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...
#406: Trusting your scope of comfort with Free Birth Society Founder, Emilee Saldaya
This week Blyss and Stu invite Emilee Saldaya, the founder of the Free Birth Society, onto the podcast. Emilee shares her journey from working within the medicalized birth system to advocating and supporting free birth. They discuss the philosophy of free birth, the importance of owning your 'no', and the challenges and misconceptions surrounding autonomous births. Together they explore the impact of societal norms on birthing practices and the power of creating supportive, non-hierarchical birth environments.About Emilee:Emilee is a birth educator, birth witness, midwifery teacher, women's elevation coach, host of the viral Free Birth Society podcast, and the founder of Free Birth Society.Emilee started her birth work journey in 2003. Before long, Emilee witnessed the fundamental fracture that takes place when women give birth within the medical system. Rather than look the other way, Emilee chose to be the revolution she wished to see and transform birthing culture as we know it.From the belly of the beast to a place of recognition and revolution, Emilee brings two decades of birth work experience and expertise to this space, having supported thousands of births, and knowing with certainty that freebirth has the power to change the world, one motherbaby at a time. Emilee is warm, kind, fierce — and incredibly adept at providing a spacious witnessing that supports women to step into their power.Having chosen wild pregnancy and freebirth herself with both of her children, Emilee teaches from an inspiring and embodied spirit, with enthusiasm that is truly contagious.Website: www.freebirthsociety.comInstagram: @freebirthsocietyResourcesThe Way Forward with Alec Zeck / Ep 137: Freebirth For Peace on Earth with Emilee SaldayaIn This EpisodeDiscovering Free BirthLeaving the SystemFacing Financial and Social FearsPhilosophy of Responsibility in BirthThe Role of Medical ProvidersThe Importance of Trust and AutonomyThis 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!Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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1:44:30
#405: "Call The Neighbour" Birthing Wisdom From Traditional Birth Companion, Billie Harrigan
In this episode, Blyss and Stu delve into a rich conversation with Billie Harrigan, who discusses her role as a traditional birth companion and the importance of home birth. Billie offers insights into the origins and flaws of regulated midwifery, the rise of obstetric violence, and the increasing stillbirth rates. She emphasizes the need for resilience and trauma-informed care, and shares her approach to prenatal and postpartum care. Billie shares about her training program for aspiring traditional birth companions and underscores the critical role of community support and autonomy in childbirth.About Billie Harrigan:Billie Harrigan is a fierce advocate for restoring safety and sanity to modern birth practices. She has served birthing families for about 40 years and has taught midwives and other birth practitioners in 125 countries. The technocratic birth services industry is out of control and needs a new approach with a different understanding of how humans arrive.To that end, Billie offers training in the knowledge and skills of traditional birth companionship. This is a role once held by the Canadian neighbour who had both common birth knowledge and developed birth skills but has been appropriated by the medical cartel and bastardised into what we know as medical midwifery. Billie is also the founder of Birth Trauma Ontario, an agency dedicated to the education and healing of both perpetrators and their victims from the global scourge of obstetric violence. She has authored the world’s first and most comprehensive online course in becoming equipped in the skills of trauma informed care specific to the childbearing experience.She is the founder and director of the private member association, The Hive Collective, which brings together a community that is creating holistic alternatives for reclaiming our sovereignty over our bodies, births, babies, families, finances, and future.Website: www.billieharrigan.com / www.birthtraumaontario.ca / www.harriganhive.com / www.thehivecollective.lifeInstagram: @billieharrigan / @birthtraumaontarioResourcesDopestick Mini SeriesBreath: The New Science of a Lost Art, by James NestorIn This EpisodeUnderstanding Trauma-Informed CareEmpathy in Medical TrainingMidwifery vs. ObstetricsThe Role of the Birth CompanionThe Importance of a Calm Birth EnvironmentChallenges in Modern MidwiferyObstetric Violence and ResilienceRising Stillbirth Rates and Systemic IssuesThis 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!Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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1:31:06
#404 Birth & Beliefs, Some Core Principles From Liz Wheeler
Liz Wheeler from Blaze TV's 'The Liz Wheeler Show' joins the Birthing Instincts Podcast for an insightful discussion on the flaws within the American medical system and the importance of trusting one's body in the birthing process. Liz shares her personal journey through preterm labor, experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, and navigating the medical interventions that followed.The discussion highlights the contrast between standardized medical care and individualized, holistic approaches emphasizing the importance of the need for systemic change in healthcare.About Liz:Host of “The Liz Wheeler Show” on BlazeTV, author of “Hide Your Children: Exposing the Marxists Behind the Attack on America’s Kids,” recipient of Clare Booth Luce Woman of the Year award, wife, mother, Catholic.Website: BlazeTV.com/LizInstagram: OfficiallizwheelerX: @Liz_WheelerBook: Hide Your Children: Exposing the Marxists Behind the Attack on America's Kids, By Liz WheelerWoman of the YearIn This EpisodeWho is Liz WheelerLiz Wheeler's Background and BeliefsLiz's Personal Health JourneyLiz's Pregnancy and Birth StoryFinding Common Ground in ConversationsNavigating Preterm Labor and Bed RestCritique of Modern MedicineThe Need for a Medical ReformThis 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!Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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1:22:01
#403 VBAC or Cesarean, An Honest Assessment of Risk & Benefit.
In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Blyss and Dr. Stu explore the risks and benefits of cesarean sections (C-sections) and vaginal births after cesareans (VBACs). They discuss the pros and cons of home births versus hospital births. In a hospital setting, expectant parents benefit from a large, skilled medical team, while home births offer more control over the birthing experience and additional time for bonding with the baby.It's crucial to consider the entire pregnancy when making this decision. When opting for a home birth, having assistance from a certified nurse-midwife or access to an obstetrician is essential, as home births carry their own risks. Planning ahead is vital in this scenario. Educating oneself is equally important to ensure the best choices are made for both the mother and the baby. Tune in to learn more!In this episodeRisks and benefits of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and C-sections;The probabilities of some of those risks after previous C-sections;Why people are choosing home births;How to choose between home births and hospital births.Episode resourceshttps://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378Desiree’s Episode #274This 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 | 20% OFF for life plus a free Starter Kit (including a rechargeable frother and glass beaker) when you grab the Pu’er Bundle today. Go to piquelife.com/birthingMama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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1:04:13
#402 Why Does Mystery Stop At The Hospital Door?: A discussion of Homeopathy with Midwife Laurie Fremgen
In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, we explore the possibilities of homeopathy and homeopathic remedies. The benefits of this type of alternative treatment for pregnancy, labor, and related issues are numerous, with the most significant advantage being the absence of side effects. Mothers can be prescribed homeopathic remedies without the fear of adverse reactions that are often associated with conventional medicine. However, it is essential to work closely with a trained practitioner to initiate treatment effectively.To delve deeper into this topic, we welcome Laurie Fremgen, a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and Licensed Midwife (LM) with nearly 30 years of experience. Laurie shares her journey into homeopathy, its effectiveness in modern practice, and insights on how it works—most importantly, why it works. You will also learn about the most common homeopathic remedies used during childbirth and the appropriate dosages for various situations.About Laurie FremgenLaurie Fremgen is a homebirth CPM, LM in the Austin area for almost 30 years. She is the current Chair of the Midwives Advisory Board and works hard to keep Texas Midwifery laws flexible so that midwives can provide individualized care to their clients. Laurie is a student and practitioner of homeopathy. Laurie is also an avid mountain biker, finding great peace in the woods.Connect with LaurieInstagram: @lauriefremgenmidwifeWebsite: www.lauriefremgenmidwife.comIn this episodeHow Laurie started with homeopathy;How homeopathy works and why it works;Difference between homeopathy and herbology;Most common homeopathic remedies used in childbirth;Are there side effects with homeopathic remedies?How does a practitioner get training for homeopathy?Understanding the dosage of homeopathic remedies;The efficiency of homeopathy in modern days.Episode resourceshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0029784499004810Book: The Soul of RemediesContinuing Education for Community Midwives: laurie-fremgen-s-school.teachable.com/p/homeyoutu.be/nBDmB8drtrkLaurie's top 5 homeopathic remediesThis 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.Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course.Mama Meals | Go to mama-meals.com code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for $10 off a small box or $20 off any other box. Go to mamamealspantry.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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.