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Monday 1pm - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 1pm Thursday 9am - 5pm

http://www.birthinginstincts.com/

Dr. Stuart Fischbein, OB/GYN, 23564 Calabasas Road , Suite 101, Calabasas, CA (2026)

12/24/2025

#445: Women Are Not a Formula: Debunking VBAC Myths with Sarah Stead
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:

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: /
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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12/17/2025

#444: Restoring Midwifery: Breaking Down the Indefensible
In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss interview Rowan Bailey and Sarita Bennett, two midwives who have faced significant legal and professional challenges. They discuss Rowan's experience of being jailed for practicing traditional midwifery and Sarita's struggles with administrative hearings. The conversation dives into the importance of traditional, individualized midwifery care and critiques the current medical and midwifery systems for their lack of emotional and community support. Rowan and Sarita share their innovative approach to restorative peer review, aiming to create a compassionate, accountable midwifery community.

About Rowan Bailey
My heart for midwifery is rooted deeply in my conviction for sovereignty in the childbearing year. The more I studied and became involved in birth work, the more stories I heard that began with ‘they wouldn’t let me ____’ or ‘I was high risk because ____’ and that solidified the midwife I was to become.
The infantilization of women within obstetrics and modern day midwifery is systemic, damaging, and down right patriarchal. I didn’t take my call to be the one to say yes to those that the system failed lightly. I knew that they were smart, capable women who just wanted someone to walk with them. I figured if I was going to answer this call, I was going to do it with integrity.
My mission is to be a mirror and a reminder that when we break out of captivity and become our most powerful selves we can make the movement move. I want us all to find our feet and our breath and be fully who we are meant to be: wild, raw, messy, and beautifully ungovernable.

About Sarita Bennett
I learned midwifery in the traditional model - by attending those families who were choosing home birth early in the modern home birth movement. Most of the forty-plus years I have served as a midwife and osteopathic family physician have been in a rural, mountainous region that is far from any hospital with OB providers or surgical capability, leading to the development of a detailed understanding of reproductive physiology and the inter-relatedness of all parts of the reproductive process. The added experience of teaching - from home school with my children to medical students - has given me the ability to explain complicated concepts in understandable terms. Fueled by my passion for supporting healthy humans, I am excited to share my embodied knowledge with those who are on the same journey towards building thriving communities.

Website: Foundationalconcepts4mws.com
Instagram: .concepts4mws

Mentioned in this Episode
Compromised to Alchemized Podcast

Discussed in This Episode
Challenges in Midwifery Practice
Critical Thinking in Midwifery
Personal Work and Midwifery Skills
The Importance of Knowing Why
Humanizing Obstetrics
Defensibility & Autonomy in Birth Choices
The Obstetric Myth and Women's Power
Restorative Peer Review in Midwifery

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: /
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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12/10/2025

#443: Delusional Optimism: A Discussion of Recent Article On the Freebirth Society
In this episode, Blyss and Stu address a recent Guardian article discussing free birth and the Free Birth Society. They welcome guests Joni Edelman and Ivy Eva to explore the complexities of unassisted births, the importance of informed consent, and sovereignty in childbirth. The conversation highlights both the potential risks and benefits of free birth, as well as the influence of social media and the challenges within the medical system.
About Joni Edelman
Joni Edelman is a mother of six, grandmother, and traditional birth attendant who has walked beside more than 1,000 families through birth. Once an L&D and hospice nurse within the system, she stepped away in 2009 to honor a more sacred calling—guiding families with intuition, physiology, and sovereignty toward the births that feel safest and most aligned.
Website: 13moonsbirthwork.com
Instagram:
About Ivy Joeva
Ivy Joeva is a doula, coach, and educator serving women and couples seeking a conscious path to parenthood. She provides support throughout the childbearing year, including fertility coaching, holistic preparation for birth, postpartum recovery care, and counseling for all forms of pregnancy loss.
Rooted in a trauma-informed, mind-body approach, Ivy sees these transitions as opportunities for transformation and healing. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Ivy became a doula in 2009 and serves clients across the United States and abroad.
Website: ivyjoeva.com
Instagram:

Mentioned in this Episode
Intentional Birth Pro https://community.intentionalbirth.co/a/2148190529/HUkqrEuo, code IBP2026 for 10% off
Unintended Consequences of Invoking the “Natural” in Breastfeeding Promotion
Guardian Articles:
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Five key findings from our investigation into the Free Birth Society
‘Ignorant and life-threatening’: experts condemn Free Birth Society misinformation

Discussed in This Episode
In-depth Discussion on Free Birth Society
The Complexity of Blame in Birth Outcomes
Informed Consent
The Influence of Social Media on Birth Choices
Navigating Risks and Medical Perspectives
The Role of Trust and Trauma in Birth Decisions
Medicalized Safety vs. Holistic Birth
Integrity and Honesty in Birth Practices
The Reality of Birth Complications
The Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions of Birth
The Importance of Listening to Women

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: /
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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12/03/2025

442: Allegations Are Not Evidence With Paul Golden: A Man For All Seasons

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu introduce Paul Golden, a maternal and neonatal medical and legal specialist, midwife, and international advocate. Together they discuss the intricacies and challenges of midwifery practice around the world. Paul highlights his experiences working in various countries, combating legal threats to midwives, and advocating for birthing rights, while emphasizing the need for legal awareness, protective documentation, and proactive measures to support midwives and promote safer childbirth practices globally.

About Paul Golden
Paul Golden, is a maternal–neonatal medical and legal specialist whose career spans clinical care, worldwide childbirth, and advocacy. Paul is a midwife and international legal advocate, a skilled tongue-tie release practitioner, and a dedicated naturopath. He also brings expertise as a mediator, lecturer, and author, weaving together science, tradition, and legal insight to protect and elevate the practice of midwifery worldwide.

Website: LinkedIn.com/in/goldenpaul
Instagram: .birth

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss
Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: /
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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11/26/2025

#441: Early Intervention for Newborn Trauma & Other Wisdom with Peds & Wellness Chiropractor, Tony Ebel

This week’s episode discusses the profound impacts of birth trauma on the nervous system and the transformative potential of pediatric chiropractic care. Blyss and Stu invite Tony Ebel, a wellness chiropractor, to explore the benefits of chiropractic interventions. They also discuss the importance of holistic, less interventionist approaches in childbirth and medical care, emphasizing simplicity, nervous system regulation, and overall well-being for healthier outcomes in children and families.

About Tony Ebel
Dr. Tony Ebel is the lead writer and educational guide for PX Docs. He is a Certified Pediatric + Wellness Chiropractor with 15 years of clinical experience.
In addition, Dr. Tony has been teaching and training other Pediatric + Family Chiropractors for the past 10+ years, primarily teaching the clinical protocols he created for pediatric neurodevelopmental challenges such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Epilepsy, Anxiety, and more.
This clinical program is now taught in collaboration with the Life University Postgraduate Department and has over 700 graduates. Dr. Tony’s passion is educating, empowering, and informing parents about the nervous system’s role in natural, drug-free healing for all pediatric conditions and cases
Website: www.pxdocs.com
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11/19/2025

#440: Thrive Again With Crowdheath CEO Andy Schoonover

In this week’s episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss discuss healthcare challenges and solutions with Andy Schoonover, CEO of Crowdhealth. Schoonover shares his personal journey that led him to start Crowdhealth, an innovative alternative to traditional health insurance that leverages community crowdfunding to cover medical expenses. The conversation examines the inefficiencies and complexities of the current health insurance system, comparing Crowdhealth's approach to other options such as Christian Sharing ministries and Liberty Health Share. Schoonover emphasizes the importance of maintaining the patient-doctor relationship, explains the regulatory landscape, and shares touching stories of improved customer experiences.
About Andy Schoonover
CrowdHealth is a revolutionary alternative to traditional health insurance. Instead of paying premiums into a bloated system, members contribute directly to one another’s medical needs—saving money, fostering transparency, and creating a healthcare experience rooted in trust. Since its founding, CrowdHealth has helped members save millions on medical expenses while empowering them with tools to navigate care confidently and affordably.
At the helm is Andy Schoonover, CrowdHealth’s founder and CEO. A passionate advocate for medical freedom, Andy is dedicated to breaking down the inefficiencies of the insurance industry and building a member-first model that prioritizes people over profits. His mission is simple yet bold: to put control back in the hands of individuals and create a community where healthcare is funded by people, not corporations.
Website: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/
Instagram:

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11/12/2025

#439: Where Did The Courageous Doctors Go?
In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu enjoy another hodgepodge discussion where they dig into the intricacies of dealing with unexpected medical issues such as heavy postpartum bleeding linked to a fibroid, iron deficiency, and the unconventional use of Jay breathing during labor. The episode features strong themes of patient advocacy, the importance of seeking multiple opinions, and the personal journeys of managing one's health amidst a complex medical system.
Discussed in This Episode
Postpartum Bleeding and Fibroid Concerns
Exploring Treatment Options for Fibroids
Fibroid Surgical Procedures and Risks
Alternative Treatments for Fibroids and Embolization
Hysterectomy vs. Myomectomy
Iron Infusion and Postpartum Recovery
Tongue and Lip Ties in Newborns

Mentioned in this Episode
Birthing Instincts Episode 327: Interesting Stuff About Fibroids
Birthing Instincts Episode 436: What Is Vs. What Could Be. Models Of Care In Flux
SMFM Statement on Acetaminophen Use DuringPregnancy and Autism
COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation Tool Kit

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.
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: /
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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11/05/2025

#438: Wellness Is Free! A Conversation On Trimester Zero With WeNatal Founders Vida & Ronit

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu invited Vita and Ronit, the founders of WeNatal, for a conversation about the significance of 'Trimester Zero,' the period leading up to conception, and its impact on egg and s***m quality. The founders share their personal journeys through pregnancy loss and how it led to the creation of WeNatal. They emphasize the importance of holistic health, including diet, supplementation, and stress management, in improving fertility outcomes.

About Ronit and Vida:
Bio for your reference: Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim are the founders of WeNatal, a prenatal supplement company that is transforming the fertility space with the first prenatal supplement optimized for her AND him. WeNatal’s mission to change the narrative surrounding fertility and reproductive health is personal; after suffering miscarriages a week apart Ronit and Vida were given little direction on what to do differently. More importantly, the health of Ronit & Vida’s partners (including the health of their s***m) was completely missing from their fertility dialogue with their doctors… something had to change. WeNatal shifts the fertility journey from "me" to "we” and is revolutionizing the prenatal space with a formulation team composed of industry leading Functional Medicine doctors, nutritionists, and fertility experts, including Dr. Mark Hyman and Kelly LeVeque. With 24 key clean, bioavailable nutrients, WeNatal steps up where other supplements fall short for all things preconception to postpartum for both parents and baby.

Website: wenatal.com

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10/29/2025

#437: What Is The Value Of The Fetal Non Stress Test?
In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu do a deep dive into the methodology, history, and current practices surrounding the non-stress test (NST) used in prenatal care. They answer all your questions: What is a non-stress test? Where did it come from? How did it become so accepted? Does it actually tell you what it's supposed to tell you? And, is there evidence that a previous stillbirth is an indication for for NST testing?

Discussed in This Episode
Understanding Non-Stress Test (NST) and Its Limitations
History and Evolution of NST
NST vs. Biophysical Profiles
Predictive Value of NST
ACOG Guidelines on NST
Fetal Kick Counting vs. NST

Mentioned in this Episode
An Inconvenient Study: aninconvenientstudy.com
ACOG Practice Bulletin: Antepartum Fetal Surveillance
Birthing Instincts Episode #386 with David Hayes

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.
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: /
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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10/23/2025

#436: What Is Vs. What Could Be. Models Of Care In Flux
Blyss is back and Stu has a hodgepodge of topics to cover with her. Blyss shares her enriching experience at an international midwifery conference in Greece, while Dr. Stu sheds light on the impersonal nature of modern medical practices and the hope brought by the Alice Walton School of Medicine. The episode enriches listeners with firsthand stories of birth, the dynamics between midwives and healthcare systems, and the promising future of holistic medical education.
Discussed in This Episode
Blyss' Greece Trip and Midwifery Conference
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
Changes in Vaccine Recommendations
Documentary on Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Kids
Midwives' Perspectives and Challenges
New Medical School Initiative

Mentioned in this Episode
Patreon Events patreon.com/birthinginstincts
CDC Rewrite of Vaccine Guidelines Is a BIG Win for Medical Freedom
An Inconvenient Study
Doctor’s Art: EP. 151: TO CREATE A MEDICAL SCHOOL
Article: The World’s Richest Woman Has Opened a Medical School
Herbal Pregnancy Blend, By Carol Gautschi

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.
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: /
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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10/15/2025

#435: The Making of a Good Man with Ashley Mariani
In this week’s episode of The Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu is joined by Ashley Mariani, also known as 'The Rogue Therapist' from Instagram, to discuss the complexities of fatherhood and relationships. While Blyss is traveling, Ashley and Dr. Stu get deep and personal in conversation about how men can navigate fatherhood, improve their relationships, and break generational trauma. A valuable episode for anyone looking to strengthen their relationships and foster healthy family environments.
About Ashley Mariani:
Ashley Mariani is a couples therapist, Reverend, and founder of Mind Online Therapy. She specializes in intimacy, polarity, and the nervous system, with a focus on supporting couples through the impact of birth trauma and the challenges it creates in relationships. With over a decade of experience, Ashley blends neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, and her own frameworks to help couples repair trust, rebuild connection, and rediscover desire.
In addition to her clinical work, Ashley is a public speaker and educator whose voice has been featured on podcasts and at conferences across North America. She is the creator of programs and workshops that teach couples practical tools for navigating conflict, intimacy, and long-term partnership. Through her work, Ashley brings a direct yet compassionate approach to some of the most personal aspects of human connection, helping couples move from survival to genuine thriving. She is also a wife and mom of three, including boy–girl twins who keep life lively both inside and outside the therapy room."
Website: www.mindonline.ca
Instagram: .therapist / .ca /
Discussed in This Episode
Ashley Mariani on Fatherhood and Relationships
John and Jill: A Case Study
The Rite of Passage in Fatherhood
Men's Learning and Wilderness Survival
Fatherhood and Neuroscience
The Role of Fathers in Child Development
Choosing and Supporting Your Partner
The Work of a Good Man
Communication and Responsibilities in Relationships
Mentioned in this Episode

Birthing Instincts Episode 368: Boys to Men: The Importance of Masculinity

Resources
Protecting your family from obstetric violence course, understanding tetany, and other helpful links can be found at Linktr.ee/mindonline

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.
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
Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss
Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
Instagram: /
Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com
Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com
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10/08/2025

#434: Decisions, Cesareans & How to Advocate with Hehe Stewart

In this episode of The Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu is joined by Hehe Stewart from The Birth Lounge Podcast to explore common reasons for C-sections, how hospital policies and interventions often lead to unnecessary surgeries, and strategies for avoiding them. The episode features poignant birth stories that highlight the challenges and triumphs of navigating the medical system to achieve a desired birth experience. Hehe shares her expertise on protecting birth goals, advocating for oneself, and the importance of informed decision-making.

About Hehe
HeHe Stewart is a leading childbirth educator, advocate, and maternity care reform expert. With a Master’s in Human Development and over a decade of experience, she empowers families with evidence-based birth prep, informed decision-making, and postpartum readiness. She is a fierce advocate for informed consent, reducing unnecessary interventions, and ensuring patient autonomy in birth.
Beyond working with families, HeHe is actively involved in legislative efforts to improve women’s health policies and expand access to midwifery care. She works to reform maternity care by advocating for patient rights, increased birth options, and improved maternal health outcomes.
As the host of The Birth Lounge Podcast, she interviews leading experts in pregnancy, women’s health, and newborn development, giving parents the knowledge they need to navigate birth and postpartum with confidence. Her work continues to drive meaningful change through education, advocacy, and policy reform.

Website: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/join

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Dr. Stuart Fischbein, OB/GYN

12/24/2025

12/17/2025

12/10/2025

12/03/2025

11/26/2025

11/19/2025

11/12/2025

11/05/2025

10/29/2025

10/23/2025

10/15/2025

10/08/2025

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