Birthing Instincts

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss welcome special guest Dr. Poppy Daniels, a holistic OB-GYN with over 22 years of private practice experience. They discuss the severe side effects of Depo-Provera, revealing alarming risks like bone loss, weight gain, immune suppression, and even brain tumors. She advocates for a more informed and individualized approach to female health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive hormone testing and functional medicine. 
About Poppy Daniels:
Dr Poppy Daniels is a holistic OBGYN with 22 years in private practice. She has an interest in Functional Fertility, Integrative Women's Health & a root-cause oriented approach to wellness.
Website: Drpoppyandco.com
Facebook: Dr. Poppy
Instagram: @drpoppybhrt
X: @drpoppybhrt

References:
Book: THE DANGERS OF DEPO

Discussed in This Episode
Dr. Poppy's Journey to Holistic OBGYN
The Dangers of Depo-Provera
The Dark History of Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera's Side Effects and Risks
The FDA Petition and Political Complications
New Study on Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors
The Importance of Informed Consent
Detoxifying from Depo-Provera
The Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy
 
Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care 

This show is supported by
Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.
Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss
Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: [email protected]
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode Stu is finally back and excited to engage in a candid discussion with Blyss about the overlooked risks of using tampons, highlighting a 2024 study that found harmful metals and chemicals in these products. They explore the hidden dangers of tampons. Stu emphasizes the lack of long-term safety testing and regulatory oversight for menstrual products, and Blyss discusses alternative menstrual products.

References:
Substack Article: Delivered Directly: Tampons, Toxins, and the Diseases Medicine Cannot Explain

Discussed in This Episode
Flu Vaccine Discussion
Tampons, Toxins, and Health Risks
HPV and Unexplained Reproductive Issues
Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampon Safety
Metal Contaminants in Tampons
Chemical Exposures in Menstrual Products
The Research Void and Regulatory Failures
Alternative Menstrual Products

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care 

This show is supported by
Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.
Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

In this week’s episode Blyss interviews Adele Rose, an elder and mentor in the midwifery community, about her long-standing career and insights on the evolution of midwifery. Adele shares her personal journey from listening to her mom’s birth stories at the age of five to practicing as both a lay and licensed midwife for decades. They discuss the significant changes in community practices, the impact of licensure, and the current struggles faced by midwives and birthing women. Adele reflects on her renewed passion for birth work after experiencing setbacks, including the revocation of her license, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spiritual and meditative approach to midwifery. The conversation also touches on the influence of patriarchal systems in Western medicine, the rise of unassisted births, and the need for midwives to create supportive, non-hierarchical communities.
About Adele:
Adele’s interest in birth is literally life long. As the 8th of 9 children she began asking about her moms birth stories when she was about 5. This interest is still with her at 68 yrs. Home birth came into her consciousness at 14 yrs of age when she learned of the Santa Cruz birth collective, Raven Lang & her birth work through her writings. She began studying birth in earnest at 19 & attending births that same year. She practiced as a lay midwife 23-38, attended Birthingway Midwifery School in Portland OR which allowed her to obtain a license in WA & OR, practiced as a licensed midwife for 16 yrs, and now mostly retired & helping other midwives as they establish their practices.

Discussed in This Episode
Licensure and Its Impact on Midwifery
Managing Fear in Midwifery
The Importance of Spiritual Mindfulness in Midwifery
Challenges with Modern Birth Practices
Creating a Sacred Space for Birth
Reflections on Unassisted Births
Critique of Radical Birth Keeper Course
The Role of Midwives in Modern Society

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care 

This show is supported by
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off your monthly subscription.
Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss
Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: [email protected]
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

In this week’s episode you get a special sneak peak into The Birthing Instincts Patreon Community. With Dr. Stu still healing from knee surgery we decided to share an exclusive Bonus Content episode with you on baby aspirin. Together, Blyss and Stu explore the medical community's perspective on aspirin, discussing its potential benefits in preventing preeclampsia, growth restriction, and other complications. Using ChatGPT for detailed insights, they highlight the quality of evidence, potential risks, and the differing approaches between mainstream medical practices and personalized care. 

Discussed in This Episode
When Baby Aspirin is Recommended
Baby Aspirin and Preeclampsia
Alternatives to Treating Preeclampsia
Baby Aspirin and Twin Pregnancies
Risks and Benefits of Baby Aspirin

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care 

This show is supported by
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.
Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss
Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: [email protected]
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Dr. Stu hosts a special edition podcast featuring Sarah Stead, a registered massage therapist specializing in C-section recovery. Together they dive into various topics surrounding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). They discuss the importance of informed consent, the flaws in using VBAC calculators, and societal and systemic issues affecting VBAC rates.
About Sarah Stead
Sarah Stead is a registered massage therapist based in Ontario, Canada, with over 12 years of experience and a five-year specialization in C-section recovery. After experiencing burnout in full-time practice, she transitioned her work to focus on microcurrent scar therapy, where she discovered a deep passion for supporting C-section healing.
Her interest in this work began while supporting her sister through C-section recovery and later witnessing her sister’s VBAC, which sparked a broader fascination with birth, healing, and informed choice. Though she doesn’t have children herself, she proudly calls herself a “birth nerd,” attending every Reclaiming Birth Conference to date and recently presenting her work there.
She is passionate about education, empowering clients with tools and information often missing from mainstream conversations, and supporting more informed, holistic birth and recovery experiences.

Website: thescarconnection.com
E-book: C-Section Recovery Guide
Instagram: @gingey91

Mentioned in this Episode
Dolphin Neurostim Provider Locator
Billie Harrigan Episode 405: "Call The Neighbour" Birthing Wisdom From Traditional Birth Companion, Billie Harrigan
Discussed in This Episode
Discovering Microcurrent Point Stimulation
Understanding the Impact of Scar Tissue
The History and Evolution of Cesarean Sections
The Importance of Informed Consent
Evaluating Risks and Benefits of VBAC vs. Repeat C-Section
Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of C-Sections
The Importance of Provider Competence and Confidence
Hospital Policies and VBAC Support
The Role of Partners in VBAC Success
VBAC Calculator and Its Limitations

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care 

This show is supported by
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.
Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss
Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: [email protected]
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com