Birthing Instincts Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young

Working for women and not the law, traditional midwife, Rebecca Walker joins the show to discuss birthing in a maternity care desert. Dr. Stu reviews hospital rankings with suspicion and Blyss reads an impassioned letter from a Scottish doula in despair.
This episode uncovers the harsh realities faced by women in rural areas seeking maternity care. Dr. Stu, Blyss, and Rebecca dissect hospital policies that deny care during birth, discuss the disturbing rise of forced C-sections, and debate the legal status of traditional midwifery. With the dire need for more midwives ringing loud and clear, this episode pushes us to think about the intricacies of maternity care and the struggles endured by women in their quest for a safe and empowering birth experience.
Key highlights:
Influencers and the Reality of InstagramDoulas During the PandemicMaternity Care and the Need for MidwivesHospital Refusal of Care During BirthLegal Status of Traditional MidwiferyProblems With Forced C-SectionsChallenges and Controversies in ObstetricsComparing Hospital Rankings and Midwife StatisticsEpisode resources:
Article: Why I Am Taking a BreakArticle: Best Hospitals for Obstetrics & GynecologyWebsite: orgThis show is supported by:
LMNT | Go to com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at com.BIRTHFIT | Go to 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:
Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439

On short notice, Blyss gives Dr. Stu a request for a deep dive into the common finding of uterine fibroids. Listener questions and common doctor recommendations are addressed. Whether pregnant or not, many women will be confronted with this diagnosis. Symptoms, treatment, outcomes, and options are all discussed in today's episode. The data may surprise you.
Dr. Stu and Blyss delve into the treatment options for fibroids, emphasizing the importance of patient-specific strategies and shared decision-making. They then discuss the potential effects of uterine fibroids on pregnancy outcomes. This includes exploring the theories behind the pain associated with red degeneration and the effects of fibroids on pregnancy outcomes. Finally, they examine the data from recent studies comparing the risk of conditions like postpartum hemorrhage, retained placenta, and uterine rupture in women with fibroids to that of control subjects. Tune in for this comprehensive session on fibroids, pregnancy, and birth choices.
Key highlights:
Fibroids' Impact on PregnancyMyomectomy and Vaginal Delivery ConsiderationsRacial Disparities in Fibroid TreatmentTreatment Options for FibroidsUterine Fibroids and Pregnancy OutcomesUterine Rupture Risks After Myomectomy
Episode resources:
Article: Management of Symptomatic Uterine LeiomyomasArticle: Contemporary Management of Fibroids in PregnancyArticle: Trial of labor after myomectomy and uterine rupture: a systematic review
This show is supported by:
LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.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:
Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Call-in line: 805-399-0439

By almost any parameter of general health we are a sicker society than we were 50 years ago. Models of wellness abound yet we are still told to follow only some science. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in pregnancy. Blyss & Dr. Stu share their recent "rememberings" from traveling to visit a nurturing community of birth workers and the positive experiences of listeners. Then we look at some medical dictates which Blyss sees as irresponsible and which infuriate Dr. Stu. The contrast is revealing and people are waking up.

In this episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss explore the complexities of maternity care and trusting one's intuition amidst challenging situations. Drawing on a follower's experience, they underscore the importance of validating intuition and making informed decisions based on evidence, common sense, and personal experiences. Further, they scrutinize the increasing rates of birth interventions and their negative impacts, prompting a reflection on current practices and the need for safer environments for childbirth. 
Key highlights:
Midwifery Conference HighlightsMaternity Care Challenges and Trusting IntuitionIncreasing Rates of Birth Interventions and the Negative ImpactsACOG's Support for Vaccinations in PregnancyVaccine Safety and Mandates in PregnancyEpisode resources:
naturalbirthathome.comCarolinabirthjunkies.comBook: Immaculate DeceptionArticle: The Rapid Decline of Birth Rates
This show is supported by:
LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.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:
Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439

Still riding the high of the Louisville conference, Blyss & Dr. Stu take a drive back in time to the Farm in Tennessee. With Buffalo Springfield on the radio and Dr. Stu in awe of the surroundings, the midwives tell Blyss an emotional tale of The Farm's past and future.
They explore the complexities of Tennessee's midwife law, the critical role of licensure, and the essential need for collaboration with doctors. Above all, these midwives emphasize the importance of client autonomy, the value of face-to-face communication, and the power of storytelling in sharing wisdom. In the end, Dr. Stu and Blyss were left with a profound appreciation for their dedication to the art of midwifery, and believe you will be too, as you listen to their shared wisdom and experience.
Key highlights:
Journey Towards Becoming a MidwifeBuilding A Community Without Electricity and WaterEmergency Childbirth TrainingThe Beginnings of Midwifery ServicesLow C-Section Rates in MidwiferyTransition From Nursing to MidwiferyComparison of Licensed and Traditional MidwivesTrusting Birthing Community MagicEpisode resources:
Book: Spiritual MidwiferyThis show is supported by:
LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.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:
Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Call-in line: 805-399-0439

The normalization of breech and twin birthing and the skills to make that happen were the reason the birth community came together in Louisville, KY for four days in September. Blyss & Dr. Stu share the stories and memories from a weekend of learning and bonding. We are stronger as a community united.
You'll discover how the positioning of a baby's arms affects their rotation during breech birth, and the essential factors to monitor during delivery - the color, tone, capillary filling, and cord of the baby. Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss the intricacies of twin pregnancies and the complications that may arise, including twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). They also cover the importance of understanding when to intervene. Despite the often challenging and complex nature of these discussions, the underlying message is one of empowerment, education, and encouragement. So join in as we navigate these fascinating topics, challenge conventional wisdom, and celebrate the miracle of birth.
Key highlights:
Obstetric Training and Flexible Delivery MethodsBreech Babies and Shocking Numerical FindingsDoctor Issues With Twin BirthingPregnancy Complications and Ultrasound TechnologyHistorical Significance of Fetal Heart TonesBurden of Proof in Medical InterventionsShoulder Dystocia During ChildbirthEpisode resources:
Twin Breech conference: belovedholistics.com/conferenceThis show is supported by:
LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.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:
Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Call-in line: 805-399-0439

Blyss is soaking up Sedona while Dr. Stu has the privilege of teaching breech to doctors in Chicago. Today's topic by popular request is shoulder dystocia, sharing truth, and dispelling fear. There are no signs and no way to prevent the condition, so why all the interventions?
Get ready to uncover the truth about birth options and practices when it comes to shoulder dystocia. Blyss and Dr. Stu unravel the myths surrounding shoulder dystocia and share first-hand experiences, with a focus on various maneuvers that can be lifesaving in these situations.
Key highlights:
VBAC Ban Lifted in Santa BarbaraShoulder Dystocia, Myths, and ManeuversUnderstanding Shoulder Dystocia and Risk FactorsObstetrician and Midwife TrainingShoulder Dystocia Delivery Complications and ConcernsShoulder Dystocia and Trusting Birth AdviceEpisode resources:
Article: Cleveland Clinic: Shoulder Dystocia Article: ACOG: Shoulder DystociaThis show is supported by:
LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.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:
Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439