Evidence Based Birth®

Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN
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!

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    EBB 335 - Evidence on Newborn Baths and Screening for Low Blood Sugars

    We're celebrating the upcoming release of the brand new Pocket Guide to Newborn Procedures! Join us as Dr. Dekker explores essential aspects of newborn care: the evidence on 1) pain management during newborn procedures, 2) baby's first bath, and 3) whether and how newborns should receive screening for low blood sugar. In this episode, you'll learn about newborn comfort techniques like skin-to-skin care, massage, "tucking in," and the use of pacifiers. You'll also walk away with a new appreciation for the evidence on delaying the first newborn bath to 24 hours, and the causes and management of newborn low blood sugars (also known as neonatal hypoglycemia).   (00:05:58) Parental Involvement in Newborn Comfort Care (00:08:34) Pain Relief Techniques for Newborn Procedures (00:12:01) Enhancing Newborn Comfort and Pain Management (00:20:22) Newborn Immersion Tub Bathing Advantages (00:31:45) Factors Contributing to Neonatal Hypoglycemia (00:39:31) Managing Newborn Hypoglycemia with Blood Sugar Testing (00:42:49) Enhancing Newborn Comfort and Pain Relief   Join the waitlist for the Newborn Procedures Pocket Guide here. Learn more about ingredients in infant cleansers here.   Click here for the full list of references.   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.

    45 min
  2. 30 OCT

    EBB 334 - Evidence on the ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks

    Join Dr. Rebecca Dekker and EBB Research Fellow Morgan Richardson Cayama as we explore the ARRIVE Trial and its impact on elective induction at 39 weeks. Together, we'll break down what elective induction involves, examine the trial's findings and critiques, and discuss the latest evidence on this increasingly common practice. Elective inductions have surged since the Trial's release. In this podcast episode, we'll talk about the latest post-ARRIVE research, and the benefits, risks, and professional guidelines on elective induction at 39 weeks. Additionally, we'll focus on the crucial role of respectful maternity care when making decisions about induction.   This podcast episode is a companion to the Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article on "Evidence on: The ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks." You can access all of the resources, scientific references, and a free 2-page handout at ebbirth.com/arrive. If you prefer to learn via video, check the EBB YouTube channel for the video version of this episode.   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.

    54 min
  3. 23 OCT

    EBB 333 - Treatment for Uterine Fibroids and its Impact on Fertility, Pregnancy, and Birth with Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, OB/GYN and Advocate for Health Equity

    In this episode, we're talking about uterine fibroids and their impact on pregnancy and birth with Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, a board-certified OB/GYN and nationally recognized expert in fibroid treatment. Dr. Gillispie-Bell shares her wealth of knowledge on this critical, yet often overlooked, topic—explaining everything from what fibroids are to the various treatment options available. We cover how fibroids affect reproductive health, debunk myths about Cesarean versus vaginal birth, and discuss the racial disparities in fibroid care that Black women face. Dr. Gillispie-Bell also opens up about her personal connection to this field, tracing her passion for fibroid treatment back to her own mother’s journey. Content Note: This episode contains discussions of maternal mortality and pregnancy-related death. Please take care while listening.   02:30 Understanding Uterine Fibroids and Their Prevalence 04:22 Symptoms and Health Consequences of Uterine Fibroids 08:05 Dr. Gillispie-Bell's Interest in Fibroids and Racial Disparities 16:13 Minimally Invasive Procedures for Fibroids 19:12 Hysterectomy as a Treatment Option 21:55 Considerations for Fibroid Treatment in Relation to Fertility 24:19 Safety and Impact on Fertility of Certain Fibroid Treatments 26:11 Primary Surgical Procedure: Myomectomy 28:19 Hysteroscopic Fibroid Removal   Resources Follow Dr. Gillispie-Bell on Instagram here. Help prevent maternal mortality with the CDC – Hear Her Campaign. Learn more about fibroid advocacy by visiting the White Dress Project and the Fibroid Foundation. Follow the work of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative.   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.

    53 min
  4. 16 OCT

    EBB 332 - Advocating for Yourself during Prenatal Visits with Retired Obstetrician Dr. Leslie Farrington, Co-Founder of the Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood

    Dr. Leslie Farrington, an African-American retired OB/GYN, birth justice advocate, and co-founder of the Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood, shares how her early experience with midwifery inspired her passion for patient-centered care. As a physician who later recognized the harmful effects of “physician supremacy” in the medical system, she details her transformation into an advocate for liberation and anti-racism in healthcare. She discusses how systemic issues impact Black maternal health and introduces the ACTT (Ask, Claim, Trust, Tell) framework, a powerful toolkit designed to empower birthing families to advocate for themselves during prenatal care. Dr. Farrington also offers practical strategies for building confidence, addressing power imbalances in medical settings, and ensuring patients are heard and respected. (00:00) Empowering Pregnant Individuals in Prenatal Care (14:13) Advocating for Black Maternal Health Equity (17:55) Empowering Patients in Prenatal Healthcare Settings (26:23) Fostering Collaborative Relationships for Patient-Centered Care (32:50) Enhancing OB/GYN Care for African American Parents (42:00) Advocacy Training for Black Maternal Health Learn more about the Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood here. Download the Irth App 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.

    48 min
  5. 9 OCT

    EBB 331 - How Chiropractic Care Can Help with the Aches and Pains of Pregnancy with Dr. Lisa Vawter

    Chiropractor Dr. Lisa Vawter is all about women's health, especially when it comes to prenatal and postpartum care. With certifications in the Webster technique, Spinning Babies®, and BirthFit™, she's got all the tools to support expectant and new moms in a holistic way. Dr. Vawter is a firm believer in the power of chiropractic care to ease pregnancy symptoms like low back pain and sciatica, focusing on things like posture, muscle engagement, and body balance. Inspired by her own pregnancy journey, Dr. Vawter provides personalized and compassionate care to make sure birthing people have a safe and comfortable journey into parenthood. Listen as we talk about: Dr. Lisa Vawter's journey of being pregnant while in chiropractic school An overview of the anatomy of the spine, hips, and pelvis The kinds of normal bodily changes that happen in pregnancy How body mechanics and everyday movements can impact comfort in pregnancy Simple, bite-size exercises to help with re-alignment of your neck and pelvis Types of chiropractic adjustments used in pregnancy, including the Webster technique Information on the safety of chiropractic care in pregnancy Visit Dr. Vawter's website here, or follow her on Instagram here. Learn more about Spinning Babies® and BirthFit™. 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.

    1h 1m
  6. 2 OCT

    EBB 330 - An Unmedicated Hospital Birth Story Using Self-Hypnosis with Dr. Emily and Doug Guilfoy, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates

    In this episode, we're joined by EBB Childbirth Class graduates Dr. Emily Guilfoy and her husband, Doug, as they share their unmedicated birth story. Dr. Emily, a chiropractor, walks us through her preparation for birth using self-hypnosis and the mental and physical strategies she employed for a calm, empowering labor. Together, they discuss their experience in the EBB Childbirth Class, working with their doula, and how they created a serene birthing environment in a hospital setting. Dr. Guilfoy also tells us how her personal history of having a hip replacement surgery impacted her pregnancy and birth options. From managing labor to navigating hospital policies, tune in to hear about how they achieved the birth experience they envisioned. Resources: Learn more about Hypnobabies here. EBB 322 – Harnessing the Power of the Mind to Enhance Joy and Comfort in Childbirth with Kerry Tuschhoff, Founder of Hypnobabies   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.

    43 min
  7. 25 SEPT

    EBB 329 - Q & A about Blood Types, Rh Incompatibility in Pregnancy, and the Rhogam Shot

    In this episode, we're exploring the fascinating science of blood types and blood incompatibility in pregnancy. You’ll learn about the basics of blood types, how they are inherited, and why knowing your blood type is crucial—especially during pregnancy. Rebecca and Sara also discuss the implications of Rh incompatibility, ABO incompatibility, and other rare blood types on maternal and fetal health. (17:15) Rhogam Injection: Preventing Rh Incompatibility Complications (18:23) Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn: RH Incompatibility (20:24) Rh Sensitization: Newborn Hemolytic Complications (21:33) Rh Incompatibility Risk in Pregnancy Testing (22:45) Global Shortages Impacting Postpartum Rhogam Access (25:15) ABO Incompatibility Impact in Pregnancy (35:44) Critical Need for Anti D Immunoglobulin Access (35:44) RhoGAM: Preventing Newborn Disease through Donations   For the full list of references and resources, visit the EBB website 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.

    52 min
  8. 18 SEPT

    EBB 328 - Importance of Bilingual Doula Care with Neysha Reyes Cruz of Olas de Amor

    Neysha Reyes Cruz’s journey to becoming a birth doula was sparked by witnessing the inadequate support and resources during a friend’s hospital birth in Puerto Rico. Her personal experiences and those of her family have further fueled her commitment and passion for advocating on behalf of women, particularly within Hispanic and Latinx communities. Neysha recognizes the significant need for more bilingual doulas to ensure culturally competent care and clear communication for non-English speaking patients. In response, she is actively working to train and certify young Latina women as bilingual doulas in Kansas City, aiming to address this critical gap and improve maternal health outcomes. Learn more about Olas de Amor here, or follow them on Instagram here! Find resources from Nuture KC here. Get support from Parto En Casa here. Get support from Esperanza Birth here. Get the EBB pocket guide in Spanish here! To view this episode's transcript in English or Español, click 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.

    57 min

About

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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