Working for women and not the law, traditional midwife, Rebecca Walker joins the show to discuss birthing in a maternity care desert. Dr. Stu reviews hospital rankings with suspicion and Blyss reads an impassioned letter from a Scottish doula in despair.

This episode uncovers the harsh realities faced by women in rural areas seeking maternity care. Dr. Stu, Blyss, and Rebecca dissect hospital policies that deny care during birth, discuss the disturbing rise of forced C-sections, and debate the legal status of traditional midwifery. With the dire need for more midwives ringing loud and clear, this episode pushes us to think about the intricacies of maternity care and the struggles endured by women in their quest for a safe and empowering birth experience.

Key highlights:

• Influencers and the Reality of Instagram
• Doulas During the Pandemic
• Maternity Care and the Need for Midwives
• Hospital Refusal of Care During Birth
• Legal Status of Traditional Midwifery
• Problems With Forced C-Sections
• Challenges and Controversies in Obstetrics
• Comparing Hospital Rankings and Midwife Statistics

Episode resources:

• Article: Why I Am Taking a Break
• Article: Best Hospitals for Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Website: org

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at com.
• BIRTHFIT | Go to com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439