112. Pregnancy and the Patriachy w/Molly Mitchell-Hardt

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Episode 112- How do patriarchal medical systems affect women at their most vulnerable during pregnancy and childbirth? How can we better honor the deep intuitive wisdom of the mama during this transformational period? In this episode, we discuss all aspects of this topic with Molly Mitchell-Hardt who just finished her thesis entitled, "Pregnancy and the Patriarchy," written while she was pregnant with her first born son. We discuss the way the patriarchy forms "the soup we swim in" and how we can fight back with informed empowerment. Hear all about Molly's home birth and how she stood up to institutional fear in order to follow her body's wisdom.

Show Notes

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WITH SPECIAL GUEST, MOLLY MITCHELL-HEARDT!   As the youngest and only girl in a family of three brothers and a dad who taught at MIT, Molly Mitchell-Hardt had to grow up both tough and quick thinking. After growing out of a career as a childhood gymnast, she eventually graduated from USC, dove deep into the word of yoga practice, becoming a yoga teacher and teaching in Venice CA, before going on to get her masters degree in psychology from Pacifica University where she presented her master's thesis entitled "Pregnancy and the Patriarchy" while breastfeeding her newborn son Roch. She works as a psychotherapist in Venice, CA. 

​DEFINITION of PREGNANCY AND THE PATRIARCHY:  Like all things in our current reality, the western medical system was set up by mostly male doctors with no consideration for ancient female wisdom. After midwifery was demonized in the early 1900's, the rise of male controlled pregnancies and birth have been the standard for at least a few generations. Pregnant women today are expected to conform to these norms without question, but due to the rising consciousness on the planet, more and more mamas are opting for more intuitive approaches to birthing and taking control back for themselves.​
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​MAIN POINTS:

• Patriarchy does not equal masculinity! Patriarchy is unbalanced respect for males over females.
• It is "normal" in our society to give power over our health away to doctors.
• You can research your choices!
• Many face fear from husbands/families/friends. on health/pregnancy choices such as home birth. Hear tips on pushing through this.
• Patriarchy is so normal to us. "It's the soup we are swimming in."
• Many moms are made to feel irrational/crazy, when in fact the unrealistic expectations we place on modern mamas are making moms feel crazy.

Here's a book for more on the Patriarchy...

• Does how a culture treats the Earth mirrors its cultural view of the female.
• Although many strides are happening to disempower the patriarchy are happening, such as the Me Too movement, but there are still many who have limited options for birthing. For example: midwife assisted home birth is still not legal in all 50 states
• Inner work is a fundamental way to take your power back!
• Hear about Molly's beautiful birth and the tips and tricks that worked for her.

THANK YOU MOLLY! We always love conversations with you! You are a true rockstar standing up for everything that is righteous in the world, and we can't wait to watch baby Roch grow up as a warrior and example of evolved masculinity! Follow Molly's motherhood and yoga journey on Instagram. and contact her to work with her as a psychotherapist.
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​CHALLENGE/INVITATION:  How has the patriarchy infiltrated your life? How can you wake up and take your power back?

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Do you think western medicine is inherently patriarchal? How has this affected you? Let us know EVERYTHING in the comments.

​CHECK OUT THE DAYSY FERTILITY TRACKER TO TRACK YOUR CYCLE NATURALLY!