Evidence Based Birth®

Have you ever wondered what the evidence is on epidurals for pain management during labor? Join us on today’s podcast as we discuss most recent evidence on epidurals, spinals, and combined spinal-epidurals! We’ll begin with some background on these methods, including how common they are in the U.S. and around the world, before moving on to the effectiveness, benefits, and risks for use during labor. We’ll also talk about alternative methods of pain relief during labor, and share recommendations from professional healthcare organizations. [Bonus addition to the podcast at 20:00: We talk about the study on epidurals out of Scotland [Kearns et al. 2024] that is generating lots of news headlines!] Join us to learn more about pain relief options during labor!   Content Note: Topics related to epidural use, how they’re provided (including needles and catheters), and the benefits and risks of this intervention. Discussion of assisted vaginal delivery (forceps and vacuum deliveries), severe maternal complications,

Brandie Bishop, CEO of the National Black Doulas Association (NBDA), joins us to explore the vital role of doulas in supporting pregnant individuals and families within Black and Brown communities. From her early experiences working with refugee families to her passion for advocating for marginalized populations, Brandie's unique journey into birth work led to her role today— continuing NBDA's mission of training the next generation of Black doulas. Through comprehensive trainings and mentorship programs, NBDA aims to empower doulas to make a meaningful impact in reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring equitable access to compassionate care for all birthing people. Join us as we celebrate the principles, values, and ancestral knowledge driving the NBDA's vision for the future of doula care. Learn more about the National Black Doulas Association here. Check out Your Tribe Family Services here. For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.co

In this episode, Dr. Dekker's joined by Gena Jaffe, an LGBTQ+ activist, attorney, and founder of Connecting Rainbows©️. Gena shares her personal story of embarking on reciprocal IVF with her wife and the legal hurdles they faced as a lesbian couple. From navigating complex parental rights to accessing inclusive healthcare, Gena sheds light on the challenges faced by some LGBTQ+ individuals and families on their path to parenthood.  Gena's experience led her to creating Connecting Rainbows©️, a groundbreaking organization offering free legal and fertility resources tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Tune in for an empowering conversation celebrating diversity, resilience, and the journey of building loving, inclusive families.   Resources: Learn more about Connecting Rainbows©️ here! Follow Connecting Rainbows©️ on Instagram. Find support from Fertility Out Loud here. Learn more about the Family Equality Council here. EBB 227 – Amplifying the Need for Intersectional Birth Support for QTBIPOC

Learn about the world of babywearing, including its impact on infant development, digestion, and sleep with Whitney Dula, a maternal child health advocate and founder of The Mama's Dula. Whitney shares her personal journey into babywearing, the rich cultural history of babywearing, its role in community-based child-rearing practices, and practical tips for parents. From fostering a close bond between caregivers and babies to being an affordable alternative to expensive baby carriers, learn how this practice could benefit you and your child. Learn more about Whitney and The Mama's Dula here. Follow Whitney on Instragram, TikTok and Facebook. Check out the baby wraps and carriers mentioned in this episode: Moby Wrap® Tula® Ergobaby® Boba® For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas:

In this episode, EBB Childbirth Class graduates Melissa and Brendon Smyles' share their experiences preparing for an unmedicated birth while embracing flexibility in their birthing plan. From the unexpected premature rupture of membranes to the decision to use fentanyl for rest during labor, Melissa and Brendon tell their birth story, emphasizing the importance of informed choices and personalized support. Join us as they reflect on the transformative power of evidence-based education and the profound impact of tailored guidance and informed decision making in achieving a positive birth outcome.   Resources: Get the Evidence on Injectable Opioids for Pain Management during Labor here. And learn about it on YouTube, here! Learn more about their doula, Alycia, here! EBB 267 - Debunking the Myths about Fundal Massage with Barbie Christianson, RN EBB 256 – Top 3 Recommendations for Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after Birth with Dr. Sarah Duvall, Founder of Core Exercise Solutions Find

Were you aware that beyond the standard epidural, there is an additional medication option for managing pain during childbirth? Today, Dr. Dekker discusses another common option, intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) opioids. Dr. Dekker explains the different types of injectable opioids available during labor, how they work, and the current evidence that you need to know to make an informed decision. Plus, learn about the benefits and risks of IV opioids for pain relief labor and an in-depth look at one opioid in particular: Remifentanil, which is commonly given through a “Patient-Controlled Analgesia” or PCA pump. EBB Pocket Guide to Interventions (https://ebbirth.com/shop) EBB Pocket Guide to Comfort Measures (https://ebbirth.com/shop) More YouTube videos mentioning IV Opioids among other options: Pain Management During Labor, Regional Anesthesia - Maternity Nursing Anesthesia Options for Labor & Delivery Prescribing Guidelines for Pregnant Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Narco

For Nurse's Week 2024, we wanted to share a replay of one of our favorite episodes at EBB, and that is an interview with Melissa Anne DuBois about shifting from hospital labor and delivery nurse to home birth advocate. Content note: Discussion of obstetric racism and graphic description of obstetric violence. Melissa Anne DuBois is an experienced perinatal nurse living in Central Massachusetts. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Nursing in 2006 and has worked in a variety of perinatal settings since 2007 including in-patient labor and delivery, high-risk obstetrics, outpatient OB-GYN, homebirth, and postpartum home health. Melissa Anne became a childbirth educator in 2011 and a lactation counselor in 2014 and currently teaches childbirth classes for babiesincommon.com. Melissa Anne is also the mother of three children. In today’s replay, you’re going to listen to Melissa tell her birth story, as well as her unique perspective on labor and delivery nursing, whi

Join us in diving deep into Myla Flores' incredible story of becoming a leader and visionary in the birth field! From Myla's early experiences as a birth doula to her ongoing advocacy for safe, dignified birth options, Myla's passion shines through as she discusses the challenges and triumphs of birth work.  Discover how The Womb Bus, a mobile wellness hub, brings essential education, resources, and outreach to blossoming families in under-resourced areas. Learn about Myla's vision for The Birthing Place, a future birth center that will offer midwifery-led collaborative care, and about group efforts to expand access to safe, informed reproductive care for all. Tune in to hear firsthand accounts of the impact The Womb Bus has had on neighborhoods in NYC, providing vital services and support to those who need it most. From fibroid screenings to lactation support, Myla and her team are breaking down barriers and creating pathways to reproductive wellness and empowerment. Learn more about The Birthing Place

Dr. Rebecca Dekker is joined by Joyce Dykema, doula and EBB Instructor, and Brianna Fields, a labor and delivery nurse, to discuss advocating for positive shifts in birth culture, particularly in Nebraska. Joyce shares her journey into birth work and the impact of the Evidence Based Birth Instructor program on accessing research evidence, highlighting changes in hospital practices and provider attitudes that support more diverse birthing options.   Brianna discusses her experience in Joyce's EBB Comfort Measures Workshop—which covers the importance of language, positioning, acupressure, and eating and drinking during labor. Together, Joyce and Brianna talk about the need for ongoing education for nurses so that they can provide optimal support during childbirth. Joyce also opens up about the legislative challenges facing the birth community in Nebraska. Tune in to this episode learn about doulas and nurses advocating together, using research evidence to make positive changes in birth culture.   Resour

What is a doula, and what are the different types of doulas? How many people use doulas during childbirth, and what does a doula actually do? Are there any randomized, controlled trials on doula support? What are the benefits and risks of having a doula, if any? And if the evidence shows that doulas improve health outcomes… then why are some hospitals around the world unsupportive of labor companions? And how can you find a doula if you’re interested in having one at your birth?    Today’s podcast episode with Dr. Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA, is chock full of research from our peer-reviewed Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article: The Evidence on Doulas.   To learn more, download a free one-page handout, and view all the research references, go to ebbirth.com/doulas.    EBB Resources:   Access all the scientific references and a free 1-page handout at the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Doulas here.      If you’re a visual learner, watch a video about the Evidence on Doulas on the EBB YouTu

Curious which toxins should be most avoided for people of reproductive age and their children? In this episode, Dr. Tanya Khemet Taiwo, LM, CPM, MPH, PhD unravels the intricate connection between environmental exposures and their profound impact on pregnancy and birth outcomes. We will explore the hidden risks associated with heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. You'll learn about the research on how environmental exposures contribute to issues like reduced birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, and neurodevelopmental delays. Plus, Dr. Taiwo teaches about the unequal distribution of these exposures across populations, what parents can do to test their environments for unwanted elements, and how midwives can be part of the solution for environmental justice. Content Note: Listener discretion is advised. This episode includes a stark discussion of common environmental exposures, social factors, and their impact on pregnancy and infant health outcomes. Toward the end of the

In this episode, Ellora La Shier, graduate of the EBB Childbirth Class, shares about her struggle with six years of unexplained infertility and how it impacted her eventual birth story. Listen in as Ellora describes the frustration of unexplained infertility, suffering through years of increasingly painful periods, and the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis. Despite facing numerous challenges and undergoing various treatments, including intrauterine insemination (IUI), Ellora remained determined and resilient.   Finally, after years, Ellora underwent surgery to remove the abnormal tissue caused by endometriosis. Following surgery, she and her husband were overjoyed to discover that they quickly became pregnant. Although this pregnancy marked the end of a long and challenging infertility journey, Ellora still had to process the many years of healthcare dismissal and her complicated relationship with pain, and how this would impact her eventual unmedicated birth. Ellora's story highlig

As we wrap up the celebration of World Doula Week, explore the transformative journey of pregnancy and childbirth in the Indian context with Divya Deswal and Neha Misra, founders of The Doula Collective©️. In this interview, Divya and Neha shed light on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by expectant families in India. You'll learn how The Doula Collective©️, with its culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach, is reshaping the landscape of birth support!  Also... have you ever heard of a year-long doula training program? Divya and Neha share the intricacies of their in-depth doula training program and how it goes beyond traditional methods to create a profound impact on both birth practitioners and families. Join us as we confront the barriers that doulas face in a system where their role is often misunderstood. We end with an exploration of the soulful aspects of birth trauma, physical challenges of birth and birth work, and the power of resilience. Learn more about The Doula Collective here:

You're going to love this family-centered birth story with Dr. Dekker's brother John DeYoung and his wife Krista DeYoung! On today's episode, Krista and John (who are graduates of the EBB Childbirth Class with EBB Instructor Chanté Perryman) get vulnerable and open up about their complex pregnancy and son Eli's miraculous birth story. In addition to facing a pregnancy with a prior diagnosis of Crohn's disease, they also had to cope with lockdowns during the pandemic, genetic concerns including an initial diagnosis of triploidy, a HUGE and abnormally low-functioning placenta, potential growth restriction, a 39-week induction, and placental retention that led to abnormal postpartum bleeding. In addition to being inspired by John and Krista's unique story, you will also learn about the emotional rollercoaster of confronting a fatal genetic diagnosis that turns out to be a false positive. You will also hear from John about how active participating in childbirth and parenting has been an incredibly healing proc

Welcome to a special Q &A episode of the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast! Today I address some of your burning questions on key childbirth topics! In this episode, I share evidence on the (unproven) relationship between synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) administration and postpartum depression, the complexities of delayed cord clamping and the power dynamics around requesting delayed cord clamping, the use of Nubain (an IV opioid) for pain relief during labor and its potential impact on babies, and the latest insights into consuming the placenta—whether it's dehydrated, freeze-dried, or consumed raw. EBB Resources: The EBB Pocket Guide to Interventions Evidence on: Pitocin During the Third Stage of Labor Effects of IV Opioids during Labor The Evidence on Placenta Encapsulation Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here!  Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a

In this episode, we chat with obstetrician Dr. Danielle Jones, aka Mama Doctor Jones, about challenging norms in pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Jones passionately advocates for patient autonomy as we dive into the resistance to eating and drinking from the anesthesia community, debunk myths on this hot topic, and call on healthcare professionals to prioritize evidence-based practices. We also discuss the challenges nurses and obstetricians face in changing hospital policies, especially when confronted by powerful figures resistant to evidence-based approaches. Dr. Jones urges professionals to find allies and use data-driven discussions to challenge outdated norms. We wrap up by discussing other prevalent myths in pregnancy and childbirth, emphasizing the tactics of misinformation spreaders and the importance of critical thinking in evaluating online information. Content Note: This episode includes discussions on the Dobbs decision, abortion for fetal abnormalities, and life-threatening medical complications.

Delve into a powerful and emotional conversation with the incredible Kellie McKinnon, a military spouse, San Diego-based personal trainer, and graduate of the Evidence Based Birth®️ Childbirth Class! In this episode, Kellie shares her unique and challenging journey through pregnancy while her partner was deployed. We explore the emotional and logistical aspects of facing pregnancy and childbirth without the physical presence of a partner. Discover the importance of a doula, the role of childbirth education, and the unexpected challenges within the military healthcare system. If you're an expecting military spouse, Kellie's experiences offer valuable insights into the strength, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by many military families during this transformative journey. Content Note: This episode contains emotional discussions separation anxiety due to partner deployment, experiences of loneliness and isolation, and challenges within the military healthcare system.   Learn about p

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Daphne Delvaux, Esq., widely known as The Mamattorney. As an award-winning trial attorney and founder of Delvaux Law, Daphne is a passionate advocate for women's rights at work, particularly focusing on motherhood discrimination cases. In this conversation, we dive into the complexities of workplace trauma, reasonable accommodations, and the crucial understanding of employment rights during pregnancy and postpartum. Daphne shares her expertise on the vulnerabilities mothers face in the workplace, shedding light on issues like forced leaves and common misunderstandings about parental leave rights. We explore how the law serves as a powerful tool to protect both new parents and babies, offering insights into the challenges new parents encounter and practical steps to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Join us for an eye-opening discussion as we uncover the realities of creating a supportive and empowering work environment for ambitious parents. Cont

Is waterbirth safe? Are there any randomized, controlled trials on this subject? What are the benefits and risks of waterbirth? And if the evidence shows that waterbirth is a safe and beneficial form of childbirth… then why do so many hospitals “ban” this practice? And how can you access a waterbirth if that is something you are interested in? Today’s podcast episode is chock full of research from our peer-reviewed Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article: The Evidence on Waterbirth. To learn more, download a free one-page handout, and view all the research references, go to ebbirth.com/waterbirth. EBB Resources: Access all the scientific references and a free 1-page handout at the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Waterbirth here.  If you’re a visual learner, watch a video about the Evidence on Waterbirth on the EBB YouTube channel here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a full-length printabl

February 7, 2024 - For today's episode, we are highlighting one of our favorite home birth podcast episodes with the replay of a 2020 conversation with student midwife, Isis Rose, about her very own home birth. If you are inspired during this listen, please support Isis in her midwifery journey! She is currently accepting support via her GoFundMe page and Venmo.  ----- In this episode I talk with Isis Rose, a full spectrum doula, home birth mom, certified lactation counselor, and placenta encapsulation specialist. She lives in Urbana, Illinois. Isis is starting midwifery school in July, with plans to become a Certified Professional Midwife, and she’s a member of the Illinois Council of Certified Professional Midwives. Isis co-hosts the Homecoming Podcast alongside Chae Pounds, which launched in 2018 to tell stories of Black families who give birth at home. Isis and I discuss her birth story, including her unique approach to prenatal care, and hemorrhaging she experienced immediately after her home birth. We