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Episode Overview: Part One of Three
In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein — or “Dr. Stu,” as many of you know him. Dr. Stu is an OB-GYN who has been practicing for over 36 years and is internationally recognized for his advocacy of informed decision-making, respectful maternity care, and the midwifery model of birth. After training in the traditional medical model at Cedars-Sinai, he went on to spend decades collaborating with midwives and supporting families choosing home and birth center deliveries. He is also the co-author of Fearless Pregnancy and the host of the Birthing Instincts podcast.
We dive deep into how the world of medicine has changed, from the increasing financial pressures driving unnecessary procedures to the way pregnancy is too often treated as a medical “high-risk condition” rather than a natural process. Dr. Stu shares his journey from hospital-based obstetrics to working alongside midwives in community settings, and now to teaching and consulting globally on breech and twin births.
We also unpack the political narratives that shape modern maternity care and how reclaiming informed decision-making and collaboration can restore trust, safety, and dignity for birthing people everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- Pregnancy isn’t a pathology — Treating every woman as “high risk” creates fear instead of trust.
- Financial and systemic pressures shape care — Procedures are often driven by profit, not evidence or compassion.
- Collaboration is key — Obstetricians and midwives working together provides safer, more respectful options for families.
- Informed decision-making is a human right — Every family deserves evidence, options, and autonomy in birth.
- Core obstetric skills are disappearing — Breech and twin vaginal births are essential practices that must be preserved and taught.
- Vitamin K post birth, in majority of cases - is it necessary?
Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, @BusyMomTalk, and let us know what resonated most with you!