In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss interview Rowan Bailey and Sarita Bennett, two midwives who have faced significant legal and professional challenges. They discuss Rowan's experience of being jailed for practicing traditional midwifery and Sarita's struggles with administrative hearings. The conversation dives into the importance of traditional, individualized midwifery care and critiques the current medical and midwifery systems for their lack of emotional and community support. Rowan and Sarita share their innovative approach to restorative peer review, aiming to create a compassionate, accountable midwifery community. 

About Rowan Bailey

My heart for midwifery is rooted deeply in my conviction for sovereignty in the childbearing year.  The more I studied and became involved in birth work, the more stories I heard that began with ‘they wouldn’t let me ____’ or ‘I was high risk because ____’ and that solidified the midwife I was to become. 

The infantilization of women within obstetrics and modern day midwifery is systemic, damaging, and down right patriarchal. I didn’t take my call to be the one to say yes to those that the system failed lightly. I knew that they were smart, capable women who just wanted someone to walk with them. I figured if I was going to answer this call, I was going to do it with integrity.

My mission is to be a mirror and a reminder that when we break out of captivity and become our most powerful selves we can make the movement move. I want us all to find our feet and our breath and be fully who we are meant to be: wild, raw, messy, and beautifully ungovernable. 

About Sarita Bennett

I learned midwifery in the traditional model - by attending those families who were choosing home birth early in the modern home birth movement. Most of the forty-plus years I have served as a midwife and osteopathic family physician have been in a rural, mountainous region that is far from any hospital with OB providers or surgical capability, leading to the development of a detailed understanding of reproductive physiology and the inter-relatedness of all parts of the reproductive process.  The added experience of teaching - from home school with my children to medical students - has given me the ability to explain complicated concepts in understandable terms.  Fueled by my passion for supporting healthy humans, I am excited to share my embodied knowledge with those who are on the same journey towards building thriving communities.

Website: Foundationalconcepts4mws.com

Instagram: @foundational.concepts4mws

Mentioned in this Episode

Compromised to Alchemized Podcast

Discussed in This Episode

Challenges in Midwifery Practice

Critical Thinking in Midwifery

Personal Work and Midwifery Skills

The Importance of Knowing Why

Humanizing Obstetrics

Defensibility & Autonomy in Birth Choices

The Obstetric Myth and Women's Power

Restorative Peer Review in 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.
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]

Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this episode, Blyss and Stu address a recent Guardian article discussing free birth and the Free Birth Society. They welcome guests Joni Edelman and Ivy Joeva to explore the complexities of unassisted births, the importance of informed consent, and sovereignty in childbirth. The conversation highlights both the potential risks and benefits of free birth, as well as the influence of social media and the challenges within the medical system.

About Joni Edelman

Joni Edelman is a mother of six, grandmother, and traditional birth attendant who has walked beside more than 1,000 families through birth. Once an L&D and hospice nurse within the system, she stepped away in 2009 to honor a more sacred calling—guiding families with intuition, physiology, and sovereignty toward the births that feel safest and most aligned.

Website: 13moonsbirthwork.com

Instagram: @13moonsbirth

About Ivy Joeva

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.

Website: ivyjoeva.com

Instagram: @IvyJoeva

Mentioned in this Episode

Intentional Birth Pro https://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2148190529/HUkqrEuo, code IBP2026 for 10% off

Unintended Consequences of Invoking the “Natural” in Breastfeeding Promotion

Guardian Articles:

• Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
• Five key findings from our investigation into the Free Birth Society
• ‘Ignorant and life-threatening’: experts condemn Free Birth Society misinformation

Discussed in This Episode

In-depth Discussion on Free Birth Society

The Complexity of Blame in Birth Outcomes

Informed Consent

The Influence of Social Media on Birth Choices

Navigating Risks and Medical Perspectives

The Role of Trust and Trauma in Birth Decisions

Medicalized Safety vs. Holistic Birth

Integrity and Honesty in Birth Practices

The Reality of Birth Complications

The Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions of Birth

The Importance of Listening to Women

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.
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu introduce Paul Golden, a maternal and neonatal medical and legal specialist, midwife, and international advocate. Together they discuss the intricacies and challenges of midwifery practice around the world. Paul highlights his experiences working in various countries, combating legal threats to midwives, and advocating for birthing rights, while emphasizing the need for legal awareness, protective documentation, and proactive measures to support midwives and promote safer childbirth practices globally.

About Paul Golden

Paul Golden, is a maternal–neonatal medical and legal specialist whose career spans clinical care, worldwide childbirth, and advocacy. Paul is a midwife and international legal advocate, a skilled tongue-tie release practitioner, and a dedicated naturopath. He also brings expertise as a mediator, lecturer, and author, weaving together science, tradition, and legal insight to protect and elevate the practice of midwifery worldwide.

Website: LinkedIn.com/in/goldenpaul

Instagram: @Active.birth

Discussed in This Episode

Paul Golden: Midwifery and Advocacy

Legal Aspects and Advocacy in Midwifery

Challenges in Maternal Healthcare Systems

The Abuse of Peer Review Systems

Gunny Sacking: Silencing Whistleblowers

Lisa Barra's Legal Struggles

Ricardo Jones: A Targeted Midwife

The Double Standards in Home Births

Legal and Spiritual Advice for Midwives

Mentioned in this Episode

Human Rights and Birth Choices In the Balkans

Book: Keeping Midwives Safe: Practical Legal Advice and support for Midwives (Helpful Legal Advice Actions & Templates)

Book: Protect Your Practice: And Keep Your Clients Safe

Books on Gumroad: https://midwifemediator.gumroad.com/

Article: Criminalizing Natural Birth: An Interview with Ricardo Jones

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.
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage:birthinginstinctspodcast.com

This week’s episode discusses the profound impacts of birth trauma on the nervous system and the transformative potential of pediatric chiropractic care. Blyss and Stu invite Tony Ebel, a wellness chiropractor, to explore the benefits of chiropractic interventions. They also discuss the importance of holistic, less interventionist approaches in childbirth and medical care, emphasizing simplicity, nervous system regulation, and overall well-being for healthier outcomes in children and families.

About Tony Ebel

Dr. Tony Ebel is the lead writer and educational guide for PX Docs. He is a Certified Pediatric + Wellness Chiropractor with 15 years of clinical experience.

In addition, Dr. Tony has been teaching and training other Pediatric + Family Chiropractors for the past 10+ years, primarily teaching the clinical protocols he created for pediatric neurodevelopmental challenges such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Epilepsy, Anxiety, and more.

This clinical program is now taught in collaboration with the Life University Postgraduate Department and has over 700 graduates. Dr. Tony’s passion is educating, empowering, and informing parents about the nervous system’s role in natural, drug-free healing for all pediatric conditions and cases.

Website: www.pxdocs.com

Instagram: @pxdocs

Discussed in This Episode

Dr. Tony Abel's Chiropractic Journey

The Impact of Medical Interventions on Birth

Understanding Brainstem Trauma

The Role of the Nervous System in Healing

Birth Interventions and Neurological Dysfunction

The Importance of Craniosacral Therapy

Challenges in Pediatric Healthcare

The Simplicity of Healing

The Role of Chiropractors in Pediatric Care

Mentioned in this Episode

The Birth Lounge with HeHe, Episode 396:Twins Untangled: The Data Behind Safe Twin Birth with Dr. Stu

 Perspektiv Podcast with Madeleine Mofjärd, Episode 201: Reclaim the power of childbirth: how the system fails women in labour - Dr. Stuart Fischbein

Radiant Birth Podcast with Britt Andres, Episode 19: The Truth About Hospital Birth: Dr. Stu Fischbein on Fear, Control & Reclaiming Physiological Birth

Future Generations Podcast with Dr. Stanton Hom, Episode 272: Challenging Medical Orthodoxy: One Doctor's Revolutionary Path with Dr. Stu Fischbein

The All Ears Podcast with Jodi Thom, Episode 18 Are We Being Scammed by the Medical Industry? The Truth About Childbirth Ft. Dr. Stuart Fischbein

Reteach Breech Workshops: birthinginstincts.com/events

All Ears Podcast

PX Docs Directory: https://pxdocs.com/px-docs/

The Experience Miracles Podcast

Book: The Biology of Belief 10th Anniversary Edition: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles

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.
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss discuss healthcare challenges and solutions with Andy Schoonover, CEO of Crowdhealth. Schoonover shares his personal journey that led him to start Crowdhealth, an innovative alternative to traditional health insurance that leverages community crowdfunding to cover medical expenses. The conversation examines the inefficiencies and complexities of the current health insurance system, comparing Crowdhealth's approach to other options such as Christian Sharing ministries and Liberty Health Share. Schoonover emphasizes the importance of maintaining the patient-doctor relationship, explains the regulatory landscape, and shares touching stories of improved customer experiences.

About Andy Schoonover

CrowdHealth is a revolutionary alternative to traditional health insurance. Instead of paying premiums into a bloated system, members contribute directly to one another’s medical needs—saving money, fostering transparency, and creating a healthcare experience rooted in trust. Since its founding, CrowdHealth has helped members save millions on medical expenses while empowering them with tools to navigate care confidently and affordably.

At the helm is Andy Schoonover, CrowdHealth’s founder and CEO. A passionate advocate for medical freedom, Andy is dedicated to breaking down the inefficiencies of the insurance industry and building a member-first model that prioritizes people over profits. His mission is simple yet bold: to put control back in the hands of individuals and create a community where healthcare is funded by people, not corporations.

Website: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/

Instagram: @joincrowdhealth

Discussed in This Episode

Deep Dive into Crowdhealth and Healthcare Issues

Crowdhealth Mechanics

How Crowdhealth Makes Money

Community Component and Member Experiences

Comparing Crowdhealth to Traditional Health Shares

Handling Health Disagreements and Transparency

Scalability and Growth of Crowdhealth

Crowdhealth's Approach to Maternity Care

Challenges with Traditional Health Insurance

Mentioned in this Episode

Healthy as a Mother Podcast, Episode 136

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.
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu enjoy another hodgepodge discussion where they dig into the intricacies of dealing with unexpected medical issues such as heavy postpartum bleeding linked to a fibroid, iron deficiency, and the unconventional use of Jay breathing during labor. The episode features strong themes of patient advocacy, the importance of seeking multiple opinions, and the personal journeys of managing one's health amidst a complex medical system.

Discussed in This Episode

 Postpartum Bleeding and Fibroid Concerns

Exploring Treatment Options for Fibroids

Fibroid Surgical Procedures and Risks

Alternative Treatments for Fibroids and Embolization

Hysterectomy vs. Myomectomy

Iron Infusion and Postpartum Recovery

Tongue and Lip Ties in Newborns

Mentioned in this Episode

Birthing Instincts Episode 327: Interesting Stuff About Fibroids

Birthing Instincts Episode 436: What Is Vs. What Could Be. Models Of Care In Flux

SMFM Statement on Acetaminophen Use DuringPregnancy and Autism

COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation Tool Kit

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
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu invited Vita and Ronit, the founders of WeNatal, for a conversation about the significance of 'Trimester Zero,' the period leading up to conception, and its impact on egg and sperm quality. The founders share their personal journeys through pregnancy loss and how it led to the creation of WeNatal. They emphasize the importance of holistic health, including diet, supplementation, and stress management, in improving fertility outcomes. 

About Ronit and Vida:

Bio for your reference: Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim are the founders of WeNatal, a prenatal supplement company that is transforming the fertility space with the first prenatal supplement optimized for her AND him. WeNatal’s mission to change the narrative surrounding fertility and reproductive health is personal; after suffering miscarriages a week apart Ronit and Vida were given little direction on what to do differently. More importantly, the health of Ronit & Vida’s partners (including the health of their sperm) was completely missing from their fertility dialogue with their doctors… something had to change. WeNatal shifts the fertility journey from "me" to "we” and is revolutionizing the prenatal space with a formulation team composed of industry leading Functional Medicine doctors, nutritionists, and fertility experts, including Dr. Mark Hyman and Kelly LeVeque. With 24 key clean, bioavailable nutrients, WeNatal steps up where other supplements fall short for all things preconception to postpartum for both parents and baby.

Website: wenatal.com

Instagram: @we_natal

Discussed in This Episode

WeNatal: The Journey and Mission

Exploring the Impact of Diet on Fertility

Overcoming IVF Challenges and Natural Conception

Controlling What You Can for a Healthier Lifestyle

Wellness Doesn't Have to Be Complicated or Expensive

The Concept of Trimester Zero

Optimizing Sperm and Egg Quality

Choosing High-Quality Supplements

Mentioned in this Episode

Birthing Instincts Patreon Bonus Episode: Baby Aspirin For All

https://wenatal.com/birthinginstincts for a free mag with subscription 

https://wenatal.com/masterclass for Free masterclass 

https://wenatal.com/blog for the blog

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. 
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu do a deep dive into the methodology, history, and current practices surrounding the non-stress test (NST) used in prenatal care. They answer all your questions: What is a non-stress test? Where did it come from? How did it become so accepted? Does it actually tell you what it's supposed to tell you? And, is there evidence that a previous stillbirth is an indication for for NST testing?

Discussed in This Episode

Understanding Non-Stress Test (NST) and Its Limitations

History and Evolution of NST

NST vs. Biophysical Profiles

Predictive Value of NST

ACOG Guidelines on NST

Fetal Kick Counting vs. NST

Mentioned in this Episode

An Inconvenient Study: aninconvenientstudy.com

ACOG Practice Bulletin: Antepartum Fetal Surveillance

Birthing Instincts Episode #386 with David Hayes

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. 
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Blyss is back and Stu has a hodgepodge of topics to cover with her. Blyss shares her enriching experience at an international midwifery conference in Greece, while Dr. Stu sheds light on the impersonal nature of modern medical practices and the hope brought by the Alice Walton School of Medicine. The episode enriches listeners with firsthand stories of birth, the dynamics between midwives and healthcare systems, and the promising future of holistic medical education.

Discussed in This Episode

Blyss' Greece Trip and Midwifery Conference

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

Changes in Vaccine Recommendations

Documentary on Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Kids

Midwives' Perspectives and Challenges

New Medical School Initiative

Mentioned in this Episode

Patreon Events patreon.com/birthinginstincts

CDC Rewrite of Vaccine Guidelines Is a BIG Win for Medical Freedom

An Inconvenient Study 

Doctor’s Art: EP. 151: TO CREATE A MEDICAL SCHOOL

Article: The World’s Richest Woman Has Opened a Medical School

Herbal Pregnancy Blend, By Carol Gautschi

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. 
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode of The Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu is joined by Ashley Mariani, also known as 'The Rogue Therapist' from Instagram, to discuss the complexities of fatherhood and relationships. While Blyss is traveling, Ashley and Dr. Stu get deep and personal in conversation about how men can navigate fatherhood, improve their relationships, and break generational trauma. A valuable episode for anyone looking to strengthen their relationships and foster healthy family environments.

About Ashley Mariani:

Ashley Mariani is a couples therapist, Reverend, and founder of Mind Online Therapy. She specializes in intimacy, polarity, and the nervous system, with a focus on supporting couples through the impact of birth trauma and the challenges it creates in relationships. With over a decade of experience, Ashley blends neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, and her own frameworks to help couples repair trust, rebuild connection, and rediscover desire.

In addition to her clinical work, Ashley is a public speaker and educator whose voice has been featured on podcasts and at conferences across North America. She is the creator of programs and workshops that teach couples practical tools for navigating conflict, intimacy, and long-term partnership. Through her work, Ashley brings a direct yet compassionate approach to some of the most personal aspects of human connection, helping couples move from survival to genuine thriving. She is also a wife and mom of three, including boy–girl twins who keep life lively both inside and outside the therapy room." 

Website: www.mindonline.ca

Instagram: @therogue.therapist / @mindonline.ca / @heartandhearthministry

Discussed in This Episode

Ashley Mariani on Fatherhood and Relationships

John and Jill: A Case Study

The Rite of Passage in Fatherhood

Men's Learning and Wilderness Survival

Fatherhood and Neuroscience

The Role of Fathers in Child Development

Choosing and Supporting Your Partner

The Work of a Good Man

Communication and Responsibilities in Relationships

Mentioned in this Episode

@findingpolariswc

Birthing Instincts Episode 368: Boys to Men: The Importance of Masculinity

Resources

Protecting your family from obstetric violence course, understanding tetany, and other helpful links can be found at Linktr.ee/mindonline

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. 
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this episode of The Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu is joined by HeHe Stewart from The Birth Lounge Podcast to explore common reasons for C-sections, how hospital policies and interventions often lead to unnecessary surgeries, and strategies for avoiding them. The episode features poignant birth stories that highlight the challenges and triumphs of navigating the medical system to achieve a desired birth experience. HeHe shares her expertise on protecting birth goals, advocating for oneself, and the importance of informed decision-making. 

About Hehe

HeHe Stewart is a leading childbirth educator, advocate, and maternity care reform expert. With a Master’s in Human Development and over a decade of experience, she empowers families with evidence-based birth prep, informed decision-making, and postpartum readiness. She is a fierce advocate for informed consent, reducing unnecessary interventions, and ensuring patient autonomy in birth.

Beyond working with families, HeHe is actively involved in legislative efforts to improve women’s health policies and expand access to midwifery care. She works to reform maternity care by advocating for patient rights, increased birth options, and improved maternal health outcomes.

As the host of The Birth Lounge Podcast, she interviews leading experts in pregnancy, women’s health, and newborn development, giving parents the knowledge they need to navigate birth and postpartum with confidence. Her work continues to drive meaningful change through education, advocacy, and policy reform.

Website: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/join

Instagram: instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe

Mentioned in This Episode

Are hospital births really safer? Featuring Dr. Stuart Fischbein

Reclaiming Birth Conference

Birthing Instincts Podcast Patreon

Retrievals Podcast Season 2

Resources:

ACOG Guideline 664: Refusal of Medically Recommended Treatment During Pregnancy

Covered in This Episode

The Role of Men in Birth

Ethics and Autonomy in Medical Decisions

The Reality of Labor Dystocia

Fetal Distress and Augmented Labor

VBAC and Repeat C-Sections

Red Flags in Birth Practices

Unnecessary Interventions and Their Consequences

Navigating the Healthcare System for 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. 
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
• Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off



Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com