Evidence Based Birth®

From heat waves to winter storms to hurricanes, extreme weather events are increasingly part of everyday life, and learning how they intersect with pregnancy and birth can empower families and birthworkers alike. Alicia Race, a climate resilience policy advocate with the Union of Concerned Scientists, is joining Dr. Rebecca Dekker this week to share how these events—especially during what experts now call "Danger Season"—can impact pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding families.   As we enter 2026, educate yourself now about what scientists consider to be "Danger Season," why extreme heat and extreme cold can be dangerous for pregnant families, and how compounding climate hazards like heat waves, hurricanes, flooding, and wildfire smoke can increase risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, hypertensive disorders, and mental health stress during pregnancy. Alicia also shares real-world examples, research findings, and tools that families and birthworkers can use to stay informed, prepared, and conne

Be the first to hear about the special event we're planning for 2026! To get on the waitlist for the upcoming event, visit ebbirth.com/waitlist.    

Long before labor begins, the stories we hear about birth are already shaping our expectations and choices. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Lisa Greaves Taylor, founder of Birth Matters NYC Childbirth Education, director of the East River Doula Collective, and host of the Birth Matters podcast, about the power of birth stories as tools for education, healing, and self-advocacy.   Drawing from her work supporting families in New York City since 2010, Lisa shares how storytelling helps birthing people move beyond fear-based narratives and reconnect with their intuition, confidence, and voice. Together, Rebecca and Lisa explore the realities of giving birth in NYC—including high rates of induction, limited access to midwifery and birth centers, and postpartum support gaps—while also highlighting reasons for hope, advocacy, and change. They also talk about how birth stories can support preparation during pregnancy, help process trauma after difficult births, and empower families navigating VBAC,

As 2025 comes to an end, guest host Dr. Sara Ailshire turns the tables and interviews Dr. Rebecca Dekker about the biggest childbirth trends, lessons, and breakthroughs of 2025, and what exciting changes are coming to EBB in 2026.   Together, Sara and Rebecca dive into the shifting landscape of birth: the unprecedented rise in labor inductions, how AI is complicating the search for evidence-based information, changes in doula access and Medicaid coverage, and how politics continues to shape pregnancy and postpartum care. They walk through the most impactful EBB research updates of the year—including new evidence on vitamin K, gestational diabetes testing, induction timing, big babies, and respectful maternity care—and reflect on the episodes that resonated most with our global community.   Rebecca also opens up about what she personally learned this year, including how unresolved childhood trauma impacted her own labor years ago, and how that insight is shaping her thinking about the emotional and s

The EBB End of Year Countdown Sale, featuring three days of one-day-only deals, is happening December 29 through December 31.   Over those three days, we will release a different EBB tool or program at a special price, with each deal available for just 24 hours.   Here's what's coming in the sale: Monday, December 29 - Quarterly EBB Pro Membership PLUS a FREE physical Pocket Guide of your choice for $149. Tuesday, December 30 - Bundle the Annual EBB Pro Membership with a 2-day ticket to the virtual 2026 EBB Conference for $499. Wednesday, December 31 - Order your copies of the My Doula Visit Workbook for $30 each (regularly $35) or save even more on bulk packs. Only 500 will be in stock, and this will be the last chance to grab your workbooks before the price increases. Each offer goes live at 9 AM EST and is available for 24 hours only, so we recommend planning ahead and setting your reminder now!  

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker dives into the evidence-practice gap, the disconnect between what research tells us is best during childbirth and what is actually happening in labor and delivery units around the world. She walks through the latest statistics on Cesarean rates, VBAC access, and the widespread use of non–evidence-based interventions, as well as the persistent underuse of practices proven to improve outcomes, like doulas, midwifery care, and birthing positions that support physiologic labor.   Dr. Dekker also unpacks the systemic forces driving these gaps, including the role of paternalism, hierarchical power structures in healthcare, legal pressures, and the phenomenon of horizontal violence among healthcare workers. She explores how overlapping forms of oppression shape the experiences of both patients and providers.   (02:40) Why research takes so long to become routine care (03:42) A look at U.S. cesarean rates and what's driving them (05:38) The rise and fall of VBAC access and w

Tras lo que debería haber sido un parto feliz, Sofía Herrera, (educadora perinatal, instructora de EBB, instructora de Hipnoparto y psicóloga social y clínica) pasó casi 20 años creyendo que padecía depresión posparto, hasta que sus estudios revelaron la verdad: había sufrido un trauma obstétrico. Esta revelación se convirtió en el motor de su trabajo de apoyo a las mujeres que dan a luz y de su lucha contra la violencia obstétrica generalizada y la desinformación arraigada en el sistema de atención a la maternidad en México.   Sofía comparte lo que realmente significa el trauma, cómo las intervenciones sin consentimiento y la atención paternalista influyen en la experiencia del parto, y por qué tantas familias creen erróneamente que "fracasaron" cuando, en realidad, fue el sistema el que les falló. También describe los desafíos del parto en México —desde las altísimas tasas de cesáreas hasta las episiotomías de rutina— y cómo la educación basada en la evidencia empodera a las familias para encontrar una a

After what should have been a joyful birth, Sofía Herrera (childbirth educator, EBB Instructor, Hypnobirthing instructor, and social & clinical psychologist) spent nearly 20 years believing she had postpartum depression, until her investigation revealed the truth: she had experienced birth trauma. That realization became the catalyst for her work supporting birthing families and confronting the widespread obstetric violence and misinformation embedded in Mexico's maternity care system.   Sofía shares what trauma really means, how unconsented interventions and paternalistic care shape birthing experiences, and why so many families mistakenly believe they "failed" when in reality, the system failed them. She also describes the challenges of childbirth in Mexico—from extremely high Cesarean rates to routine episiotomies—and how evidence-based education empowers families to find safer, more respectful care.   (02:26) Sofía's 20-year journey living with untreated trauma (06:45) Patterns she saw as a chi

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on birthing positions and tried-and-true midwifery practices for protecting the perineum during childbirth. She explains why the flat-on-your-back position we often see on television isn't ideal and walks through the key differences between upright, sacrum-flexible positions, and common hospital practices like lithotomy and routine episiotomies.   Dr. Dekker reviews data from global research as well as real-world wisdom from midwives, including the extraordinary outcomes of hands-off, undisturbed birth approaches in the Philippines. She uncovers how hospital system pressures, caregiver convenience, and even obstetric violence drive the overwhelming use of recumbent positions and invasive interventions while sidelining evidence-based, patient-centered care. You'll hear firsthand strategies for minimizing severe tears, promoting intact perineums, and advocating for birth plans that prioritize the autonomy and comfort of birthing people.   Content Wa

After more than 80 hours of labor, Erica Wright found herself exhausted, emotional, and determined to keep trusting her body. With the steady support of her doulas (including EBB Instructor Tara Thompson), she discovered that birth doesn't have to go "according to plan" to be powerful.   In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Erica and Tara about how preparation, advocacy, and teamwork carried them through a marathon labor filled with unexpected turns. From switching hospitals late in pregnancy to finding strength through challenges, their story exemplifies flexibility, informed choice, and the power of doula support.   (05:55) Tara's updates from Atlanta and her path to becoming an IBCLC (09:17) Erica's lightbulb moments from the EBB Childbirth Class (11:22) Switching hospitals at 35 weeks and advocating for the right fit (16:18) Labor begins: prodromal labor, GBS, and waiting for spontaneous birth (24:30) Hospital admission, challenges with staff, and early interventions (32:17) The Pitoc

Across generations, birth workers have held space for families with skill, love, and deep purpose. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Elder Midwife Charlotte Shilo-Goudeau, a licensed Certified Professional Midwife from Louisiana, and Chanté Perryman, Director of Programs at Evidence Based Birth®, certified doula, and student midwife. Together, they explore what it means to embrace the dual calling of doula work and midwifery and how both roles are acts of service, advocacy, and healing.   Elder Charlotte shares her journey from personal loss to becoming one of only a few Black midwives in Louisiana, carrying forward the wisdom of generations. Chanté reflects on how her experiences as a doula shaped her path into midwifery and her vision for compassionate, individualized care. They remind us that titles may change, but the heart of this work remains the same: being present, being of service, and being called to birth.   (03:46) How Chanté's Birth Experience Inspired Her to Become a Doula (05

Introducing the My Doula Visit Workbook by Evidence Based Birth®. A tangible, interactive, and evidence-based guide designed to facilitate conversations, strengthen the doula-client relationship, and guide families through the most pressing topics related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.  What's Inside the My Doula Visit Workbook? A 115-page, full-color, spiral-bound workbook packed with evidence-based resources Structured guides for up to six prenatal visits + one postpartum check-in (but fully customizable to your practice!) 18 official EBB handouts, birth plan templates, journaling prompts, discussion questions, activities, podcast playlists, and postpartum guides Real-life photographs, colorful graphics, and easy-to-use worksheets Access to an exclusive online resource page with additional videos, worksheets, and more! Want flexibility? No problem! Choose which sections to cover in person, virtually, or assign as self-study for your clients. Orders open on Monday, November 24 at 12:00 p.m.

What if everyone had access to a doula, no matter their income? In this episode, Dr. Dekker talks with Amy Chen, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), about the growing movement to make doula care accessible through Medicaid and insurance coverage.   Amy shares how her personal birth experiences inspired her work advocating for Medicaid reimbursement for doulas and explains how more than 20 states (and counting) are now implementing or expanding coverage. They also unpack the biggest challenges and successes so far, from sustainable reimbursement rates and certification requirements to how doulas can navigate the Medicaid billing process.   (03:17) How Amy's birth experiences led her to advocate for Medicaid coverage of doula care (06:54) The national shift toward Medicaid coverage for doulas after 2016 and early state pilots (11:50) How 23 states plus D.C. have implemented Medicaid doula benefits and what comes next (15:46) Lessons from California's rollout: raising reimbursemen

Hiring a doula can be one of the most impactful choices you make during pregnancy, but how do you actually find the right one? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Team EBB members and experienced doulas, Julie Fors and Chanté Perryman, to share insider tips on finding and interviewing a doula with confidence.   Julie and Chanté walk you through where to begin your search, the most important questions to ask, and how to know if a doula's personality and philosophy are the right fit for you and your partner. They also tackle misconceptions about doula work, explain backup plans and postpartum support, and discuss how insurance and Medicaid are changing access to doula care.   (06:19) The pillars of doula support (09:06) Where to start your doula search: Google, recommendations, and directories (12:20) Why interviews are essential before hiring a doula (17:49) Key questions to ask a potential doula (style, philosophy, postpartum support) (23:58) Backup doula plans and long labors (29:45) Com

Can perineal massage during the pushing phase of labor really prevent tears? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker takes a close look at the research to uncover whether this technique truly helps reduce perineal trauma during childbirth. She explains how health care staff provide perineal massage during labor, breaks down findings findings from key studies and meta-analyses, and examines how biases and variations in clinical practice shape the evidence. Dr. Dekker also explores why results from settings with high episiotomy rates may not apply everywhere and why skilled, supportive care and informed consent often play a bigger role in protecting the perineum than any single technique. Content Warning: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, obstetric violence, and episiotomy. Resources For a full list of resources, visit: ebbirth.com/218 Watch the video version here on our YouTube channel which includes study breakdowns and PowerPoint slides. Protecting the Perineum Series: E

Dr. Sara Ailshire, an anthropologist and Evidence Based Birth® Research Team member, and her husband, Dr. Siavash Samei, an environmental archaeologist, share the story of welcoming their rainbow baby after loss. In this episode, Sara and Siavash open up about navigating miscarriage care in the wake of changing abortion laws in Ohio, the anxiety and hope of pregnancy after loss, and Sara’s experience with developing preeclampsia near the end of her pregnancy. They describe how they worked with a supportive midwifery team, hired a doula for advocacy and comfort, and ultimately experienced an induction that honored their preferences for a low-intervention birth. Their story also sheds light on the realities of discrimination in healthcare, the importance of community support, and the resilience found in becoming parents after loss. (01:58) Facing Miscarriage in Ohio and Barriers to Care (07:35) Pregnancy After Loss: Anxiety, Detachment, and Hope (13:04) Finding Midwifery Care in Kentucky and Planning a Low-I

Filmmaker Ingrid Haas is the writer and director of PUSH, a short film created in partnership with PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy to raise awareness about stillbirth prevention. In this episode, Ingrid shares her personal journey through pregnancy loss, how those experiences led her to advocate for families, and the creative process behind PUSH and the Stillness is an Illness campaign. Together, Ingrid and Dr. Dekker discuss the realities of stillbirth, the importance of listening to families’ concerns, why fetal movement matters, and how storytelling can educate both the public and health professionals. Ingrid also highlights resources for parents and ways to support systemic change in U.S. protocols.   Content Note: This episode discusses pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and related experiences. Please take care of yourself while listening.   October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. For more information, visit: marchofdimes.org/pregnancyandinfantlossmonth   (01:44) Ingrid’s Story of Pregnancy L

What does the newest research on Big Babies say? We’ll be unpacking it all during our live 90-minute Signature Training + Q & A on Wednesday, October 15 at 7 PM EDT, exclusively for EBB Pro Members. In this session (1.5 contact hours), we’ll walk you through the latest evidence, address common questions, and bring clarity to this ginormous issue in birth. You’ll also get the chance to ask your biggest questions and hear directly from Dr. Rebecca Dekker and the EBB Research Team.  Join us for just $29 and get 30 days of full access to everything the EBB Pro Membership offers, including the replay, our entire continuing education library, live monthly events, and a growing collection of printable PDFs to share with your clients.  Click here to sign up for the EBB Pro Membership now to reserve your seat for the Big Babies Signature Training + Q & A for only $29!

Evidence based care is a term you hear often in medicine, but what does it really mean—especially when it comes to pregnancy and birth? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker takes you inside the foundations of Evidence Based Birth®, explaining what evidence based care is (and isn’t), and why it matters for families, providers, and communities.   Dr. Dekker breaks down the three essential pillars of evidence based care: the best available research, the provider’s expertise, and the birthing person’s values and preferences. She explores how care can drift away from this model when decisions are based solely on tradition, authority, or convenience rather than the evidence. Along the way, hear how families can use this knowledge to navigate common hospital policies and advocate for care that truly centers their needs.   (04:22) Outdated practices and the rise of evidence based medicine (07:10) Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, and whose knowledge counts (010:15) The three pillars of evidence based care: re

For some, the thought of pregnancy and birth fills them with a visceral panic they can’t explain. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker's talking tokophobia—the fear of pregnancy and birth—with Alexia Leachman, founder of Fearless Birthing and host of the Fear Free Childbirth Podcast. Alexia shares her personal journey of discovering and healing her own tokophobia, how she developed her unique “Head Trash Clearance” method, and why tokophobia is often misunderstood as simple anxiety. She explains the root causes of this condition, including reproductive trauma and lack of control, and offers insight on how both expectant parents and healthcare providers can better recognize and respond to it.   Listening Note: As a head's up... this episode a bit different than our normal focus on the evidence. It's more focused on self help-- how to uncover blocks, find guidance and strength within, and heal past wounds. We also discuss the paradox of trying to feel in "control" in pregnancy/birth and how that relates to