Podcasts · Kids & Family · Health & Fitness

Birthing Instincts

Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young

300 episodes

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.

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. #488: The Mental Health Crisis, The Disease Industry & SSRIs with Investigative Journalist, Jefferey Jaxen

    · 1 h 26 min · Episode 488

    What if the answer to our mental health crisis isn't another prescription? We're living in a world where depression, anxiety, and loneliness are seemingly everywhere. And somehow, despite more diagnoses, more…

  2. #487: Listening To Women

    · 1 h 14 min · Episode 487

    Listen to women. Seems simple enough. And yet, here we are. This week, the stories in our inbox keep bringing us back to the same uncomfortable truth: women know when something feels wrong. They know their bodies.…

  3. #486: Holding Hope After Miscarriage with Kenzie Covarrubias

    · 1 h 08 min · Episode 486

    There are some experiences in life that we simply cannot prepare our hearts for. Pregnancy loss is one of them. This week, we sit down with Kenzie Covarrubias, co-founder of Held in Hope, for a tender conversation…

  4. #485: Understanding Blood Transfusion

    · 1 h 28 min · Episode 485

    Blood transfusions can save lives, but when are they actually necessary, and what should you know before you're ever faced with that decision? This week, Blyss and Dr. Stu unpack blood transfusions in birth:…

  5. #484: Isthmocoele, Infertility & Other Lesser Known Cesarean Risks

    · 1 h 21 min · Episode 484

    Cesarean sections can be lifesaving. But are women actually being told about the potential long-term consequences before they consent to one? This week, Blyss and Stu dig into some of the lesser-discussed risks of…

  6. #483: Safer Birthing with Childbirth Attorney, Gina Mundy

    · 1 h 31 min · Episode 483

    What can nearly 24 years of birth injury litigation teach us about preventing birth injuries before they happen? This week, Blyss and Stu are joined by nationally recognized trial attorney, bestselling author, and…

  7. #482: Tossing Seeds with Dr. Sherri Tenpenny

    · 1 h 40 min · Episode 482

    Dr. Sherri Tenpenny joins Blyss and Dr. Stu for a wide-ranging conversation about vaccines, pregnancy, medical freedom, informed consent, institutional trust, and what it means to question the systems we’ve been taught…

  8. #481: Microbirth, A Film Explains How We Birth Matters

    · 1 h 18 min · Episode 481

    What if the way we enter the world has consequences that reach far beyond the day we're born? This week, Blyss and Stu dive into “Microbirth”, the 2014 documentary exploring the human microbiome and what happens…

  9. #480: From Hashimoto’s to Breech: The Surprising Role of Thyroid in Pregnancy

    · 1 h 33 min · Episode 480

    Thyroid health may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about pregnancy, but thyroid hormones play an important role in both maternal health and fetal development, especially during those early…

  10. #479: An Emotional Week & Some Data On Uterine Rupture

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 479

    This week, Blyss and Stu run the gamut, from joy and grief to frustration, research, and a whole lot of questions about who really gets to decide what “safe” birth looks like. After sharing personal updates and a…

  11. #478: Deception In Documentation Is Pervasive & Pernicious

    · 1 h 21 min · Episode 478

    What happens when the medical record doesn't match the birth experience? This week, Blyss and Stu dive into one of the most uncomfortable, but critically important topics in maternity care: documentation, informed…

  12. #477: False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR): Our Chat with Doula Dude, Travis Stroud

    · 1 h 35 min · Episode 477

    This week, Blyss and Stu welcome Doula Dude, Travis Stroud, whose perspective has captivated millions of viewers in just a few short months. Travis never imagined he'd become one of the loudest voices encouraging…

  13. #476: Questioning the 2 cm Placenta Rule & A Remarkable Breech Twin Birth with Fadwah Halaby

    · 1 h 28 min · Episode 476

    This week, Dr. Stu welcomes Florida midwife Fadwah Halaby for an inspiring conversation about evidence, autonomy, and trusting physiological birth. Before diving into an unforgettable breech twin home birth, Stu takes…

  14. #475: Birth Story & Body Health with Holistic Aesthetician, Michelle Vaughan

    · 1 h 35 min · Episode 475

    What happens when a traumatic first birth becomes the catalyst for a completely different second experience? This week, Blyss and Stu welcome holistic esthetician Michelle Vaughn to share the story of two births that…

  15. #474: The Mystery Of Postpartum Preeclampsia

    · 1 h 39 min · Episode 474

    Postpartum preeclampsia is one of the least talked about, but potentially most serious, complications after birth. This week, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss explore what we know, what we don't, and why every new mother…

  16. #473: Pursuing Peace With Courage & Confidence

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 473

    This week, we're setting aside our usual topic-driven format to share something even more meaningful: real stories from our fellow travelers. Join us in reading one of the most moving letters we've ever received. A…

  17. #472: Lupus in Pregnancy: Understanding the Risks Without the Fear

    · 1 h 15 min · Episode 472

    In this episode of Birthing Instincts, Blyss and Stu take a deep dive into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in pregnancy. Together they explore what lupus is, how it affects pregnancy, and what current evidence says…

  18. #471: How Birth Shapes Mothers, Babies, and The Future, with Suzanne Arms

    · 1 h 27 min · Episode 471

    This week, Blyss and Stu welcome birth pioneer, author, filmmaker, and educator Suzanne Arms, one of the most influential voices in the natural birth movement of the last half-century. Long before conversations about…

  19. 470: "Allowed" To Birth with Documentary Filmmaker, Jacinta Lagos

    · 1 h 12 min · Episode 470

    What happens when a birth photographer picks up a camera and decides she can no longer stay silent? This week, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss welcome Jacinta Lagos, an award-winning birth photographer, doula, filmmaker,…

  20. #469: Should 38-Week Induction For Big Babies Become A Thing?

    · 1 h 34 min · Episode 469

    This week, Blyss and Stu take a deep dive into the increasingly popular recommendation of inducing labor at 38 weeks for suspected “big babies”. Prompted by a recent social media post from a prominent obstetric…

  21. #468: Everybody's Doing It", Not A Legal Standard Of Care With Hermine Hayes-Klein, ESQ.

    · 1 h 43 min · Episode 468

    What happens when hospitals decide informed consent no longer applies to breech birth? In this powerful and deeply important episode, Blyss and Stu welcome back attorney and birth rights advocate Hermine Hayes-Klein…

  22. #467: Magic Wand, The Benefits of Red Light Therapy With Liz Frey....

    · 1 h 37 min · Episode 467

    This week, Dr. Stu and Blyss break down a recent Substack article reviewing large studies comparing planned home birth and hospital birth for low-risk women. The data? Fewer interventions, lower C-section rates, fewer…

  23. #466: Update On The Use Of TXA (Tranexamic Acid)

    · 1 h 27 min · Episode 466

    What happens when a medication designed to stop hemorrhage quietly starts creeping into routine birth care? This week, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss take on TXA (tranexamic acid), what it is, when it actually makes sense,…

  24. #465: For All The Midwives In Texas: Fighting Injustice with Salli Gonzalez & Octavia Martinez, Esq

    · 1 h 35 min · Episode 465

    In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss sit down with Texas midwife Salli Gonzalez and attorney Octavia Martinez to unpack a case that should concern not only licensed midwives, but anyone with a license.…

  25. #464: A Confused Mixture Of Topics: Clearing The Desk

    · 1 h 25 min · Episode 464

    This week’s podcast Blyss and Stu come to you with no guest and no single topic, just a “hodgepodge” of what’s been piling up in Dr. Stu’s mind attic. From collapsing birth options and disappearing breech skills…to…

  26. #463: The 20 Week Ultrasound: Dissecting the Anatomy Scan

    · 1 h 47 min

    The 20-week anatomy scan has become a routine part of modern pregnancy, but is it truly essential, or just another layer of over-monitoring? After receiving a listener question, Dr. Stu and Blyss dissect the purpose,…

  27. #462: When Surrounded, Take The First Opportunity To Fight Like Hell With Del Bigtree

    · 1 h 45 min

    What if the system you trust never did the science you assume it did? In this explosive episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss sit down with Del Bigtree to pull back the curtain on vaccines, medical authority, and the…

  28. #461: Fertility Back In Balance With Acupuncturist Emily Marson

    · 1 h 20 min

    What if infertility isn’t a broken body… but a disconnected one? In this episode, Blyss and Stu sit down with integrative fertility expert Emily Marson to challenge everything you’ve been told about conception, IVF,…

  29. #460: The Process Is The Punishment....And The Reward with Angee Hock

    · 1 h 36 min

    A home birth. A tragic outcome. And a midwife the state tried to make an example of. In this episode, Blyss and Stu talk with Angee Hock to unpack what it’s really like to be prosecuted for birth work. From a…

  30. #459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits.

    · 1 h 27 min

    What happens when we monitor birth too much? In this episode, Blyss and Stu pull back the curtain on one of the most normalized, and least questioned, practices in modern obstetrics: continuous monitoring. What starts…

  31. #458: Why Home Birth? A New Book For Fathers To Be With Jacob Dubois

    · 1 h 20 min · Episode 458

    What happens when a skeptical dad starts asking real questions about birth? Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss sit down with Dad Jacob Dubois, author of Why Home Birth, to talk about how he went from doubter to outspoken home…

  32. #457: Asymptomatic Bacturia & UTIs in Pregnancy. Balancing Antimicrobial Stewardship

    · 1 h 33 min · Episode 457

    Is every positive urine culture in pregnancy a problem that needs antibiotics? Dr. Stu and midwife Blyss explore ACOG’s UTI guidelines, the evidence behind screening, and the growing concern about microbiome disruption…

  33. #456: Principalities & Powers & Protecting Traditional Midwifery with Abby Iovine

    · 1 h 23 min · Episode 456

    On this week’s episode Blyss and Stu introduce guest Abigail Iovine, a Pennsylvania traditional midwife, and her mission to create legislation to protect traditional midwifery through her organization The National…

  34. #455: An Amazing OB Who Listens & Supports Triplets Vaginally with Dr. Michael Hervey II

    · 1 h 19 min · Episode 455

    With Blyss away, Stu sits down with Phoenix OB-GYN Michael Hervey II to explore what true physician–midwife partnership looks like in real time. Together, an OB and midwife team delivered a remarkable set of hospital…

  35. #454: Getting Your Hands Wet: Water & Wisdom From Barbara Harper

    · 1 h 57 min · Episode 454

    Blyss and Stu are joined by guest Barbara Harper, founder of Waterbirth International, an internationally recognized expert on water birth and gentle birth. Join us for a roller coaster of an episode where we dig into…

  36. #453: Energetic Imprinting & Integration with Pre & Perinatal psychology practitioner, Mary Jackson

    · 1 h 40 min · Episode 453

    In this week’s episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Blyss Stu challenge one of the most ignored questions in modern obstetrics: what does birth actually do to a human being? Joined by midwife and pre- and…

  37. #452: The Importance of Gathering - We Are The Microbiome

    · 1 h 24 min · Episode 452

    In this episode, Blyss and Stu are joined by Nathan Riley and Carol Gautschi to discuss the profound importance of in-person gatherings within the birth work community. The conversation covers the unique value of…

  38. #451: We are not packaging sausages - Why Doulas should remain independent with Shellie Poulter & Ivy Joeva

    · 1 h 43 min · Episode 451

    This week on the podcast, Blyss and Stu take a hard look at what’s happening to the world of doula support as insurance and institutions move in. They’re joined by two seasoned doulas, Ivy Joeva and Shellie Poulter,…

  39. #450: What’s To Do About Fluoride?

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 450

    In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu explore the history, benefits, and controversies surrounding fluoride in drinking water, highlighting different perspectives and potential health implications. References: The…

  40. #449: A Free OB: A Conversation with Dr. Poppy Daniels on The Dangers of DepoProvera

    · 1 h 17 min · Episode 449

    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…

  41. #448: Tampons: Convenience Does Not Imply Safety

    · 1 h 23 min · Episode 448

    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…

  42. #447: Midwifery Past, Present and Future: Wisdom from Adele Rose

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 447

    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…

  43. #446: Baby Aspirin for All??

    · 35 min · Episode 446

    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…

  44. #445: Women Are Not a Formula: Debunking VBAC Myths with Sarah Stead

    · 1 h 22 min · Episode 445

    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).…

  45. #444: Restoring Midwifery: Breaking Down the Indefensible

    · 1 h 41 min · Episode 444

    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…

  46. #443: Delusional Optimism: A Discussion of Recent Article On the Freebirth Society

    · 1 h 54 min · Episode 443

    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…

  47. #442: Allegations Are Not Evidence With Paul Golden: A Man For All Seasons

    · 1 h 35 min · Episode 442

    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…

  48. #441: Early Intervention for Newborn Trauma & Other Wisdom with Peds & Wellness Chiropractor, Tony Ebel

    · 1 h 35 min · Episode 441

    This week’s episode discusses the profound impacts of birth trauma on the nervous system and the transformative potential of pediatric chiropractic care. Blyss and Stu invite Tony Ebel, a wellness chiropractor, to…

  49. #440: Thrive Again With Crowdheath CEO Andy Schoonover

    · 1 h 26 min · Episode 440

    In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss discuss healthcare challenges and solutions with Andy Schoonover, CEO of Crowdhealth. Schoonover shares his personal journey that led him to start Crowdhealth, an…

  50. #439: Where Did The Courageous Doctors Go?

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 439

    In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu enjoy another hodgepodge discussion where they dig into the intricacies of dealing with unexpected medical issues such as heavy postpartum bleeding linked to a fibroid, iron…

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