In this episode, Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss the importance of identifying the things you can do to feel better when you feel overwhelmed. Pinpointing the primary source of overwhelm is important, but finding ways to find relief is fundamental to getting out of this state. The other important thing to do is to go back to the basics. Having a good night's sleep, hydrating well, and eating properly can do wonders to get out of a rut. Small steps are still progress. Tune in to learn more! In this epi...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 391
Today, Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss a variety of topics, which is always exciting. They reflect on the changes in the medical field over the last 30 years, the decision to take or not take vaccines during pregnancy, and the urgent need for both medical professionals and the general public to focus on making mothers and their children healthy again. They also emphasize the importance of prenatal care, not only for the health of the baby but also for identifying any potential risks for the mother-to-...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 390
Sarah Thompson joins us today to discuss the aspects of functional medicine and its connection to pregnancy and maternity care. Unlike conventional medicine, which largely follows a standardized educational framework, functional medicine focuses on understanding each person and creating a treatment plan to meet their specific needs. Another key feature of functional medicine is its proactive approach; it aims to address general complaints before they escalate into crises. Throughout this convers...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 43 min
Holly and Eric Stein join us to share their journey from overcoming chronic health issues to pioneering a nationwide postpartum meal delivery service with Mama Meals. Bursting with passion for food activism, they reveal how nutrient-dense foods can be transformative not only for postpartum mothers but for anyone on a healing journey. With insights into the interplay between hospital protocols and midwifery practices, we examine how these experiences intersect with the core of our birthing narrat...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 27 min
Obstetricians regularly use terms like high risk, safer, evidence based and standard of care as if they all have an agreed upon definition. THEY DON'T! Today Blyss & Dr. Stu discuss the use and misuse of language and the corruption of definitions in the maternity care world. What or who determines the standard of care? Are labels of high risk indicative of high risk? Who should determine what safe means? We offer some explanations and strong opinions, shockingly, as to the motivation behind ...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Join us for an enlightening discussion as we welcome Dr. David Hayes, who brings his expertise to the complex realm of continuous fetal monitoring in labor rooms. Together, we highlight the importance of empowering laboring mothers with information about their birthing choices, as well as sharing our excitement about upcoming speaking engagements focused on home birth and physiologic birth. Blyss also gives us a sneak peek into her plans for mentorship and mom circles, aiming to create a support...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 386
Join us for an enlightening conversation as Brittany Chambers, an integrative infant sleep specialist, shares her wisdom on co-sleeping—a practice that many parents naturally gravitate toward but find themselves battling against societal norms. Together, we challenge the conventional wisdom and prevailing beliefs around infant sleep, examining the intersection of modern science and ancient parenting practices. As we continue our exploration, we turn our focus to the intricate mother-infant dyadi...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 385
In this episode, we are honored to feature Omari Maynard, an educator and artist, and Shawnee Benton Gibson, a trauma and grief expert. Omari shares his artistic journey, driven by the tragic loss of his life partner, Shamony Makeba Gibson, and Shawnee offers insights into her work with trauma, grief, and social justice. We explore the impact of systemic challenges in maternity care, emphasizing the need for partnership between healthcare providers and patients, and highlight the emotional journ...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 384
What if the moments of greatest sorrow could reveal the most profound truths about life? Join Dr. Stu and Blyss in a heartfelt discussion about stillbirth and loss as we navigate the complex emotions and challenges faced by families and healthcare providers alike. We promise to provide an understanding of the statistics and causes behind these tragic events while emphasizing the importance of compassion and communication in the healing process. Our journey includes personal reflections on loss, ...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 383
Dr. Stu and Blyss are joined by Cierra Rider and Chelsea Pinto, two inspiring individuals championing maternal care. Cierra shares her transformative motherhood journey and the significance of tapping into maternal intuition. Chelsea, a dentist with a unique devotion to maternal and family care, provides insights into oral restrictions in children. Together, we foster a constructive debate on topics like co-sleeping and tongue-tie diagnosis, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives and info...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 382
Jamie’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. After being told by doctors that she might never have children due to her extensive medical history, she found hope and healing at a holistic retreat in Michigan. This pivotal experience not only alleviated her chronic pain but also transformed her outlook on health and shifted her career path from medical school to holistic health. As Jamie shares her story, we learn about the profound impact these experiences had on her life choices, particularly...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 381
This special episode is a re-release of episode 245 with the amazing Kristine Lauria. Kristine Lauria, an incredibly skilled midwife & storyteller, joins our podcast to share her amazing midwifery wisdom. Kristine specializes in high risk obstetrics and is a staunch advocate for autonomy in women's health, working internationally for MSF (Doctors Without Border) providing humanitarian aid. Blyss & Dr. Stu feel blessed by and in awe of her kindred spirit as she shares her stories, wisdom,...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 380
In this episode, we explore the intricacies of childbirth with the esteemed Dr. Sarah Buckley, a renowned medical doctor and family physician. Sarah shares her unique insights into the hormonal physiology of childbirth, shaped by her personal experiences of home births and the influential teachings of Michel Odent. Sarah's profound advocacy for natural birth processes, combining her medical expertise with personal experiences, offers invaluable perspectives for anyone in the birthing community. ...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 379
Ever wondered what it takes to provide accessible midwifery care in today's complex healthcare landscape? Join Blyss as she chats with Fadwah Halaby, a seasoned certified nurse midwife, whose journey from being inspired by Ina May Gaskin's book to navigating the intricacies of midwifery practice is nothing short of fascinating. Fadwah's insights shed light on the vital differences between hospital and home births, and the struggle to stay true to midwifery principles within hospital constraints....
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 378
What if the secret to a balanced and healthy life lies in ancient healing practices? With Dr. Stu away in Australia, Blyss is thrilled to welcome Maura Moynihan, a versatile healer specializing in chiropractic, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and spiritual psychology. Maura shares her remarkable journey in the healing arts, her dedication to supporting families and babies, and the transformative power of breathwork and nature connections. Through engaging stories and enlightening encounters, ...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 377
Blyss and Stu are back from the Born Free Breech and Twins conference in Kentucky and excited to share about everything they learned. They delve into the critical and often overlooked topics discussed at the conference, like the urgent need for proper breech birth training for obstetricians and the myths surrounding twin births. Through powerful documentaries like "Aftershock," Dr. Stu and Blyss shed light on systemic racism in maternal healthcare. From the mechanics of the pelvis explained by e...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 376
Doctor, author & filmmaker, Andy Wakefield and doula and actress, Emmy Robbin join Dr. Stu in a conversation about the corruption of research, the media and the medical industry. We talk about the harm that is done and why they keep doing it. The director of Vaxxed and the new film, Protocol 7 shares his backstory, the lies then that are still being told and the triumph over it all as the world wakes up to what has been done to our children. Andy & Emmy share the stories that affect us w...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 375
So many good listener questions on this topic inspired us to look into the pharmacologic options laboring women have for relief when needed. We talk about nitrous oxide in detail and in relation to MTHFR. Opiates and epidurals and their pros and cons are discussed. We answer the question, does epidural fentanyl cross the placenta? In an upcoming Patreon segment, we will also review the non-pharmacologic approaches to pain management. Blyss gets ready to travel while Dr. Stu stays home. Huge than...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 374
To honor a gathering of birth workers at the Born Free Twins-Breech Conference in Kentucky, Dr. Stu travels back in time to 1998 and reminisces with triplet mom and former client, Laureen Mgrdichian, about her journey and hospital vaginal delivery. Listen in for some good old storytelling. With Blyss traveling, Dr. Stu goes solo to talk about multiples. We hope you enjoy. About Laureen Mgrdichian: Laureen Mgrdichian is an Associate Professor at the Crowell School of Business at Biola University....
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 373
"The cycle responsible for all human life on earth is associated with this degree of suffering? No!" Visionary super soul, Dr. Christiane Northrup, joins the podcast today to talk about the menstrual cycle, menopause & hormones, the perception of aging and so much more. We explore the Western medical perspective versus more empowering cultural views, and delve into the debate between hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormones. Dr. Northrup's insights on the impact of emotional hea...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 372
Responding to listener questions we address the question of “What is IUGR?” Before we get there Blyss waits on a birth and listens to Dr. Stu’s concerns about entropy winning and way too much idiocy, fear and hyperbole being shoveled around out there. We discuss critical women's health topics, questioning the necessity of C-sections for lupus patients, and exploring the potential toxicity of the glucose drink used for gestational diabetes testing. Our conversation highlights the pressing need fo...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 371
Two of the four co-creators, Jerusha Sutton and Jo Hunter join us to discuss the backstory and making of their film and what is happening with birth in Australia. Blyss and Dr. Stu loved the film and share their insights with the filmmakers on what would it take for all women to emerge from their births physically well and emotionally safe. About Jerusha Sutton: Jerusha Sutton is a doula, and birth and family photographer and videographer. She is one of the co-creators of Birth Time: the documen...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 370
A special treat today as Blyss and Dr. Stu chat with author, former midwife and wise woman, Rachel Reed, on reclaiming physiologic childbirth for those willing to listen. She recounts a bit of the history of what happened to diminish midwives, the original birth-keepers, and the medicalized takeover by those with no connection to tradition. She reminds us that physiologic birth includes pathology but not the iatrogenic mistreatment that hospital birth and obstetricians have wrought. Dr Stu share...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 369
Culture and society may have erred when they decided we don't need strong men and fathers. Ashley Mariani, MSW joins Blyss and Dr. Stu to discuss the role of the male partner in pregnancy and equipping them with the skills to navigate medical settings confidently in support of their partner. Male participation in the birth process can lead to deeper trust, intimacy and respect in the couple and a stronger family bond. About Ashley Mariani: Ashley Mariani, also known as The Rogue Therapist, is a ...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 368
What if understanding one gene could significantly change your approach to fertility and pregnancy? Join us as we catch up with Dr. Ben Lynch, a pioneer in the field of epigenetics and naturopathic medicine, who sheds light on the powerful MTHFR gene and its wide-ranging implications. Dr. Lynch takes us on a journey from his traditional medical roots to his breakthrough work with genetic variations and their impact on health. Learn how these variations influence fertility, pregnancy, and even co...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 367
Join us for an eye-opening episode as we welcome Kimberly Denitz-Zuleger, a passionate doula and maternal health activist from Southern California. With a wealth of experience encapsulating over 400 placentas since 2015, Kim shares her profound knowledge on the multifaceted roles and cultural symbolism of the placenta. We traverse the spiritual and medicinal benefits of placenta consumption and the serene practice of cord burning, providing a holistic view into informed postpartum care decisions...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 366
At a time of great anxiety, Neonatologist and NICU specialist Priyush Patel, MD shares his humanistic approach to care. While Blyss is busy birthing, Midwife Lindsey Meehleis shares a birth story leading to the Serendipitous meeting in the NICU. But don’t worry, there is still plenty of wobbly healthcare systems and dumb doctor dogma going around as Dr. Stu explains. About Dr Piyush (pronounced pee-yoush) Patel: Dr. Patel graduated medical school in 2004 and has prided himself as an outside-the-...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 365
Today we have midwife and mom, Catalina Clark, as our guest to share her journey as we discuss freebirthing from all angles. About Catalina Clark: I am a woman, mother, daughter, sister, midwife and student on the healing path. With 10 years experience in birth, I have found my way home to supporting women in alignment with the natural world and the power of physiologic birth. As a midwife of healing, I am here to walk with you along your path, to love you wherever you are and support you on you...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 364
Such an important conversation with our guests, Emily Roper, ( Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist) & Beth Shayler, (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant), on looking for the root causes and alternative approaches to developmental delays and the mental health of babies and children. Why is something so basic so unknown to the allopathic medical world? Blyss & Dr. Stu learn about the importance of spontaneous labor and the birth process on the neurological development of the fetus and...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 363
Interpreting the value of a study can be difficult. With Blyss taking some healing time, Dr. Stu interviews Dr. Emiliano Chavira, MD, MPH, FACOG and MFM sub-specialist who shares his expertise on this subject. From randomized trials to meta-analyses we learn that a study is never definitive. Working within the "high risk" system, Dr. C has insight and wisdom that we want our fellow travelers to hear. What's the definition of IUGR, what are the problems with moving the bar and why so much color D...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 362
