#331 Who Owns the Word "Midwife"?

Birthing Instincts

Today we have as our guest spiritual midwife, Anna Lundqvist, who chose defiance and de-registering rather than submit to the bloody shit show that is the increasingly regulated and medicalized world of midwifery. Her story and wisdom are compelling. Blyss launches The Bridge Midwives and Dr. Stu speaks out on some new platforms.

This conversation aims to strip back the layers to reveal the influences of patriarchy and the church on midwifery and women's rights. We'll navigate through riveting historical narratives involving the rise of the barber surgeon and the man midwife. We'll also delve into a comparison of evidence-based practices in Sweden and the autonomy (or lack thereof) for Australian midwives.

We take a deep dive into the power and history of midwifery, including the haunting past of witches and midwives who faced persecution for their healing practices. This episode promises to unravel the relevance of this history, and how it illuminates the marginalization of women. Our hope is to leave you inspired and enlightened, with an expanded perspective on birthing experiences.

Key highlights:

• Understanding Motivations and Traditions in Childbirth
• Midwives, Witches, and Women's Rights
• Role of Healthcare Professionals in Birth
• Men's Fertility
• Traditional Midwifery
• The Impact of Cesarean Section Rates

Episode resources:

THE MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENT GREED, LIES & ABUSE START WITH PREGNANT WOMEN | Counter Narrative Ep. 122

Book: Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers (Contemporary Classics)

To learn more about Blyss’ new project, donate and join in to get all the updates:

• Website: bridgemidwives.com
• Instagram: @thebridgemidwives

This show is supported by:

• LMNT | Go to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with every order
• Needed | Use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS for 20% off your first month or first 3 months of a one-month subscription at thisisneeded.com.
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS1 for a discount on the Basics Prenatal program, or INSTINCTS2 for a discount on the Basics Postpartum program.

Connect with Anna:

• Instagram: @thespiritualmidwitch
• Website: thenaturalbirthcourse.com

Connect with Dr. Stu & Blyss:

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts / @birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com / birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Call-in line: 805-399-0439