Birthing Instincts

Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young

The birth world can be overwhelming for parents and practitioners alike. Dr. Stuart Fischbein and Midwife Blyss Young and their combined 55+ years of experience are here to support you in this beautiful rite of passage.Join the weekly conversation as we blend wisdom and humor in discussing our recent births, the latest research, traditional healing, and instinctual birth.  

  1. 3 HR AGO

    #463: The 20 Week Ultrasound: Dissecting the Anatomy Scan

    The 20-week anatomy scan has become a routine part of modern pregnancy, but is it truly essential, or just another layer of over-monitoring? After receiving a listener question, Dr. Stu and Blyss dissect the purpose, limitations, and unintended consequences of the anatomy scan. From what providers are actually looking for, to why so many women walk away with more anxiety than answers, this episode challenges the assumption that more information always equals better outcomes. At the end of the day, the real question isn’t can we look, it’s should we? Additional References: Birthing Instincts Podcasts: Episode 446: Baby Aspirin For All?? Episode 459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits. Episode 313: Comforting Truths About Low Lying Placentas Episode 274: I Remember Every Detail Pub Med Study: Therapeutic ultrasound as a potential male contraceptive: power, frequency and temperature required to deplete rat testes of meiotic cells and epididymides of sperm determined using a commercially available system Cleveland Clinic: What to Expect at Your 20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan) Discussed in This Episode The many names of the anatomy scan (and what it’s supposed to do) Ultrasound, anomaly scan, fetal survey—same test, very different interpretations The 11 major conditions they look for vs. everything else that gets added on How tiny measurements turn into weeks of stress and follow-ups The rise of false positives and soft markers Ultrasound-free pregnancy: radical or reasonable? Why more testing keeps becoming the standard, regardless of outcomes 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: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1hr 47min
  2. #462: When Surrounded, Take The First Opportunity To Fight Like Hell With Del Bigtree

    22 APR

    #462: When Surrounded, Take The First Opportunity To Fight Like Hell With Del Bigtree

    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: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1hr 45min
  3. #461: Fertility Back In Balance With Acupuncturist Emily Marson

    15 APR

    #461: Fertility Back In Balance With Acupuncturist Emily Marson

    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: info@aphroditeacupuncture.com  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: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1hr 20min
  4. #460: The Process Is The Punishment....And The Reward with Angee Hock

    8 APR

    #460: The Process Is The Punishment....And The Reward with Angee Hock

    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: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1hr 36min
  5. 1 APR

    #459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits.

    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: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1hr 27min
  6. #458: Why Home Birth? A New Book For Fathers To Be With Jacob Dubois

    25 MAR

    #458: Why Home Birth? A New Book For Fathers To Be With Jacob Dubois

    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: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1hr 20min
  7. 18 MAR

    #457: Asymptomatic Bacturia & UTIs in Pregnancy. Balancing Antimicrobial Stewardship

    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: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1hr 33min
  8. #456: Principalities & Powers & Protecting Traditional Midwifery with Abby Iovine

    11 MAR

    #456: Principalities & Powers & Protecting Traditional Midwifery with Abby Iovine

    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: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1hr 23min

About

The birth world can be overwhelming for parents and practitioners alike. Dr. Stuart Fischbein and Midwife Blyss Young and their combined 55+ years of experience are here to support you in this beautiful rite of passage.Join the weekly conversation as we blend wisdom and humor in discussing our recent births, the latest research, traditional healing, and instinctual birth.  

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