Evidence Based Birth®

  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) Pre

In this mini Q&A, Dr. Rebecca Dekker digs into the evidence on three important questions submitted by EBB Pro Members. Tune in as we explore: The evidence on peanut balls during early and active labor—do they really shorten labor and increase vaginal birth rates? Whether induction at 39 weeks is necessary for IVF pregnancies—what does the research actually say? Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)—what is it, what causes it, and how can parents cope?   (02:30) How to Join the EBB Pro Membership & Submit Questions (04:15) (Q1) Peanut Balls in Labor – What does the research say about their use in early labor vs. active labor? (06:50) Key studies on peanut ball use—impact on labor duration, mode of birth, and satisfaction (13:30) (Q2) Induction at 39 Weeks for IVF Pregnancies (16:40) SMFM recommendations, lack of randomized trials, and shared decision-making in IVF pregnancies (20:00) (Q3) Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) (22:45) Hormonal theories behind D-MER, coping strategi

Dr. Shilpa Babbar, a double board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist and OB/GYN, joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to discuss the role of integrative obstetrics in pregnancy and birth. Dr. Babbar shares her journey into maternal-fetal medicine, how she became interested in yoga and breathing techniques, and the growing body of research on prenatal yoga. They discuss how breathwork can support pregnant individuals, the physiological effects of deep breathing, and how birth workers can incorporate these techniques into prenatal care. Dr. Babbar also shares her experience using alternate nostril breathing to manage blood pressure during pregnancy and her vision for making integrative therapies a standard part of obstetric care.   (01:41) Dr. Babbar’s Journey into Maternal-Fetal Medicine (04:16) How Yoga and Prenatal Yoga Research Began (09:37) Studying the Effects of Prenatal Yoga on Pregnancy (12:46) Yoga’s Impact on Labor Duration (14:33) The Role of Breathwork in Pregnancy (17:48) How Dr. Babbar Used

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 & T

EBB Childbirth Class graduate Krista DeYoung joins us from her hospital room to share her journey through a high-risk pregnancy, an extended antepartum hospital stay for partial placental abruption, and preparing for a scheduled Cesarean at 37 weeks. Krista opens up about the challenges of long-term hospitalization, advocating for herself in a complex medical system, and the emotional toll of being away from her family. Dr. Rebecca Dekker walks Krista through creating a Cesarean birth plan, covering topics like delayed cord clamping, optimizing the operating room experience, and postpartum recovery expectations and strategies.   (00:03:01) High-Risk Pregnancy & Partial Placental Abruption Diagnosis (00:07:35) Managing an Antepartum Hospital Stay: Challenges & Coping Strategies (00:12:09) Navigating Medical Information & Self-Advocacy in the Hospital (00:26:53) Mental Health Strategies & Staying Positive in a Prolonged Hospital Stay (00:31:36) Preparing for a Cesarean Birth: Creating a B

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker is joined by Trish Ware, Registered Nurse, childbirth educator, and host of The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama. With 16 years of labor and delivery nursing experience, Trish shares her journey from feeling disempowered during her first birth to becoming an advocate for changing the birth culture one birth at a time. Tune in as Trish and Rebecca discuss how to effectively advocate for yourself during labor, overcome fears of being "that patient," and navigate common labor scenarios like refusing unnecessary interventions. Learn tips for building a strong birth team, empowering your partner to advocate for you, and ensuring your voice is heard in the delivery room.   (01:31) Trish’s Journey to Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse (05:42) Early Birth Experiences and the Importance of Advocacy (10:59) The Power of Human Dignity During C-Sections (13:38) Why Parents Struggle to Advocate for Themselves (17:07) Changing the Power Dynamic in the Labor Room (20:43) Th

Jen McLellan, founder of Plus Size Birth and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast, is joining Dr. Dekker to explore how birth workers can provide compassionate, size-inclusive care for people in larger bodies. Jen shares her journey to founding Plus Size Birth, the impact of size bias in healthcare, and practical advice for both expectant parents and birth professionals. Together, they discuss how to challenge assumptions about plus-size pregnancies, the importance of self-advocacy, and how to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all bodies during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.   (01:41) Jen’s Journey to Founding Plus Size Birth (03:42) Misconceptions About Plus-Size Pregnancy (07:35) The Effects of Weight Bias in Healthcare (10:09) Navigating Healthcare as a Plus-Size Person (14:36) Tips for Birth Workers to Provide Size-Inclusive Care (17:46) The Power of Language in Size-Inclusive Care (24:06) The Impact of Healthcare Bias on Other Areas (28:50) The Challenge of Anesthesia for Plus-Size

In this very important episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker is taking a look at the updated evidence on Vitamin K for newborns. Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a rare but serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications in infants. Dr. Dekker breaks down what Vitamin K is, why newborns are at risk for VKDB, and the different supplementation options available—including the Vitamin K shot and oral drops. This episode also tackles myths and misinformation surrounding Vitamin K, including concerns about safety, the so-called “gentle birth” exemption, and the controversial "black box warning." Armed with new research, we explore the effectiveness of various oral Vitamin K regimens, and go over the global recommendations for Vitamin K supplementation.   (00:04:01) The Essential Role of Vitamin K for Blood Clotting (00:08:10) Significance of Vitamin K in Newborns' Health (00:14:31) Preventing VKDB: Vitamin K Shot vs Drops (00:16:14) Vitamin K Shot vs. Oral Drops Debate (00:20:00) Effectiveness

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and investigative journalist Sarah Kliff of The New York Times explore the intricate world of cord blood banking. Sarah shares insights from her article, "Promised Cures, Tainted Cells," which explored cord blood banking practices, their marketing claims, and the stark contrast between public and private banking systems.   Together, they discuss: The differences between public and private cord blood banks Marketing tactics and their impact on parents The decline in the medical utility of cord blood over the last decade Ethical concerns, such as contamination, low stem cell counts, and hidden collection fees Sarah also shares the stories of families who invested in private banking, only to find their samples unusable when needed. This episode sheds light on the decisions surrounding cord blood banking and provides a look at the system's pitfalls.   Join us at the EBB Conference (virtually) this March by registering here! You can also see if the EBB Pocket

Porsche Holland-Otunba, CEO of Reclaim Black Motherhood, joins Dr. Dekker to share her personal journey from trauma to advocacy in the birthing world. Porsche opens up about her own traumatic birth experience, which ignited her passion for fighting for better care for Black families. She discusses how a lack of informed choice, systemic biases, and inadequate lactation support affected her pregnancy and birth, leading her to become a passionate birth worker, doula, and lactation consultant. Porsche emphasizes the need for trauma-informed, culturally competent care, particularly for Black families, and offers invaluable advice for healthcare workers and birth professionals on how to center the needs of families through active listening and compassionate support.   Register for the EBB Conference here!    (02:29) Porsche’s Birth Story and the Impact on Her Approach to Trauma-Informed Care (05:34) A Call to Action: Rising Up After a Traumatic Birth (07:19) The Systemic Failures and Lack of Representation

In today’s episode, we’re revisiting an inspiring birth story featuring Emily Chandler and Taylor Washburn, graduates of the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class. They share their journey of navigating an informed and empowered hospital birth experience, along with the challenges they faced during an extended hospital stay for their newborn’s jaundice diagnosis.   Emily, a marine scientist, and Taylor, a teacher and rowing coach in the Boston area, enjoy an active lifestyle filled with hiking, biking, and rowing. While preparing for parenthood, Emily immersed herself in learning about pregnancy, birth, and the state of maternity care in the U.S. This journey led them to take the EBB Childbirth Class with instructor Chanté Perryman, where they gained valuable knowledge and advocacy skills.   Emily and Taylor share how the EBB Childbirth Class empowered them to make informed decisions about their birth plan—including Taylor’s memorable experience of “catching” their baby. They also highlight the importan

Dr. Rebecca Dekker welcomes Dr. Kat Kaeni, a perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook, and host of the Mom & Mind podcast. Dr. Kat shares her personal journey with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD, and how it shaped her commitment to supporting parents during the perinatal period. They explore the spectrum of perinatal mental health conditions, from baby blues to postpartum psychosis, and discuss the stigma, barriers to care, and strategies for managing symptoms. Dr. Kat explains the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and the importance of accessing resources like Postpartum Support International.   Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of perinatal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Sensitive topics such as intrusive thoughts, stigma, feelings of guilt and shame, and the potential for harm to self or others are addressed. Listener discretion is advised, and we enc

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Morgan Richardson Cayama, EBB Research Fellow and doctoral candidate in public health, are sharing the top 10 evidence-based strategies for reducing your risk of a Cesarean birth. Drawing from the latest research, including insights from the ARRIVE trial and EBB’s Signature Articles, Rebecca and Morgan discuss actionable methods such as choosing a provider and birth setting with low Cesarean rates, receiving midwifery-led care, using labor support like a doula, staying mobile during labor, and avoiding non-medically indicated interventions. They also talk about the impact of tools like peanut balls, the role of intermittent fetal monitoring, and options for breech pregnancies.   (04:38) Provider Attitude Impact on Cesarean Rates (08:34) Cesarean Risk Reduction Through Midwifery Care (11:03) Lower-Risk Birth Settings for Cesarean Prevention (19:34) Reduced Cesarean Risk with 39-Week Induction (22:21) Optimal Timing for Hospital Admission in Labor (27:53) Upright

In this episode, learn how Dr. Kimarie Bugg’s lifelong dedication to lactation and health equity is transforming lives nationwide. Dr. Bugg is President of Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE) and the first African American International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Dr. Bugg shares her journey into the field of lactation, sparked by personal challenges breastfeeding her first set of twins in the late 1970s. She recounts the evolution of breastfeeding support, her groundbreaking work at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, and the founding of ROSE, a nonprofit addressing breastfeeding inequities in the African American community. Dr. Bugg discusses the systemic barriers to breastfeeding, including workplace challenges, access to lactation support, and the lack of consistent education for healthcare providers. She emphasizes the importance of policy change, workforce development, and healing generational trauma through initiatives like ROSE’s "Breast Friend" and the Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere (R

Happy New Year to all our listeners! Join us in listening to a mini story about how our team got together last fall... and be the first to learn about a major event we're planning for you in 2025! To get on the waitlist for the upcoming event, visit ebbirth.com/waitlist

Happy New Year! Join Dr. Rebecca Dekker and EBB research fellows Morgan Richardson Cayama and Sara Ailshire as they celebrate the evidence from 2024. From updating key research on waterbirth, doulas, and elective inductions to launching new handouts, webinars, and pocket guides, it was a busy and rewarding year for Team EBB. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s ahead in 2025, including an updated virtual conference, fresh podcast episodes, and exciting new research. Let’s celebrate the wins, reflect on the research, and dream big for what’s next!   (00:04:06) Benefits of Water Birth in Hospitals (00:05:13) Positive Outcomes of Water Birth Research (00:10:58) Water Birth Safety: Preventing Infections and Complications (00:14:16) Water Birth Cord Avulsion Risk Factors (00:23:23) Cultural Relevance in Doula Support Services (00:25:23) Integral Role of Doulas in Childbirth (00:30:40) Elective Inductions at 39 Weeks Impact (00:44:11) Vitamin K Update: Black Box Warning Insights (00:52:20) "Top 10 Evi

Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with EBB Childbirth Class graduates Kat Sullivan and Ben Winston about their journey through pregnancy and birth. Kat shares her deeply personal experience of living with emetophobia—the fear of vomiting—and how it impacted her pregnancy and decision to pursue a home birth. From navigating intrusive thoughts and panic attacks to finding a supportive care team and discovering the power of SSRIs, Kat and Ben open up about their challenges and triumphs. Hear how they prepared for labor, the role of their midwives, and how the EBB Childbirth Class helped them feel informed and empowered. Whether you're curious about home births, mental health in pregnancy, or simply love heartfelt birth stories, this episode is a must-listen! Content Note: The first half of the interview will discuss distressing symptoms related to emetophobia, panic attacks, and OCD, as well as considering pregnancy termination due to emetophobia. (00:01:24) Joyful Home Birth Experience despite Challenges (00:04:56) Empo

Dr. Rebecca Dekker and EBB Research Fellow Morgan Richardson Cayama tackle your questions about the ARRIVE trial and elective inductions at 39 weeks. They explore the evidence behind this controversial study, discuss the implications for Cesarean rates, and unpack the concept of patient autonomy in maternity care. Plus, they share practical tips for managing pressure to induce and delve into how the ARRIVE trial impacts outcomes like breastfeeding, epidurals, and costs. Tune in to hear this Q&A session originally broadcast to listeners worldwide.   Episode 334: The ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks (03:38) How often are we seeing pressure from obstetricians to induce? (07:20) How can you manage pressure from an obstetrician to get an induction at 39 weeks? (12:00) What are the geographic trends in induction rates? (15:30) What are the statistics on infant death and mortality? (19:56) What happens if a midwife or obstetrician refuses a 39-week elective induction requested b

Dr. Jessica Brumley, a Certified Nurse Midwife and President of the American College of Nurse Midwives, joins Dr. Dekker to explore the transformative impact of respectful maternity care. Dr. Brumley reflects on her journey to midwifery, inspired by a lifelong commitment to equitable and compassionate healthcare. Together, they discuss the importance of supporting normal physiology in birth, the guiding principles of the midwifery model, and the need for systemic change to foster respectful care in hospitals. Dr. Brumley also shares insights from her work with the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, including initiatives to reduce unnecessary interventions and amplify patient voices. Tune in to learn how respectful care can improve outcomes, build trust, and why a “midwife for every community” could change the landscape of maternal health in the United States. (00:07:30) Equitable and Respectful Maternity Care Advocacy (00:28:57) Promoting Respectful Maternity Care in Workplaces (00:30:28) Creating a

In this episode, I’m joined by Camden Crane Wachowiak—a health coach, EBB Childbirth Class graduate, and new mom—who shares her high-risk pregnancy and birth journey. Camden walks us through her induction experience after her water broke at term and her decision to labor with non-pharmacological comfort measures. We also talk about Camden's approach to navigating unique health considerations during pregnancy, including antiphospholipid syndrome and a cardiac pacemaker. She reflects on the empowering choices she made with her partner, such as hiring a supportive doula, and the role of the EBB Childbirth Class in helping them feel informed and confident. Discover how Camden built a team of providers who respected her strength, addressed her concerns without excessive intervention, and supported her in achieving a safe and positive birth experience. (05:45) Experienced Doula Enhancing Birthing Experiences (09:52) Personalized Obstetric Care Based on Medical History (17:50) Natural Methods for Inducing Labor C