#459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits.
· 1 h 27 min
Episode #459: Over-Monitoring & Outcomes, How Are We Doing & Who Benefits.
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 as “safety” can quietly become interference, and the consequences aren’t small.
Together, they break down how over-monitoring can derail physiologic birth, increase unnecessary interventions, and shift trust away from a woman’s body and into machines. From hospital protocols to real-world birth room dynamics, this conversation challenges the narrative that more data always equals better outcomes.
If you’ve ever been told “we just want to keep an eye on things,” this episode will make you ask: at what cost?
References:
Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #416: Disentangling Mono-chorionic Twins
Dr. Stu’s Mind Attic: Routine Use of Color Flow Doppler: Who Benefits? (youtube.com/@birthinginstinctspodcast)
Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #433: Q & A with Dr. K, Pregnancy Specialist
Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over Science
Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #408: Neonatal Jaundice. Be Vigilant, Not Overzealous
Discussed in This Episode
How monitoring became synonymous with safety
The unintended consequences of continuous fetal monitoring
Friedman’s Curve: The outdated standard still running birth
What the research actually says about EFM
How liability and fear shape birth practices
Breaking down the glucose drink, thresholds, and alternatives
When NSTs are useful, and when they’re just routine
Biophysical Profiles: What Are We Really Looking For?
Color Flow Doppler: More Information…or More Intervention?
How “abnormal” findings can fast-track induction
Practical, empowering questions for parents navigating hospital birth
Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care
This show is supported by
• WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer. • LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any order • Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription. • Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off • Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off
Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss
• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast • Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss • Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com • Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com • Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Links in the notes 13
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/416-disentangling-mono-chorionic-twins/id1552816683?i=1000711141378
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLGCcpyUhnuU3-jU4oO_hhFhg1PIVCRQhE&v=RlfdMeIfqX0
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/433-q-a-with-dr-k-pregnancy-specialist/id1552816683?i=1000729495740
- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6XIyCcixhigungazd61Dut
- https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/408-neonatal-jaundice-be-vigilant-not-overzealous/id1552816683?i=1000702848036
- https://www.instagram.com/we_natal?igsh=MWl1MXo4aml1Zm82cg%3D%3D&utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- https://wenatal.com/Birthinginstincts
- https://www.christianhypnobirthing.com/
- https://www.girlswhoknow.com/
- https://patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
- https://birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
- https://birthinginstinctspodcast.com
- https://redcircle.com/brands
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