Director Paula James Martinez and Executive Director Sara Ojjeh discuss Born Free, their new film on why the U.S. is the only nation in the developed world with a rising maternal mortality rate. They hope to amplify the need for change in the U.S. maternity system and rebrand our midwifery model while honoring the contributions of the Granny Midwives. 
 In this episode of Birthing Instincts:How racism & a lack of education affect the U.S. birthing systemRebranding and normalizing the midwifery modelWays to create real change in the U.S. maternity systemInvestors, private funding, & creating competition in the current modelHow midwives help with expanding access to care & community building
 
 This show is supported by:Splash Blanket | Visit splashblanket.com and use the code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 11% off your orderLMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderNeeded | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to save 20% off your one-time order or first three months' subscription OR use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS100 for $100 off the first three months of a plan at thisisneeded.com.
 Resources:Watch: Born Free Website: themotherlovers.com 
 Connect with Dr. Stu:Instagram: @birthinginstinctsWebsite: birthinginstincts.com
 Connect with Blyss:Instagram: @birthingblyssWebsite: birthingblyss.com
 
 This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

#290 Disrupting the U.S. Maternity System with the Directors of ‘Born Free’

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.  

Alternative Health

Health

Kids & Family

Parenting

Health & Fitness

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 conditions like ADHD and diabetes starting in the womb. We also tackle the critical yet often misunderstood topic of miscarriages, emphasizing the role of male fertility and the importance of lifestyle choices to optimize pregnancy health. About Dr. Ben Lynch: Dr. Ben Lynch is the best-selling author of Dirty Genes and President of Seeking Health, a company that helps educate both the public and health professionals on how to overcome genetic dysfunction. He received his doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University. He lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and three sons. Connect with Dr. Ben Lynch:IG: @drbenlynchemail: drlynch@seekinghealth.comWebsite: seekinghealth.comKey highlights:Causes of Miscarriages and Male FertilityGenetic Testing and Health EffectsUnderstanding MTHFR Genetic VariationsIndustrialized Food Revolution and Nutrition DeficiencyHomocysteine Processing and MethylationMTHFR, Midline Defects, and Spina BifidaEpisode resources:Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastDirty Genes and Miscarriage guideYour Guide to Recurrent Miscarriage: Steps & SolutionsMTHFR resources: mthfrdoctors.com
 This show is supported by:LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderBIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness programChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth courseConnect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Call-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

#367 It's Not Simple: MTHFR Explained

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. We dive deep into the complexities faced by a second-time mom at 42 weeks, balancing the fine line between necessary medical interventions and trusting the natural birthing process. Through these narratives, we illuminate the emotional dynamics between parents and caregivers, emphasizing the significance of trust and intuition. Join us for an episode filled with heartfelt stories, insightful discussions, and the celebration of life’s beginnings. About Kimberly Summer Denitz-Zuleger, CLEC, CPT, PMH-C, Doula: Kimberly Denitz-Zuleger is a So Cal native, mother, writer, doula, and maternal health activist. She is the Global Chapter Director for the International Cesarean Awareness Network and co-leader for the Ventura and Santa Barbara Chapters. She has encapsulated over 400 placentas since 2015 and has been part of many placenta medicine rituals with people from varying cultures around her community. Her credentials include multiple certifications in the fields of health care, and maternal mental health, as well as a degree in Behavioral Science, although it’s her real-world experience that has taught her everything she knows. She is most happy jumping in the ocean after a long trail run in the mountains. Connect with Kimberly Denitz-Zuleger:Website: www.mamathreebirds.comIG: @mamathreebirdsKey highlights:Midwifery, Birth Spaces, and AnatomyThe Marvels of the PlacentaCultural Birthing Rituals and Placenta EncapsulationImportance of Physiologic Delivery ProcessPlacenta Encapsulation and Spiritual BeliefsLotus Birth and Ceremony PracticesEpisode resources:Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastBook: Placenta: The Forgotten ChakraBook: Spiritual MidwiferyThis show is supported by:LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderBIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness programChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth courseConnect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Call-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

#366 Placentas: Way More Sacred Than a Biohazard

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-box thinker and his ability to connect with families on a deeper level to help bridge their beliefs with the medical team caring for their baby. In such a stressful situation, which is oftentimes unexpected, there are numerous emotions that families experience and he has been able to intuitively calm their nerves to help them enjoy their journey in the NICU as best as possible. Key highlights:Rethinking Mandatory GBS Screening and TreatmentProblems With for-Profit HealthcareNICU Protocol and Individualized CareTerm Hospital Babies in the NICURare Home Births in NICUImportance of NICU SpecialistsImproving Communication in NICU CareEpisode resources:Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastConnect with Dr. Patel:Email: drpiyush888@gmail.comThis show is supported by:LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderBIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness programChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth courseConnect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com


#365 A Neonatal Doctor Making A Difference

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 your personal journey. I am not here to fix you or tell you what to do. To heal is to reclaim and reweave the fabric of your True Self back into your being, perfect and complete just as you are. When co-creating together we are stepping into a mutual relationship of universal love and trust with each other, ourselves and the divine. My journey of remembrance began entrenched in the medical model. After countless disempowering experiences I began seeking council outside the medical industrial system. In my studies over the past decade with a variety of traditional healers I began weaving a new path for myself, which led me to my true calling as a spiritual midwife. It is with great humility, honor and respect that I walk alongside all those with the willingness to step into the unknown, to untangle stories of the past and return to our hearts. Key highlights:Discussion on Birthing ChoicesChallenging Obstetrician Views on Free BirthingEmpowering PregnancyExploring Fear and Inner WorkAnxious Thoughts About Baby's HealthImportance of Informed Birth Decision-MakingChallenging Birth Paradigms and Prenatal PreparationSupportive Midwifery PracticesTransformation and Growth in MidwiferyEpisode resources:Join our Patreon! com/birthinginstinctspodcastConnect with Catalina:Website: catalinaclarkbirth.comInstagram: @catalina.clarkThis show is supported by:LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderBIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness programChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth courseConnect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com


#364 Freebirth: Free to Choose

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 baby. How we birth and raise our children matters. It just makes sense and it has never been more true than now that we need to trust our instincts when it comes to medical advice. Medical billing is just another example of a system out of control. Dr. Stu takes to the mic on "The Experience Miracles Podcast" Key highlights:Fetal and Newborn ReflexesLong-Term Effects of C-SectionsHolistic Approach in Child HealthcareChild Development and Reflex IntegrationEvolution of Tummy TimeCDC Milestones and Common SenseEnvironmental Studies and Publication DelaysEpisode resources:Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastStu as a guest on The Experience Miracle’s Podcast: Delivering Truth: An MD’s Response to Fear-Based BirthArticle: The Importance of Integrating Reflexes by Sonia StoryConnect with our guests:Emily Roper: Emily@earlyrootstherapy.comBeth Shayler: shayler.elizabeth@gmail.comThis show is supported by:LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every orderBIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness programChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com/birthinginstincts to get 30% off Christian Hypnobirthing's Faith-Filled Childbirth courseConnect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comCall-in line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

#290 Disrupting the U.S. Maternity System with the Directors of ‘Born Free’

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