Natural Birth, Epidurals, + The Real Risks of Formula | Lindsey Meehleis
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?
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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
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Produced By: Drake Peterson
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1:14:59
Breast Cancer Prevention Without Radiation or Mammograms | Dr. Jenn Simmons
243: In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Simmons, a former top breast cancer surgeon turned functional medicine expert. We discuss her journey from conventional medicine to a root-cause-focused approach, and what inspired her to launch Real Health MD and perfeQTion Imaging.
I had the incredible opportunity to visit her imaging center in Philadelphia for a breast scan, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced—non-invasive, painless, and completely radiation-free. We talk all about this alternative to traditional mammograms and the many ways women can take proactive steps toward better breast health without fear or discomfort.
Topics Discussed:
What is perfeQTion Imaging and how does it compare to traditional mammograms?
Are there non-invasive and radiation-free options for breast cancer screening?
How does functional medicine approach breast cancer prevention and treatment?
What are the side effects of traditional breast cancer treatments and are there alternatives?
How can lifestyle and diet influence your risk for breast cancer?
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:03:27 – Dr. Simmons’ Background
00:08:39 – Dr. Mark Hyman & Functional Medicine
00:14:28 – Rethinking Mammograms
00:24:22 – Breast Cancer Treatment Options
00:27:10 – Treatment Side Effects
00:31:55 – Synthetic Hormones
00:34:24 – Infertility & IVF
00:35:10 – Breast Cancer Screening
00:39:12 – Stage 0 Breast Cancer
00:41:22 – Root Cause Approach
00:42:41 – Leaving Surgery Behind
00:49:59 – Nutrition During Chemo
00:52:38 – Fasting & Chemo
00:58:34 – Breast Cancer Prevention
01:02:07 – Metabolic Health & Screening
01:06:56 – Dr. Simmon’s breast cancer screenings
01:10:33 – The future of breast cancer prevention
Check Out Dr. Simmons:
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The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer (book)
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Produced By: Drake Peterson
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1:18:58
The Link Between Fluoride, Lower IQ, + Dangerous Industrial Waste | Dr. Staci Whitman
242: Fluoride in our water isn’t as safe or effective as we’ve been told. I sat down with functional dentist Dr. Staci Whitman to explore its toxic origins, health risks like dental fluorosis and neurological issues, and why fluoride levels are so hard to regulate. We also dive into the real drivers of dental health—like diet and processed foods—plus how to remove fluoride from your water and advocate for safer policies.
Topics Discussed:
What are the health risks associated with fluoride in drinking water?
How does fluoride in water impact dental health and IQ levels?
Why is it difficult to regulate fluoride levels in public water systems?
What role does diet and processed food play in dental health?
How can you remove fluoride from your drinking water and advocate for safer policies?
For 20% off any Fygg purchase use code REALFOODOLOGY
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:01 - Dr. Staci Whitman’s Background
00:02:36 - History of Water Fluoridation
00:04:13 - Toxic Chemical Industry and Fluoride
00:08:05 - Fluoride in Everyday Products
00:10:25 - Fluoride and Cavity Prevention
00:12:17 - Neurological Effects of Fluoride
00:18:37 - Cavity Rates and Fluoride’s Impact
00:19:23 - Tracking Fluoride Levels
00:21:13 - Fluoride and Lowered IQ
00:23:35 - Removing Fluoride from Your Water
00:27:17 - Joining the Fluoride Awareness Movement
00:28:57 - The Cost of Safe Water
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For 20% off any Fygg purchase use code REALFOODOLOGY
Check Out Courtney:
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My Immune Supplement by 2x4
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Produced By: Drake Peterson
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34:13
COVID Vaccine Side Effects, Detox Protocols & Long-Term Health Impacts | The Wellness Company
241: In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Peter McCullough, one of the most published cardiologists in his field, with over 700 published studies. If you followed me during COVID, you know I’ve been following his work closely as he provided crucial insights that went against the mainstream narrative—and as we now know, he was right. We talk about how to test for potential vaccine side effects, what to do if you're concerned, and Dr. McCullough’s proven detox protocol.
This episode is packed with science-based advice on long-term impacts, fertility concerns, and what to look for if you're dealing with any side effects.
Stay prepared with the Contagion Kit from The Wellness Company. Use code REALFOODOLOGY to save over $30 plus free shipping. Kits are for US residents only. www.twc.health/realfoodology
Topics Discussed:
What are the common side effects of the COVID vaccine, and how can you test for them?
What is Dr. McCullough’s detox protocol for addressing concerns related to the COVID vaccine?
What are the long-term health impacts of the COVID vaccine, including risks like myocarditis and pericarditis?
How might the COVID vaccine affect fertility, and what does the science say about these concerns?
How can you test for and monitor spike proteins in the body following vaccination?
How does natural immunity compare to vaccine-induced immunity, and what role does each play in overall health?
Sponsored By:
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:45 - Nutrition and Healthy Food Options
00:05:23 - Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
00:08:40 - Dr. McCullough's Career
00:11:21 - Lack of COVID Protocols
00:12:45 - Natural Immunity
00:17:27 - COVID Risk Factors
00:19:31 - Nicotine and Spike Proteins
00:22:41 - Understanding Spike Proteins
00:24:26 - Long-Term Impact of the COVID Vaccine
00:29:17 - COVID Death Complications & Vaccine Program
00:33:08 - Long COVID and Vaccine Injury
00:36:57 - Preventing Blood Clots
00:38:12 - Testing for Spike Proteins
00:39:51 - Fertility, COVID, and Vaccines
00:45:21 - Pericarditis & Myocarditis
00:49:48 - Spike Protein Detox Protocol
00:55:46 - Monitoring Spike Proteins
00:58:35 - Blood Thinners and Detoxing
01:01:11 - Talking to Family About Vaccines
01:05:25 - “Antivaxers”
01:11:20 - Updated Spike Protein Research
01:14:59 - 60 Seconds on the Sick Care System
Check Out The Wellness Company:
Stay prepared with the Contagion Kit from The Wellness Company. Use code REALFOODOLOGY to save over $30 plus free shipping. Kits are for US residents only. www.twc.health/realfoodology
Focal Points
The Courage to Face COVID-19: Preventing Hospitalization and Death While Battling the Bio-Pharmaceutical Complex (book)
Check Out Courtney
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Produced By: Drake Peterson
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1:24:36
Can We Eat The Chicken? Urgent Bird Flu Updates & What You Need To Know | Peter McCollough
240: In this quick but important episode, I tackle some of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind—what’s going on with bird flu, and is it safe to eat chicken and eggs? There’s a lot of information (and misinformation) out there, so I break it all down to help you stay informed and protected.
Stay prepared with the Contagion Kit from The Wellness Company. Use code REALFOODOLOGY to save over $30 plus free shipping. Kits are for US residents only. www.twc.health/realfoodology
Welcome to the Realfoodology podcast, with your host Courtney Swan. Courtney is a passionate food activist on a mission to heal America’s broken food system. Her show cuts through the noise by tackling the critical issues that impact our health and society as a whole. Each week, join Courtney as she brings together leading voices in food policy, nutrition, sustainability, and wellness to unravel the complexities behind our broken food system, and to simplify how we look at nutrition and food. From debunking misleading health trends to exploring the future of sustainable food systems, Realfoodology equips listeners with actionable insights and empowers them to make informed choices. Whether you’re passionate about healthy living, curious about the politics of food, or simply want to live better, this is your go-to source for conversations that matter. Discover a healthier way to live with Realfoodology. For more info, visit www.realfoodology.com and follow Courtney on Instagram, @realfoodology. NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY
Produced By Wellness Loud.