Realfoodology

Natural Birth, Epidurals, + The Real Risks of Formula | Lindsey Meehleis

Listen Later

244: This week, I’m joined by Lindsey Meehleis, a certified midwife, doula, lactation consultant, EMT, CPR instructor, and neonatal resuscitation provider. Lindsey brings a truly holistic approach to birth, and our conversation dives deep into the importance of honoring the natural physiology of labor. As someone on my own fertility journey, I asked all the questions I’ve been curious about — from how to find a midwife to what real support during birth looks like.


We explore the over-medicalization of birth in the Western world, how to prepare for a more empowered and informed birthing experience, and why individualized care matters so much. Lindsey’s wisdom and passion for supporting women through this rite of passage is incredibly inspiring — I left this conversation wanting her by my side when I give birth someday.


Topics Discussed:

  • What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?
  • How can I prepare for a natural birth in a medicalized world?
  • Are epidurals and Pitocin necessary for every labor?
  • What are the risks of relying on baby formula over breastfeeding?
  • How to find a trustworthy midwife or doula?


    • Sponsored By:


    • Our Place | Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.com
    • Timeline | Go to timelinenutrition.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off
    • Qualia | Go to qualialife.com/REALFOODOLOGY for up to 50% off and use code REALFOODOLOGY at checkout for an additional 15% off.
    • Pique | Piquelife.com/Realfoodology That’s P-I-Q-U-E life dot
    • com/REALFOODOLOGY. 
    • Graza | So head to Graza.co and use REALFOODOLOGY to get 10% off of TRIO which includes Sizzle, Frizzle and Drizzle, and get to cookin’ your next chef-quality meal!
    • Cozy Earth | Go to cozyearth.com and Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 40% off best-selling sheets, pajamas, and more. Trust me, you won’t regret it.


      •  

      Timestamps: 


      • 00:00:00 – Introduction
      • 00:03:42 – How birth became medicalized
      • 00:06:51 – The "PuberTea" and early health education
      • 00:08:17 – Navigating pregnancy in the Western world
      • 00:13:18 – Epidurals, fentanyl, and early latching challenges
      • 00:18:10 – The risks of baby formula
      • 00:22:25 – The impact of high fructose corn syrup
      • 00:24:14 – Maternity leave and postpartum support
      • 00:26:34 – Latching tips & working with lactation consultants
      • 00:31:51 – The truth about breastfeeding
      • 00:33:46 – A brief history of birth practices
      • 00:35:01 – C-sections, vaginal seeding, and gut health
      • 00:37:40 – Learning to trust your body
      • 00:39:31 – Pitocin, natural birth, and informed choices
      • 00:44:11 – Advocacy and the MAHA Mom Coalition
      • 00:48:44 – Environmental toxins: Glyphosate and fertility
      • 00:51:52 – Understanding gestational diabetes
      • 00:55:40 – Birth centers vs. hospitals
      • 01:00:04 – How to find a midwife or doula
      • 01:02:13 – Managing emergencies during birth
      • 01:07:10 – Why individualized birth care matters
      • 01:09:10 – Midwife vs. Doula: What's the difference?
      • 01:10:53 – Addressing concerns about home birth
      • 01:13:58 – Where to find Lindsey Meehleis


        • Show Links:


        • Sperm counts have declined by over 50% globally
        • The U.S. fertility rate has dropped from 2.48 in 1970 to just 1.64 toda
        • The U.S. maternal mortality rate has increased by over 60% in two years
        • Black women are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
        • Hispanic maternal mortality rates The World Needs 900,000 More Midwives
        • Breastfeeding rates
        • Worker protections need to be implemented



          • Check Out Lindsey: 


          • Instagram
          • https://www.theremembering.com/media
          • https://www.maha-mom-coalition.com/


            • Check Out Courtney: 


            • LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
            • Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
            • @realfoodology
            • www.realfoodology.com
            • My Immune Supplement by 2x4
            • Air Dr Air Purifier
            • AquaTru Water Filter
            • EWG Tap Water Database


              Produced By: Drake Peterson

              ...more
              View all episodesView all episodes
              Download on the App Store
              RealfoodologyBy Courtney Swan
              • 4.8
              • 4.8
              • 4.8
              • 4.8
              • 4.8

              4.8

              1,517 ratings

              More shows like Realfoodology

              View all
              Wise Traditions by Weston A. Price Foundation w/ Hilda Labrada Gore

              Wise Traditions

              2,311 Listeners

              The Genius Life by Max Lugavere

              The Genius Life

              4,892 Listeners

              Dhru Purohit Show by Dhru Purohit

              Dhru Purohit Show

              3,515 Listeners

              The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

              The Dr. Hyman Show

              9,245 Listeners

              Be Well by Kelly Leveque by Kelly Leveque

              Be Well by Kelly Leveque

              1,396 Listeners

              Ancient Health Podcast by Ancient Health Podcast

              Ancient Health Podcast

              56 Listeners

              Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition by Dr. Jockers

              Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition

              808 Listeners

              Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark by Turning Point USA

              Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

              14,367 Listeners

              The Art of Being Well by Dear Media, Will Cole

              The Art of Being Well

              1,463 Listeners

              Just Ingredients by Just Ingredients

              Just Ingredients

              2,193 Listeners

              The Dr. Tyna Show by Dr. Tyna Moore

              The Dr. Tyna Show

              1,642 Listeners

              Red Pill Your Healthcast by Dr. Charlie Fagenholz (@drcharliedc_2.0), Lauren Johnson (@naturalnursemomma)

              Red Pill Your Healthcast

              806 Listeners

              The Dr. Josh Axe Show by Dr. Josh Axe

              The Dr. Josh Axe Show

              1,348 Listeners

              Grounded Wellness by Primally Pure by Primally Pure

              Grounded Wellness by Primally Pure

              188 Listeners

              The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka by Gary Brecka

              The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka

              3,129 Listeners