In this week’s episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Blyss Stu challenge one of the most ignored questions in modern obstetrics: what does birth actually do to a human being? Joined by midwife and pre- and perinatal psychology educator Mary Jackson, they explore how experiences from conception through early childhood leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, emotional development, and lifelong behavior. Mary unpacks how routine medical interventions, often dismissed as benign or “necessary”, can carry psychological and physiological consequences for both babies and mothers, consequences that are rarely acknowledged or integrated. The conversation pushes back against a system that prioritizes efficiency and control over awareness, connection, and respect for the baby’s lived experience. This episode is an invitation to slow down, question what has been normalized in birth culture, and reconsider what it truly means to protect, honor, and support the innate intelligence of birth. About Mary: Mary Jackson started her journey to become a home birth midwife in 1975. She has had the honor to catch her second generation of babies. She supports families to integrate their early experiences of preconception throughout their life span. She incorporates Castellino somatic pre and perinatal psychology, Somatic Experience, Circle of Security, BCST, her training as an RN and Licensed Midwife. She is an international teacher/speaker and has brought her work to 12 countries. She currently teaches the Castellino foundation Training. Website: birthinconnection.com / castellinotraining.com Email: mjmidwife@gmail.com References: WSJ Article: ‘My Family Thought I Was Crazy’: More Women Are Choosing to Give Birth at Home Substack: There’s Now a Medical Code for Vaccine Counseling Without Giving a Vaccine Dr. Joe Tate, Peachtree Corners, GA TheHighwire.com The Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health Discussed in This Episode Pre and Perinatal Psychologist, Mary Jackson Recognizing Birth Interventions in Adult Life Understanding Birth Sequences and Their Impact The Phases of Labor and Birth Effects of Interventions During Labor on Baby and Mother The Baby's Experience and Long-Term Effects Repairing Birth Imprints in Children and Adults Supporting Babies and Parents Post-Birth The Importance of Birth Stories 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 Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands