Birthing Instincts

#433: Q & A with Dr. K, Pregnancy Specialist

In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu hosts a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist known on Instagram as Dr. K Pregnancy Specialist. From the rising C-section rates and the impact of continuous fetal monitoring, to the role of litigation in shaping medical practice, Dr. K shares her insights and the importance of incorporating midwifery approaches. Together, they also address more sensitive topics like the implications of maternal vaccines and SSRIs during pregnancy. Throughout the discussion, Dr. K emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, maternal autonomy, and the need for a balanced and non-alarmist approach to patient care. About Dr. K:Dr K Pregnancy Specialist is the brand persona for a double board certified MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician in the USA, who has membership in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians are specialists in managing maternal health conditions that complicate pregnancy and use prenatal ultrasound to evaluate normal and abnormal fetal development in the womb. Obstetricians that write suggested national guidelines for safe Obstetric practice are often Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists.Dr. K has special interests in advocacy for maternal autonomy; preventing unnecessary cesarean delivery; risk prevention & reduction for pregnant parents; diagnosing and managinganomalies of development for the unborn fetus; and encouraging generational health practices after childbirth, such as breastfeeding/ human milk feeding. She has a panache for clear, non-alarmist communication of complex ideas. Website: www.drkpregnancyspecialist.comInstagram: @DrK_pregnancyspecialistMentioned in This EpisodeRising C-Section RatesChallenges in Maternal Fetal MedicineThe Impact of Litigation on Medical DecisionsUltrasound and Diagnostic PracticesBig Baby Concerns and Induction DebatesVBACs: Risks and ConsiderationsThe Controversy Over Growth Restriction DefinitionsDebating the Safety of Vaccines During PregnancyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

#432: The History of Alcohol & Pregnancy

In this weeks episode, Blyss and Stu examine the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, providing historical context and the latest research findings. They discuss the relevance of abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy and the challenges of interpreting self-reported research data. Mentioned in This EpisodeStu’s 9/11 reflections on PatreonPresident Trump Signs Executive Order Limiting Big Pharma AdsStudies ReferencesImpact of Childhood Vaccination on Short and Long-Term Chronic Health Outcomes in Children: A Birth Cohort StudyA Brief History of Awareness of the Link Between Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderAlcohol LeafletAn overview of current advances in perinatal alcohol exposure and pathogenesis of fetal alcohol spectrum disordersHaving Alcohol Before Realizing You’re Pregnant: How Dangerous Is It, Really?Gin LaneCovered in This EpisodeAlcohol Use in Pregnancy: Myths and FactsUnderstanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderImpact of Alcohol Consumption During PregnancyResearch on Alcohol Exposure and PregnancyHistorical Perspectives on Alcohol and PregnancyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

#431: "Hold Your Beer" It's Fetal Macrosomia Guidelines

This week Blyss and Stu go on a deep dive into macrosomia, also known as a large baby. They review extensive data from multiple sources, including ACOG, NICE guidelines, and the Big Baby Study, and discuss the implications of predicted and actual macrosomia. They discuss risk factors, maternal and fetal morbidity, ultrasound accuracy, the pros and cons of induction of labor, and the impact of the standard of care. As always, Blyss balances the conversation with discussing the stark contrast between the way macrosomic babies are cared for in the hospital v at home under the care of midwives. She shares tips on how to reduce the risks of macrosomia, especially when a mom is diabetic or has gestational diabetes. Mentioned in This EpisodeHomeopathy for Community MidwivesBirth Outside the BoxMidwifery Over Medicine: Leaving The Medical Model Of Delivering Babies To The Midwifery Model With OBGYN Dr. Stuart Fischbein Part OneApollo the Original Podcast: Home Birth, Feminism and Hospital Misogyny | Midwife Tells it All, with Midwife Aleks Birthing Instincts Episode 252: Inducing Naturally & Letting Fear Control UsStudies ReferencedNICE Study: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. “Induction of Labour for Suspected Fetal Macrosomia: Evidence Review A.” NICE Guideline NG207, [2021]. PDF.Big Baby Study: Gardosi, Jason, et al. “Induction of Labour versus Standard Care to Prevent Shoulder Dystocia in Fetuses Suspected to Be Large for Gestational Age in the UK (the Big Baby Trial): A Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial.” The Lancet, vol. 405, no. 10491, 17 May 2025, pp. 1743–1756. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00162-X.ACOG Practice Guidelines: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Macrosomia.” Practice Bulletin: Obstetrics, Committee on Practice Bulletins—Obstetrics, William H. Barth Jr, MD, and Rebecca Jackson, MD, [2016] PDF.Preyer, Oliver, et al. “Fetal Weight Estimation at Term—Ultrasound versus Clinical Examination with Leopold’s Manoeuvres: A Prospective Blinded Observational Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 19, 2019, article 122.In This EpisodeMacrosomia: Definitions and Risk FactorsUnderstanding Shoulder Dystocia and Its RisksClinical Estimated Weights and Palpation SkillsInduction of Labor and MacrosomiaVBAC and Macrosomia ConsiderationsPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

#430: Blood Transfusion Alternatives & Risks Explained

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Blyss was experiencing issues with her wifi so Stu tackled the topic of blood transfusions solo. He discusses the challenges and alternatives to blood transfusions, particularly focusing on the concerns of patients who decline blood products due to personal, medical, or religious reasons. The episode covers recent studies on the risks associated with transfusions, explores iron replacement, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and the use of tranexamic acid (TXA). It also delves into the controversial topic of blood safety in the COVID-19 era, presenting contrasting views on the potential risks of receiving blood from vaccinated donors.Mentioned in This EpisodeRaquel’s Interview with the Breech Birth PodcastStu’s Interview on the Rewire for Birth Podcast, Ep 56Birthing Instincts Patreon CommunityAbout Vitamin K Deficiency BleedingDavid Hayes Substack: All things in moderation?Transfusion Replacement Strategies in Jehovah’s Witnesses and Others Who Decline Blood ProductsBlood Transfusion 2: Alternatives to blood transfusionNIH: Alternatives to blood transfusionConcerns regarding Transfusions of Blood Products Derived from Genetic Vaccine Recipients and Proposals for Specific MeasuresThe Science Behind Transfusion Safety in the COVID-19 Era Problems Following Blood Transfusion, using Blood Products Prepared From Donated Blood of Genetic Vaccine Recipients, and the Need for Traceability of Blood Products for Transfusion.In This EpisodeTransfusion Replacement Strategies for Jehovah's WitnessesBalancing Risks and Benefits of Anemia TreatmentsUse of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) to help prevent blood lossArtificial Blood: The Elusive SubstitutePreoperative Considerations for SurgeryBlood Draws and Minimizing Blood LossPregnancy and Postpartum HemorrhageAlternatives to Blood TransfusionPreoperative Autologous DonationCOVID-19 and Blood Transfusion SafetyPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off

#429: The Passing of a Legend: Our Tribute To Michel Odent

In this heartfelt episode, Blyss and Stu pay tribute to the late Michel Odent, a luminary in the field of childbirth and midwifery. They reminisce about his groundbreaking contributions in the world of birth. A strong supporter of water birth, advocating for hormonal understanding in labor, and his unwavering belief in the power of love and natural birthing processes, he is truly a legend that has made a deep impact on childbirth practices and the importance of preserving his teachings for future generations. We honor his legacy with some personal stories, emotional letters from his colleagues, and tributes from various birth workers.Mentioned in This EpisodeMichel Odent on "love cocktails" in birthOrigin Birth and Health, David Hayes SubstackPhoto of Michel Odent taken by @evarosebirthBooks by Michel OdentAt Her Feet Podcast, by Blyss YoungIn This EpisodeRemembering Michel OdentThe Hormonal Symphony of ChildbirthLove Cocktails in BirthProtecting the Emotional State of Pregnant WomenDr. Odent’s Impact on Modern Birth PracticesPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com