Evidence Based Birth®

Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN
  • 4.3 (1.1K)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

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. 13h ago

    Hear ye, Hear ye… announcing the 2nd edition of: [Listen to find out!]

    Join the waitlist at ebbirth.com/waitlist to get early access and special perks. Want to see inside? Watch the video version on our YouTube channel!

  2. 1d ago

    EBB 418 - Evidence on Natural Labor Induction: Castor Oil and Eating Dates

    Does castor oil or eating dates actually help labor begin? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on these two approaches, including their potential effects on cervical ripening, the onset of labor, and the need for medical induction or augmentation. She examines randomized trials, systematic reviews, and recent hospital studies while explaining what the evidence can—and cannot—tell us about benefits and safety. Dr. Dekker also discusses why castor oil may work differently for people who have given birth before, the limitations of safety data after a prior Cesarean, and research on consuming dates during late pregnancy and labor. Plus, what to discuss with your care provider when considering whether these approaches fit your individual circumstances.   (03:06) Understanding the Bishop score and cervical ripening (04:11) How castor oil might stimulate labor (06:41) Reviewing the research on castor oil for labor induction (09:26) Prior vaginal birth and findings from randomized trials (14:27) Hospital use of castor oil in Germany and recent observational research (21:41) Potential side effects and the importance of clinical guidance (23:26) Safety questions after a prior Cesarean or uterine surgery (25:27) A community midwife's experience and castor oil protocol (28:10) Rebecca's personal experience and how castor oil is prepared (29:52) The bottom line on castor oil evidence (31:06) Date fruit's traditional uses and nutritional properties (33:41) Limitations of date fruit research and considerations for people with diabetes (35:06) Meta-analysis findings on cervical readiness and labor length (39:10) Research quality concerns and a closer look at individual trials (41:49) Research on date syrup and labor pain (43:19) Trial findings on spontaneous labor and cervical dilation (44:38) Amounts and timing of date consumption studied in pregnancy (47:04) Final takeaways, evidence limitations, and discussing options with your care provider   For a full list of references, visit ebbirth.com/418.

  3. Nov 4

    EBB 417 - Similarities between Birth and Death Doula Work with Anne Kathryn Rice, Founder of the Global Doula Project

    Birth and death are two of life's most profound transitions, and both deserve compassionate, person-centered care. In honor of National Caregivers Month, doula and founder of the Global Doula Project Anne Kathryn Rice joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to explore the similarities between supporting families at the beginning and end of life. Drawing from their personal experiences with loss, they discuss the role of death doulas, how families can prepare for the dying process, and why emotional, physical, and informational support matters during life's biggest transitions. Anne Kathryn also shares how the Global Doula Project is working to make doula care more accessible to families around the world.   Content Note: This episode includes discussions of death, dying, grief, and the loss of loved ones, including personal experiences with difficult and traumatic end-of-life care. Please take care while listening.   (02:55) Anne Kathryn's journey into doula work (09:48) The spiritual and emotional similarities between birth and death (14:12) What is a death doula? (18:41) How death doulas provide practical, emotional, and informational support (23:25) Addressing fears and preparing for the dying process (26:24) The history of community support and the growing death doula profession (30:22) End-of-life wishes, medical interventions, and planning ahead (35:06) Creating a safe and supportive environment at the end of life (44:55) The importance of cultural, religious, and spiritual traditions at death (47:51) The similarities between grief and the transition into parenthood (50:19) The mission of the Global Doula Project   Resources Learn more about the Global Doula Project: https://www.globaldoulaproject.org/ Follow the Global Doula Project on Instagram:http://instagram.com/globaldoulaproject   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, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

  4. Oct 28

    EBB 416 - Evidence on Big Babies

    A suspected big baby isn't always a big baby, but the label alone can change a birth plan and how a birth is managed. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire explore the updated evidence on suspected big babies, including how accurately ultrasounds can predict birth weight and how the label of a "big baby" can influence birth outcomes. They break down the risks of shoulder dystocia and other birth complications, examine new research on early induction, and discuss the potential benefits and risks of planned Cesareans for big babies.   For the full Signature Article, free one-page handout, and a list of resources and references, visit evidencebasedbirth.com/bigbaby.   (08:04) What is a big baby, and how common are they? (13:22) Factors associated with having a big baby (16:54) How suspected big babies are identified and managed during pregnancy (21:20) Risks and complications of shoulder dystocia (28:20) Brachial plexus injuries and the importance of provider training (35:03) How the suspicion of a big baby can influence birth outcomes (37:27) How accurate are ultrasounds and other fetal weight estimates? (43:08) New research on early induction for suspected big babies (52:30) Cochrane Review findings on induction and birth outcomes (55:54) Evidence on planned Cesareans for suspected big babies (01:04:09) Key takeaways and evidence-based decision-making for big-baby pregnancies with and without GDM   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, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

  5. Oct 21

    EBB 415 - What is RSV? with the EBB Research Team

    Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is an extremely common respiratory virus, but it can sometimes lead to serious illness for newborns and infants. In this episode, we cover what parents and birth professionals know about RSV and the options available for prevention. Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire walk through the basics of RSV, including how it spreads, why some infants become seriously ill, and how RSV patterns change throughout the year. They also discuss the history of RSV vaccine development and explain how advances in research led to the prevention options available today for children, adults, and birthing people.   (03:04) Understanding the evidence and conversation around RSV prevention (05:03) What is RSV? Vaccines, immunization, antibody injections, and RSV symptoms (10:29) RSV in infancy: Risk factors, hospitalization, and seasonal patterns (14:12) How to prevent RSV (16:17) History of RSV vaccine development (20:54) RSV vaccine recommendations and prevention options for pregnancy and infancy   For a full list of resources and references, visit ebbirth.com/415.   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, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

  6. Oct 14

    REPLAY: EBB 217 - Disability Justice in Birth and Parenting with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu

    Ableism shapes birth, parenting, and even the ways our society values whose lives matter. In this replay episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks about disability justice in birth and parenting with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu, a Mad, Disabled, multidisciplinary care strategist/worker, educator, psychiatric survivor, healing practitioner, and founder and director of Project LETS. Together, they explore what disability justice is and how it connects to reproductive justice, from the history of forced sterilization to the ways disabled parents are penalized for both accessing and not accessing care. Stefanie also shares how ableism showed up in their own pregnancy, in both medical and alternative care settings, and why everyone who supports birth and parenting needs a basic understanding of disability and mental health. Content warning: We mention self-injury, disability, neuro-divergent, eugenics, reproductive trauma, ableism, epilepsy, seizures, trauma, sexual violence, medical violence, and history of sterilization.   Connect with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman Becoming Disabled Again for BAD Birth and Disability Course with Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings Crisis Response for Birthworkers Disability in the Family: A Course for Parents + Caregivers   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? 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.

  7. Oct 7

    EBB 414 - Evidence on Natural Labor Induction: Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Breast Stimulation

    Acupuncture, acupressure, and breast stimulation are popular natural labor induction methods, but what does the latest research tell us about how well they actually work?   In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker dives into the new research on whether these approaches can help ripen the cervix, encourage spontaneous labor, or reduce the need for a medical induction. She explores the evidence on acupuncture, acupressure, and the related practice of Shiatsu, including why studies have reached conflicting conclusions about their effectiveness. She also examines the research on breast and nipple stimulation, how it can trigger the release of oxytocin, and what studies suggest about its potential role in preparing for and starting labor.   For a full list of resources and references, visit ebbirth.com/414.   (02:07) Understanding Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Shiatsu (08:30) Cervical Ripening and the Bishop Score (10:26) Evidence and Safety of Acupuncture for Labor Induction (19:43) Evidence on Acupressure for Labor Induction (23:16) Shiatsu and Labor Induction (27:27) Breast and Nipple Stimulation for Labor Induction (28:51) Research on Breast Stimulation, Cervical Ripening, and Labor (32:54) Breast Stimulation vs. Pitocin for VBAC (35:57) Safety of Breast and Nipple Stimulation (37:42) Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Preterm Labor   Resources EBB 359 – Mini Q & A on Early Induction for Gestational Hypertension, Acupuncture/Acupressure for Labor, and Time Intervals between Pregnancies 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 EBB 408, what they didn't tell me about birth and parenthood with Dr. Jessica Vernon, Board-Certified OB/GYN and Perinatal Coach   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, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

  8. Sep 30

    EBB 413 - Evidence on Migraines and Pregnancy: Frequency, Prevention, and Comfort Measures

    Migraines during pregnancy can be debilitating, and figuring out how to prevent or manage them can be especially challenging. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on migraines during pregnancy, including why they happen, how pregnancy can affect migraine patterns, and why new or changing headaches should be taken seriously. Rebecca also discusses migraine triggers, medication overuse or "rebound" headaches, and strategies for prevention. Plus, drawing from both the research and her own lifelong experience with migraines, Rebecca shares non-pharmacological comfort measures for coping with migraine pain, from hydration and body work to temperature therapy, acupressure, mindfulness, and more. (04:29) What migraines are and how common they are (11:39) Migraines during pregnancy and postpartum (14:54) When headaches may signal a more serious condition (23:56) Preventing migraines during pregnancy (24:32) Medication overuse and rebound headaches (30:52) Migraine triggers and thresholds (34:22) Non-medication strategies for migraine prevention (46:05) Comfort measures for an active migraine (59:09) Final encouragement, support, and resources For a full list of references, visit ebbirth.com/413. Resources Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/ Call 988 for the Suicide Crisis and Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ Hear Her campaign with list of maternal warning signs: https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html American Headache Society: https://americanheadachesociety.org/ The Headache Hat: https://theheadachehat.com/ Acupressure points for headaches in pregnancy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNbXWKStr-4 Aculief acupressure device (NOT recommended for pregnancy unless you've reached term, as it may cause contractions): https://finance.yahoo.com/news/aculief-reviews-does-migraine-relief-045700296.html S-shaped massage hook: https://www.bodyback.com/products/body-back-buddy-classic-trigger-point-therapy-self-massage-tool-body-back-company Renpho eye massager: https://renpho.com/collections/eye-massager 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, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

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out of 5
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    453
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Evidence Based Birth®
  • Show Website
    Evidence Based Birth®

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