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EBB 317 - Evidence on Epidurals for Pain Management during Labor

Evidence Based Birth®

Release Date: 06/26/2024

EBB 326 - Reducing Toxin Exposure in Pregnancy and Postpartum with Lisa Smith, Dietitian, Holistic Nutritionist, and Gut Health Expert show art EBB 326 - Reducing Toxin Exposure in Pregnancy and Postpartum with Lisa Smith, Dietitian, Holistic Nutritionist, and Gut Health Expert

Evidence Based Birth®

Lisa Smith, a registered dietitian and host of the Pretty Well podcast, joins us on the EBB podcast to discuss the crucial topic of reducing toxins in the home during pregnancy and postpartum. Lisa shares her personal health journey, including her experience with Hashimoto's disease (an autoimmune condition impacting the thyroid), and highlights the importance of reducing environmental toxins to promote optimal health. Listen and learn about the connection between toxins and gut health, how industrial chemicals are found in umbilical cord blood, and steps expectant parents can take to lower...

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EBB 325 - Surviving HELLP Syndrome and Planning a VBAC in a Subsequent Pregnancy with Jolene Brink, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate show art EBB 325 - Surviving HELLP Syndrome and Planning a VBAC in a Subsequent Pregnancy with Jolene Brink, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate

Evidence Based Birth®

Following an emergency c-section due to HELLP syndrome in her first pregnancy, Jolene Brink was determined to have a different birthing experience with her second child. Through the support of a knowledgeable medical team and insights gained from her EBB Childbirth Class, she successfully achieved her goal of an unmedicated VBAC with the birth of her son, Guthrie, in 2022. Jolene's journey towards a VBAC was a transformative process of healing, empowerment, and reclaiming her birthing experience, showcasing the importance of advocacy and informed decision-making in maternal healthcare. ...

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EBB 324 - Blending Birth, Science, Technology, and Storytelling with Erica Chidi, Co-founder and CEO of LOOM show art EBB 324 - Blending Birth, Science, Technology, and Storytelling with Erica Chidi, Co-founder and CEO of LOOM

Evidence Based Birth®

Erica Chidi joins us to share her journey from working as a full-spectrum doula to becoming an educator and leader in women's health. With over a decade of experience, Erica discusses how her upbringing in a medical family, coupled with her unique approach to doula work, led her to create LOOM, a health information app designed to empower women and non-binary individuals. She explains the app’s mission to provide accessible, science-backed health information and personal stories that help users navigate their reproductive and overall health. The two also discuss the challenges and...

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EBB 323 - Q & A on Frequent Air Travel in Pregnancy, Induction for Low Platelets, and Anterior vs. Posterior Placenta show art EBB 323 - Q & A on Frequent Air Travel in Pregnancy, Induction for Low Platelets, and Anterior vs. Posterior Placenta

Evidence Based Birth®

In today's episode, we're diving into a mini Q&A session to address some pressing questions from our incredible EBB Pro Members. We'll explore the risks of radiation exposure during air travel in pregnancy, particularly for airline crew members. Then, we'll discuss the implications of low platelet counts and whether they necessitate induction. Lastly, we'll look at new research on the location of the placenta—whether anterior, posterior or lateral—and its impact on birth experiences. Tune in for evidence-based answers on these important topics! View the full list of references for this...

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EBB 322 - Harnessing the Power of the Mind to Enhance Joy and Comfort in Childbirth with Kerry Tuschhoff, Founder of Hypnobabies®️ show art EBB 322 - Harnessing the Power of the Mind to Enhance Joy and Comfort in Childbirth with Kerry Tuschhoff, Founder of Hypnobabies®️

Evidence Based Birth®

Kerry Tuschhoff, founder and director of Hypnobabies®, brings a wealth of experience as a childbirth educator, doula, speaker, and hypnotherapist to the realm of hypnobirthing. Inspired by her own challenging birth experiences and a TV show about hypnosis for childbirth, she meticulously studied hypnotherapy and pain management to develop Hypnobabies®, which integrates hypno-anesthesia techniques for effective pain relief during labor. Her program not only empowers expectant parents to make informed decisions regarding interventions such as epidurals and episiotomies but also emphasizes the...

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EBB 321 - An Empowering, Trauma-Informed Home Birth with First-Time Mom and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate Iris Casey show art EBB 321 - An Empowering, Trauma-Informed Home Birth with First-Time Mom and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate Iris Casey

Evidence Based Birth®

Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class graduate Iris Casey is sharing her inspiring home birth story with Dr. Dekker. Iris opens up about her journey to motherhood, after grappling with the decision to become a parent and overcoming past traumas. She recounts the unexpected onset of labor, navigating the early stages with her supportive partner, and utilizing the knowledge gained from the EBB Childbirth Class and Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas," to create a tailored birth plan. Tune in to hear Iris's story of resilience, preparation, and the emotional experience of bringing her...

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EBB 320 - Evidence on the Impact of Epidurals on the Pushing Phase of Labor show art EBB 320 - Evidence on the Impact of Epidurals on the Pushing Phase of Labor

Evidence Based Birth®

The impact of epidurals on the second stage of labor has sparked a lot of discussion. Research suggests that epidurals can prolong this stage... and a prolonged second stage can be associated with increased risks of infection, severe tears and the need for interventions like forceps-assisted delivery or Cesarean. But does an epidural mean that you are higher risk for complications during the second stage of labor, or are there ways to lessen your risks?   In this episode, Dr. Dekker explores the physiological effects of epidurals (and how they impact your body's birthing reflexes), the...

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EBB 319 - Exploring Love and Intimacy in Birth with Debra Pascali-Bonaro, Founder of Orgasmic Birth show art EBB 319 - Exploring Love and Intimacy in Birth with Debra Pascali-Bonaro, Founder of Orgasmic Birth

Evidence Based Birth®

Dr. Rebecca Dekker's joined by Debra Pascali-Bonaro, host of the Orgasmic Birth podcast, to explore the connections between love, intimacy, and childbirth. A world-renowned speaker and doula trainer, and the creative force behind the documentary "Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret," Debra shares her origins into the world of childbirth education and her groundbreaking work. Debra and Dr. Dekker delve into how intimacy can enhance the birthing experience by promoting relaxation, reducing fear, and allowing for a more joyous and fulfilling labor. Learn how the power of pleasure and joy can...

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EBB 318 - Advocating for Waterbirth in Hospitals with Dr. Liz Nutter, DNP, CNM, and Retired Lieutenant Colonel show art EBB 318 - Advocating for Waterbirth in Hospitals with Dr. Liz Nutter, DNP, CNM, and Retired Lieutenant Colonel

Evidence Based Birth®

Dr. Liz Nutter, a retired Lieutenant Colonel with over 20 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience, is bringing her expertise as a board-certified nurse midwife and national expert in waterbirth and hydrotherapy evidence-based practice. Dr. Nutter shares her journey from serving in the United States Army to becoming an assistant professor at St. Martin's University in Washington State. She discusses her pivotal role in advocating for waterbirth practices within the military healthcare system and maternal health rights within the military, including extending maternity leave to...

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REPLAY: EBB 186 – A Positive Pregnancy and Birth Outcome with Multiple High-Risk Labels with EBB Childbirth Class Parent, Angela Jones show art REPLAY: EBB 186 – A Positive Pregnancy and Birth Outcome with Multiple High-Risk Labels with EBB Childbirth Class Parent, Angela Jones

Evidence Based Birth®

Today, we’re sharing a replay of our podcast episode 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, Allister, 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 Allister’s birth. In today's replay, we talk about Angela’s...

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More Episodes
Have you ever wondered what the evidence is on epidurals for pain management during labor? Join us on today’s podcast as we discuss most recent evidence on epidurals, spinals, and combined spinal-epidurals! We’ll begin with some background on these methods, including how common they are in the U.S. and around the world, before moving on to the effectiveness, benefits, and risks for use during labor. We’ll also talk about alternative methods of pain relief during labor, and share recommendations from professional healthcare organizations. [Bonus addition to the podcast at 20:00: We talk about the study on epidurals out of Scotland [Kearns et al. 2024] that is generating lots of news headlines!] Join us to learn more about pain relief options during labor!
 
Content Note: Topics related to epidural use, how they’re provided (including needles and catheters), and the benefits and risks of this intervention. Discussion of assisted vaginal delivery (forceps and vacuum deliveries), severe maternal complications, surgery, perineal tears, and postpartum depression.  
 
References:
  • To access all the scientific references that go along with this episode, visit our blog article here.
  • Access the rest of our EBB Pain Management series go to this page and click on “Pain Management Series.”
  • Check out the EBB Pocket Guide to Comfort Measures here.
  • Find an EBB Childbirth Class near you here.

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.