EBB 418 - Evidence on Natural Labor Induction: Castor Oil and Eating Dates
Release Date: 11/11/2026
EBB 418 - Evidence on Natural Labor Induction: Castor Oil and Eating Dates
Evidence Based Birth®
Does castor oil or eating dates actually help labor begin? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on these two approaches, including their potential effects on cervical ripening, the onset of labor, and the need for medical induction or augmentation. She examines randomized trials, systematic reviews, and recent hospital studies while explaining what the evidence can—and cannot—tell us about benefits and safety. Dr. Dekker also discusses why castor oil may work differently for people who have given birth before, the limitations of safety data after a prior Cesarean, and...
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EBB 417 - Similarities between Birth and Death Doula Work with Anne Kathryn Rice, Founder of the Global Doula Project
Evidence Based Birth®
Birth and death are two of life's most profound transitions, and both deserve compassionate, person-centered care. In honor of National Caregivers Month, doula and founder of the Global Doula Project Anne Kathryn Rice joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to explore the similarities between supporting families at the beginning and end of life. Drawing from their personal experiences with loss, they discuss the role of death doulas, how families can prepare for the dying process, and why emotional, physical, and informational support matters during life's biggest transitions. Anne Kathryn also shares how...
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EBB 416 - Evidence on Big Babies
Evidence Based Birth®
A suspected big baby isn't always a big baby, but the label alone can change a birth plan and how a birth is managed. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire explore the updated evidence on suspected big babies, including how accurately ultrasounds can predict birth weight and how the label of a “big baby” can influence birth outcomes. They break down the risks of shoulder dystocia and other birth complications, examine new research on early induction, and discuss the potential benefits and risks of planned Cesareans for big babies. For the full Signature Article,...
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EBB 415 - What is RSV? with the EBB Research Team
Evidence Based Birth®
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is an extremely common respiratory virus, but it can sometimes lead to serious illness for newborns and infants. In this episode, we cover what parents and birth professionals know about RSV and the options available for prevention. Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire walk through the basics of RSV, including how it spreads, why some infants become seriously ill, and how RSV patterns change throughout the year. They also discuss the history of RSV vaccine development and explain how advances in research led to the prevention options available...
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REPLAY: EBB 217 - Disability Justice in Birth and Parenting with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu
Evidence Based Birth®
Ableism shapes birth, parenting, and even the ways our society values whose lives matter. In this replay episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks about disability justice in birth and parenting with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu, a Mad, Disabled, multidisciplinary care strategist/worker, educator, psychiatric survivor, healing practitioner, and founder and director of Project LETS. Together, they explore what disability justice is and how it connects to reproductive justice, from the history of forced sterilization to the ways disabled parents are penalized for both accessing and not accessing...
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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...
info_outlineDoes castor oil or eating dates actually help labor begin? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on these two approaches, including their potential effects on cervical ripening, the onset of labor, and the need for medical induction or augmentation. She examines randomized trials, systematic reviews, and recent hospital studies while explaining what the evidence can—and cannot—tell us about benefits and safety.
Dr. Dekker also discusses why castor oil may work differently for people who have given birth before, the limitations of safety data after a prior Cesarean, and research on consuming dates during late pregnancy and labor. Plus, what to discuss with your care provider when considering whether these approaches fit your individual circumstances.
(03:06) Understanding the Bishop score and cervical ripening
(04:11) How castor oil might stimulate labor
(06:41) Reviewing the research on castor oil for labor induction
(09:26) Prior vaginal birth and findings from randomized trials
(14:27) Hospital use of castor oil in Germany and recent observational research
(21:41) Potential side effects and the importance of clinical guidance
(23:26) Safety questions after a prior Cesarean or uterine surgery
(25:27) A community midwife’s experience and castor oil protocol
(28:10) Rebecca’s personal experience and how castor oil is prepared
(29:52) The bottom line on castor oil evidence
(31:06) Date fruit’s traditional uses and nutritional properties
(33:41) Limitations of date fruit research and considerations for people with diabetes
(35:06) Meta-analysis findings on cervical readiness and labor length
(39:10) Research quality concerns and a closer look at individual trials
(41:49) Research on date syrup and labor pain
(43:19) Trial findings on spontaneous labor and cervical dilation
(44:38) Amounts and timing of date consumption studied in pregnancy
(47:04) Final takeaways, evidence limitations, and discussing options with your care provider
For a full list of references, visit ebbirth.com/418.