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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 36 minutes
    #361 Congenital Uterine Alternatives

    The uterus is a miraculous creation but sometimes it doesn't follow nature's blueprint. Today on the podcast we discuss these fairly common blips (AKA anomalies or abnormalities) and their significance.

    With awareness and empathy, we weave through personal stories and clinical presentations, highlighting the profound impact these uterine anomalies can have on fertility and pregnancy. We dissect the various types of these conditions, the possible complications, and the importance of a compassionate, patient-centric approach to care. It's a deep exploration of a topic that's typically clouded by misunderstanding, so we aim to bring light and informed guidance to those it affects.

    Blyss shares a VBAC story as she continues to "patiently" recover. Dr. Stu wonders about the saying, "Life is like riding a bicycle!" and reads an uplifting twin story.

    Key highlights:

    • VBAC Support and Hospital Policies
    • Long Labor Story With A Happy Ending
    • Controversy Over Doula Regulation
    • Understanding Congenital Uterine Abnormalities
    • Management of Uterine Anomalies and Complications

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    15 May 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 49 minutes
    #360 Some Clarity To The Confusion of Rashes In Pregnancy

    Skin disorders exclusive to pregnant women have always been puzzling to Blyss & Dr. Stu. How do we know one from the other? Today we look at the dermatoses of pregnancy and differentiate the physiologic from the pathologic.

    You'll hear us dissect the five major types of rashes that can puzzle even seasoned healthcare professionals, the challenges of medical information access, and personal accounts of birth timing, premature labor, and the vital role of clear clinical documentation. We also delve into the nuances of supporting births in the community, examining the value of trust and adaptability when changes arise, such as a different midwife attending a birth, and discussing the impact of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) testing on hospital transfers and treatment.

    We also take a critical eye to medical misinformation spread by healthcare professionals on social media and the exasperating experiences with insurance companies, using personal anecdotes to highlight the issues. We also examine a range of skin and hair changes during pregnancy, and take a thought-provoking look at how control over medical literature might shape our understanding of autoimmune diseases and their potential environmental triggers.

    Blyss shares a birthkeeper dilemma while Dr. Stu does his civic duty.

    Key highlights:

    • Medical misinformation and insurance frustrations
    • How skin conditions affect pregnancy
    • Many rashes are annoying but not harmful
    • What can be done for relief from pregnancy rashes?
    • Exploring medical literature and information control

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    8 May 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 36 minutes
    #359 Unraveling the Legal Wrangling & Strangling of Midwifery

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

    About Lenny Sue Tinseth:

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

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

    She is a member of Nevada Midwives Association.

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

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

    About Corrine Flatt:

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

     Key highlights:

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

     

    Episode resources:

     

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    1 May 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 36 minutes
    #358 Homebirth Safety: What to Believe?

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

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

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

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

     

    Key highlights:

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

     

    Episode resources:

     

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    24 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 30 minutes
    #357 "Born At Home", A New Documentary

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

    About Eleanor Currie:

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

    About Amanda Banks:

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

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

    About the Documentary Born At Home:

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

    Key highlights:

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

    Episode resources:

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    17 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 27 minutes
    #356 A Look Back at the History of U.S. Childbirth

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

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

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

    Key highlights:

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

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    10 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 28 minutes
    #355 Letters & Twins & Breeches, Oh My

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

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

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

    Key highlights:

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

    Episode resources:

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    3 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 46 minutes
    #354 SSRI Mythology: Bundling or Bungling

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

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

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


    Key highlights:

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

    Episode resources:

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    27 March 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 26 minutes
    #353 Is There An Ideal Interpregnancy Interval?

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

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

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

    Key highlights:

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


    Episode resources:


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    20 March 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 30 minutes
    #352 Regulatory Overreach & What Is Going On In Hawaii

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

    About Jaymie Lewis:

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

    Key highlights:

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

    Episode resources:

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    13 March 2024, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 18 minutes
    #351 The Second Stage: Immediate or Delayed Pushing

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

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

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

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

    Key highlights:

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

    Episode resources:

    This show is supported by:

    • LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
    • BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

    Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:


    6 March 2024, 11:00 am
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