Birthing Instincts

This week Blyss and Stu go on a deep dive into macrosomia, also known as a large baby. They review extensive data from multiple sources, including ACOG, NICE guidelines, and the Big Baby Study, and discuss the implications of predicted and actual macrosomia. They discuss risk factors, maternal and fetal morbidity, ultrasound accuracy, the pros and cons of induction of labor, and the impact of the standard of care. As always, Blyss balances the conversation with discussing the stark contrast between the way macrosomic babies are cared for in the hospital v at home under the care of midwives. She shares tips on how to reduce the risks of macrosomia, especially when a mom is diabetic or has gestational diabetes. Mentioned in This EpisodeHomeopathy for Community MidwivesBirth Outside the BoxMidwifery Over Medicine: Leaving The Medical Model Of Delivering Babies To The Midwifery Model With OBGYN Dr. Stuart Fischbein Part OneApollo the Original Podcast: Home Birth, Feminism and Hospital Misogyny | Midwife Tells it All, with Midwife Aleks Birthing Instincts Episode 252: Inducing Naturally & Letting Fear Control UsStudies ReferencedNICE Study: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. “Induction of Labour for Suspected Fetal Macrosomia: Evidence Review A.” NICE Guideline NG207, [2021]. PDF.Big Baby Study: Gardosi, Jason, et al. “Induction of Labour versus Standard Care to Prevent Shoulder Dystocia in Fetuses Suspected to Be Large for Gestational Age in the UK (the Big Baby Trial): A Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial.” The Lancet, vol. 405, no. 10491, 17 May 2025, pp. 1743–1756. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00162-X.ACOG Practice Guidelines: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Macrosomia.” Practice Bulletin: Obstetrics, Committee on Practice Bulletins—Obstetrics, William H. Barth Jr, MD, and Rebecca Jackson, MD, [2016] PDF.Preyer, Oliver, et al. “Fetal Weight Estimation at Term—Ultrasound versus Clinical Examination with Leopold’s Manoeuvres: A Prospective Blinded Observational Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 19, 2019, article 122.In This EpisodeMacrosomia: Definitions and Risk FactorsUnderstanding Shoulder Dystocia and Its RisksClinical Estimated Weights and Palpation SkillsInduction of Labor and MacrosomiaVBAC and Macrosomia ConsiderationsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Blyss was experiencing issues with her wifi so Stu tackled the topic of blood transfusions solo. He discusses the challenges and alternatives to blood transfusions, particularly focusing on the concerns of patients who decline blood products due to personal, medical, or religious reasons. The episode covers recent studies on the risks associated with transfusions, explores iron replacement, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and the use of tranexamic acid (TXA). It also delves into the controversial topic of blood safety in the COVID-19 era, presenting contrasting views on the potential risks of receiving blood from vaccinated donors.Mentioned in This EpisodeRaquel’s Interview with the Breech Birth PodcastStu’s Interview on the Rewire for Birth Podcast, Ep 56Birthing Instincts Patreon CommunityAbout Vitamin K Deficiency BleedingDavid Hayes Substack: All things in moderation?Transfusion Replacement Strategies in Jehovah’s Witnesses and Others Who Decline Blood ProductsBlood Transfusion 2: Alternatives to blood transfusionNIH: Alternatives to blood transfusionConcerns regarding Transfusions of Blood Products Derived from Genetic Vaccine Recipients and Proposals for Specific MeasuresThe Science Behind Transfusion Safety in the COVID-19 Era Problems Following Blood Transfusion, using Blood Products Prepared From Donated Blood of Genetic Vaccine Recipients, and the Need for Traceability of Blood Products for Transfusion.In This EpisodeTransfusion Replacement Strategies for Jehovah's WitnessesBalancing Risks and Benefits of Anemia TreatmentsUse of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) to help prevent blood lossArtificial Blood: The Elusive SubstitutePreoperative Considerations for SurgeryBlood Draws and Minimizing Blood LossPregnancy and Postpartum HemorrhageAlternatives to Blood TransfusionPreoperative Autologous DonationCOVID-19 and Blood Transfusion SafetyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off

In this heartfelt episode, Blyss and Stu pay tribute to the late Michel Odent, a luminary in the field of childbirth and midwifery. They reminisce about his groundbreaking contributions in the world of birth. A strong supporter of water birth, advocating for hormonal understanding in labor, and his unwavering belief in the power of love and natural birthing processes, he is truly a legend that has made a deep impact on childbirth practices and the importance of preserving his teachings for future generations. We honor his legacy with some personal stories, emotional letters from his colleagues, and tributes from various birth workers.Mentioned in This EpisodeMichel Odent on "love cocktails" in birthOrigin Birth and Health, David Hayes SubstackPhoto of Michel Odent taken by @evarosebirthBooks by Michel OdentAt Her Feet Podcast, by Blyss YoungIn This EpisodeRemembering Michel OdentThe Hormonal Symphony of ChildbirthLove Cocktails in BirthProtecting the Emotional State of Pregnant WomenDr. Odent’s Impact on Modern Birth PracticesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week's episode, Blyss and Stu discuss the medical complexities of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) during pregnancy. They particularly focus on a listener's experience with blood clots during her second pregnancy and explore the risks, treatments, and recommendations associated with VTE. The discussion includes in-depth analysis of medical guidelines, the effectiveness of heparin and Lovenox, and the considerations for home birth and hospital protocols. Through data and expert opinions, they aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of managing blood clot risks in pregnancy.Mentioned in This EpisodeDr. Stu’s Deep Dive on Twin Birth Scans: Patreon.com/birthinginstincts Birthing Instincts Podcast, Episode 346: The One Hour Prenatal VisitThromboembolism in PregnancyReducing the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism during Pregnancy and the PuerperiumCustomized growth charts for twin vs singleton pregnancies and their ability to identify small-for-gestational age associated risk of adverse perinatal outcomeIn This EpisodeVenous Thromboembolism Medical Guidelines and RecommendationsDiagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismAnticoagulant Therapy During PregnancyManaging Anticoagulation Around DeliveryPostpartum Anticoagulation TherapyRisk Factors for VTE in PregnancyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss interview Larissa Paul, founder of 'Girls Who Know®,' an organization dedicated to educating young girls about their bodies, menstrual cycles, and childbirth. They highlight how early education, and the knowing one's body can empower young girls, reduce fear, and lead to better birthing experiences. About Laurisa:Laurisa Paul is a Registered Nurse, home birther, writer, and founder of Girls Who Know®, an organization that inspires girls to love who they are and to know and respect their bodies.Medically trained, Laurisa stumbled across homebirth when she was actively seeking for better birth experiences. Since then, she has worked as a midwife assistant and an instructor for Evidence Based Birth.Laurisa has a deep passion for supporting women and connecting with those she loves. She resides in Texas, where she is a mother of five and an outdoor adventurer. Laurisa loves a good challenge like Spanish speaking, hiking, running, tree climbing or raising wholehearted human beings.Laurisa and her team at Girls Who Know® are improving childbirth outcomes through the education of girls while they are young.Instagram: @officialgirlswhoknowWebsite: www.girlswhoknow.comMentioned in This EpisodeBirth Is Not a Medical Emergency: The Fight for Autonomy in Women’s Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ny0fuPYaKoThe Pregnancy Scam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXki4uYWOQ8Birth Outside the Box: https://BirthOutsidetheBoxSeries.com/stfiACOG IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNDgCeVs8N-/?igsh=ejBqdmlwMWVwYjloBridge Midwives IG: @thebridgemidwivesIn This EpisodeGirls Who Know: Mission and VisionEducational Gaps and Cultural TaboosEmpowering the Next GenerationTeaching Reproductive Anatomy to Young GirlsThe Power of Childbirth EducationHollywood vs. Reality in ChildbirthPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this episode, Stu and Blyss are joined by Gail Tully, the founder of Spinning Babies, to discuss the intricate dynamics of birth and fetal positioning. Gail shares both her personal journey and the scientific insights that have shaped Spinning Babies. Together they explore how balance, gravity, and movement can impact labor, and how practitioners and expectant mothers can prepare for a smoother birthing experience. About Gail:Gail Tully is the midwife who conceived and developed Spinning Babies®, first appearing in 2001. A dozen professional journal articles report Spinning Babies® effectiveness in reducing interventions, with reductions in cesarean surgery up to 50%. Gail brings more than 45 years of experience in birth, with 20 years focused on homebirths. Back in the day, Gail was kept busy organizing doula program development in hospitals and community non-profits in Minneapolis/St. Paul, while training doulas with DONA International approval status. Gail learned midwifery in the home with a variety of community midwives. Gail now writes, teaches, and supports change in the Spinning Babies® paradigm.Gail Tully developed the concepts and curriculum that revolutionized our view on physiological birth, breech birth and shoulder dystocia (Breech Basics and Resolving Shoulder Dystocia are now with Restory Birthwork). Spinning Babies®, Belly Mapping®, Belly Mapping MethodTM, Helping Your Breech Baby Turn, When Baby Lies Sideways, and Changing Birth on Earth. Gail and her husband live in Minnesota, USA.Instagram: @spinningbabiesWebsite: www.GailTully.com / https://www.spinningbabies.com    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spinningbabies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/spinningbabieslady  X: https://twitter.com/spinningbabies  ResourcesDr. Stuart Fischbein - “Birthing Instincts” and Trusting Nature in Childbirth | The Daily Showhttps://youtu.be/5lhi0Xxnc4Ehttps://www.spinningbabies.com/blog-resource-library/research-references/https://www.spinningbabies.com/parents/spbcbp-directory/https://www.spinningbabies.com/shop/Free Fetal Compass Rose: https://www.spinningbabies.com/free-gift/In This EpisodeOrigins of Spinning BabiesUnderstanding Posterior Position in LaborChallenges with Epidurals and Labor ProgressionThe Role of Pelvic Floor and Side Lying ReleaseTechniques for Balancing the PelvisImpact of Uterine Ligaments on LaborPreparation and Techniques for Easier LaborPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week's episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss Young are joined by Claire Holloway, founder of the Center for Bright Beginnings. Claire discusses the deeper philosophy of yoga, highlighting its relevance not just during pregnancy but as a preparation for home birth and beyond. She explains how yoga supports autonomy and personal sovereignty, guiding individuals to connect with their bodies, manage energy, and integrate spiritual practices into their birthing experience. The discussion goes into techniques like breathing exercises and space creation to enhance the birthing experience. Whether you're planning a home or hospital birth, this episode offers valuable insights into how yoga can profoundly impact the journey from pregnancy through birth and into motherhood.Guest Bio:Claire Holloway is the founder of the Centre of Bright Beginnings where she supports people throughout the journey of matrescence. She is an experienced yoga practitioner, facilitator and movement educator with a special interest in perinatal and pelvic health. Her prenatal, postpartum and parenting programs are informed by her own experiences of becoming a mother and her training as a Matrescence Coach and are designed with far more than stretching in mind. She holds space for women and parents to explore their own transformative journey, feeling supported and empowered towards autonomy in their perinatal care. Her latest online program is Yoga for Homebirth.Instagram: @yourbrightbeginningWebsite: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/ResourcesYoga for Homebirth: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/yoga-for-homebirthPractical Yoga Philosophy for Conception, Pregnancy and Parenthood: https://blissbabyyoga.com/yogaphilosophyforparenthood/Free webinar "Plan Your Dream Homebirth":  https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-planFree homebirth community catchup details (in-person in Perth and online coming soon): https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-communityResearch articles:Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy and Infant Influenza in the First 6 Months of Life: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2025/08000/influenza_vaccination_during_pregnancy_and_infant.18.aspxThe role of Spirituality in the lives of Women coping with Early Motherhood and Postpartum Depression, by Sandra Martins:https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstreams/ad923855-6e67-4bda-a81f-24f09dc74df0/downloadSpiritual Awakening through the Motherhood Journey, by Aurelie M. Athan and Lisa Miller:   304987363.pdfSee Blyss and Stu become Frodo & Gandolf on PatreonIn This EpisodeExploring the Layers of Yoga in PregnancyAutonomy and EmpowermentBreath Awareness and PersonalizationGuided Breathing ExerciseThe Importance of Personal Awareness in LaborYoga Philosophy and Practical ApplicationCreating Space in LaborPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss are joined by Dr. Marguerite Duane to discuss the shortcomings of conventional infertility treatments and the promising potential of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM). Dr. Duane, a family physician and expert in RRM, explains the importance of treating infertility as a symptom of underlying health issues rather than as a disease itself. Together, they dive into specifics about conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, emphasizing the benefits of lifestyle changes and identifying root causes. Marguerite shares insights on male infertility, the flawed default approach of using hormonal contraception for various female health issues, and the ethical concerns surrounding the IVF industry. The episode underscores the need for a more integrated, patient-centered approach in reproductive healthcare.Guest Bio:Dr. Marguerite Duane, a board-certified family physician, is co-founder and Executive Director of FACTS about Fertility, an organization dedicated to educating medical professionals and students about the science supporting fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). She serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown and Associate Professor of Restorative Reproductive Medicine and Director of the Center for Fertility Awareness Based Education and Research at Duquesne University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Duane cares for patients via a direct primary care house-calls based practice, MD for Life. She has served on the board of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Family Medicine Education Consortium.Instagram: @FertilityFACTSWebsite: www.FACTSaboutFertility.orgResourcesA Raw Talk with Dr. Stuart Fischbein- VBAC, Ultrasounds, C-sections & the Lies We’ve Been Told // S4E34Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: 'It's All A Lie:’ Buried Science On Vaccines & An Agenda Keeping Parents In The Dark | Del BigtreeTreating Infertility: The New Frontier of Reproductive MedicineFertility Awareness-Based Methods for Women's Health and Family Planning: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods.pdfApp study: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/rating-of-fertility-apps-avoiding/Webinars (Know your body and Facts about fertility explained): https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/learn-more/webinars/Virtual conference: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/2025-facts-virtual-conference/Sample our CME: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/sample-our-cme/Introduction to charting and the different methods: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/what-is-charting/ In This EpisodeUnderstanding Restorative Reproductive MedicineEmpowering Women with KnowledgePolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) ExplainedThe Role of Nutrition in Medical EducationRestorative Reproductive Medicine ApproachesEndometriosis: Symptoms and TreatmentsThe Ethics and Economics of Reproductive MedicineMale FertilityPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss discuss elective sterilization methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation. The episode details the procedures, potential complications, and success rates of reversals, offering a comprehensive overview of the various sterilization methods. Blyss brings the conversation back to natural and ancient methods of contraception. ResourcesPossible Complications After a VasectomyVasectomy and Prostate Cancer Risk: A 38-Year Nationwide Cohort StudyVasectomy Reversal: What You Need to KnowImmunological consequences of vasectomyTypes of Tubal LigationLong-Term Side Effects of Tubal LigationWhat to know about salpingectomyIn This EpisodePermanent Birth Control OptionsVasectomy: Procedure and RisksProstate Cancer Risk and VasectomyImmunologic Consequences of VasectomyReversibility of VasectomyMethods of Tubal LigationTubal Ligation: Procedure and RisksAncient Methods of Birth ControlPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu discuss various reasons for medical inductions, the process involved in hospital inductions, and alternative methods like castor oil and homeopathic remedies that can be pursued for a more natural approach. Listener stories highlight personal experiences with induction, offering insight into both the challenges and positive outcomes associated with this intervention.Resources Reduced risk of cesarean delivery with oxytocin discontinuation in active labor: a systematic review and meta-analysisEffect of Castor Oil on Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMCInduced Labor: Reasons, Procedure, Risks & ResultsIn This EpisodeInduction Insights and RecommendationsAssessing Baby's Environment and IUGRUnderstanding Oligohydramnios and Ultrasound ReliabilityPlacenta Issues and AbruptionNon-Reassuring Biophysical ProfilesInfection and Eclampsia ManagementInduction for Precipitous Labor and Other ConsiderationsPreparing for Medical InductionNatural Induction MethodsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

This week Blyss and Stu welcome Patti Wood, founder and executive director of Grassroots Environmental Education, to discuss the potential risks of exposure to cell phones and other wireless devices, particularly focusing on their effects on fetal development and general human health. About Patti:Patricia Wood is the founder and Executive Director of Grassroots Environmental Education, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the relationship between environmental exposures and human health risks. Grassroots serves local and state governments, health care providers, school systems, community groups, other environmental organizations and individuals nationwide.She is the co-creator of the BabySafe Project and a Visiting Scholar at Adelphi University where she lectures on the environment and related health issues in the College of Nursing and Public Health.Website: thebabysafeproject.orgFacebook: baby safe projectInstagram: @thebabysafeprojectTikTok: @BabySafeProjectbrochure "What You Need to Know About Wireless Radiation and Your Baby ResourcesTwin home birth stories,send your full birth story, high resolution photos and photo credit. If you had any, your full name and the age that you gave birth to the twins and where you're located. to twinhomebirth@gmail.comSafe Living Technologies: safelivingtechnologies.comTech safe schools: techsafeschool.orgWhy electrohypersensitivity and related symptoms are caused by non-ionizing man-made electromagnetic fields: An overview and medical assessment Green Bank, West VirginiaIn This EpisodeImpact of Wireless Radiation on HealthProtective Measures and RecommendationsFetal Exposure to Wireless RadiationEnvironmental Insults and Brain VulnerabilityEvidence from Human and Animal StudiesProtecting Pregnant Women and ChildrenPractical Tips to Reduce Wireless Radiation ExposureHealth Risks of Wireless Baby MonitorsElectromagnetic Spectrum and Non-Ionizing RadiationPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss are joined by Stacia Garmon, a dental hygienist who shares her expertise on periodontal disease and its potential impact on overall health, including its association with heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Additionally, Stacia shares her pregnancy journey with her son Dax, who was born with bilateral renal agenesis. Her advocacy for her son and her thirst for knowledge will open your heart and mind to the often overlooked connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes.About Stacia:Stacia will be married for eight years this fall, to her incredible Husband, Ken. Together they have a son, Dax, who would have been two this July, but he passed away after a mighty battle with renal agenesis. Professionally, Stacia is a dental hygienist and has been working in dentistry for over 12 years now. She is a self proclaimed knowledge seeker who questions everything, and loves to help people.Instagram: @daxsfamilyfarmResourcesAt Her Feet Podcast with Blyss YoungMyles Textbook for MidwivesPregnancy Questions with Dr. Stu + Mothers 2B: RhoGAMPeriodontal Disease and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Study from PakistanAssociation Between Periodontal Health Status and Pregnancy and Delivery Complications in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Pregnant Women: A Case-Control StudyIs periodontal disease associated with gestational diabetes? Exploring the evidenceAssociation Between Periodontitis and Blood Pressure Highlighted in Systemically Healthy Individuals: Results From a Nested Case-Control StudyIn This EpisodeThe Importance of Oral Health During PregnancyDaily Oral Hygiene TipsChoosing the Right Dental ProductsFluoride and Toothpaste ChoicesOral Health and Systemic ConnectionsPeriodontal Disease and Pregnancy RisksPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula CareThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week's podcast, Blyss and Stu are joined by renowned midwife and author Robin Lim to explore her new book, The Yoni Owner's Manual. Robin shares her awe-inspiring experiences and insights into midwifery, childbirth, and the spiritual aspects of the female body, emphasizing the importance of pleasure and the interconnectedness of humans with nature and the divine.About Robin:Robin Lim CPM Filipina~American~Micronesian midwife founder Bumi Sehat Foundation maintains six clinics in Indonesia, Philippines.Honors: 2006 Alexander Langer Foundation, 2011 CNN Hero of the Year, in 2012 APPPAH, The Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology and Health, gave Ibu Robin the Jeannine Parvati BirthKeeper Award, and in 2016 she became Earth Company’s Impact Hero. Lim is an Ashoka Fellow.Books authored: After the Baby’s Birth, Wellness for Mothers, Ecology of Gentle Birth Awakening Birth, Eating for Two, Placenta the Forgotten Chakra, Eat Pray Doula, The Geometry of Splitting Souls, Natural Family Planning Workbook, Butterfly People, Bali… A Cage in Paradise, Yoni Owner’s Manual, Bali… A Cage in Paradise. Seven health autonomy booklets in Bahasa Indonesia.In the era of planetary and political change we must implement Humanitarian response geared to serve women, & children, including gender equality, cultural safety, and consideration for the needs of women left homeless, hungry, without water, and with no access to health services. Lim has headed up early response teams in the after math of disasters in:Bali, Aceh, Lombok, Palu, Padang, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Jacmel, Haiti, Philippines, Dhading, Nepal, Global Pandemic shutdown.Robin Lim is an inspirational figure in health care, particularly in obstetrics, where she combines traditional midwifery & Doula wisdom and modern scientific knowledge to provide care that respects both mothers and babies. She and her team have saved thousands of women and newborns in difficult hygienic, social, or humanitarian conditions. As part of her lifelong commitment to resolving the impacts of climate crisis, she focuses on supporting women recovering from the effects of war, earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, pandemic, climate change disasters around the world.Instagram: @iburobinWebsite: iburobin.comResourcesAt Her Feet PodcastGuerrilla Midwife DVDRobin’s books: iburobin.com/shopIn This EpisodeThe Yoni Owner's ManualCultural Perspectives on the ClitorisHistorical and Medical NeglectEmpowerment and SovereigntySexual Health and MenopauseThe Menstrual Cycle and Moon TimeReconnecting with Nature in ChildbirthAdvocating for Women's AutonomyThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this edition of The Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu hosts an enlightening discussion with guest Millie Hill, a renowned writer and feminist advocate. Millie, the author of 'The Positive Birth Book' and 'Birth Like a Feminist,' shares her journey from a drama therapist to a prolific writer on childbirth and women's health. The conversation delves into the significance of positive birth experiences, the impact of fear in childbirth, and the influence of language and cultural norms on maternal care. About Milli:Milli Hill is a writer and freelance journalist with a passion for reframing the narrative around women’s bodies. She is the author of the bestselling Positive Birth Book (2017), Give Birth like a Feminist (2019) and My Period (2021, for preteen girls). Her fourth book, Ultra Processed Women, will be published by Harper Collins in July 2025, with a fifth book to follow in 2026. To date, her books have been translated into seven languages. From 2012 to 2021 she founded and ran the Positive Birth Movement, a global network of antenatal discussion groups aimed at improving birth and giving women better access to support and information. Milli has spoken nationally and internationally about positive birth, obstetric violence and female autonomy in health. As a journalist since 2013 she has been a columnist for the Telegraph women’s section and written for many publications including Mail, Guardian, Independent, ipaper and Mother&Baby, and has appeared on BBC Breakfast news, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 2, BBC 5 Live, talkradio, LBC and many leading podcasts. She writes a bestselling substack about women’s health, feminism, and issues around sex and gender including the erasure of women from language. Milli lives in Somerset, UK with her partner, three children and two dogs. Instagram: @milli.hillWebsite: www.millihill.co.ukSubstack: substack.com/@millihillResourcesBridge MidwivesStu’s 3 minute reel on Overuse of Colorflow DopplerMilli Hill’s Blog: The Mule Milli’s books:Ultra-Processed Women: The new no-holds-barred look into the ultra-processed foods industry’s lasting impact on our health and wellness – and how we can break free Give Birth Like a Feminist: Your body. Your baby. Your choices.My Period: Find your flow and feel proud of your period!The Positive Birth Book: The Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and the Early WeeksIn This EpisodeRising Intervention Rates in BirthThe Ideological Battle: Safety vs. ExperienceFeminism and Childbirth: A Complex RelationshipThe Power of Language in Maternity CarePandemic's Impact on Birth PracticesEmpowering Women Through KnowledgeMillie Hill's Books and Future ProjectsThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

This week Dr. Stu is solo as Blyss is away and joined by guest Ellie Stangl, a certified doula and legislative aide in Nebraska. Together they delve into the legislative process affecting maternity care: Does anyone understand the process? Does it make any logical sense? The short answer is no, but dive into this conversation with us to dig deeper and discuss the complications and frustrations of introducing and passing bills that advocate for midwifery and home birth practices. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by the medical lobby, the legislative process, why laws differ from state to state, and how the cultural misperceptions about natural birth results in a lot of confusion around legislation.About Ellie:Ellie Stangl is a dedicated advocate and policy professional who has spent the past seven years working in the Nebraska Legislature. With a lifelong passion for natural and wholesome living, Ellie began in the birth world as a young girl assisting her mother during the home births of her siblings. This early exposure to God's design of birth and the beauty of motherhood inspired her to become a certified doula, a role in which she continues to serve friends, family, and members of the birthing community. Ellie has seamlessly integrated her personal and professional commitments by championing maternal health policy at the state level. She is actively drafting legislation to expand access to midwifery care and protection for women's birthing rights in Nebraska.Instagram: @miss_elimsResourcesBirthing Instincts Podcast PatreonPatreon: Advocacy Role Play EpisodeAJOG Article: Quantifying the association between doula care and maternal and neonatal outcomesIn This EpisodeEllie's Journey to Legislative AdvocacyThe Complexity of Legal LanguageChallenges with Medical RegulationsOpposition from Medical AssociationsThe Influence of Campaign FundingComparing State Laws on MidwiferyThe Importance of Community and EducationThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss do a deep dive into mono-chorionic twin pregnancies, with a focus on debunking common myths about mono-mono twins. Drawing on recent research and personal experiences, they explore topics like the risks of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), cord entanglement, and the overall safety of vaginal deliveries for mono-mono twins.ResourcesBetween a Shot and a Hard Place, by Joel WarshJama Article: Pregnancy Related Deaths in the US 2018 to 2022. Twin home birth: Outcomes of 100 sets of twins in the care of a single practitioner, by Stu Fischbein and Rixa FreezeDocumentary: Heads Up: The Disappearing Art of Vaginal Breech DeliveryObstetrics and Gynecology Journal: Cord entanglement and perinatal outcome in monoamniotic twin pregnanciesIn This EpisodeIntroduction to Monochorionic TwinsDebunking Myths About Twin PregnanciesCase Studies and Rare AnomaliesChallenges and Interventions in Twin PregnanciesThe Overuse of Ultrasound in Twin PregnanciesMisuse of Growth Charts for TwinsThis show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Restorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

This week Blyss and Stu discuss the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle with guest Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, author of The Fifth Vital Sign. Lisa brings not only her personal experiences with menstrual health, but also her expertise in the roles of basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical position in fertility awareness. They highlight the broader health implications of suppressing ovulation with birth control pills and shed light on how modern medicine often overlooks natural bodily functions.About Lisa Hendrickson-Jack:Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who trains women’s health practitioners to use their menstrual cycle as a vital sign in their practices. She is the founder of the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program. She is the author of three bestselling books The Fifth Vital Sign, the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook, and her most recent book Real Food For Fertility, which she co-authored with Lily Nichols RDN. Lisa works tirelessly to debunk the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to help women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health. With well over 4 million downloads, her podcast, Fertility Friday, is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health.Website: http://fertilityfriday.comInstagram: @fertilityfridayResourcesReal Food For Fertility: realfoodforfertility.comThe Fifth Vital Sign: thefifthvitalsignbook.comIn This EpisodeThe Menstrual Cycle as a Vital SignThe Birth Control Pill: History and ControversiesThe Hidden Dangers of Birth Control PillsThe Importance of Understanding Your CycleSide Effects of Suppressing OvulationImpact on Partner Attraction and Genetic CompatibilityThe Role of Cervical Fluid and OvulationFertility Awareness MethodsThe Influence of Big Pharma and Research BiasNatural Ways to Support Your SystemThis show is supported byBirth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Restorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Meredith Nelson and Alicia Fishbein, board-certified patient advocates and seasoned doulas from Intentional Birth. The episode explores the critical role of advocacy in childbirth, covering topics from prenatal visits to labor and NICU challenges. Learn how to navigate hospitals, advocate effectively for clients, and transform traumatic experiences into empowering and supportive births. The discussion includes real-life stories, practical tools, and heartwarming successes, emphasizing the need for stronger advocacy in maternity care.About Meredith Nelson & Alicia FishbeinMeredith and Alicia are board-certified patient advocates, seasoned doulas, and the founders of Intentional Birth and of the Perinatal Patient Advocacy Center.When they attended their original doula trainings, they were taught not to speak up on their clients' behalf. Don't rock the boat. Doulas don't advocate. Smile and nod at care providers. Then they began attending births, and realized that their clients were walking away feeling powerless and traumatized (they were, too). They knew there was a bigger role for them to play.More than a dozen years later, they are training birth professionals as patient advocates. They teach the confidence-building strategies, the detailed systems for educating and preparing their clients, and the robust set of communication and advocacy tools that they developed as they transformed their practices toward true support of their clients' legal rights and human needs.Website: intentionalbirth.coE-mail: hello@intentionalbirth.coInstagram: @intentional.birthResourcesIntentional Birth: https://www.intentionalbirth.co/Perinatal Patient Advocacy Center: https://perinatalpatientadvocacy.org/ACOG Opinion Piece: Refusal of Medically Recommended Treatment During PregnancyIn This EpisodeAdvocacy and Patient RightsThe Role of Doulas and Patient AdvocatesTraining and Empowering DoulasUnderstanding Hospital Culture and HierarchyEmpathy as a Foundational Advocacy ToolHumanizing the Room: Practical Tools for DoulasThe Importance of Partner AdvocacyNavigating Prenatal Visits and Hospital AdvocacyThis show is supported byBirth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Restorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

While Dr. Stu was busy teaching breech in Texas, Blyss hosted Valerie Wiesner to discuss the practice of vaginal steaming, its benefits, and the ancient traditions associated with it. Valerie shares her extensive experience in sacred postpartum care and describes how steaming can help with postpartum recovery, menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, and even prostate health in men. Additionally, Valerie talks about her vision for making sacred postpartum practices more accessible through community co-ops and international training programs. About Valerie WiesnerValerie Wiesner, mama to 15, leads women Worldwide in the Ancient Art of Sacred Postpartum care in both online and live retreats. This includes many practices, from Ceremony to Vaginal Steaming, honoring and supporting women in the tender postpartum recovery period. She serves women in all stages of life, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in Northern Arizona.In 1980, Valerie and her partner hitchhiked to The Farm in Tennessee to birth her first baby with Ina May Gaskin. This experience of sacred birth and postpartum care surrounded by love and community, set her on the path she walks today.Valerie lives in the mountains of Prescott Arizona with her soulmate of 46 years where she grows abundant food and herbs and holds epic family gatherings.Website: sacredbirthtraditions.com and sacredpostpartum.netListeners will get 20% discount on any of Valerie’s programs, reach out to valerie@sacredpostpartum.net for more information.Instagram: @sacredpostpartum @sacredbirthtraditionsResourcesValerie’s Birth Stories on Indie BirthKaty Barnes, DoulaMountain Rose HerbsIn This EpisodeAncient Practices and Modern Benefits of Vaginal SteamingVaginal Steaming for Women's Health IssuesEmotional and Physical Healing through Vaginal SteamingPostpartum Care and Vaginal SteamingHerbal RecommendationsVaginal Steaming for Various Health ConditionsThe Role of Vaginal Steaming in Sexual HealthResources and Training for Vaginal SteamingThis show is supported byBirth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.Restorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this episode, Blyss is joined by Lara Jason, an assistant professor of sociology at Grinnell College, as she shares her powerful and emotional story about her breech birth experience. Despite her extensive preparations and strong advocacy skills, Lara experienced a traumatic birth intervention that violated her consent, echoing her past experiences with sexual assault. This episode underscores the importance of trauma-informed care and the need for systemic changes to respect and prioritize women's autonomy during childbirth.Guest Lara Janson:Lara Janson is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology at Grinnell College. A sociologist specializing in gender, sexuality, law, education, and qualitative/mixed research methods, she is interested in researching and teaching about intersections of inequality. In addition to teaching introductory sociology, social movements, social media, and gender courses on the Grinnell campus, Lara also teaches at Newton Correctional Facility and the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women as part of Grinnell’s Liberal Arts in Prison Program (LAPP).Dr. Janson’s current book project, Sexual Violence on Campus: Title IX and the New Era of Accountability (forthcoming with NYU Press), examines how college campuses adjudicate sexual assault complaints, with particular emphasis on the competing legal jurisdictions at play. Related research interests include sexuality, social movements, feminist jurisprudence, and crime/incarceration.Before pursuing her doctorate, Janson researched interculturalism and gender as a Fulbright Scholar in the Andes, where she also taught courses at a men’s prison and in rural Indigenous/Afro communities. After conducting street outreach and educational programs in juvenile detention centers for a non-profit in the U.S., she studied Peace and Conflict as a George J. Mitchell Scholar in Northern Ireland, where she helped develop curricula linking gender and peace/conflict. For more information about Dr. Janson and her work, check out www.larajanson.com.Website: www.larajanson.comInstagram: @lhjansonResourceshttps://www.ehlers-danlos.com/In This EpisodeLaura's Pregnancy JourneyAdvocating for Individualized Maternity CareChallenges with Hypermobile EDS in PregnancyNavigating Hospital Birth PreferencesThe Role of a Doula in ChildbirthPower Struggles and Advocacy in Hospital BirthsThe Impact of Past Trauma on ChildbirthReporting and Seeking Justice Post-Birth TraumaThis show is supported byThe Birth Sling by Dr. Jess Michaels | Go to thebirthsling.com code Instincts for 10% off your slingRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for  25% off your first order of weekly fresh meals or $20 off frozen postpartum meals.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com