244: This week, I’m joined by Lindsey Meehleis, a certified midwife, doula, lactation consultant, EMT, CPR instructor, and neonatal resuscitation provider. Lindsey brings a truly holistic approach to birth, and our conversation dives deep into the importance of honoring the natural physiology of labor. As someone on my own fertility journey, I asked all the questions I’ve been curious about — from how to find a midwife to what real support during birth looks like. We explore the over-medicalization of birth in the Western world, how to prepare for a more empowered and informed birthing experience, and why individualized care matters so much. Lindsey’s wisdom and passion for supporting women through this rite of passage is incredibly inspiring — I left this conversation wanting her by my side when I give birth someday. Topics Discussed: What is the difference between a midwife and a doula? How can I prepare for a natural birth in a medicalized world? Are epidurals and Pitocin necessary for every labor? What are the risks of relying on baby formula over breastfeeding? How to find a trustworthy midwife or doula? Sponsored By: Our Place | Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.com Timeline | Go to timelinenutrition.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off Qualia | Go to qualialife.com/REALFOODOLOGY for up to 50% off and use code REALFOODOLOGY at checkout for an additional 15% off. Pique | Piquelife.com/Realfoodology That’s P-I-Q-U-E life dot com/REALFOODOLOGY.  Graza | So head to Graza.co and use REALFOODOLOGY to get 10% off of TRIO which includes Sizzle, Frizzle and Drizzle, and get to cookin’ your next chef-quality meal! Cozy Earth | Go to cozyearth.com and Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 40% off best-selling sheets, pajamas, and more. Trust me, you won’t regret it.   Timestamps:  00:00:00 – Introduction 00:03:42 – How birth became medicalized 00:06:51 – The "PuberTea" and early health education 00:08:17 – Navigating pregnancy in the Western world 00:13:18 – Epidurals, fentanyl, and early latching challenges 00:18:10 – The risks of baby formula 00:22:25 – The impact of high fructose corn syrup 00:24:14 – Maternity leave and postpartum support 00:26:34 – Latching tips & working with lactation consultants 00:31:51 – The truth about breastfeeding 00:33:46 – A brief history of birth practices 00:35:01 – C-sections, vaginal seeding, and gut health 00:37:40 – Learning to trust your body 00:39:31 – Pitocin, natural birth, and informed choices 00:44:11 – Advocacy and the MAHA Mom Coalition 00:48:44 – Environmental toxins: Glyphosate and fertility 00:51:52 – Understanding gestational diabetes 00:55:40 – Birth centers vs. hospitals 01:00:04 – How to find a midwife or doula 01:02:13 – Managing emergencies during birth 01:07:10 – Why individualized birth care matters 01:09:10 – Midwife vs. Doula: What's the difference? 01:10:53 – Addressing concerns about home birth 01:13:58 – Where to find Lindsey Meehleis Show Links: Sperm counts have declined by over 50% globally The U.S. fertility rate has dropped from 2.48 in 1970 to just 1.64 toda The U.S. maternal mortality rate has increased by over 60% in two years Black women are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Hispanic maternal mortality rates The World Needs 900,000 More Midwives Breastfeeding rates Worker protections need to be implemented Check Out Lindsey:  Instagram https://www.theremembering.com/media https://www.maha-mom-coalition.com/ Check Out Courtney:  LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide! @realfoodology www.realfoodology.com My Immune Supplement by 2x4 Air Dr Air Purifier AquaTru Water Filter EWG Tap Water Database Produced By: Drake Peterson