
Free Daily Podcast Summary
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!
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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. What is a big baby, and how common are they? Factors associated with having a big baby How suspected big babies are identified and managed during pregnancy Risks and complications of shoulder dystocia Brachial plexus injuries and the importance of provider training How the suspicion of a big baby can influence birth outcomes How accurate are ultrasounds and other fetal weight estimates? New research on early induction for suspected big babies Cochrane Review findings on induction and birth outcomes Evidence on planned Cesareans for suspected big babies 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.
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. Understanding the evidence and conversation around RSV prevention What is RSV? Vaccines, immunization, antibody injections, and RSV symptoms RSV in infancy: Risk factors, hospitalization, and seasonal patterns How to prevent RSV History of RSV vaccine development 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.
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.
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. Understanding Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Shiatsu Cervical Ripening and the Bishop Score Evidence and Safety of Acupuncture for Labor Induction Evidence on Acupressure for Labor Induction Shiatsu and Labor Induction Breast and Nipple Stimulation for Labor Induction Research on Breast Stimulation, Cervical Ripening, and Labor Breast Stimulation vs. Pitocin for VBAC Safety of Breast and Nipple Stimulation 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 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href= "https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/" target="_b
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. What migraines are and how common they are Migraines during pregnancy and postpartum When headaches may signal a more serious condition Preventing migraines during pregnancy Medication overuse and rebound headaches Migraine triggers and thresholds Non-medication strategies for migraine prevention Comfort measures for an active migraine 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
An induction may change your birth plan, but it doesn't mean giving up your preferences or your role in the decision-making process. In this episode, EBB's Director of Programs Chanté Perryman talks with team EBB's Jennifer Anderson about how families can prepare for and navigate an induction. A nurse, doula, and childbirth educator, Jennifer's sharing five of her favorite advocacy tips, including asking about outpatient cervical ripening, considering the timing of your induction, exploring monitoring options that support movement, using water for comfort, and understanding the criteria for a failed induction. The "Golden Ticket": Taking an Independent Childbirth Class Tip #1: Ask About Outpatient Cervical Ripening Tip #2: Consider the Timing of Your Induction Tip #3: Ask About Bluetooth Fetal Monitoring Tip #4: Using Water and Movement During an Induction Learning Your Hospital's Policies Before Birth Tip #5: Understanding Failed Induction Criteria Preparing When an Induction Is Unexpected Birth Story: Navigating a Surprise Gestational Hypertension Induction Resources Get the Evidence Based Birth® Induction Pocket Guide: https://shop.evidencebasedbirth.com/products/evidence-based-birth-pocket-guides Evidence on: The ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks Evidence on: Induction for Gestational Diabetes Evidence on: Group B Strep EBB 348 – Best Practices for Size-Inclusive Birth Care with Jen McLellan of Plus Size Birth Friedman's Curve and Failure to Progress: A Leading Cause of Unplanned Cesareans Get your California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) Toolkit: https://www.cmqcc.org/toolkits-quality-improvement/all-toolkits EBB 359 – Mini Q & A on Early Induction for Gestational Hypertension, Acupuncture/Acupressure for Labor, and Time Intervals between Pregnancies
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"
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
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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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