On this week’s episode Blyss and Stu introduce guest Abigail Iovine, a Pennsylvania traditional midwife, and her mission to create legislation to protect traditional midwifery through her organization The National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights. Iovine discusses how legislation and institutional credentialing can criminalize basic midwifery care and shrink options. This episode outlines harms from siloed maternity care and discusses NARM’s influence.

About Abby Iovine:

Abby is a traditional midwife, mother of ten, and a passionate advocate for medical freedom who was raised with a deep love for God and family. Yes, all ten are hers, and yes, she has given birth ten times, an experience that profoundly shaped the way she approaches birth and care.

Her journey into midwifery began after the birth of her fourth child, and while pregnant with her fifth, she famously searched, “How to NOT have a baby in the hospital?” That question set her on a new path. After welcoming her first homebirth with her fifth baby, she began formally studying midwifery in 2010, later becoming a certified doula in 2013 and attending births soon after.

Trained through a five-year traditional apprenticeship under local elder midwives, she built her foundation in hands-on, relationship-centered care. In 2018, she officially began serving families through Cardinal Birth Midwifery, a family-centered, autonomy-respecting ministry that places real life, children, and family needs at the heart of care.

In 2025, she also founded the National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights, further expanding her advocacy for family-centered care and the preservation of traditional midwifery.

Facebook: ProtectTraditionalMidwifery / YourBirthMatters

Website: Natbr.org

References:

Back to Basics Podcast 42: Dr. Stu Fischbein, MD - Childbirth 101: Home birth, breech, VBAC, and more

Attend a Reteach Breech Workshop: birthinginstincts.com/events

ACOG Releases Updated Guidance on Maternal Immunizations

The Highwire Episode 464: STEEP TERRAIN

National Alliance for Traditional Birth Rights (NATBR) Federal Policy Brief

ALEC Birth Freedom Act

NATBR Petition Demand federal safeguards for traditional midwives and family choice

Discussed in This Episode

Effects of Legislation on Midwifery Investigations

Bill SB507 in Pennsylvania

AMA Influence and Hospital Control

Defining Traditional Midwifery

NARM Critique and Licensing

How Standards of Care Can Be Improved

Eradication of Midwifery and its Impact on Maternal Mortality

“Heritage Care” Brief to Protect Midwifery

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care

This show is supported by

WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.
Christian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.
Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off
Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off

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#456: Principalities & Powers & Protecting Traditional Midwifery with Abby Iovine