Birthing Instincts

• #410: Labor Preferences, Not Birth Plan! No Apology With Doula Lia Berquist

  This week, with Blyss still on the road, Stu is joined by guest co-host Raquel Hernandez as they talk to guest Lia Berquist about the importance of birth plans. Lia, a doula and birth educator, provides insights on what it takes to create a strong birth plan. She emphasizes the foundational role of comprehensive childbirth education and the need for individualized, flexible, and positively framed birth plans. The conversation touches on key preferences to include, such as avoiding unnecessary interventions, ensuring immediate and constant skin-to-skin contact, and specifying newborn care procedures. About Lia Berquist:Lia Berquist, is a Childbirth Educator, Doula, and birth worker. She is committed to supporting her clients physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She has given birth to two beautiful babies (who are now grown/and almost grown) herself. Both of her births were vaginal and unmedicated by choice - one in a hospital, one at home - and feels like she couldn't have done it without her doula. Lia has a Bachelors of Science in Human Environmental Sciences – which equates to commercial interior design - but childbirth has been her passion since 1998. She has been teaching childbirth classes in The Bradley Method ® in Long Beach, California since 2011. In 2012, she became a certified Doula and has since had the honor of witnessing over 350 births. It is her goal to empower women, birthing people, and their partners, through positive, evidence-based education and doula care, to give birth in the way THEY choose.Website: https://www.yournaturalbirth.netInstagram: @yournaturalbirthResourcesDr. Stu’s Informed Consent for Twin Delivery at HomeMilli Hill Substack Article, A life less apologeticBradley Method: bradleybirth.comIn This EpisodeThe Importance of Birth PlansThe Bradley Method ExplainedBenefits for Dads and Birth CoachesChoosing the Right Childbirth ClassIntroducing Your Birth Plan to Your ProviderImportance of Including a Plan for C-SectionsThe Do’s and Don’ts of a Birth PlanThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

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• #409: Facts On Vax & So Much Else with Dr. Paul Thomas

  In this week's episode of The Birthing Instincts Podcast, Blyss and Stu welcome renowned pediatrician and author Dr. Paul Thomas to discuss his book, Vax Facts. They discuss a range of topics related to pediatric health and vaccinations. Dr. Thomas talks about his background, the studies he's conducted on vaccine safety, and the differences in health outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. The conversation dives into the troubling financial incentives within the medical system that promote vaccination and underscores the importance of integrity, informed consent, and the need for parents to trust their instincts in making health decisions for their children. About Paul Thomas:Dr. Paul Thomas went to Dartmouth Medical School. He finished in 1985, board certified as a pediatrician from 1990 to 2020. He was board certified in Addiction Medicine in 2010. He's authored three major books: the Vaccine Friendly Plan in 2015, the Addiction Spectrum in 2018, and his new book is called Vax Facts, What You Need To Know If You're Considering Vaccinating Your Child, was released in 2024. Publications include:1. “Acute exposure and chronic retention of aluminum in three vaccine schedules and effects of genetic and environmental variation,” and2. “Relative Incidence of Office Visits and Cumulative Rates of Billed Diagnoses Along the Axis of Vaccination.” And3. Vaccine Practice Payment Schedules Create Perverse Incentives for Unnecessary Medical Procedures – at What Cost to Patients?Host of the show “With the Wind: Science Revealed” covering COVID, childhood vaccines, and health and wellness at www.doctorsandscience.com.Host of a weekly show “Good Morning CHD: Pediatric Perspectives”Social Media:youtube.com/user/paulthomasmd facebook.com/DrPaulThomasMDsubstack.com/@kidsfirst4everResourcesVax Facts: What to Consider Before Vaccinating at All Ages & Stages of LifeThe Vaccine-Friendly Plan: Dr. Paul's Safe and Effective Approach to Immunity and Health - from Pregnancy Through Your Child's Teen YearsWhat to Consider Before Vaccinating at All Ages & Stages of LifeIndividual coaching available at https://www.kidsfirst4ever.comRelative Incidence of Office Visits and Cumulative Rates of Billed Diagnoses Along the Axis of Vaccination, Study by Paul ThomasVaxxed v Unvaxxed GraphsDissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History 10th Anniversary EditionTurtles All The Way Down: Vaccine Science and MythEXCLUSIVE Interview: The CDC Nomination That TERRIFIED Big Pharma | Dr. Dave WeldonJoe Rogan Podcast #2294 - Dr. Suzanne HumphriesDr. Stu’s Live with Pure Sacred Rootsmidwiferx.comOnline Pediatricians: Meehan md. CarissaStantonmd.comMindset-Kids.comIn This EpisodeRise of Autism and Neurological Issues Vaccine Concerns and Research Findings Health Comparisons: Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Addressing SIDS and Vaccine Correlations Lack of Vaccine Safety Testing Advocating for Yourself at Doctor Visits Financial Incentives for Vaccinations The Importance of Natural ImmunityThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

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  1:35:16
• #408: Neonatal Jaundice. Be Vigilant, Not Overzealous.

  This week Dr. Stu and Midwife emphasizes discuss newborn jaundice, including its types, causes, and treatments. They explore physiologic jaundice, breastfeeding jaundice, and human milk jaundice, explaining the pathophysiology behind each and the typical clinical signs to observe. Blyss emphasizes the importance of vigilant yet balanced medical care and the role of physiologic processes in newborns, promoting a more holistic and individualized approach to treating jaundice.ResourcesChelsea Poyo-Nieto: WWW.AGEOFRAYA.ORGTO REGISTER:Email [email protected]“Beginners Guide” in the subject line!discount code BIRTHING30 for 30% offBili ToolAAP: HyperbilirubinemiaClinical Practice Guideline Revision: Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of GestationMerck Manual: Neonatal HyperbilirubinemiaBlyss Jaundice Resource DocumentIn This EpisodeUnderstanding Jaundice and Its CausesEvaluating Hyperbilirubinemia in NewbornsPractical Tips for New ParentsMedical History and Risk FactorsDiagnostic Tests and TreatmentsPhototherapy and Hospital ProtocolsThis show is supported byRestorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com•••#birthinginstinctspodcast #drstuspodcast #homebirth #midwife #santabarbaramidwife #intervention #birthpodcast #informedbirth #losangeleshomebirth #naturalbirth #homebirth #midwifelife #birthmatters #prenatalcare #birthplan #midwifeycare #midwifery #birthpartner #postivebirth #childbirth #birtheducation #naturalchildbirth #birthprep #birthsupport #doulas #doulasupport #informedbirth #birthstory #Patreon #VIPTraveler #reteachbreech

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  1:20:23
• #407: Waking Up and Challenging the Narrative

  Blyss and Stu discuss a wide range of topics affecting maternity and healthcare, from home births and their underestimated safety to the new regulations threatening the role of doulas. They critique flawed studies, including the infamous Wax paper, and highlight a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice holding doctors accountable for administering COVID-19 vaccines without proper prescriptions. They also address the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals, and underscore the importance of storytelling in preserving factual information about birth practices. The episode concludes with a listener letter, reinforcing the need for informed, compassionate care in maternity services. ResourcesPlanned Home Birth - Marty Makary’s Blind SpotArticle: FOIA Reveals Troubling Relationship between HHS/CDC & the American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsPregnancy and Prenatal VaccinesEuropean Court of Justice - doctors will be solely responsible for the consequences of covid injections - Europe ReloadedAJOG Study: Accuracy of antenatal ultrasound in predicting large-for-gestational-age babies: population-based cohort studyJoin The Birthing Instincts Patreon at patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastIn This EpisodeHome Birth Safety and Medical StudiesLegal Accountability for COVID VaccinationsMontana's Doula Regulation ControversyUltrasound Accuracy in Predicting Large BabiesVaccine Information and MisinformationA Listener's Personal Birth Story and ExperiencesBuilding Community in PatreonThis show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Restorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off pantry items.Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] line: 805-399-0439Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

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  1:06:45
• #406: Trusting your scope of comfort with Free Birth Society Founder, Emilee Saldaya

  Since the airing of this episode, we have been made aware of a Reddit post sharing a number of allegations against the practices and character of our guest. We are aware of the situation and encourage everyone to be diligent when seeking out resources/support.https://www.reddit.com/r/FreeBirthSocietyScam/______This week Blyss and Stu invite Emilee Saldaya, the founder of the Free Birth Society, onto the podcast. Emilee shares her journey from working within the medicalized birth system to advocating and supporting free birth. They discuss the philosophy of free birth, the importance of owning your 'no', and the challenges and misconceptions surrounding autonomous births. Together they explore the impact of societal norms on birthing practices and the power of creating supportive, non-hierarchical birth environments.About Emilee:Emilee is a birth educator, birth witness, midwifery teacher, women's elevation coach, host of the viral Free Birth Society podcast, and the founder of Free Birth Society.Emilee started her birth work journey in 2003. Before long, Emilee witnessed the fundamental fracture that takes place when women give birth within the medical system. Rather than look the other way, Emilee chose to be the revolution she wished to see and transform birthing culture as we know it.From the belly of the beast to a place of recognition and revolution, Emilee brings two decades of birth work experience and expertise to this space, having supported thousands of births, and knowing with certainty that freebirth has the power to change the world, one motherbaby at a time. Emilee is warm, kind, fierce — and incredibly adept at providing a spacious witnessing that supports women to step into their power.Having chosen wild pregnancy and freebirth herself with both of her children, Emilee teaches from an inspiring and embodied spirit, with enthusiasm that is truly contagious.In This EpisodeDiscovering Free BirthLeaving the SystemFacing Financial and Social FearsPhilosophy of Responsibility in BirthThe Role of Medical ProvidersThe Importance of Trust and AutonomyThis show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Restorative Roots | Go to  https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

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  1:49:40

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