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

http://www.birthinginstincts.com/

Dr. Stuart Fischbein, OB/GYN, 23564 Calabasas Rd., Suite 101, Calabasas, CA (2025)

08/20/2025

427: Changing The Narrative with Girls Who Know® Founder Laurisa Paul

In this episode of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss interview Larissa Paul, founder of 'Girls Who Know®,' an organization dedicated to educating young girls about their bodies, menstrual cycles, and childbirth. They highlight how early education, and the knowing one's body can empower young girls, reduce fear, and lead to better birthing experiences.

About Laurisa:
Laurisa Paul is a Registered Nurse, home birther, writer, and founder of Girls Who Know®, an organization that inspires girls to love who they are and to know and respect their bodies.
Medically trained, Laurisa stumbled across homebirth when she was actively seeking for better birth experiences. Since then, she has worked as a midwife assistant and an instructor for Evidence Based Birth.
Laurisa has a deep passion for supporting women and connecting with those she loves. She resides in Texas, where she is a mother of five and an outdoor adventurer. Laurisa loves a good challenge like Spanish speaking, hiking, running, tree climbing or raising wholehearted human beings.
Laurisa and her team at Girls Who Know® are improving childbirth outcomes through the education of girls while they are young.

Website: www.girlswhoknow.com
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08/13/2025

#426: Gail Tully of Spinning Babies, Finally
In this episode, Stu and Blyss are joined by Gail Tully, the founder of Spinning Babies, to discuss the intricate dynamics of birth and fetal positioning. Gail shares both her personal journey and the scientific insights that have shaped Spinning Babies. Together they explore how balance, gravity, and movement can impact labor, and how practitioners and expectant mothers can prepare for a smoother birthing experience.
About Gail:
Gail Tully is the midwife who conceived and developed Spinning Babies®, first appearing in 2001. A dozen professional journal articles report Spinning Babies® effectiveness in reducing interventions, with reductions in cesarean surgery up to 50%.

Gail brings more than 45 years of experience in birth, with 20 years focused on homebirths. Back in the day, Gail was kept busy organizing doula program development in hospitals and community non-profits in Minneapolis/St. Paul, while training doulas with DONA International approval status. Gail learned midwifery in the home with a variety of community midwives. Gail now writes, teaches, and supports change in the Spinning Babies® paradigm.

Gail Tully developed the concepts and curriculum that revolutionized our view on physiological birth, breech birth and shoulder dystocia (Breech Basics and Resolving Shoulder Dystocia are now with Restory Birthwork). Spinning Babies®, Belly Mapping®, Belly Mapping MethodTM, Helping Your Breech Baby Turn, When Baby Lies Sideways, and Changing Birth on Earth. Gail and her husband live in Minnesota, USA.
Instagram:
Website: www.GailTully.com / https://www.spinningbabies.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spinningbabies
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/spinningbabieslady

X: https://twitter.com/spinningbabies
Resources
Dr. Stuart Fischbein - “Birthing Instincts” and Trusting Nature in Childbirth | The Daily Show
https://youtu.be/5lhi0Xxnc4E
https://www.spinningbabies.com/blog-resource-library/research-references/
https://www.spinningbabies.com/parents/spbcbp-directory/
https://www.spinningbabies.com/shop/

In This Episode
Origins of Spinning Babies
Understanding Posterior Position in Labor
Challenges with Epidurals and Labor Progression
The Role of Pelvic Floor and Side Lying Release
Techniques for Balancing the Pelvis
Impact of Uterine Ligaments on Labor
Preparation and Techniques for Easier Labor

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.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!
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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07/30/2025

#424: If You Teach A Woman To Fish...A Talk On Restorative Reproductive Medicine with Dr. Marguerite Duane

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss are joined by Dr. Marguerite Duane to discuss the shortcomings of conventional infertility treatments and the promising potential of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM). Dr. Duane, a family physician and expert in RRM, explains the importance of treating infertility as a symptom of underlying health issues rather than as a disease itself. Together, they dive into specifics about conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, emphasizing the benefits of lifestyle changes and identifying root causes. Marguerite shares insights on male infertility, the flawed default approach of using hormonal contraception for various female health issues, and the ethical concerns surrounding the IVF industry. The episode underscores the need for a more integrated, patient-centered approach in reproductive healthcare.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Marguerite Duane, a board-certified family physician, is co-founder and Executive Director of FACTS about Fertility, an organization dedicated to educating medical professionals and students about the science supporting fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). She serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown and Associate Professor of Restorative Reproductive Medicine and Director of the Center for Fertility Awareness Based Education and Research at Duquesne University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Duane cares for patients via a direct primary care house-calls based practice, MD for Life. She has served on the board of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Family Medicine Education Consortium.

Instagram:

Website: www.FACTSaboutFertility.org
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07/16/2025

#422: What Are Legitimate Reasons For Induction?

In this week’s episode, Blyss and Stu discuss various reasons for medical inductions, the process involved in hospital inductions, and alternative methods like castor oil and homeopathic remedies that can be pursued for a more natural approach. Listener stories highlight personal experiences with induction, offering insight into both the challenges and positive outcomes associated with this intervention.

Resources
Reduced risk of cesarean delivery with oxytocin discontinuation in active labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Effect of Castor Oil on Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC
Induced Labor: Reasons, Procedure, Risks & Results

In This Episode
Induction Insights and Recommendations
Assessing Baby's Environment and IUGR
Understanding Oligohydramnios and Ultrasound Reliability
Placenta Issues and Abruption
Non-Reassuring Biophysical Profiles
Infection and Eclampsia Management
Induction for Precipitous Labor and Other Considerations
Preparing for Medical Induction
Natural Induction Methods

This show is supported by
Restorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!
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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07/09/2025

#421: Turn Down The Power: Patti Wood On Radiation Exposure

This week Blyss and Stu welcome Patti Wood, founder and executive director of Grassroots Environmental Education, to discuss the potential risks of exposure to cell phones and other wireless devices, particularly focusing on their effects on fetal development and general human health.

About Patti:
Patricia Wood is the founder and Executive Director of Grassroots Environmental Education, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the relationship between environmental exposures and human health risks. Grassroots serves local and state governments, health care providers, school systems, community groups, other environmental organizations and individuals nationwide.

She is the co-creator of the BabySafe Project and a Visiting Scholar at Adelphi University where she lectures on the environment and related health issues in the College of Nursing and Public Health.

Website: thebabysafeproject.org
brochure "What You Need to Know About Wireless Radiation and Your Baby
Instagram:
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07/02/2025

#420: Periodontal Disease & Health Is Often Overlooked with Stacia Garmon, RDH
In this episode, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss are joined by Stacia Garmon, a dental hygienist who shares her expertise on periodontal disease and its potential impact on overall health, including its association with heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Additionally, Stacia shares her pregnancy journey with her son Dax, who was born with bilateral renal agenesis. Her advocacy for her son and her thirst for knowledge will open your heart and mind to the often overlooked connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes.
About Stacia:
Stacia will be married for eight years this fall, to her incredible Husband, Ken. Together they have a son, Dax, who would have been two this July, but he passed away after a mighty battle with renal agenesis. Professionally, Stacia is a dental hygienist and has been working in dentistry for over 12 years now. She is a self proclaimed knowledge seeker who questions everything, and loves to help people.
Instagram:

Resources
At Her Feet Podcast with Blyss Young
Myles Textbook for Midwives
Pregnancy Questions with Dr. Stu + Mothers 2B: RhoGAM
Periodontal Disease and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Study from Pakistan
Association Between Periodontal Health Status and Pregnancy and Delivery Complications in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Pregnant Women: A Case-Control Study
Is periodontal disease associated with gestational diabetes? Exploring the evidence
Association Between Periodontitis and Blood Pressure Highlighted in Systemically Healthy Individuals: Results From a Nested Case-Control Study

This show is supported by
Restorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.
Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!
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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06/25/2025

#419: Thank you, I love you. Our Conversation on the book "Yoni Owner's Manual" with Ibu Robin Lim
In this week's podcast, Blyss and Stu are joined by renowned midwife and author Robin Lim to explore her new book, The Yoni Owner's Manual. Robin shares her awe-inspiring experiences and insights into midwifery, childbirth, and the spiritual aspects of the female body, emphasizing the importance of pleasure and the interconnectedness of humans with nature and the divine.
About Robin:
Robin Lim CPM Filipina~American~Micronesian midwife founder Bumi Sehat Foundation maintains six clinics in Indonesia, Philippines.
Honors: 2006 Alexander Langer Foundation, 2011 CNN Hero of the Year, in 2012 APPPAH, The Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology and Health, gave Ibu Robin the Jeannine Parvati BirthKeeper Award, and in 2016 she became Earth Company’s Impact Hero. Lim is an Ashoka Fellow.
Books authored: After the Baby’s Birth, Wellness for Mothers, Ecology of Gentle Birth Awakening Birth, Eating for Two, Placenta the Forgotten Chakra, Eat Pray Doula, The Geometry of Splitting Souls, Natural Family Planning Workbook, Butterfly People, Bali… A Cage in Paradise, Yoni Owner’s Manual, Bali… A Cage in Paradise. Seven health autonomy booklets in Bahasa Indonesia.
In the era of planetary and political change we must implement Humanitarian response geared to serve women, & children, including gender equality, cultural safety, and consideration for the needs of women left homeless, hungry, without water, and with no access to health services. Lim has headed up early response teams in the after math of disasters in:Bali, Aceh, Lombok, Palu, Padang, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Jacmel, Haiti, Philippines, Dhading, Nepal, Global Pandemic shutdown.
Robin Lim is an inspirational figure in health care, particularly in obstetrics, where she combines traditional midwifery & Doula wisdom and modern scientific knowledge to provide care that respects both mothers and babies. She and her team have saved thousands of women and newborns in difficult hygienic, social, or humanitarian conditions. As part of her lifelong commitment to resolving the impacts of climate crisis, she focuses on supporting women recovering from the effects of war, earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, pandemic, climate change disasters around the world.
Instagram:
Website: iburobin.com

Resources
At Her Feet Podcast
Guerrilla Midwife DVD
Robin’s books: iburobin.com/shop

In This Episode
The Yoni Owner's Manual
Cultural Perspectives on the Cl****is
Historical and Medical Neglect
Empowerment and Sovereignty
Sexual Health and Menopause
The Menstrual Cycle and Moon Time
Reconnecting with Nature in Childbirth
Advocating for Women's Autonomy

This show is supported by
Restorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!
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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06/11/2025

#417: Midwifery & The Conundrum Of The Legislative Process with Ellie Stangl

This week Dr. Stu is solo as Blyss is away and joined by guest Ellie Stangl, a certified doula and legislative aide in Nebraska. Together they delve into the legislative process affecting maternity care: Does anyone understand the process? Does it make any logical sense? The short answer is no, but dive into this conversation with us to dig deeper and discuss the complications and frustrations of introducing and passing bills that advocate for midwifery and home birth practices. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by the medical lobby, the legislative process, why laws differ from state to state, and how the cultural misperceptions about natural birth results in a lot of confusion around legislation.

About Ellie:
Ellie Stangl is a dedicated advocate and policy professional who has spent the past seven years working in the Nebraska Legislature. With a lifelong passion for natural and wholesome living, Ellie began in the birth world as a young girl assisting her mother during the home births of her siblings. This early exposure to God's design of birth and the beauty of motherhood inspired her to become a certified doula, a role in which she continues to serve friends, family, and members of the birthing community. Ellie has seamlessly integrated her personal and professional commitments by championing maternal health policy at the state level. She is actively drafting legislation to expand access to midwifery care and protection for women's birthing rights in Nebraska.
Instagram:

Resources
Birthing Instincts Podcast Patreon
Patreon: Advocacy Role Play Episode
AJOG Article: Quantifying the association between doula care and maternal and neonatal outcomes

In This Episode
Ellie's Journey to Legislative Advocacy
The Complexity of Legal Language
Challenges with Medical Regulations
Opposition from Medical Associations
The Influence of Campaign Funding
Comparing State Laws on Midwifery
The Importance of Community and Education

This show is supported by
Restorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.
Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!
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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06/05/2025

#416: Disentangling Mono-chorionic Twins

This week Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss do a deep dive into mono-chorionic twin pregnancies, with a focus on debunking common myths about mono-mono twins. Drawing on recent research and personal experiences, they explore topics like the risks of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), cord entanglement, and the overall safety of vaginal deliveries for mono-mono twins.

Resources
Between a Shot and a Hard Place, by Joel Warsh
Jama Article: Pregnancy Related Deaths in the US 2018 to 2022.
Twin home birth: Outcomes of 100 sets of twins in the care of a single practitioner, by Stu Fischbein and Rixa Freeze
Documentary: Heads Up: The Disappearing Art of Vaginal Breech Delivery
Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal: Cord entanglement and perinatal outcome in monoamniotic twin pregnancies

In This Episode
Introduction to Monochorionic Twins
Debunking Myths About Twin Pregnancies
Case Studies and Rare Anomalies
Challenges and Interventions in Twin Pregnancies
The Overuse of Ultrasound in Twin Pregnancies
Misuse of Growth Charts for Twins

This show is supported by
Restorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!

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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05/28/2025

#415: Your Menstrual Cycle As A Window To Your Health. Our thoughtful discussion with "The Fifth Vital Sign" author, Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
This week Blyss and Stu discuss the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle with guest Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, author of The Fifth Vital Sign. Lisa brings not only her personal experiences with menstrual health, but also her expertise in the roles of basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical position in fertility awareness. They highlight the broader health implications of suppressing ovulation with birth control pills and shed light on how modern medicine often overlooks natural bodily functions.
About Lisa Hendrickson-Jack:
Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who trains women’s health practitioners to use their menstrual cycle as a vital sign in their practices. She is the founder of the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program. She is the author of three bestselling books The Fifth Vital Sign, the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook, and her most recent book Real Food For Fertility, which she co-authored with Lily Nichols RDN. Lisa works tirelessly to debunk the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to help women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health. With well over 4 million downloads, her podcast, Fertility Friday, is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health.
Website: http://fertilityfriday.com
Instagram:
Resources
Real Food For Fertility: realfoodforfertility.com
The Fifth Vital Sign: thefifthvitalsignbook.com

In This Episode
The Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign
The Birth Control Pill: History and Controversies
The Hidden Dangers of Birth Control Pills
The Importance of Understanding Your Cycle
Side Effects of Suppressing Ovulation
Impact on Partner Attraction and Genetic Compatibility
The Role of Cervical Fluid and Ovulation
Fertility Awareness Methods
The Influence of Big Pharma and Research Bias
Natural Ways to Support Your System

This show is supported by
Birth Sling | Go to https://thebirthsling.com/ code INSTINCTS for 10% off your sling.
Restorative Roots | Go to https://restorativemeals.com/ code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 10% off weekly meal plans.
WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order.
BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!
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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05/21/2025

#414: Advocacy is a Team Sport

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Meredith Nelson and Alicia Fischbein, board-certified patient advocates and seasoned doulas from Intentional Birth. The episode explores the critical role of advocacy in childbirth, covering topics from prenatal visits to labor and NICU challenges. Learn how to navigate hospitals, advocate effectively for clients, and transform traumatic experiences into empowering and supportive births. The discussion includes real-life stories, practical tools, and heartwarming successes, emphasizing the need for stronger advocacy in maternity care.

About Meredith Nelson & Alicia Fishbein
Meredith and Alicia are board-certified patient advocates, seasoned doulas, and the founders of Intentional Birth and of the Perinatal Patient Advocacy Center.
When they attended their original doula trainings, they were taught not to speak up on their clients' behalf. Don't rock the boat. Doulas don't advocate. Smile and nod at care providers. Then they began attending births, and realized that their clients were walking away feeling powerless and traumatized (they were, too). They knew there was a bigger role for them to play.
More than a dozen years later, they are training birth professionals as patient advocates. They teach the confidence-building strategies, the detailed systems for educating and preparing their clients, and the robust set of communication and advocacy tools that they developed as they transformed their practices toward true support of their clients' legal rights and human needs.

Website: intentionalbirth.co
E-mail: hello@intentionalbirth.co

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05/14/2025

#413: Rediscovering Ancient Postpartum Traditions: Pelvic Steaming with Valerie Wiesner

While Dr. Stu was busy teaching breech in Texas, Blyss hosted Valerie Wiesner to discuss the practice of pelvic steaming, its benefits, and the ancient traditions associated with it. Valerie shares her extensive experience in sacred postpartum care and describes how steaming can help with postpartum recovery, menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, and even prostate health in men. Additionally, Valerie talks about her vision for making sacred postpartum practices more accessible through community co-ops and international training programs.

About Valerie Wiesner
Valerie Wiesner, mama to 15, leads women Worldwide in the Ancient Art of Sacred Postpartum care in both online and live retreats. This includes many practices, from Ceremony to Vaginal Steaming, honoring and supporting women in the tender postpartum recovery period. She serves women in all stages of life, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in Northern Arizona.
In 1980, Valerie and her partner hitchhiked to The Farm in Tennessee to birth her first baby with Ina May Gaskin. This experience of sacred birth and postpartum care surrounded by love and community, set her on the path she walks today.
Valerie lives in the mountains of Prescott Arizona with her soulmate of 46 years where she grows abundant food and herbs and holds epic family gatherings.

Website: sacredbirthtraditions.com and sacredpostpartum.net
Listeners will get 20% discount on any of Valerie’s programs, reach out to valerie@sacredpostpartum.net for more information.

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Dr. Stuart Fischbein, OB/GYN

08/20/2025

08/13/2025

07/30/2025

07/16/2025

07/09/2025

07/02/2025

06/25/2025

06/11/2025

06/05/2025

05/28/2025

05/21/2025

05/14/2025

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