Is hospital birth really the safest—or just the most profitable? Dr. Stuart Fishbein, OB-GYN turned homebirth advocate and co-host of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, joins us for one of the most important conversations we’ve ever had. With over four decades of experience—from high-intervention hospital wards to peaceful homebirth rooms—Dr. Stu brings truth, history, and a whole lot of passion to this explosive and eye-opening episode.

We talk about the medicalization of birth, the overuse of interventions like ultrasounds and inductions, and why the system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as designed. Dr. Stu explains the cascade of interventions, how VBAC risks are distorted, why informed consent is often missing, and why so many mothers feel disempowered. He also shares how the birth world is changing—and what gives him hope.

If you've ever felt something was “off” about the way birth is handled today, this episode will validate that instinct. And if you're navigating your own birth choices, it may just change everything.

•  What really made Dr. Stu leave the hospital system after 24 years • Why most doctors have NEVER seen a normal labor • The truth behind the cascade of interventions • How fear and language shape a mother’s entire experience • Why the system isn’t broken—it’s just working for someone else • The risks of VBAC, explained clearly and honestly • The overuse (and hidden dangers) of routine ultrasounds • Why denying women food in labor is outdated and harmful • How the system rewards C-sections—and punishes physiological birth • What OBs are really taught in training (spoiler: it’s not about trust) • Why informed consent in pregnancy is often an illusion • How doctors who speak out are silenced or punished • What gives Dr. Stu hope for the future of birth

This powerful in-person gathering brings together voices from around the world who are reclaiming birth, autonomy, and truth. Designed for parents, birth workers, and changemakers, the conference is about honoring physiology, challenging the status quo, and reclaiming your birthright.

📍 Ontario – September 19 & 20, 2025 🌐 reclaimingbirthconference.com 📸 @reclaimbirthconference

📍 Montreal – October 25, 2025 🌐 reclaimingbirthmontreal.ca 📸 @reclaiming.birth.montreal

•  Instagram:@birthinginstincts

•  Podcast: Birthing Instincts
•  Website: birthinginstincts.com

•  Instagram: @rawmomversations • Website: rawmomversations.com

The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Can birth really be sacred in today’s world? Rivka Cymbalist, longtime birth attendant, teacher, and founder of The Mysteries Birth School, says absolutely—and reminds us that physiological birth is not only possible, but powerful. With over two decades of experience and a heart rooted in storytelling and herbal wisdom, Rivka brings reverence, gentleness, and grounded truth to the conversation.

In this soulful and inspiring episode, Rivka unpacks what it means to truly reclaim birth. We talk about navigating birthing choices, the emotional terrain of becoming a mother, and how to trust our instincts in a world that often tells us not to. She shares insight into “the mysteries” of birth, why not all OBs are created equal, and how sacredness can still exist—no matter where or how you birth.

If you’ve ever felt pulled toward a deeper, more intuitive path to birth, this episode will affirm what your body already knows: You were made for this.

• What physiological birth really means (and how to access it) • Why understanding your OB or midwife’s philosophy matters • How Rivka’s five births shaped her work as a mentor and guide • The role of intuition in decision-making around birth • The deeper meaning behind “the mysteries” of birth • How to reclaim agency, even in hospital settings • Why birth is a spiritual rite—not just a medical event • The surprising ways fear can shape birth outcomes • How to stay soft and strong when navigating your birth plan • The beauty of holding space without judgment

This powerful in-person gathering brings together voices from around the world who are reclaiming birth, sovereignty, and truth. A space for parents, birth workers, and changemakers, this conference is about unlearning, remembering, and rising.

Catch Rivka Cymbalist and other featured speakers at:

📍 Montreal – Oct 25, 2025 attune.studio/reclaimingbirth-montreal 📸 @reclaiming.birth.montreal

• Podcast: Baby Magic Podcast • Website: rivkacymbalist.com • The Mysteries Birth School: rivkacymbalist.com/the-mysteries-birth-school

• Instagram: @rawmomversations • Website: rawmomversations.com

Email: rawmomversations@gmail.com

The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Can you really heal from birth trauma? Billie Harrigan, traditional birth companion, educator, and founder of Birth Trauma Ontario, says yes—when we name what really happened and reclaim our stories. With over 40 years of experience, Billie has supported countless women through birth, postpartum, and the long road of healing after difficult or traumatic experiences.

In this raw and deeply validating episode, we dive into the nuances of birth trauma, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways obstetric violence shows up, and why so many mothers are left feeling silenced or dismissed after birth. Billie brings clarity, compassion, and fierce truth-telling to a topic that desperately needs to be spoken about.

If you’ve ever walked away from your birth feeling confused, hurt, or like something just wasn’t right—this conversation is for you. You are not broken. Your feelings are valid. And healing is possible.

•  What counts as birth trauma—and why it’s more common than we think • How narcissistic abuse patterns show up in obstetric care • The physiological impact of trauma on the nervous system • Why validation and storytelling are essential to healing • How the current system erodes maternal instincts • The power of traditional birth work in reclaiming autonomy • Why women need community, not correction • How to gently reprocess a birth experience that didn’t feel right • Billie’s tips for choosing support that centers you • What recovery can look like—even years later

This powerful in-person gathering brings together voices from around the world who are reclaiming birth, sovereignty, and truth. A space for parents, birth workers, and changemakers, this conference is about unlearning, remembering, and rising. Catch Billie Harrigan and other featured speakers at:

Ontario – Sept 19 & 20, 2025 reclaimingbirthconference.com @reclaimbirthconference

Montreal – Oct 25, 2025 attune.studio/reclaimingbirth-montreal @reclaiming.birth.montreal

• Instagram: @billieharrigan • Website: billieharrigan.com • birthtraumaontario.ca

• Instagram: @rawmomversations • Website: rawmomversations.com

• Email: rawmomversations@gmail.com

The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!