Podcast Summary: Realfoodology Episode - "Natural Birth, Epidurals, + The Real Risks of Formula | Lindsey Meehleis"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Realfoodology
• Host: Courtney Swan
• Guest: Lindsey Mihalis
• Episode Title: Natural Birth, Epidurals, + The Real Risks of Formula
• Release Date: April 15, 2025
• Produced By: Wellness Loud

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Realfoodology podcast, host Courtney Swan engages in an insightful conversation with Lindsey Mihalis, a multifaceted midwife, doula, lactation consultant, CPR instructor, and emergency medical technician specializing in neonatal resuscitation. Together, they delve deep into the intricacies of childbirth, emphasizing the significance of natural birth, the implications of medical interventions like epidurals, and the genuine risks associated with formula feeding.

The Importance of Natural Birth and Rites of Passage

Lindsey Mihalis begins by emphasizing childbirth as a profound rite of passage for women, highlighting its role in shaping primal patterns that influence a person's life.

• "Birth is an actual art and it's one of our first experiences as a human... how we were born and how we were treated at birth actually gives us these deep imprinted, primal patterns that we can create throughout our whole life." [04:37]

She contrasts modern medicalized births with traditional birthing practices, illustrating how the latter fostered stronger emotional and hormonal bonds between mother and child.

• "If you're welcomed in a gentle way and you're talked to with soft voices and the lights are low... you really think that life out here is pretty good." [07:00]

Impact of Medical Interventions on Birth Experience

Epidurals and Their Effects

The discussion shifts to the use of epidurals during childbirth. Courtney expresses concerns about the addition of fentanyl to epidurals and its subsequent effects on both mother and baby.

• "I heard that epidurals, they're now adding fentanyl to them. ... it affects postpartum mentally for the mom, and then sometimes it can help the baby or it affects the baby where they may not be able to latch on right away." [13:41]

Lindsey elaborates on the physiological and psychological repercussions of epidurals, noting their interference with hormone receptors and the potential increase in postpartum issues such as depression and anxiety.

• "Anytime that we're giving something synthetic, it's going to knock off that dynamic feedback with all of the hormones in our brain... it can impact many things." [15:12]

The Issue with Formula Feeding

The conversation then transitions to the risks associated with formula feeding. Lindsey criticizes the composition of many baby formulas, pointing out harmful ingredients like seed oils and high fructose corn syrup.

• "Most formula is made up of seed oils and high fructose corn syrup. Like, how is that a good building block and foundation for the entire nutrition basis of your life? That's not." [00:02]

She shares alarming historical insights about formula companies' unethical practices, particularly referencing Nestlé's involvement in impoverished regions and the subsequent health crises.

• "There was thousands and thousands of babies dying from this... it's still America. Like we still have high unemployment rates, we still have people on... there's across the board." [18:08]

Courtney adds to the discourse by highlighting the deceptive labeling changes from "high fructose corn syrup" to "corn syrup solids" to mitigate public concern.

• "They relabeled it so that mothers weren't as concerned anymore because now our Ds that are more on the traditional route... they're all in lockstep now saying, well, corn syrup solids are actually really healthy for a baby." [22:42]

Breastfeeding and Formula Risks

Lindsey passionately advocates for breastfeeding, citing its numerous health benefits for both mother and child. She underscores the inadequacies of formula in replicating the dynamic and adaptive nature of breast milk.

• "You can't mimic God's perfect design... you can't even mimic it from hour to hour." [33:16]

She also discusses the broader systemic issues that hinder successful breastfeeding rates, including hospital practices that prioritize formula supplementation.

• "If we fix birth, then we're not going to see as many breastfeeding problems... we need to stop saying that fed is best because we have to realize that what's optimal for your baby is what we should be promoting." [26:25]

Courtney concurs, emphasizing the economic motivations behind formula promotion and the detrimental impact of short maternity leaves on breastfeeding success.

• "Because they don't want women to have longer maternity leaves because the shorter maternity leave they have, then they have more customers." [24:35]

The Maha Movement and Coalition for Moms

The episode introduces the Maha Mom Coalition, an initiative spearheaded by Lindsey and Courtney to address pressing issues related to maternal and child health. This movement aims to tackle infertility rates, environmental toxins affecting reproductive health, and inadequate postpartum support systems.

• "We're calling it the roots of the nation... can you look at the atrazine? Can you look at the glyphosate? Can you look at all the plastics that are mimicking estrogen... that's something that we really need to talk about." [44:14]

Lindsey highlights the bipartisan nature of the movement, distancing it from political affiliations and emphasizing its foundational role in securing a healthy future for the next generations.

• "This is a bipartisan movement. This has nothing to do with any political affiliation. This is the health of our generation." [50:13]

Gestational Diabetes Testing and Metabolic Health

Addressing prenatal care, Lindsey critiques the conventional approaches to gestational diabetes testing, advocating for more proactive and individualized monitoring of blood sugar levels.

• "Whenever I have somebody that comes in through my clinic, it's the first thing we do with blood work is I run a hemoglobin A1C... if anybody's over 5.3, I have them get a continuous glucose monitor." [52:12]

She explains the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in empowering mothers to understand and manage their metabolic health during pregnancy.

• "Everything that does is impacting our blood sugars throughout the day... it's empowering." [53:37]

Advice for Natural Birth Decision-Making

Towards the end of the episode, Courtney seeks Lindsey's guidance on navigating childbirth decisions, especially for first-time mothers contemplating home births versus birthing centers.

• "What would be your advice to someone about making that decision?" [55:36]

Lindsey advises thorough research and emphasizes the importance of choosing a midwife who aligns with one's core values and supports individualized care.

• "Do your research... find a midwife that aligns with your core values... Your intuition knows what you need." [69:10]

She also shares experiences highlighting the challenges and limitations of birthing centers, advocating for home births as the safer and more nurturing environment when compared to hospital settings.

• "If you live in a major metropolitan area, the safest place you're going to be is your own home." [59:41]

Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with Lindsey sharing information about her online presence and the ongoing efforts of the Maha Mom Coalition. Both hosts reiterate the importance of empowering women, fostering informed childbirth choices, and advocating for systemic changes to support maternal and child health.

• "We have to bring back the sacredness of them... value children in this country again." [48:10]

Notable Quotes

• Lindsey Mihalis:

  • "Birth is an actual art and it's one of our first experiences as a human... how we were born and how we were treated at birth actually gives us these deep imprinted, primal patterns that we can create throughout our whole life." [04:37]
  • "Anytime that we're giving something synthetic, it's going to knock off that dynamic feedback with all of the hormones in our brain... it can impact many things." [15:12]
  • "You can't mimic God's perfect design... you can't even mimic it from hour to hour." [33:16]
  • "We're calling it the roots of the nation... can you look at the atrazine? Can you look at the glyphosate? Can you look at all the plastics that are mimicking estrogen... that's something that we really need to talk about." [44:14]
  • "Do your research... find a midwife that aligns with your core values... Your intuition knows what you need." [69:10]

• Courtney Swan:

  • "It's not about shaming anyone that has gone through it in a different way." [12:17]
  • "Why are women getting so mad when we're trying to just share that breastfeeding is ultimately the healthiest for a baby? This is what I don't understand." [32:20]
  • "Luxury shouldn't be out of reach." [29:41]
  • "There's no individual care anymore. It's like everyone's just crossing off boxes." [67:23]

Conclusion

This episode of Realfoodology offers a profound exploration of childbirth's natural processes, the unintended consequences of medical interventions, and the critical role of breastfeeding in child health. Lindsey Mihalis provides expert insights into how societal and systemic changes are essential for empowering mothers and ensuring the well-being of future generations. The conversation underscores the importance of informed choices, individualized care, and collective action through movements like the Maha Mom Coalition to transform America's broken food and healthcare systems.

For more information, visit www.realfoodology.com and follow Courtney on Instagram @realfoodology. To connect with Lindsey Mihalis, visit theremembering.com or join the Maha Mom Coalition.