This week, Blyss and Stu welcome Doula Dude, Travis Stroud, whose perspective has captivated millions of viewers in just a few short months. Travis never imagined he'd become one of the loudest voices encouraging fathers to educate themselves about pregnancy and birth. But after preparing for nearly two years, he and his wife chose a wild pregnancy and freebirth at home that forever changed the course of his life.

Together they discuss why men have become disconnected from birth, what fathers lose when they're pushed to the sidelines, and why Travis believes childbirth is the "biggest rabbit hole" because it touches every aspect of health, family, and society.

Whether you agree with every perspective or not, this conversation challenges listeners to ask questions, become informed, and reconsider the role fathers can play in protecting and supporting mothers during birth.

About Travis Stroud:

Travis is a 31-year-old husband and father in the small town of Brunswick, Maryland. On Valentine's Day in 2024, he and his wife welcomed their daughter through a planned free birth at home Travis was the sole birth attendant, and together they managed every aspect of the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey, with the exception of some postpartum support from his mother-in-law.

The couple spent nearly two years preparing, beginning their research and planning back in 2022, before they had even conceived. Their birth experience profoundly changed Travis's perspective on pregnancy, birth, and fatherhood in ways he never expected.

Today, he is passionate about sharing their story and the lessons they learned, inspiring conversations about birth trust, and the incredible role fathers can play in the journey.

Instagram: @Doula.dude

Eyla Cuenca's Uncover Birth Doula Training (Use code STU for 10% off)

Dr. Bradley's Husband-Coached Childbirth book

References:

Earthbound Parenting Podcast: Mentorship & the Things That Weave Us with Blyss Young

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentorship-the-things-that-weave-us-with-blyss-young/id1612737552?i=1000776872540

Breech Birth Podcast: S5 Ep6 Dr Stuart Fischbein: Twins, VBAC, disempowered doctors & hospital systems

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kef3azO2lkResOw4LMCmj?si=2vODGoHQS9Wr_9ikDMkMrg&nd=1&dlsi=f2411fe90011441d

Germany drops routine COVID vaccination advice for healthy people under 75

https://goodoil.news/germany-drops-routine-covid-vaccination-advice-for-healthy-people-under-75/#google_vignette

Discussed in This Episode

Preparing for Birth Before Pregnancy
Travis’ Wild Pregnancy & Freebirth Story
Why Birth Became His Mission
Who Controls Birth?
Why Fathers Matter
How Families Evaluate Risk
The Importance of Informed Decision-Making
Why Every Parent Deserves to Understand All of their Options

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

This show is supported by

LMNT | Got to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any order
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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