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?Our Place | Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.comTimeline | Go to timelinenutrition.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% offQualia | 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 dotcom/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.00:00:00 – Introduction00:03:42 – How birth became medicalized00:06:51 – The "PuberTea" and early health education00:08:17 – Navigating pregnancy in the Western world00:13:18 – Epidurals, fentanyl, and early latching challenges00:18:10 – The risks of baby formula00:22:25 – The impact of high fructose corn syrup00:24:14 – Maternity leave and postpartum support00:26:34 – Latching tips & working with lactation consultants00:31:51 – The truth about breastfeeding00:33:46 – A brief history of birth practices00:35:01 – C-sections, vaginal seeding, and gut health00:37:40 – Learning to trust your body00:39:31 – Pitocin, natural birth, and informed choices00:44:11 – Advocacy and the MAHA Mom Coalition00:48:44 – Environmental toxins: Glyphosate and fertility00:51:52 – Understanding gestational diabetes00:55:40 – Birth centers vs. hospitals01:00:04 – How to find a midwife or doula01:02:13 – Managing emergencies during birth01:07:10 – Why individualized birth care matters01:09:10 – Midwife vs. Doula: What's the difference?01:10:53 – Addressing concerns about home birth01:13:58 – Where to find Lindsey MeehleisSperm counts have declined by over 50% globallyThe U.S. fertility rate has dropped from 2.48 in 1970 to just 1.64 todaThe U.S. maternal mortality rate has increased by over 60% in two yearsBlack 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 implementedInstagramhttps://www.theremembering.com/mediahttps://www.maha-mom-coalition.com/LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGECheck Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!@realfoodologywww.realfoodology.comMy Immune Supplement by 2x4Air Dr Air PurifierAquaTru Water FilterEWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson