Insights into Safe and Empowering Birthing Choices
On this week's episode of With the Wind, Dr. Paul is joined by experienced midwife Salli Gonzalez to discuss the advantages and considerations of home birth. With over 16 years of midwifery experience, Salli shares her personal journey and professional expertise in helping families achieve safe and empowering birth experiences at home.
A Personal Journey into Midwifery
Salli Gonzalez’s path to midwifery began with her own birth experiences. After her first hospital birth, she sought a more personalized and natural experience for her second child, which led her to a birth center. The experience was life-changing and ignited her passion for midwifery.
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Why Choose Home Birth?
Salli explains the benefits of home birth, including:
The Role of the Midwife
Midwives ensure the safety of both mother and baby by monitoring vital signs, providing labor guidance, and assisting with natural birthing techniques. Salli shares how midwives manage different scenarios, including recognizing when a hospital transfer is necessary.
"Birth is not just about bringing a baby into the world—it’s about empowering the mother and honoring the process of life." What to Expect in a Home Birth
For those considering home birth, Salli outlines key preparation steps:
This episode of With the Wind provides valuable insights into home birthing as a safe and empowering option for families. With guidance from professionals like Salli Gonzalez, parents can make informed choices about their birthing experiences.
#HomeBirth #Midwifery #NaturalBirth #PediatricPerspectives #WithTheWind #DrPaulThomas #BirthingChoices #ParentingNaturally
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Or Subscribe to Against the Wind - Podcast in other podcatchers! Understanding Your Rights as a Parent
When it comes to vaccines, many parents feel pressured by schools, doctors, and even legislation into believing they have no choice. But the truth is, in many states, parents have the right to decline vaccinations for their children. In this episode of With the Wind, Dr. Paul Thomas sits down with Theresa Wrangham, executive director of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), to discuss the reality of vaccine mandates, the importance of informed consent, and how parents can navigate state laws to make the best decision for their families.
What Is the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)?
Founded over 40 years ago, the NVIC was created by parents who witnessed vaccine injuries firsthand. The organization has since become a leading resource for parents seeking information on vaccine exemptions, school mandates, and state-specific laws. Theresa Wrangham shares the history of NVIC and how its mission has remained steadfast: to protect parental rights and medical freedom.
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Are Vaccines Truly Mandatory for School Attendance?
One of the biggest misconceptions among parents is that all childhood vaccines are required for school enrollment. In reality, vaccine mandates vary by state, and many states allow medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions.
"The childhood vaccine schedule is a recommendation by the CDC—not a requirement. It’s up to the states to determine which vaccines are mandatory."
Theresa explains how schools often mislead parents by sending letters that make it seem like their child must be vaccinated or they won’t be allowed to attend. However, these letters frequently omit information about exemptions that parents are legally entitled to.
How to Navigate Vaccine Exemptions in Your State
For parents who wish to decline one or more vaccines, Theresa emphasizes the importance of understanding state laws. The NVIC website provides a state-by-state breakdown of available exemptions and how to apply for them.
Parents should:
What If You Live in a State with No Exemptions?
While most states offer exemptions, a few--California, New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—only allow medical exemptions (which are nearly impossible to obtain).
For parents in these states, Theresa suggests:
The Growing Pressure on Doctors to Deny Medical Exemptions
Dr. Paul and Theresa discuss how doctors face serious repercussions for issuing medical exemptions—even when justified. Physicians who provide valid exemptions risk losing their medical licenses or being publicly targeted.
"Medical exemptions are theoretically available, but in practice, doctors who issue them often face backlash. It’s putting immense pressure on physicians and forcing parents to seek other options."
Links to Websites Discussed
The discussion concludes with a powerful reminder that parents—not doctors, schools, or the government—should have the final say when it comes to their child’s medical decisions.
By educating themselves on their rights and seeking reliable information, parents can confidently make the best decisions for their children without fear or coercion.
#WithTheWind #DrPaulThomas #NVIC #VaccineExemptions #ParentingRights #InformedConsent #PediatricHealth #MedicalFreedom #HealthAdvocacy
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