DiscoverPostpartum University® PodcastThe Problem with Obstetrics and How it's Failing Mothers with Dr. Stuart Fischbein EP 245
The Problem with Obstetrics and How it's Failing Mothers with Dr. Stuart Fischbein EP 245

The Problem with Obstetrics and How it's Failing Mothers with Dr. Stuart Fischbein EP 245

Update: 2025-12-091
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Postpartum providers, the PPD and exhaustion your clients face are direct outcomes of the medicalized birth model. Renowned OB-turned-advocate Dr. Stu Fischbein joins us to expose why standard practices (like the "six-week checkup") create pervasive obstetrical trauma. This episode cuts through the noise to reveal the root cause of the postpartum crisis and shows you how to fight for the holistic care your clients deserve.

Check out this episode on the blog HERE

Key time stamps: 

  • 01:44 : Dr. Stu's unique perspective: 28 years in hospital OB vs. 12+ years in home birth
  • 04:52 : OB residency teaches providers to view pregnancy as an illness
  • 08:00 : The hospital model is designed for efficiency and profit
  • 11:48 : The "see you in six weeks" model is driven by financial reimbursement
  • 15:04 : The medical system separates mother and baby as two entities
  • 20:50 : The economic and societal benefit of paid parental leave
  • 23:44 : subsidizing midwifery care for a year is an important social change
  • 26:40 : Why women must not abdicate responsibility for their birth care
  • 29:44 : Obstetrical abuse behaviors are similar to domestic abuse
  • 35:07 : Obstetrical trauma makes postpartum recovery more difficult. 
  • 38:40 : cognitive dissonance that prevents doctors from seeing the problem. 
  • 44:45 : Why families cannot rely on the system for postpartum support. 
  • 46:00 : The critical role of the husband in defending the mother
  • 48:38 : Why medicine ignores what it can't quantify or bill for 
  • 50:40 : The danger of licensing doulas and regulating quality. 
  • 54:17 : Why midwifery schools are becoming medicalized 

Connect with Dr. Stu

Stuart James Fischbein MD is a published author of the book “Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, A Midwife and A Mom” and peer-reviewed papers Homebirth with an Obstetrician, A Series of 135 Out of Hospital Births, Breech Birth at Home and Twin Home Birth. He spent 28 years assisting women with hospital birthing and, then for the next 12+ years, was a homebirth obstetrician who worked directly with midwives.  He now lectures globally, advocating for informed consent and reteaching breech & twin birth skills. Host of the weekly Birthing Instincts Podcast with Blyss Young. Website | IG 

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The Problem with Obstetrics and How it's Failing Mothers with Dr. Stuart Fischbein EP 245

The Problem with Obstetrics and How it's Failing Mothers with Dr. Stuart Fischbein EP 245

Maranda Bower, Postpartum Nutrition Specialist