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!
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Bonus Announcement from EBB
12/23/2025
Bonus Announcement from EBB
The EBB End of Year Countdown Sale, featuring three days of one-day-only deals, is happening December 29 through December 31. Over those three days, we will release a different EBB tool or program at a special price, with each deal available for just 24 hours. Here’s what’s coming in the sale: Monday, December 29 - Quarterly EBB Pro Membership PLUS a FREE physical Pocket Guide of your choice for $149. Tuesday, December 30 - Bundle the Annual EBB Pro Membership with a 2-day ticket to the virtual 2026 EBB Conference for $499. Wednesday, December 31 - Order your copies of the My Doula Visit Workbook for $30 each (regularly $35) or save even more on bulk packs. Only 500 will be in stock, and this will be the last chance to grab your workbooks before the price increases. Each offer goes live at 9 AM EST and is available for 24 hours only, so we recommend planning ahead and setting your reminder now!
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EBB 3 - Why Is It So Hard to Get Evidence Based Care?
12/17/2025
EBB 3 - Why Is It So Hard to Get Evidence Based Care?
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker dives into the evidence-practice gap, the disconnect between what research tells us is best during childbirth and what is actually happening in labor and delivery units around the world. She walks through the latest statistics on Cesarean rates, VBAC access, and the widespread use of non–evidence-based interventions, as well as the persistent underuse of practices proven to improve outcomes, like doulas, midwifery care, and birthing positions that support physiologic labor. Dr. Dekker also unpacks the systemic forces driving these gaps, including the role of paternalism, hierarchical power structures in healthcare, legal pressures, and the phenomenon of horizontal violence among healthcare workers. She explores how overlapping forms of oppression shape the experiences of both patients and providers. (02:40) Why research takes so long to become routine care (03:42) A look at U.S. cesarean rates and what’s driving them (05:38) The rise and fall of VBAC access and why families struggle to get support (08:01) The “bait and switch” problem in maternity care (09:34) Interventions that are overused vs. underused during labor (11:47) How paternalism and medical hierarchy fuel the evidence gap (16:39) Horizontal violence among nurses, midwives, and doulas (19:11) Trauma and burnout across the maternity care workforce (23:04) Real signs of progress and positive change in birth settings Resources Register for the EBB Course: How to Help Families Get Evidence-Based Care: 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.
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EBB 380b - Combating Birth Trauma in Mexico with Sofía Herrera, Psychologist and EBB Instructor
12/10/2025
EBB 380b - Combating Birth Trauma in Mexico with Sofía Herrera, Psychologist and EBB Instructor
After what should have been a joyful birth, Sofía Herrera (childbirth educator, EBB Instructor, Hypnobirthing instructor, and social & clinical psychologist) spent nearly 20 years believing she had postpartum depression, until her investigation revealed the truth: she had experienced birth trauma. That realization became the catalyst for her work supporting birthing families and confronting the widespread obstetric violence and misinformation embedded in Mexico's maternity care system. Sofía shares what trauma really means, how unconsented interventions and paternalistic care shape birthing experiences, and why so many families mistakenly believe they “failed” when in reality, the system failed them. She also describes the challenges of childbirth in Mexico—from extremely high Cesarean rates to routine episiotomies—and how evidence-based education empowers families to find safer, more respectful care. (02:26) Sofía’s 20-year journey living with untreated trauma (06:45) Patterns she saw as a childbirth educator (10:20) Why psychosocial trauma in birth is under-researched and misunderstood (12:18) Sofía’s own birth experience (18:23) Mexico’s extremely high Cesarean rates (19:48) How paternalism shows up culturally and inside clinical relationships (21:08) Routine episiotomies and outdated “protocols” still being taught (22:24) Can childbirth education prevent trauma? How informed families change the system (28:35) Differences between private vs. public hospitals in Mexico (32:38) How Sofía uses EBB resources to support and empower families (35:19) Sofía's top advice for families fearing obstetric violence or disrespectful care Resources Connect with Sofía: Get EBB Handouts in Spanish: 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.
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EBB 380a - Combatiendo el trauma del parto en México con Sofía Herrera, psicóloga e instructora de EBB
12/10/2025
EBB 380a - Combatiendo el trauma del parto en México con Sofía Herrera, psicóloga e instructora de EBB
Tras lo que debería haber sido un parto feliz, Sofía Herrera, (educadora perinatal, instructora de EBB, instructora de Hipnoparto y psicóloga social y clínica) pasó casi 20 años creyendo que padecía depresión posparto, hasta que sus estudios revelaron la verdad: había sufrido un trauma obstétrico. Esta revelación se convirtió en el motor de su trabajo de apoyo a las mujeres que dan a luz y de su lucha contra la violencia obstétrica generalizada y la desinformación arraigada en el sistema de atención a la maternidad en México. Sofía comparte lo que realmente significa el trauma, cómo las intervenciones sin consentimiento y la atención paternalista influyen en la experiencia del parto, y por qué tantas familias creen erróneamente que "fracasaron" cuando, en realidad, fue el sistema el que les falló. También describe los desafíos del parto en México —desde las altísimas tasas de cesáreas hasta las episiotomías de rutina— y cómo la educación basada en la evidencia empodera a las familias para encontrar una atención más segura y respetuosa. (02:26) El recorrido de 20 años de Sofía viviendo con un trauma no tratado (06:45) Patrones que observó como educadora de parto (10:20) Por qué el trauma psicosocial en el parto está poco investigado y mal comprendido (12:18) La propia experiencia de parto de Sofía (18:23) Las altísimas tasas de cesáreas en México (19:48) Cómo se manifiesta el paternalismo culturalmente y en las relaciones clínicas (21:08) Episiotomías de rutina y "protocolos" obsoletos que aún se enseñan (22:24) ¿Puede la educación sobre el parto prevenir el trauma? Cómo las familias informadas cambian el sistema (28:35) Diferencias entre hospitales privados y públicos en México (32:38) Cómo Sofía utiliza los recursos de EBB para apoyar y empoderar a las familias (35:19) El mejor consejo de Sofía para las familias que temen la violencia obstétrica o un trato irrespetuoso Recursos Conecta con Sofía: Obtén folletos de EBB en español: Para obtener más información sobre Evidence Based Birth® y un curso intensivo sobre atención basada en la evidencia, visite . ¡Síganos en y ! ¿Listo para aprender más? Descargue o lea el libro de la Dra. Dekker, . Si desea participar en EBB, únase a nuestra (hay opciones de becas disponibles) e inscríbase en la lista de espera para nuestro de EBB. Encuentre un y haga clic para obtener más información sobre las clases de preparación para el parto de EBB.
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REPLAY: EBB 221 - Evidence on Birthing Positions and Tried-and-True Midwifery Practices for Protecting the Perineum
12/03/2025
REPLAY: EBB 221 - Evidence on Birthing Positions and Tried-and-True Midwifery Practices for Protecting the Perineum
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on birthing positions and tried-and-true midwifery practices for protecting the perineum during childbirth. She explains why the flat-on-your-back position we often see on television isn’t ideal and walks through the key differences between upright, sacrum-flexible positions, and common hospital practices like lithotomy and routine episiotomies. Dr. Dekker reviews data from global research as well as real-world wisdom from midwives, including the extraordinary outcomes of hands-off, undisturbed birth approaches in the Philippines. She uncovers how hospital system pressures, caregiver convenience, and even obstetric violence drive the overwhelming use of recumbent positions and invasive interventions while sidelining evidence-based, patient-centered care. You’ll hear firsthand strategies for minimizing severe tears, promoting intact perineums, and advocating for birth plans that prioritize the autonomy and comfort of birthing people. Content Warning: Discussion of tears of the vagina, severe tears from the vagina to the rectum, obstetric violence related to episiotomies, and being forced giving birth on your back. Resources For a full list of resources, visit: Watch the video version which includes study breakdowns and PowerPoint slides. Protecting the Perineum Series: 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.
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EBB 379 - A Challenging Birth Story with GBS, Prolonged PROM, Pitocin, and an Epidural, with EBB Childbirth Class Graduate Erica Wright and EBB Instructor Tara Thompson
11/26/2025
EBB 379 - A Challenging Birth Story with GBS, Prolonged PROM, Pitocin, and an Epidural, with EBB Childbirth Class Graduate Erica Wright and EBB Instructor Tara Thompson
After more than 80 hours of labor, Erica Wright found herself exhausted, emotional, and determined to keep trusting her body. With the steady support of her doulas (including EBB Instructor Tara Thompson), she discovered that birth doesn’t have to go “according to plan” to be powerful. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Erica and Tara about how preparation, advocacy, and teamwork carried them through a marathon labor filled with unexpected turns. From switching hospitals late in pregnancy to finding strength through challenges, their story exemplifies flexibility, informed choice, and the power of doula support. (05:55) Tara’s updates from Atlanta and her path to becoming an IBCLC (09:17) Erica’s lightbulb moments from the EBB Childbirth Class (11:22) Switching hospitals at 35 weeks and advocating for the right fit (16:18) Labor begins: prodromal labor, GBS, and waiting for spontaneous birth (24:30) Hospital admission, challenges with staff, and early interventions (32:17) The Pitocin battle and advocating for movement and monitoring choices (35:40) Finding a supportive nurse and regaining freedom during labor (39:53) Tara’s night shift: rest, affirmations, and encouragement (44:20) Deciding on the epidural and reframing “failure” as flexibility (49:18) The final stage: rest, relief, and meeting baby (55:12) Postpartum recovery and breastfeeding challenges (01:00:25) Tara’s advice for navigating long labors (01:02:43) Erica’s reflections on flexibility, intuition, and informed choice Resources Get in touch with Tara: | Connect with Tara's teammate, Brittany: The Evidence on: GBS (Group B Strep): The Evidence on: Pitocin During the Third Stage of Labor: Epidural during Labor for Pain Management: Learn more about the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class: 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.
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EBB 378 - Embracing the Dual Calling of Doula Work + Midwifery with Chanté Perryman and Elder Charlotte Shilo-Goudeau
11/19/2025
EBB 378 - Embracing the Dual Calling of Doula Work + Midwifery with Chanté Perryman and Elder Charlotte Shilo-Goudeau
Across generations, birth workers have held space for families with skill, love, and deep purpose. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Elder Midwife Charlotte Shilo-Goudeau, a licensed Certified Professional Midwife from Louisiana, and Chanté Perryman, Director of Programs at Evidence Based Birth®, certified doula, and student midwife. Together, they explore what it means to embrace the dual calling of doula work and midwifery and how both roles are acts of service, advocacy, and healing. Elder Charlotte shares her journey from personal loss to becoming one of only a few Black midwives in Louisiana, carrying forward the wisdom of generations. Chanté reflects on how her experiences as a doula shaped her path into midwifery and her vision for compassionate, individualized care. They remind us that titles may change, but the heart of this work remains the same: being present, being of service, and being called to birth. (03:46) How Chanté’s Birth Experience Inspired Her to Become a Doula (05:42) Elder Charlotte’s Journey from Stillbirth to Midwifery as a Calling (10:59) How Doula Work Shapes Midwifery Care and Philosophy (14:34) Serving Underserved Communities as One of Four Black Midwives in Louisiana (19:01) Shifting from Midwife to Doula During Hospital Transfers (24:08) Chanté’s Perspective on Identity, Service, and Humility in Birth Work (28:40) Micro vs. Macro Advocacy: Supporting Families and Legislative Change (37:29) Navigating Hospital Restrictions During the Pandemic (42:57) Lessons from Midwifery School (45:30) Advice for Those Considering Doula or Midwifery Paths Resources Follow Chanté on Instagram: Connect with Ms. Charlotte: Connect with an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor: Learn more about the National Perinatal Task Force: Visit the Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery: Check out the Kentucky Birth Coalition: Visit the Mercy In Action College of Midwifery: 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.
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Bonus Announcement: Surprise Project for Doulas
11/17/2025
Bonus Announcement: Surprise Project for Doulas
Introducing the My Doula Visit Workbook by Evidence Based Birth®. A tangible, interactive, and evidence-based guide designed to facilitate conversations, strengthen the doula-client relationship, and guide families through the most pressing topics related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. What’s Inside the My Doula Visit Workbook? A 115-page, full-color, spiral-bound workbook packed with evidence-based resources Structured guides for up to six prenatal visits + one postpartum check-in (but fully customizable to your practice!) 18 official EBB handouts, birth plan templates, journaling prompts, discussion questions, activities, podcast playlists, and postpartum guides Real-life photographs, colorful graphics, and easy-to-use worksheets Access to an exclusive online resource page with additional videos, worksheets, and more! Want flexibility? No problem! Choose which sections to cover in person, virtually, or assign as self-study for your clients. Orders open on Monday, November 24 at 12:00 p.m. EST with bulk ordering discounts available. Learn more and explore the workbook at . Want early access and special perks? Join the waitlist at to shop 2 hours early!
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EBB 377 - Medicaid Coverage for Doula Care with Amy Chen, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program
11/12/2025
EBB 377 - Medicaid Coverage for Doula Care with Amy Chen, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program
What if everyone had access to a doula, no matter their income? In this episode, Dr. Dekker talks with Amy Chen, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), about the growing movement to make doula care accessible through Medicaid and insurance coverage. Amy shares how her personal birth experiences inspired her work advocating for Medicaid reimbursement for doulas and explains how more than 20 states (and counting) are now implementing or expanding coverage. They also unpack the biggest challenges and successes so far, from sustainable reimbursement rates and certification requirements to how doulas can navigate the Medicaid billing process. (03:17) How Amy’s birth experiences led her to advocate for Medicaid coverage of doula care (06:54) The national shift toward Medicaid coverage for doulas after 2016 and early state pilots (11:50) How 23 states plus D.C. have implemented Medicaid doula benefits and what comes next (15:46) Lessons from California’s rollout: raising reimbursement from $450 to $3,200 through advocacy (20:57) Why equitable reimbursement matters for sustaining the doula workforce (25:52) How families can find out if doula care is covered through Medicaid, private insurance, or employers (29:53) TRICARE’s pilot program for military families and expansion to overseas bases (31:42) The challenges doulas face with Medicaid billing and how “doula hubs” help streamline the process (36:49) How upcoming federal Medicaid cuts could threaten maternal health gains (45:28) New 2024 research showing doula care cuts cesarean rates in half and lowers preterm births (48:12) Closing thoughts and key resources for doulas, advocates, and policymakers Resources NHeLP Doula Medicaid Project: Best Practices for Medicaid Coverage of Doula Care (2025): NHeLP Doula Medicaid Project State Tracker Chart: CA Department of Health Care Services Doula Benefit Implementation Report: Private Insurance Coverage of Doula Care: Spring 2025 State of the States: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Doula Care from a Public Health Framework: 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.
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EBB 376 - How to Find and Interview a Doula with Team EBB Members Julie Fors and Chanté Perryman
11/05/2025
EBB 376 - How to Find and Interview a Doula with Team EBB Members Julie Fors and Chanté Perryman
Hiring a doula can be one of the most impactful choices you make during pregnancy, but how do you actually find the right one? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Team EBB members and experienced doulas, Julie Fors and Chanté Perryman, to share insider tips on finding and interviewing a doula with confidence. Julie and Chanté walk you through where to begin your search, the most important questions to ask, and how to know if a doula’s personality and philosophy are the right fit for you and your partner. They also tackle misconceptions about doula work, explain backup plans and postpartum support, and discuss how insurance and Medicaid are changing access to doula care. (06:19) The pillars of doula support (09:06) Where to start your doula search: Google, recommendations, and directories (12:20) Why interviews are essential before hiring a doula (17:49) Key questions to ask a potential doula (style, philosophy, postpartum support) (23:58) Backup doula plans and long labors (29:45) Common misconceptions about doulas and how to clear them up (33:30) Shifts in doula access: insurance, Medicaid, and nonprofit programs (37:06) How childbirth education and doula support work together (39:09) Tips for finding a postpartum doula and planning ahead (42:46) Overcoming nervousness about reaching out to doulas Resources Something new is coming! Join the waitlist: Get the Evidence on Doulas Tearaway Pads: Search the EBB Instructor Directory: Learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class: 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.
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REPLAY: EBB 218 - The Evidence on Perineal Massage during Labor with Dr. Rebecca Dekker
10/29/2025
REPLAY: EBB 218 - The Evidence on Perineal Massage during Labor with Dr. Rebecca Dekker
Can perineal massage during the pushing phase of labor really prevent tears? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker takes a close look at the research to uncover whether this technique truly helps reduce perineal trauma during childbirth. She explains how health care staff provide perineal massage during labor, breaks down findings findings from key studies and meta-analyses, and examines how biases and variations in clinical practice shape the evidence. Dr. Dekker also explores why results from settings with high episiotomy rates may not apply everywhere and why skilled, supportive care and informed consent often play a bigger role in protecting the perineum than any single technique. Content Warning: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, obstetric violence, and episiotomy. Resources For a full list of resources, visit: Watch the video version which includes study breakdowns and PowerPoint slides. Protecting the Perineum Series: 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.
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EBB 375 - A Rainbow Baby and Preeclampsia Birth Story with Dr. Sara Ailshire and Dr. Siavash Samei
10/22/2025
EBB 375 - A Rainbow Baby and Preeclampsia Birth Story with Dr. Sara Ailshire and Dr. Siavash Samei
Dr. Sara Ailshire, an anthropologist and Evidence Based Birth® Research Team member, and her husband, Dr. Siavash Samei, an environmental archaeologist, share the story of welcoming their rainbow baby after loss. In this episode, Sara and Siavash open up about navigating miscarriage care in the wake of changing abortion laws in Ohio, the anxiety and hope of pregnancy after loss, and Sara’s experience with developing preeclampsia near the end of her pregnancy. They describe how they worked with a supportive midwifery team, hired a doula for advocacy and comfort, and ultimately experienced an induction that honored their preferences for a low-intervention birth. Their story also sheds light on the realities of discrimination in healthcare, the importance of community support, and the resilience found in becoming parents after loss. (01:58) Facing Miscarriage in Ohio and Barriers to Care (07:35) Pregnancy After Loss: Anxiety, Detachment, and Hope (13:04) Finding Midwifery Care in Kentucky and Planning a Low-Intervention Birth (20:29) Preparing for Birth: Classes, Doulas, and Advocacy Concerns (22:37) Early Signs of Preeclampsia and Navigating Blood Pressure Monitoring (30:33) Deciding on Induction at 38 Weeks (36:39) Laboring with Support and Moving Through Transition (42:43) Birth of Ferdous and Unexpected Placenta Complications (49:34) Advocacy, Microaggressions, and the Role of the Doula (54:23) Advice for Expecting Parents: Finding Calm, Support, and Autonomy Resources Learn more about preeclampsia: Miscarriage Care Instructions from Kaiser Permanente: Dobbs-Era Abortion Restrictions and Miscarriage Care: Navigating Miscarriage Management Post-Dobbs: Emotional Coping After Miscarriage: An Account of a Miscarriage at Home: Supply List for a Miscarriage at Home: Learn about the Jada System: The Birthing Spa in Stanford, Kentucky: 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.
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EBB 374 - Educating the Public about Stillbirth Prevention with Ingrid Haas, Director of the Short Film "PUSH"
10/15/2025
EBB 374 - Educating the Public about Stillbirth Prevention with Ingrid Haas, Director of the Short Film "PUSH"
Filmmaker Ingrid Haas is the writer and director of PUSH, a short film created in partnership with PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy to raise awareness about stillbirth prevention. In this episode, Ingrid shares her personal journey through pregnancy loss, how those experiences led her to advocate for families, and the creative process behind PUSH and the Stillness is an Illness campaign. Together, Ingrid and Dr. Dekker discuss the realities of stillbirth, the importance of listening to families’ concerns, why fetal movement matters, and how storytelling can educate both the public and health professionals. Ingrid also highlights resources for parents and ways to support systemic change in U.S. protocols. Content Note: This episode discusses pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and related experiences. Please take care of yourself while listening. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. For more information, visit: (01:44) Ingrid’s Story of Pregnancy Loss and the Road to Filmmaking (05:56) The Sliding Doors Concept Behind PUSH (10:01) Depicting Labor and the Realities of Stillbirth on Screen (17:12) The Goal of the Stillness is an Illness Campaign (21:15) Challenges of Counting Kicks and Different Pregnancy Experiences (25:29) Viewer Reactions and the Power of Feeling Seen (26:50) Why Listening Matters: Preventable Stillbirths and Provider Dismissal (29:35) A Call to Action: Signing the Petition for Updated U.S. Protocols Resources Watch the film and learn more: Explore free stillbirth prevention resources: Check out Count the Kicks: 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.
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Signature Training Announcement - Unpacking New Research on Big Babies
10/13/2025
Signature Training Announcement - Unpacking New Research on Big Babies
What does the newest research on Big Babies say? We’ll be unpacking it all during our live 90-minute Signature Training + Q & A on Wednesday, October 15 at 7 PM EDT, exclusively for EBB Pro Members. In this session (1.5 contact hours), we’ll walk you through the latest evidence, address common questions, and bring clarity to this ginormous issue in birth. You’ll also get the chance to ask your biggest questions and hear directly from Dr. Rebecca Dekker and the EBB Research Team. Join us for just $29 and get 30 days of full access to everything the EBB Pro Membership offers, including the replay, our entire continuing education library, live monthly events, and a growing collection of printable PDFs to share with your clients. to get the Big Babies Signature Training Replay for only $29!
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EBB 2 - What is Evidence Based Care?
10/08/2025
EBB 2 - What is Evidence Based Care?
Evidence based care is a term you hear often in medicine, but what does it really mean—especially when it comes to pregnancy and birth? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker takes you inside the foundations of Evidence Based Birth®, explaining what evidence based care is (and isn’t), and why it matters for families, providers, and communities. Dr. Dekker breaks down the three essential pillars of evidence based care: the best available research, the provider’s expertise, and the birthing person’s values and preferences. She explores how care can drift away from this model when decisions are based solely on tradition, authority, or convenience rather than the evidence. Along the way, hear how families can use this knowledge to navigate common hospital policies and advocate for care that truly centers their needs. (04:22) Outdated practices and the rise of evidence based medicine (07:10) Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, and whose knowledge counts (010:15) The three pillars of evidence based care: research, expertise, and patient values (13:00) Understanding levels of evidence: from systematic reviews to case reports (21:40) Why clinical expertise and trusted providers matter in applying research (24:20) The role of patient values, preferences, and underlying biases (29:20) What evidence based care is, and what it is not 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.
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EBB 373 - How to Confront Tokophobia and Clear Fears about Childbirth with Alexia Leachman, Author and Podcast Host of "Fear Free Childbirth"
10/01/2025
EBB 373 - How to Confront Tokophobia and Clear Fears about Childbirth with Alexia Leachman, Author and Podcast Host of "Fear Free Childbirth"
For some, the thought of pregnancy and birth fills them with a visceral panic they can’t explain. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker's talking tokophobia—the fear of pregnancy and birth—with Alexia Leachman, founder of Fearless Birthing and host of the Fear Free Childbirth Podcast. Alexia shares her personal journey of discovering and healing her own tokophobia, how she developed her unique “Head Trash Clearance” method, and why tokophobia is often misunderstood as simple anxiety. She explains the root causes of this condition, including reproductive trauma and lack of control, and offers insight on how both expectant parents and healthcare providers can better recognize and respond to it. Listening Note: As a head's up... this episode a bit different than our normal focus on the evidence. It's more focused on self help-- how to uncover blocks, find guidance and strength within, and heal past wounds. We also discuss the paradox of trying to feel in "control" in pregnancy/birth and how that relates to "letting go" and "surrending" in birth. If spirituality in birth is not your cup of tea, feel free to skip this episode! However, the topic of tokophobia is understudied, and we feel that listening to personal stories and wisdom from years of experience can be helpful. Content Note: This episode includes discussion of miscarriage, pregnancy termination, and birth trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening. (01:39) Alexia's experience with tokophobia (04:05) Developing her own method to overcome fears and preparing for birth (07:51) Discovering the root cause: birth trauma and early experiences (10:28) How media, social media, and negative birth stories fuel fear in younger people (13:40) Why the term tokophobia may be misleading (19:05) The paradox of control in pregnancy and birth (24:55) Common signs and symptoms of tokophobia (29:31) Can partners experience tokophobia? (30:50) The role of healthcare providers: language, attitudes, and trauma-informed care (34:16) Steps for healing: support groups, timing, and making the decision to face fears (41:07) Alexia’s five-step process for clearing fears Resources Learn more about Fearless Birthing: Listen to Alexia's podcast, Fear Free Childbirth: 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.
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EBB 372 - Comfort Measures and a 41-Week Induction with Hopey Fink and Ben Levin, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates
09/24/2025
EBB 372 - Comfort Measures and a 41-Week Induction with Hopey Fink and Ben Levin, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates
At 41 weeks, Hopey Fink and Ben Levin's birth plans shifted after elevated blood pressure readings led to an induction conversation. But, with the support of their doula, care team, and each other, the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class graduates navigated every twist with confidence. In this episode, Hopey and Ben reflect on preparing for a low-intervention birth, the role of comfort measures, how advocacy shaped their decisions in the hospital, and what it meant to welcome their daughter with joy and strength. They also share advice for expectant families on building flexibility into birth plans, communicating with your partner, and finding empowerment in telling your birth story. (03:07) Planning a Low-Intervention Birth in the Hospital (06:38) Lessons from the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class (09:03) Navigating the Emotional Wait at 41 Weeks (12:52) Elevated Blood Pressure and the Induction Conversation (18:00) Advocating Around Pitocin and Weighing Risks (23:31) A Long Night with the Foley Balloon (30:16) When Progress Stalled and the Epidural Became a Tool (34:30) Rest, Progress, and a Smooth Pushing Stage (41:17) Advice for Expecting Parents: Flexibility, Partnership, and Storytelling Resources Get the digital guide to comfort measures: 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.
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REPLAY: EBB 283 - How Colonialism, Environmental Instability, & Politics Impact Birth in Puerto Rico with EBB Instructors, Tania Silva Meléndez and Tamara Trinidad González, CPM
09/17/2025
REPLAY: EBB 283 - How Colonialism, Environmental Instability, & Politics Impact Birth in Puerto Rico with EBB Instructors, Tania Silva Meléndez and Tamara Trinidad González, CPM
In today’s episode, I’m revisiting a deeply important conversation with Tania Silva Meléndez and Tamara Trinidad González, two inspiring birth workers and Evidence Based Birth® Instructors based in Puerto Rico. Tania and Tamara share their personal journeys into birth work and what led them to become changemakers in Puerto Rico’s birth community. They speak candidly about the immense challenges families face, from one of the world’s highest cesarean rates to the ongoing impacts of colonialism and systemic barriers within maternal health care. You’ll hear what it’s like to provide midwifery services in an environment where midwives aren’t officially recognized, and the impact this has on those seeking safe, respectful, and dignified care. We also dive into the powerful grassroots and community-led efforts Tania and Tamara are leading, including legislative advocacy, innovative education, and direct, compassionate support for families striving to improve birth outcomes and claim reproductive rights on the island. Together, we explore both the heartbreak and the hope shaping Puerto Rico’s current birth landscape, and highlight meaningful ways listeners can join in solidarity with these efforts. Content note: obstetric violence, colonialism, infant death, abortion, poor outcomes, maternal health deserts, gender based violence (03:03) Midwifery Leadership and Collaboration (07:27) Journey to Home Birth Choices (12:32) Puerto Rico Birth Control Campaign Impact (13:57) Obstetric Violence and Doula Integration (17:36) Midwife-Doctor Collaborative Care Solutions (20:04) Hospital System Communication Challenges (23:48) Puerto Rico: A Modern Colony (27:46) Puerto Rico Investment Gentrification Issue (33:30) Community-Led Family Support Initiative (34:50) Youth Engagement Through Visual Education (38:46) Puerto Rico Midwives Day Law (44:14) Birth Summit Collaboration in Puerto Rico (46:05) Midwife-EMT Collaboration Curriculum (51:19) Puerto Rico Birth Rate & Hospital Crisis (53:50) Supporting Midwifery and Access in Puerto Rico Resources If you are interested in joining with Tania and Tamara and volunteering your time or skills to help them reform the maternal health system in Puerto Rico, they are currently looking for volunteers with experience in law, public relations, funding, data collection, research, and writing. OR if you have resources, or access to connections that could help fund their work, please email . Learn more about Caderamen, a nonprofit organization that has a service program that is called SePARE, which offers education and doula services, midwifery services and naturopathic medicine services, social workers, mental health by clicking . Learn more about the Asociación de Parteras of Puerto Rico . Learn more about Alimentación Segura Infantil, a community-based organization born after the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 to support breastfeeding and chestfeeding families in their lactation journeys by clicking . Learn more about Observatorio de Violencia Obstétrica in Puerto Rico . Learn more about Las Mingas de Aborto, an abortion doula collective that offers free support in Puerto Rico . Check out the work by Puerto Rican journalist Biana Graulau . Read more about the history of Puerto Rico: 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.
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EBB 371 - Reclaiming Black Midwifery in the South with Dr. Nikia Grayson, Chief Clinical Officer of CHOICES in Memphis
09/10/2025
EBB 371 - Reclaiming Black Midwifery in the South with Dr. Nikia Grayson, Chief Clinical Officer of CHOICES in Memphis
Dr. Nikia Grayson, nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner, and anthropologist, joins us to share how she's helping reclaim and restore Black midwifery in the South. As Chief Clinical Officer at CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health in Memphis, TN, Dr. Grayson has led groundbreaking efforts to open Memphis’ first and only birth center, launch the nation’s first Black Midwifery Fellowship, and provide full-spectrum, justice-centered reproductive care. In this episode, Dr. Grayson reflects on the challenges of dismantling systemic racism in health care, the impact of the Dobbs decision on abortion access in the South, and the importance of investing in doulas, midwives, and community-based care. Dr. Grayson also offers advice for birth workers on building new systems rooted in justice, joy, and liberation. Content note: Discussion of infant mortality disparities as well as difficulties in accessing abortion care post-Dobbs decision. (02:33) The Vision Behind CHOICES (04:44) Obstetric Racism and Health Care Barriers in Memphis (07:21) Building Memphis’ First Birth Center (10:34) A Calling to Midwifery and Restoring Black Traditions (13:41) Early Work in Home Birth and Community Care (15:19) Growing a Midwifery Team in Memphis (17:57) Launching the Black Midwifery Fellowship (20:11) Pivoting Care After the Dobbs Decision (24:26) Sustaining Joy and Practicing Self-Care in Justice Work (30:51) Partnering with Doulas and Growing Community Support (34:27) Investing in Workforce Development and Training (35:41) Advice for Birth Workers: Build Boldly, Do It Afraid Resources Learn more about CHOICES: | Explore the Black Midwifery Fellowship: 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.
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EBB 370 - Updated Evidence on Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes
09/03/2025
EBB 370 - Updated Evidence on Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is one of the most common health issues during pregnancy, and diagnosing it is more complicated than you might think. In this episode, Dr. Dekker is joined by EBB Research Team member Dr. Morgan Richardson Cayama to cover the newly updated evidence on how GDM is diagnosed. They walk through the physiology behind GDM, current testing methods, and why there’s still international disagreement about how to screen. Together, they examine the results of large randomized trials comparing the one-step and two-step screening methods, the research on early screening with hemoglobin A1C, and the evidence on alternatives to the Glucola drink, including candy and home blood sugar monitoring. They also review the risks of skipping screening entirely, and how weight bias and other systemic factors can impact diagnosis and care. (02:28) What is Gestational Diabetes and Why Is It So Common? (06:30) Risk Factors, Size Bias, and the Role of Race and Ethnicity (10:40) Why We Screen and the Origins of the Controversy (13:17) Comparing the One-Step and Two-Step Methods (19:55) What New Research Says About Health Outcomes (23:45) Should We Screen for GDM Earlier in Pregnancy? (28:11) Can Hemoglobin A1C Replace the Glucola Drink? (32:44) Alternatives: Candy, Food, and Home Monitoring (40:04) What International Guidelines Recommend (43:07) Declining GDM Testing: What the Evidence Shows (47:47) Is Sperm Linked to Gestational Diabetes Risk? (51:29) Takeaways and the Future of GDM Diagnosis Resources Download the free two-page handout in English or Spanish: Explore Real Food for Gestational Diabetes by Lily Nichols: For a full list of resources, visit: 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.
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EBB 369 - What is Mistreatment in Childbirth? with Dr. Morgan Richardson Cayama from Team EBB
08/27/2025
EBB 369 - What is Mistreatment in Childbirth? with Dr. Morgan Richardson Cayama from Team EBB
Dr. Morgan Richardson Cayama, public health researcher, doula, and member of Team EBB, joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to explore the critical issue of mistreatment in maternity care. Drawing from her doctoral research—including interviews with Black women in Florida and data from the Giving Voice to Mothers study—Dr. Morgan shares what respectful maternity care really looks like, and how the lack of it can negatively impact birth outcomes and future healthcare decisions. She also opens up about her own preterm hospital birth, offering insight into how even the most informed parents can feel disempowered by coercive hospital systems. Together, they break down the systemic roots of obstetric violence and offer community-driven recommendations for change. Content Note: Discussion of obstetric mistreatment, medical trauma, discrimination in maternity care, and stillbirth. (04:35) How a Global Health Class Sparked a Career in Public Health (08:17) From Dissertation to Delivery: Dr. Morgan’s Birth Story (15:57) Reflecting on the Power of Language and Provider Ultimatums (19:40) What Mistreatment in Maternity Care Looks Like in the U.S. (24:08) Florida’s Unique Birth Landscape (26:10) Researching the Lived Experiences of Black Birthing Women (28:13) What Respectful Care Really Means to Patients (35:29) Participant Recommendations for Healthcare Providers and Parents (40:01) How a Single Birth Interaction Can Shape Lifelong Views on Healthcare (42:00) Centering the Voices of Birthing People to Create Change Resources Access the FREE 2-page handout: Read the Giving Voice to Mothers study: Listen to 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.
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EBB 368 - Redemptive Cesarean after Planning a Home VBAC with Rikki and Nova Jenkins
08/20/2025
EBB 368 - Redemptive Cesarean after Planning a Home VBAC with Rikki and Nova Jenkins
Rikki and Nova Jenkins join Dr. Rebecca Dekker to share the personal and powerful story of their second birth: a planned home VBAC that ultimately led to a hospital transfer. Rikki, Evidence Based Birth® Instructor Coordinator, doula, and IBCLC, reflects on the trauma of her first Cesarean birth and the deep healing she found through midwifery care, doula support, and intentional preparation. Nova, a Grammy-nominated music producer and proud girl dad, shares his emotional journey from feeling powerless in their first birth to becoming a protective presence throughout this redemptive experience. Together, they offer a vulnerable, moving conversation about reclaiming birth after trauma, processing grief, and creating a peaceful bubble of support for their family, even when things don’t go as planned. Content Note: This episode contains description of obstetric violence from (14:05) to (18:55) and of unexpectedly losing consciousness during a Cesarean from (40:54) to (45:43). (04:36) Why They Chose a Home VBAC After Trauma (08:46) Dual Care with a Midwife and OB (11:22) Processing the First Cesarean—Seven Years Later (19:09) Prepping for a Home Birth and VBAC (21:40) Including Their Daughter in Prenatal Care (24:10) Amora’s Labor and When Things Stalled (30:12) Making the Empowered Decision to Transfer (34:11) A Healing, Respectful Cesarean Experience (45:02) When Language Hurts: “Failed Home Birth” (51:04) Planning for Postpartum and Accepting Support (52:49) Advice for Those Planning a VBAC or Home Birth Resources Follow Rikki: Follow Nova: Explore Heart & Soul Collective: | Check out Flor Cruz’s “Badass Motherbirther:" 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.
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EBB 367 - Early AROM and High-Dose Pitocin with all Inductions? Breaking Down the Latest Induction Trends with Jennifer Anderson, RN, Doula, and EBB Instructor
08/13/2025
EBB 367 - Early AROM and High-Dose Pitocin with all Inductions? Breaking Down the Latest Induction Trends with Jennifer Anderson, RN, Doula, and EBB Instructor
Jennifer Anderson, RN, experienced doula, Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, and member of Team EBB, returns to the podcast to join Dr. Rebecca Dekker in unpacking a new trend in labor induction protocols—starting Pitocin at higher doses and incorporating early artificial rupture of membranes (AROM). Drawing from her work with high-risk clients and firsthand experience inside hospital systems, Jennifer highlights how policies aimed at “optimizing” labor often prioritize speed over patient-centered care. Together, they examine what’s in these new induction bundles, the evidence behind faster-moving protocols like dual-method cervical ripening and 4x4 Pitocin, and the importance of informed decision-making at every stage. (04:10) A Client Story That Sparked Concern Over High-Dose Pitocin (07:27) What “2x2” vs. “4x4” Pitocin Protocols Mean (09:41) Hospital Protocols: What the Nurse Can (and Can’t) Do (12:25) Inside the New Induction Policy: What’s Changing and Why (18:40) Balloon Checks, Membrane Sweeps, and Patient Comfort (23:43) “Timely AROM” and the Push for Early Artificial Rupture of Membranes (30:54) Does Early AROM Shorten Labor Without Increasing Infection? (45:19) Alternatives to Shorten Labor Without Breaking the Water (52:04) Why a “Failed Induction” Policy Can Prevent Unnecessary Cesareans (55:43) How to Push Back on High-Dose Pitocin or Early AROM Resources Explore Jen’s work: | Take the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class: Watch the EBB Crash Course on YouTube Get the EBB Labor Induction Pocket Guide EBB Failure to Progress Resource Page: 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.
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EBB 1 - Intro to Evidence Based Birth®
08/06/2025
EBB 1 - Intro to Evidence Based Birth®
What happens when a nurse finishing up her PhD in evidence-based practice becomes a parent and realizes her own birth care was anything but evidence-based? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker take us back to the very beginning and shares how her first birth experience set her on a mission to change maternity care. She reflects on her two contrasting birth stories: one marked by unnecessary interventions and separation from her newborn, the other defined by empowerment, autonomy, and midwifery care. Opening up about how these experiences shaped her purpose, Rebecca shares how these experiences led her to launch Evidence Based Birth in 2012. Since then, the platform has grown from a simple blog into a platform for sharing evidence based info that is trusted by families and professionals around the world. (00:55) Why Dr. Dekker Re-Recorded This Episode in 2025 (05:03) Trying to Be the “Good Patient” (10:00) Separation from Her Baby and Delayed Bonding (13:45) Questioning the Evidence Behind Her Care (16:10) A Second Birth, Reclaimed (19:55) The Birth of Evidence Based Birth (24:20) How EBB Bridges the Gap for Families and Providers (27:40) What’s Coming Next on the EBB Podcast 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.
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Special Announcement - August with Team EBB
08/01/2025
Special Announcement - August with Team EBB
Welcome to a special announcement episode of the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast! This August, we’re celebrating the incredible people who make up Team EBB. Each Wednesday, you’ll hear directly from team members as they share their experiences and expertise. Listen on your favorite podcast app or watch full episodes on our YouTube channel, and be sure to follow us on Instagram (@ebbirth) for even more behind-the-scenes stories and updates throughout August. Watch full episodes on Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes stories and team updates For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit . 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
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REPLAY: EBB 216 - The Evidence on Prenatal Perineal Massage for Preventing Tears in Childbirth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker
07/30/2025
REPLAY: EBB 216 - The Evidence on Prenatal Perineal Massage for Preventing Tears in Childbirth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker
Curious if prenatal perineal massage actually works to prevent tears during childbirth? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker examines the evidence on perineal massage in late pregnancy, separating fact from fiction and sharing what the research really shows. You’ll learn what major studies say about perineal massage, why some commonly cited research may not be trustworthy, and whether this practice is truly necessary, especially if you’re in a birth setting with low episiotomy rates. You’ll also hear some surprising insights on other ways to protect your perineum and reduce your risk of severe tears. Content note: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, and episiotomy. (06:14) Evaluating Perineal Massage Evidence (08:32) Comprehensive Perineal Massage Meta-Analysis (11:20) Perineal Massage Study Bias Concerns (16:04) Double-Blind Study on Episiotomy Rates (20:09) Perineal Massage vs. Control Outcomes (24:44) Study Bias and Participant Dropouts (28:11) Research Fraud: Doubts on Dönmez Study (33:53) Trial Bias in Perineal Massage Study (35:57) Perineal Massage Study Bias Concerns (40:43) Effectiveness of the EPI-NO® Device Resources For a full list of scientific references, see the blog post that goes along with this episode: Check out and . Learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class: Take a continuing education class on this topic (and earn a contact hour) by joining the EBB Professional Membership here: Check open access journals to see if they are on beallslist.net () as a potential predatory journal. Resource for authors to determine whether they should submit to an open access journal: 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.
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EBB 366 - Practical Ways of Preparing for Postpartum with Sophie Walker, Author and Host of the Australian Birth Stories Podcast
07/23/2025
EBB 366 - Practical Ways of Preparing for Postpartum with Sophie Walker, Author and Host of the Australian Birth Stories Podcast
Sophie Walker, host of the Australian Birth Stories podcast and author of The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth and The Complete Guide to Postpartum: A Mother-Focused Companion for Life After Birth, joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to explore what it really takes to plan for a nourishing postpartum experience and the challenges and strengths of the Australian birth system. Sophie shares how a traumatic first birth sparked her passion for informed decision-making, why continuity of midwifery care matters, and how her country’s publicly funded postpartum home visits and mothers’ groups create critical support networks. Together, Sophie and Dr. Dekker unpack the postpartum cliff that so many new parents face, discuss how to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for life after birth, and offer tips on everything from pelvic floor recovery to sleep expectations to navigating newborn feeding. (02:28) Sophie’s Birth Story and What She Learned from Trauma (06:07) Why Listening to Birth Stories Can Be a Powerful Tool (09:25) Models of Maternity Care in Australia (13:10) Strengths and Gaps in the Australian System (17:33) Midwifery Burnout and Access Issues (20:32) Rise of Doulas and Student Midwives (25:03) Postpartum Home Visits and Maternal Health Nurses (29:51) Mistakes to Avoid When Planning for Postpartum (35:01) Pelvic Floor Recovery, Lactation Support, and Mental Health (42:04) Infant Sleep: Expectations vs. Reality (46:49) Balancing Birth and Postpartum Prep (48:26) Making a Mental Health Safety Net (51:33) Listening to a Range of Birth Stories—Even the Hard Ones Resources Explore Sophie’s podcast and books: Follow Sophie 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.
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EBB 365 - Battling a Birth Injury with Leah Van Dale, Former WWE Wrestler and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate
07/16/2025
EBB 365 - Battling a Birth Injury with Leah Van Dale, Former WWE Wrestler and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate
Leah Van Dale, former WWE superstar known as Carmella and founder of the women’s health platform Snatch, joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to share her deeply personal story of postpartum recovery after a traumatic birth injury. Leah opens up about her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, the decision to hire a doula, and how the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class helped her prepare for her first birth. She shares the emotional and physical challenges of a long labor, including an undiagnosed nerve injury that left her unable to walk properly for months postpartum. Now pregnant again, Leah reflects on what she’s learned, how it shaped her career path, and why she’s passionate about building an honest, empowering community for women. (02:55) Leah’s Journey Through Loss and Into Pregnancy (05:20) Why She Chose to Hire a Doula (07:50) Taking the EBB Childbirth Class (09:39) Leah’s Long and Unexpected Birth Story (16:11) Postpartum Depletion and Early Red Flags (22:31) The Long Road to a Diagnosis (25:35) How the Injury Affected Her Career (28:30) Creating Snatch: A Space for Honest Conversations (32:54) Free Resources and Courses Through Snatch (35:08) Advice for Those Preparing for Birth To sign up for the EBB Summer Series, visit ! Resources: Explore Snatch: Follow Leah on Instagram: Access our free guide on birthing positions: 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.
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EBB 364 - How to Prevent and Heal Birthworker Burnout with Doctoral Student Ihotu Ali and Grace Flannery, Certified Professional Midwife
07/09/2025
EBB 364 - How to Prevent and Heal Birthworker Burnout with Doctoral Student Ihotu Ali and Grace Flannery, Certified Professional Midwife
Licensed community midwife Grace Flannery and doctoral student Ihotu Ali, founder of the Oshun Center for Intercultural Healing, join Dr. Rebecca Dekker for a moving conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building sustainable birth work. Together, they explore the root causes of burnout in maternity care, from systemic extraction to internalized pressure, and how the path to healing lies in slowing down, reconnecting with purpose, and redefining productivity. Ihotu and Grace share the origin of their collaboration through the Sweetwater Alliance, the transformative “One Main Thing” meditation, and their four-part framework for reclaiming balance: Seasons, Smallify, Support, and Spirit. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to anyone holding space for others while feeling the weight of burnout. (04:27) Grace and Ihotu’s Birth Work Journey (07:54) The Roots of Burnout in Maternity Care (13:19) Presence, Boundaries, and the Burnout Cycle (18:33) Symptoms and Signs of Burnout (27:06) The “Four S’s” Framework for Sustainable Practice (30:08) Accountability, Rest, and Seasonal Rhythms (38:21) The “One Main Thing” Meditation Practice (44:28) Reconnecting with Purpose and Capacity (58:51) Final Reflections on Slowing Down and Healing To sign up for the EBB Summer Series, visit ! Resources Learn more about the Oshun Center: Follow Ihotu on Instagram: Learn more about Trillium Midwifery Care: Follow Grace on Instagram: For a full list of resources, including links to the free One Main Thing Meditation, visit . 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.
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EBB 363 - A Remarkable Journey from "Babies Are Not Pizzas" Student to Critical Care Nurse to Nurse Midwife with Liz Carr, CNM
07/02/2025
EBB 363 - A Remarkable Journey from "Babies Are Not Pizzas" Student to Critical Care Nurse to Nurse Midwife with Liz Carr, CNM
From ICU to birth center, Liz Carr’s story is a reminder that midwives come to this work through many paths, and each journey holds wisdom for the future of maternal care. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker reconnects with former nursing student turned certified nurse midwife, Liz Carr. Liz shares her unique trajectory: from critical care nursing to catching babies, from witnessing obstetric violence as a student to providing trauma-informed, evidence-based midwifery care. Liz and Rebecca explore the impact of diverse clinical experiences, the challenges of navigating midwifery school without labor and delivery experience, and the transformative power of reproductive justice. Liz also opens up about working in abortion care before and after the fall of Roe v. Wade, how she centers consent and autonomy in every interaction, and why investing in the education of future physicians is one of her biggest hopes for change. Content Note: This episode contains discussion of obstetric violence (non-consented episiotomy) and providing abortion care. (00:00) Liz Carr’s Journey from Nursing Student to Certified Nurse Midwife (04:27) Early Inspiration and Moving to Kentucky (08:02) Witnessing Harmful Obstetric Practices and Choosing a Different Path (11:53) Gaining Lifesaving Skills as a Critical Care Nurse (16:30) Transitioning from ICU Nurse to Birth Work through Doula Training (21:24) Midwifery Education and Clinical Challenges (25:39) Abortion Care Training at CHOICES Before and After Roe v. Wade (32:46) Systemic Barriers and the Importance of Postpartum Support (35:36) Most Memorable Births and Special Moments (37:13) Teaching Medical Residents and Modeling Consent (40:54) Advice for Aspiring Midwives and Navigating Career Choices (45:01) Red Flags and Green Flags in Job Interviews (48:04) When Slower Access to Surgery Leads to Better Birth Outcomes To sign up for the EBB Summer Series, visit ! Resources Explore Read about Check your hospital’s stats at the Learn more about Get your copy of 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.
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