What happens when we monitor birth too much?In this episode, Blyss and Stu pull back the curtain on one of the most normalized, and least questioned, practices in modern obstetrics: continuous monitoring. What starts as “safety” can quietly become interference, and the consequences aren’t small.Together, they break down how over-monitoring can derail physiologic birth, increase unnecessary interventions, and shift trust away from a woman’s body and into machines. From hospital protocols to real-world birth room dynamics, this conversation challenges the narrative that more data always equals better outcomes.If you’ve ever been told “we just want to keep an eye on things,” this episode will make you ask: at what cost?References:Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #416: Disentangling Mono-chorionic TwinsDr. Stu’s Mind Attic: Routine Use of Color Flow Doppler: Who Benefits? (youtube.com/@birthinginstinctspodcast)Birthing Instincts Podcast Episode #433: Q & A with Dr. K, Pregnancy SpecialistBirthing Instincts Podcast Episode #294 Group B Strep: Prioritizing Agenda Over ScienceBirthing Instincts Podcast Episode #408: Neonatal Jaundice. Be Vigilant, Not OverzealousDiscussed in This EpisodeHow monitoring became synonymous with safetyThe unintended consequences of continuous fetal monitoringFriedman’s Curve: The outdated standard still running birthWhat the research actually says about EFMHow liability and fear shape birth practicesBreaking down the glucose drink, thresholds, and alternativesWhen NSTs are useful, and when they’re just routineBiophysical Profiles: What Are We Really Looking For?Color Flow Doppler: More Information…or More Intervention?How “abnormal” findings can fast-track inductionPractical, empowering questions for parents navigating hospital birthPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order, or wenatal.com/birthinginstinctswnp for the new Protein + offer.LMNT | Got to lmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian 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 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands