Evidence Based Birth®

What is a doula, and what are the different types of doulas? How many people use doulas during childbirth, and what does a doula actually do? Are there any randomized, controlled trials on doula support? What are the benefits and risks of having a doula, if any? And if the evidence shows that doulas improve health outcomes… then why are some hospitals around the world unsupportive of labor companions? And how can you find a doula if you’re interested in having one at your birth?    Today’s podcast episode with Dr. Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA, is chock full of research from our peer-reviewed Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article: The Evidence on Doulas.   To learn more, download a free one-page handout, and view all the research references, go to ebbirth.com/doulas.    EBB Resources:   Access all the scientific references and a free 1-page handout at the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Doulas here.      If you’re a visual learner, watch a video about the Evidence on Doulas on the EBB YouTube channel here!   Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship program, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a full-length printable PDF on "Evidence on: Doulas") by joining here.  Learn comfort measures and advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class.   EBB Podcasts:  EBB 195 – Grief & Healing through Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Full Spectrum Doula, Rose Rankin  EBB 207 – Gender Affirming Birth Work and Education with Full-Spectrum Doula and Childbirth Educator, Moss Froom  EBB 211 – Supporting Expectant Families through Birth and Lactation with Birth Doula and EBB Instructor Coordinator, Rikki Jenkins  EBB 229 – Evidence on Doulas with Community-Based Models and Reimbursement  EBB 252 – A Candid Conversation about Doula Advocacy with Doula and EBB Instructor Leslie Greene  EBB 285 – Creating a Sustainable Career in Birth Work with Jessica Diggs, Doula Mentor and Co-Founder of Centered.    

Curious which toxins should be most avoided for people of reproductive age and their children? In this episode, Dr. Tanya Khemet Taiwo, LM, CPM, MPH, PhD unravels the intricate connection between environmental exposures and their profound impact on pregnancy and birth outcomes. We will explore the hidden risks associated with heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. You'll learn about the research on how environmental exposures contribute to issues like reduced birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, and neurodevelopmental delays. Plus, Dr. Taiwo teaches about the unequal distribution of these exposures across populations, what parents can do to test their environments for unwanted elements, and how midwives can be part of the solution for environmental justice. Content Note: Listener discretion is advised. This episode includes a stark discussion of common environmental exposures, social factors, and their impact on pregnancy and infant health outcomes. Toward the end of the episode [from 37:12 to 41:08], there is a brief discussion of traumatic historical events (including the Holocaust and chattel slavery) and their subsequent impact on environmental toxins.   Resources: Learn more about the Environmental Working Group Download EWG's Healthy Living app here. Check your cosmetics with the California Breat Cancer Prevention Partners Check out The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) Read Some of Dr. Taiwo's Work: The Giving Voice to Mothers study: inequity and mistreatment during pregnancy and childbirth in the United States Maternal Prenatal Stress and Child Neurodevelopment Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder and Reproductive Justice: Examining Unmet Needs for Mental Health and Social Services in a National Cohort 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. Follow Evidence Based Birth: Facebook Instagram X    

In this episode, Ellora La Shier, graduate of the EBB Childbirth Class, shares about her struggle with six years of unexplained infertility and how it impacted her eventual birth story. Listen in as Ellora describes the frustration of unexplained infertility, suffering through years of increasingly painful periods, and the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis. Despite facing numerous challenges and undergoing various treatments, including intrauterine insemination (IUI), Ellora remained determined and resilient.   Finally, after years, Ellora underwent surgery to remove the abnormal tissue caused by endometriosis. Following surgery, she and her husband were overjoyed to discover that they quickly became pregnant. Although this pregnancy marked the end of a long and challenging infertility journey, Ellora still had to process the many years of healthcare dismissal and her complicated relationship with pain, and how this would impact her eventual unmedicated birth. Ellora's story highlights the importance of perseverance, self-advocacy, and finding supportive healthcare providers in navigating the complexities of infertility and reproductive health.   Resources Find evidence-based information about infertility here.   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.   Follow Evidence Based Birth: Facebook Instagram X

As we wrap up the celebration of World Doula Week, explore the transformative journey of pregnancy and childbirth in the Indian context with Divya Deswal and Neha Misra, founders of The Doula Collective©️. In this interview, Divya and Neha shed light on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by expectant families in India. You'll learn how The Doula Collective©️, with its culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach, is reshaping the landscape of birth support!  Also... have you ever heard of a year-long doula training program? Divya and Neha share the intricacies of their in-depth doula training program and how it goes beyond traditional methods to create a profound impact on both birth practitioners and families. Join us as we confront the barriers that doulas face in a system where their role is often misunderstood. We end with an exploration of the soulful aspects of birth trauma, physical challenges of birth and birth work, and the power of resilience. Learn more about The Doula Collective here: https://thedoulacollective.in/ Follow their work on Instagram: @thedoulacollective.in 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. Follow Evidence Based Birth: Facebook Instagram X

You're going to love this family-centered birth story with Dr. Dekker's brother John DeYoung and his wife Krista DeYoung! On today's episode, Krista and John (who are graduates of the EBB Childbirth Class with EBB Instructor Chanté Perryman) get vulnerable and open up about their complex pregnancy and son Eli's miraculous birth story. In addition to facing a pregnancy with a prior diagnosis of Crohn's disease, they also had to cope with lockdowns during the pandemic, genetic concerns including an initial diagnosis of triploidy, a HUGE and abnormally low-functioning placenta, potential growth restriction, a 39-week induction, and placental retention that led to abnormal postpartum bleeding. In addition to being inspired by John and Krista's unique story, you will also learn about the emotional rollercoaster of confronting a fatal genetic diagnosis that turns out to be a false positive. You will also hear from John about how active participating in childbirth and parenting has been an incredibly healing process for him— as John was adopted as a child and had no known blood relatives before Eli was born. And don't miss the end of the episode, when you find out about a surprise condition that was the cause of Krista's placental abnormalities. Tune in for an empowering and insightful discussion that sheds light on the complexities of high-risk pregnancies and the role of evidence-based care in navigating challenging pregnancy and birth scenarios. Content Note: This episode discusses high-risk pregnancies, history of bonding difficulties related to being adopted, concerns about fatal genetic diagnoses that may result in termination, false-positive genetic diagnoses, medical interventions, the potential of losing a baby in pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, and abnormal postpartum bleeding. Although everything turns out okay for our guests in this episode, we recognize that not all pregnancies with genetic complications have happy endings. 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 Antiphospholipid Syndrome here. Learn about pregnancy and Crohn's Disease here, from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Follow Evidence Based Birth Facebook Instagram

Welcome to a special Q &A episode of the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast! Today I address some of your burning questions on key childbirth topics! In this episode, I share evidence on the (unproven) relationship between synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) administration and postpartum depression, the complexities of delayed cord clamping and the power dynamics around requesting delayed cord clamping, the use of Nubain (an IV opioid) for pain relief during labor and its potential impact on babies, and the latest insights into consuming the placenta—whether it's dehydrated, freeze-dried, or consumed raw. EBB Resources: The EBB Pocket Guide to Interventions Evidence on: Pitocin During the Third Stage of Labor Effects of IV Opioids during Labor The Evidence on Placenta Encapsulation 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.

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

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                  

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.

Is waterbirth safe? Are there any randomized, controlled trials on this subject? What are the benefits and risks of waterbirth? And if the evidence shows that waterbirth is a safe and beneficial form of childbirth… then why do so many hospitals “ban” this practice? And how can you access a waterbirth if that is something you are interested in? Today’s podcast episode is chock full of research from our peer-reviewed Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article: The Evidence on Waterbirth. To learn more, download a free one-page handout, and view all the research references, go to ebbirth.com/waterbirth. EBB Resources: Access all the scientific references and a free 1-page handout at the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Waterbirth here.  If you’re a visual learner, watch a video about the Evidence on Waterbirth 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 full-length printable PDF on waterbirth) here. Learn comfort measures and advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts: EBB 4 - Waterbirth and the Newborn Microbiome EBB 20 – Water Immersion during Labor EBB 223 - An Empowering Hospital Waterbirth Story with Samantha Parker and Justin Fontaine  EBB 230 – An Inspirational Home Waterbirth Story with EBB Childbirth Class Parent Shelitha Owens  EBB 258 – A Hospital Waterbirth Story with Cord Avulsion featuring EBB Childbirth Class Graduate, Samantha Reizs, PhD  EBB 268 – Debunking Myths about PROM, GBS, and Waterbirth  EBB 287 – A Positive Hospital Waterbirth Story with EBB Childbirth Class Graduate, Katrina Hull

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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/

Happy New Year to all our listeners! Join us in listening to a short story about some big challenges we were facing in our field 5 years ago and what's changed since then. And you'll be the first to learn about a major event EBB is planning for you in 2024!  To get on the waitlist for the 2024 Evidence Based Birth® Conference (open to birth workers and expectant parents), visit ebbirth.com/waitlist  

*Request from Team EBB: We would love it if you left a review for us on your favorite podcast platform! Let us know one new thing you learned, and/or one thing you would like us to cover next year.  In this episode, Dr. Dekker and EBB Research Fellow Sara Ailshire reflect on groundbreaking research published by Evidence Based Birth in 2023. Dive into evidence-based insights on Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy, Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), and skin-to-skin care after a Cesarean. Discover alternative approaches, vital statistics, and the intersection of birth with climate change and infection risks. Rebecca and Sara will also reflect on the year's most popular episodes and give you a glimpse into exciting episodes and Signature Articles to come in 2024. Content note: Preterm birth, interventions, climate change, infant mortality, serious infant illness, racism.  Resources: Get on the wait list for the EBBirth Virtual Conference at https://ebbirth.com/waitlist Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to a doula mentorship PLUS trainings on postpartum hemorrhage, secondary trauma, and pelvic floor education. New (exclusive) handouts on Breech, RH, and vaccines coming soon for Pro Members only! https://ebbirth.com/membership Check out the Podcast Listening Guide at our shop: ebbirth.com/shop EBB Signature Article on Group B Strep: https://ebbirth.com/groupbstrep EBB Signature Article on Premature Rupture of Membranes: https://ebbirth.com/prom EBB Signature Article on Anti-Racism in Health Care and Birth Work: https://ebbirth.com/antiracism EBB Signature Article on Skin-to-Skin after Cesarean: https://ebbirth.com/cesarean The Top 5 most downloaded episodes of 2023: EBB 166 [Replay] The Experience of a Powerful and MIiraculous Birth with Brooklynn and Hoang Pham EBB 264: Top 3 Tips for Exercise in Pregnancy with Mamaste Fit EBB 257: Updated Evidence on Group B Strep Part 2 EBB 256: Top 3 Recommendations for Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after Birth with Dr. Sarah Duvall EBB 254: Evidence on GBS in Pregnancy

In this episode, I'm joined by Emilie Rodriguez and Guramrit LeBron, the dynamic duo behind Ashé Birthing Services and The Bridge Directory. Ashé Birthing Services is a collective of specially selected birth workers who provide full-spectrum care for families in the greater New York City area. Their approach blends evidence-based research with ancestral practices, offering families a unique individual experience often missing in mainstream maternal care.   Emilie and Guramrit share their personal journeys into birth work, highlighting the pivotal moments that led them to become doulas and advocates for birthing people. They discuss the challenges and racism they encountered within the healthcare system and the importance of finding providers who understand and respect your cultural and ancestral traditions.   We delve into how Ashé Birthing Services and The Bridge Directory are changing the landscape of perinatal care, making it more accessible, informed, and culturally sensitive. They also explain how their platform connects people with Black and Brown providers in the perinatal period and the importance of community-nominated Council of Elders in guiding their work. If you're passionate about empowering Black birth and improving maternal care, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation with Emilie and Guramrit.   Content note: Issues related to racism in healthcare and challenges in the maternity care system. Resources: Get the free 1-page handout about EBB "Best Evidence" episodes here!  Learn about Ashé Birthing Services here. For more information and resources, visit The Bridge Directory. Learn about the Irth App here: https://irthapp.com/ Follow Ashé Birthing Services on Instagram EBB Podcast Episodes Referenced in this Episode: EBB 161 and EBB 220 with Kimberly Seals Allers of the Irth App EBB 260 with Ms. Divine Bailey-Nicholas about Plant Medicine EBB 261: Mini Q&A on Group B Strep EBB 10 about the ARRIVE trial EBB Signature Articles: Signature Article on Eye Ointment (ebbirth.com/eyeointment), Signature Article on Circumcision (ebbirth.com/circumcision) Signature Article on Group B Strep (ebbirth.com/groupbstrep) Signature Article on Vitamin K (ebbirth.com/vitamink) EBB handout on the ARRIVE trial: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/arrive Get a FREE handout for each topic at the links above to help your informed decision making! Want more support from Evidence Based Birth®?  Sign up for our newsletter here Join our Professional Membership here Apply to become an EBB Instructor here Make sure to follow us on social: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ebbirth YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@EvidenceBasedBirth Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/

In this episode, I'm welcoming Eri Guajardo Johnson, the founder of Birth Bruja, a platform dedicated to decolonial approaches to healing and reproductive care. Eri, a queer, biracial, Latinx birth worker, specializes in supporting survivors of sexual violence and marginalized populations. We discuss the importance of centering Black and Indigenous wisdom, breaking down oppressive systems, and creating alternatives in the realm of birth work. Eri also shares insights on self-compassion and the practice of intimacy in their work. Join us for an enlightening conversation on how to navigate decolonial approaches to birth and healing.   Content Warning: supporting survivors of sexual assault, the impact of colonialism and racism in the context of reproductive care and healing.   Resources:   Follow Eri's work: Learn more here: https://www.birthbruja.com/ Listen to the Birth Bruja Podcast here  Join the Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence here Learn more about the BIPOC Mentorship here Follow them on Instagram Make sure to sign up for the email list on the Birth Bruja website!    For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com.   Follow us on:  TikTok Instagram Pinterest Want to get involved at EBB?  Check out our Professional Membership (including scholarship options) here  Find an EBB Instructor here  Click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class    

In this episode, I’m joined by Liesel Teen, a seasoned L&D nurse and childbirth educator and the creator of Mommy Labor Nurse, where she reveals the common myths surrounding pregnancy and birth.   Learn about the shocking misconceptions, such as babies running out of room, the impact of baby size on vaginal delivery, the importance of partner education, and the need for postpartum care. She also delves into the unexpected, and rare, scenario of giving birth in the car, and shares essential tips for partners and mothers on how to keep the baby safe and warm during this intense moment. Liesel's valuable insights will empower expectant parents to approach their childbirth journey with knowledge and confidence. Discover the truth behind these myths and how to prepare for a positive birth experience.   Content Warnings: emergency car births, risk of stillbirth, gendered language     Resources: Follow Liesel’s work: website, podcast, IG, Facebook, TikTok Learn more about Push Pregnancy on their website Check out some Mommy Labor Nurse podcast episodes: Episode 197 - Pharmaceutical Pain Options for Labor (other than an epidural!) Episode 199 - The Evidence on Natural Labor Induction with Dr. Rebecca Dekker Listen to an EBB Episode: EBB 243 - The Importance of Kick Counting for Preventing Stillbirth with Stephaney Moody, Health Equity Ambassador of Count the Kicks   For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com.   Follow us on:  TikTok Instagram Pinterest Want to get involved at EBB?  Check out our Professional Membership (including scholarship options) here  Find an EBB Instructor here  Click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class