Birthing Instincts

So many good listener questions on this topic inspired us to look into the pharmacologic options laboring women have for relief when needed. We talk about nitrous oxide in detail and in relation to MTHFR. Opiates and epidurals and their pros and cons are discussed. We answer the question, does epidural fentanyl cross the placenta? In an upcoming Patreon segment, we will also review the non-pharmac...

To honor a gathering of birth workers at the Born Free Twins-Breech Conference in Kentucky, Dr. Stu travels back in time to 1998 and reminisces with triplet mom and former client, Laureen Mgrdichian, about her journey and hospital vaginal delivery. Listen in for some good old storytelling. With Blyss traveling, Dr. Stu goes solo to talk about multiples. We hope you enjoy. About Laureen Mgrdichian:...

"The cycle responsible for all human life on earth is associated with this degree of suffering? No!" Visionary super soul, Dr. Christiane Northrup, joins the podcast today to talk about the menstrual cycle, menopause & hormones, the perception of aging and so much more. We explore the Western medical perspective versus more empowering cultural views, and delve into the debate between h...

Responding to listener questions we address the question of “What is IUGR?” Before we get there Blyss waits on a birth and listens to Dr. Stu’s concerns about entropy winning and way too much idiocy, fear and hyperbole being shoveled around out there. We discuss critical women's health topics, questioning the necessity of C-sections for lupus patients, and exploring the potential toxicity of t...

Two of the four co-creators, Jerusha Sutton and Jo Hunter join us to discuss the backstory and making of their film and what is happening with birth in Australia. Blyss and Dr. Stu loved the film and share their insights with the filmmakers on what would it take for all women to emerge from their births physically well and emotionally safe. About Jerusha Sutton: Jerusha Sutton is a doula, and birt...

A special treat today as Blyss and Dr. Stu chat with author, former midwife and wise woman, Rachel Reed, on reclaiming physiologic childbirth for those willing to listen. She recounts a bit of the history of what happened to diminish midwives, the original birth-keepers, and the medicalized takeover by those with no connection to tradition. She reminds us that physiologic birth includes pathology...

Culture and society may have erred when they decided we don't need strong men and fathers. Ashley Mariani, MSW joins Blyss and Dr. Stu to discuss the role of the male partner in pregnancy and equipping them with the skills to navigate medical settings confidently in support of their partner. Male participation in the birth process can lead to deeper trust, intimacy and respect in the couple an...

What if understanding one gene could significantly change your approach to fertility and pregnancy? Join us as we catch up with Dr. Ben Lynch, a pioneer in the field of epigenetics and naturopathic medicine, who sheds light on the powerful MTHFR gene and its wide-ranging implications. Dr. Lynch takes us on a journey from his traditional medical roots to his breakthrough work with genetic variation...

Join us for an eye-opening episode as we welcome Kimberly Denitz-Zuleger, a passionate doula and maternal health activist from Southern California. With a wealth of experience encapsulating over 400 placentas since 2015, Kim shares her profound knowledge on the multifaceted roles and cultural symbolism of the placenta. We traverse the spiritual and medicinal benefits of placenta consumption and th...

At a time of great anxiety, Neonatologist and NICU specialist Priyush Patel, MD shares his humanistic approach to care. While Blyss is busy birthing, Midwife Lindsey Meehleis shares a birth story leading to the Serendipitous meeting in the NICU. But don’t worry, there is still plenty of wobbly healthcare systems and dumb doctor dogma going around as Dr. Stu explains. About Dr Piyush (pronounced pe...

Today we have midwife and mom, Catalina Clark, as our guest to share her journey as we discuss freebirthing from all angles. About Catalina Clark: I am a woman, mother, daughter, sister, midwife and student on the healing path. With 10 years experience in birth, I have found my way home to supporting women in alignment with the natural world and the power of physiologic birth. As a midwife of heal...

Such an important conversation with our guests, Emily Roper, ( Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist) & Beth Shayler, (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant), on looking for the root causes and alternative approaches to developmental delays and the mental health of babies and children. Why is something so basic so unknown to the allopathic medical world? Blyss & Dr. Stu learn about the im...

Interpreting the value of a study can be difficult. With Blyss taking some healing time, Dr. Stu interviews Dr. Emiliano Chavira, MD, MPH, FACOG and MFM sub-specialist who shares his expertise on this subject. From randomized trials to meta-analyses we learn that a study is never definitive. Working within the "high risk" system, Dr. C has insight and wisdom that we want our fellow travele...

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 di...

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...

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 practici...

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-h...

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 Eleano...

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 refle...

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 se...

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 proc...

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...

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...

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 t...

Old friend and midwife, Aleks Evanguelidi joins us to share her wisdom about healing our bodies naturally and restoring our innate bodily systems.  As we swapped tales of unexpected birth work requests and the impact of dietary choices, Alex's holistic approach shines a light on the path to wellness. Her insights, grounded in her dual expertise, offers a refreshing perspective that stands in b...