Evidence Based Birth‪®‬ Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN

Have you ever wondered what the evidence is on epidurals for pain management during labor? Join us on today’s podcast as we discuss most recent evidence on epidurals, spinals, and combined spinal-epidurals! We’ll begin with some background on these methods, including how common they are in the U.S. and around the world, before moving on to the effectiveness, benefits, and risks for use during labor. We’ll also talk about alternative methods of pain relief during labor, and share recommendations from professional healthcare organizations. [Bonus addition to the podcast at 20:00: We talk about the study on epidurals out of Scotland [Kearns et al. 2024] that is generating lots of news headlines!] Join us to learn more about pain relief options during labor!
 
Content Note: Topics related to epidural use, how they’re provided (including needles and catheters), and the benefits and risks of this intervention. Discussion of assisted vaginal delivery (forceps and vacuum deliveries), severe maternal complications, surgery, perineal tears, and postpartum depression.  
 
References:
To access all the scientific references that go along with this episode, visit our blog article here. Access the rest of our EBB Pain Management series go to this page and click on “Pain Management Series.” Check out the EBB Pocket Guide to Comfort Measures here. Find an EBB Childbirth Class near you here. For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! 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.

Brandie Bishop, CEO of the National Black Doulas Association (NBDA), joins us to explore the vital role of doulas in supporting pregnant individuals and families within Black and Brown communities. From her early experiences working with refugee families to her passion for advocating for marginalized populations, Brandie's unique journey into birth work led to her role today— continuing NBDA's mission of training the next generation of Black doulas. Through comprehensive trainings and mentorship programs, NBDA aims to empower doulas to make a meaningful impact in reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring equitable access to compassionate care for all birthing people. Join us as we celebrate the principles, values, and ancestral knowledge driving the NBDA's vision for the future of doula care.
Learn more about the National Black Doulas Association here.
Check out Your Tribe Family Services here.
For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! 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.

In this episode, Dr. Dekker's joined by Gena Jaffe, an LGBTQ+ activist, attorney, and founder of Connecting Rainbows©️. Gena shares her personal story of embarking on reciprocal IVF with her wife and the legal hurdles they faced as a lesbian couple. From navigating complex parental rights to accessing inclusive healthcare, Gena sheds light on the challenges faced by some LGBTQ+ individuals and families on their path to parenthood. 
Gena's experience led her to creating Connecting Rainbows©️, a groundbreaking organization offering free legal and fertility resources tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Tune in for an empowering conversation celebrating diversity, resilience, and the journey of building loving, inclusive families.

 
Resources:
Learn more about Connecting Rainbows©️ here!
Follow Connecting Rainbows©️ on Instagram.
Find support from Fertility Out Loud here.
Learn more about the Family Equality Council here.
EBB 227 – Amplifying the Need for Intersectional Birth Support for QTBIPOC Birthing People with Xian Brooks of the Dandy Doula
EBB 182 – Black-led Queer and Trans Birth Work with Mystique Hargrove, Kortney Lapeyrolerie, and Nadine Ashby
EBB 180 – Trauma-Informed Care and Consent with Feminist Midwife, Stephanie Tillman
EBB 179 – An Empowering and Transformative Home Birth Experience with Trish and Mimi Ang
EBB 160 – Introducing Mystique Hargrove: EBB Featured Instructor
 
For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! 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.

Learn about the world of babywearing, including its impact on infant development, digestion, and sleep with Whitney Dula, a maternal child health advocate and founder of The Mama's Dula. Whitney shares her personal journey into babywearing, the rich cultural history of babywearing, its role in community-based child-rearing practices, and practical tips for parents. From fostering a close bond between caregivers and babies to being an affordable alternative to expensive baby carriers, learn how this practice could benefit you and your child.
Learn more about Whitney and The Mama's Dula here.
Follow Whitney on Instragram, TikTok and Facebook.
Check out the baby wraps and carriers mentioned in this episode:
Moby Wrap®
Tula®
Ergobaby®
Boba®
For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! 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.

In this episode, EBB Childbirth Class graduates Melissa and Brendon Smyles' share their experiences preparing for an unmedicated birth while embracing flexibility in their birthing plan. From the unexpected premature rupture of membranes to the decision to use fentanyl for rest during labor, Melissa and Brendon tell their birth story, emphasizing the importance of informed choices and personalized support. Join us as they reflect on the transformative power of evidence-based education and the profound impact of tailored guidance and informed decision making in achieving a positive birth outcome.
 
Resources:
Get the Evidence on Injectable Opioids for Pain Management during Labor here.
And learn about it on YouTube, here!
Learn more about their doula, Alycia, here!
EBB 267 - Debunking the Myths about Fundal Massage with Barbie Christianson, RN
EBB 256 – Top 3 Recommendations for Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after Birth with Dr. Sarah Duvall, Founder of Core Exercise Solutions
Find an EBB Childbirth Class here.
Check out Melissa's pelvic floor therapist, The Pelvis Pro, here.
 
For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! 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.

Were you aware that beyond the standard epidural, there is an additional medication option for managing pain during childbirth? Today, Dr. Dekker discusses another common option, intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) opioids. Dr. Dekker explains the different types of injectable opioids available during labor, how they work, and the current evidence that you need to know to make an informed decision. Plus, learn about the benefits and risks of IV opioids for pain relief labor and an in-depth look at one opioid in particular: Remifentanil, which is commonly given through a “Patient-Controlled Analgesia” or PCA pump.
EBB Pocket Guide to Interventions (https://ebbirth.com/shop)
EBB Pocket Guide to Comfort Measures (https://ebbirth.com/shop)
More YouTube videos mentioning IV Opioids among other options:
Pain Management During Labor, Regional Anesthesia - Maternity Nursing
Anesthesia Options for Labor & Delivery
Prescribing Guidelines for Pregnant Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
Narcotics for Pain During Childbirth
For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! 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.
References:
To access all the scientific references that go along with this episode, visit our blog post here.