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What if the system you trust never did the science you assume it did? In this explosive episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss sit down with Del Bigtree to pull back the curtain on vaccines, medical authority, and the institutions shaping maternal and pediatric care. From ACOG recommendations to the hidden realities behind “safe and effective,” this conversation challenges everything we’re told—and asks the question no one in mainstream medicine seems willing to ask. This isn’t just about vaccines. It’s about power, profit, fear… and what happens when parents start saying no.. About Del: Del Bigtree is one of the preeminent voices of the MAHA Movement. He was the Director of Communications for Robert Kennedy Jr’s 2024 presidential campaign, the founder and CEO of the non-profit, Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), and host of the internet talk show TheHighWire.com, boasting over 400 million views world-wide. A former Emmy winning producer of the CBS talk show The Doctors, and most recently Executive Producer of the film, An Inconvenient Study. Del’s multi-pronged approach incorporates media, legislative, and legal actions to expose the fraud, lies, and conflicts of interest that have allowed US regulatory agencies to collude with industry power brokers to evade standardized safety testing on products including vaccines, drugs, food, drinking water, and 5G. On behalf of American citizens, Del’s non-profit, ICAN, has submitted over one thousand Freedom Of Information Requests (FOIA) and has won multiple lawsuits against government agencies including HHS, NIH, FDA and the CDC. Most notable are the FDA case that forced the release of Pfizer’s Covid Vaccine trial data which the FDA had attempted to hide for 75 years, the CDC case that forced the release of the CDC’s V-Safe Covid Vaccine Injury data, and the State of Mississippi Case which reinstated the Religious Exemption from Vaccination which had been denied for over 30 years. Instagram: @delbigtree X: @delbigtree Websites: https://thehighwire.com / https://icandecide.org Documentary: An Inconvenient Study Additional References: Jennifer Margulis Substack: Breaking News in Delivery Rooms: More Parents Saying “No, Thank You” to Vaccines and Other Unnecessary Interventions Documentary: Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe The Inconvenient Study Henry Ford Health Denounces Claim That System Suppressed Research, Cautions Against Dangerous Viral Disinformation and Misinformation Book: Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense) Discussed in This Episode Inside ICAN, legal strategy, and the fight for transparency against federal agencies. Who Controls the Vaccine Narrative? Follow the Money Dr. Zervos Vaccinated v. Unvaccinated Study  An Inconvenient Study—what happens when even insiders admit the science was never done. Vaccinated v. Unvaccinated Study Results Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What if infertility isn’t a broken body… but a disconnected one? In this episode, Blyss and Stu sit down with integrative fertility expert Emily Marson to challenge everything you’ve been told about conception, IVF, and what it actually means to “optimize” the body for pregnancy. From the forgotten intelligence of the body to the overreach of modern fertility medicine, this conversation pulls back the curtain on why more intervention isn’t always the answer, and what happens when you start working with physiology instead of overriding it. About Emily: Emily Marson is the Founder and CEO of Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture, a San Diego–based integrative fertility clinic specializing in root-cause infertility, acupuncture for IVF, cycle syncing, and hormonal regulation through Chinese medicine and holistic care. Her team supports women who feel stuck, discouraged, or failed by conventional fertility approaches alone. Emily’s work blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with evidence-informed fertility and pregnancy care, functional and lifestyle-based strategies, and a deep understanding of the full arch of womanhood - from cycle to fertility, to pregnancy and postpartum. Her mission is to improve women's health by giving women personalized care, and a structured path forward toward a healthy pregnancy and beyond. Instagram: @aphroditefertility Website: aphroditefertility.com E-mail: [email protected]  References: In Memory of Suzannah Weening  GoFund me for Suzannah: https://gofund.me/31b9a66bd Book: The last in vitro, by Dr. Francisco Güell  Discussed in This Episode Why doctors treat body parts, not people The physiology behind acupuncture IVF vs. Physiology: Control vs. Coordination Why Fertility Rates Are Dropping Acupuncture for Men What Acupuncture Can Do in Pregnancy  The Hidden Risks of IVF Integrative fertility as the bridge back to physiology Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

A home birth. A tragic outcome. And a midwife the state tried to make an example of. In this episode, Blyss and Stu talk with Angee Hock to unpack what it’s really like to be prosecuted for birth work. From a traumatic breech birth to jail time, national headlines, and a courtroom battle that could have changed everything, this conversation goes where most won’t. But what came out of her trial may change everything: a judge declaring home birth is a constitutional right. This isn’t just her story. It’s about who controls birth in America, and what it costs to challenge it. About Angee: Angee’s greatest passion is to be in-sync with the heartbeat of God. She longs to help people reach their God-given potential through their God-given identity and all aspects of growth. She has a heart for Christian leaders and churches to thrive for greater impact on earth.  Angee is a certified instructor with People Skills for You and a certified pastor and church coach through Church Boom. She is currently working towards her masters and doctorate in Global Leadership and Applied Ministry and Theology through Wagner University. She serves as Volunteer Coordinator, Council, and Board member for Nebraska Christian Leader’s Forum. Angee is a retired traditional midwife and wholistic wellness and health practitioner. She has served as peer counsel internationally in peer legal cases in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, with focuses on human rights, medical freedom, and private and constitutional law. Additionally Angee has experiences within the Nebraska legislature with Senator support and bill support. Angee’s hobbies can be mostly summed up with the enjoyment of traveling and experiencing the world, near and far. She lives north of Kearney with her amazing husband and has six wonderful children, ranging from adults to elementary.  Instagram: @nebraskabirthkeeper References: The Highwire with Del Bigtree THE CRISIS IN MODERN MATERNITY CARE | DR. STU FISCHBEIN Safe and Effective? LIVE with Nico Lagan NE v. Angela Hock: Midwife Delivery Death Trial on Court TV A&E Show Accused: Did I Do It? Negligent Midwife or Responsible Caregiver? Discussed in This Episode The 2019 Nebraska breech trial Emergency maneuvers, impossible conditions, and a devastating outcome Arrested, jailed, and made an example “I’d rather go to prison than lie.” Why Angee refused a plea deal The real punishment: fear, restrictions, and a life on hold The courtroom battle: truth vs. narrative A judge declares: home birth is a constitutional right Emotion vs. logic, and the strategy behind choosing a bench trial What was really lost, even with a not guilty verdict Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when we monitor birth too much? In this episode, Blyss and Stu pull back the curtain on one of the most normalized, and least questioned, practices in modern obstetrics: continuous monitoring. What starts as “safety” can quietly become interference, and the consequences aren’t small. Together, they break down how over-monitoring can derail physiologic birth, increase unnecessary interventions, and shift trust away from a woman’s body and into machines. From hospital protocols to real-world birth room dynamics, this conversation challenges the narrative that more data always equals better outcomes. If you’ve ever been told “we just want to keep an eye on things,” this episode will make you ask: at what cost? References: Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #416: Disentangling Mono-chorionic Twins Dr. Stu’s Mind Attic: Routine Use of Color Flow Doppler: Who Benefits? (youtube.com/@birthinginstinctspodcast) Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #433: Q & A with Dr. K, Pregnancy Specialist Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over Science Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #408: Neonatal Jaundice. Be Vigilant, Not Overzealous Discussed in This Episode How monitoring became synonymous with safety The unintended consequences of continuous fetal monitoring Friedman’s Curve: The outdated standard still running birth What the research actually says about EFM How liability and fear shape birth practices Breaking down the glucose drink, thresholds, and alternatives When NSTs are useful, and when they’re just routine Biophysical Profiles: What Are We Really Looking For? Color Flow Doppler: More Information…or More Intervention? How “abnormal” findings can fast-track induction Practical, empowering questions for parents navigating hospital birth Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when a skeptical dad starts asking real questions about birth? Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss sit down with Dad Jacob Dubois, author of Why Home Birth, to talk about how he went from doubter to outspoken home birth advocate, and why fathers may be one of the missing voices in the fight to reclaim birth from the medical system. About Jacob Jacob Dubois is a devoted husband to Madison and a proud father to two young sons (ages 2 and 4 months). He is the author of Why Home Birth? How hospitals turned birth into a medical procedure — and what the evidence actually shows, an evidence-based exploration that chronicles his personal journey from former home birth skeptic to confident advocate, drawing on what he learned over the past two years while supporting his wife through transformative birth experiences. As @apogee.dad on Instagram, he shares authentic content centered around faith, fatherhood, and awakening perspectives on topics like birth and parenting. Professionally, Jacob is an active-duty Marine Corps Officer with a background in logistics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a Master’s of Science in Information Technology Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. Jacob is committed to sharing his story of transformation, bringing more fathers into the conversation around birth, and empowering families to question mainstream narratives on health and childbirth. Instagram: @apogee.dad Website: whyhomebirthbook.com References: Business of Being Born Documentary: https://www.thebusinessof.life/the-business-of-being-born Discussed in This Episode Why most people believe hospital birth is safest Midwifery care vs obstetric care differences The true meaning of birth beyond medical outcomes The role of fathers in birth and pregnancy Medicalization of birth in America explained Birth trauma in hospital settings ACOG guidelines, evidence-based care, and bias Why dads need to speak up about birth  Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Is every positive urine culture in pregnancy a problem that needs antibiotics? Dr. Stu and midwife Blyss explore ACOG’s UTI guidelines, the evidence behind screening, and the growing concern about microbiome disruption and antibiotic resistance. References: Motherhood Equipped Podcast: 62. Birth Freedom, Breech Truth, and Why Physiologic Birth Matters with Dr. Stuart Fischbein Patreon.com/BirthingInstinctsPodcast  Support the Podcast  Velvet and Bone Somatic & Trauma-Informed Doula Training (velvet-and-bone.com) ACOG Clinical: Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Individuals PubMed: Asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria during antenatal visits Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over Science Discussed in This Episode Bladder Infections  Kidney Infections  The Various Screening Recommendations and Treatments What is Asymptomatic Bacturia  Benefits of Asymptomatic Bacturia Why Eradicate Asymptomatic Bacturia? Alternatives to Antibiotics When to Seek Medical Advice Risks of Antibiotics in Pregnancy, Labor and to Newborn  Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

On this week’s episode Blyss and Stu introduce guest Abigail Iovine, a Pennsylvania traditional midwife, and her mission to create legislation to protect traditional midwifery through her organization The National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights. Iovine discusses how legislation and institutional credentialing can criminalize basic midwifery care and shrink options. This episode outlines harms from siloed maternity care and discusses NARM’s influence. About Abby Iovine: Abby is a traditional midwife, mother of ten, and a passionate advocate for medical freedom who was raised with a deep love for God and family. Yes, all ten are hers, and yes, she has given birth ten times, an experience that profoundly shaped the way she approaches birth and care. Her journey into midwifery began after the birth of her fourth child, and while pregnant with her fifth, she famously searched, “How to NOT have a baby in the hospital?” That question set her on a new path. After welcoming her first homebirth with her fifth baby, she began formally studying midwifery in 2010, later becoming a certified doula in 2013 and attending births soon after. Trained through a five-year traditional apprenticeship under local elder midwives, she built her foundation in hands-on, relationship-centered care. In 2018, she officially began serving families through Cardinal Birth Midwifery, a family-centered, autonomy-respecting ministry that places real life, children, and family needs at the heart of care. In 2025, she also founded the National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights, further expanding her advocacy for family-centered care and the preservation of traditional midwifery. Facebook: ProtectTraditionalMidwifery / YourBirthMatters Website: Natbr.org References: Back to Basics Podcast 42: Dr. Stu Fischbein, MD - Childbirth 101: Home birth, breech, VBAC, and more Attend a Reteach Breech Workshop: birthinginstincts.com/events ACOG Releases Updated Guidance on Maternal Immunizations The Highwire Episode 464: STEEP TERRAIN National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights (NATBR) Federal Policy Brief ALEC Birth Freedom Act NATBR Petition Demand federal safeguards for traditional midwives and family choice Discussed in This Episode Effects of Legislation on Midwifery Investigations Bill SB507 in Pennsylvania AMA Influence and Hospital Control Defining Traditional Midwifery NARM Critique and Licensing How Standards of Care Can Be Improved Eradication of Midwifery and its Impact on Maternal Mortality “Heritage Care” Brief to Protect Midwifery  Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

With Blyss away, Stu sits down with Phoenix OB-GYN Michael Hervey II to explore what true physician–midwife partnership looks like in real time. Together, an OB and midwife team delivered a remarkable set of hospital triplets born in rapid succession within minutes, totaling just over fifteen pounds. It’s a conversation about collaboration over hierarchy, shared skill, and how complex physiologic birth can unfold safely when trust and teamwork lead the way. About Dr. Michael Hervey: Dr. Michael J. Hervey II, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician–gynecologist with extensive experience spanning private practice, academic medicine, trauma care, and women’s health consulting. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he pursued his education at several of the nation’s most respected institutions, including Morehouse College, Harvard University, and the University of Virginia, among other prestigious universities. His training and career reflect a deep commitment to clinical excellence, intellectual rigor, and service. Dr. Hervey is widely recognized for his patient-centered, concierge-oriented approach to maternity and gynecologic care, with a particular focus on improving outcomes, restoring trust, and addressing the lasting impact of birth trauma. He combines hands-on clinical expertise with systems-level leadership, advocating for care models that integrate medical excellence, mental health support, and compassionate communication. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Hervey is an author, educator, and entrepreneur who contributes to thought leadership in women’s health and maternal wellness through writing, speaking, and media initiatives. He is married to Ellie Tan, CNM, and together they share two children, Michael and Kieara. His work and life are grounded in a steadfast commitment to dignity, safety, and healing for women and families at every stage of care. Instagram: @premierobgyn_llc Facebook: Premier Ob/Gyn LLC Website: Teambabycatcher.com  Books: Empowering Birth: The Role of Midwifery and Physician Collaboration in Modern Maternity Care.  Her Body, Her Baby: Real Stories of Autonomy in Child-birth References: A maneuver for head entanglement in term breech/vertex twin labor, Dr. Stuart J. Fischbein #373 BI Podcast Special Edition: A 90's Triplet Story Discussed in This Episode Listening to Patients Over Protocol Triplet Delivery Criteria Collaborative Care Model: Midwives and OBs How the Midwifery Model of Care Compares to Medical Model The Importance of Supportive MFM collaboration Importance of Client Autonomy  Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Blyss and Stu are joined by guest Barbara Harper, founder of Waterbirth International, an internationally recognized expert on water birth and gentle birth. Join us for a roller coaster of an episode where we dig into the history of water birth, tell stories about how society lost its way in the world of birth, and dive into the physiology of birthing in water. Truly an episode you won’t forget. About Barbara: Barbara Harper is an internationally recognized expert on waterbirth and gentle birth who has dedicated her life to revolutionizing the way we welcome babies into the world. She founded Waterbirth International in 1988 with one goal in mind—to ensure that water birth is an “available option” for all women. During the past five decades, Barbara has worked as an obstetric and pediatric nurse, midwife, midwifery instructor, childbirth educator, hypnosis and doula trainer. Her unique seminars, and Waterbirth Certification Courses have been conducted within hospitals, nursing schools, midwifery and medical schools, and community groups worldwide. Barbara has taught over 30,000 doctors and midwives in 81 countries to date. She has been interviewed by hundreds of TV and radio shows, newspapers, and podcasts. Her bestselling 2005 book and DVD, ‘Gentle Birth Choices,’ has been translated into 9 languages, including a 2016 Mandarin Chinese edition. She is working on a new book due out in early 2026, The Comprehensive Guide to Waterbirth.” She is the mother of three adult children, two of whom were born at home in water. She lives in Boca Raton, Florida. Instagram: @waterbirthint @thebarbaraharper Website: waterbirth.org and barbaraharper.org Book: Gentle Birth Choices References: Healthy as a Mother Podcast: How Breech Birth Exposes Hospital Dysfunction  Deconstructing Conventional Podcast: Hospital vs Home Birth Truth with Dr. Fischbein & Blyss Young Born Free Twins-Breech Gathering  Seven Secrets of Successful Waterbirth - MIDIRS Maternal and neonatal outcomes among spontaneous vaginal births occurring in or out of water following intrapartum water immersion: The POOL cohort study Water birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomes AJOG Journal Pre-proof: Hospital Waterbirth for Low-Risk Birthing People: Findings of a Randomized Controlled Trial Discussed in This Episode Water Birth Through History: Indigenous Traditions, Early Textbooks & Medical Takeover Modern Controversies: Why Water Birth Fell Out of Trust + Debunking Common Claims How Babies Breathe in Water Underwater Birth: Why “Dive Reflex” Isn’t the Explanation The 3 Protective Mechanisms That Prevent a First Breath in Water What Actually Initiates Breathing Breech & Water Birth Transitions + The “Aquatic APGAR” Assessment Lower APGARS in Water Birth Explained  Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Blyss Stu challenge one of the most ignored questions in modern obstetrics: what does birth actually do to a human being? Joined by midwife and pre- and perinatal psychology educator Mary Jackson, they explore how experiences from conception through early childhood leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, emotional development, and lifelong behavior. Mary unpacks how routine medical interventions, often dismissed as benign or “necessary”, can carry psychological and physiological consequences for both babies and mothers, consequences that are rarely acknowledged or integrated. The conversation pushes back against a system that prioritizes efficiency and control over awareness, connection, and respect for the baby’s lived experience. This episode is an invitation to slow down, question what has been normalized in birth culture, and reconsider what it truly means to protect, honor, and support the innate intelligence of birth. About Mary: Mary Jackson started her journey to become a home birth midwife in 1975. She has had the honor to catch her second generation of babies. She supports families to integrate their early experiences of preconception throughout their life span. She incorporates Castellino somatic pre and perinatal psychology, Somatic Experience, Circle of Security, BCST, her training as an RN and Licensed Midwife. She is an international teacher/speaker and has brought her work to 12 countries. She currently teaches the Castellino foundation Training. Website: birthinconnection.com / castellinotraining.com Email: [email protected] References: WSJ Article: ‘My Family Thought I Was Crazy’: More Women Are Choosing to Give Birth at Home Substack: There’s Now a Medical Code for Vaccine Counseling Without Giving a Vaccine Dr. Joe Tate, Peachtree Corners, GA TheHighwire.com The Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health Discussed in This Episode Pre and Perinatal Psychologist, Mary Jackson Recognizing Birth Interventions in Adult Life Understanding Birth Sequences and Their Impact The Phases of Labor and Birth Effects of Interventions During Labor on Baby and Mother The Baby's Experience and Long-Term Effects Repairing Birth Imprints in Children and Adults Supporting Babies and Parents Post-Birth The Importance of Birth Stories   Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Blyss and Stu are joined by Nathan Riley and Carol Gautschi to discuss the profound importance of in-person gatherings within the birth work community. The conversation covers the unique value of face-to-face interactions, the differences between organic and inorganic communication, and the challenges and rewards of organizing birth-related events. They reflect on the impact of being physically present with others, the human connection in birth work, and ways to support and sustain these vital gatherings for a more connected and informed community. About Carol: Carol Gautschi CPM LM has actively attended homebirths since 1978 and has worked as a Classical Holistic Midwife on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula since 1979. She has been married since 1974 to Paul (backtoedenfilm.com), and has 7 children and eight grandchildren. For her first 25 years Carol served as an unlicensed midwife. This opportunity gave her lots of observational skills, creative ingenuity and a immense responsible trust in the power of physiological birth. Her teaching style is unique because, in addition to teaching the clinical nuts and bolts of her subjects, she emphasizes the unseen (or intuitive) realm of birth. She fosters the importance of the midwife relationship not just with the mama but the baby.  Carol has been teaching the art of Classical Midwifery since the early 1990s, both in the US and across many countries. In September, she hosted her first international Classical Midwifery conference on the island of Crete in Greece. Many describe her passion as inspiring, rooted in her belief that when women are responsibly awakened to their creative selves, birth unfolds with the grace and power it was designed to carry, laying a miraculous foundation within her and the family. Witnessing this beauty over the years has become a passion. Carol believes that God is the primordial Midwife and she serves under that mantle with honor and humility. Instagram: @_midwyf_ Website: classicalmidwifery.com & gentlebirths.net About Nathan: Dr. Nathan Riley is a board-certified OB/GYN and hospice & palliative care physician, and the co-creator of the Born Free Method. Through his private practice, Beloved Holistics, he supports midwives in 23 states, offering truly collaborative, physiologic, and relationship-centered care. Nathan is a trusted voice in the birth world, frequently invited onto leading podcasts and to speak at conferences about autonomy in maternity care, the art of true informed consent, and the importance of honoring the physiology of birth. Nathan is the vision behind the Born Free Twins–Breech gatherings, which have expanded into a midwife-led team directed by Sara Rosser. What began as a training for birthworkers on the nuances of physiologic vaginal breech and twin births has grown into something much more.....a place for ceremony, community, healing, and collective strength. Beyond his clinical work, Nathan is a devoted stay-at-home father of two and proudly married to his high-school sweetheart, Stephanie. His personal and professional lives are woven together by a commitment to presence, compassion, and helping families and providers return to a more intuitive, holistic model of care. Instagram: @Nathanrileyobgyn Website: Bornfreemethod.com References: Born Free Twins-Breech Gathering bornfreemethod.com/conference birthinginstincts.com/workwithstu patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast bridgemidwives.com/communitycircles Discussed in This Episode The Value of In-Person Connections The Power of Human Connection in Professional Settings The Impact of Social Media on Personal Interactions Balancing Traditional Wisdom with Modern Technology Challenges and Rewards of Organizing Events Creating Inclusive and Economical Conferences The Sacredness of Birth and Professional Passion Supporting Each Other in the Birth Community   Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week on the podcast, Blyss and Stu take a hard look at what’s happening to the world of doula support as insurance and institutions move in. They’re joined by two seasoned doulas, Ivy Joeva and Shellie Poulter, who bring decades of experience advocating for women in birth. Together, they unpack how policy, regulation, and insurance reimbursement can quietly shift doula care away from individualized, relationship-based support and toward institutional control. They talk honestly about what’s gained, what’s lost, and why protecting the integrity of doula work matters if we truly want better birth outcomes. About Ivy: Ivy Joeva is a doula, coach, and educator serving women and couples seeking a conscious path to parenthood. She provides support throughout the childbearing year, including fertility coaching, holistic preparation for birth, postpartum recovery care, and counseling for all forms of pregnancy loss.  Rooted in a trauma-informed, mind-body approach, Ivy sees these transitions as opportunities for transformation and healing. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Ivy became a doula in 2009 and serves clients across the United States and abroad. Instagram: @IvyJoeva Website: ivyjoeva.com About Shellie: Shellie trained in Osteopathic and Naturopathic medicine in 2005 and has been working as a doula/birth keeper and cranio-sacral therapist, mentor and lecturer for over 20 years. She teaches birthing biomechanics and trauma and birth rights informed, non-violent communication courses as well as co-hosting The Birth Untethered Podcast with former midwife and Birthkeeper Kemi Johnson. Shellie lives on a narrowboat with her family, exploring the English countryside whilst campaigning for human rights in birth. Instagram: @theserenitydoula Website: theserenitydoula.co.uk References: Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: The Phenomenon Of Parents Opting Out Of Birth Certificates For Their Kids | Midwife Lindsey Meehleis Dr. Pompa Podcast: What You're Not Told About Birth in the Hospital System with Dr. Stuart Fischbein The Way Forward with Alec Zeck: Ep 213: The Corrupted World of Medicalized Birth with Dr. Stu Fischbein The Way Forward with Alec Zeck: Ep 214: Exposing the Most Dangerous Childbirth Myths & Procedures with Dr. Nathan Riley Discussed in This Episode Role of Doulas in Individualized Care Challenges Faced by Doulas Insurance and Doula Services Impact of Doula Support on Maternal Outcomes Regulations and Restrictions on Midwives and Doulas Navigating Hospital Policies as a Doula Financial and Operational Challenges for Doulas Advocacy and Support Strategies for Doulas   Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu explore the history, benefits, and controversies surrounding fluoride in drinking water, highlighting different perspectives and potential health implications.  References: The Way Forward Podcast: Ep 213: The Corrupted World of Medicalized Birth with Dr. Stu Fischbein The Highwire: EPA LOSES HISTORIC FLUORIDE CASE The Tennessean: Fluoride has been a public health game changer. Florida is set to ban it anyway Dr. Stu Blog: Gotta love Dr. Fogelson Jama Network: Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 Months Book: The Fluoride Deception Discussed in This Episode Fluoride: History and Controversies Skepticism Around Fluoride Public Sentiment and Legislative Views on Fluoride Health Risks and Benefits of Fluoride Concerns About Fluoride in Vulnerable Populations Filtering Fluoride and Its Impact on Brain Health   Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss welcome special guest Dr. Poppy Daniels, a holistic OB-GYN with over 22 years of private practice experience. They discuss the severe side effects of Depo-Provera, revealing alarming risks like bone loss, weight gain, immune suppression, and even brain tumors. She advocates for a more informed and individualized approach to female health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive hormone testing and functional medicine.  About Poppy Daniels: Dr Poppy Daniels is a holistic OBGYN with 22 years in private practice. She has an interest in Functional Fertility, Integrative Women's Health & a root-cause oriented approach to wellness. Website: Drpoppyandco.com Facebook: Dr. Poppy Instagram: @drpoppybhrt X: @drpoppybhrt References: Book: THE DANGERS OF DEPO Discussed in This Episode Dr. Poppy's Journey to Holistic OBGYN The Dangers of Depo-Provera The Dark History of Depo-Provera Depo-Provera's Side Effects and Risks The FDA Petition and Political Complications New Study on Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors The Importance of Informed Consent Detoxifying from Depo-Provera The Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy   Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode Stu is finally back and excited to engage in a candid discussion with Blyss about the overlooked risks of using tampons, highlighting a 2024 study that found harmful metals and chemicals in these products. They explore the hidden dangers of tampons. Stu emphasizes the lack of long-term safety testing and regulatory oversight for menstrual products, and Blyss discusses alternative menstrual products. References: Substack Article: Delivered Directly: Tampons, Toxins, and the Diseases Medicine Cannot Explain Discussed in This Episode Flu Vaccine Discussion Tampons, Toxins, and Health Risks HPV and Unexplained Reproductive Issues Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampon Safety Metal Contaminants in Tampons Chemical Exposures in Menstrual Products The Research Void and Regulatory Failures Alternative Menstrual Products Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care  This show is supported by Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands