Evidence Based Birth® (general)
In this episode, we are continuing our series on protecting the perineum by talking about the evidence on whether prenatal perineal massage during labor (more specifically, during the pushing phase) is effective at preventing severe perineal tears. We’ll also discuss the importance of critically analyzing research, and poor quality meta-analyses can have a negative impact by spreading inaccurate information! Head's up... if you haven't listened to EBB Episode 206 yet, I recommend listening to that episode first, since it covers introductory information about perineal tears.

Content warning: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, obstetric violence, and episiotomy.

Resources:

  • For a full list of scientific references, see the blog post that goes along with this episode
  • Check out Episode 206 of the EBB Podcast to learn about perineal tears and avoiding an episiotomy, Episode 210 to learn about warm compresses and hands-on vs. hands-off techniques, and Episode 2016 to learn about perineal massage during pregnancy.
  • Go to our YouTube channel to see video versions of all our podcasts! (including PowerPoint presentations when used)
  • Visit https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class
  • Take a continuing education class on this topic (and earn a contact hour) by joining the EBB Professional Membership  here: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_218_-_Evidence_Topic_Intrapartum_Perineal_Massage_updated.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu about disability justice in birth and parenting. Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu, (they/she) is a white, queer, and non-binary disabled, neuro-divergent, a survivor of sexual violence in the psychiatric system. They show up for their communities as a disability justice educator and organizer, parent, somatic and non-clinical healer, writer, transformative justice practitioner, and, as the founding director of Project LETS, which you can check out their website at projectlets.com.

Stefanie's work specializes in building non-carceral peer-led mental health care systems that exist outside of the state and re-imagining everything we've come to learn about madness. Stefanie is the editor of Abolition Must Include Psychiatry and the author of We Don't Need Cops to Become Social Workers. Stefanie is an experienced facilitator, mediator, curriculum, developer, and strategist for Anti-ableist Leadership, Mental Health and Disability Policy, and Access Centered Practices. They're located on unceded Narragansett in Wampanoag land in so-called Providence, Rhode Island. 

We talk about Stefanie’s personal experience with trauma and ableism, along with their work as a disability justice educator. We also talk about what is disability justice and its importance in birth work. 

Content warning: We mention self-injury, disability, neuro-divergent, eugenics, reproductive trauma, ableism, epilepsy, seizures, trauma, sexual violence, medical violence, and history of sterilization.

Learn more about Stefanie Lyn Kaufman here. Follow Stefanie on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more about Becoming Disabled Again for BADT.

Learn more about Birth and Disability Course with Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings.

Learn more about Crisis Response for Birthworkers

Learn more about Disability in the Family: A Course for Parents + Caregivers here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_217_-_Stefanie_Lyn_Kaufman_-_Disability_Justice_in_Birth_Work.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode, we are continuing our series on protecting the perineum by talking about the evidence on whether prenatal perineal massage is effective at preventing perineal tears during childbirth. We’ll also discuss the importance of critically analyzing research, and what “predatory open access publishing” has to do with some of the research on perineal massage! Head's up... if you haven't listened to EBB Episode 206 yet, I recommend listening to that episode first, since it covers introductory information about perineal tears.  Content warning: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, obstetric violence, and episiotomy. Resources:
  • For a full list of scientific references, see the blog post that goes along with this episode
  • Check out Episode 206 of the EBB Podcast to learn about Perineal Tears and Avoiding Episiotomy and Episode 210 to learn about warm compresses and hands-on vs. hands-off techniques
  • Go to our YouTube channel to see video versions of all our podcasts!
  • Visit https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class
  • Take a continuing education class on this topic (and earn a contact hour) by joining the EBB Professional Membership  here: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/
  • Check open access journals to see if they are on beallslist.net (https://beallslist.net/standalone-journals/) as a potential predatory journal.
  • Resource for authors to determine whether they should submit to an open access journal: https://thinkchecksubmit.org/

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com . Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_216_-_Evidence_Topic_Perineal_Massage.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we will be talking with board-certified OB-GYN, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, about evidence-based information on reproductive health.

Dr. Jennifer Lincoln (she/her) is a board-certified OB-GYN who currently practices as an OB hospitalist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Lincoln loves using social media to provide evidence-based, easy-to-digest information while busting the many myths surrounding vaginal and reproductive health.

Dr. Lincoln is the author of, Let's Talk About Down There: An OB-GYN Answers to All of Your Burning Questions Without Making You Feel Embarrassed for Even Asking. Dr. Lincoln is also a bonafide star on TikTok with more than 2.4 million followers about sex and reproductive health. Dr. Lincoln is married to a pediatrician and together they have two young boys.

We talk about her journey to becoming an OB hospitalist to address the needs in sexual and reproductive health. We also talk about the importance of debunking reproductive myths and dismantling the shame in talking about sexual and reproductive health.

Content warning: We mention sexual health, reproduction, and prevention of birth trauma.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_215_-_Dr_Jennifer_Lincoln.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, to celebrate IBCLC Day, we're going to highlight and talk with IBCLC Nichelle Clark about supporting pumping parents in lactation.

Nichelle Clark (she/her) is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, or IBCLC, wife, and mother of two residing in Chesapeake, Virginia. She is the owner of SonShine & Rainbows Lactation Services. Born and raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Nichelle joined the United States Navy in 2010 and served honorably for 7.5 years. In 2020, she founded Black Breastfeeding 365, an organization that seeks to bridge the gap between Black parents and the lactation professionals who serve them. When she's not spending time with her husband and children, she serves as a United States Lactation Consultant Association, or USLCA, advisory board member, and Clinical Lactation Journal social media editor. In her spare time, she admins multiple online support groups for people of color, providing breastfeeding support and lactation education to her community. As an exclusive pumping mom herself, Nichelle is a champion for breastfeeding parents to write down their own rules and breastfeed their way.

We talk about Nichelle’s personal experience with being an exclusive pumping parent and the barriers she faced when advocating her choice to exclusively pump and re-lactate. We also talk about debunking pumping myths in lactation and how Nichelle serves parents of color in her community as an IBCLC to encourage making informed choices during one’s lactation journey. 

Content warning: We mention COVID, trauma, and infant loss.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Nichelle Clark here. Follow Nichelle on Facebook and on Instagram

Listen to EBB 189 here

Learn more about the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine here.

Learn more about Black Breastfeeding Mamas Circle here.

Learn more about Breast Milk Donation for Black Moms here.

Learn more about Lactation Education Resources here.

Learn more about the United States of Lactation Consultants Association (USLCA) here.

Learn about the Black Birth Healer here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_214_-_Nichelle_Clark_IBCLC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we’re talking with EBB's newest research editor and co-founder of the Minnesota Healing Justice Network, Ihotu Ali, about cultural appropriation and racial healing in birth work. Ihotu Ali (she/her) is a doula, Maya abdominal massage therapist, a doctoral student in chiropractic medicine, and now EBB’s newest research editor. Ihotu, meaning “love” in the Idoma language, is the granddaughter of a traditional Nigerian chief, of Polish-Irish farmers, and a graduate of Columbia University. Ihotu has conducted maternal health research with the United Nations before becoming a doula in 2011. Fascinated by the connections between Western and traditional medicine, Ihotu spent a decade study in Afro-Indigenous and global cultural practices for childbirth, ancestral, and wound healing. Ihotu is now alongside medical training in chiropractic care in the neuroscience of spirituality and meditation. Ihotu is a co-founder of the Minnesota Healing Justice Network, which was featured in Rolling Stone magazine for their focus on rest for residents and healers through the 2020 Uprising, and is now the director of the Oshun Center for Intercultural Healing.

We talk about what is cultural appropriation, the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation, and how it can show up in various birth working spaces. We also talk about the importance of racial healing and how it can apply in birth work, especially for birth workers of color. 

Content warning: We mention cultural appropriation, trauma, racism, and anti-Blackness. 

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Ihotu Ali and The Oshun Center here.

Learn more about cultural appropriation in wellness spaces here.

Learn more about exploring yoga and cultural appropriation here.

Learn more about how culture can be appropriated here.

See a complete list of resources for this episode on the show's blog page here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_213_-_Ihotu_Ali.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with EBB Childbirth Class parents, Kaya and Jess Tuchscherer, about their double rainbow baby in giving birth after two prior losses. 

Kaya Tuchscherer (she/her) is a physical therapist, and Jess Tuchscherer (he/him) is a high school English teacher and river guide. They love good food, family, and outdoor adventures. Kaya and Jess live in Jackson, Wyoming with their son, Henry, and two chocolate Labradors, Eddie and Porter. 

We talk about Kaya and Jess’ inspiring story of their challenges of trying to conceive, along with giving birth after experiencing infant loss twice. We also talk about how the EBB Childbirth Class facilitated by EBB instructor, Chanté Perryman, taught them how to communicate on how to achieve the birth experience they wanted with their double rainbow baby, Henry.

Content Warning: We mention challenges to pre-term birth, miscarriage, attempts to conceive, placental abruption, COVID, cesarean, newborn loss, grief and loss of family members, and trauma.  

RESOURCES:

Learn more about EBB instructor, Chanté Perryman here. Follow Chanté on Instagram here

Watch the “Life With A Newborn: Why It's So Hard To Take A Shower” video here.

Listen to EBB 145 here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_212_-_Kaya_and_Jess_Tuchscherer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with birth doula and EBB's program team assistant, Rikki Jenkins about empowering expectant families through birth and lactation support. Rikki Jenkins, pronouns (she/her) is a certified birth doula and lactation counselor. Rikki holds a bachelor's of science degree in maternal child health with an emphasis in human lactation and social justice. Rikki is the co-creator of Heart and Sol Collective, an inclusive pregnancy support center, where she hosts support groups and teaches childbirth education and lactation classes to expectant parents. Rikki also serves as a board member for the Southern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition and provides all-inclusive services to expectant families and birth professionals virtually in the greater Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas. 

We talk about how Rikki got started in birth work and how she transitioned into being an empowering support to the families in her community. We also talk about Rikki’s passion to help her community wearing many “birth working hats” such as being an EBB instructor as well as pushing herself to further her goals in the professional world of lactation.

Content Warning: We mention COVID and birth trauma.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Rikki Jenkins and Heart and Sol Collective here. Follow Heart and Sol Collective on Facebook and Instagram

Find an EBB Childbirth Class here:  https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_211_-_Rikki_Jenkins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode, we are continuing our series on protecting the perineum! In this episode, we will cover the evidence on using warm, wet compresses (i.e. washcloths) for lowering the risk of tears and increasing comfort during birth. We’ll also talk about the controversy on hands-on vs. hands-off...which technique should providers be using? Head's up...if you haven't listened to EBB Episode 206 yet, I recommend listening to that episode first, since it covers introductory information about perineal tears.

Content warning: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, and episiotomy.

RESOURCES:

Listen to EBB 206 here.

For a full list of scientific references, see the blog post that goes along with this episode

Check out Episode 206 of the EBB Podcast to learn about Perineal Tears and Avoiding Episiotomy

Go to our YouTube channel to see video renditions of all our podcasts!

Visit https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth  Childbirth Class

Take a continuing education class on this topic (and earn a contact hour) by joining the EBB Professional Membership  here: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth, visit www.ebbirth.com . Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth  Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_210_-_Evidence_on_Warm_Compresses_Hands-on_vs_Hands-off.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Jen Kamel of VBAC Facts® about VBAC or vaginal birth after cesarean. 

As the founder and CEO of VBAC Facts®, Jen Kamel is an internationally recognized consumer advocate, whose mission is to increase feedback access through education, legislation changes, and amplifying the consumer’s voice. Jen travels throughout the United States training perinatal professionals, presents grand rounds at hospitals, and works as a legislative consultant throughout the US, focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations that threaten VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, access. Jen envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and a community where they can plan the birth of their choice in the setting they desire.

We talk about the statistics on VBAC access, as well as the difference between VBAC rates and VBAC success rates. We also talk about the misinformation about VBAC and the unbiased evidence based research that helps to support a person’s right to choose to have a VBAC. 

Content Warning: We will mention cesarean, uterine rupture, placental abnormalities, and birth trauma. 

RESOURCES: 

Learn more about Jen Kamel here. Follow VBAC Facts® on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more about the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) here and ACOG’s information on VBAC here.  

Lundgren I, van Limbeek E, Vehvilainen-Julkunen K, Nilsson C. Clinicians' views of factors of importance for improving the rate of VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean section): a qualitative study from countries with high VBAC rates. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2015 Aug 28;15:196. doi: 10.1186/s12884-015-0629-6. PMID: 26314295; PMCID: PMC4552403.  

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_209_-_Jen_Kamel_VBAC_Facts.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with EBB Childbirth Class graduate, Cheyanne Saenz, about advocating for her human rights during her birth experience. Cheyanne Saenz (she/her) is a fun, loving, and outgoing 27-year-old, who lives in Tulare, California. Cheyanne's faith and her family are the most important in her life. Cheyanne took the EBB Childbirth Class instructed by EBB Childbirth Class Instructor, Jennifer Anderson. Cheyanne uses her brain in puzzles, solving problems, and helping others.  We talk about Cheyanne’s birth experience while advocating for her human rights from what she learned in our EBB Childbirth Class. We also talk about Cheyanne’s beautiful support from her family during her postpartum recovery and her advice for every birthing person about the importance of researching and advocating for one’s rights during birth. 

Content warning: We mention group b strep and COVID.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about EBB Childbirth Class Instructor, Jennifer Anderson here. Follow Jennifer on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_208_-_Cheyanne_Saenz.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with non-binary doula and childbirth educator, Moss Froom, about gender-affirming birth work and education. Moss Froom (they/them), is a non-binary doula and childbirth educator living in Baltimore, Maryland. Moss offers trans and queer centered support services for people at all stages of their reproductive and family building journeys. Moss also teaches other birth workers how to provide support that's affirming and celebratory of trans and queer families.

We talk about how Moss got started in their journey to become involved in birth and reproductive work as a non-binary professional in birth work. We also talk about the importance of gender-affirming practices in birth work to create safer spaces for queer and trans families.

Content Warning: We mention misgendering, abortion, pregnancy loss, and infertility. 

RESOURCES:

Learn about Moss Froom here. Follow Moss on Instagram here.

Learn more about Ray Rackllin here

Learn more about Marea Goodman here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_207_-_Moss_the_Doula.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode, we are kicking off a new series on protecting the perineum - starting with the evidence on perineal tears and the importance of avoiding episiotomies.

In this episode, we will cover the factors that can increase or decrease your risk of tearing during birth. We’ll also talk about the types of perineal tears that can occur, as well as the consequences of perineal tears. Finally, we’ll wrap up this podcast by discussing why it’s so important to avoid an episiotomy during childbirth.

Content warning: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, episiotomy, and obstetric violence related to cutting episiotomies without consent.

Resources:

For a full list of scientific references, see the blog post that goes along with this episode.

The Mayo Clinic has graphics that show the different types of tears: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/multimedia/vaginal-tears/sls-20077129

Read Dr. Klein’s story here https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/meet-dr-michael-klein-canada-s-father-of-family-friendly-births-1.4884557

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_206_-_Evidence_Topic_Tearing_and_Episiotomies.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with team members of Evidence Based Birth®, about a wrap-up of this past year and what our goals are for next year. 

We talk about our favorite team projects for 2021 such as past podcast episodes, our creative growth as a team, and the recent EBB Instructor retreat. We also talk about our future goals for EBB and what we look forward to in the future of Team EBB. 

Content warning: We mention COVID, birth trauma, postpartum, obstetric abuse, and obstetric violence. 

Listen to EBB 175 - Evidence on Midwives here.

Listen to EBB 177 - Dimitri and Mera here.

Listen to EBB 179 - Trish and Mimi Ang here.

Listen to EBB 180 - Trauma-Informed Care and Consent with Feminist Midwife, Stephanie Tillman here.

Listen to EBB 187 - Advocacy for Postpartum Medicaid Extension Coverage with Dr. Monica McLemore and Dr. Jamila K. Taylor here.

Listen to EBB 189 - Why Black Lactation Matters and the Importance of Black Breastfeeding Week with IBCLC, Janiya Mitnaul Williams here.

Listen to EBB 199 - Writing about Racism’s Effects on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes with EBB Research Associate, Ihotu Ali here.

Listen to EBB 200 - Taking a Stand Against White Supremacy and Creating Solidarity in Birth Work with EBB Founder, Dr. Rebecca Dekker here.

Listen to EBB 201 - Bridging the Gap Between Evidence and Human Rights with Perinatal Nurse and Nurse Educator, Paula Richards here.

Listen to EBB 202 - A Fast First-Time Birth Experience with EBB Childbirth Class Graduate, Haley Grachico here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_205_-_End_of_the_Year_Wrap_Up_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with board certified physician Dr. Stacy De-Lin about the spread of misinformation online about COVID, particularly COVID and pregnancy.  Dr. Stacy De-Lin MD (she/her), is a board certified physician whose specialty and area of practice is gynecology and family planning. Dr. De-Lin is an Associate Medical Director at Planned Parenthood and works to provide access to full-spectrum reproductive healthcare no matter what. In addition to her busy practice, Dr. De-Lin works to combat online misinformation through her Instagram account @stacydelin_md.  We talk about the rise of misinformation online about COVID regarding pregnancy. We also talk about how evidence based research about COVID can assist pregnant people and their families to make informed decisions about their health. 

Content Warning: We mention COVID, COVID-related deaths, abortion, and miscarriage.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Dr. Stacy De-Lin and follow her Instagram here.

Learn more about Planned Parenthood here

Learn more about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here

Learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics here.

Learn more about EBB COVID resource page here.

Learn more about the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_204_-_Dr._Stacy_De-Lin_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast we talk with Haley Grachico about her intense, fast birth experience at a freestanding birth center.

Haley and her husband, Dr. Ismael, are graduates of the EBB Childbirth Class. Iz completed his general surgery residency at Oregon Health and Science University just 13 days before their daughter Josefine's arrival. A week after Josefine was born, the Grachico family moved to Grants Pass, Oregon, where Is joined a private practice general surgery group. Haley is enjoying time with Josefine and their two dogs, Duke and Bentley. Haley has since then started a new parents group in town and is exploring options to possibly become a doula and to support families in a different way in their new community.

We talk about Haley and Dr. Iz's experience taking the EBB Childbirth Class, and the importance of them having a doula to help with their different perspectives on birth and medicine. We also talk about Haley’s intense, fast birth and how the influence of her empowering birth support inspired her in wanting to become a future doula to support other families in her community.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about the Oregon parenting group, “The Parent Trip” here

Listen to EBB 15 on nitrous oxide here. View our YouTube video on nitrous oxide here

Learn more about the third stage of birth from our signature article here

Learn more about HypnoBirthing here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_202_-_Haley_Grachico2_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast we're going to talk with Paula Richards about advocacy work as a trauma-informed nurse educator. 

Paula Richards (she/her) is a perinatal nurse and nurse educator who likes to nerd out about OB-related nursing professional development on Instagram under the handle @NurseBrownGirl. Paula joined the Evidence Based Birth® Instructor program in the spring of 2020 and she's also a guest teacher in the videos of our Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class where we talk about interventions during childbirth.

We talk about Paula’s journey to become a nurse and her experience of unlearning traumatic childbirth practices that are problematic and harmful for birthing people. We also talk about the gap between evidence, human rights, and actual practice, as well as the need for more ethical nurse education.

Content warning: We will talk about traumatic childbirth and obstetric abuse. This episode also contains strong language, swear words, and how binary language/terminology is routinely used in labor and delivery.

If you'd prefer to read a transcript without swear words you can find that on our blog here.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Paula Richards on Instagram here

Learn more about The Business of Being Born here.

Learn more about “Are There Benefits to Uterine Massage in the Third Stage of Labor” here

Learn more about the Association of Women's Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) here

Learn more about “white supremacy culture” by Tema Okun here.

Learn more about Cristen Pascucci and Birth Monopoly here.

Learn more about Mandy Irby of The Birth Nurse here

Learn more about Maggie Runyon of Your Birth Partners Podcast here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_201_-_Paula_Richards_Nurse_Brown_Girl_new.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s episode, we celebrate our 200th episode on the Evidence Based Birth®podcast, where Ihotu Ali, EBB Research Associate, will be talking with our founder, Rebecca Dekker, about solidarity in birth work.

In this episode, Ihotu asks Rebecca about her cultural upbringing, and Rebecca reflects candidly on racism and cultural differences she witnessed as a child growing up in the suburbs of Memphis, Tennessee. We also explore the harmful impacts of white privilege and white supremacy on birth and reproductive justice work, as well as oppressive agendas that harm communities of color and other marginalized communities. 

Ihotu and Rebecca also talk about solutions such as doing inner work, educating yourself, understanding your ancestry, creating solidarity with those from other cultural groups, protecting Black women and girls (vs. being a savior), and being aware of how your actions and words may have harmed people from marginalized groups.

Content warning: We mention racism, white supremacy culture (including aspects of anti-black white supremacy), the uprisings in Minneapolis, the murder of George Floyd, racialized violence against Black communities.

RESOURCES:

Listen to EBB 143 - "Birthing in a World with Reproductive Justice" here.

Listen to EBB 199 - " Writing about Racism's Effects on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes" here

Learn more about “Readings For Diversity And Social Justice” by Maurianne Adams, Warren Blumenfeld, Carmelita Rosie Castaneda, Heather Hackman, Madeline Peters, and Ximena Zuniga here

Learn more about Minnesota Healing Justice Network here.

Learn more about the Oshun Center for Intercultural Healing here.

Learn more about Ijeoma Oluo here and “So You Want To Talk About Race” here.

Learn more about Ibram X. Kendi's “So You Want To Be Antiracist” here.

Learn more about Tema Okun’s “Aspects of White Supremacy Culture” here.

Learn more about Dr. Sayida Peprah here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_200_-_Rebecca_200th_episode_new.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Ihotu Ali, MPH, who is writing about research on the effects of racism on pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Ihotu (“love” in the Idoma language) (she/her) is a prenatal and Maya Abdominal massage therapist with a Master's in Public Health, and a doctoral student in Chiropractic Medicine. Ihotu is the granddaughter of a traditional Nigerian Chief, of Polish-Irish farmers, is a graduate of Columbia University. Ihoutu also conducted maternal health research with the United Nations before becoming a doula in 2011.

Fascinated by the connections between western and traditional medicine, Ihotu spent a decade studying Afro-Indigenous and global cultural practices for childbirth, ancestral, and womb healing, which she is now alongside medical training in chiropractic care and the neuroscience of spirituality and meditation. Ihotu is the co-founder of the Minnesota Healing Justice Network, featured in Rolling Stone Magazine for their focus on rest for residents and healers through the 2020 Uprising. In response to burnout among healers, Ihotu formed the Oshun Center for Intercultural Healing - an interracial collective offering support to apprentices, as well as public courses on decolonizing and democratizing medicine and small business. Ihotu teaches on cultural birth and bodywork, appropriation, racism in health care, allyship, and economic justice tools like the sliding scale fee.

In this podcast episode, we talk about Ihotu’s shift towards researching the effects of racism on pregnancy and birth outcomes.  We also talk about how Ihotu practices self-care as a researcher of heavy topics, and the scope of our upcoming EBB Signature Article which will cover the history of racism and the evidence on racism's effects on preterm births, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality. 

Content Warning: We mention racism, preterm birth, police violence, COVID-19, maternal-infant death, and other adverse health outcomes.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Ihotu Ali here and The Oshun Center here.

Learn more about the Minnesota Healing Justice Network here. Follow the Minnesota Healing Justice Network on Facebook and Instagram. Listen to EBB 143, “Birthing in a World with Reproductive Justice” here

Learn more about Ancient Song here. Follow Ancient Song on Instagram and Facebook

Learn more about Dr. Rachel Hardeman and the Roots Community Birth Center here. Learn more about Dr. Hardeman’s research here. Read Dr. Hardeman’s Stolen Breaths here

Learn more about Dr. Sayida Peprah here

Learn more about Black Mamas Matter Alliance here.

Learn more about the Momnibus Act bill here.

Learn more about the Medicaid Postpartum Expansion here. Listen to EBB 187 with Dr. McLemore and Dr. Taylor here.

Learn more about Jennie Joseph here. Learn more about Commonsense Childbirth here. Learn about “The JJ Way: Community-Based Maternity Center Evaluation Report” here. Listen to EBB 136 here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_199_-_Ihotu_Ali_v2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s episode, we're going to take a deep dive into the research evidence on eating and drinking during labor!

In this episode, I talk about the history of anesthesia and food and oral fluids during labor— starting in the 1940s and moving forward to current times. I also talk about Nothing by Mouth (NPO) policies in hospitals, and discuss how researchers have reframed the topic for birthing people today as one of bodily choice. I also talk about whether or not people should be able to eat once they experience medical interventions such as an epidural (because many hospitals around the world still forbid food once you have an epidural!)

Content warning: In this episode, I talk about maternal death and labor complications. 

RESOURCES:

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_198_-_Eating_and_Drinking_during_Labor.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s episode, we have EBB podcast coordinator, Mystique Hargrove, talking with the co-founders of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, Divya Kumar, Jabina Coleman, and Desirée Israel.

Divya Kumar (she/her) is a psychotherapist for And Still We Rise, LLC, and a licensed certified social worker. Ms. Kumar is also a certified lactation counselor and holds a certification in perinatal mental health from Postpartum Support International. Ms. Kumar specializes in perinatal mental health for BIPOC individuals, people who identify as first and, second-generation immigrants, and people who have experienced trauma as they navigate the transition to parenthood. 

Jabina Coleman (she/her) is a “United States Breastfeeding Committee Cultural Change Maker” awardee and a dynamic regional speaker. Jabina is a licensed social worker, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and is the creator of “Everyone Wants to Hold the Baby, Who Will Hold the Mother?” a call to action highlighting the lack of support Black birthing people are receiving before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as to educate birth workers, families, and communities on the importance of advocacy for equitable and safe perinatal health practices.

Desirée Israel (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker, reproductive psychotherapist, herbalist, certified breastfeeding specialist, and trained birth worker specializing in perinatal mental health, reproductive justice, and the Black birthing experience. She is devoted to the liberation of ALL Black families of the Diaspora by using African-centered modalities and rituals to achieve holistic wellness. Additionally, Desirée is a co-founder of the Bloom Collective, a liberation-focused reproductive justice space serving Baltimore City. 

They talk about how they co-created the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color through their experience of seeing the lack of people of color in the perinatal mental health profession. They also talk about emphasizing the needs of communities of color regarding postpartum wellness. 

Content warning: They will talk about postpartum depression, postpartum mental health, perinatal mortality, and morbidity.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color (PMHAPOC) here (https://linktr.ee/pmhapoc). Follow PMHAPOC on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pmhapoc/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pmhapoc). 

Learn more about Divya Kumar here (http://www.divyakumar.org/). Follow Divya on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bothbrownand_). 

Learn more about Jabina Coleman and The Lactation Therapist here (https://www.thelactationtherapist.com/). Follow The Lactation Therapist on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thelactationtherapist). 

Learn more about Desirée Israel and The Bloom Collective here (https://www.motherlandco.com/). Follow The Bloom Collective on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bloominbaltimore). 

Learn more about Postpartum Support International (PSI) here (https://www.postpartum.net/).  

Learn more about The Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression here (https://www.mass.gov/doc/ellen-story-commission-on-postpartum-depression-presentation-482019-0/download). 

Learn more about National Perinatal Task Force here (https://perinataltaskforce.com/). 

Learn more about Jennie Joseph here (https://jenniejoseph.com/) and here (https://commonsensechildbirth.org/). Listen to Jennie Joseph’s EBB podcast interview here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/solutions-for-the-crisis-in-american-maternity-care-with-jennie-joseph/).  

Learn more about the Patient Healthcare Questionaire-2 (PHQ-2) here (https://www.chpscc.org/_literature_243927/The_Patient_Health_Questionnaire_(PHQ-2)) and here (https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/assessment/tools/patient-health).  

Learn more about Graeme Seabrook here (https://www.graemeseabrook.com/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.


On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Brittany Sharpe McCollum about pelvic biomechanics, movement, and fetal positioning during labor. 

Brittany Sharpe McCollum, CCE(BWI), CD(DONA), CLC (she/her) is the owner of Blossoming Bellies Wholistic Birth Services in the greater Philadelphia PA area, providing childbirth education classes, birth doula services, and dynamic labor support and pelvic biomechanics training workshops for both professionals and expectant parents. Brittany is a sought after guest at many international childbirth related conferences, including a standing room only presentation at the Evidence Based Birth conference in 2019. 

In this episode, we talk about the importance of movement in birth, and the best ways to facilitate fetal positioning within the pelvis. Brittany takes a deep dive into incorporating positions and movement with the use of epidurals, her "5-4-3" rule, why subtle movements can make a big difference during labor, and how understanding pelvic biomechanics is a key to minimizing interventions during birth.


RESOURCES:

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_196_-_Brittany_McCollum.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Rose Rankin about grief and healing through pregnancy and infant loss.

Rose Rankin (she/her) is a full spectrum doula from Brooklyn, New York, who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina. Rose focuses her work on parents who are experiencing a loss, have a pregnancy with a child who is incompatible with life, or have a child with a terminal condition. Rose has been on the other side of this work numerous times before and her mission is to provide the care that we sometimes never knew we needed when we are grieving.

We talk about Rose’s personal experience of pregnancy and infant loss, and how it inspired her to become a Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) doula. We also talk about Rose’s experience as a PAIL doula for her community and how to better support those who have experienced loss during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. 

Content warning: We will mention grief, pregnancy complications, stillborn birth, miscarriage, late-term loss, and infant loss.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Rose Rankin on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tranquildoulaservices/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_195_-_Rose_Rankin_grief_and_loss_PAIL_doula.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Lily Nichols, RDN, about nutrition and real food in pregnancy.

Lily Nichols (she/her) is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and critical of outdated dietary guidelines. She is co-founder of the Women's Health Nutrition Academy and the author of two books, Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of thousands of families, are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses, and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally.

In this episode, we talk about the difference between eating real food and processed food in pregnancy, and the best ways to use nutrition to "stack the deck in your favor" for a lower-risk, healthier pregnancy. Lily talks candidly about the gap between evidence and nutritional practice, the importance of protein and choline in pregnancy, and why blood sugar management is so important in pregnancy.

If you'd like to watch a video of this interview, just visit the EBB YouTube channel here! Or visit our webpage for the transcript. 

Resources:

Direct download: EBB_194_-_Lily_Nichols.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode I am joined by Anna Bertone (she/her), MPH, a research consultant at Evidence Based Birth®, to discuss the evidence on aromatherapy and essential oils for use during pregnancy, labor/birth, and postpartum. In this episode, we cover:
  • What is aromatherapy, where did it come from, and how does it work?
  • What have researchers found on essential oils for nausea and vomiting, stress reduction, and immune function during pregnancy?
  • Which essential oils have been found to be effective for reducing labor pain and anxiety, encouraging labor progress, and treating post-Cesarean symptoms?
  • What does the research say about aromatherapy for use postpartum, including with post-Cesarean symptoms, perineal trauma, sleep, and depression and anxiety?
  • Are there any important safety precautions to be aware of, and what is the bottom line?

This episode was inspired by a peer-reviewed article we published in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, in a special symposium that was edited by Shilpa Babbar, MD, MS, FACOG. Reference: Bertone, A. C., & Dekker, R. L. (September 2021). "Aromatherapy in Obstetrics: A Critical Review of the Literature." Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology 64(3): 572-588.

Here are some other resources we mentioned:

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_193_-_Evidence_on_Essential_Oils.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Carissa Hunter about advocacy for families with sickle cell anemia.

After her daughter was born with a blood disorder called sickle cell anemia, Carissa started on a quest for healthy living and is now an intuitive womb worker— a holistic practitioner with many specialties in holistic healthcare. Specializing specifically in intuitive healing, ancestral lineage healing, energy, and sound healing, Carissa also is experienced in medical herbalism, and aromatherapy and she also practices as a stillbirth, birth, and bereavement doula. 

We will talk about Carissa’s personal experience growing up with the sickle cell trait (one copy of the gene), as well as being a parent to a child with sickle cell anemia (two copies of the gene). We also talk about Carissa’s experience with unlearning and relearning many things around sickle cell anemia and her advocacy work to raise awareness about this blood disorder.

Content warning: we mention issues with sickle anemia, traumatic birth experiences, high-risk pregnancy, and pregnancy termination due to genetic conditions.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Carissa Hunter here (https://www.healingjourneyintuitive.com). Follow Carissa on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/healingjourneyintuitively). 

Learn more about the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tallahassee here (https://sicklecellfoundation.org/tag/tallahassee/). 

Learn more about the Sickle Cell Foundation and find a chapter near your here (https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_192_-_Carissa_Hunter_Sickle_cell_advocate_for_families.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we talk to Marnellie Bishop about life as a birth/postpartum doula and childbirth educator and the importance of cultural awareness in birth work.

Marnellie Bishop (she/her) is a certified birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator. Serving the Portland, Oregon community, Marnellie takes on the role as a board member and director of finance and operations at Community Doula Alliance.

Prior to pursuing her passion to support families in their perinatal journey, Marnellie completed a bachelor's degree in business administration and used her degree to help grow and sell her family's printing company. As a second-generation immigrant to Filipino parents, Marnellie understands the intersectionality that many immigrant families face when it comes to identifying their parenting styles through the lens of their cultural background and today's parenting values.

We will talk about Marnellie’s journey to becoming a birth and postpartum doula after being inspired by personally supporting the birthing needs of her friends. We also talk about the obstacles Marnellie faced and overcame as a birth and postpartum doula while amplifying the importance of respecting cultural traditions and customs when serving immigrant families or families who speak English as a second language in Portland, Oregon. 

Content warning: We mention COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, systemic oppression, Cesarean, and birthing complications such as late-term loss and preeclampsia.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Marnellie Bishop and Hanau Doula here (https://hanaudoula.com/). Follow Marnellie on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/hanaudoula). 

Learn more about Community Doula Alliance here (https://communitydoulaalliance.com/). Follow Community Doula Alliance on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance/). 

Learn more about Hypnobabies® here (https://www.hypnobabies.com/). 

Learn more about Oregon Health Authority here (https://www.oregon.gov/oha/Pages/index.aspx). 

Learn more about Wall of Moms here (https://www.npr.org/2020/07/28/896174019/what-the-wall-of-moms-protests-say-about-motherhood-race-in-america). 

Learn more about Black Lives Matter here (https://blacklivesmatter.com/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_191-Marnellie_Bishop.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode I am joined by Erin Wilson, MPH, a research editor at Evidence Based Birth®️, to discuss the latest research on Big Babies. In this episode, we cover:

What is considered a "big" baby?

  • Can we accurately predict if a baby will be born big?
  • Does it really matter if a baby is born big? What are the risks?
  • Could suspecting that you're pregnant with a big baby be more harmful than helpful?
  • Is early induction beneficial for big babies?

RESOURCES:

You can access all of the references for this podcast, as well as a full-length Signature Article and one-page handout on Big Babies by visiting ebbirth.com/bigbaby. Don't forget that we also have several resources for people who are pregnant with gestational diabetes:

Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes: ebbirth.com/diagnosinggdm
Inducing Labor for Gestational Diabetes: ebbirth.com/inducinggdm

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®️, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth®️ Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_190_-_Big_Baby_Signature_Article_Topic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Janiya Mitnaul Williams, IBCLC, about becoming a lactation consultant and the importance of Black Breastfeeding Week.

Janiya Mitnaul Williams is an international board certified lactation consultant, a registered lactation consultant, and a certified lactation counselor who has been supporting nursing families since 2007. She holds degrees from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and Union Institute & University in Speech, Language Pathology in Audiology, and Health and Wellness with a concentration in Human Lactation.

Janiya is the program director of the Pathway 2 Human Lactation Training Program at North Carolina A&T State University. She also works for the Women's and Children's Center at Cone Health as a perinatal educator researcher, community liaison, and doula services coordinator. In 2015, Janiya created Mahogany Milk Support Group in order to promote, encourage and normalize nursing for Black and Brown families. That same year, Janiya also became the first person of color and non-registered nurse to be hired as a lactation consultant for the hospital system at Cone Health. 

Janiya is very passionate about creating diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of lactation to promote better health outcomes for Black and Brown marginalized and underprivileged families because they have the greatest lactation barriers to overcome.

We will talk about challenges Janiya experienced during her journey to becoming a lactation consultant. We also talk about cultural barriers in lactation, the importance of Black Breastfeeding Week, and creating her own Pathway 2 Human Lactation Training Program at North Carolina A&T State University.

Content warning: We will discuss the cultural barriers and historical trauma (i.e. slavery) in the field of lactation.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Janiya Mitnaul Williams’ Pathway 2 Human Lactation Training Program at NC A&T State University here (https://www.ncat.edu/caes/departments/family-and-consumer-sciences/lactation-cert.php). Follow Janiya on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/janiyamwilliams). Follow Mahogany Milk on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mahoganymilk/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mahoganymilk). 

Learn more about NC A&T State University here (https://www.ncat.edu). Follow NC A&T State University on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ncatsuaggies/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ncatsuaggies). 

Learn about Union Institute & University here (https://myunion.edu/). 

Learn about the Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative at UNC-Chapel Hill University here (https://sph.unc.edu/cgbi/lactation-consultant-training/). 

Learn about International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE) here (https://iblce.org/). 

Learn more about Black Breastfeeding Week here (https://blackbreastfeedingweek.org/). Follow Black Breastfeeding Week on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BlackBreastfeedingWeek), Twitter (https://twitter.com/BlkBfingWeek), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blkbfingweek/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.


On today's podcast, we are talking with Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class parent, Kathryn Remivasan, about her experience giving birth to a posterior-positioned baby. Kathryn and her husband, Dushyant, are graduates of the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class with EBB Instructor and doula, Julie Fors. Dushyant and Kathryn are software engineers. They live in Chicago with their two cats, dog, and now beautiful baby girl, Elakshi, who Kathryn gave birth to in January 2021. We talk about Kathryn’s use of a “marathon training” mindset to have an unmedicated birth during the pandemic. We also talk about Kathryn’s experience of including medical interventions during her birth, as well as how she coped with postpartum recovery after a long labor.

Content warning: We talk about COVID, infant/labor trauma, the use of medical interventions while in labor, and postpartum anxiety/recovery.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Julie Fors here (https://journeyforwardbirthandparenting.com/). 

Learn more about Rush University Medical Center here (https://www.rush.edu/). 

Learn more about Spinning Babies here (https://www.spinningbabies.com/).  

Listen to EBB 101 episode with Spinning Babies found, Gail Tully here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-101-gail-tully-of-spinning-babies%ef%b8%8f/). 

Listen to EBB 165 episode with Ann Marie Gilligan here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/fetal-position-during-labor-with-ld-nurse-ann-marie-gilligan/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_188_-_Kathryn_Remivansan_EBB_Childbirth_Class_Parent.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure to talk with our honored guests, Dr. Monica McLemore and Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, about postpartum justice and the need for Medicaid coverage for the entire postpartum year. Dr. Monica McLemore is a tenured associate professor at the University of California-San Francisco in the family healthcare nursing department, an affiliated scientist with advancing new standards in reproductive health, and a member of the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health. She retired from clinical practice as a public health and staff nurse after a 28-year clinical nursing career in 2019. Dr. McLemore's program of research is focused on understanding reproductive health injustice.

Dr. Jamila K. Taylor is a director of health care reform and senior fellow at The Century Foundation, where she leads TCF's work to build on the Affordable Care Act and develop the next generation of health reform to achieve high quality, affordable and universal coverage in America. Dr. Taylor also works on issues related to reproductive rights and justice, focusing on the structural barriers to healthcare access, racial and gender disparities in health outcomes, and the intersections between healthcare and economic justice.

We talk about their collaborative work with additional authors for the article, “We Must Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage,” which discusses the importance of extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum individuals. We also talk about the implications for the disruption of postpartum Medicaid coverage 60 days after giving birth and the importance of creating holistic, community-based care in perinatal and postpartum support.

Content warning: We will talk about postpartum, perinatal/postpartum mortality, mental health, substance use disorders, health challenges, and COVID-19.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Dr. McLemore here (https://profiles.ucsf.edu/monica.mclemore). Follow Dr. McLemore on Twitter here (https://twitter.com/mclemoremr) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mclemoremr).

Learn more about Dr. Taylor here (https://tcf.org/experts/jamila-taylor/). Follow Dr. Taylor on Twitter here (https://twitter.com/drtaylor09). 

Learn more about the article, “We Must Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage,” here (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/we-must-extend-postpartum-medicaid-coverage/). 

Learn more about Scientific American here (https://www.scientificamerican.com/).

Learn more about The Century Foundation here (https://tcf.org/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_187_-_Dr._McLemore_and_Dr._Taylor_with_content_warning.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with EBB Childbirth Class parent, Angela Jones, about having an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth when labeled as high risk.

Angela is a macro-level social worker, wife to her husband, Tony, and mom to her son, Alistair, and their cats, Pumpernickel and Lion-O. Angela and Tony graduated from the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class with EBB instructor, Victoria Michonski. Both Victoria and Heather McCullough, who is also an EBB instructor, were Angela and Tony’s doulas for Alistair’s birth. 

We talk about Angela’s birth story and her experience having an easy, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth despite being labeled as high risk for multiple reasons. We also talk about data birth outcomes for people who have multiple high-risk labels.

Content Warning: We talk about ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy losses, high-risk pregnancy complications, and perinatal morbidity. 

Resources:

Learn more about EBB Instructor, Victoria Michonski, here (http://www.vdoula.com/). Follow Victoria on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/312doulas/). 

Learn more about EBB Instructor, Heather McCullough, here (https://www.hmbirth.com/). Follow Heather on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/hmbirth). Follow Heather on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/hmbirth/). Follow Heather on Twitter here (https://twitter.com/hmbirth). 

Sheen, J. J., Wright, J. D., Goffman, D., et al. (2018). Maternal age and risk for adverse outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Oct;219(4):390.e1-390.e15. Click here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_186_-_Angela_Jones.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, we will be talking with Tyler Jean Dukes, my doctoral fellow intern.  Tyler (she/her) is a doctoral candidate and graduate instructor at Texas Christian University. Over this past year, Tyler has been working with me as part of a graduate fellowship program. Tyler specializes in the medical humanities and early British literature. She is also a trained childbirth doula, which informs her scholarly and personal interests. Tyler teaches many classes at TCU, including “Introduction to Literature, Fiction, and Narrative Medicine,” and she is one year away from graduating with her Ph.D.

We talk about her research with integrating childbirth and birth work into her doctoral studies in literature. We also talk about what Tyler discovered about the history of prenatal ultrasounds and pelvic exams.

I encourage everyone to listen to EBB 174 with The Black OBGYN Project and EBB 180 with Stephanie Tillman, who is an expert on trauma-informed pelvic care. 

Content warning: We talk about the history of obstetric abuse and trauma, as well as emotional and physical trauma.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Tyler by following her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/birthandbooks).

Learn more about DFW Narrative Medicine here (https://dfwnarrativemedicine.com/). 

Learn more aboutAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) here (https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ultrasound-exams).

Learn more about Listening to Mother's (LTM) here (https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/maternity/listening-to-mothers.html).

Learn more about World Health Organization (WHO) here (https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/259946/WHO-RHR-18.01-eng.pdf;jsessionid=6D347E8AC8A769FE8E922B68675407BA?sequence=1).

Learn more about Ultrasound Industry Reports here (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001451.pub4/full).

Learn more about Value Penguin here (https://www.valuepenguin.com/cost-sonogram-ultrasound-pregnancy).

Learn more about Fortune Business Insights here (https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/ultrasound-equipment-market-100515).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_185_-_Tyler_Jean_Dukes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we talk about how to evaluate clinical research and how it is actually carried out. We are currently in the midst of a free 30-day trial of the EBB Pro Membership, and this podcast episode is a sample part of a class series inside the membership! Have you ever wondered how research is carried out, and why certain things are studied... but why other aspects of birth and midwifery care are not? Do you know how many billions of dollars are spent in the U.S. research industry each year, and what that money is spent on?

In this podcast, Dr. Dekker will walk you through the timeline of how research is carried out, who decides what research gets funded, and why so much research has come from a racist and patriarchal lens. You'll also learn about the importance of one of the newest fields of science called "clinical and translational research."

Content Warning: We will be talking about racism and sexism in research, and how this has led to an increase in heart disease deaths among women. And I share a personal story related to heart disease and mortality.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about our Pro Membership here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). 

Learn more about biomedical translation here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnHLo-hCssg).  

Learn more about the NIH Reporter here (https://reporter.nih.gov/). 

Learn more about Eunice Kennedy Shriver NIH here (https://www.nichd.nih.gov/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_184_-_Sample_EBB_Membership_Class.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Mary Kathryn DeLodder about licensing certified professional midwives in Kentucky.  Mary Kathryn DeLodder (she/her) is a consumer advocate and leader of the Kentucky Birth Coalition. From 2012 through 2019 she worked on efforts to license certified professional midwives in Kentucky. She is now working on legislation to improve access to birth centers in Kentucky. 

We will talk about how Mary Kathryn first became interested in helping pass the midwifery licensure bill in Kentucky and the beginnings of forming the Kentucky Home Birth Coalition. We will also talk about the challenges that were against legalizing certified professional midwives to practice in Kentucky and the wave of collective support that helped to push the bill to get passed. 

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Mary Kathyrn DeLodder and the Kentucky Birth Coalition here (https://www.kentuckybirth.org). Follow the Kentucky Birth Coalition on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyBirthCoalition/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kybirthcoalition/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_183_-_Mary_Kathryn_Delodder.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, we have an exciting takeover in celebration of Pride Month. We have Mystique Hargrove, Kortney Lapeyrolerie, and Nadine Ashby to talk about their experiences as Black queer and trans birth workers.

Mystique (She/They) is the radical femme CEO, and creator of "The Black Birth Healer." Mystique is a holistic birth and postpartum wellness specialist who is certified as a full spectrum doula, a lactation educator, a childbirth educator, and a Diaspora death doula. Mystique is a Pathway 3 IBCLC mentee, and an Evidence Based Birth Instructor®. Currently, Mystique is a Ph.D. student with a research focus on inclusive services and advocacy in perinatal mental health for Black LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Kortney (She/They) is a queer Black healing justice activist, birth worker, conflict mediator, and content creator. She is the founder and organizer of the Queer Doula Network, which maintains a digital LGBTQIA+ birth work and birth work-adjacent directory, provides workshops, and holds community spaces for LGBTQIA+ birth workers to find support. Kortney has worked with the Black Health (formerly the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS) and the Latino Commission on AIDS, providing capacity building around communications and sexual and reproductive health. 

Nadine (They/Them) is a queer trans birth doula and doula educator. Nadine’s work is built on a foundation of social justice and equity. Nadine’s birth work journey started with their mother taking them to the births of family members and friends. Nadine leaned into the incredible transformative power that birthing people unearthed at each birth they attended. This reverence led Nadine to earn a degree in Biology with the intention of becoming a nurse-midwife.

They talk about what Pride Month means to them as Black queer and trans birth workers and their past experiences which lead them to their roles to advocate for birth and reproductive rights of queer and trans bodies of color. They also talk about the challenges they face in their communities as Black queer and trans birth workers and the hopeful futures they envision for their communities. 

**Content Warning: They will talk about racism, misgendering, homophobia, transphobia, and trauma.**

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Mystique here (https://www.theblackbirthhealer.com). Follow Mystique on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theblackbirthhealer) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blackbirthhealer). Learn more about Mystique’s fundraiser project on Black-led birth and postpartum services here (https://ifundwomen.com/projects/black-led-birth-and-postpartum-wellness). 

Learn more about Kortney and The Queer Doula Network here (https://queerdoulanetwork.com/). Follow The Queer Doula Network on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/QueerDoulaNetwork/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/queerdoulas/). Learn more about the Queer Doula Network membership here (https://www.patreon.com/queerdoulanetwork). Connect with the Queer Doula Network by email here (queerdoulanetwork@gmail.com). 

Learn more about Nadie here (https://www.doula4all.com/). Learn more about Roots Community Birth Center here (https://www.rootsbirthcenter.com/). Follow Nadine on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Doula4all) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Doula4all/). Learn more about Birth Revolution here (https://thebirthrevolution.org/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_182_-_Pride_Month_with_Mystique_Kortney_and_Nadine_with_edits.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Dr. Stephanie Mitchell about starting a midwifery-led birth center. 

Dr. Mitchell is a certified nurse-midwife who earned her BSN from Curry College, along with her MSN and her doctorate of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University. Dr. Mitchell is the founder of The Birth Sanctuary of Gainesville, Alabama, a freestanding birth center under development that will be the first Black-owned birth center in the state. She is actively involved in teaching others on Instagram as @doctor_midwife.

We will talk about Dr. Mitchell’s journey to becoming a nurse-midwife and her passion for restoring Black-led midwifery care to the people of Alabama. We also talk about how Dr. Mitchell calls out harmful obstetric practices against Black birthing bodies, and how she advocates for the importance of creating safer and affirmative services in perinatal healthcare. 

**Content warning: We talk about implicit bias and racism.**

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Stephanie Mitchell and The Birth Sanctuary here (https://thebirthsanctuary.com/). Follow Stephanie on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/doctor_midwife/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_181_-_Stephanie_Mitchell_DoctorMidwife_with_edits.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast we are excited to feature Feminist Midwife, Stephanie Tillman (she/her), a midwife at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Stephanie is on the Board of Directors of Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health and the Midwest Access Project. Stephanie is also a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives Ethics Committee and is an advisory committee member of the Queer and Transgender Midwives Association. 

We talk about Stephanie’s journey to becoming a midwife involved in trauma-informed care. We also talk about the importance of active consent regarding pelvic exams and forced medical interventions in birth work. Stephanie also shares her thoughts about the ARRIVE trial's effects on 39-week elective inductions in the Chicago area.

**Content Warning: We will be talking about obstetric abuse, sexual assault, trauma, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and gaslighting.**

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Stephanie Tillman and “Feminist Midwife” here (https://www.feministmidwife.com/). Read Stephanie’s article “Consent in Pelvic Care” here (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jmwh.13189). Follow Stephanie on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FeministMidwife/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/feministmidwife), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/feministmidwife/). 

Learn more about the American College of Nurse-Midwives here (https://www.midwife.org/default.aspx). 

Learn more about Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health here (https://www.nsrh.org/). 

Learn more about the Midwest Access Project here (https://midwestaccessproject.org/). 

Learn more about the Queer and Transgender Midwives Association here (https://www.elephantcircle.net/qtma). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_180_-_Stephanie_Tillman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we are thrilled to share with you an empowering and transformative home birth story from Trish and Mimi Ang.

Trish (she/her) and Mimi (she/her) are first-time parents to their baby boy, Aspen Kai, and they are graduates of the EBB Childbirth Class. Mimi and Trish fell in love three years ago over rock climbing, and pushed up their home insemination plans last year due to COVID. 

We spoke with Trish and Mimi about using an alternative process for their family planning, as well as their refreshing experience taking an EBB Childbirth Class with their doula and EBB instructor, Shalin Butterworth. They also describe their empowering home birth experience (including how they overcame some challenges!) and the supportive care provided by their midwives and doula.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Shalin Butterworth here (https://www.sozenbirthservices.com/). Follow Shalin on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sozenbirthservices/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sozenbirth/).  

Learn more about Birthstream here (https://www.birthstream.com/). 

Learn more about California is Mothers-for-Mothers Postpartum Justice Project here (https://m2mpostpartum.org). 

 Learn more about Chicago Volunteer Doulas here (https://www.chicagovolunteerdoulas.org/). 

Learn more about the Military Birth Resource Network here (https://www.militarybirthresourcenetwork.org/). 

Learn more about 4th Trimester Arizona here (https://4thtrimesteraz.org/). 

Learn more about Postpartum Support International here (https://postpartum.net). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_179_-_Trish_and_Mimi_Ang_EBB_Childbirth_Class_parents.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, I'm so excited to welcome Dr. Shannon Clark. Dr. Clark is a double board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist focusing on the care of people with perinatal or fetal complications in pregnancy.

 

With a special interest in pregnancy after the age of 35, Dr. Clark has been inspired not only by the experiences of friends and patients but by her own personal experience of trying to get pregnant in her forties.

We talk about Dr. Clark’s journey to her role in as an OB/GYN serving pregnant people over the age of 35, and her own challenging, personal experience of getting pregnant (with twins!) for the first time at the age of 42.

**Content warning: We will talk about miscarriage, fertility issues, and pregnancy complications.**

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Dr. Shannon M. Clark and “Babies After 35” here (https://www.babiesafter35.com/). Follow Dr. Clark on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/babiesafter35/), TikTok (tiktokbabydoc), and Instagram (tps://www.instagram.com/babiesafter35). 

Learn more about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) here (https://www.nih.gov/). 

Learn more about maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) here (https://www.smfm.org/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_178_-_Dr_Shannon_Clark.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Mera and Dimitri about having their fourth baby after the age of 35 and giving birth before they could make it to the hospital. 

Mera is a freelance writer, enrichment educator, and mom of four living in South Carolina. Dimitri is an army veteran studying computer science and a father of four in South Carolina. Mera and Dimitri recently gave birth to their baby in October of 2020. And they took the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth class with EBB instructor, Juliann Lee, who is also based in South Carolina. 

We will talk about their very exciting birth story about giving birth in their living room before they could make it to the hospital. We also talk about their experience of pregnancy after 35 and feeling prepared to advocate for the birth that they wanted after taking the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth class. 

**Content warning: We will talk about prior birth trauma.**

Learn more about Juliann Lee here (https://www.littleorchidsbirth.com/meet-juliann). 


For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_177_-_Mera_and_Dimitri.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

We are thrilled to announce that we have updated the research information on one of our most popular articles, the Evidence on Advanced Maternal Age.

My mom had her first baby at the age of 19, and that was "normal" back then. But today, it seems like delaying pregnancy until your 30s or older is becoming the norm. All around the world, the average age at first birth is going up and reaching record highs! So needless to say, the topic of "Advanced Maternal Age" affects a LOT of people!

In today's podcast, I share the recording from our webinar on AMA that will include the actual statistics on the health outcomes for people who are pregnant at 35 and older. The recording also includes some storytelling and discussion of the implications of this research data.

Hopefully, the information in the podcast and the Signature Article will be helpful either to you or someone you know. Feel free to forward this article to anyone you think might be interested!

Content warning: We will talk about statistics on stillbirth, newborn death, and gestational mortality, as well as the effects of racism on stillbirth.

Resources:

Learn more about Jennie Joseph here (https://commonsensechildbirth.org/). Learn moare about The JJ Way here (https://savinglives.biz/the-jj-way/). Follow Jennie Joseph on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MidwifeJennie/) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/iamjenniejoseph/). Listen to Jennie Joseph’s EBB podcast here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/solutions-for-the-crisis-in-american-maternity-care-with-jennie-joseph/). 

Learn more about UpToDate here (https://www.uptodate.com/home). 

Learn more about Denise Bolds and A Bold Doula here (https://www.bolddoula.com/). 

Learn more about China Tolliver here (https://www.riseupmidwife.com/). 

Learn more about Black Mamas Matter Association here (https://blackmamasmatter.org/). 

Learn more about the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists here (https://www.acog.org/). 

Learn more about the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists here (https://www.rcog.org.uk/). 

Learn more about Dr. Mimi Niles here (https://nursing.nyu.edu/directory/faculty/mimi-niles). 

Learn more about Dr. Alicia Breakey here (https://scholar.harvard.edu/breakey/biocv). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_176_-_Evidence_on_AMA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Today's podcast episode is focused on a very important topic— the Evidence on Midwives.

We've been asked for years to publish an article or podcast on the evidence on midwifery care, and we felt there was no better day to release a podcast episode on this topic than May 5th, International Day of the Midwife!

In this episode, I discuss the different types of midwives, the history of midwifery care (and how it was nearly eliminated in the U.S.), and the research on the better health outcomes that are seen when families are randomly assigned to receive midwifery-led care. We also talk about the effects of racism and mistreatment in obstetric care, and how midwives — especially midwives of color— are a critical solution to the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S.

With the theme of the 2021 International Day of the Midwife being, “Follow the data and invest in midwives,” we are honored in this podcast episode to talk about why we need more midwives of color, and to acknowledge the Black grand midwives who have recently transitioned from elders to ancestors. 

Content warning: In this episode, we talk about miscarriage, fetal loss, and racism.

Resources:

Learn more about Birth Place Lab Maps here (https://birthplacelab.org/maps). 

Learn more about The Giving Voice to Mothers study here (https://reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12978-019-0729-2). 

Learn more about Melanated Midwives here (https://melanatedmidwives.org). 

Learn more about the National Black Midwives Alliance here (https://blackmidwivesalliance.org/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_175_-_Evidence_on_Midwivess.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, we are thrilled to share with you an important interview with the co-founders of The Black OBGYN Project, Dr. Rachel Bervell, and Dr. Tamandra Morgan. 

Dr. Rachel Bervell, a graduate of Harvard and Georgetown University, is the founder of the nonprofit organization “Hugs for Ghana," and co-founder of “The Fresh Resource Urban Initiative Team” or FRUIT, which addresses food insecurity and underserved communities through health literacy and nutrition courses. Dr. Bervell continues today to be dedicated to vulnerable communities and patients and serves as a medical consultant for the University of California, San Francisco's “Voices for Birth Justice” and as a women's health practitioner.

Dr. Tamandra Morgan, a graduate of Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, is a second-year resident physician in OB/GYN at the University of California, San Francisco. In Chicago, Dr. Morgan was a leader in the Urban Medicine program and volunteered at the male health forum on Chicago South Side. Dr. Morgan is a 2017 recipient of the prestigious American Association of University Women Selected Professions Fellowships.

In today's podcast, Dr. Bervell and Dr. Morgan share their journey to becoming obstetric physicians. We also talk about their experiences with creating “The Black OBGYN Project,” and how they are using their platform to advocate and amplify the need for more Black OB/GYNs to enter and be supported in the field. 

**Content Warning: We talk about racial disparities, obstetric abuse, microaggressions, and sexual assault.** 

Resources:

Learn more about The Black OBGYN Project here on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Black-ObGyn-Project) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theblackobgynproject). 

Learn more about Medical Bondage by Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens here (https://ugapress.org/book/9780820354750/medical-bondage/). 

Learn more about Killing the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts here 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_174_-_Black_OBGYN_Project.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this week’s podcast, we wrap up our mini-series on breech babies by covering the latest research on external cephalic version (ECV) for breech positioned babies!

Topics covered in this podcast episode include updated information on:

How common it is to have a breech positioned baby

  • How often people are offered and receive an ECV for a breech baby
  • The effectiveness of ECV for lowering the risk of Cesarean
  • Benefits and risks of the ECV procedure
  • Pain management during an ECV
  • Timing of an ECV and techniques that can increase effectiveness
  • Effects of a prior Cesarean on the ECV success rate
  • And more!

 To read the transcript and see all of the research references, just go to https://evidencebasedbirth.com/breechversion

Resources:

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_173_-_Evidence_on_ECV.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure to talk to our honored guests, Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes about breech vaginal birth. 

Dr. Rixa Freeze has a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and is a researcher, professor, and mother of four children. Her current research specialization is vaginal breech birth, and she's president of Breech Without Borders, a 501(c)3 non-profit. She also blogs at Stand and Deliver. Dr. David Hayes, MD, is an OBGYN who works at Harvest Moon Women’s Health with an academic background and a passion for science and its proper application to clinical medicine. Dr. Hayes has worked for Medecins Sans Frontieres, Doctors Without Borders, and is trained in critical care obstetrics. 

We with talk about the evidence-based research around breech vaginal birth. We also talk about their innovative approach to breech vaginal birth training with Breech Without Borders. 

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Breech Without Borders here (https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/). 

Learn more about Dr. Freeze and Stand and Deliver here (https://arixa.blogspot.com). 

Learn more about Dr. Hayes and Harvest Moon Women’s Health here (https://www.harvestmoonwomenshealth.com/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_172_-_Dr._Freeze_and_Dr._Hayes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, we will be talking with EBB Childbirth Class parents, Janae and Andrew Rick, as they share their unique birth story about their vaginal breech birth. 

Janae is a senior graphic designer for a makeup company. Andrew is in the restaurant industry working as a bar back and bartender in Minneapolis. 

After recently buying their first home at St. Paul Park in October of 2020, they gave birth to their first baby, a boy named Jenoa, in January 2021, who arrived exactly on his due date. Janae and Andrew are graduates of the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class with instructors, Heather Christine Struwe and Rhonda Fellows. 

We talk about their experience with learning about their options of having a vaginal breech birth. We also talk about their unique birthing story and having amazing support during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

RESOURCES

Learn more about Heather Cristine Struwe here (https://holisticcontinuum.com/). Follow Heather Christine on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/hc.heatherchristine). 

Learn about Rhonda Fellows via Oily Doula MN here (https://www.oilydoulamn.com/) and follow Oily Doula MN on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/oilydoulamn/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/oilydoulamn/).

Learn more about Dr. Rixa Freeze, Dr. David Hayes, and Breech Without Borders here (https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/). 

Learn more about External Cephalic Version (ECV) here (https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw180146#:~:text=External%20cephalic%20version%2C%20or%20version,to%20try%20a%20vaginal%20birth). 

Learn more about Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) here (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15342835/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_171_-_Janae_and_Andrew_Rick.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, I am excited to welcome a special guest and my friend, Cristen Pascucci of Birth Monopoly! Cristen and I talk about how to file hospital complaints when people experience mistreatment or unsafe care during childbirth. 

Content warning: Obstetric violence, birth trauma, and sexual assault in obstetrics. 

A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and creator of the online course, Know Your Rights: Legal and Human Rights in Childbirth for Birth Professionals and Advocates. She is also co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project and host of Birth Allowed Radio, a podcast. Cristen is a leading voice in the field of maternity care, speaking around the world and consulting privately on issues related to birth rights and birthing options.

Cristen and I talk about the formal process of how one can submit a complaint to the hospital and state licensing boards if they experienced mistreatment or unsafe childbirth practices. We also talk about obstetric violence and birth trauma due to systemic barriers in childbirth care, and how more people can become involved as advocates.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Cristen Pascucci and Birth Monopoly here (www.birthmonopoly.com).

Check out the Complaint toolkit here: https://birthmonopoly.com/complaint 

Find out about "Mother May I" the documentary here: https://mothermayithemovie.com  

Follow Birth Monopoly on Facebook here (https://facebook.com/birthmonopoly). Follow Birth Monopoly on Instagram here (https://instagram.com/birthmonopoly). 

Read the news report about the Annals of Internal Medicine paper about abusive behavior in the operating room here

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_170_-_Cristen_Pascucci.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, we will be talking with our honored guest, Dr. Amber Warmsley. Dr. Warmsley is a wife of five years to an amazing husband and a mother of two young children. She's a native Southern Californian transplanted to the D.C. metro area who will always love the beach. Dr. Warmsley is also an attending board-certified practicing OB-GYN with 8 years experience, 12 years if you count residency (which you definitely should). Dr. Warmsley is currently Chairperson of the department of OB-GYN and hospitalist site director at a hospital in Maryland.

Dr. Warmsley is passionate about fostering a collaborative care approach to pregnancy-related care and creating a safe, positive, and uplifting birthing experience. She believes that all women and families deserve compassion, respect, dignity, and shared decision-making from their birthing team. 

RESOURCES:

Learn more about The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) here (www.acog.org).

Hishikawa, K., Kusaka, T., Fukuda, T., et al. (2020). Neonatal outcomes of two-step delivery in low-risk pregnancy: A prospective observational study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2020 Jul;46(7):1090-1097.
 
Huang, H., Yang, M., Zhou, H., et al. (2018). Method of shoulder delivery and neonatal outcomes: A meta-analysis of prospective controlled studies. Natl Med J India. 2018 Nov-Dec;31(6):324-328.
 
Kotaska, A. & Campbell, K. (2014). Two-step delivery may avoid shoulder dystocia: head-to-body delivery interval is less important than we think. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014 Aug;36(8):716-720. 
 
Locatelli, A. Incerti, M., Ghidini, A., et al. (2011). Head-to-body delivery interval using ‘two-step’ approach in vaginal deliveries: effect on umbilical artery pH, The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 24:6, 799-803.
 
Zhang, H., Zhao, N., Lu, Y., et al. (2017). Two-step shoulder delivery method reduces the incidence of shoulder dystocia. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2017;44(3):347-352.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_168_-_Amber_Warmsley.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we will be talking about the evidence on using erythromycin eye ointment for newborns. As this is a controversial topic, I am excited to talk about the intriguing research evidence and the history of eye ointment regarding how it started and why it was used in the past, as well as why it is still being used today.

We have covered this topic before here in our Signature Articles.

We will also discuss whether or not it is effective for its designed purpose, along with antibiotic resistance, the benefits and risks of using eye ointment on newborns, and alternatives to use in place of eye ointment. 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_167_-_Eye_Ointment.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

n today’s podcast, we will be talking with Brooklynn and Hoang Pham. Brooklynn and Hoang currently live in Davis, California, and are the parents to Marvel, who turned seven months last December. Brooklynn is the senior managing director of Teach For America in Sacramento, and Hoang is finishing up his final year of law school at UC Davis School of Law. They took the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth class with EBB instructor, Shalin Butterworth, and are here to share their birth story.

Content Warning: We will be talking about maternal mortality and racism.

We will talk about Brooklynn’s and Hoang’s empowering experience when they attended the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth class and how it prepared them to feel ready for their powerful and miraculous birth with their doula and EBB instructor, Shalin. We also talk about the significantly high rates of maternal mortality among Black and Brown individuals and racism in birth work. 

Hoang and Brooklyn's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBNp5cuEQpBDY3-3Bnl6eQ/
Instagram: @_hoangpham Twitter: @_hoangpham

Birthplace Lab: You can explore the maps at https://www.birthplacelab.org/maps/. There is a How To video with tips on using the interactive maps: https://www.birthplacelab.org/how-to-explore-the-maps/. Visit BirthPlaceLab.org to learn about your state’s score!

Research References:
Balde, M. D., Nasiri, K., Mehrtash, H., et al. (2020). Labour companionship and women's experiences of mistreatment during childbirth: results from a multi-country community-based survey. BMJ Glob Health. 2020 Nov;5(Suppl 2):e003564. Click here.
 
Bohren, M. A., Berger, B. O., Munthe-Kaas, H., et al. (2019). Perceptions and experiences of labour companionship: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD012449. Click here.
 
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., et al. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Jul 6;7(7):CD003766. Click here.
 
Vedam, S., Stoll, K., MacDorman, M., et al. (2018). Mapping integration of midwives across the United States: Impact on access, equity, and outcomes. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 21;13(2):e0192523. Click here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_166_-_Brooklynn_Pham_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we talk with L&D nurse, Ann Marie Gilligan, about perinatal positioning during labor. Ann is a labor and delivery nurse in Minnesota, who is trained in high-risk obstetrics and advanced fetal monitoring, certified through Waterbirth International and also, certified as a sexual assault nurse examiner. Ann has 30 years of labor and delivery experience, ranging from the start-up team for an independent birth center to working at a level three high-risk labor and delivery unit to working as a legal nurse consultant and prenatal yoga instructor. Ann has extensive experience caring for families who want an unmedicated birth as well as caring for people with high-risk conditions, such as pre-eclampsia, uncontrolled diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, and sepsis. Ann has also traveled to Bolivia and Tanzania, where she taught high-risk obstetrics and maternal positioning for optimal fetal positioning. More recently, Ann became an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor in 2020 and is a Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner. 

We talk about maternal positioning and its effect on fetal positioning during labor. We also talk about Ann’s vast experience as an L&D nurse and her web-based resource, Gilligan's Guide, where Ann teaches physicians, nurses, and families the importance of infant positioning for birth.

Learn about Ann Marie Gilligan and Gilligan’s Guide here (www.gilligansguide.com). Follow Ann on Instagram here (www.instagram.com/gilligansguide). 

Learn about EBB instructor, Rhonda Fellows, Learn about Oily Doula MN here (https://www.oilydoulamn.com/) and follow Oily Doula MN on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/oilydoulamn/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/oilydoulamn/).

Learn more about Spinning Babies® here (https://www.spinningbabies.com/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_165_-_Ann_Gilligan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

I'm pleased to share with you today's podcast episode, which is a comprehensive update of the research evidence on COVID-19 and pregnancy and childbirth!

To view the scientific references for this article, visit the COVID-19 resource page here and look for the February 17, 2021 podcast episode text.

In this podcast episode, I cover:

  • The current global situation
  • What we know so far about prevention/vaccines during pregnancy
  • Testing and diagnosis
  • Symptoms during pregnancy
  • Risk of hospitalization and severe/critical illness in pregnancy
  • Treatment of COVID-19 during pregnancy
  • Risks to the fetus, including the risk of preterm birth
  • Timing of birth if you're infected with COVID-19
  • Whether its possible to transmit COVID-19 to the fetus in utero
  • Antibody transfer during pregnancy and through human milk
  • Newborn outcomes and best practices when a baby is born to an infected parent
  • Hospital policies on permitting birth partners
  • Hospital policies on permitting doulas
  • Changes we've seen to labor and delivery practices during the pandemic
  • Where you can go to read guidelines from professional organizations

I hope that this podcast episode is helpful! I'm happy that our research team was able to put it together for you.

Direct download: EBB_164_-_Updated_Evidence_on_COVID-19_and_Pregnancy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:46pm EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Nathalie Walton, CEO of the Expectful app, about coping with anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum— especially when you have a high-risk pregnancy.

Nathalie is the CEO of Expectful, the number one meditation and sleep app for growing families. She has spent the last eight years in leadership roles at Airbnb, Google, and eBay. As a new mother to her 10-month old son Everett, Nathalie experienced the failure of the U.S. healthcare system as it pertains to nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of pregnant and new parents. She joined the team at Expectful to provide universal access to evidence-based wellness solutions such as meditation to help millions of people around the world navigate the new stage of parenthood.

**Content Warning: This episode includes a birth story with placental abruption, emergency cesarean, and NICU admission.** 

Natalie talks with us about her journey to parenthood, including how she prepared for her “marathon” high-risk pregnancy and birthing experience. We also talk about how she empowered herself to take control of her mental well-being during pregnancy and birth. 

Learn more about Nathalie Walton and the Expectful app here (https://expectful.com/). To learn more about Expectful’s Helping Hands scholarship program, email them at care@expectful.com. Follow Expectful on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/expectful/) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/expectful/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_163_-_Nathalie_Walton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we are talking with Jamie and Ryan English about their unexpectedly long but empowering hospital birth, as well as the effects of severe diastasis recti on the labor process.

Jamie and Ryan are graduates of the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class, which they took with EBB instructor Jennifer Anderson. Ryan is a commercial property manager and Jamie is a photographer. They moved to Sacramento a few years ago from San Diego, California, and at the same time they found out they were pregnant with their baby girl. 

We talk about how Jamie and Ryan prepared for their birthing experience as first-time parents during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also talk about Jamie’s long labor experience due to the effects of having severe diastasis recti. 

Learn more about Katy Bowman and her book, “Diastasis Recti: The Whole-Body Solution to Abdominal Weakness and Separation” here (https://linktr.ee/nutritiousmovement). Follow Katy on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nutritiousmovement/?hl=en) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NutritiousMovement/). 

Learn more about the Fit2B exercise program here (https://fit2b.us/). 

Learn more about the “The Birth Hour” podcast here (https://thebirthhour.com/). Follow “The Birth Hour” podcast on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thebirthhour/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thebirthhour/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/brynhuntpalmer). 

Learn more about EBB Instructor, Jennifer Anderson, here (https://www.birthfusion.com/) and follow Birth Fusion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/birthfusion/). 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_162_-_Jamie__Ryan_English.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, I'm excited to talk with Kimberly Seals Allers. Kimberly is an award-winning journalist, five-time author, international speaker, strategist, and advocate for maternal and infant health. A former senior editor at Essence, and a writer at Fortune Magazine, Kimberly is a leading voice on the socio-cultural complexities of motherhood. Kimberly is also the founder of Irth, a new app to address bias in maternity and infant care.

We talk about how Kimberly’s new app, Irth, which addresses biased maternal care and cultural competency when serving marginalized communities. We also talk about the challenges Kimberly overcame after launching Irth.  

**Content Warning: We discuss racism/racial violence, Black maternal mortality, and infant mortality.**

Learn more about Kimberly Seals Allers and the Irth app here (https://birthwithoutbias.com/who-we-are). Follow Kimberly Seals Allers on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/iamKSealsAllers/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/iamksealsallers/?hl=en). Learn about Narrative Nation, Inc here (https://wewriteus.org/). Learn more about Kimberly’s books, “Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy” here (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-mocha-manual-to-a-fabulous-pregnancy-kimberly-seals-allers) and “The Big Letdown: How Medicine, Big Business, and Feminism Undermine Breastfeeding” here (https://www.amazon.com/Big-Letdown-Medicine-Undermine-Breastfeeding/dp/1250026962). 

Learn more about Dr. Fleda Mask Jackson here (https://drfledamjackson.com/). 

Learn more about Cristen Pascucci and Birth Monopoly here (https://birthmonopoly.com/). Follow Birth Monopoly on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/birthmonopoly/) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/birthmonopoly/?hl=en).

Learn more about the California Healthcare Foundation here (https://www.chcf.org/). Follow the California Healthcare Foundation on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chcfnews/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/chcfnews).

Learn more about the Tower Health Foundation here (https://www.towerhealth.org/reading-hospital-foundation). 

Learn more about the Grove Foundation here (https://www.thegrovefoundation.org/). 

Learn more about the Kellogg Foundation here (https://www.wkkf.org/). Follow the Kellogg Foundation on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KelloggFoundation), Twitter (https://twitter.com/wk_kellogg_fdn), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kelloggfoundation/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_161_-_Kimberly_Seals_Allers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s podcast, we will be speaking with Mystique Hargrove, EBB Featured Instructor. Mystique (She/They) is a certified full spectrum doula who serves BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of color), and LGBTQ+ individuals in Greensboro, North Carolina. Mystique also serves as an advisory board member for the United States Lactation Consultant Association, and is a Certified Lactation Educator, as well as a Certified Childbirth Educator. Mystique completed her Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University, along with a Marriage and Family Counseling Certification. Mystique earned a Certification in Wellness and Nutrition Consulting and Counseling, and her Certification in Reiki I and II, along with her certification as a Reiki Master. As a Black, Latinx, and Indigenous birth worker, Mystique has experience in herbal medicine and ancestral healing practices under Black, Latinx, and Indigenous teachers, and elder curanderas, or healers, in her community. Currently, Mystique is a Ph.D. student at Capella University for Counselor Education and Supervision, with a research focus on Inclusive Services and Advocacy in Perinatal Mental Health for Black, LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Content Warning: In this episode, we will talk about birth trauma and birth and perinatal mortality. 

We talk about Mystique’s experience as a birth worker in her community and what challenges she is faced with as an advocate for inclusive perinatal care for marginalized communities.

Learn more about Mystique and The Black Birth Healer (https://www.theblackbirthhealer.com). Follow Mystique on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackBirthHealer) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blackbirthhealer).

Learn more about Janiya Williams (https://www.madeingso.com/2020/08/28/janiya_mitnaul_williams/) and her Human Lactation Pathway 2 Certification Program at NC A&T State University (https://www.ncat.edu/caes/departments/family-and-consumer-sciences/lactation-cert.php). Follow Mahoghany Milk on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MahoganyMilk) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mahoganymilk). 

Learn more about Dr. Juan Michelle Martin here (https://www.jmmhealthsolutions.com/). Follow Dr. Martin on Instagram here (www.instagram.com/thepelvicperspective). View Dr. Martin’s pelvic floor topic videos on YouTube for JMM Health Solutions here (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNEkVefn_wLgrqlf4wyXHw).

Learn more about National College of Midwifery (https://www.midwiferycollege.edu/). Follow National College of Midwifery on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NationalCollegeMidwifery/). 

Learn more about Dr. Cheryl Beck (https://birthful.com/podcastbirthptsd/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: Evidence_Based_Birth_Podcast_-_Mystique_December_17_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we are going to talk about the research evidence on failure to progress. 

We also talk about what studies have shown about the normal length of labor, as well as the benefits and risks of having a longer pushing time.

We encourage you to visit https://evidencebasedbirth.com/failuretoprogress to get all the research references and a one-page handout.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_159_-_Failure_to_Progress.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, I interview Fiona and Craig Castleton about their birthing experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fiona and Craig welcomed their first baby in April 2020 — when everything was locked down. To prepare for their experience, they took the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class with EBB Instructor, Shalin Butterworth, who also happened to be their doula.

We talk about their experience taking the online Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class and how Shalin helped mentor them in comfort measures and advocacy. We also talk about birthing during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they advocated for themselves during pregnancy and during the birth. Fiona has shorter stature and had a history of spinal fusion surgery as a teen, and she had to navigate conflicting medical opinions about her ability to have an epidural or, even whether or not she could have a vaginal birth.

In the end, Fiona and Craig used their advocacy skills and had an empowering unmedicated hospital birthing experience as first-time parents.

Shalin Butterworth, their doula, and EBB Instructor: https://www.sozenbirthservices.com/
Take an EBB Childbirth Class from Shalin: https://www.sozenbirthservices.com/ebb-for-expecting-families

Birth Words podcast located here: https://www.birthwords.com/podcast
Birth Words class for professionals here: https://www.birthwords.com/classes
 
Feminist Midwife blog: https://www.feministmidwife.com/
Feminist Midwife e-newsletter:
https://feministmidwife.substack.com/about?utm_source=subscribe_email&utm_content=learn_more

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_158_-_Fiona__Craig_Castleton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, I wrap up all the resources we created at Evidence Based Birth in 2020, as well as the challenges we faced as a team. I also talk about what our plans are for the year 2021.

This was not an easy podcast to record. How do you sum up a year like 2020? Like many of you, our team members at EBB have experienced loss and grief, uncertainty and anxiety, stress, and burnout. Somehow our team pulled together to continue getting evidence based information to the public. We leaned on each other— when some of us were having difficulties, others pitched in... then roles would quickly reverse. "Teamwork makes the dreamwork" was frequently mentioned in our Slack channel!

In the end, we were still able to fulfill our EBB mission (making research evidence publicly available) while caring for ourselves and our families. And I am incredibly proud of our team for that accomplishment.

I'd encourage you to check out today's podcast to learn about all the resources that were created for you this year at Evidence Based Birth and to get a sneak peek of what we hope to publish next year. You can listen to that podcast episode (or read the transcript) here (link).

We also created a Spotify playlist of songs that have inspired some of us through difficult times. You can check out that music playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5w25L1849X9dTVt0RGMkOe?si=xx61fpXmR1ujTcqiOtrClA

On behalf of the entire EBB team, I'd like to send you our best wishes for a healing and restorative New Year in 2021.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_157_-_2020_Wrap_up.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In today’s episode, I interview Nicole Deggins, a Certified Nurse Midwife and one of the country's leading birth advocacy experts.. She served as faculty for the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative and sits on the Louisiana Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review committee, the Louisiana Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies council, and is a consultant for the Global Infant Safe Sleep Center. Nicole has provided guest lectures to public health students at universities and has provided training and consultation to many local and national agencies, including the New Orleans Maternal Child Health Coalition, Birthing Project USA, Birthmark Doula Collective, Healthy Start New Orleans, New Orleans WIC and others. 

**Trigger Content Warning: This episode talks about systemic racism in birth work and racial trauma.**

As we wrap up the "International Year of the Nurse and Midwife," I'm grateful to Nicole Deggins for coming on the podcast. Don't miss this episode, where Nicole talks about Black midwifery, labor and delivery nursing, doula training, and the founding of Sista Midwife Productions. She also shares her experiences of navigating systemic racism as a Black pregnant mother and birth professional. Nicole also shares her own inspirational preterm birth story.

Learn more about Nicole Deggins and Sista Midwife Productions Birth Sister/Doula training here (https://www.sistamidwife.com/ and https://www.sistamidwife.com/doulatraining). Follow Sista Midwife Productions on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/SistaMidwife) and on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/sistamidwife). 

Learn more about Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative here (https://partnersforfamilyhealth.org/lapqc/). 

Learn more about Louisiana Healthy Moms here (https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/231). 

Learn more about Global Infant Safe Sleep Center (GISSC) here (https://gisscenter.org/). Follow GISSC on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/gisscenter/). 

Learn more about New Orleans Maternal Child Health Coalition (NOMCHC) here (https://wavestarter.tulane.edu/campaigns/new-orleans-maternal-and-child-health-coalition-student-assistant-stipends) and follow NOMCHC on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/nolamchcoalition). 

Learn more about Birthing Project USA here (https://www.healthystartepic.org/resources/evidence-based-practices/birthing-project-usa/). 

Learn more about the Birthmark Doula Collective here (https://www.birthmarkdoulas.com/). Follow the Birthmark Doula Collective on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/birthmarkdoulas/), on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/birthmarkdoulas), and on Twitter here (https://twitter.com/BirthmarkDoulas). 

Learn about Healthy Start New Orleans here (https://www.nola.gov/health-department/healthy-start/). 

Learn more about New Orleans WIC here (https://www.nola.gov/health/wic/). 

Learn more about the “Bringin' in Da Spirit” documentary here (https://www.twn.org/catalog/pages/responsive/cpage.aspx?rec=1119&card=price). 

Learn more about Shafia Monroe and SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Training here (https://shafiamonroe.com/). Follow Shafia on Instagram and Black Midwife Cooking here (https://www.instagram.com/shafiamonroe/) Follow Shafia on Twitter here (https://twitter.com/Shafia_SMC). Follow Shafia on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/shafiamonroeconsulting/). 

Learn more about the International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) here (https://thenaabb.org/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_156_-_Nicole_Deggins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today’s episode, I will be talking with Dr. Juan Michelle Martin. Dr. Martin is a pelvic floor specialist for 13 years. Dr. Martin is the owner and founder of JMM Health Solutions. She's created a few programs for pregnant individuals as well as two coaching programs, one of them being a 12-week program for people with endometriosis, and the other being a four-week program for individuals suffering from dyspareunia.

We talk about the benefits of pelvic floor therapy for pregnancy and postpartum. We also talk about the importance of advocating for accessible pelvic care services.

Learn more about Dr. Juan Michelle Martin here (https://www.jmmhealthsolutions.com/). Follow Dr. Martin on Instagram here (www.instagram.com/thepelvicperspective). View Dr. Martin’s pelvic floor topic videos on YouTube for JMM Health Solutions here (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNEkVefn_wLgrqlf4wyXHw). 

Learn more about Academy of Pelvic Health (APH) here (https://aptapelvichealth.org/). Follow APH on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/aptapelvic/). 

Learn more about Herman & Wallace here (https://hermanwallace.com/). Follow Herman & Wallace on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/HermanandWallace/). 

Learn more about DONA International here (https://www.dona.org/). Follow DONA International on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/DONAInternational/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_155_-_Juan_Michelle_Martin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Grace Murphy and Roderick Murphy about their home birth during COVID. Grace Murphy has been married to Roderick Murphy for the past two years, and they were high school sweethearts. Grace and Roderick are graduates of the Evidence Based Birth® childbirth class with EBB instructor, Heidi Duncan. They welcomed their firstborn son, Edmond, on June 14th of 2020. Roderick has been in the Army for the past six years, and just transferred to the civilian world in July of 2020, so they've been through three nine-month deployments throughout their dating and marriage. 

We will talk about their experience with having to plan and prepare for a homebirth during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also talk about helpful suggestions for other families who are wanting to homebirth.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_154_-_Grace_and_Roderick.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I will talk about cervical ripening, the Bishop score, and some "mechanical" ways to ripen the cervix. More specifically, we'll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of cervical osmotic dilators (including Dilapan-S®), and using the Foley balloon for cervical ripening.

Get on the wait list for the Pocket Guide here: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/pocket-guide-wait-list/

References on Cervical Ripening:

  • Curran, M. (2020). Bishop Score Calculator. Click here.
  • Kolkman, D. G. E., Verhoeven, C. J. M., Brinkhorst, S. J., et al. (2013). Bishop score as a predictor of labor induction success: a systematic review. American Journal of Perinatology, 30(8), 625-30. Click here.
  • Ivars, J., Garabedian, C., Devos, P., et al. (2016). Simplified Bishop score including parity predicts successful induction of labor. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol., 203, 309-314. Click here.

References on the Foley:

  • Abdelhakim, A. M. Shareef, M .A., AlAmodi, A. A., et al. (2020). Outpatient versus inpatient balloon catheter insertion for labor induction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction, In Press. Click here.
  • Alfirevic, Z., Keeney, E., Dowswell, T., et al. (2016). Methods to induce labour: a systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis. BJOG., 123(9), 1462-1470. Click here.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2009, Reaffirmed 2019). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 107: Induction of labor. Obstet Gynecol.,114(2 Pt 1), 386-397. Click here.
  • de Vaan, M. D. T., ten Eikelder, M. L. G., Jozwiak, M., et al. (2019). Mechanical methods for induction of labour.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD001233. Click here.
  • Dong, S., Khan, M., Hashimi, F., et al. (2020). Inpatient versus outpatient induction of labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 20(1), 382. Click here.
  • Leduc, D., Biringer, A., Lee, L., et al. (2013). Induction of Labor: SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline. No. 296, 35(9), 840-857. Click here.
  • Liu, X., Wang, Y., Zhang, F., et al. (2019). Double- versus single-balloon catheters for labour induction and cervical ripening: a meta-analysis. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 19(1), 358. Click here.
  • Simpson, K. R. (2020). Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction and Augmentation, 5th Edition. AWHONN Practice Monograph, 24(4), PS1-S41. Click here.

References on Dilapan-S®️:

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2009, Reaffirmed 2019). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 107: Induction of labor. Obstet Gynecol.,114(2 Pt 1), 386-397. Click here.
  • Levine, L. D., Valencia, C. M. and Tolosa, J. E. (2020). Induction of labor in continuing pregnancies. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol., S1521-6934(20), 30079-1. Click here.
  • Gupta, J., Chodankar, R., Baev, O., et al. (2018). Synthetic osmotic dilators in the induction of labour-An international multicentre observational study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol., 229, 70-75. Click here.
  • Saad, A. F., Villarreal, J., Eid, J., et al. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of Dilapan-S vs Foley balloon for preinduction cervical ripening (DILAFOL trial). Am J Obstet Gynecol., 220(3), 275.e1-275.e9. Click here.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_153_-_Dilapan-S_and_Foley.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In today's podcast episode, we're going to talk with Shafia Monroe about the role of the traditional midwife.

Shafia Monroe is a public health professional, a midwife, a motivational speaker, founder of the International Center for Traditional Childbearing, or ICTC, which was the first US-based black midwives and doulas professional organization. Shafia is also an author, infant mortality prevention specialist, doula trainer, and president of Doula Ready LLC. Since 2002, she has trained thousands of people in doula trainings, with one-third of them going on to become midwives. In 2012, Shafia received her Master of Public Health from Walden University. In 2014, she opened Shafia Monroe Consulting, a cultural competency training service. Shafia has received numerous awards for her work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Midwife Hero Award.

In this podcast, Ms. Monroe discusses the history of Black traditional midwifery and incorporating spirituality into birth work. We also talk about Shafia’s experience becoming a traditional Black midwife, along with her passion for advocacy in birth work through her doula program and her community.

**Trigger Content Warning: This podcast episode discusses racism and infant loss.**

Direct download: EBB_152_-_Shafia_Monroe.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode I talk about the updated research evidence on using membrane sweeping or membrane stripping for inducing labor. Is membrane sweeping effective? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Why do some providers perform membrane sweeping without asking your permission beforehand? We talk about all of this, and more, in this latest episode of the Evidence Based Birth® podcast!

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_151_-_Membrane_Sweeping.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode, I am joined with Brett Iimura to discuss global childbirth education and birth in Japan. Brett has had a varied career, including being a hansom cab driver in New York City, an ASL interpreter, field producer for Japanese TV, literacy tutor and childbirth educator, and doula. She has facilitated in-person classes as a certified childbirth educator and is the director of the Childbirth Education Center, the CEC, based in Japan. Brett has provided childbirth education classes in the United States for 25 years as well, adding a remote or virtual option nine years ago. More than 2000 birthing people and their support partners from over 80 countries have attended CEC’s classes to date. CEC also runs a program that offers a certification in the art of childbirth education for student midwives.

We talk about navigating to find a supportive birthing team in Japan, Japan’s medical approaches to birth, along with childbirth education compared to the United States. We also speak about the differences in facilitating childbirth classes internationally, along with adjusting to transitioning from in-person instruction to virtual and remote facilitated childbirth education classes.

RESOURCES:

Morton, Christine H, and Clarissa Hsu. “Contemporary dilemmas in american childbirth education: findings from a comparative ethnographic study.” The Journal of perinatal education vol. 16,4 (2007): 25-37. doi:10.1624/105812407X245614. Learn more about this study here (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2174386/).

Learn more about Brett Iimura and Birth in Japan here (https://www.birthinjapan.com/).

Learn more about Kimberly Seal Allers here (https://www.kimberlysealsallers.com/) and The Irth App here (https://birthwithoutbias.com/). Follow Kimberly Seal Allers on Twitter here (https://twitter.com/iamksealsallers?lang=en) and on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/iamksealsallers/?hl=en). You can follow The Irth App on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/theirthapp/?hl=en) and on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/TheIrthApp).

Learn more about Cristen Pascucci and Birth Monopoly here (https://birthmonopoly.com/). Follow Birth Monopoly on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/birthmonopoly) and on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/birthmonopoly/?hl=en).

Learn more about Jennie Joseph here (https://jenniejoseph.com/) and Commonsense Childbirth here (https://commonsensechildbirth.org/). Follow Jennie Josehp on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/MidwifeJennie) and on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/thejjway/?hl=en). Follow Commonsence Childbrith on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/perinataltskfrc/).  

Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/birth-justice/) to see the Evidence Based Birth® list of Birth Justice Resources, including research on racism and maternal health.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_150_-_Brett_Iimura.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

**Trigger Content Warning: This podcast episode discusses racism and includes graphic descriptions of obstetric abuse.**

In this episode, we're going to talk with Melissa Anne DuBois about shifting from the role of hospital labor and delivery nurse to home birth advocate. Melissa Anne graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Nursing in 2006 and has worked in labor and delivery, high-risk obstetrics, outpatient OB-GYN, and maternity well-baby settings for the past 13 years. Melissa Anne became a childbirth educator in 2011 and a lactation counselor in 2014 and teaches childbirth classes for babiesincommon.com. Fed up with witnessing the COVID-19 pandemic being used to strip birthing families of their rights in childbirth with a resurgence of long outdated and harmful maternity practices that didn't improve staff or patient safety, Melissa left her labor and delivery job and is now providing postpartum home visits for Embrace Midwifery, a home birth midwifery practice in Central Massachusetts. Melissa continues to advocate for birthing families during the pandemic by offering virtual birth planning services and classes.

We will discuss Melissa’s transition as a labor and delivery nurse to a home birth advocate, which resulted from her own experience with having a traumatic birth, obstetric abuse, and witnessing outdated perinatal medical methods performed in hospital settings during her years in nursing as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss systematic racism in perinatal health care placed against marginalized communities of color. 

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Melissa Anne Dubois and Babies in Common here (https://www.babiesincommon.com/). Listen to Melissa’s podcast, “Babies in Common Show” on Apple here (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1506843459) and Spotify here (https://open.spotify.com/show/35wh7oWEGiivi9tKBPfEYX). Follow Babies in Common on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/BabiesInCommon/). 

Learn more about Embrace Midwifery, Rachel Blessington, and Marianne Pelletier here (https://www.embracemidwifery.care/). Follow Embrace Midwifery on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/embracemidwifery.care) and Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/embracemidwifery.care/). 

View “The Business Of Being Born” here (https://www.amazon.com/Business-Being-Born-Helen-Ayres/dp/B001IIHAGK). 

Learn about Krysta Dancy and Birth and Trauma Support Center here (https://birthandtraumasupportcenter.org/). Follow Krysta Dancy on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/DancyTherapy/). Follow Birth and Trauma Support Center on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/birthandtraumasupportcenter/) and on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/birthandtraumasupportcenter/). 

Learn more about the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) here (https://awhonn.org/). Follow AWHONN on Facebook here(https://www.facebook.com/AWHONN/) and on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/awhonn/). 

Learn more about the World Health Organization (WHO) here (https://www.who.int/). Follow WHO on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/WHO/) and on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/who/). 

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Mitchell here (https://linktr.ee/Doctor__midwife). Follow Dr. Mitchell on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/doctor_midwife/).

Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/birth-justice/) to see the Evidence Based Birth® list of Birth Justice Resources, including research on racism and maternal health.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_149_-_Melissa_Anne_Dubois.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:51am EDT

**Trigger Warning: This podcast contains content on the topic of obstetric abuse and birth trauma.**

In this episode, I interview Brittany “Tru” Kellman, the Founder and Executive Director of Jamaa Birth Village in Ferguson, Missouri. She is a mother and wife, certified professional midwife, certified doula and doula trainer, breastfeeding peer counselor, and author. In 2015 she launched her community campaign to improve birth, maternal, and infant care, and the overall wellness of families in and around St. Louis by launching the non-profit that is today the Jamaa Birth Village. 

Through the midwifery model of care, Tru has seen hope restored, thriving pregnancies, and healthy births and postpartum periods. In 2019, Tru became Missouri’s first Black certified professional midwife, in order to serve families in the provider role. She is a recipient of the prestigious Dr. Corinne Walentik Leadership in Health Award, through the Missouri Foundation for Health.

We talk about Tru’s start in birth work, the importance of community advocacy, and the unique needs of families and birthing people of color. 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Follow the Jamaa Birth Village on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jamaabirthvillage/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jamaabirthvillage/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/jamaabirth?lang=en) and its website (https://jamaabirthvillage.org/).

Click here (https://jamaabirthvillage.org/doula-training-program) for information on the Jamaa Birth Village Doula Training Program.

Follow Brittany Tru Kellman, CPM on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TruKellman/?ref=page_internal)

Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/birth-justice/) to see the Evidence Based Birth® list of Birth Justice Resources, including research on racism and maternal health.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_148_-_Brittany_Tru_Kellman_-_Jamaa_Birth_Village.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

n this episode, I interview an Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class parent, Caitlyn Martens from Mesa, Arizona. Her son - now more than a year old - arrived a month early. Caitlyn took the EBB Childbirth Class with Instructor Lora Fiala, and had a doula. At 28 weeks Caitlyn switched her prenatal care from an OB practice to a midwife team, who were able to attend her at her planned hospital birth.

**Trigger warning: In this episode we discuss birth trauma, and an experience of newborn resuscitation with intubation is described.**

Caitlyn had a full spectrum of birth experiences - including a very long labor, nitrous oxide, an eventual c-section, and a few complications. We talk about how everything transpired, and her very healthy reflections and framing of these challenges. We also talk about the latest evidence on VBAC in birth centers. 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth® , visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Lora Fiala's EBB Childbirth Class can be found here: https://birthwithknowledge.net/ 

Direct download: EBB_147_-_Interview_with_Caitlyn_Martens.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I interview Evidence Based Birth® Instructor Tara Thompson. Tara is a certified birth doula with CAPPA, a Lamaze certified childbirth educator, and a licensed massage therapist specializing in pregnancy and postpartum. She has taught classes to expecting couples for more than ten years at a women’s center in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s also been teaching privately for over three years.

Tara teaches the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class online, and has also taught the EBB Comfort Measures Workshop for L&D nurses. She recently facilitated a training to more than 250 birth professionals at a large hospital to help lower the Cesarean birth rate, and educate staff on comfort measures during labor.

We talk about Tara’s unique insights into hospital birth, policies, and culture, as well as the impact and importance of childbirth education. She and I also talk about the beginnings of Evidence Based Birth®.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth® Class.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Tara on her website (https://www.tarasbirthservices.com/about-me), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tarasbirthservices), or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/taradthompson.co/)

Click here (https://tarasbirthservices.com) to register for Evidence Based Birth® classes taught by EBB Instructor Tara Thompson. 

Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/resources-for-parents/) for a list of Evidence Based Birth® resources for parents. 

Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) for information on the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth® Class. 

Direct download: EBB_146_-_Tara_Thompson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode, I interview JaMichael Perryman, who is husband of Evidence Based Birth Professional Membership Coordinator and EBB Instructor Chanté Perryman. JaMichael is father to five children, and has experienced a wide variety of births - ranging from an emergency Cesarean to three VBACs which have all been precipitous births. He has been joining Chanté during her childbirth classes to offer a dad’s perspective for partners. In 2018 he was a speaker at Kentucky’s March for Moms. 
JaMichael hosts a weekly discussion called HIMbracing Fatherhood under the name Mr. ManDoula where he gives real world and practical advice for dads and partners.

We talk about the history of fathers and partners in the birth room, and the importance of encouraging dads to have a hands on approach and to use their voice during the birth process.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Click here (https://www.babydreamsmc.com/fatherhood.html) to see JaMichael Perryman, “Mr. ManDoula” on HIMbracing Fatherhood.

You can email JaMichael Perryman via Baby Dreams Maternity Concierge at Baby.DreamsMC@gmail.com

Follow Chante Perryman on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/babydreamsmc/).

For information on the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class, click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/)!

For more Evidence Based Birth® parent resources - including a directory of EBB Instructors, click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/resources-for-parents/).

Direct download: EBB_145_-_JaMichael_Perryman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode I answer several questions about natural labor induction:

Can eating pineapple help induce labor contractions? What about having sex? Is that really effective for starting labor!
 
Natural induction techniques continue to be among our most searched and requested topics at Evidence Based Birth®. I'm excited to share with you the evidence on these common labor induction techniques!

For all the scientific references mentioned in this podcast, visit our blog post at ebbirth.com/144 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_144_-_Pineapple_and_Sex.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode, the Minnesota Healing Justice Network is taking over the podcast! In this very important episode, our guest speakers are Ihotu Ali, Daniela Montoya-Barthelemy, and Shayla Walker.

**Content warning** this podcast includes discussion of racial violence and racial health disparities.

Ihotu Jennifer Ali, MPH, LMT (she/her), is an integrative medicine doctor in training and doula with a decade of experience in public health and traditional practices around emotional support, pregnancy, and family and healthy reproductive cycles. Ihotu offers abdominal and craniosacral therapy, herbs and nutrition, birth and postpartum care, with plans to open a healing justice and integrative medicine center for families, children and holistic mental health. Ihotu is the self-published author of "Seven Portal Sky: Afrofuturist Medicine from Minneapolis."

Daniela Montoya-Barthelemy, MPH (she/her) is a queer Chicana from a small town in Northern New Mexico. Daniela’s business, Mama Sin Vergüenza, was born out of her first son's birth and her passion for sexual health and social justice. The services offered reflect her gifts and balancing strategic health research with holistic modalities of care. Over the last years, Mexican Traditional Medicine and somatic psychology practices have become the twin pillars of her service offerings.

Shayla Walker (she/ella) is a Black Dominican American who is a rare Twin Cities native who loves Minneapolis just as much as Saint Paul. Shayla serves as the vision realization advisor of “Our Justice,” a Twin Cities-based reproductive justice organization, that seeks to ensure that all people and communities have the power and resources to make sexual and reproductive health decisions with self-determination.

Ihotu, Daniela, and Shayla discuss talk about the challenges of racial health disparities after the murder of George Floyd and connecting with their community through times of tragedy due to racial violence. They also discuss the importance of cultural connections and ancestral practices in birth work, self care, and wellness.

Learn more about the Minnesota Healing Justice Network here (https://www.mnhealingjustice.com/) along with their resources of other BIPOC providers here (https://www.mnhealingjustice.com/providers).

Check out the MN Healing Justice Network's Solidarity Network, where you can follow and support individual healers here (https://linktr.ee/solidaritynetwork  )

Follow Minnesota Healing Justice Network on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mnhealingjustice) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mnhealingjustice/).

Learn more about Autumn Cavender-Wilson, CPM and Yellow Medicine Midwifery here (https://yellowmedicinemidwifery.org).

Follow Daniela's work here: (http://mamasinverguenza.com/)

Follow Minneapolis Indigenous Breastfeeding Support Circle on Facebook.

Learn more about Oily Doula MN here (https://www.oilydoulamn.com/) and follow Oily Doula MN (Rhonda Fellows) on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/oilydoulamn/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/oilydoulamn/).

Learn more about Britt Jackson and Metro Home Birth here (https://www.metrohomebirth.com/) and follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/metromidwiferymn/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MetroMidwiferyMN/). Learn more about the Black Home Birth Initiative in Minnesota here (https://www.metrohomebirth.com/black-home-birth-initiative). 

Learn more about Roots Community Birth Center here (https://www.rootsbirthcenter.com/). Follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/rootscommunitybirthcenter/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/rootsbirthcenter/).

Learn more about Our Justice here (https://www.ourjustice.net/). Follow Our Justice on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OurJusticeRJ/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ourjusticerj/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/OurJusticeRJ).

Learn more about Indigenous Roots here (https://indigenous-roots.org/). Follow Indigenous Roots on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IndigeRootsCulturalArts/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/indigeroots/). 

Learn more about Ninde Doulas here (https://www.diw-mn.org/health). 

Learn more about Black Lotus Mothers here (http://blacklotusmothers.org/). Follow Black Lotus Mothers on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blacklotusmotheringthroughpain/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blacklotusmother/?hl=en), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/blacklotusMa). 

Learn more about the Minnesota Prison Doula Project here (https://www.mnprisondoulaproject.org/). Follow the Minnesota Prison Doula Project on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/prisondoulas), Instagram (https://twitter.com/prisondoulas), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/prisondoulas). 

Learn more about Millicent Simenson and Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming here (https://www.mewinzha.com/).

Learn more about Everyday Miracles here (https://www.everyday-miracles.org/). Follow Everyday Miracles on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/everydaymiracles.mpls/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/everydaymiracles.mn/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/evd_miracles).

Learn more about the Unrestrict Minnesota Campaign here (https://unrestrictmn.org/). Follow Unrestrict Minnesota Campaign on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/UnRestrictMN/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/unrestrictmn/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/UnrestrictMN). 

Learn about Nadine Ashby and Doula4All here (https://www.doula4all.com/). Follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Doula4all) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Doula4all/). 

Learn more about The Radical Doula here (https://radicaldoula.com/).

Learn more about the Cultural Wellness Center here (http://www.culturalwellnesscenter.org/). Follow the Cultural Wellness Center on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/culturalwellnesscenter/).

Learn more and follow Ahava Birthwork on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ahavahbirthworksorg/).

Learn more about Memphis Choices here (https://memphischoices.org/medical-services/lgbtq-health-services/). 

Direct download: EBB_143_-_Minnesota_Healing_Justice.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Today, I am excited to continue our important 3-day series about the Minnesota Healing Justice Network!

**Content warning: In this episode, we talk about the uprisings after George Floyd’s murder and safety concerns during birth due to racial traumatic event. We also discuss an event in which parents were temporarily separated from their newborn baby, which may be disturbing to listen to.**

In this episode, you'll hear from new parents Jenae Herron and Marcel Malekebu. Jenae is a housing case manager, and Marcel does podcast production. Jenae and Marcel took the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class co-taught by EBB Instructors Heather Christine Struwe and Rhonda Fellows. Rhonda was also their doula, and she was featured on yesterday's podcast about birth in Minnesota.

Towards of the end of Jenae's pregnancy in June, the COVID-19 pandemic was already in full swing, and then George Floyd was murdered. The day Jenae's water broke at 37 weeks, they were unsure what to do because of elevated safety concerns in the city. She and Marcel navigated a long labor and a switch from planning a birth center birth at Roots Community Birth Center, to home birth, to hospital birth.

We discuss their unique experience and flexibility in their birth, as well as the evidence surrounding chorioamnionitis (maternal infection) and the implications for newborn care. I answered their questions about newborn resuscitation with the cord intact, and how to know when a baby needs antibiotics if the mother had an infection during labor.

Learn about Oily Doula MN here (https://www.oilydoulamn.com/) and follow Oily Doula MN on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/oilydoulamn/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/oilydoulamn/).

Learn about the Minnesota Healing Justice Network here (https://www.mnhealingjustice.com/).

Follow Minnesota Healing Justice Network on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mnhealingjustice) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mnhealingjustice/).

Follow and support the Roots Community Birth Center here (https://www.rootsbirthcenter.com/)

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_142_-_Jenae_and_Marcel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Today is a special day, as we are starting a 3-day podcast focus on the amazing work being done by the Minnesota Healing Justice Network!

In today's episode, I am joined by EBB instructor, Rhonda Fellows and Dr. Jennifer Almanza to talk about birthing and disparities in Minnesota.

**TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode, we talk about racial violence and Black and Indigenous maternal health disparities.**


Rhonda Fellows is a Certified Birth Doula and Evidence Based Birth®®️ Instructor who has 20 years of working with youth and families in the nonprofit world as an after-school program director, co-director of an overflow homeless shelter, tutor and counselor of high school students, teen mission trip facilitator, and healthy relationships guest speaker in health classes.


Rhonda serves family in the Twin Cities Area, and she loves teaching childbirth education classes to help parents realize their rights, options, and feel empowered to advocate for themselves. She is also a teacher of the Evidence Based Birth®️ Childbirth Class. In addition to birth work, Rhonda is a founding member of the Minnesota Healing Justice Network.


Dr. Jennifer Almanza has her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and is a Certified Nurse Midwife. Dr. Almanza's work amplifies health equity through endorsing physiologic birth, helping clients maintain their agency and power, providing evidence-based care, and pushing reproductive justice via policy and research activism.


Dr. Almanza believes in building the body of research done by, with, and for Indigenous Black, Latinx, multiracial, and other people of color. Dr. Almanza practices with women's health specialists at the University of Minnesota Physicians. Dr. Almanza is an adjunct clinical faculty at the University of Minnesota Medical School for the School of Nursing department, as she teaches in the Doctorate of Nursing program in Midwifery.

We talk about the events of George Floyd’s murder and the COVID-19 pandemic, and how both events affected Black maternal health in the Minnesota community. We also discuss the importance of decolonizing birth and acknowledging Indigenous birth working practices and cultural traditions.

Learn about Rhonda Fellows via Oily Doula MN here (https://www.oilydoulamn.com/) and follow Oily Doula MN on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/oilydoulamn/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/oilydoulamn/).

Learn about the Minnesota Healing Justice Network here (https://www.mnhealingjustice.com/).

Follow Minnesota Healing Justice Network on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mnhealingjustice) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mnhealingjustice/).

Learn about Autumn Cavender-Wilson, CPM and Yellow Medicine Midwifery here (https://yellowmedicinemidwifery.org).

Follow Minneapolis Indigenous Breastfeeding Support Circle on Facebook.

Learn about Britt Jackson and Metro Home Birth here (https://www.metrohomebirth.com/) and follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/metromidwiferymn/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MetroMidwiferyMN/).

Learn about Resmaa Menakem's book, "My Grandmother's Hands" here

To learn more about Sabia Wade (The Black Doula) and Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings here (https://www.badoulatrainings.org/). Follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/birthingadvocacy/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/birthingadvocacy/).

Learn about Roots Community Birth Center here (https://www.rootsbirthcenter.com/). Follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/rootscommunitybirthcenter/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/rootsbirthcenter/).

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_141_-_Interview_with_Rhonda_and_Jennifer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this episode, I interview parents Kristin and Zach Crosby, who live in Alabama with their four children. Kristin is a Registered Nurse, and has been a stay at home mom since the birth of their third child. They recently adopted a two year old. Zach is a systems administrator, and runs a locksmith company. They took the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class with EBB Instructor Traci Weafer.

We talk about Kristen’s first two hospital births, and what led her to take a different approach with her third - where she opted for a home birth. We also discuss their journey of self-advocacy in birth, and the importance of making informed decisions.

"Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" is available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Kobo, Apple books, and more! 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth , visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_140_-_Kristin_and_Zach_Crosby.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In this latest episode in our series on natural labor induction, I cover the evidence on consuming red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy.

Can red raspberry leaf tea assist with natural labor induction? How effective is it to prevent a cesarean birth? Have there been any randomized trials on the use of red raspberry leaf for pregnancy or labor induction? What does the evidence say about its effectiveness and safety?

I’ll answer all these questions and more – and share the latest research on this popular herbal tea!

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

For a comprehensive list of research references used in this podcast episode, visit https://evidencebasedbirth.com/red-raspberry-leaf-tea 

 

Direct download: EBB2013920-20Red20Raspberry20Leaf.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I interview women’s health expert Bianca Marie Roberson. Bianca is located in Maryland, and has over 17 years of experience working in the public health field, including serving as a health services administrator for the military, healthcare insurance operations analyst for the Georgia Department of Community Health, and a corporate healthcare accounts manager for CareerBuilder.

**Content warning: This episode includes a description of obstetric violence

After years of program management, health disparities research, and community advocacy, Bianca Marie answered her personal calling to become a mom and full-spectrum doula, a motherhood transformational coach, and a doula business coach. She is also founder of Blooming Mamas Wellness Institute - an organization providing trauma counseling and health education for parents, as well as doula services to uplift clients across the country. Bianca Marie holds a Bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and pubic health, and an MBA in healthcare administration. 

We talk about Bianca Marie’s traumatic birth experience, and how she helps families heal from similar situations to go on to have healthy trauma-free births. Bianca Marie also gives valuable insights on virtual support for families during the pandemic, as well as business tips for doulas.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth , visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Visit Blooming Mamas Wellness, LLC here (https://www.bloomingmamaswellness.com/)!

Click here (https://www.bloomingmamaswellness.com/Sign-Up-Blooming-Birth-Workers-Community) for information on the Blooming Birth Workers virtual community.

Follow Bianca Marie Roberson on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100024521880601) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theofficialbiancamarie/).

Direct download: EBB_138_-_Bianca_Marie_Roberson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode I am joined by Bryn Huntpalmer, an Austin, Texas-based podcaster and mother of three young children. She is the founder of The Birth Hour podcast, which was featured in Time Magazine as one of the top 50 podcasts to listen to. The Birth Hour has nearly 500 episodes, and more than 10 million downloads to date. Bryn recently published her first book, The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Handbook: A Week-by-Week Guide from Conception Through Baby’s First Three Months. She is passionate about helping women prepare for childbirth through the sharing of empowering and informative birth stories.

We talk about the power of sharing experiences, the deep impact of education on birth, and connecting with your community to develop the birth plan you want. We also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. birth experience, and the evidence on vaginal breech birth.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth , visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/), Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_131_-_Interview_with_Bryn_Huntpalmer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode I welcome Jennie Joseph, one of the world’s most respected midwives and authorities on women’s health. She’s a true advocate for systematic reform that puts families first in health care. Jennie is the founder and executive director of Commonsense Childbirth, Inc., and is also creator of The JJ Way, a patient-centered model of care. 

Jennie has worked in European hospitals, American birth centers, clinics, and home birth environments. She’s been instrumental in the regulation of Florida midwives, and currently owns a Florida-licensed midwifery school, the Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery. Jennie speaks worldwide to doctors, other practitioners, policy makers, and members of the U.S. Congress, including testifying at Congressional briefings on Capitol Hill. 

Jennie and I talk about solutions for the crisis in American maternity care. Don’t miss this powerful conversation.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Click here for information on Commonsense Childbirth Inc., and here to learn about The JJ Way.

For more on the Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery, click here.

Learn about the National Perinatal Task Force here.

Follow Jennie Joseph on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Direct download: EBB_136_-_Jennie_Joseph.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I interview Miranda Kelly, a certified birth doula, postpartum doula, and childbirth educator who has worked for ten years in Indigenous people’s health planning, policy education, and research. Miranda holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology, and a Master of Public Health degree. She is a mother of two girls, and is a member of the ekw’í7tl (pronounced ah-quay-tull) doula collective in Vancouver.

Miranda is passionate about indigenous peoples reclaiming their authority as decision makers in their own health and wellbeing, and I’m thrilled to welcome Miranda to the podcast to let us know about the work that she and other community organizers are doing for the Indigenous community. We also discuss the evidence on amniotic fluid.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Follow Miranda at her website and Instagram.

Click here for information on the ekw’í7tl doula collective.

Click here to learn about the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program, administered by the BC Association of Aboriginal
Friendship Centres.

Click here to see the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine guidelines on evaluation and management of polyhydramnios.

For the Evidence Based Birth article What is the Evidence for Induction for Low Fluid at Term in a Healthy Pregnancy?, click here

Direct download: EBB_135_-_Miranda_Kelly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I cover the evidence on evening primrose oil (EPO) for natural labor induction. This oil is extracted from the seed of the evening primrose plant, which grows wild in North America and some parts of Europe. It’s a rich source of omega six essential fatty acids, as well as other compounds which are thought to help ripen the cervix for labor.

I share the results of randomized control trials for administering EPO vaginally and taking it orally, as well as observational studies, a case report, and studies looking at EPO for cervcial ripening for non-pregnancy gynecological procedures.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Click here for the Evidence Based Birth article, the Evidence on Evening Primrose Oil.

Direct download: EBB_134_-_Evidence_on_Evening_Primrose_Oil_EPO.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode I interview Dr. Heather Maguire, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) with a doctorate in educational psychology. Dr. Maguire has spent over a decade studying behavior and working with children, parents and educators. She’s a proud mom of two kids, a professor teaching school psychology, and the founder and CEO of Prism Behavior, which helps parents manage challenging behaviors with confidence. She also hosts the Prism Behavior Podcast.

We discuss the transition from birth to infant and toddlerhood, parenting while pregnant, perinatal depression, tantrums, discipline, and the seasons of parenthood.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Click here for information on Prism Behavior.

Click here for the Prism Parenting Podcast. 

Follow Prism Behavior on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Click here for Prism Behavior’s free guide on transforming child behavior.

Prism Behavior podcast, Episodes 55 and 56: https://www.prismbehavior.com/podcast

Dr. Traci Baxley at Social Justice Parenting: @socialjusticeparenting on Instagram (insert link)

Podcast interview with Dr. Traci Baxley on the Melanated Conversations podcast: https://melanatedconversations.com/blogs/podcast-episodes/social-justice-parenting-feat-dr-traci-palmer-baxley

The Center for Racial Justice and Education has compiled a list of resources for talking with kids about race, racism, and racialized violence (includes many resources designed for kids of color): https://centerracialjustice.org/resources/resources-for-talking-about-race-racism-and-racialized-violence-with-kids/

PBS has a comprehensive list of resources for parents talking with young children about racism: https://www.pbs.org/parents/talking-about-racism

NY Times list of books for children: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/parenting/kids-books-racism-protest.html

Direct download: EBB_133_-_Heather_Maguire.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode I interview Ambrosia Meikle, a Los Angles-based Evidence Based Birth®️ Instructor, CAPPA-certified birth and postpartum doula, and a full-spectrum doula. She is also a lactation educator specialist and childbirth educator, Ambrosia also volunteers to teach childbirth classes and provide doula services at a high school for pregnant teens. She is a mother of two. This show has a trigger warning for pregnancy termination related to a fatal birth defect.

Before entering birth work, Ambrosia was a surrogate for a family from overseas. In her practice, Ambrosia serves an extremely diverse community, and she is passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to the type of support that is best for them. 

We talk about Ambrosia’s surrogacy - including some very difficult decisions she had to make during that pregnancy, and the moment she felt empowered in her labor to birth the baby when she felt the time was right. We also talk about the importance of childbirth education and support for pregnant teens.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Follow Ambrosia on Instagram or her website.

Click here for the Evidence Based Birth Signature Article, Evidence on: Doulas.

Direct download: EBB_132_-_Interview_with_Ambrosia_Meikle.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I cover all the latest evidence on the use of Pitocin during the third stage of labor - which is also the topic of the latest Evidence Based Birth Signature Article, released this week! 

The third stage of labor, or placental stage, begins after the baby is born and ends after the birth of the placenta (sometimes called the “afterbirth”). It follows the first two stages of labor - the dilation stage and the pushing stage. In practice, there are three main approaches to care for the birth of the placenta - active management, expectant management, and mixed management. Some of these methods include the use of Pitocin - a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin. I cover the pros and cons of each of these, as well last the latest research and recommendations.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

See the Evidence Based Birth Signature Article, The Evidence on: Pitocin During the Third Stage of Labor, here! All research and sources are linked at the end of the article. 

Download the EBB one-page handout on Pitocin During the Third Stage of Labor here.


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 also talk about the ongoing advocacy work seeking licensure for CPMs in Illinois, and the latest research on the safety of home birth in the U.S.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_130_-_Interview_with_Isis_Rose.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Over the past 3 years, I have traveled and spoken with hundreds of childbirth educators from across the U.S. and Canada. At every conference I attended, one theme was repeated over and over--- educators told me that the field of childbirth education was in the midst of a huge crisis. Most childbirth educators said their registrations were declining, and that many first-time parents weren't taking childbirth education classes anymore (even though education is really important!) 

Then, the pandemic hit. Classes were either cancelled or converted to 100% online. 

I decided to reach out to someone I admire-- Natalie Eckdahl, MBA-- to see if we could get any advice about how independent childbirth educators can survive and thrive in the midst of all these upheavals.Natalie Eckdahl is the founder of BizChix, Inc, and its community, podcast, programs and events, and she's author of R.E.S.E.T. Your Mindset: Silence Your Inner Mean Girl. She's been recognized as one of the top women in business to listen to, and she has also been featured in Inc., Fast Company, Huffington Post, and Entrepreneur.

Today, Natalie joins me on the EBB Podcast! We start by discussing Natalie’s three unique birth stories (in a hospital, at home, and at a birth center), and her personal experience with childbirth education. Then we dive into crucial business advice for independent childbirth educators who are trying to figure out how to navigate business during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Direct download: 129_Natalie_with_edits.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:43am EDT

In this latest episode in our series on natural labor induction, I cover the evidence on using castor oil or eating date fruit to induce labor.

Can castor oil increase the chances of you going into labor? When is it most effective?

How many dates do you need to eat to reduce the length of pregnancy?

I’ll answer all these questions and more - and share the latest research on these methods!

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_128_-_Castor_Oil_with_edits.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I am joined by Katie Kane, a parent from Cherry Hill, New Jersey who took the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class when she was pregnant with her daughter. Katie worked with EBB Instructor Cat LaPlante. 

From the beginning of her pregnancy, Katie planned for an unmedicated hospital birth - leading her on a path to researching doulas and eventually finding the EBB Childbirth Class. She was intentional in choosing her birth team, and ended up switching providers when she knew her first was not the best fit for her. With the support of her husband and doula, Katie was able to navigate roadblocks that may have resulted in different outcomes for her birth if she had not been so well prepared.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Find an Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class or Comfort Measures for Labor and Delivery Workshop here.

Find an Evidence Based Birth Instructor, and all EBB parent resources here.

Follow Jen McLellan at Plus Size Birth, the Plus Mommy podcast and Instagram. You can also hear Jen on the Evidence Based Birth Podcast here.

Direct download: EBB_127_-Interview_with_Katie_Kane_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I am joined by Leiko Hidaka, an Evidence Based Birth Instructor from the Dominican Republic. Leiko holds a Master’s degree in Human Settlements and Environment. She earned her birth doula certification with DONA International, and her childbirth educator certification with the International Childbirth Education Association. She serves as International Coordinator for ICAN, and also leads the local ICAN chapter of the Dominican Republic, where she is a highly respected and passionate leader for women’s autonomy through evidence based care. Leiko became an EBB Instructor in 2018, and she teaches classes and workshops for parents and birth professionals in the Dominical Republic. She is also working to establish a free standing birth center there. 

Leiko and I talk about what birth is like in the Dominican Republic, and the challenges all women face in finding the provider who is right for their unique needs. We also discuss a technique called motivational interviewing, and how to use that strategy to navigate communication with providers.

Trigger warning: This podcast address obstetric violence and fear. 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Resources:

Follow Leiko Hidaka on her website, Instagram, and Facebook

Click here  for the Evidence Based Birth COVID-19 resource page.

Click here to see EBB’s new Sample Informed Consent Form for Refusal to Separate Birthing Parent and Infant. This document is also available in Spanish.

For Spanish translations of EBB’s one-page handouts, click here.

Check out our Spring Sale in the Evidence Based Birth Shop! T-shirts are on sale - buy two, get $10 off your order. Also - we are offering FREE downloads of the e-book version of Babies Are Not Pizzas! 

The Evidence Based Birth Pro membership is on sale through this Friday, May 1! Click here to get 20% off the monthly or annual term. 

Direct download: EBB_126_-Interview_with_Leiko_Hidaka.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode I kick off a new series on natural labor induction - starting with the evidence on acupressure, shiatsu or acupuncture, and breast stimulation. 

Natural induction techniques continue to be among our most searched and requested topics at Evidence Based Birth. I’ll continue to cover new methods over the next several months. 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Resources:

Get the Evidence Based Birth Natural Labor Induction series here.

Follow Dan Dekker, the Birth Business Teacher, here.

Access Spanish translations of our one- and two-page handouts here.


In this episode, I interview Sabia Wade, a Black and Queer full spectrum doula, doula business coach and reproductive justice advocate. She is the founder of For The Village and Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings. She’s also a Somatic Experience Practitioner in training. Sabia’s mission is to bring inclusive, accessible and full spectrum education and resources to all individuals and organizations dedicated to creating a world of inclusion, justice and equity to birthing people all over the world.

Sabia and I discuss health disparities and advocacy, and how both are being affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Resources:

Follow Sabia’s on Instagram @theblackdoula and @birthingadvocacy.

Connect with Sabina at The Black Doula and Birthing Advocacy.

Donate to For the Village here.

See Sabia’s Marco Polo Channel here.

For sliding scale and/or free assistance from a doula, and birth strategy planning during the pandemic, contact birthunplanning@gmail.com.
Black Maternal Health Week is April 14-21. Visit https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw/ to learn about upcoming webinars, resources, and more!


Selected news articles about health disparities and the coronavirus:

 

Direct download: Sabia_Wade_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

In this episode, I am joined by Heather McCullough, an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, Certified Hypnobabies Instructor®, and Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner. Heather is also CAPPA faculty, and is certified to train labor doulas, postpartum doulas, and lactation educators. She has also been a childbirth educator and a certified professional midwife for over 25 years. 

Heather reveals some of the ways providers may interact with birthing people to steer them into situations that are best for them and for the hospital - not necessarily the birth plan. She also shares some success stories she’s experienced using EBB advocacy techniques.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Follow Heather McCullough at her website, on Facebook, and on Instagram

For the latest Evidence Based Birth COVID-19 updates, click here.

 

Direct download: EBB_123_-_EBB_Instructor_Heather_McCullough3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I am joined by Vicki Penwell, a licensed midwife and CPM, and the founder and executive director of Mercy in Action Vineyard, Inc. Mercy in Action is responsible for more than 15,500 safe births in the Philippines since 1991 - at no cost to the parents - with outcomes four times better than the country’s national average. Vicki is also executive director of the Mercy in Action College of Midwifery, has a Master’s degree in midwifery in the U.S., and a Master’s degree in intercultural studies in the Philippines. She has forty years of experience accepting late transfer of care clients, and 29 years of experience in a disaster-based midwifery model of care - including responding to national disasters and adjusting quickly too ever-changing landscapes for birth. 

Given that 2020 is the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and we are also experiencing a global pandemic, I am so glad Vicki is able to join me and talk about home birth during this challenging time.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/) and our Instructor program. (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-an-evidence-based-birth-instructor/) Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_124_-_Interview_with_Vicki_Penwell.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I cover all the evidence to date on COVID-19 and pregnancy.

This is an uncertain time and many are feeling a range of emotions. Our goal remains the same: to provide you with friendly, accessible, evidence based information so that you can make informed decisions. During a global pandemic, our goal is more important than ever.

I've been working nonstop with Evidence Based Birth Research Editor Anna Bertone, MPH, to stay abreast of new research that comes out nearly every day about COVID-19. This podcast covers the latest as of March 23, 2020.

All Evidence Based Birth research findings and updates on COVID-19 can be found here. Other resources on this page include our virtual doula directory, information on our Virtual Childbirth Class, a full length webinar on this topic, and more. 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_123_-_COVID-19_and_Pregnancy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am EDT

In this episode I am excited to welcome Nicole Phelps! Nicole is a philanthropist who spends the majority of her volunteering with the Michael Phelps Foundation, which promotes water-safety, healthy living, and the pursuit of dreams. In addition to her efforts with the Foundation, she also supports events and programs with Make-A-Wish and Operation Shower among others. A mother of three boys, Phelps is a “Mommy Advocate” and works to bring awareness to the challenges of motherhood by sharing her personal experiences through content campaigns, social media platforms and speaking engagements. A former marketing professional with YP, Phelps graduated with honors from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communications and Journalism and also cultivated a successful career in pageantry, being named Miss California USA 2010. She currently resides in Paradise Valley, AZ with her husband, Michael, their three sons (Boomer, Beckett, and Maverick) and two French bulldogs (Juno and Legend).

Hear Nicole share her pregnancy and birth stories, and particularly her experience with cholestasis during pregnancy – a liver condition that can cause severe itching and other symptoms, and carries the risk for serious complications including stillbirth. We discuss the evidence on cholestasis, and the vital members of Nicole’s birth team who helped her along the way.

Connect with Nicole Phelps on Instagram and Twitter.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_120_-_Interview_with_Nicole_Phelps.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I talk with certified nurse midwife Liane MacPherson. Liane has been working in women’s health for over 32 years - initially as a labor and delivery nurse, and for the past 19 years as a CNM. She is also a lactation consultant, a childbirth educator, and a midwifery professor with the Georgetown University graduate midwifery program, into which she introduced Evidence Based Birth’s Higher Ed resources. Liane is taking doctorate studies, and she has trained in a variety of places - including Canada, Haiti, Germany, England, Ireland - as well as the U.S. She served in a collaborative private practice in Texas for ten years, and is now currently the certified nurse midwife director for a large OB hospitalist program.

Liane and I discuss the career trajectory of certified nurse midwives in the U.S., and she compares the American systemic viewpoint of midwives to those in other countries. We also talk about options for students pursuing nurse midwifery in today’s health care system, and the evidence surrounding the midwife/physician collaborative model.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Direct download: EBB_119_-_Interview_with_Liane_MacPherson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this week’s episode I interview Dr. Alyssa Berlin, a clinical psychologist specializing in pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. She is also creator of the AfterBirth Plan Workshop, a program preparing couples for a physically and emotionally healthy postpartum transition - for the baby, for each partner, and for their evolving relationships. Dr. Berlin has specific expertise working with emotional concerns that may arise before, during, or after birth. She and her husband, Dr. Elliot Berlin, are the co-founders of the Berlin Wellness Group, and are proud parents to four children.

Dr. Berlin offers practical analogies to help put postpartum in perspective as a human experience, as well as strategies for anticipation and prevention of emotional and situational triggers. We also talk about the importance of postpartum doulas and other professional and personal supporters.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Follow Dr. Alyssa Berlin on Instagram.

Learn about the AfterBirth Plan Workshop here.

Connect with the Berlin Wellness Group on FacebookTwitter, Instagram and at doctorberlin.com.

Find Episode 85 of the Evidence Based Birth Podcast with parent Ashely Smith on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Direct download: EBB_118_-_Interview_with_Alyssa_Berlin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, we discuss the evidence on inducing versus waiting for labor when you’re going past your due date. I am joined by Evidence Based Birth  researcher Anna Bertone, MPH, to explore all the latest on this topic and talk about the brand new Evidence Based Birth Signature Article - The Evidence on: Inducing for Due Dates. 

**TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode, we talk about stillbirth and newborn death.**

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

RESOURCES:

Check out the new Evidence Based Birth Signature Article on this topic - The Evidence on Inducing for Due Dates here (INSERT NEW ARTICLE LINK). Be sure to expand the Resources box at the bottom of the article to see all linked references.

See the original Evidence Based Birth Signature Article, The Evidence on Due Dates, here

Direct download: EBB_117_-_Evidence_on_Due_Dates.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT