Born Free Method: The Podcast

The maternal mortality rate for black women in the US is almost three times that of white women. Around the country, black women seeking maternal care are disregarded at a time when they’re most vulnerable.Today, I’m joined by Birth Doula and educator Keshia Lockett of Empowered Black Doula, who is on a mission to empower pregnant people. Through her work, Keshia is a much-needed facilitator between clients and their providers, and she offers emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant people, mainly in the black communityI’m inspired by the way Keshia shows up in the world and grateful to her for sharing her experiences with us. She shared so many insights; I know you’ll get a lot of value when you listen.[00:12:16] Social Media Misinformation[00:23:03] Empowered Black Doula[00:29:52] The Balancing Effect of a Doula's Support[00:42:04] Racism in Maternal Care[00:51:47] Maternal Mortality Rates for Black Women[01:03:48] Vaginal Steaming[01:05:23] Supporting Women in BirthVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/99Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Pumpkin Spice Gold Latte! "It's like autumn, and a marshmallow had a baby!"BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only magnesium supplement you'll ever need!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!Connect with Keshia LockettWebsite | EmpoweredBlackDoula.comTikTok @keshiathedoulaInstagram @EmpoweredBlackDoulaConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

For almost nine years, Natasha Kingsbury battled with bulimia. For years before that, she fought anorexia. The whole time, nobody knew. Her story highlights the fact that no one look signals an eating disorder. It could be the ultra-thin model, the ripped athlete, the guy always showing off his abs or the sexy Playboy Club host.Disordered eating and body dysmorphia are something I’m seeing come up more and more in my practice and among friends and family. It’s much more common than we think, and it shows up in unexpected ways.I am so delighted that I have a person in my life who's willing to come on and talk about this issue which is often kept under wraps. Tash's story is so illuminating, and she shared so many insights not only for people who may be struggling with disordered eating but also for those who think it might be affecting someone they love.[00:12:06] Background & Family Life[00:14:29] Natasha’s Origin Story[00:20:54] An Evolving Relationship with Self[00:28:22] From Restriction to Purging[00:35:24] Getting Off Track[00:42:29] Blossoming Into Her Womanly Body[00:48:50] The Healing Journey[00:57:16] A Mind-Body-Spirit ApproachVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/98Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Pumpkin Spice Gold Latte! "It's like autumn, and a marshmallow had a baby!"BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only magnesium supplement you'll ever need!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!Connect with Natasha KingsburyInstagram @livingwiththekingsburysConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Ayurveda is about the nature of the universe and how that applies to human life and living. It originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and centers around prevention and the maintenance of health rather than the treatment of disease. Ayurveda helps practitioners create balance in their bodies to find optimal health and vitality based on their unique constitution.I’m joined by Amaya Shiva, an Ayurvedic practitioner dedicating her life to helping others find their balance. We spoke about the core principles of Ayurveda, the characteristics of the three doshas and how they can help to inform your choices, and recommendations to learn more about Ayurveda.[00:14:36] Vedic Astrology[00:19:03] History of Ayurveda[00:25:26] Insights Into Self[00:33:30] Healing Power of Ayurveda[00:53:33] Menstrual Cycle & Ayurveda[01:07:54] The Whole Person Approach[01:13:56] Enhancing Your Libido[01:20:34] Ayurveda in the Present DayVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/97Made possible by:Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Pumpkin Spice Gold Latte! "It's like autumn, and a marshmallow had a baby!"FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!Immune Intel AHCC - code BELOVED10 for 10% off their incredible immune-boosting product to balance your adrenals and clear HPV from your body!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only magnesium supplement you'll ever need!Connect with Amaya ShivaWebsite: SiddhaLabs.com - code BELOVED10 for 10% off Amaya's Ayurvedic supplementsInstagram @AmayaShivaConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

“If you’re going to make it in this world as a couple, hard conversations are important.”Every single person I bring to this podcast is someone who I know will be open to having the heartfelt conversations that need to happen about how we care for ourselves and one another.What makes today different is that I’ve let go of my role as interviewer, and I’m sitting side by side with my wife, Stephanie Riley, to talk about vasectomies and healing after pregnancy loss.In this candid and necessary dialogue, we opened up about what was a difficult time for both of us and explored how our perceptions have shifted over time as we’ve integrated the experience.This discussion wasn’t easy, and it’s a true reflection of the flexibility that you need to have a lasting, healthy partnership. You’re not entitled to have a joyful relationship that lasts a lifetime. It takes real work. You have to be willing to be humbled and to compromise and to learn to flow together.I hope that this conversation provides insight into how much empathy is needed on both sides when it comes to talking about contraception and whether you want to grow your family further.[00:14:34] The “Easy” Decision[00:22:42] A Dark Pit of Despair[00:32:58] A Rollercoaster of Emotions[00:42:49] The Bumpy Path to Surgery[01:00:12] The Procedure[01:04:32] Our Reflections on the JourneyVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/96Made possible by:Organifi - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their green and red juice for a natural boost to your energy and mood!BIRTHFIT - use our code BELOVED to get one month FREE in the B! Community!FullWell - use our code BELOVED10 for 10% off their high-quality prenatal vitamins!Immune Intel AHCC - use our code BELOVED10 for 10% off their incredible immune-boosting product!Connect with Stephanie Riley:Instagram @ohgeezowConnect with me:Instagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

The opportunity to connect with your baby’s soul energy starts long before conception.Today’s special guest, Emily Greene, is a Psychic Medium and Spirit Baby Medium who has a beautiful ability to put clear language to something that is otherwise abstract. With her connection to spirit, Emily has helped many women conceive by opening their awareness to their innate intuitive abilities and connecting them to the souls of their children, past, present, and future.In our conversation, we explore the transformation that spirit babies are meant to bring in our lives, how you can start communicating with your spirit baby, and why conscious conception matters.[00:10:21] Finding Your Voice[00:12:34] Emily’s Reawakening[00:20:04] Spirit Baby Work[00:31:36] Working with Plant Medicine[00:35:30] Embodiment of the Essence[00:41:13] Full Sensory Perception[00:48:00] Intuitive & Psychic Development[00:55:14] Conscious Conception[01:08:18] Calling In Your Spirit Baby[01:22:23] Spiritual Blocks to Conception[01:30:49] Learn More & Connect with EmilyVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/95Made possible by:FullWell - use our code BELOVED10 for 10% off their high-quality prenatal vitamins!Organifi - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their green and red juice for a natural boost to your energy and mood!BiOptimizers - use our code BELOVED for 10% off supplements plus free gut health goodies!BIRTHFIT - use our code BELOVED to get one month FREE in the B! Community!Connect with Emily Greene:Instagram @EmilyTheMediumWebsite: EmilyTheMedium.comEmily The Medium PodcastConnect with me:Instagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

With strict and sometimes oppressive licensing and regulatory requirements, the average midwife has to prioritize maintaining their license over the experience of the birthing person.Today I am so grateful to introduce you to Whapio Bartlett. Whapio has been an Independent Midwife for over 30 years, attending women and families in birth and educating women in the Arts of Midwifery and Healing. She also teaches Homeopathy and is affiliated with HANA (Hahnemann Academy of North America). She speaks and frequently writes about Quantum Midwifery and Returning Birth to the Family.In our conversation, we explore what it means to be a wisdom keeper, her wise woman midwifery care model, and how you can become a birthkeeper who meets the educational standards while maintaining the integrity of what it means to be a person attending to birth. You’re going to love this episode.[00:13:11] Conversation With The Creator[00:19:11] Altered States[00:32:32] Trust & Transparency[00:47:30] Becoming a Birth Attendant[00:52:33] What’s Behind the Title of Midwife[01:06:27] The Light of New Birth[01:21:50] The Wise Woman Midwifery Care Model[01:30:22] Decriminalizing Heart-Centered Medical CareVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/94Made possible by:FullWell - use our code BELOVED10 for 10% off their high-quality prenatal vitamins!Organifi - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their green and red juice for a natural boost to your energy and mood!BiOptimizers - use our code BELOVED for 10% off supplements plus free gut health goodies!BIRTHFIT - use our code BELOVED to get one month FREE in the B! Community!Connect with Whapio Bartlett:Website | TheMatrona.comInstagram @whapio_and_thematronaConnect with me:Instagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

The human experience is marked at intervals by significant rites of passage. These transitions are just as important as the moments of birth and death - they’re everything that happens in between.Holistic health and fitness expert Amy Fournier is doing remarkable things in the holistic coaching space and through her podcast Awakening Aphrodite. Amy’s journey started like many of us, disconnected from our senses, pushing forward without really living life. After burning out and transforming her life, she now helps others harmonize their masculine and feminine energies and connect to their intuition, soul, and nature.As she's starting to transform into the Wise Woman, I wanted to bring her onto the show to share some of her insights, and she delivers in the way that only she can. This deep conversation covered topics from fitness to religion, witchcraft, ageism, and more. I know you’ll love this conversation with Amy Fournier.[00:09:33] Plant Medicine for Healing Your Subconscious[00:14:53] Coaching and Mentorship from Paul Chek [00:20:13] Holism - Everything Is Connected[00:26:26] Embrace and Nourish The Yin[00:34:05] Awakening Aphrodite[00:44:15] Life Transitions As A Woman[00:51:23] The Divine Feminine[01:04:18] Rites of Passage[01:12:49] Appreciation of Our Wise Elders[01:22:10] Embracing the FeminineVisit the show notes for resources, links mentioned, and more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/93Made possible by:FullWell - use our code BELOVED10 for 10% off their high-quality prenatal vitamins!Organifi - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their green and red juice for a natural boost to your energy and mood!Immune Intel AHCC - use our code BELOVED10 for 10% off their incredible immune-boosting product!Connect with Amy Fournier:Website AmyFournier.comAwakening Aphrodite PodcastInstagram @fitamytvConnect with me:Instagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Women’s sexuality is the source of their power and their magic, yet there’s still so much shame wrapped up with it.Throughout history, the church and the state have held on to a deep fear of women’s power. Even today, society continues to condition women to scorn their sexuality and repress it. Love, sex, and relationship coach Jade Bryce is on a mission to help people to break this conditioning, feel safe to experience pleasure, and feel worthy and deserving of pleasure.In this interview, we talk about the deep wounds left by a fear-based, religious upbringing, Jade’s realization that we are the source of our pleasure, how she reached over 70 orgasms in one week without a partner and at least half without touch, tools to connect the divine and the physical, and how to heal from birth trauma.[07:08] Welcome Jade Bryce[08:23] The Birth Control Pill[14:43] Womb Wounds[18:22] Tools & Divine Visualization To Clear Womb Trauma[26:52] Pleasure is Dangerous[31:53] The Magic of Orgasm[39:25] Archetypal Transitions[47:52] Healing From Traumatic Birth Experiences[57:19] Learn More & Connect with Jade[59:49] Healing with BreathworkVisit the show notes for resources, links mentioned, and more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/podcast/jadebryceMade possible by:Fit For Birth - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their pregnancy and postpartum-specific coaching!Organifi - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their green and red juice for a natural boost to your energy and mood!Connect with Jade Bryce:Untamed & Unashamed PodcastInstagram @TheJadeBryceFacebook @TheJadeBryceTwitter @TheJadeBryceEmail: jadebryce@gmail.comConnect with me:Instagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

We live in a time where having a home birth is a privilege, and the only way to do it with a home birth midwife is to be in peak health.Lindsey Meehleis is a home birth midwife who is passionate about helping her clients exercise their autonomy. She wants women to know that the best way to give birth wherever you want is to take care of yourself through your diet and lifestyle and that there are simple, affordable ways to do so.As birth workers, we need the language and insight into how to hold space for a pregnant woman or her partner who goes through one of these tragic, albeit rare, events. Lindsey has an insightful perspective on the divine experiences surrounding birth and death, and I love that she's willing to get deep into this. I’m sure you’ll learn so much from this episode.[00:11:32] Lindsey’s Transformative Birth Experience[00:16:32] Working Outside of the Hospital System[00:21:33] Veganism in Pregnancy[00:39:25] Connecting With Our Food[00:46:39] Reverence for Death[00:53:42] Finding Meaning in Death[01:03:39] Breathwork in Pregnancy & Labor[01:11:51] Midwife LicensingVisit the show notes for resources, links mentioned, and more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/podcast/sandraalvarezMade possible by:Fit For Birth - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their pregnancy and postpartum-specific coaching!FullWell - use our code BELOVED10 for 10% off their high-quality prenatal vitamins!Terra & Co. - use our code BELOVED15 for 15% off their dental care products that work with nature!Organifi - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their green and red juice for a natural boost to your energy and mood!Lindsey Meehleis:Website | Creatingritual.comInstagram @lindsey_meehleisFind me:Instagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

There’s a giant game of monopoly being played by healthcare providers in our country, and neither you nor I stand to benefit.Sandra Alvarez’s latest film, InHospitable, shines a light on two specific players in the game in my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - a place that's very near and dear to me.Tensions rose when the dominant healthcare provider UPMC created its own insurance company. Patients previously receiving care with UPMC providers and at their hospitals were pushed out unless they switched to UPMC’s insurance. In response, Highmark, the dominant insurer, started its medical provider, Allegheny Health Network.The two continue to battle it out for market share.This type of infighting amongst organizations claiming to provide care to the community makes you wonder whose interests they really care about and InHospitable does a great job of clarifying some of these very confronting issues. [06:53] The Secret Hospital War[11:24] Community Impact[14:12] The Insurance Wars: UPMC vs. Highmark[21:01] For-Profit vs. Non-Profit Hospital Models[28:17] Primary Drivers of Hospitalization Costs[38:38] The Cost of Childbirth[45:39] We Need ChangeVisit the show notes for resources, links mentioned, and more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/podcast/sandraalvarezMade possible by:Fit For Birth - use our code BELOVED for 20% off pregnancy and postpartum-specific coaching!Organifi - use our code BELOVED for 20% off their green and red juice for a natural boost to your energy and mood!InHospitable & Sandra Alvarez:Sandra Alvarez on Instagram @SandraSeesAllWebsite | InHospitableFilm.comTwitter @InHospitableFlmInstagram @InHospitableFilmFacebook | Inhospitable FilmFind me:Instagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe