Birthing Instincts

This week on the podcast, Blyss and Stu take a hard look at what’s happening to the world of doula support as insurance and institutions move in. They’re joined by two seasoned doulas, Ivy Joeva and Shellie Poulter, who bring decades of experience advocating for women in birth. Together, they unpack how policy, regulation, and insurance reimbursement can quietly shift doula care away from individualized, relationship-based support and toward institutional control. They talk honestly about what’s gained, what’s lost, and why protecting the integrity of doula work matters if we truly want better birth outcomes.
About Ivy:
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.
Instagram: @IvyJoeva
Website: ivyjoeva.com
About Shellie:
Shellie trained in Osteopathic and Naturopathic medicine in 2005 and has been working as a doula/birth keeper and cranio-sacral therapist, mentor and lecturer for over 20 years. She teaches birthing biomechanics and trauma and birth rights informed, non-violent communication courses as well as co-hosting The Birth Untethered Podcast with former midwife and Birthkeeper Kemi Johnson. Shellie lives on a narrowboat with her family, exploring the English countryside whilst campaigning for human rights in birth.
Instagram: @theserenitydoula
Website: theserenitydoula.co.uk
References:
Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: The Phenomenon Of Parents Opting Out Of Birth Certificates For Their Kids | Midwife Lindsey Meehleis
Dr. Pompa Podcast: What You're Not Told About Birth in the Hospital System with Dr. Stuart Fischbein
The Way Forward with Alec Zeck: Ep 213: The Corrupted World of Medicalized Birth with Dr. Stu Fischbein
The Way Forward with Alec Zeck: Ep 214: Exposing the Most Dangerous Childbirth Myths & Procedures with Dr. Nathan Riley

Discussed in This Episode
Role of Doulas in Individualized Care
Challenges Faced by Doulas
Insurance and Doula Services
Impact of Doula Support on Maternal Outcomes
Regulations and Restrictions on Midwives and Doulas
Navigating Hospital Policies as a Doula
Financial and Operational Challenges for Doulas
Advocacy and Support Strategies for Doulas

 
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, Blyss and Stu explore the history, benefits, and controversies surrounding fluoride in drinking water, highlighting different perspectives and potential health implications. 

References:
The Way Forward Podcast: Ep 213: The Corrupted World of Medicalized Birth with Dr. Stu Fischbein
The Highwire: EPA LOSES HISTORIC FLUORIDE CASE
The Tennessean: Fluoride has been a public health game changer. Florida is set to ban it anyway
Dr. Stu Blog: Gotta love Dr. Fogelson
Jama Network: Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 Months
Book: The Fluoride Deception

Discussed in This Episode
Fluoride: History and Controversies
Skepticism Around Fluoride
Public Sentiment and Legislative Views on Fluoride
Health Risks and Benefits of Fluoride
Concerns About Fluoride in Vulnerable Populations
Filtering Fluoride and Its Impact on Brain Health
 
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

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