Trying to clarify the questions about child spacing, Blyss & Dr. Stu discover nature is pretty wise. What are the medical recommendations and how do they compare? We review some of the guidelines and share our opinions. We discuss the rhythm of natural child spacing through ecological breastfeeding and contrast it with the rigidity of medical guidelines, advocating for a healthcare model that respects the unique journey of each mother.

We challenge the cultural obsession with the speed of labor and dissect the impact of our discussions by sharing the courageous decision of a labor and delivery nurse to switch to a home birth midwife. 

As we address the realities of postpartum depression, we stress the vital roles of healthcare providers in supporting new mothers. We question the effectiveness of the current medical model in addressing nutritional needs and mental health issues during the postpartum and interpregnancy periods, advocating for a healthcare model that ensures thorough diagnosis, effective treatment, and diligent follow-up. This episode is a call to action for a more compassionate and tailored approach to reproductive health. Blyss shares about a birth with low platelets and Dr. Stu has some daughter time.

Key highlights:

• Interpregnancy Interval and Natural Birth
• Debating Emergency Cesarean for Fetus' Heart
• Challenging Medical Practices and Recommendations
• Breastfeeding and Interpregnancy Intervals
• Women's Health and Postpartum Depression

Episode resources:

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• ACOG article: Interpregnancy Care
• PubMed article: Re-evaluation of link between interpregnancy interval and adverse birth outcomes
• PubMed article: Interpregnancy Interval and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
• PubMed article: Effects of birth spacing on maternal, perinatal, infant, and child health
• PubMed article: Short interpregnancy interval: risk of uterine rupture and complications of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery
• PubMed article: Ecological breastfeeding and child spacing
• Book: Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing
• Article: Ecological Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing
• Ask Dr. Sears: Breastfeeding and Natural Childspacing
• Find a breech provider: breechwithoutborders.org/directory

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.
• Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth course

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

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