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

 

EBB Resources:

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.


What is a doula, and what are the different types of doulas? How many people use doulas during childbirth, and what does a doula actually do? Are there any randomized, controlled trials on doula support? What are the benefits and risks of having a doula, if any? And if the evidence shows that doulas improve health outcomes… then why are some hospitals around the world unsupportive of labor companions? And how can you find a doula if you’re interested in having one at your birth?   

Today’s podcast episode with Dr. Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA, is chock full of research from our peer-reviewed Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article: The Evidence on Doulas.  

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

EBB Resources:  

  • Access all the scientific references and a free 1-page handout at the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Doulas here    

  • If you’re a visual learner, watch a video about the Evidence on Doulas on the EBB YouTube channel here 

  • Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship program, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a full-length printable PDF on "Evidence on: Doulas") by joining here. 

  • Learn comfort measures and advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class 

EBB Podcasts: 

  • EBB 195 – Grief & Healing through Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Full Spectrum Doula, Rose Rankin 

  • EBB 207 – Gender Affirming Birth Work and Education with Full-Spectrum Doula and Childbirth Educator, Moss Froom 

  • EBB 211 – Supporting Expectant Families through Birth and Lactation with Birth Doula and EBB Instructor Coordinator, Rikki Jenkins 

  • EBB 229 – Evidence on Doulas with Community-Based Models and Reimbursement 

  • EBB 252 – A Candid Conversation about Doula Advocacy with Doula and EBB Instructor Leslie Greene 

  • EBB 285 – Creating a Sustainable Career in Birth Work with Jessica Diggs, Doula Mentor and Co-Founder of Centered.  

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

Curious which toxins should be most avoided for people of reproductive age and their children? In this episode, Dr. Tanya Khemet Taiwo, LM, CPM, MPH, PhD unravels the intricate connection between environmental exposures and their profound impact on pregnancy and birth outcomes. We will explore the hidden risks associated with heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.

You'll learn about the research on how environmental exposures contribute to issues like reduced birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, and neurodevelopmental delays. Plus, Dr. Taiwo teaches about the unequal distribution of these exposures across populations, what parents can do to test their environments for unwanted elements, and how midwives can be part of the solution for environmental justice.

Content Note: Listener discretion is advised. This episode includes a stark discussion of common environmental exposures, social factors, and their impact on pregnancy and infant health outcomes. Toward the end of the episode [from 37:12 to 41:08], there is a brief discussion of traumatic historical events (including the Holocaust and chattel slavery) and their subsequent impact on environmental toxins.

 

EBB Resources:

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

Follow Evidence Based Birth:

 
 
Direct download: EBB_308.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, Ellora La Shier, graduate of the EBB Childbirth Class, shares about her struggle with six years of unexplained infertility and how it impacted her eventual birth story. Listen in as Ellora describes the frustration of unexplained infertility, suffering through years of increasingly painful periods, and the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis. Despite facing numerous challenges and undergoing various treatments, including intrauterine insemination (IUI), Ellora remained determined and resilient.
 
Finally, after years, Ellora underwent surgery to remove the abnormal tissue caused by endometriosis. Following surgery, she and her husband were overjoyed to discover that they quickly became pregnant. Although this pregnancy marked the end of a long and challenging infertility journey, Ellora still had to process the many years of healthcare dismissal and her complicated relationship with pain, and how this would impact her eventual unmedicated birth. Ellora's story highlights the importance of perseverance, self-advocacy, and finding supportive healthcare providers in navigating the complexities of infertility and reproductive health.
 
Resources
  • Find evidence-based information about infertility here.
 
EBB Resources:
  • Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here
  • Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here.
  • Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class.
 
Follow Evidence Based Birth:

As we wrap up the celebration of World Doula Week, explore the transformative journey of pregnancy and childbirth in the Indian context with Divya Deswal and Neha Misra, founders of The Doula Collective©️. In this interview, Divya and Neha shed light on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by expectant families in India. You'll learn how The Doula Collective©️, with its culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach, is reshaping the landscape of birth support! 

Also... have you ever heard of a year-long doula training program? Divya and Neha share the intricacies of their in-depth doula training program and how it goes beyond traditional methods to create a profound impact on both birth practitioners and families. Join us as we confront the barriers that doulas face in a system where their role is often misunderstood. We end with an exploration of the soulful aspects of birth trauma, physical challenges of birth and birth work, and the power of resilience.

Learn more about The Doula Collective here: https://thedoulacollective.in/

Follow their work on Instagram: @thedoulacollective.in

EBB Resources:

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

Follow Evidence Based Birth:

Direct download: EBB_306__Divya_Deswal_and_Neha_Misra.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

You're going to love this family-centered birth story with Dr. Dekker's brother John DeYoung and his wife Krista DeYoung! On today's episode, Krista and John (who are graduates of the EBB Childbirth Class with EBB Instructor Chanté Perryman) get vulnerable and open up about their complex pregnancy and son Eli's miraculous birth story. In addition to facing a pregnancy with a prior diagnosis of Crohn's disease, they also had to cope with lockdowns during the pandemic, genetic concerns including an initial diagnosis of triploidy, a HUGE and abnormally low-functioning placenta, potential growth restriction, a 39-week induction, and placental retention that led to abnormal postpartum bleeding.

In addition to being inspired by John and Krista's unique story, you will also learn about the emotional rollercoaster of confronting a fatal genetic diagnosis that turns out to be a false positive. You will also hear from John about how active participating in childbirth and parenting has been an incredibly healing process for him— as John was adopted as a child and had no known blood relatives before Eli was born. And don't miss the end of the episode, when you find out about a surprise condition that was the cause of Krista's placental abnormalities.

Tune in for an empowering and insightful discussion that sheds light on the complexities of high-risk pregnancies and the role of evidence-based care in navigating challenging pregnancy and birth scenarios.

Content Note: This episode discusses high-risk pregnancies, history of bonding difficulties related to being adopted, concerns about fatal genetic diagnoses that may result in termination, false-positive genetic diagnoses, medical interventions, the potential of losing a baby in pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, and abnormal postpartum bleeding. Although everything turns out okay for our guests in this episode, we recognize that not all pregnancies with genetic complications have happy endings.

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

Other Resources

  • Learn more about Antiphospholipid Syndrome here.
  • Learn about pregnancy and Crohn's Disease here, from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation

Follow Evidence Based Birth

Direct download: EBB_305_Krista_and_John_DeYoung_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

Welcome to a special Q &A episode of the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast! Today I address some of your burning questions on key childbirth topics!

In this episode, I share evidence on the (unproven) relationship between synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) administration and postpartum depression, the complexities of delayed cord clamping and the power dynamics around requesting delayed cord clamping, the use of Nubain (an IV opioid) for pain relief during labor and its potential impact on babies, and the latest insights into consuming the placenta—whether it's dehydrated, freeze-dried, or consumed raw.

EBB Resources:


In this episode, we chat with obstetrician Dr. Danielle Jones, aka Mama Doctor Jones, about challenging norms in pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Jones passionately advocates for patient autonomy as we dive into the resistance to eating and drinking from the anesthesia community, debunk myths on this hot topic, and call on healthcare professionals to prioritize evidence-based practices.

We also discuss the challenges nurses and obstetricians face in changing hospital policies, especially when confronted by powerful figures resistant to evidence-based approaches. Dr. Jones urges professionals to find allies and use data-driven discussions to challenge outdated norms. We wrap up by discussing other prevalent myths in pregnancy and childbirth, emphasizing the tactics of misinformation spreaders and the importance of critical thinking in evaluating online information.

Content Note: This episode includes discussions on the Dobbs decision, abortion for fetal abnormalities, and life-threatening medical complications.

EBB Resources:

Keep Learning from Mama Doctor Jones:

Direct download: 303_-_MamaDoctor_Jones_with_edits.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Delve into a powerful and emotional conversation with the incredible Kellie McKinnon, a military spouse, San Diego-based personal trainer, and graduate of the Evidence Based Birth®️ Childbirth Class! In this episode, Kellie shares her unique and challenging journey through pregnancy while her partner was deployed. We explore the emotional and logistical aspects of facing pregnancy and childbirth without the physical presence of a partner. Discover the importance of a doula, the role of childbirth education, and the unexpected challenges within the military healthcare system.

If you're an expecting military spouse, Kellie's experiences offer valuable insights into the strength, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by many military families during this transformative journey.

Content Note: This episode contains emotional discussions separation anxiety due to partner deployment, experiences of loneliness and isolation, and challenges within the military healthcare system.

Direct download: EBB_302_-_Kellie_McKinnon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Daphne Delvaux, Esq., widely known as The Mamattorney. As an award-winning trial attorney and founder of Delvaux Law, Daphne is a passionate advocate for women's rights at work, particularly focusing on motherhood discrimination cases. In this conversation, we dive into the complexities of workplace trauma, reasonable accommodations, and the crucial understanding of employment rights during pregnancy and postpartum.

Daphne shares her expertise on the vulnerabilities mothers face in the workplace, shedding light on issues like forced leaves and common misunderstandings about parental leave rights. We explore how the law serves as a powerful tool to protect both new parents and babies, offering insights into the challenges new parents encounter and practical steps to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Join us for an eye-opening discussion as we uncover the realities of creating a supportive and empowering work environment for ambitious parents.

Content Note: In this episode, we talk about workplace trauma, reasonable accommodations, and gendered language may be used. 

EBB Resources:

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

Other Resources:


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

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