
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!
Latest episodes

Feb 28, 2024 • 52min
EBB 302 - Solo Delivery: Navigating Birth During Spouse's Military Deployment with Kellie McKinnon, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate
Delve into a powerful and emotional conversation with the incredible Kellie McKinnon, a military spouse, San Diego-based personal trainer, and graduate of the Evidence Based Birth®️ Childbirth Class! In this episode, Kellie shares her unique and challenging journey through pregnancy while her partner was deployed. We explore the emotional and logistical aspects of facing pregnancy and childbirth without the physical presence of a partner. Discover the importance of a doula, the role of childbirth education, and the unexpected challenges within the military healthcare system. If you're an expecting military spouse, Kellie's experiences offer valuable insights into the strength, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by many military families during this transformative journey. Content Note: This episode contains emotional discussions separation anxiety due to partner deployment, experiences of loneliness and isolation, and challenges within the military healthcare system. Learn about perinatal and postnatal fitness with Kellie on Instragram: @kel.mck.fit EBB Resources: EBB Signature Article on PROM EBB 75: Birth in Twilight Sleep—The Experiences of Rebecca's Mom EBB 83: Why Families Need Postpartum Care EBB 286: The Importance of Postpartum Support, with the Founder of InKind Boxes Maria Berglund EBB 114: Fighting for Birth Needs as a Single Parent, with Jenny Russell

Feb 21, 2024 • 46min
EBB 301 - A Crash Course in Pregnancy and Parental Leave Rights in the U.S. with Daphne Delvaux, Esq. of The Mamattorney
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Daphne Delvaux, Esq., widely known as The Mamattorney. As an award-winning trial attorney and founder of Delvaux Law, Daphne is a passionate advocate for women's rights at work, particularly focusing on motherhood discrimination cases. In this conversation, we dive into the complexities of workplace trauma, reasonable accommodations, and the crucial understanding of employment rights during pregnancy and postpartum. Daphne shares her expertise on the vulnerabilities mothers face in the workplace, shedding light on issues like forced leaves and common misunderstandings about parental leave rights. We explore how the law serves as a powerful tool to protect both new parents and babies, offering insights into the challenges new parents encounter and practical steps to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Join us for an eye-opening discussion as we uncover the realities of creating a supportive and empowering work environment for ambitious parents. Content Note: In this episode, we talk about workplace trauma, reasonable accommodations, and gendered language may be used. EBB Resources: Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. Other Resources: Learn more about Daphne's work here: https://www.themamattorney.com/ Follow Daphne's work on Instagram @themamattorney and Facebook. Download Daphne's Employee Rights Guide here. Learn more about Chamber of Mothers: https://www.chamberofmothers.com/ Follow Chamber of Mothers' work on Instagram @chamberofmothers and Facebook.

Feb 14, 2024 • 51min
EBB 300 - Evidence on Waterbirth
Delving into the safety and benefits of waterbirth, the podcast explores findings from randomized trials and observational studies, highlighting lower pain scores, intact perineum, and shorter labor duration. It addresses the challenges of conducting large trials and advocates for broader acceptance of water birth. The discussion also includes the importance of advocating for waterbirth in hospitals and accessing resources for interested individuals.

Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 7min
REPLAY - EBB 130: Home Birth in the Black Community with Isis Rose
February 7, 2024 - For today's episode, we are highlighting one of our favorite home birth podcast episodes with the replay of a 2020 conversation with student midwife, Isis Rose, about her very own home birth. If you are inspired during this listen, please support Isis in her midwifery journey! She is currently accepting support via her GoFundMe page and Venmo. ----- In this episode I talk with Isis Rose, a full spectrum doula, home birth mom, certified lactation counselor, and placenta encapsulation specialist. She lives in Urbana, Illinois. Isis is starting midwifery school in July, with plans to become a Certified Professional Midwife, and she’s a member of the Illinois Council of Certified Professional Midwives. Isis co-hosts the Homecoming Podcast alongside Chae Pounds, which launched in 2018 to tell stories of Black families who give birth at home. Isis and I discuss her birth story, including her unique approach to prenatal care, and hemorrhaging she experienced immediately after her home birth. We also talk about the ongoing advocacy work seeking licensure for CPMs in Illinois, and the latest research on the safety of home birth in the U.S. Content Warning: Black maternal mortality, postpartum hemorrhage, infant death, stillbirth ----- Ways to support Isis through her midwifery journey: Follow her: www.instagram.com/urbanamidwife GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-isiss-final-year-of-midwifery-school Isis also accepts funds to go towards midwifery school via Venmo @isis-rose (since GoFundMe takes a percentage of each donation). Midwifery Supplies Registry Link: https://www.myregistry.com/wishlist/isis-rose-urbana-il/2754220/giftlist Isis Rose, MA, CLC Buy Me a Coffee Student Midwife and Doula Co-Founder and Executive Director at BIPOC for Better Birth Isis A. Rose, Birth and Postpartum Services www.isisarosebirth.com Homecoming Podcast: Black Home Birth Stories www.homecomingpodcast.com For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Jan 31, 2024 • 44min
EBB 299 - A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma Kleisner and Mohamed Koraichi
This episode is a deeply personal and inspiring journey shared by Naoma Kleisner, MSN, RN, and Mohamed Koraichi, who bravely chose a breech vaginal birth for their son. From the early discovery of a breech position at 25 weeks to the challenges of finding supportive care in Chicago, their story unfolds with determination and resilience. We'll explore their birthing experience, including acupressure, birth balls, and the choices they made to ensure a positive outcome. This episode is not just about breech birth; it's about informed choices, the strength within, and the importance of supportive care during a remarkable birthing journey. EBB Resources: Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts about Breech: EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version EBB Podcast 296: The Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB 298: Frequently Asked Questions about Breech EBB Podcast 298: Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Other Resources: Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here.

Jan 24, 2024 • 51min
EBB 298 - Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
In this episode, join me in delving into the intricate world of breech births with esteemed maternal-fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Emiliano Chavira. From the disappearance of breech vaginal births in modern obstetrics, to the challenges faced by practitioners advocating for this option, Dr. Chavira shares insights from his unique career path. You'll discover the renaissance of unmedicated physiologic breech births, the ongoing struggle of the rare providers who offer this choice, and the pivotal role of hands-on vs. hands-off approaches during breech delivery. Gain valuable perspectives on who is a candidate for breech birth, techniques for handling complications, and the quest for evidence-based practices in the realm of breech births. EBB Resources: Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts about Breech: EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version EBB Podcast 296: The Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB Podcast 299: A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma and Mohamed [Coming soon!] Other Resources: Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here. Hear Dr. Chavira on The Informed Pregnancy Podcast: Vaginal BREECH After Cesarean Gentle Cesarean Ep. 11 Breech 101 - Part 1 Ep. 12 Breech 101 - Part 2 Ep. 13 Breech 101 - Part 3 Follow Dr. Chavira on Facebook!

Jan 17, 2024 • 17min
EBB 297 - Frequently Asked Questions about Breech with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA
In the previous episode (EBB 296), we covered the evidence on breech vaginal birth. This week we are answering your questions! Can a baby spontaneously flip from breech back to head-first position before birth? Is home breech birth safe or not? Which factors influence the chances you'll have a breech baby? On today’s podcast, join us on a Q & A all about breech birth! If you want to get informed and empowered on the topic of breech positioning in pregnancy—either for yourself or for your clients—then this podcast is for you! Content note: Discussion of statistics on mortality, serious morbidity (illness/injury), and home birth transfer related to breech birth. EBB Resources: For the scientific references that go along with this Q & A, visit our blog article here. Watch the video of this podcast episode on the EBB YouTube channel here! Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts about Breech: EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version EBB Podcast 296: The Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB Podcast 298: Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist EBB Podcast 299: A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma and Mohamed [Coming soon!] Other Resources: Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here. Watch a video of Dr. Larry Hinkson teaching the gentle External Cephalic Version Technique here.

Jan 10, 2024 • 55min
EBB 296 - Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA
Have you ever wondered why doctors almost always recommend a Cesarean for breech? Is that because breech vaginal birth is dangerous? Which methods can help a breech baby turn? On today’s podcast, join us on a deep dive into the evidence on all things breech! You’ll walk away with confidence in your knowledge on the following topics: Evidence on Breech Vaginal Birth vs. Breech Cesarean Birth – How a flawed study (the “Term Breech Trial”) led to hospitals banning breech vaginal birth around the world, and what other research studies have found about the safety of breech vaginal birth. Evidence on External Cephalic Version – Learn about the effectiveness, benefits, and risks of the “hands-to-belly” turning procedure, as well as a new, gentler method being piloted by a few obstetricians. Evidence on Alternate Ways to Turn a Breech Baby – Uncover the evidence on popular ways that parents use to try and turn a breech baby, including moxibustion, chiropractic care, positioning, self-hypnosis, and more! If you want to get informed and empowered on the topic of breech positioning in pregnancy—either for yourself or for your clients—then this podcast is for you! Content note: Discussion of statistics on mortality and serious morbidity (illness/injury) related to breech birth. EBB Resources: Get all the scientific references and a transcript of this episode here. Watch the video of this podcast episode (with graphics, demonstrations, and slides) on the EBB YouTube channel here! Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class. EBB Podcasts: EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version EBB Podcast 297: Frequently Asked Questions about Breech with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA EBB Podcast 298: Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist EBB Podcast 299: A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma and Mohamed [Coming soon!] Other Resources: Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here. Watch a video of Dr. Larry Hinkson teaching the gentle External Cephalic Version Technique here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwskoAymdL4 Find a chiropractor who is certified in the Webster technique here: https://icpa4kids.com/

Dec 27, 2023 • 56min
EBB 295 - Evidence Based Birth®️ 2023 Year in Review with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA
*Request from Team EBB: We would love it if you left a review for us on your favorite podcast platform! Let us know one new thing you learned, and/or one thing you would like us to cover next year. In this episode, Dr. Dekker and EBB Research Fellow Sara Ailshire reflect on groundbreaking research published by Evidence Based Birth in 2023. Dive into evidence-based insights on Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy, Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), and skin-to-skin care after a Cesarean. Discover alternative approaches, vital statistics, and the intersection of birth with climate change and infection risks. Rebecca and Sara will also reflect on the year's most popular episodes and give you a glimpse into exciting episodes and Signature Articles to come in 2024. Content note: Preterm birth, interventions, climate change, infant mortality, serious infant illness, racism. Resources: Get on the wait list for the EBBirth Virtual Conference at https://ebbirth.com/waitlist Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to a doula mentorship PLUS trainings on postpartum hemorrhage, secondary trauma, and pelvic floor education. New (exclusive) handouts on Breech, RH, and vaccines coming soon for Pro Members only! https://ebbirth.com/membership Check out the Podcast Listening Guide at our shop: ebbirth.com/shop EBB Signature Article on Group B Strep: https://ebbirth.com/groupbstrep EBB Signature Article on Premature Rupture of Membranes: https://ebbirth.com/prom EBB Signature Article on Anti-Racism in Health Care and Birth Work: https://ebbirth.com/antiracism EBB Signature Article on Skin-to-Skin after Cesarean: https://ebbirth.com/cesarean The Top 5 most downloaded episodes of 2023: EBB 166 [Replay] The Experience of a Powerful and MIiraculous Birth with Brooklynn and Hoang Pham EBB 264: Top 3 Tips for Exercise in Pregnancy with Mamaste Fit EBB 257: Updated Evidence on Group B Strep Part 2 EBB 256: Top 3 Recommendations for Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after Birth with Dr. Sarah Duvall EBB 254: Evidence on GBS in Pregnancy

Dec 13, 2023 • 44min
EBB 294 - Blending Ancestral Wisdom and Research Evidence with Emilie Rodriguez & Guramrit LeBron of Ashé Birthing Services in New York City
In this episode, I'm joined by Emilie Rodriguez and Guramrit LeBron, the dynamic duo behind Ashé Birthing Services and The Bridge Directory. Ashé Birthing Services is a collective of specially selected birth workers who provide full-spectrum care for families in the greater New York City area. Their approach blends evidence-based research with ancestral practices, offering families a unique individual experience often missing in mainstream maternal care. Emilie and Guramrit share their personal journeys into birth work, highlighting the pivotal moments that led them to become doulas and advocates for birthing people. They discuss the challenges and racism they encountered within the healthcare system and the importance of finding providers who understand and respect your cultural and ancestral traditions. We delve into how Ashé Birthing Services and The Bridge Directory are changing the landscape of perinatal care, making it more accessible, informed, and culturally sensitive. They also explain how their platform connects people with Black and Brown providers in the perinatal period and the importance of community-nominated Council of Elders in guiding their work. If you're passionate about empowering Black birth and improving maternal care, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation with Emilie and Guramrit. Content note: Issues related to racism in healthcare and challenges in the maternity care system. Resources: Get the free 1-page handout about EBB "Best Evidence" episodes here! Learn about Ashé Birthing Services here. For more information and resources, visit The Bridge Directory. Learn about the Irth App here: https://irthapp.com/ Follow Ashé Birthing Services on Instagram EBB Podcast Episodes Referenced in this Episode: EBB 161 and EBB 220 with Kimberly Seals Allers of the Irth App EBB 260 with Ms. Divine Bailey-Nicholas about Plant Medicine EBB 261: Mini Q&A on Group B Strep EBB 10 about the ARRIVE trial EBB Signature Articles: Signature Article on Eye Ointment (ebbirth.com/eyeointment), Signature Article on Circumcision (ebbirth.com/circumcision) Signature Article on Group B Strep (ebbirth.com/groupbstrep) Signature Article on Vitamin K (ebbirth.com/vitamink) EBB handout on the ARRIVE trial: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/arrive Get a FREE handout for each topic at the links above to help your informed decision making! Want more support from Evidence Based Birth®? Sign up for our newsletter here Join our Professional Membership here Apply to become an EBB Instructor here Make sure to follow us on social: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ebbirth YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@EvidenceBasedBirth Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/