

Evidence Based Birth®
Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 13, 2024 • 21min
EBB 304 - Q & A on PPD/Pitocin, Delayed Cord Clamping, Nubain, and Placental Encapsulation
Dive into the complexities of childbirth with insights on the relationship between Pitocin use and postpartum depression. Discover the benefits and ethical considerations of delayed cord clamping. Learn about Nubain, an IV opioid for labor pain, and its potential effects on newborns. Finally, explore the latest findings on placenta encapsulation, addressing the gap between personal experiences and scientific evidence. This informative discussion highlights critical topics every expecting parent should consider.

Mar 6, 2024 • 45min
EBB 303 - Advocating for Bodily Autonomy in Pregnancy and Birth with Mama Doctor Jones, OB/GYN
In this episode, we chat with obstetrician Dr. Danielle Jones, aka Mama Doctor Jones, about challenging norms in pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Jones passionately advocates for patient autonomy as we dive into the resistance to eating and drinking from the anesthesia community, debunk myths on this hot topic, and call on healthcare professionals to prioritize evidence-based practices. We also discuss the challenges nurses and obstetricians face in changing hospital policies, especially when confronted by powerful figures resistant to evidence-based approaches. Dr. Jones urges professionals to find allies and use data-driven discussions to challenge outdated norms. We wrap up by discussing other prevalent myths in pregnancy and childbirth, emphasizing the tactics of misinformation spreaders and the importance of critical thinking in evaluating online information. Content Note: This episode includes discussions on the Dobbs decision, abortion for fetal abnormalities, and life-threatening medical complications. EBB Resources: Evidence on: Eating and Drinking During Labor The Evidence on: Breech Version Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. Keep Learning from Mama Doctor Jones: YouTube Instagram Facebook X

Feb 28, 2024 • 52min
EBB 302 - Solo Delivery: Navigating Birth During Spouse's Military Deployment with Kellie McKinnon, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate
Delve into a powerful and emotional conversation with the incredible Kellie McKinnon, a military spouse, San Diego-based personal trainer, and graduate of the Evidence Based Birth®️ Childbirth Class! In this episode, Kellie shares her unique and challenging journey through pregnancy while her partner was deployed. We explore the emotional and logistical aspects of facing pregnancy and childbirth without the physical presence of a partner. Discover the importance of a doula, the role of childbirth education, and the unexpected challenges within the military healthcare system. If you're an expecting military spouse, Kellie's experiences offer valuable insights into the strength, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by many military families during this transformative journey. Content Note: This episode contains emotional discussions separation anxiety due to partner deployment, experiences of loneliness and isolation, and challenges within the military healthcare system. Learn about perinatal and postnatal fitness with Kellie on Instragram: @kel.mck.fit EBB Resources: EBB Signature Article on PROM EBB 75: Birth in Twilight Sleep—The Experiences of Rebecca's Mom EBB 83: Why Families Need Postpartum Care EBB 286: The Importance of Postpartum Support, with the Founder of InKind Boxes Maria Berglund EBB 114: Fighting for Birth Needs as a Single Parent, with Jenny Russell

Feb 21, 2024 • 46min
EBB 301 - A Crash Course in Pregnancy and Parental Leave Rights in the U.S. with Daphne Delvaux, Esq. of The Mamattorney
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Daphne Delvaux, Esq., widely known as The Mamattorney. As an award-winning trial attorney and founder of Delvaux Law, Daphne is a passionate advocate for women's rights at work, particularly focusing on motherhood discrimination cases. In this conversation, we dive into the complexities of workplace trauma, reasonable accommodations, and the crucial understanding of employment rights during pregnancy and postpartum. Daphne shares her expertise on the vulnerabilities mothers face in the workplace, shedding light on issues like forced leaves and common misunderstandings about parental leave rights. We explore how the law serves as a powerful tool to protect both new parents and babies, offering insights into the challenges new parents encounter and practical steps to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Join us for an eye-opening discussion as we uncover the realities of creating a supportive and empowering work environment for ambitious parents. Content Note: In this episode, we talk about workplace trauma, reasonable accommodations, and gendered language may be used. EBB Resources: Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. Other Resources: Learn more about Daphne's work here: https://www.themamattorney.com/ Follow Daphne's work on Instagram @themamattorney and Facebook. Download Daphne's Employee Rights Guide here. Learn more about Chamber of Mothers: https://www.chamberofmothers.com/ Follow Chamber of Mothers' work on Instagram @chamberofmothers and Facebook.

6 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 51min
EBB 300 - Evidence on Waterbirth
Delving into the safety and benefits of waterbirth, the podcast explores findings from randomized trials and observational studies, highlighting lower pain scores, intact perineum, and shorter labor duration. It addresses the challenges of conducting large trials and advocates for broader acceptance of water birth. The discussion also includes the importance of advocating for waterbirth in hospitals and accessing resources for interested individuals.

Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 7min
REPLAY - EBB 130: Home Birth in the Black Community with Isis Rose
February 7, 2024 - For today's episode, we are highlighting one of our favorite home birth podcast episodes with the replay of a 2020 conversation with student midwife, Isis Rose, about her very own home birth. If you are inspired during this listen, please support Isis in her midwifery journey! She is currently accepting support via her GoFundMe page and Venmo. ----- In this episode I talk with Isis Rose, a full spectrum doula, home birth mom, certified lactation counselor, and placenta encapsulation specialist. She lives in Urbana, Illinois. Isis is starting midwifery school in July, with plans to become a Certified Professional Midwife, and she's a member of the Illinois Council of Certified Professional Midwives. Isis co-hosts the Homecoming Podcast alongside Chae Pounds, which launched in 2018 to tell stories of Black families who give birth at home. Isis and I discuss her birth story, including her unique approach to prenatal care, and hemorrhaging she experienced immediately after her home birth. We also talk about the ongoing advocacy work seeking licensure for CPMs in Illinois, and the latest research on the safety of home birth in the U.S. Content Warning: Black maternal mortality, postpartum hemorrhage, infant death, stillbirth ----- Ways to support Isis through her midwifery journey: Follow her: www.instagram.com/urbanamidwife GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-isiss-final-year-of-midwifery-school Isis also accepts funds to go towards midwifery school via Venmo @isis-rose (since GoFundMe takes a percentage of each donation). Midwifery Supplies Registry Link: https://www.myregistry.com/wishlist/isis-rose-urbana-il/2754220/giftlist Isis Rose, MA, CLC Buy Me a Coffee Student Midwife and Doula Co-Founder and Executive Director at BIPOC for Better Birth Isis A. Rose, Birth and Postpartum Services www.isisarosebirth.com Homecoming Podcast: Black Home Birth Stories www.homecomingpodcast.com For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Jan 31, 2024 • 44min
EBB 299 - A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma Kleisner and Mohamed Koraichi
This episode is a deeply personal and inspiring journey shared by Naoma Kleisner, MSN, RN, and Mohamed Koraichi, who bravely chose a breech vaginal birth for their son. From the early discovery of a breech position at 25 weeks to the challenges of finding supportive care in Chicago, their story unfolds with determination and resilience. We'll explore their birthing experience, including acupressure, birth balls, and the choices they made to ensure a positive outcome. This episode is not just about breech birth; it's about informed choices, the strength within, and the importance of supportive care during a remarkable birthing journey. EBB Resources: Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts about Breech: EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version EBB Podcast 296: The Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB 298: Frequently Asked Questions about Breech EBB Podcast 298: Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Other Resources: Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here.

Jan 24, 2024 • 51min
EBB 298 - Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
In this episode, join me in delving into the intricate world of breech births with esteemed maternal-fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Emiliano Chavira. From the disappearance of breech vaginal births in modern obstetrics, to the challenges faced by practitioners advocating for this option, Dr. Chavira shares insights from his unique career path. You'll discover the renaissance of unmedicated physiologic breech births, the ongoing struggle of the rare providers who offer this choice, and the pivotal role of hands-on vs. hands-off approaches during breech delivery. Gain valuable perspectives on who is a candidate for breech birth, techniques for handling complications, and the quest for evidence-based practices in the realm of breech births. EBB Resources: Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts about Breech: EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version EBB Podcast 296: The Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB Podcast 299: A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma and Mohamed [Coming soon!] Other Resources: Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here. Hear Dr. Chavira on The Informed Pregnancy Podcast: Vaginal BREECH After Cesarean Gentle Cesarean Ep. 11 Breech 101 - Part 1 Ep. 12 Breech 101 - Part 2 Ep. 13 Breech 101 - Part 3 Follow Dr. Chavira on Facebook!

Jan 17, 2024 • 17min
EBB 297 - Frequently Asked Questions about Breech with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA
In the previous episode (EBB 296), we covered the evidence on breech vaginal birth. This week we are answering your questions! Can a baby spontaneously flip from breech back to head-first position before birth? Is home breech birth safe or not? Which factors influence the chances you'll have a breech baby? On today's podcast, join us on a Q & A all about breech birth! If you want to get informed and empowered on the topic of breech positioning in pregnancy—either for yourself or for your clients—then this podcast is for you! Content note: Discussion of statistics on mortality, serious morbidity (illness/injury), and home birth transfer related to breech birth. EBB Resources: For the scientific references that go along with this Q & A, visit our blog article here. Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts about Breech: EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version EBB Podcast 296: The Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB Podcast 298: Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist EBB Podcast 299: A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma and Mohamed [Coming soon!] Other Resources: Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here. Watch a video of Dr. Larry Hinkson teaching the gentle External Cephalic Version Technique here.

Jan 10, 2024 • 55min
EBB 296 - Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA
Have you ever wondered why doctors almost always recommend a Cesarean for breech? Is that because breech vaginal birth is dangerous? Which methods can help a breech baby turn? On today's podcast, join us on a deep dive into the evidence on all things breech! You'll walk away with confidence in your knowledge on the following topics: Evidence on Breech Vaginal Birth vs. Breech Cesarean Birth – How a flawed study (the "Term Breech Trial") led to hospitals banning breech vaginal birth around the world, and what other research studies have found about the safety of breech vaginal birth. Evidence on External Cephalic Version – Learn about the effectiveness, benefits, and risks of the "hands-to-belly" turning procedure, as well as a new, gentler method being piloted by a few obstetricians. Evidence on Alternate Ways to Turn a Breech Baby – Uncover the evidence on popular ways that parents use to try and turn a breech baby, including moxibustion, chiropractic care, positioning, self-hypnosis, and more! If you want to get informed and empowered on the topic of breech positioning in pregnancy—either for yourself or for your clients—then this podcast is for you! Content note: Discussion of statistics on mortality and serious morbidity (illness/injury) related to breech birth. EBB Resources: Get all the scientific references and a transcript of this episode here. Watch the video of this podcast episode (with graphics, demonstrations, and slides) on the EBB YouTube channel here! Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts: EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version EBB Podcast 297: Frequently Asked Questions about Breech with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB Podcast 298: Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist EBB Podcast 299: A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma and Mohamed [Coming soon!] Other Resources: Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here. Watch a video of Dr. Larry Hinkson teaching the gentle External Cephalic Version Technique here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwskoAymdL4 Find a chiropractor who is certified in the Webster technique here: https://icpa4kids.com/


