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Natural Birth, Epidurals, + The Real Risks of Formula | Lindsey Meehleis
1 hour 15 minutes Posted Apr 15, 2025 at 7:00 am.
– Introduction
– How birth became medicalized
– The "PuberTea" and early health education
– Navigating pregnancy in the Western world
– Epidurals, fentanyl, and early latching challenges
– The risks of baby formula
– The impact of high fructose corn syrup
– Maternity leave and postpartum support
– Latching tips & working with lactation consultants
– The truth about breastfeeding
– A brief history of birth practices
– C-sections, vaginal seeding, and gut health
– Learning to trust your body
– Pitocin, natural birth, and informed choices
– Advocacy and the MAHA Mom Coalition
– Environmental toxins: Glyphosate and fertility
– Understanding gestational diabetes
– Birth centers vs. hospitals
– How to find a midwife or doula
– Managing emergencies during birth
– Why individualized birth care matters
– Midwife vs. Doula: What's the difference?
– Addressing concerns about home birth
– Where to find Lindsey Meehleis
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Show notes
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?
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 Timestamps: 
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: 
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https://www.theremembering.com/media
https://www.maha-mom-coalition.com/
Check Out Courtney: 
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Produced By: Drake Peterson
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