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Birthing Instincts

Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young

Dr. Stuart Fischbein and midwife Blyss Young, in their unique style of humor and wisdom, share insights and discuss what's changing in the world of health and birth.

  • 1 hour 41 minutes
    #392 Twin Home Birth Outcomes Published…Finally, with Rixa Freeze, PhD

    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


    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:


    This show is supported by:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    18 December 2024, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 23 minutes
    #391 The Wisdom To Know The Difference

    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:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    11 December 2024, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 27 minutes
    #390 Call To Action: Time to Make Mothers Healthy Again

    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:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    4 December 2024, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 42 minutes
    #389 Maternity Care Is The Most Important Care with Functional Medicine Practitioner, Sarah Thompson

    Sarah Thompson joins us today to discuss the aspects of functional medicine and its connection to pregnancy and maternity care. Unlike conventional medicine, which largely follows a standardized educational framework, functional medicine focuses on understanding each person and creating a treatment plan to meet their specific needs. Another key feature of functional medicine is its proactive approach; it aims to address general complaints before they escalate into crises. Throughout this conversation, you will discover how functional medicine can be beneficial before, during, and after pregnancy as well.


    About Sarah Thompson

    Sarah Thompson is the author of "Functional Maternity" and the upcoming "Beyond Results". Her work is recognized in midwifery education, with her books being used as textbooks in midwifery colleges. 


    Connect with Sarah Thompson


    In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

    • What is functional medicine and how it can benefit people;
    • How individualized functional medicine actually works;
    • The importance of bringing the care of women back into the care of pregnancy;
    • Correlation between nutrition, macronutrients, and nausea during pregnancy;
    • Functional medicine and labor.


    Episode resources:


    This show is supported by:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    27 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 26 minutes
    #388 Our Food System Is Completely Bonkers with Mama Meals founders Holly & Eric Stein

    Holly and Eric Stein join us to share their journey from overcoming chronic health issues to pioneering a nationwide postpartum meal delivery service with Mama Meals. Bursting with passion for food activism, they reveal how nutrient-dense foods can be transformative not only for postpartum mothers but for anyone on a healing journey. With insights into the interplay between hospital protocols and midwifery practices, we examine how these experiences intersect with the core of our birthing narratives. The Steins' story is a testament to the power of conscious eating, offering a fresh perspective on the importance of postpartum nutrition and wellness.

    About Holly &Eric Stein

    Holly and Eric Stein were sick constantly as kids. Headaches, ear infections, gut issues, allergies, etc. Doctors visits were the norm, and the answer always seemed to be another pill. They started dating in their mid twenties and fell in love watching food documentaries and studying nutrition, eventually healing their chronic conditions by cleaning up their diet. They became food activists obsessed with helping others, eventually starting Mama Meals, a nationwide postpartum meal delivery.

    Connect with Holly & Eric Stein


    In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

    • Postpartum Nutrition and Recovery Journeys
    • The Importance of Ancestral Eating
    • Regenerative Farming and Organic Food
    • The Weaponization of Industrial Food
    • Awakening to Truth in Postpartum


    Episode resources:


    This show is supported by:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    20 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 30 minutes
    #387 High Risk - What Does It Really Mean?

    Obstetricians regularly use terms like high risk, safer, evidence based and standard of care as if they all have an agreed upon definition. THEY DON'T! Today Blyss & Dr. Stu discuss the use and misuse of language and the corruption of definitions in the maternity care world. What or who determines the standard of care? Are labels of high risk indicative of high risk? Who should determine what safe means? We offer some explanations and strong opinions, shockingly, as to the motivation behind the manipulation of these terms and suggest alternative definitions that we think just makes more sense.

    In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

    • Defining Medical Terms and Standards
    • Pregnancy and High-Risk Conditions
    • Risk Assessment and Labeling in Healthcare
    • Questioning Evidence-Based Medicine and Safety
    • Exploring the Definition of Physiologic Birth


    Episode resources:


    This show is supported by:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    13 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 37 minutes
    #386 We've Been Bamboozled, Musings on CTG with Dr. David Hayes

    Join us for an enlightening discussion as we welcome Dr. David Hayes, who brings his expertise to the complex realm of continuous fetal monitoring in labor rooms. Together, we highlight the importance of empowering laboring mothers with information about their birthing choices, as well as sharing our excitement about upcoming speaking engagements focused on home birth and physiologic birth. Blyss also gives us a sneak peek into her plans for mentorship and mom circles, aiming to create a supportive community for new mothers.

    Closing the episode, we take a historical journey through the evolution of obstetric practices, from the early days of fetal heartbeat detection to modern-day debates over unnecessary C-sections. We critically assess the pressures within obstetrics that lead to an over-reliance on technology, reflecting on initiatives like Breach Without Borders that advocate for informed and individualized care. Our discussion also questions the medicalized birth model, emphasizing the need for professionals to push beyond traditional methods for the benefit of laboring women worldwide.


    About Dr. David Hayes

    Doctor Hayes’ primary interests have been obstetrics and gynecology in resource poor settings, out of hospital birth, and critical care obstetrics. A long-time breech birth provider, he is currently the Medical Director of Breech Without Borders, an international non-profit dedicated to the resurrection and promotion of vaginal breech birth worldwide, and is teaching full time while continuing to support vaginal birth of breech presentations and multiples. He is also a co-author of, “A Guide to Physiologic Breech Birth” and the author of the upcoming “Companion Guide to Maternal Fetal Physiology and Fetal Monitoring”.

    He has worked for Médecins Sans Frontières in many roles including Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care in multiple projects, a Fistula Repair program, Lassa Fever control program, and Emergency Department coverage. Dr Hayes also operated an out of hospital, full spectrum obstetric practice for twenty years.


    Connect with Dr. David Hayes


    In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

    • Birthing Choices and Continuous Monitoring
    • Obstetrics, Technology, and Changing Practices
    • Monitoring Methods in Birth Settings
    • Questioning Medicalized Birth Practices


    Episode resources:


    This show is supported by:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    6 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 39 minutes
    #385 Co-Sleep Discussion with Integrative Infant Sleep Specialist, Brittany Chambers

    Join us for an enlightening conversation as Brittany Chambers, an integrative infant sleep specialist, shares her wisdom on co-sleeping—a practice that many parents naturally gravitate toward but find themselves battling against societal norms. Together, we challenge the conventional wisdom and prevailing beliefs around infant sleep, examining the intersection of modern science and ancient parenting practices. 

    As we continue our exploration, we turn our focus to the intricate mother-infant dyadic connection and how Western medical practices can sometimes interfere with this natural bond. Drawing from McKenna's research, we discuss the nature of this relationship and critique the modern emphasis on consolidated sleep, which often disregards infants' biological needs. We reflect on historical and cultural shifts in infant sleep practices, highlighting how the rise of hospital births and solitary sleep has suppressed maternal intuition. Our conversation encourages a critical reassessment of these entrenched beliefs and emphasizes the importance of trusting instinctive parenting.

    Finally, we address the complex and often misunderstood topic of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and safe sleep practices for infants. Brittany provides valuable guidelines for safe co-sleeping, highlighting the importance of parental awareness and a supportive sleep environment.

    About Brittany Chambers

    Brittany Chambers, MS, IFSS, is an Integrative Infant Sleep specialist who blends modern science with ancient wisdom to walk women back to their intuition. Britt founded Good Night Moon Child to bring the developmental science, anthropological realities, and neurobiological norms of infant sleep into the mainstream. She also runs Cuddle Crew, an online community for cosleeping moms and works 1:1 and in group settings with mothers all over the world on infant sleep, nervous system regulation, matrescence, and peaceful parenting. Britt incorporates myriad modalities into her work to decode sleep struggles and optimize outcomes for babies and their families. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two young kids.

    Connect with Brittany Chambers

    In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

    • Co-Sleeping and Mother Nature
    • The Legacy of Infant Sleep Training
    • Safe Co-Sleeping Guidelines and Risk Factors
    • Understanding Safe Sleep Practices for Infants

    Episode resources:


    This show is supported by:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    30 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 39 minutes
    #384 Aftershock, A conversation with Omari Maynard & Shawnee Benton Gibson

    In this episode, we are honored to feature Omari Maynard, an educator and artist, and Shawnee Benton Gibson, a trauma and grief expert. Omari shares his artistic journey, driven by the tragic loss of his life partner, Shamony Makeba Gibson, and Shawnee offers insights into her work with trauma, grief, and social justice. We explore the impact of systemic challenges in maternity care, emphasizing the need for partnership between healthcare providers and patients, and highlight the emotional journey of dealing with systemic failures. Additionally, we discuss the transformative potential of faith-based support in childbirth and the critical role of diverse birthing options in addressing racial disparities.

    Listen in as we tackle the systemic issues in healthcare, particularly the racial biases that disproportionately affect people of color. We discuss the emotional toll of navigating hospital failures during the pandemic, sharing personal stories of loss and the urgent need for change. We also celebrate the life of Shamony through the Aftershock event, blending art and advocacy to engage the community on maternal health issues. Finally, we explore the revitalization of wise medicine women and the importance of storytelling and art in education, introducing initiatives that support Black and Brown families in their maternal health journeys. Through genuine connections and collective support, we strive to empower and inspire our listeners to advocate for a more just and humane healthcare system.

    About Shawnee Benton Gibson

    Shawnee Benton Gibson, LMSW / FDLC, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Spirit of A Woman (SOW) Leadership Development Institute; established in 2002 to educate, elevate and effect positive and sustainable transformation for individuals, groups, families, communities and leaders within institutions. Under Shawnee's leadership and vision, SOW offers innovative coaching, counseling and training experiences to those who are seeking to expand their power, purpose and impact in the world.

    Ms. Benton Gibson is a licensed practitioner with over 31 years of professional experience. She is also the Co-Founder of the ARIAH Foundation (The Advancement of Reproductive Innovation Through Artistry & Healing) which was created in memory of her eldest daughter, Shamony Makeba Gibson who passed away on October 6, 2019 due to complications associated with giving birth. Shamony’s story and Shawnee’s reproductive activism are depicted in the award winning documentary “Aftershock” which addresses the black maternal health crisis in the United States and its origins.

    Shawnee’s expertise ranges from substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery, child welfare, youth development, individual, family and group counseling, trauma, grief, loss and bereavement, women’s health and leadership, birth equity, racial equity, social and restorative justice. Shawnee employs a holistic, cultural and spiritual approach to her work and applies a racial equity, social justice lens as the foundation for all of the programs and services that her company provides. Her principal teaching, training and healing tools consist of spiritual counseling, vision coaching, psychodrama, sociometry, sacred rituals, energy work, the performing arts and storytelling as mediums to ignite transformation and initiate catharsis. According to Shawnee, doing healing work is ""a labor of love and liberation"".

    Connect with Shawnee Benton Gibson


    About Omari “Muz” Maynard

    Omari Maynard is an educator by trade and an artist by craft. He has received his bachelor's degree in Marketing from Hampton University, an MBA and a Masters in Sport Business Management from the University of Central Florida, and a Masters degree in Special Education from Long Island University. With these degrees, he has worked for the NBA, for sports marketing companies, not for profit organizations, and the Department of Education.

    As a child, he watched his uncle, Leo Carty, a highly accomplished artist, and Fulton Art Fair alumni, create beautiful masterpieces. He dabbled in exploring his artistry at an early age but did not pursue his artistic talents until he graduated from college. In 2016, Omari and his life partner, Shamony Gibson, started their own business. Art-fulliving is a lifestyle and event planning business with an emphasis on artistic expression. Unfortunately, Shamony transitioned in October 2019, due to complications after giving birth to their second child. Her untimely passing has provided Omari with a drive to live his life as creatively and purposefully as possible.

    Today he draws his creative inspiration from his family, life experiences, cultural influences, and his environment. His use of color, dimension, and texture exhibits true, raw, and natural talent. The evolution of artistry is evident in his work. His pieces tell stories that are thought provoking, intellectually inspiring, and technically sound.

    Connect with Omari "Muz" Maynard


    In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

    • Healing Through Art
    • Challenges in Maternity Care System
    • Birthing Advocacy and Faith-Based Support
    • Navigating Hospital Failures and Loss
    • Celebrating Life and Maternal Health
    • Empowering Through Art and Advocacy


    Episode resources:


    This show is supported by:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    23 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 56 minutes
    #383 There Can Be Healing in Loss

    What if the moments of greatest sorrow could reveal the most profound truths about life? Join Dr. Stu and Blyss in a heartfelt discussion about stillbirth and loss as we navigate the complex emotions and challenges faced by families and healthcare providers alike. We promise to provide an understanding of the statistics and causes behind these tragic events while emphasizing the importance of compassion and communication in the healing process. Our journey includes personal reflections on loss, not only from a professional standpoint but also through poignant personal experiences, highlighting how grief shapes us and fosters a deeper connection to those around us.

    We dive into the systemic issues within healthcare systems that can hinder open dialogue and emotional processing, advocating for supportive measures that promote healing. From navigating difficult medical decisions in the wake of a traumatic loss to finding meaning amidst grief, we examine how society's disconnect from natural life processes can impact our understanding and acceptance of birth and death.

    We also provide practical ways of supporting grieving families and partners, offering strategies for comfort and thoughtful gestures that acknowledge their loss. By sharing human experiences and insights, we aim to foster an environment of open dialogue and understanding, encouraging listeners to embrace life's vivid contrasts and continue conversations about grief, resilience, and the enduring influence of those we've lost.

    In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

    • Navigating Infant Loss and Stillbirth
    • Dealing With Loss and Grief
    • Understanding Stillbirth and Causes
    • Decision Making After Loss
    • Honoring Memories After Loss
    • Supporting Grieving Families and Partners


    Episode resources:


    This show is supported by:


    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    16 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 42 minutes
    #382 Tongue-Tie: A Discussion on a Multi-Disciplinary Approach with Dr. Chelsea Pinto & More Than Just a Mom, Cierra Rider

    Dr. Stu and Blyss are joined by Cierra Rider and Chelsea Pinto, two inspiring individuals championing maternal care. Cierra shares her transformative motherhood journey and the significance of tapping into maternal intuition. Chelsea, a dentist with a unique devotion to maternal and family care, provides insights into oral restrictions in children. Together, we foster a constructive debate on topics like co-sleeping and tongue-tie diagnosis, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives and informed decision-making in parental care.

    About Cierra Rider:

    I am a wife and a mother to two amazing kiddos, Knyte & Rebel. My pregnancy and birth with my 1st was an eye and full body opening experience, as it is for many moms. His birth was a rebirth for me. I was no longer the same woman I was before, nor did I want to be, even if society tried to tell me I should. I have the opportunity to walk alongside mothers during their rite of passage of going from maiden to mother through breastfeeding support, choosing a support team & planning their ideal pregnancy, birth, & postpartum, childbirth education, virtual doula services, and in 2025, cranial sacral therapy for breastfeeding support. I believe in supporting the mother-baby dyad and making decisions to reinforce this connection. Motherhood should and can be enjoyed with ease when a mother begins to tune into her God given intuition and realizes what's common isn't normal.

    About Dr. Chelsea Pinto:

    Dr. Chelsea Pinto is an educator and dentist in Woodland Hills/Los Angeles that has solely dedicated her practice to focus on Infant-Toddler Tongue and Lip Ties. Dr. Pinto earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry and completed a post-graduate General Residency Program. She has successfully treated thousands of babies with oral restrictions and proudly provides families with the knowledge to support their child’s oral motor skills, including appropriate therapeutic and feeding support referrals for an individualized and comprehensive approach.

    Connect with Cierra Rider:

    Connect with Dr. Chelsea Pinto:

    In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast:

    • Empowering Birth Choices With Education
    • The Power of Motherly Intuition
    • Understanding Tongue Tie & Overdiagnosis
    • Clinical Perspectives on Tongue Tie Diagnosis
    • The Importance of Cross-Disciplinary Care
    • Navigating Tongue Tie Decisions for Parents
    • Community-Based Care for Tongue Tie
    • Holistic Approach to Infant Care

    Episode resources:

    This show is supported by:

    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

    9 October 2024, 10:00 am
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