Evidence Based Birth® (general)

Is waterbirth safe? Are there any randomized, controlled trials on this subject? What are the benefits and risks of waterbirth? And if the evidence shows that waterbirth is a safe and beneficial form of childbirth… then why do so many hospitals “ban” this practice? And how can you access a waterbirth if that is something you are interested in?

Today’s podcast episode is chock full of research from our peer-reviewed Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article: The Evidence on Waterbirth.

To learn more, download a free one-page handout, and view all the research references, go to ebbirth.com/waterbirth.

EBB Resources:

  • Access all the scientific references and a free 1-page handout at the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Waterbirth here. 
  • If you’re a visual learner, watch a video about the Evidence on Waterbirth on the EBB YouTube channel here.
  • Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a full-length printable PDF on waterbirth) here.
  • Learn comfort measures and advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class.

EBB Podcasts:

Direct download: EBB_300_-_Evidence_on_Waterbirth.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

February 7, 2024 - For today's episode, we are highlighting one of our favorite home birth podcast episodes with the replay of a 2020 conversation with student midwife, Isis Rose, about her very own home birth.

If you are inspired during this listen, please support Isis in her midwifery journey! She is currently accepting support via her GoFundMe page and Venmo. 

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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.

Content Warning: Black maternal mortality, postpartum hemorrhage, infant death, stillbirth

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Ways to support Isis through her midwifery journey:

 
GoFundMe Link: 
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-isiss-final-year-of-midwifery-school Isis also accepts funds to go towards midwifery school via Venmo @isis-rose (since GoFundMe takes a percentage of each donation).
 
Midwifery Supplies Registry Link: 
 
Isis Rose, MA, CLC
Student Midwife and Doula
 
Co-Founder and Executive Director at BIPOC for Better Birth
 
 
Homecoming Podcast: Black Home Birth Stories
 
 
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_-_Replay_Isis_Rose_with_new_intro_and_outro.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT

This episode is a deeply personal and inspiring journey shared by Naoma Kleisner, MSN, RN, and Mohamed Koraichi, who bravely chose a breech vaginal birth for their son. From the early discovery of a breech position at 25 weeks to the challenges of finding supportive care in Chicago, their story unfolds with determination and resilience. We'll explore their birthing experience, including acupressure, birth balls, and the choices they made to ensure a positive outcome. This episode is not just about breech birth; it's about informed choices, the strength within, and the importance of supportive care during a remarkable birthing journey.

EBB Resources:

  • Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here
  • Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here
  • Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here.
  • Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class.

EBB Podcasts about Breech: 

Other Resources:

  • Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here.

In this episode, join me in delving into the intricate world of breech births with esteemed maternal-fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Emiliano Chavira. From the disappearance of breech vaginal births in modern obstetrics, to the challenges faced by practitioners advocating for this option, Dr. Chavira shares insights from his unique career path.
 
You'll discover the renaissance of unmedicated physiologic breech births, the ongoing struggle of the rare providers who offer this choice, and the pivotal role of hands-on vs. hands-off approaches during breech delivery. Gain valuable perspectives on who is a candidate for breech birth, techniques for handling complications, and the quest for evidence-based practices in the realm of breech births.
 

EBB Resources:

  • Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here
  • Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here
  • Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here.
  • Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class.

EBB Podcasts about Breech: 

Other Resources:

  • Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here.
Hear Dr. Chavira on The Informed Pregnancy Podcast:
Follow Dr. Chavira on Facebook!
Direct download: EBB_298_-_Dr._Emiliano_Chavira.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am EDT

In the previous episode (EBB 296), we covered the evidence on breech vaginal birth. This week we are answering your questions!

Can a baby spontaneously flip from breech back to head-first position before birth? Is home breech birth safe or not? Which factors influence the chances you'll have a breech baby? On today’s podcast, join us on a Q & A all about breech birth!

If you want to get informed and empowered on the topic of breech positioning in pregnancy—either for yourself or for your clients—then this podcast is for you!

Content note: Discussion of statistics on mortality, serious morbidity (illness/injury), and home birth transfer related to breech birth.

EBB Resources:

  • For the scientific references that go along with this Q & A, visit our blog article here
  • Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here
  • Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here
  • Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here.
  • Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class.

EBB Podcasts about Breech: 

Other Resources:

  • Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here.
  • Watch a video of Dr. Larry Hinkson teaching the gentle External Cephalic Version Technique here
Direct download: EBB_297_Breech_Q_and_A.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am EDT

Have you ever wondered why doctors almost always recommend a Cesarean for breech? Is that because breech vaginal birth is dangerous? Which methods can help a breech baby turn? On today’s podcast, join us on a deep dive into the evidence on all things breech!

You’ll walk away with confidence in your knowledge on the following topics:

  • Evidence on Breech Vaginal Birth vs. Breech Cesarean Birth – How a flawed study (the “Term Breech Trial”) led to hospitals banning breech vaginal birth around the world, and what other research studies have found about the safety of breech vaginal birth.  
  • Evidence on External Cephalic Version – Learn about the effectiveness, benefits, and risks of the “hands-to-belly” turning procedure, as well as a new, gentler method being piloted by a few obstetricians.
  • Evidence on Alternate Ways to Turn a Breech Baby – Uncover the evidence on popular ways that parents use to try and turn a breech baby, including moxibustion, chiropractic care, positioning, self-hypnosis, and more!

If you want to get informed and empowered on the topic of breech positioning in pregnancy—either for yourself or for your clients—then this podcast is for you!

Content note: Discussion of statistics on mortality and serious morbidity (illness/injury) related to breech birth. 

EBB Resources:

  • Get all the scientific references and a transcript of this episode here
  • Watch the video of this podcast episode (with graphics, demonstrations, and slides) on the EBB YouTube channel here
  • Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here
  • Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here
  • Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class.

EBB Podcasts:

Other Resources:


Happy New Year to all our listeners! Join us in listening to a short story about some big challenges we were facing in our field 5 years ago and what's changed since then. And you'll be the first to learn about a major event EBB is planning for you in 2024! 

To get on the waitlist for the 2024 Evidence Based Birth® Conference (open to birth workers and expectant parents), visit ebbirth.com/waitlist

 

Direct download: Mini_Podcast_about_the_Conference.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

*Request from Team EBB: We would love it if you left a review for us on your favorite podcast platform! Let us know one new thing you learned, and/or one thing you would like us to cover next year. 

In this episode, Dr. Dekker and EBB Research Fellow Sara Ailshire reflect on groundbreaking research published by Evidence Based Birth®️ in 2023. Dive into evidence-based insights on Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy, Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), and skin-to-skin care after a Cesarean. Discover alternative approaches, vital statistics, and the intersection of birth with climate change and infection risks. Rebecca and Sara will also reflect on the year's most popular episodes and give you a glimpse into exciting episodes and Signature Articles to come in 2024.

Content note: Preterm birth, interventions, climate change, infant mortality, serious infant illness, racism. 

Resources:

The Top 5 most downloaded episodes of 2023:

  • EBB 166 [Replay] The Experience of a Powerful and MIiraculous Birth with Brooklynn and Hoang Pham

  • EBB 264: Top 3 Tips for Exercise in Pregnancy with Mamaste Fit

  • EBB 257: Updated Evidence on Group B Strep Part 2

  • EBB 256: Top 3 Recommendations for Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after Birth with Dr. Sarah Duvall

  • EBB 254: Evidence on GBS in Pregnancy

Direct download: EBB_295_with_edits.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am EDT

In this episode, I'm joined by Emilie Rodriguez and Guramrit LeBron, the dynamic duo behind Ashé Birthing Services and The Bridge Directory. Ashé Birthing Services is a collective of specially selected birth workers who provide full-spectrum care for families in the greater New York City area. Their approach blends evidence-based research with ancestral practices, offering families a unique individual experience often missing in mainstream maternal care.
 
Emilie and Guramrit share their personal journeys into birth work, highlighting the pivotal moments that led them to become doulas and advocates for birthing people. They discuss the challenges and racism they encountered within the healthcare system and the importance of finding providers who understand and respect your cultural and ancestral traditions.
 
We delve into how Ashé Birthing Services and The Bridge Directory are changing the landscape of perinatal care, making it more accessible, informed, and culturally sensitive. They also explain how their platform connects people with Black and Brown providers in the perinatal period and the importance of community-nominated Council of Elders in guiding their work. If you're passionate about empowering Black birth and improving maternal care, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation with Emilie and Guramrit.
 
Content note: Issues related to racism in healthcare and challenges in the maternity care system.

Resources:

EBB Podcast Episodes Referenced in this Episode:

  • EBB 161 and EBB 220 with Kimberly Seals Allers of the Irth App
  • EBB 260 with Ms. Divine Bailey-Nicholas about Plant Medicine
  • EBB 261: Mini Q&A on Group B Strep
  • EBB 10 about the ARRIVE trial

EBB Signature Articles:

Get a FREE handout for each topic at the links above to help your informed decision making!

Want more support from Evidence Based Birth®? 

  • Sign up for our newsletter here
  • Join our Professional Membership here
  • Apply to become an EBB Instructor here

Make sure to follow us on social:

Direct download: EBB_294_-_Emilie_and_Guramrit_with_updates.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am EDT

In this episode, I'm welcoming Eri Guajardo Johnson, the founder of Birth Bruja, a platform dedicated to decolonial approaches to healing and reproductive care. Eri, a queer, biracial, Latinx birth worker, specializes in supporting survivors of sexual violence and marginalized populations. We discuss the importance of centering Black and Indigenous wisdom, breaking down oppressive systems, and creating alternatives in the realm of birth work. Eri also shares insights on self-compassion and the practice of intimacy in their work. Join us for an enlightening conversation on how to navigate decolonial approaches to birth and healing.
 
Content Warning: supporting survivors of sexual assault, the impact of colonialism and racism in the context of reproductive care and healing.
 
Resources:
 
Follow Eri's work:

Make sure to sign up for the email list on the Birth Bruja website! 

 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com.
 
Follow us on: 
Want to get involved at EBB? 
  • Check out our Professional Membership (including scholarship options) here 
  • Find an EBB Instructor here 
  • Click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth®️® Childbirth Class

 

 

Direct download: EBB_293_-_Eri_Guajardo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am EDT