EBB 110 - Inside an Unplanned, Unassisted Home Birth with Parent Sabrina Tran
Release Date: 01/08/2020
EBB 414 - Evidence on Natural Labor Induction: Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Breast Stimulation
Evidence Based Birth®
Acupuncture, acupressure, and breast stimulation are popular natural labor induction methods, but what does the latest research tell us about how well they actually work? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker dives into the new research on whether these approaches can help ripen the cervix, encourage spontaneous labor, or reduce the need for a medical induction. She explores the evidence on acupuncture, acupressure, and the related practice of Shiatsu, including why studies have reached conflicting conclusions about their effectiveness. She also examines the research on breast and nipple...
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EBB 413 - Evidence on Migraines and Pregnancy: Frequency, Prevention, and Comfort Measures
Evidence Based Birth®
Migraines during pregnancy can be debilitating, and figuring out how to prevent or manage them can be especially challenging. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on migraines during pregnancy, including why they happen, how pregnancy can affect migraine patterns, and why new or changing headaches should be taken seriously. Rebecca also discusses migraine triggers, medication overuse or “rebound” headaches, and strategies for prevention. Plus, drawing from both the research and her own lifelong experience with migraines, Rebecca shares non-pharmacological comfort...
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EBB 412 - Induction Tips for Families with High-Risk Doula Jennifer Anderson, RN
Evidence Based Birth®
An induction may change your birth plan, but it doesn’t mean giving up your preferences or your role in the decision-making process. In this episode, EBB's Director of Programs Chanté Perryman talks with team EBB's Jennifer Anderson about how families can prepare for and navigate an induction. A nurse, doula, and childbirth educator, Jennifer's sharing five of her favorite advocacy tips, including asking about outpatient cervical ripening, considering the timing of your induction, exploring monitoring options that support movement, using water for comfort, and understanding the criteria for...
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EBB 411 - Advocating for a Family Centered Cesarean with Holly and Nathan Miller, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates
Evidence Based Birth®
When Holly and Nathan Miller learned their baby was breech late in pregnancy, the unmedicated vaginal birth they had been preparing for suddenly felt out of reach. Living in rural South Georgia, they explored their options, including finding a provider experienced in vaginal breech birth, but ultimately faced limited choices close to home. In this episode, EBB Childbirth Class graduates Holly and Nathan share how they shifted their focus from the birth they had originally envisioned to creating a family-centered Cesarean experience. They talk about advocating for a clear drape and...
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EBB 410 - Evidence and Controversy Surrounding Freebirth
Evidence Based Birth®
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire examine the available evidence on planned unassisted birth, also known as freebirth, defined as intentionally giving birth without a qualified midwife or physician present. They explore why some people choose a planned unassisted birth, including previous trauma, distrust of the medical system, barriers to preferred care, and a desire for greater autonomy. Dr. Dekker and Dr. Ailshire also explain how freebirth differs from midwife-attended home birth, what research shows about planned community birth, and the safeguards a trained...
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EBB 409 - Business Advice for New Doulas with Katie Nyberg, Doula Trainer and Founder of The Iowa Baby Ladies
Evidence Based Birth®
A passion for supporting families during birth is the foundation for a career as a doula. But once that foundation has been laid, it takes business skills, boundaries, and collaboration to be sustainable. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Katie Nyberg, founder of The Iowa Baby Ladies, about her journey from fifth-grade teacher to doula, trainer, and owner of one of Iowa’s largest doula agencies. Katie shares the early lessons she learned about setting fees, communicating with clients, and navigating the unpredictable realities of on-call work. Katie also opens up about...
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REPLAY: EBB 344 - Crash Course in Perinatal Mood Disorders and Treatment with Dr. Kat Kaeni, Perinatal Psychologist and Past Board Chair of Postpartum Support International
Evidence Based Birth®
Perinatal mental health is often a misunderstood landscape shaped by stigma, cultural expectations, and invisible struggles that touch entire families. In this replay episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker sits down with Dr. Kat Kaeni, perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook, and host of the Mom & Mind podcast, to break the silence around postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, and psychosis. Drawing on her professional expertise and personal experience, Dr. Kat reveals why shame and isolation are so common, how symptoms really show up for new parents,...
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EBB 408 - "What They Didn't Tell Me about Birth and Parenthood" with Dr. Jessica Vernon, Board-Certified OB/GYN and Perinatal Coach
Evidence Based Birth®
Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care should support the whole person, physically and mentally. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with board-certified OB/GYN and perinatal coach Dr. Jessica Vernon about how integrative medicine can create a more holistic and personalized approach to obstetric care. Dr. Vernon explains how integrative care combines traditional Western medicine with complementary approaches such as therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nutrition. She also shares how her own experience with postpartum anxiety and depression...
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EBB 407 - Migraines and Insulin and Umbilical Vein Varix, Oh My! An Empowering Pregnancy and Hospital Birth Story with Heidi Gustad, Librarian and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate
Evidence Based Birth®
After years of hearing traumatic birth stories and questioning whether parenthood was right for her, Heidi Gustad entered pregnancy determined to make informed decisions every step of the way. When she was diagnosed with insulin-managed gestational diabetes, debilitating migraines, and a rare umbilical cord abnormality called an umbilical vein varix, the birth center birth she had envisioned was suddenly no longer an option. In this episode, Heidi shares how evidence-based education, a supportive care team, and careful preparation helped her navigate unexpected changes with confidence....
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EBB 406 - Critical Info Every Expecting Family Should Know about Cytomegalovirus (CMV) with Megan Nix, Author of Remedies for Sorrow
Evidence Based Birth®
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading infectious cause of congenital disorders in the United States, but many pregnant families have never heard of it. In this episode, Dr. Dekker is joined by author Megan Nix who shares the personal story behind her memoir, "Remedies for Sorrow," and discusses how gaps in the system leave many families unaware of this common virus. Megan shares how her daughter Anna's congenital CMV diagnosis changed her family's life and launched her years-long investigation into why such a common condition remains largely absent from prenatal education. You’ll...
info_outlineIn this episode, I am joined by Sabrina Tran of Alabama, who recently had a daughter, and took the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class with Instructor Traci Weafer. Sabrina, a therapist, is now a stay at home mom.
Sabrina had a precipitous - or, extremely fast labor and delivery. She describes it as exciting! Hear her tell her story of how her baby was born before the midwife could make it to her home. I also share the evidence on perineal tearing, and the relationships between tearing, provider experience, and home birth.
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 great images explaining perineal tears on the Mayo Clinic website.
More references:
- Albers, L. L., Sedler, K. D., Bedrisk, E. J., et al. (2005). Midwifery care measures in the second stage of labor and reduction of genital tract trauma at birth: a randomized trial. J Midwifery Womens Health. 50(5): 365-372.
- Mizrachi, Y., Leytes, S., Levy, M., et al. (2017). Does midwife experience affect the rate of severe perineal tears? Birth. 44(2): 161-166.
- Begley, C., Guilliland, K., Dixon, L., et al. (2018). A qualitative exploration of techniques used by expert midwives to preserve the perineum intact. Women Birth.
- Kopas, M. L. (2014). A review of evidence-based practices for management of the second stage of labor. J Midwifery Womens Health. 59(3):264-76.
- Shorten, A., Donsante, J. and Shorten, B. (2002). Birth position, accoucheur, and perineal outcomes: informing women about choices for vaginal birth. Birth. 29(1): 18-27.
- Sandall, J., Soltani, H., Shennan, A., et al. (2013). Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (8): CD004667.
- Hutton, E. K., Cappelletti, A., Reitsma, A. H., et al. (2016). Outcomes associated with planned place of birth among women with low-risk pregnancies. CMAJ. 188(5): E80-E90.
- Hastings-Tolsma, M., Vincent, D., Emeis, C., et al. (2007). Getting through birth in one piece: protecting the perineum. MCN AM J Matern Child Nurs. 32: 158-64.
- Landy H. J., Laughon, S. K., Bailit, J. L., et al. (2011). Characteristics associated with severe perineal and cervical lacerations during vaginal delivery. Obstet Gynecol. 117(3): 627-35
- Klein, M. C., Gauthier, R. J., Jorgensen, S. H., et al. (1992). Does episiotomy prevent perineal trauma and pelvic floor relaxation? Online J Curr Clin Trials. 10.
- Klein, M. C., Gauthier, R. J., Robbins, J. M., et al. (1994). Relationship of episiotomy to perineal trauma and morbidity, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic floor relaxation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 171(3): 591-8.
- Aasheim, V., Nilsen, A. B. V., Reinar, L. M., et al. (2017). Perineal techniques during the second stage of labour for reducing perineal trauma. Cochrane Database of Sys Rev. 6: CD006672
- Alliman, J. and Phillippi, J. C. (2016). Maternal Outcomes in Birth Centers: An integrative review of the literature. J Midwifery Womens Health. 61(1): 21-51.
- Cheyney, M., Bovbjerg, M., Everson, C., et al. (2014). Outcomes of care for 16,924 planned home births in the U.S.: the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project, 2004 to 2009. J Midwifery Womens Health. 59(1): 17-27.
- Hutton, E. K., Cappelletti, A., Reitsma, A. H., et al. (2016). Outcomes associated with planned place of birth among women with low-risk pregnancies. CMAJ. 188(5): E80-E90.
Click here to access the EBB Signature Article, The Evidence on: Waterbirth.