGYN fertility surgeon focused on women's restorative reproductive medicine, compassionate healthcare, and education.

Dr. Whittaker is a board certified OBGYN and a fellowship trained surgeon who specializes in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTechnology, which works cooperatively with a woman's body to treat the underlying cause of gynecologic issues and infertility, such as endometriosis and PCOS.

Dr. Whittaker helps women improve their gynecologic health, and avoid/achieve pregnancy in accordance with their natural fertility using the latest research, medicine, and surgery.

Key highlights:

Q&A and Positive Birth Stories
NaPro Technology Exploration
Medical School Experience and Lack of Empathy
Exploring Menstrual Irregularities and Reproductive Medicine
Effective Treatment Options for Female Infertility
Endometriosis and Its Impact on Fertility
Alternative Approaches to Fertility Treatment

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Naomi Whittaker’s website: naomiwhittaker.com
Instagram: @napro_fertility_surgeon
Fearlessly Fertile Podcast
Your Birth God's Way

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 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

#347 Hospital as Savior Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

ACOG states the hospital is the safest place to give birth and many families are convinced the hospital saved their baby. Sometimes it is true. Today Blyss and Dr. Stu talk about that and why much of the time it may not be and about the shaping of those perceptions. ACOG is still pushing untested jabs in pregnancy and do pediatricians take bonuses to do the same? Blyss has a birth to share and Dr. Stu returns from teaching breech & twin skills in Florida.

In 2015 the world was thrust into fear about the Zika Virus. In our Patreon segment Dr. Stu and Blyss discuss a chapter from the book "Crooked, Man Made Disease Explained" about the flawed science and thinking behind the paranoia.

Key highlights:

RSV Prevention and Vaccination Challenges
Debate on Vaccines and Medical Authority
Cord Prolapse and Fetal Monitoring Misconceptions
Hospital Interventions and Risks in Childbirth
Home Birth vs Hospital Birth
Vaccine Safety and the Zika Virus
Toxins, Heavy Metals, and Vaccine Safety

Episode resources:

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 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

#346 The One Hour Prenatal Visit Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Question: How do obstetricians do in 10 minutes what midwives do in an hour? Answer: They don't! Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss the differences in models and share what a midwife prenatal visit looks like.

We unpack the intricate layers of birthing options, from the empowering choice of vaginal breech delivery to the complex dance between a midwife's guidance and the birthing individual's instinct. Together, we navigate the challenging terrain of advocating for personal birth plans amidst the machinery of hospital protocols, and celebrate the strength of those who pursue supportive birthing environments with midwives.

ACOG is at it again and some doctors and moms are going rogue. The courage to question the status quo in medicine leads us to fresh perspectives on patient care, education, and the pursuit of alternatives that may redefine the future of reproductive health.

Dr. Stu is on the road again teaching breech and twin skills while Blyss is home waiting on babies.

Key highlights:

HPV Vaccination Controversy and Alternative Approaches
Pregnancy Symptoms, Supplements, Postpartum Plan
Prenatal Visits and Midwifery Practices
Managing a Transverse Lie in Labor
Arm Presentation and Cesarean Section Risk

Episode resources:

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast. This week's extra bonus content: When a Cesarean Was Necesarean.

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 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

#345 Hard Truths About Placental Abruption Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Today on the podcast, Blyss & Dr. Stu respond to fellow travelers' stories and take a hard look at a serious disorder.

This episode is a deep exploration of the complex and often urgent medical scenarios that can arise during childbirth, such as placental abruption and uterine rupture. From understanding the different classifications of placental abruption to recognizing the symptoms, we shed light on the critical importance of swift medical attention for the safety of both mother and child.

Blyss shares our Patreon vision and Dr. Stu revisits some information on the cervix.

Key highlights:

Routine Pelvic Examinations
Placental Abruption and Uterine Rupture Risk
Understanding Placental Abruption, Its Risk Factors, and Its Classifications
Recognizing and Managing Placental Abruption
Placenta Previa

Episode resources:

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 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

#344 The Cervix May Be Insufficient But Incompetence Is Everywhere Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Blyss is back to discuss all things cervix and the lack of reverence for the birth process while Dr. Stu shares some silly rules from around the world.

We raise our voices against the defensive jargon and standardized procedures that fail to honor each woman's unique journey through pregnancy and birth. We wade through a mother's right to personalized care, and the undercurrents of regulation that shape midwifery.

As we explore the wonders of the cervix, from its role in Pap smears to its remarkable capacity to evolve during pregnancy and birth, our awe for the female body grows.

We introduce our new Patreon feature and respect for breech practitioners all.

Key highlights:

Midwives for Women's Health Exams
Cervical Insufficiency Treatment Options and Considerations
Cervix Issues and Premature Membrane Rupture
The Cervix and Labor Progression
Downsides of Membrane Sweeps
Understanding Cervical Dilation and Labor Progress

Episode resources:

Article: Cerclage for the Management of Cervical Insufficiency
Book:The HPV Vaccine On Trial: Seeking Justice For A Generation Betrayed
Website: informedpregnancy.com/heads-up
Birthing Instincts Patreon: patreon.com/BirthingInstinctsPodcast

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 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 / @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

#343 Fear is a Thief Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

We are re-releasing episode 261 and it is timely and ever-important! In this episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss take a glance into the past to inform the present. Dr. Stu reads a chapter about the history of whooping cough from a book he’s been reading titled, “Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and The Forgotten History”. Although the book was published 10 years ago, and its focus is historical, it offers lots of insight into the development, administration, and propaganda behind the world’s current most popular vaccine. This episode serves as a stark reminder that history repeats itself.

In this episode of Birthing Instincts:

Differing perceptions of pain
Comparing the covid and whooping cough vaccine
Dr. Stu reads an excerpt from “Dissolving Illusions”
How the medical paradigm can create widespread cognitive dissonance
Reasons not to trust organizations of authority

Books, Studies & Quotes Referenced:

Association Between Menstrual Cycle Length and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination
Patient Betrayal: The Corruption of Healthcare, Informed Consent and the Physician-Patient Relationship
The Vaccine Schedule
"Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines and Forgotten History" by Suzanne Humphries, MD & Roman Bystrianyk
Motherhood deferred: U.S. median age for giving birth reaches 30
“What I’ve Seen in the Last 2 Years Is Unprecedented': Physician on COVID Vaccine Side Effects on Pregnant Women”...Dr. James Thorp is an extensively published 68-year-old physician MD board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology

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 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 / @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

#342 Dr. Stu's End of the Year Leftovers Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

While Blyss is away, Dr Stu goes solo and shares some holiday leftovers from his mind attic. Twins, breech, artificial intelligence, and more interventions. What can we hope for and what can we avoid in 2024.

Dr. Stu discusses the vital role of personal touch in childbirth and ponders the pushback received when challenging conventional medical narratives. He delves into the importance of hands-on expertise in birth settings, the challenges faced by aspiring home birth midwives, and the sometimes misplaced focus on potential problems in pregnancy.

In a world where women's choices in childbirth are paramount, this episode underscores the pressing need for skilled providers to support vaginal breech births, a choice often denied in conventional hospital settings. The episode concludes with a focus on the significance of respecting patient preferences and the empowerment that comes from having genuine birth options. Tune in for a thought-provoking session that champions the human element in medicine and the birthing experience.

Key highlights:

Birthing Choices and Online Outrage
Restrictions on Midwives and Home Births
Concerns About Vaccines During Pregnancy
Vaccines for Infants
Men's Fertility
Vaginal Breech Birth

Episode resources:

Book: The Moth in the Iron Lung: A Biography of Polio
Book: Crooked: Man-Made Disease Explained
Dr. Peter McCullough: Infant Mortality Concern Emerges with Nirsevimab RSV Monoclonal Antibody Given to Newborns
Article: “I had no choice”: A mixed-methods study on access to care for vaginal breech birth
Instagram: @thegreenmidwife
Instagram: @james_the_midwife

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 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 / @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

#341 Overcoming Obstacles: A Twin Birth Story Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

With Blyss away, Dr. Stu has the good fortune to talk with twin parents, Anna & Jorge, and Midwife Nancy Pol about their journey with mono-di twins. Navigating the fear-filled medical system and traveling across state lines led them on another path to the birth they desired for their identical baby girls.

Twin pregnancies often come with a cloud of uncertainty and fear, but this episode sheds light on their beautiful potential. We unveil enlightening insights from a study revealing positive twin home birth outcomes, pushing back against the stigma of high-risk labels. Hear firsthand from Anna and Jorge, whose story of facing the unknown with courage and navigating the healthcare system with tenacity, underscores the value of training in vaginal twin and breech delivery.

Your stories, your feedback, and your dedication to exploring these vital issues fuel our continued commitment to bring these discussions to the forefront.

Key highlights:

Navigating Fear in Twin Pregnancy
Monitoring Twins and Financial Incentives
Inductions and Obstetric Care
Twin Birth Options and Alternative Care
Positive Twin Home Birth with a Midwife

Episode resources:

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 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 / @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

#340 Unraveling Genetic Screening Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Understanding the different types of genetic screening can be confusing. Blyss and Dr. Stu try to make sense of this important topic. We catch up on Dr. Stu's appearance on the Daily Show, and Blyss makes a rookie mistake.

We also highlight the unpredictable nature of birth and the necessity of surrendering to the process. Sharing a birth experience, we underscore the importance of preparedness and letting go of the idea of being in control. A listener's letter sheds light on the need for more understanding and support for mothers during the postpartum period. We discuss women's expectations during childbirth and the dire need for improved care and support from the medical system. We address the importance of genetic testing for carrier screening and the potential ramifications of expanding government-run healthcare.

Our conversation further delves into the importance of men's fertility in conception and healthy pregnancies, sharing insights from a listener’s NIPT test. We stress the importance of women advocating for themselves and trusting their gut when it comes to their pregnancy and birth choices.

Key highlights:

Government Control of Home Births
Expectations and Lessons from Birth Experiences
Home Birth and Genetic Screening
Carrier Screening for Genetic Conditions
False Positive Rates and NIPT Testing

Episode resources:

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 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 / @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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