Evidence Based Birth®

In the Evidence Based Birth® podcast, we cover the research evidence on hot topics about pregnancy and childbirth! Our mission is to help birth workers build the evidence based knowledge, skills, and power they need to protect families' ability to give birth with empowerment. The work we do has a huge impact on parents who are searching for accurate information to empower their prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences!

EBB 340 - Emetophobia in Pregnancy and an Inspiring Home Birth Story with Kat Sullivan and Ben Winston, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates 12/18/2024

EBB 340 - Emetophobia in Pregnancy and an Inspiring Home Birth Story with Kat Sullivan and Ben Winston, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with EBB Childbirth Class graduates Kat Sullivan and Ben Winston about their journey through pregnancy and birth. Kat shares her deeply personal experience of living with emetophobia—the fear of vomiting—and how it impacted her pregnancy and decision to pursue a home birth. From navigating intrusive thoughts and panic attacks to finding a supportive care team and discovering the power of SSRIs, Kat and Ben open up about their challenges and triumphs. Hear how they prepared for labor, the role of their midwives, and how the EBB Childbirth Class helped them feel informed and empowered. Whether you're curious about home births, mental health in pregnancy, or simply love heartfelt birth stories, this episode is a must-listen! Content Note: The first half of the interview will discuss distressing symptoms related to emetophobia, panic attacks, and OCD, as well as considering pregnancy termination due to emetophobia. (00:01:24) Joyful Home Birth Experience despite Challenges (00:04:56) Empowered by Supportive Providers for Emetophobia (00:10:17) Navigating Mental Health in Parenthood Transition (00:17:53) Navigating Challenges with a Strong Support System (00:30:10) Unpredictable Transitions in Labor and Birth (00:35:03) Empowering Decisions Through Evidence-Based Home Birth (00:36:07) Empowering Parents Through Evidence-Based Childbirth Education Learn more about Kat and Ben's EBB Instructor, Emily McMichael, or follow her on Instagram ! For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit . Follow us on , , and ! Ready to learn more? Grab an or read Dr. Dekker's book, If you want to get involved at EBB, join our (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB . Find an here, and click to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class. /episode/index/show/evidencebasedbirth/id/34038053

EBB 339 - Q & A on the ARRIVE Trial with the EBB Research Team 12/11/2024

EBB 339 - Q & A on the ARRIVE Trial with the EBB Research Team Dr. Rebecca Dekker and EBB Research Fellow Morgan Richardson Cayama tackle your questions about the ARRIVE trial and elective inductions at 39 weeks. They explore the evidence behind this controversial study, discuss the implications for Cesarean rates, and unpack the concept of patient autonomy in maternity care. Plus, they share practical tips for managing pressure to induce and delve into how the ARRIVE trial impacts outcomes like breastfeeding, epidurals, and costs. Tune in to hear this Q&A session originally broadcast to listeners worldwide. (03:38) How often are we seeing pressure from obstetricians to induce? (07:20) How can you manage pressure from an obstetrician to get an induction at 39 weeks? (12:00) What are the geographic trends in induction rates? (15:30) What are the statistics on infant death and mortality? (19:56) What happens if a midwife or obstetrician refuses a 39-week elective induction requested by a birthing person? (21:50) Why did the ARRIVE trial report such high rates of preeclampsia and hypertension? (32:16) Is induction considered to be more cost-effective? (34:54) Are inductions affecting breastfeeding and epidural rates? (36:54) Is there research around maternal satisfaction and birthing experience? (40:11) Why are IVF and advanced maternal age clients often pressured or offered induction? (41:24) What strategies can doulas use to support clients facing discussions about 39-week induction with their provider? For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit . Follow us on , , and ! Ready to learn more? Grab an or read Dr. Dekker's book, If you want to get involved at EBB, join our (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB . Find an here, and click to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class. /episode/index/show/evidencebasedbirth/id/34243135

EBB 338 - What is Respectful Maternity Care? with Dr. Jessica Brumley, CNM, PhD, and President of the American College of Nurse Midwives 12/04/2024

EBB 337 - Getting through a Long Labor Induction without Pain Medication with Camden Crane Wachowiak, Fitness Instructor and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate 11/27/2024

EBB 337 - Getting through a Long Labor Induction without Pain Medication with Camden Crane Wachowiak, Fitness Instructor and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate In this episode, I’m joined by Camden Crane Wachowiak—a health coach, EBB Childbirth Class graduate, and new mom—who shares her high-risk pregnancy and birth journey. Camden walks us through her induction experience after her water broke at term and her decision to labor with non-pharmacological comfort measures. We also talk about Camden's approach to navigating unique health considerations during pregnancy, including antiphospholipid syndrome and a cardiac pacemaker. She reflects on the empowering choices she made with her partner, such as hiring a supportive doula, and the role of the EBB Childbirth Class in helping them feel informed and confident. Discover how Camden built a team of providers who respected her strength, addressed her concerns without excessive intervention, and supported her in achieving a safe and positive birth experience. (05:45) Experienced Doula Enhancing Birthing Experiences (09:52) Personalized Obstetric Care Based on Medical History (17:50) Natural Methods for Inducing Labor Contractions (19:39) Natural Comfort Techniques During Medication-Free Labor (23:32) Enduring labor pains without medical intervention (25:05) Breathwork and Support in Intense Childbirth (35:26) Vital Importance of Newborn Resuscitation Training (37:27) Embracing Motherhood: Navigating New Priorities and Routines (43:26) Transformative Role of Postpartum Communities Learn more about Camden’s fitness coaching business, Camden C3 Fit For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit . Follow us on , , and ! Ready to learn more? Grab an or read Dr. Dekker's book, If you want to get involved at EBB, join our (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB . Find an here, and click to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class. /episode/index/show/evidencebasedbirth/id/33899047

EBB 336 - Team EBB's Top Tips for Bringing Your Baby Home from the Hospital 11/20/2024

EBB 336 - Team EBB's Top Tips for Bringing Your Baby Home from the Hospital Team EBB's Chanté Perryman, Rikki Jenkins and Sara Ailshire are taking over the podcast to share their tips for transitioning home from the hospital and supporting new parents postpartum! Rikki, a seasoned childbirth educator, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Instructor Program Coordinator at EBB, stresses the importance of having a strong support system and being open about postpartum mental health. Sara, a Research Fellow at EBB, draws from cultural practices and her own journey into parenthood to discuss the importance of accepting help and cherishing special moments with a newborn. Together, with Chanté, Director of Programs at EBB, they remind us to celebrate the transition into parenthood and practice self-compassion during this transformative period. Don't forget to sign up for the ! (00:04:59) New Beginnings: Homecoming Baby Celebration (00:11:15) Building a Strong Postpartum Support System (00:12:34) Postpartum Support through Meal Trains (00:13:36) Setting Boundaries for Postpartum Support (00:31:04) Multilingual Breastfeeding Support and Resources (00:31:20) Partners' Support in Postpartum Hydration Plan (00:41:04) Neglecting Self-Care: Early Postpartum Warning Signs (00:46:48) Supportive Partner Role in Preventing Postpartum Depression (00:50:30) Navigating Postpartum Mental Health Challenges (00:53:28) Transformative Self-Compassion in Parenthood Resources on Nursing and Pumping . . . . Resources for Car Seats Resources for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Support Organizations For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit . Follow us on , , and ! Ready to learn more? Grab an or read Dr. Dekker's book, If you want to get involved at EBB, join our (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB . Find an here, and click to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class. /episode/index/show/evidencebasedbirth/id/33736187

EBB 335 - Evidence on Newborn Baths and Screening for Low Blood Sugars 11/13/2024

EBB 334 - Evidence on the ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks 10/30/2024

EBB 333 - Treatment for Uterine Fibroids and its Impact on Fertility, Pregnancy, and Birth with Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, OB/GYN and Advocate for Health Equity 10/23/2024

EBB 333 - Treatment for Uterine Fibroids and its Impact on Fertility, Pregnancy, and Birth with Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, OB/GYN and Advocate for Health Equity In this episode, we're talking about uterine fibroids and their impact on pregnancy and birth with Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, a board-certified OB/GYN and nationally recognized expert in fibroid treatment. Dr. Gillispie-Bell shares her wealth of knowledge on this critical, yet often overlooked, topic—explaining everything from what fibroids are to the various treatment options available. We cover how fibroids affect reproductive health, debunk myths about Cesarean versus vaginal birth, and discuss the racial disparities in fibroid care that Black women face. Dr. Gillispie-Bell also opens up about her personal connection to this field, tracing her passion for fibroid treatment back to her own mother’s journey. Content Note: This episode contains discussions of maternal mortality and pregnancy-related death. Please take care while listening. 02:30 Understanding Uterine Fibroids and Their Prevalence 04:22 Symptoms and Health Consequences of Uterine Fibroids 08:05 Dr. Gillispie-Bell's Interest in Fibroids and Racial Disparities 16:13 Minimally Invasive Procedures for Fibroids 19:12 Hysterectomy as a Treatment Option 21:55 Considerations for Fibroid Treatment in Relation to Fertility 24:19 Safety and Impact on Fertility of Certain Fibroid Treatments 26:11 Primary Surgical Procedure: Myomectomy 28:19 Hysteroscopic Fibroid Removal Resources Follow Dr. Gillispie-Bell on Instagram . Help prevent maternal mortality with the . Learn more about fibroid advocacy by visiting the and the . Follow the work of the . For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit . Follow us on , , and ! Ready to learn more? Grab an or read Dr. Dekker’s book, If you want to get involved at EBB, join our (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB . Find an here, and click to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class. /episode/index/show/evidencebasedbirth/id/33302292

EBB 332 - Advocating for Yourself during Prenatal Visits with Retired Obstetrician Dr. Leslie Farrington, Co-Founder of the Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood 10/16/2024

EBB 331 - How Chiropractic Care Can Help with the Aches and Pains of Pregnancy with Dr. Lisa Vawter 10/09/2024

EBB 330 - An Unmedicated Hospital Birth Story Using Self-Hypnosis with Dr. Emily and Doug Guilfoy, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates 10/02/2024

EBB 329 - Q & A about Blood Types, Rh Incompatibility in Pregnancy, and the Rhogam Shot 09/25/2024

EBB 328 - Importance of Bilingual Doula Care with Neysha Reyes Cruz of Olas de Amor 09/18/2024

EBB 327 - Latina Advocacy and Fighting the Maternal Mortality Epidemic in California with Kimberly Turbin and Michele Monserratt-Ramos of Consumer Watchdog 09/11/2024

EBB 326 - Reducing Toxin Exposure in Pregnancy and Postpartum with Lisa Smith, Dietitian, Holistic Nutritionist, and Gut Health Expert 09/04/2024

EBB 325 - Surviving HELLP Syndrome and Planning a VBAC in a Subsequent Pregnancy with Jolene Brink, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate 08/28/2024

EBB 324 - Blending Birth, Science, Technology, and Storytelling with Erica Chidi, Co-founder and CEO of LOOM 08/21/2024

EBB 323 - Q & A on Frequent Air Travel in Pregnancy, Induction for Low Platelets, and Anterior vs. Posterior Placenta 08/14/2024

EBB 322 - Harnessing the Power of the Mind to Enhance Joy and Comfort in Childbirth with Kerry Tuschhoff, Founder of Hypnobabies®️ 08/07/2024

EBB 321 - An Empowering, Trauma-Informed Home Birth with First-Time Mom and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate Iris Casey 07/31/2024

EBB 320 - Evidence on the Impact of Epidurals on the Pushing Phase of Labor 07/24/2024

EBB 319 - Exploring Love and Intimacy in Birth with Debra Pascali-Bonaro, Founder of Orgasmic Birth 07/17/2024

EBB 318 - Advocating for Waterbirth in Hospitals with Dr. Liz Nutter, DNP, CNM, and Retired Lieutenant Colonel 07/10/2024

REPLAY: EBB 186 – A Positive Pregnancy and Birth Outcome with Multiple High-Risk Labels with EBB Childbirth Class Parent, Angela Jones 07/03/2024

REPLAY: EBB 186 – A Positive Pregnancy and Birth Outcome with Multiple High-Risk Labels with EBB Childbirth Class Parent, Angela Jones 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 birth story and her experience having an easy, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth despite being labeled as high risk for multiple reasons. We also talk about data birth outcomes for people who have multiple high-risk labels. Three years later, Angela shared this thoughtful update as she reflected on her birth story. Update from Angela: When I am having difficult moments, I sometimes look back at the video of myself giving birth to Allister and feel such peace. Allister turned 3 this year, and recently he has been asking about how he came into this world. My husband and I have been showing him the video of him being born and when he sees it, he looks at me, almost in awe, with a big smile. He now requests to see it at least once per week. Going into my birthing time, I never imagined that I would have 41 hours of active labor. I still credit the EBB course and my amazing doulas with having prepared me well in understanding all of the tools that were available to me when, after 30 hours of not being able to tolerate any food or water, I decided that I wanted to depart from my original birth plan. Getting an epidural allowed me to eat, drink, sleep and then ultimately push my son out gently in the position of my choosing. This was the exact birth experience that I wanted. I still encourage women, especially those who are afraid (in particular, those who are afraid due to multiple "high risk" labels) to not settle for a care team that is anything less than supportive, safe, and empowering. Content note: We talk about ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy losses, high-risk pregnancy complications, and perinatal morbidity. Resources: Learn more about EBB Instructor, Victoria Michonski, . Follow Victoria on and . Learn more about EBB Instructor, Heather McCullough, . Follow Heather on and . Sheen, J. J., Wright, J. D., Goffman, D., et al. (2018). Maternal age and risk for adverse outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Oct;219(4):390.e1-390.e15. . For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit . Follow us on , , and ! Ready to learn more? Grab an or read Dr. Dekker's book, If you want to get involved at EBB, join our (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB . Find an here, and click to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class. /episode/index/show/evidencebasedbirth/id/31773762

EBB 317 - Evidence on Epidurals for Pain Management during Labor 06/26/2024

EBB 316 - Discovering a Passion for Birth Work and Training the Next Generation of Black Doulas with Brandie Bishop, CEO of the National Black Doulas Association 06/12/2024

EBB 315 - Supporting LGBTQ+ Families from Fertility through Parenthood with Gena Jaffe, Founder of Connecting Rainbows 06/05/2024

EBB 314 - Babywearing Benefits and Tips with Whitney Dula, IBCLC, Postpartum Doula, and Babywearing Expert 05/29/2024

EBB 313 - A Birth Story with Hydrotherapy and Injectable Opioids for Pain Management with Melissa and Brendon Smyles, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates 05/22/2024

EBB 312 - Evidence on Injectable Opioids for Pain Management during Labor 05/15/2024

Evidence Based Birth®

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