Birthing Instincts

Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young
  • 4.9 (657)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. #449: A Free OB: A Conversation with Dr. Poppy Daniels on The Dangers of DepoProvera

    3D AGO

    #449: A Free OB: A Conversation with Dr. Poppy Daniels on The Dangers of DepoProvera

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

    1h 17m

  2. JAN 14

    #448: Tampons: Convenience Does Not Imply Safety

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

    1h 23m
  3. #447: Midwifery Past, Present and Future: Wisdom from Adele Rose

    JAN 7

    #447: Midwifery Past, Present and Future: Wisdom from Adele Rose

    In this week’s episode Blyss interviews Adele Rose, an elder and mentor in the midwifery community, about her long-standing career and insights on the evolution of midwifery. Adele shares her personal journey from listening to her mom’s birth stories at the age of five to practicing as both a lay and licensed midwife for decades. They discuss the significant changes in community practices, the impact of licensure, and the current struggles faced by midwives and birthing women. Adele reflects on her renewed passion for birth work after experiencing setbacks, including the revocation of her license, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spiritual and meditative approach to midwifery. The conversation also touches on the influence of patriarchal systems in Western medicine, the rise of unassisted births, and the need for midwives to create supportive, non-hierarchical communities. About Adele: Adele’s interest in birth is literally life long. As the 8th of 9 children she began asking about her moms birth stories when she was about 5. This interest is still with her at 68 yrs. Home birth came into her consciousness at 14 yrs of age when she learned of the Santa Cruz birth collective, Raven Lang & her birth work through her writings. She began studying birth in earnest at 19 & attending births that same year. She practiced as a lay midwife 23-38, attended Birthingway Midwifery School in Portland OR which allowed her to obtain a license in WA & OR, practiced as a licensed midwife for 16 yrs, and now mostly retired & helping other midwives as they establish their practices. Discussed in This Episode Licensure and Its Impact on Midwifery Managing Fear in Midwifery The Importance of Spiritual Mindfulness in Midwifery Challenges with Modern Birth Practices Creating a Sacred Space for Birth Reflections on Unassisted Births Critique of Radical Birth Keeper Course The Role of Midwives in Modern Society 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 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

    1h 6m

  4. 12/31/2025

    #446: Baby Aspirin for All??

    In this week’s episode you get a special sneak peak into The Birthing Instincts Patreon Community. With Dr. Stu still healing from knee surgery we decided to share an exclusive Bonus Content episode with you on baby aspirin. Together, Blyss and Stu explore the medical community's perspective on aspirin, discussing its potential benefits in preventing preeclampsia, growth restriction, and other complications. Using ChatGPT for detailed insights, they highlight the quality of evidence, potential risks, and the differing approaches between mainstream medical practices and personalized care.  Discussed in This Episode When Baby Aspirin is Recommended Baby Aspirin and Preeclampsia Alternatives to Treating Preeclampsia Baby Aspirin and Twin Pregnancies Risks and Benefits of Baby Aspirin 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 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

    35 min
  5. #445: Women Are Not a Formula: Debunking VBAC Myths with Sarah Stead

    12/24/2025

    #445: Women Are Not a Formula: Debunking VBAC Myths with Sarah Stead

    Dr. Stu hosts a special edition podcast featuring Sarah Stead, a registered massage therapist specializing in C-section recovery. Together they dive into various topics surrounding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). They discuss the importance of informed consent, the flaws in using VBAC calculators, and societal and systemic issues affecting VBAC rates. About Sarah Stead Sarah Stead is a registered massage therapist based in Ontario, Canada, with over 12 years of experience and a five-year specialization in C-section recovery. After experiencing burnout in full-time practice, she transitioned her work to focus on microcurrent scar therapy, where she discovered a deep passion for supporting C-section healing. Her interest in this work began while supporting her sister through C-section recovery and later witnessing her sister’s VBAC, which sparked a broader fascination with birth, healing, and informed choice. Though she doesn’t have children herself, she proudly calls herself a “birth nerd,” attending every Reclaiming Birth Conference to date and recently presenting her work there. She is passionate about education, empowering clients with tools and information often missing from mainstream conversations, and supporting more informed, holistic birth and recovery experiences. Website: thescarconnection.com E-book: C-Section Recovery Guide Instagram: @gingey91 Mentioned in this Episode Dolphin Neurostim Provider Locator Billie Harrigan Episode 405: "Call The Neighbour" Birthing Wisdom From Traditional Birth Companion, Billie Harrigan Discussed in This Episode Discovering Microcurrent Point Stimulation Understanding the Impact of Scar Tissue The History and Evolution of Cesarean Sections The Importance of Informed Consent Evaluating Risks and Benefits of VBAC vs. Repeat C-Section Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of C-Sections The Importance of Provider Competence and Confidence Hospital Policies and VBAC Support The Role of Partners in VBAC Success VBAC Calculator and Its Limitations 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 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

    1h 22m
  6. #444: Restoring Midwifery: Breaking Down the Indefensible

    12/17/2025

    #444: Restoring Midwifery: Breaking Down the Indefensible

    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 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

    1h 41m
  7. #443: Delusional Optimism: A Discussion of Recent Article On the Freebirth Society

    12/10/2025

    #443: Delusional Optimism: A Discussion of Recent Article On the Freebirth Society

    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 worldFive 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 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

    1h 54m
  8. #442: Allegations Are Not Evidence With Paul Golden: A Man For All Seasons

    12/03/2025

    #442: Allegations Are Not Evidence With Paul Golden: A Man For All Seasons

    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 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

    1h 35m
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
657 Ratings

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.  

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    437
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Birthing Instincts

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