Free Daily Podcast Summary
Evidence Based Birth: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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!
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago34 min
EBB 411 - Advocating for a Family Centered Cesarean with Holly and Nathan Miller, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates
When Holly and Nathan Miller learned their baby was breech late in pregnancy, the unmedicated vaginal birth they had been preparing for suddenly felt out of reach. Living in rural South Georgia, they explored their options, including finding a provider experienced in vaginal breech birth, but ultimately faced limited choices close to home. In this episode, EBB Childbirth Class graduates Holly and Nathan share how they shifted their focus from the birth they had originally envisioned to creating a family-centered Cesarean experience. They talk about advocating for a clear drape and immediate skin-to-skin, navigating conflicting information from providers, and finding ways to remain active participants in their baby's birth. They also reflect on Cesarean recovery, the importance of partner support, and what they learned about speaking up for their preferences even when circumstances were outside their control. Finding Evidence Based Birth® and Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth When Birth Plans Began to Change Navigating Birth Options in Rural South Georgia Exploring ECV, Vaginal Breech Birth, and Cesarean Shifting Toward a Family-Centered Cesarean Advocating for a Clear Drape and Immediate Skin-to-Skin Holly and Nathan's Cesarean Birth Story What a Cesarean Felt Like Physically and Emotionally Meeting Eliana and Beginning Skin-to-Skin Breastfeeding and Recovering from a Cesarean Partner Support During Postpartum Recovery Advice for Navigating Breech Birth and Unexpected Changes Looking Ahead to a Future VBAC Resources EBB 256 – Top 3 Recommendations for Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after Birth with Dr. Sarah Duvall, Founder of Core Exercise Solutions All About Breach EBB 299 – A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma Kleisner, RN, MSN and Mohamed Koraichi EBB 298 – Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist EBB 297 – Frequently Asked Questions about Breech with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB 296 – Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB 173 - Evidence on External Cephalic Version for Breech Positioned Babies <li class="ql-rendered-bullet-list" data-test= "rendered-list-item-bullet"
- 1 weeks ago1h 7m
EBB 410 - Evidence and Controversy Surrounding Freebirth
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire examine the available evidence on planned unassisted birth, also known as freebirth, defined as intentionally giving birth without a qualified midwife or physician present. They explore why some people choose a planned unassisted birth, including previous trauma, distrust of the medical system, barriers to preferred care, and a desire for greater autonomy. Dr. Dekker and Dr. Ailshire also explain how freebirth differs from midwife-attended home birth, what research shows about planned community birth, and the safeguards a trained birth attendant can provide during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the newborn period. Finally, they discuss investigative reporting concerning the Free Birth Society, including allegations of misinformation and preventable harm associated with its community. Content Note: This episode includes discussions of stillbirth, maternal death, newborn death, birth trauma, and serious complications related to planned unassisted birth. What Is Freebirth? Prenatal Care, Wild Pregnancy, and Freebirth How Common Is Freebirth? The History and Origins of Freebirth Why Do Some People Choose Freebirth? What Do We Know About the Risks of Freebirth? The Role of Skilled Midwives in Home Birth Safety Free Birth Society Controversy Lessons from the Free Birth Society Warning Signs of Controlling Group Dynamics and Influencer Manipulation Final Takeaways on Freebirth, Safety, and Informed Decision-Making View the full transcript for this episode at evidencebasedbirth.com. ResourcesEBB 23 – Home Birth Midwives EBB 110 – Inside an Unplanned, Unassisted Home Birth with Parent Sabrina Tran EBB 122 – Home birth during the pandemic with Vicki Penwell EBB 292 – Confronting the Unknowns in Childbirth with Liesel Teen of the Mommy Labor Nurse EBB 130 – Home Birth in the Black Community with Isis Rose Count the Kicks: https://countthekicks.org/ PUSH Pregnancy: https://www.pushpregnancy.org/ Star Legacy Foundation: https://starlegacyfoundation.org/ Healthy Birth Day: https://healthybirthday.org/ CDC Stillbirth resources: <a class="ql-link" href= "https://www.cdc.gov/stillbirth/communication-reso
- 2 weeks ago45 min
EBB 409 - Business Advice for New Doulas with Katie Nyberg, Doula Trainer and Founder of The Iowa Baby Ladies
A passion for supporting families during brith is the foundation for a career as a doula. But once that foundation has been laid, it takes business skills, boundaries, and collaboration to be sustainable. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Katie Nyberg, founder of The Iowa Baby Ladies, about her journey from fifth-grade teacher to doula, trainer, and owner of one of Iowa's largest doula agencies. Katie shares the early lessons she learned about setting fees, communicating with clients, and navigating the unpredictable realities of on-call work. Katie also opens up about the exhaustion that once made her consider leaving birth work altogether, and the changes that helped her build a more sustainable career. She discusses how recognizing the root causes of burnout, diversifying income, creating intentional seasons of work and rest, and building supportive relationships with other doulas keep her going. Katie's journey from teacher to birth doula Early lessons in business, fees, and communication Setting healthy boundaries with clients Navigating childcare and the on-call doula lifestyle Preparing for long births and using backup support Recognizing and addressing doula burnout Saying no and making space for rest Growing The Iowa Baby Ladies Advice for new doulas getting started Overcoming imposter syndrome through education and experience Advice for building a lasting doula career Resources Learn more about the EBB Instructor Program: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-an-evidence-based-birth-instructor/ Find an EBB Instructor: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiowababylady/ Learn more about the Iowa Baby Ladies: https://theiowababylady.com/ Evidence on: Doulas EBB 364 – How to Prevent and Heal Birthworker Burnout with Doctoral Student Ihotu Ali and Grace Flannery, Certified Professional Midwife
- 3 weeks ago41 min
REPLAY: EBB 344 - Crash Course in Perinatal Mood Disorders and Treatment with Dr. Kat Kaeni, Perinatal Psychologist and Past Board Chair of Postpartum Support International
Perinatal mental health is often a misunderstood landscape shaped by stigma, cultural expectations, and invisible struggles that touch entire families. In this replay episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker sits down with Dr. Kat Kaeni, perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook, and host of the Mom & Mind podcast, to break the silence around postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, and psychosis. Drawing on her professional expertise and personal experience, Dr. Kat reveals why shame and isolation are so common, how symptoms really show up for new parents, and what makes perinatal mental health distinct from other forms of mental illness. They discuss the myths that keep parents suffering in silence, the real impact of mental health on babies and families, and how therapy and support groups, including free resources from Postpartum Support International, can empower families on the path to healing. 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 encourage anyone who may be affected by these topics to reach out for support through Postpartum Support International or a trusted healthcare provider. Unique Challenges in Perinatal Mental Health Caregivers' Mental Health and Bonding Challenges Parental Isolation Stemming from Anxiety and Depression Emergent Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms Overcoming Stigma in Perinatal Mental Health Thought and Behavior Change Therapy for Depression Perinatal Mental Health Challenges and Support Resoureces EBB 197 – Addressing Perinatal Mental Health for Communities of Color with the Co-Founders of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, Divya Kumar, Jabina Coleman, and Desirée Israel Postpartum Support International The Mom & Mind Podcast The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit w
- Aug 19, 202637 min
EBB 408 - "What They Didn't Tell Me about Birth and Parenthood" with Dr. Jessica Vernon, Board-Certified OB/GYN and Perinatal Coach
Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care should support the whole person, physically and mentally. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with board-certified OB/GYN and perinatal coach Dr. Jessica Vernon about how integrative medicine can create a more holistic and personalized approach to obstetric care. Dr. Vernon explains how integrative care combines traditional Western medicine with complementary approaches such as therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nutrition. She also shares how her own experience with postpartum anxiety and depression transformed the way she practices medicine and deepened her understanding of the physical, emotional, and identity-related transitions into parenthood. Plus, get practical guidance for changing providers, asking informed questions after a prior Cesarean, and navigating the overwhelming, and sometimes unreliable, health information found through social media and artificial intelligence. Dr. Vernon's journey into obstetrics and the influence of midwifery Understanding matrescence and the transition into parenthood What integrative medicine looks like in pregnancy and postpartum care Bringing perinatal mental health and integrative medicine into obstetric practice Gaps in traditional perinatal care and the need for individualized support Supporting parents after infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, or a difficult postpartum experience Why it is okay to change providers How infertility and pregnancy loss can shape a subsequent pregnancy Practicing evidence-based, person-centered care that protects patient autonomy Finding trustworthy pregnancy information online Balancing medical evidence with personal intuition and individual circumstances Resources Connect with Dr. Vernon and learn more about her 1:1 perinatal coaching: https://www.drjessicavernon.com/ Follow Dr. Vernon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jessicavernon/ Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood by Dr. Jessica Vernon: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/then-comes-baby-9781538195925/ Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood by Lucy Jones: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714054/matrescence-by-lucy-jones/ Free Postpartum Support International online support groups: https://postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/ PSI Perinatal Mental Health Provider Directory: https://postpartum.net/get-help/provider-directory/ 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 <a cla
- Aug 12, 202645 min
EBB 407 - Migraines and Insulin and Umbilical Vein Varix, Oh My! An Empowering Pregnancy and Hospital Birth Story with Heidi Gustad, Librarian and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate
After years of hearing traumatic birth stories and questioning whether parenthood was right for her, Heidi Gustad entered pregnancy determined to make informed decisions every step of the way. When she was diagnosed with insulin-managed gestational diabetes, debilitating migraines, and a rare umbilical cord abnormality called an umbilical vein varix, the birth center birth she had envisioned was suddenly no longer an option. In this episode, Heidi shares how evidence-based education, a supportive care team, and careful preparation helped her navigate unexpected changes with confidence. She and Dr. Dekker discuss what it was like to advocate for herself through multiple diagnoses, switch care providers late in pregnancy, and prepare for a hospital birth while still hoping for an unmedicated labor. Heidi also shares the surprising series of events that led to spontaneous labor before her scheduled induction, and how she welcomed her baby after a fast, nine-hour labor. Overcoming a lifelong fear of pregnancy and choosing parenthood Navigating migraines, gestational diabetes, and changing providers Risking out of birth center care and finding the right hospital Understanding a rare umbilical vein varix diagnosis Building confidence through education, advocacy, and a supportive birth team Preparing for birth with physical therapy, acupuncture, and evidence-based resources Spontaneous labor begins weeks before a scheduled induction Coping strategies for a fast, unmedicated labor Postpartum recovery and breastfeeding Heidi's advice on informed decision-making and birth preferences Using anxiety and pain-coping techniques during labor Resources Listen to EBB's Natural Induction Series on Acupuncture, Raspberry Red Leaf Tea, and Nipple Stimulation: evidencebasedbirth.com/category/series/natural-labor-induction-series/ EBB 304 – Q & A on PPD/Pitocin, Delayed Cord Clamping, Nubain, and Placental encapsulation: evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-304-q-and-a-on-ppd-pitocin-delayed-cord-clamping-nubain-and-placental-encapsulation/ Read the research on Umbilical Chord Varix Fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix: retrospective cohort study and systematic review and meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28876490/ Isolated fetal umbilical vein varix and the association with intrauterine fetal death and fetal growth restriction: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and nested retrospective cohort study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38502055/ The Development of the Umbilical Vein and Its Anatomical and Clinical Significance: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11954436/ Learn more about Spinning Babies®: spinningbabies.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
- Aug 5, 202648 min
EBB 406 - Critical Info Every Expecting Family Should Know about Cytomegalovirus (CMV) with Megan Nix, Author of Remedies for Sorrow
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading infectious cause of congenital disorders in the United States, but many pregnant families have never heard of it. In this episode, Dr. Dekker is joined by author Megan Nix who shares the personal story behind her memoir, "Remedies for Sorrow," and discusses how gaps in the system leave many families unaware of this common virus. Megan shares how her daughter Anna's congenital CMV diagnosis changed her family's life and launched her years-long investigation into why such a common condition remains largely absent from prenatal education. You'll learn what CMV is, how it spreads during pregnancy, evidence-informed prevention strategies, newborn screening and treatment, and why informed consent and narrative medicine matter for families navigating pregnancy and birth. Megan's journey into motherhood and how Anna's diagnosis led her to write the book What congenital CMV is and why so few families know about it Why CMV prevention isn't routinely discussed during pregnancy Megan's illness during pregnancy and the missed opportunities for diagnosis Antiviral treatment for newborns with congenital CMV Steps pregnant families can take to reduce CMV exposure Newborn screening for CMV and the current landscape of universal testing Hearing screening, progressive hearing loss, and why early diagnosis matters Parenting a child with developmental delays and what Anna has taught their family Finding her voice, self-advocacy, and overcoming the culture of silence Megan's final advice for pregnant families and where to learn more Resources Get your copy of "Remedies for Sorrow": penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704982/remedies-for-sorrow-by-megan-nix/ Learn more about the National CMV Foundation: nationalcmv.org/ EBB 185 – The History of Narrative Medicine and Childbirth with Tyler Jean Dukes 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,
- Jul 29, 202656 min
REPLAY: EBB 267 - Debunking Myths About Fundal Massage with Barbie Christianson, RN
Fundal massage, also known as uterine massage, is often performed as a routine procedure after birth, but research shows it does little to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and can be painful for many. On today's replay episode of the EBB Podcast, nurse, community educator, and advocate Barbie Christensen joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to talk about the myths surrounding this common postpartum procedure and how it connects to broader patterns of obstetric violence in maternity care. Barbie explains the difference between a fundal assessment, a routine massage, and the massage used to treat active postpartum hemorrhage, and walks through what the evidence actually shows about each approach. She also shares trauma-informed scripts that nurses and providers can use to explain what they are doing and obtain informed consent, even in urgent, fast moving situations. Learn how unit culture, staffing, and fear based practice patterns can affect whether an unnecessary intervention becomes the default standard of care, and how to speak up and advocate for respectful care. Barbie's path from special education to labor and delivery nurse Witnessing obstetric violence as a new nurse and learning the term Defining fundal assessment versus fundal massage When uterine massage is actually medically necessary Recap: fundal assessment, routine massage, and massage for active hemorrhage What the research says about routine fundal massage How forceful and painful routine massage can be without consent Misinformation about fundal massage on social media Scripts for advocating for yourself if massage is done without medical need How to assess and massage your own fundus after birth What your uterus should feel like in the days after birth A message to nurses who want to change their practice Trauma-informed scripts for when massage is medically necessary Unit culture and unaddressed trauma among nurses and providers Resources The Evidence on Pitocin During the Thrird Stage of Labor: ebbirth.com/thirdstage 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 a Pocket Guide, the My Doula Visit Workbook, 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 waitlist for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.
About Evidence Based Birth
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!
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