Evidence Based Birth®

In this episode, I am joined by Leiko Hidaka, an Evidence Based Birth Instructor from the Dominican Republic. Leiko holds a Master’s degree in Human Settlements and Environment. She earned her birth doula certification with DONA International, and her childbirth educator certification with the International Childbirth Education Association. She serves as International Coordinator for ICAN, and also leads the local ICAN chapter of the Dominican Republic, where she is a highly respected and passionate leader for women’s autonomy through evidence based care. Leiko became an EBB Instructor in 2018, and she teaches classes and workshops for parents and birth professionals in the Dominical Republic. She is also working to establish a free standing birth center there.  Leiko and I talk about what birth is like in the Dominican Republic, and the challenges all women face in finding the provider who is right for their unique needs. We also discuss a technique called motivational interviewing, and how to use that stra