Evidence Based Birth®

In this Q&A episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker answers questions submitted by EBB Pro Members—each exploring a different facet of evidence-based maternity care. First, she explores the latest evidence on early induction for gestational hypertension, including findings from the WILL trial and other recent studies. What are the real risks and benefits of inducing labor at 37 or 38 weeks for gestational hypertension? And how should families weigh these decisions with their providers? Next, Dr. Dekker shares new insights into the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure for labor pain, anxiety, and Cesarean recovery. From systematic reviews to randomized trials, the data is growing! Finally, she looks into the evidence on interpregnancy intervals. What does the research say about the risks associated with short or long gaps between pregnancies? And how might this information apply to those who are pregnant again after a five-year or more break? (00:00) Intro to Mini Q&A and EBB Pro Membership (02:17) Early Induction for Gestational Hypertension – What the Research Says (06:20) WILL Trial Findings and Recommendations from ACOG and NICE (08:23) Outcomes at 37 vs. 38 Weeks – Cesareans, NICU, and Respiratory Distress (10:15) Balancing Induction Timing and Risks of Continuing Pregnancy (11:03) Acupuncture and Acupressure – New Research and Applications (12:41) Studies on Pain, Anxiety, and Nausea During Labor and Cesareans (14:46) Acupuncture and Cesarean Recovery – Mobility and Pain Management (16:54) Interpregnancy Intervals – Definitions and Research Challenges (19:39) Risks of Short and Long Pregnancy Spacing (23:22) Global Perspectives and Meta-Analysis on Birth Outcomes (26:49) Public Health Implications and Final Thoughts View the full list of resources and references on ebbirth.com. For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

A traumatic first birth can shape everything that follows—but with the right support, education, and advocacy, it's possible to turn fear into empowerment. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker sits down with EBB Childbirth Class Graduates Rivka and Steven Dubinsky as they share the transformative journey from a traumatic hospital induction and birth injury to a redemptive second birth experience centered on autonomy, education, and trust. Rivka opens up about how her first birth left her physically injured and emotionally shaken, and how she didn't initially recognize it as trauma. Over time—and with therapy, research, and support—she came to understand what had been taken from her. Determined to have a different experience with her second child, she carefully selected a trauma-informed OB, dove into birth education, and found strength in preparing for every possibility. Together, Rivka and Steven share how they prepared as a team, how Steven stepped into his advocacy role during labor, and why they chose to "fire" a hospital-assigned doula. They also reflect on the surprising power of reclaiming their voice—even in the midst of pain—and how a supported birth experience can shift everything. Content Note: This episode includes discussion of birth trauma. This episode also contains mild language at 45:55. (01:48) Rivka's First Birth and the Silent Cost of Lost Autonomy (07:13) Steven's Reflections on Feeling Unprepared to Support (10:45) Moving to Ohio and Choosing Trauma-Informed Care (14:02) Becoming an "Information Junkie" and Taking the EBB Childbirth Class (17:02) Steven Learns Advocacy Through EBB (22:14) From Elective Cesarean Plan to Informed Induction (29:18) Navigating Nursing Styles and Hospital Systems (36:00) Epidural Differences and Listening to Her Body (40:50) Hands-On, Informed Support During Pushing (43:39) A Sunny-Side-Up Baby and Immediate Skin-to-Skin (45:53) Feeling Empowered, Present, and Powerful (50:06) Advice for Families Seeking Trauma-Informed Birth Care Resources Learn more about Rivka and Steven's EBB Instructor, Aly Romot: @alyromotdoula For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Dr. Ann Peralta, founder of Partner to Decide, and Kari Radoff, a certified nurse midwife at Boston Medical Center, tackle the importance of informed decision-making in labor induction. They delve into the creation of a multilingual decision aid that empowers families by providing balanced information. Ann shares how her own birthing experience shaped this initiative, while Kari discusses its impact on clinician-patient conversations, aiming to foster equity and reduce bias in maternity care. Their insights highlight the transformative power of accessible information in perinatal choices.

Explore the critical conversation around perineal tears and the importance of avoiding episiotomies. Learn about different types of tears and factors impacting their risk. Discover the historical context of episiotomies and why routine use can lead to adverse outcomes. Hear about the empowering role of advocates in childbirth and the necessity of informed consent. Engaging insights aim to empower listeners to advocate for better maternal care and understand their bodily autonomy during the birthing process.

Navigating a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Mary Farrelly, a certified NICU nurse, doula nurse educator, and founder of The NICU Translator. With over a decade of experience in a Level 4 NICU, Mary shares how families can find empowerment and confidence in the NICU. Mary discusses the importance of emotional, social, and informational support for families, and how NICU-informed doulas can play a critical role in bridging the gap between parents and medical teams. From understanding the different levels of NICU care to navigating postpartum challenges, Mary offers compassionate and practical guidance. Learn how early preparation, trauma-informed care, and advocacy can make a difference in the NICU experience. Plus, Mary provides actionable tips for doulas supporting families through this journey. (03:18) Discovering the Path to NICU Nursing (06:16) Emotional Impact of NICU Nursing and Family Connections (11:25) Understanding NICU Levels of Care and Medical Needs (17:57) Staffing Shortages and Challenges in NICU Care (21:48) Families' Most Common Questions: "When Can My Baby Go Home?" (25:02) Transitioning from NICU to Home and Navigating Anxiety (29:11) Parental Mental Health and PTSD After a NICU Stay (33:14) The Role of NICU-Informed Doulas in Supporting Families (39:08) Effective Support Strategies for NICU Families (45:52) Resources for NICU Families and Doulas Resources: Connect with Mary Farrelly on Instagram: @thenicutranslator Visit The NICU Translator website: www.thenicutranslator.com Download the free NICU Birth Plan template: www.thenicutranslator.myflodesk.com/birthplan For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

How can art serve as a powerful way to honor pregnancy, birth, and parenting experiences—especially for families who are often underrepresented in birth spaces? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores this question with Lauren J. Turner, a Baltimore-based artist, birth worker, and founder of Birth Nerds. Lauren shares how her own home birth experiences, her journey with postpartum and neurodivergence, and a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis shaped her path into birth work and fine art. Together, Rebecca and Lauren explore how art can be a healing, meditative process for birthing families, and a meaningful tool for birth workers to honor their clients' journeys. Lauren opens up about creating paintings that reflect diverse parenting experiences—from lactation to the NICU—and how she uses bold colors and imagery to bring visibility to Black and Brown families in maternal health. (03:44) Lauren's First Home Birth Experience and the Impact of Midwives (06:28) A Challenging Second Birth and the Role of Trust and Teamwork (11:19) Starting Over with Doula Training and the Importance of Comprehensive Education (12:27) Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Being Dismissed by the Healthcare System (19:29) Redefining Rest through Art and Creativity (27:51) Exploring Themes in Maternal Health and Parenting Art (28:34) How Parents and Birth Workers Can Use Art to Process Birth (35:41) The Beauty of the Placenta in Art (37:10) Fiber Arts in Birth Work and Creative Expression (40:21) Uplifting Lactation Through Art and Community Resources Explore Lauren's art: laurenjturnerfineart.com Follow Lauren on Instagram: @birthnerds Shop prints, shirts, and stickers: birthnerds.com Learn more about Mamatoto Village: mamatotovillage.org EBB 92 – Impacts of the Community Birth Worker Model with Aza Nedhari Discover MamAmor Dolls: mamamordolls.com For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Dr. Rebecca Dekker is joined by Camilla Costa Goetz, a graduate of the EBB Childbirth Class, to share her story of advocating for herself during labor. Camilla, a former fashion student turned full-time mom, opens up about navigating pregnancy with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), preparing for birth while her husband was away at Army Ranger School, and making the bold decision to push back against hospital norms to have the birth she wanted. Tune in as Camilla and Rebecca discuss why self-advocacy is crucial in birth, how hospital policies can conflict with evidence-based care, and how standing firm can make all the difference in your birth experience. Learn tips for preparing your birth team, confidently saying no to interventions you don't want, and making sure your birth preferences are honored—even in a hospital setting. (02:11) How Camilla Discovered Evidence Based Birth® and Her Pregnancy Challenges (05:11) Navigating Pregnancy with POTS and Health Concerns (10:27) Preparing for Birth Without Her Husband by Her Side (17:31) Planning for an Unmedicated Birth and Overcoming Fear of Hospitals (23:06) The Problem with Hospital Birth Policies and Misinformed Providers (26:13) How Camilla Switched Hospitals to Avoid an Unwanted C-Section (34:26) The Surprising Lack of Support for Unmedicated Birth in the Hospital (39:50) How Camilla Stood Her Ground in the Delivery Room (45:57) Her Husband's Emotional Reaction to Missing the Birth (51:06) Postpartum Challenges, Military Life, and the Strength of Advocacy For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Dive into a mini Q&A exploring the effectiveness of peanut balls during labor—do they really help speed things up? Discover the latest insights on the necessity of inducing IVF pregnancies at 39 weeks based on emerging research. Lastly, learn about Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, a condition causing negative feelings during nursing, along with coping strategies to manage its effects. This engaging discussion empowers both parents and providers with evidence-based information!

In this episode, Dr. Shilpa Babbar, a double board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist and yoga instructor, dives into the world of integrative obstetrics. She shares her journey into maternal-fetal medicine and highlights how prenatal yoga and breathing techniques can enhance pregnancy experiences. Listeners learn about the science behind alternate nostril breathing, deep breathing methods, and their calming effects. Dr. Babbar advocates for making these practices standard in prenatal care, aiming to empower expecting mothers through holistic approaches.

Madi van Tonder is a birth photographer, doula, and educator based in the Netherlands. Originally from South Africa, Madi has lived in multiple countries and brings a unique perspective to birth work, particularly for families navigating new healthcare systems. Join Dr. Dekker and Madi as she shares insights into the Dutch maternity care system, where midwives play a central role, home birth is considered a national heritage, and postpartum families receive in-home support through the Kraamzorg system. We explore how Dutch birth culture prioritizes physiological birth, minimizes unnecessary interventions, and encourages parents to trust in their bodies. Madi also highlights the challenges faced by immigrant families and the importance of informed decision-making, regardless of where you give birth. (00:03:16) Overview of the Dutch Maternity Care System: Midwife-Led Model (00:05:52) Home Birth as National Heritage: Dutch Birth Culture & Trends (00:06:54) Role of Doulas in the Netherlands & Their Place in the System (00:10:33) Dutch Approach to Birth Interventions & Cesarean Rates (00:12:46) Pain Management Options: Non-Medicated Comfort Measures First (00:16:18) Early Hospital Discharge & the Kraamzorg Postpartum Care System (00:20:01) Dutch Parental Leave Policies & Family-Friendly Work Culture (00:22:54) Challenges in the System: Protocols, Immigration, & Language Barriers (00:28:47) Lessons from the Dutch Birth Model: Autonomy, Education & Low-Intervention Birth (00:31:08) Madi's Advice for Expecting Parents & Birth Professionals Resources Learn more about Madi van Tonder and her work at Meraki Madi. For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.