Dr. Stu, an obstetrician from the United States, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussion on birth practices. Having trained at the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, he has spent a significant part of his career transitioning from a more medicalized obstetrics approach to one that closely collaborates with midwives. Dr. Stu is an advocate for home birthing, teaching breach and twin delivery skills around the world, and hosts the "Birthing Instincts" podcast.

In this insightful episode titled "The Twin Birth Conversation with Dr. Stu," host Bibi discusses the intricacies of twin deliveries and the option of home birthing in medical practice. With a focus on choice, trust, and the natural process of childbirth, Dr. Stu provides valuable perspectives to debunk myths and empower expectant mothers carrying twins.

Starting with an overview of types of twins and their implications during pregnancy, Dr. Stu details the distinctions between diamniotic-dichorionic (die-die), monoamniotic-dichorionic (monodie), and monoamniotic-monochorionic (monomono) twin pregnancies. He further elaborates on the protocols for each kind, emphasizing the potential for normal vaginal deliveries under specific circumstances. Highly experienced in home birthing, Dr. Stu passionately argues for the demedicalization of childbirth and the importance of informed consent, shedding light on the risks and misconceptions propagated by a system overly reliant on interventions.

• Understanding the differences between die-die, monodie, and monomono twins is crucial for managing twin pregnancies.
• Vaginal births for die-die and monodie twins can be a safe and viable option when managed by a skilled practitioner.
• The medical system often operates from a place of fear, potentially leading to unnecessary interventions for twin pregnancies.
• Home birth with twins, attended by a knowledgeable practitioner, has been shown to have high success rates and can provide a fulfilling experience for the mother.
• Dr. Stu advocates for the normalization of vaginal breach deliveries, which are often portrayed negatively by mainstream obstetrics despite evidence of their safety when properly handled.

• "The decision of how to give birth does not belong to the medical institution or the physician. It belongs to the informed woman." - Dr. Stu
• "Nature is formidable but it's not intentionally dangerous." - Dr. Stu
• "Most twin moms don't have a problem. The problem is the way they're managed in the hospital." - Dr. Stu
• "Midwives, because they are experts in normal, are so quick to recognize abnormal." - Dr. Stu

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts Dr. Stu's website: www.birthinginstincts.com
• Podcast: www.birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Dive into the full episode to explore Dr. Stu's patient-centric philosophy of birth, especially regarding twins, and learn how empowerment through knowledge can lead to better birth experiences. Stay tuned for more enlightening content that can transform your understanding of childbirth and the choices surrounding it.