

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

Sep 28, 2022 • 56min
EBB 240 - Top Five Most Surprising Findings from the EBB Abortion Research Guide with Dr. Rebecca Dekker & Doctoral Candidate Tyler Jean Dukes
In today's episode, hosted by Evidence Based Birth® founder, Dr. Rebecca Dekker, along with Doctoral Candidate Tyler Jean Dukes, we talk about the five most surprising findings from compiling the EBB Abortion Research Resource Guide: 5) Research on the demographics of who has abortions as well as statistics on who supports/opposes abortion, 4) Historical research on the last time abortion was illegal in the U.S., and how the historical oppression of midwives relates to past campaigns against abortion, 3) Statistics on why so few people view adoption as a viable "alternative" to abortion, 2) History (past and present) of officials trying to "protect" fetuses while abusing pregnant people in immigrant detention centers, and 1) the funding and goals of crisis pregnancy centers, which outnumber abortion clinics in the U.S. threefold. The Abortion Research Resource Guide that we discuss in this podcast is available at: ebbirth.com/birthjustice. The Birth Justice page also features a video that our team recorded, explaining how the overturning of Roe v. Wade impacts our audience of childbearing families and birth workers, what we decided to do in response, and our boundaries for engaging with the public on this topic. TRIGGER WARNING: in this topic we will be talking openly about abortion research and history, which can be a very triggering topic. If, while listening to this podcast or reading the transcript, you feel your heart rate going up, or feel foggy, angry, intensely emotional, or unable to shake a past memory, it could be that you are experiencing a trigger. A trigger is a sign that you need to turn inward to process these emotions, and not outward to lash out at us. Some tips for inward processing include journaling, going outside, meditating, praying, breathing, holding and being physically close to a loved one, or talking with a trusted friend or counselor. We will also not shy away from talking about the history of racism, genderism, and how these topics inter-relate with abortion. We will also use a mix of gendered and gender-inclusive language, depending on the era of when the research was published and the population that was being studied. Other topics discussed include: · Maternal mortality · Slavery · Abuse in Immigrant detention centers · Religion · Adoption OUR BOUNDARY: prior to sending questions or comments to us on this topic, that you first watch the video mentioned above (or read the transcript) and then read the "Read Me First: FAQ" document inside of the Abortion Research Resource Guide, as your questions are most likely answered inside that document. IF you still have questions after looking at the Read Me First document, then you can submit feedback via the feedback form inside the Abortion Research Resource Guide. The feedback form is the best way to communicate your thoughts with us. We thank you for respecting our boundaries in this matter. Resources & References: SisterSong Reproductive Justice Definition For a full list of scientific and book references, see the blog post that goes along with this topic. Access the FREE EBB Abortion Research Resource Guide hosted at ebbirth.com/birthjustice. This podcast is also posted on our YouTube channel in case you want to access the video: https://youtube.com/evidencebasedbirth. For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit https://evidencebasedbirth.com. Find us on: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ) Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@ebbirth) Ready to get involved? Check out our EBB Professional Membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ). Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Sep 14, 2022 • 49min
EBB 239 - A Dream Preterm Birth Experience in Brazil with EBB Parents, Luciana Arraes and Jonathan Moyer
A Dream Preterm Birth Experience in Brazil with EBB Parents, Luciana Arraes and Jonathan Moyer On today's podcast, we're talking with EBB Childbirth Class parents, Luciana Arraes and Jonathan Moyer, about their preterm birth experience in Brazil and how their preparation and knowledge paired with a "Golden Ticket" birth team provided the birth of their dreams. Luciana (she/her) is a Brazilian violinist who plays in the National Theater Symphony in Brasilia, Brasil. Luciana is married to Jonathan (he/him), who is an American pianist who has a large studio of piano students. Together, they welcomed their baby in July at 35 weeks gestation. We talk about their experience taking the EBB Childbirth Class, where they learned how to recognize all the phases of labor, and how having a "Golden Ticket" birth team helped them get exactly what they wanted in the birth of their baby. We also talk about supporting the baby, by providing care for the birthing parents. Content Warning: Pre-term labor, jaundice, infant weight loss, bodyfeeding supplementation with a cup, advocacy, and gendered language. This podcast is also posted on our YouTube channel in case you want to access the video. Resources: Livre Maternagem and follow on instagram @livrematernagem Birth Reborn (O Renascimento do Parto) - Documentary March of Dimes - Preterm Labor & Baby Follow Luciana and Jonathan on Instagram @luciana.arraes and @jomopiano, respectively. For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ), and TikTok Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ) Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Sep 7, 2022 • 1h 2min
EBB 238 - Black Fatherhood and Fighting Anti-Black Racism with Brandon Diggs Williams, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Brandon Diggs Williams (he/him), BSW, MSW, LCSW, about Black fatherhood, parenting in partnership, self-care, and fighting anti-Black racism. Mr. Williams currently works full-time at the Durham VA Medical Center (DVAMC), providing individual, couples, and (primarily) group therapy through the VA. He specializes in personal/spiritual development, transformative thinking, and cultural competency with a focus on the Black community. Mr. Williams is involved in multiple efforts that contribute to ally-ship, diversity and inclusion, and anti-Black racism efforts at the departmental and facility level at the Durham VA. He created, developed, and facilitates "The Invisible Struggle" therapeutic group which focuses on providing clinical mental health care for veterans dealing with stress unique to Black people in America. And serves on multiple boards/teams at the DVAMC including: The Antiracism and Black Equity Advisory Board, the Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup, and the Social Work Service Social Justice Committee. He created and leads a community organization called "Lion Tamers" that is dedicated to the holistic development of Black men. In this episode, we talk about Mr. William's balance of self-care, and self-awareness in the changing family dynamic, and the partnership between he and his wife. Content Warning: We mention anti-Black racism, internalized racism, and Christian beliefs related to gender roles. This podcast is also posted on our YouTube channel in case you want to access the video. EBB 145 – Fatherhood and Advocacy in Birth with JaMichael Perryman EBB 189 - Why Black Lactation Matters and the Importance of Black Breastfeeding Week with IBCLC, Janiya Mitnaul Williams Go to our YouTube channel to see video versions of the YouTube episodes listed above!! Follow Brandon Diggs Williams on Instagram @thediggsmethod You are The Best Thing by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown White Fragility by Dr. Robin DiAngelo Key & Peele - Black Ice Video Jane Elliot Experiment - PBS - Frontline - "A Class Divided" Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad The Mis-Education of the Negro by Dr. Carter G. Woodson The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker, PhD For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, Visit www.ebbirth.com Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ) Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ) Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Aug 31, 2022 • 44min
EBB 237 - Infant Feeding and Meeting your Community where they're at with Family Nurse Practitioner and IBCLC Nikki Hunter-Greenaway
On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Nikki Hunter-Greenaway, Nurse Practitioner and IBCLC, about the formula shortage this year and meeting your community at where they are to provide the concierge reproductive health care they deserve. Nikki Hunter-Greenaway, AKA, Nurse Nikki is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Nikki is the proud owner of Bloom Maternal Health, which provides Telehealth and house calls to pregnant and postpartum families in both Texas and Louisiana. In 2018, she co-founded the New Orleans Breastfeeding Center and Café au Lait Breastfeeding Circle for families of color, and co-founded Nikki and Nikki Lactation Career Consultants to help Black, Indigenous, and People of Color demystify the path to becoming an IBCLC. Her goal is to improve maternal health outcomes through community education, peer mentorship, and patient-centered care. We will talk about challenges and insights Nurse Nikki experienced during her journey to becoming a lactation consultant. We also talk about cultural barriers in lactation, the importance of meeting folks where they are, and the effects of the formula shortage on the communities she serves. Content warning: We will discuss the cultural barriers and in the field of lactation, gendered language (breastfeeding), plus mentions of historical trauma, horizontal violence, formula shortage, maternal mortality rates, infant mortality rates, abortion, postpartum depression, classism, Black maternal disparities, and racism. Resources: Nikki's FNP and IBCLC practice: Nurse Niki NP Cafe au Lait in New Orleans Follow Nikki on Instagram @nursenikkinp and on YouTube at "Nurse Nikki NP" EBB 189 – Why Black Lactation Matters and the Importance of Black Breastfeeding Week with IBCLC, Janiya Mitnaul Williams WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast - Milk Substitutes Go to our YouTube channel to see video versions of YouTube episodes you listed above!! For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@ebbirth), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Apply to be an EBB Instructor here (https://www.evidencebasedbirth.com/instructor ) Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class

Aug 24, 2022 • 55min
EBB 236 - An Unexpected Cesarean after an Unmedicated First Birth with EBB Parent Katie Kane
In today's podcast, we're going to be talking with EBB Childbirth Class Parent, Katie Kane about the birth of her second baby. Unexpectedly, her second baby was in a breech position, leading to a surgical birth after the unmedicated vaginal birth of her first baby. Katie Kane is a high school counselor who lives in New Jersey with her two daughters, husband, and dog Roscoe. Katie is the first EBB Childbirth Class graduate to tell both of her birth stories on the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast! Katie talks about her journey with a breech baby, including all of the tools and techniques she used for support throughout her pregnancy. Ultimately, the baby persisted in the breech position, and she was able to experience a family-centered cesarean by speaking with her birth team. Katie's story is perfect for anyone planning a cesarean or writing a cesarean birth plan. She talks about healing physically, and emotionally, and speaks of advocating for her family's wishes amid an unplanned surgical birth. Content warning: breech birth, unexpected cesarean birth, fear of death, postpartum anxiety, perinatal anxiety, postpartum rage, thoughts/fears of maternal death and includes some gendered language. Resources: Listen to Katie's first Interview with Rebecca here: EBB 127 – An unmedicated hospital birth with Katie Kane Chiropractic Prenatal Care & the Webster Technique: https://icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/ Spinning Babies (for fetal positioning/breech babies): https://www.spinningbabies.com EBB 111 – Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB 171 – The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB 172 – Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB 173 - Evidence on External Cephalic Version for Breeched Positioned Babies Take the EBB Childbirth Class and find an Instructor near you! https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/

Aug 17, 2022 • 40min
EBB 235 - Evidence on IV Fluids with Dr. Rebecca Dekker
In today's episode, hosted by Evidence Based Birth® founder, Dr. Rebecca Dekker, we talk about four major topics related to updated research evidence on IV Fluids: 1) research on how IV Fluids can affect the length of labor, 2) research on how IV Fluids can impact breast/chest/body feeding, 3) the relationship between fluids, newborn weight, and blood sugar levels, and 4) finally, review the current recommendations surrounding IV use in labor. This podcast is also posted on our YouTube channel in case you want to access the video As a content note, this episode includes a discussion of newborn weight drop, newborn feeding struggles, and Cesareans. The current episode is taught by Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN (she/her). Dr. Dekker is a nurse with her PhD, who is the founder and CEO of EBB. Content warning: Cesarean, breastfeeding/chestfeeding struggles, infant weight drop Resources: For a full list of scientific references, see the blog post that goes along with this episode Check out our Signature Article blog post and download our 1-page handout on: Evidence on: Eating and Drinking During Labor Evidence on: IV Fluids During Labor Evidence on: Failure to Progress Additional podcasts to listen to include: EBB 12 - Epidurals & Breastfeeding EBB 104 – The Evidence on Saline Locks Go to our YouTube channel to see video versions of the YouTube episodes you listed above!! For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Become an EBB Instructor with Applications opening April 24th! https://www.evidencebasedbirth.com/instructor Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Aug 10, 2022 • 33min
Replay - EBB 45 How do Peanut Balls Support Labor with Cheri Grant
Explore the history and evolution of peanut balls in labor support, from sitting to sideline positions. Learn about the benefits of peanut balls, including shorter labor times and easier pushing experiences. Discover the importance of correct positioning and sizing for optimal pelvis opening. Delve into the research on peanut balls during labor and the need for standardized guidelines. Uncover the positive impact of peanut balls on fetal descent and maternal pain reduction.

Aug 3, 2022 • 47min
EBB 234 - Tackling Fatphobia in Lactation with Kristin Cavuto
On today's podcast, we're going to talk with the founder of Every Baby Eats, licensed clinical social worker, and IBCLC, Kristin Cavuto Kristin Cavuto, pronouns she/they, is a licensed clinical social worker in IBCLC and private practice in central New Jersey. Her practice specialties are low supply, parental and infant mental health, and the intersection of ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender in the care of the new family. Kristin is the mother of two children who nursed full-time despite maternal insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) and who are now 16 and 13. Kristin is also an anti-racist activist and an LGBT+ activist, a member of Transformative Works fandoms, and makes fighting for a better world part of their daily life. We talk to Kristin about supporting families struggling with feeding infants in a realistic, family-centered, and non-disparaging way. We also talk about fatphobia as a form of oppression and marginalization in medicine and birth and what we can all do to challenge bias and model acceptance Content warning: We mention the intersection of fatphobia and racism. Resources: EBB 99 – Plus Size Pregnancy and Birth with Jen McLellan Harvard Implicit Bias Test Fat Phobia Scale Revisited by Robinson, Bacon, et al. HAES (Health at Every Size) The Body is Not An Apology National Association for the Advancement of Fat People To follow Kristin on Facebook Kristin's current project: https://www.everybabyeats.com/

Jul 27, 2022 • 34min
Episode 233 - Updates on Eating during Labor
Today, we are going to explore brand new updates to the Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article, Evidence on: Eating during Labor! We talk about four major topics: Nutritional needs during labor New info on gestational or pre-gestational diabetes and eating during labor New research on anesthesiology and its relationship to eating and drinking during labor, and Finally, how body mass index and fatphobia relate to anesthesia concerns, and what that has to do with eating during labor. Content Warning: pregnancy-related death, anesthesia-related death, fatphobia and anesthesia, microaggressions related to health care workers' reaction to ethnic foods Resources: Refer to previous podcast episode: EBB 198 - Evidence on Eating & Drinking (linked on blog post below) Check out our Signature Article… Evidence on: Eating and Drinking during Labor at Check out our Signature Article... Evidence on: IV Fluids on Labor Check out our Signature Article... Evidence on: Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes Fat Phobia and It's Racist Past and Present: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/893006538 For a full list of scientific references, see the blog post that goes along with this episode

Jul 20, 2022 • 1h 2min
Replay - EBB 152 Shafia Monroe on Traditional Midwifery, Spirituality, and Advocacy
Today, I am so excited to present to you a replay of one of our most popular episodes on the Evidence Based Birth® podcast, and that is an episode from 2020 with special guest, Shafia Monroe. Before we get started with the replay, I wanted to let you know that this episode contains discussion of Black infant and maternal mortality related to racism, slavery and Jim Crow, and racism that continues to affect people's lives today. Shafia gave us such an inspirational episode in 2020, that we wanted to bring it back for those of you who are new to EBB, or for those of you who've listened to it before. Whenever I listen to this episode, it fills me with a sense of awe for Black traditional midwives, and it gives me hope while it reminds me of the tenacity of the human spirit. So join us today as we replay this episode and you go on a storytelling journey with Mama Shafia Monroe about spirituality and traditional midwives. In today's podcast episode, we're going to talk with Shafia Monroe about the role of the traditional midwife. Shafia Monroe is a public health professional, a midwife, a motivational speaker, founder of the International Center for Traditional Childbearing, or ICTC, which was the first US-based black midwives and doulas professional organization. Shafia is also an author, infant mortality prevention specialist, doula trainer, and president of Doula Ready, LLC. Since 2002, she has trained thousands of people in doula trainings, with one-third of them going on to become midwives. In 2012, Shafia received her Master of Public Health from Walden University. In 2014, she opened Shafia Monroe Consulting, a cultural competency training service. Shafia has received numerous awards for her work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Midwife Hero Award. In this podcast, Ms. Monroe discusses the history of Black traditional midwifery and incorporating spirituality into birth work. We also talk about Shafia's experience becoming a traditional Black midwife, along with her passion for advocacy in birth work through her doula program and her community. **Trigger Content Warning: This podcast episode discusses racism and infant loss.** Resources Learn more about Shafia Monroe and SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Training here (https://shafiamonroe.com/). Follow Shafia on Instagram and Black Midwife Cooking here (https://www.instagram.com/shafiamonroe/). Follow Shafia on Twitter here (https://twitter.com/Shafia_SMC). Follow Shafia on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/shafiamonroeconsulting/). Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/birth-justice/) to see the Evidence Based Birth® list of Birth Justice Resources, including research on racism and maternal health. More resources are listed on the the blog post at https://www.evidencebasedbirth.com/152


