Podcast · Kids & Family

Evidence Based Birth®

by Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN · English · Kids & Family

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 hu

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 46 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 43 min

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…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

30 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
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…
23 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
EBB 412 - Induction Tips for Families with High-Risk Doula Jennifer Anderson, RN
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…
16 Sep 2026 · 35 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…
9 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
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…
2 Sep 2026 · 45 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 birth 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…
26 Aug 2026 · 42 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…
19 Aug 2026 · 37 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…
12 Aug 2026 · 46 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…
5 Aug 2026 · 49 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…
29 Jul 2026 · 57 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 Christianson 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…
22 Jul 2026 · 55 min
EBB 405 - Navigating Unexpected Turns in Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum with Emily Cook, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate and Preeclampsia Survivor
Emily Cook hoped for a low-intervention birth. But after managing high blood pressure throughout her pregnancy, her plans changed when she was diagnosed with preeclampsia late in her third trimester. In this episode, Emily shares how the EBB Childbirth Class helped her prepare to navigate an unexpected induction, magnesium therapy, and an epidural while still advocating for the birth experience she wanted. She talks about asking questions, requesting a lower-dose epidural so she could remain mobile, advocating for wireless fetal monitoring and hands-and-knees pushing, and finding confidence…
15 Jul 2026 · 24 min
EBB 404 - Mini Q&A about Average Time Spent Pushing, Precipitous Labor, and Okra Water During the Third Trimester
How long does the pushing phase of labor typically last? Does precipitous labor run in families? And can drinking okra water actually make labor and birth easier? In this Q&A episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker tackles three questions submitted by EBB Pro Members. First, Dr. Dekker details the findings of a recently published study from France that found many birthing people spent less than 15 minutes actively pushing before birth. She explains the concept of delayed pushing and why these results may not be easily replicated in other birth settings. She also reviews the available evidence on…
8 Jul 2026 · 59 min
EBB 403 - Why Is My Hospital's Cesarean Rate So High (or Low)? with Dr. Emily White VanGompel, Family Medicine Physician and Research Scientist
Even when caring for similar patient populations, some hospitals have significantly higher Cesarean rates than others, and factors like teamwork, psychological safety, leadership, staffing, and beliefs about childbirth can affect outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with family physician and researcher Dr. Emily White VanGompel about how the culture of labor and delivery units can shape decision-making and influence the birth experience for families. Dr. White VanGompel explains the NTSV (nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex) Cesarean rate, why it is used as a quality measure,…
26 Jun 2026 · 2 min
Special Announcement: Join me in Summer School!
This summer, join Dr. Rebecca Dekker and the EBB Research Team for a four-part live series on "How to Read Research," starting June 30. Get access to the full Summer School Series by joining the Quarterly EBB Pro Membership at a special summer rate! Plus, enroll by June 28 and receive a free digital EBB Pocket Guide to Labor Induction! Learn more and save your seat in our virtual classroom: ebbirth.com/summer
24 Jun 2026 · 41 min
REPLAY: EBB 196 - Pelvic Biomechanics and Movement in Labor with Brittany Sharpe McCollum
The way we move during labor shapes far more than our comfort. It helps determine how a baby navigates through the pelvis, and whether a birth can unfold with fewer interventions! In this replay episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Brittany Sharpe McCollum, a childbirth educator, doula, lactation counselor, and pelvic biomechanics educator. Brittany explains how the bones of the pelvis move during labor, why that movement matters for fetal positioning, and how everyone can benefit from intentional position changes during labor-- whether you're planning an unmedicated birth or not! They…
17 Jun 2026 · 48 min
EBB 402 - Cultural Aspects of Lactation and Infant Feeding in India with Yogyata Wadhwa, IBCLC and Young Child Feeding Specialist
The ways we feed and care for babies are shaped not only by research, but also by family traditions, cultural values, and generations of shared wisdom. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Yogyata Wadhwa, an IBCLC, childbirth educator, birth doula, sleep consultant, and infant feeding specialist based in India. Drawing on her experience supporting more than 10,000 families, Yogyata shares how parents can honor cultural traditions while making informed decisions about breastfeeding, introducing solids, and navigating the postpartum period. They explore common breastfeeding…
10 Jun 2026 · 41 min
EBB 401 - Perinatal Mental Health for 2SLGBTQ+ Parents with Dr. Leiszle Lapping-Carr, Clinical Psychologist
Research shows that queer and trans parents face significantly higher rates of perinatal depression and anxiety, but affirming and community-centered support can make a big difference. In this episode, clinical psychologist and researcher Leiszle Lapping-Carr joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to talk about the unique mental health challenges 2SLGBTQ+ parents may experience during pregnancy and postpartum and what providers, birth workers, and communities can do to create safer, more supportive care. Dr. Lapping-Carr shares how stigma, discrimination, isolation, and lack of affirming healthcare spaces…
3 Jun 2026 · 50 min
EBB 400 - Best of Evidence Based Birth®
Happy EBB 400! In honor of this milestone, Team EBB is looking back on some of our and your favorite episodes of the EBB Podcast from the past nine years. From advocacy in birth and improving maternity care to exercise in pregnancy, postpartum support, Vitamin K, and upright birthing positions, this anniversary episode highlights the stories and evidence that have shaped the EBB community since 2017. Whether you've been here since episode one or just recently found the podcast, this episode is a celebration of evidence-based information and the families and professionals who make this work…
27 May 2026 · 41 min
EBB 399 - Benefits and Safety of Exercise during Pregnancy with Ashley Reid, Exercise Physiologist and Author of "Active Mom"
Pregnancy fitness advice has changed dramatically over the last few decades, but many parents still receive outdated recommendations rooted more in fear than evidence. After receiving outdated advice during her own pregnancy, exercise physiologist and prenatal/postnatal wellness practitioner Ashley Reid was inspired to help moms stay active through every stage of motherhood. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Ashley about the latest evidence on exercise and strength training during pregnancy and postpartum. Ashley shares why old recommendations like keeping your heart rate under…
20 May 2026 · 44 min
EBB 398 - Supporting Neurodivergence in Birth and Postpartum with Victoria White, Doula and Author of "Why Neurodivergent Birth Matters"
Many neurodivergent people move through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum feeling misunderstood and unsupported in healthcare settings that were not designed with their minds in mind. In this episode, doula and founder of Neurodivergent Birth Victoria White shares how her own later-in-life autism and ADHD diagnoses reshaped her understanding of her postpartum experiences and why many neurodivergent parents struggle in systems that often assume everyone processes in the same way. Learn about how sensory processing, communication, and executive functioning challenges can shape the perinatal…
13 May 2026 · 35 min
REPLAY: EBB 253 – Preparing for a 38-week Labor Induction due to Intrauterine Growth Restriction with Leah Bergman, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate
What happens when your carefully planned, low-intervention birth transforms into something entirely unexpected? In this replay episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker revisits her conversation with Leah Bergman, a graduate of the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class, and her birth story of navigating a surprise diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (sometimes called intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR) in late pregnancy. Together, they unpack the emotional rollercoaster of changing birth plans, wrestling with uncertainty, and making tough decisions around induction while still finding space for…
6 May 2026 · 39 min
EBB 397 - Words of Wisdom about Birth that Can Bring You a Sense of Calm and Peace
Pregnancy and birth don't require perfection to be empowering. In this solo episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker shares share five life lessons she's learned over 14 years as a nurse, mother, and founder of Evidence Based Birth. She offers grounding guidance for navigating pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with more trust, self-compassion, and calm. This episode centers on the idea that you don't have to know everything to have a positive birth experience. Instead, Dr. Dekker explores how building a supportive team, staying connected to your body, and focusing on what you can control can…
29 Apr 2026 · 41 min
EBB 396 - Inequities in VBAC Access with Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin, MD, PhD
The evidence shows that vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe option for many families, but it's still frequently inaccessible to them. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin discuss the systemic barriers that limit families' opportunities to choose a VBAC. They explore how hospital policies, outdated guidelines, and clinical tools like the VBAC calculator have shaped who's a "good candidate" and who is not. Dr. Rubashkin also shares insights from his research on inequities in maternity care, including how race-adjusted algorithms reinforce disparities, why…
24 Apr 2026 · 3 min
Induction Bootcamp Coming Soon
Learn more about EBB's upcoming Induction Bootcamp on Tuesday, April 28 from 2:00 - 4:30 PM EDT. To save your seat or access the replay, join the EBB Pro Membership for just $39 for your first 30 days: ebbirth.com/membership .
22 Apr 2026 · 47 min
EBB 395 - Postpartum Practices from African American Traditions with Shafia Monroe, Midwife and Author of Mothering the Mother
Postpartum care wasn't always rushed, clinical, or isolating. In many African-American communities, the weeks after birth were treated as sacred time where families and communities gathered to care for the mother so she could focus on caring for her baby. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with renowned midwife, cultural historian, and author Shafia Monroe about the traditions documented in her new book Mothering the Mother: African-American Postpartum Traditions, Recipes, and Healing . Mama Shafia shares how historically rooted postpartum practices—from the 42-day "lying-in" period…
15 Apr 2026 · 49 min
REPLAY: EBB 357 - Making Decisions about Elective Induction of Labor with Dr. Ann Peralta & Kari Radoff, CNM, from Partner to Decide
Every pregnant person deserves the information and support they need to make truly informed decisions about labor induction. In this encore episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Dr. Ann Peralta and Kari Radoff, CNM, the co-creators of Partner to Decide , a nonprofit improving decision-making in perinatal care. They discuss their free, multilingual decision aid that helps families understand their options around routine induction of labor and empowers them to advocate for their own values, preferences, and autonomy. Ann shares how her own birth experience, shaped by access to education and…
8 Apr 2026 · 56 min
EBB 394 - Team EBB's Stance on AI in our Workplace
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people search for information, including how families learn about pregnancy and birth. As this technology grows, it raises important questions about accuracy, ethics, and the role of human expertise in healthcare information. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire share a behind-the-scenes look at how Evidence Based Birth® developed its own AI policies. They discuss concerns about misinformation, bias, privacy, and environmental impact, as well as the potential effects on critical thinking and human connection. Learn why EBB…
1 Apr 2026 · 1 hr
EBB 393 - Evidence on Inducing at 41 Weeks or Later
At the 41-week mark in pregnancy, conversations and decisions about induction can start to feel more urgent and complex. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire share why the 41st week has become such a focus in maternity care and what the evidence actually says about induction at this milestone. They discuss elective induction versus expectant management and key findings from major studies like the INDEX and SWEPIS trials. They also talk through potential benefits and risks, including changes in stillbirth risk, newborn outcomes, and maternal experiences. Content Warning:…
25 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
EBB 392 - Enduring a 54-Hour Long Induction for Preeclampsia with Paige Wener and Kevin Booth, Graduates of the EBB Childbirth Class
EBB Childbirth Class Graduates Paige Wener and Kevin Booth hoped for a low-intervention water birth at their midwife-led birth center in rural Vermont. But at 38 weeks and 6 days, a routine prenatal visit led to a surprise diagnosis of preeclampsia and recommendation for induction. In this episode, Paige and Kevin share the story of their 54-hour induction, including misoprostol, a Cook catheter, Pitocin, and eventually an epidural after more than a day of labor, with Kevin supporting Paige with counterpressure, movement, and comfort measures along the way. Paige also shares about recovering…

About Evidence Based Birth®

Evidence Based Birth® is a English kids & family podcast from Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 46 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1334808138
Rights: Evidence Based Birth®

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English kids & family

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.