Evidence Based Birth®

Latest Episodes:

EBB 415 - What is RSV? with the EBB Research Team Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

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.

REPLAY: EBB 217 - Disability Justice in Birth and Parenting with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

EBB 414 - Evidence on Natural Labor Induction: Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Breast Stimulation Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

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.

EBB 413 - Evidence on Migraines and Pregnancy: Frequency, Prevention, and Comfort Measures Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

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

EBB 412 - Induction Tips for Families with High-Risk Doula Jennifer Anderson, RN Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

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.

(01:36) The "Golden Ticket": Taking an Independent Childbirth Class

(06:38) Tip #1: Ask About Outpatient Cervical Ripening

(13:45) Tip #2: Consider the Timing of Your Induction

(22:41) Tip #3: Ask About Bluetooth Fetal Monitoring

(28:21) Tip #4: Using Water and Movement During an Induction

(31:32) Learning Your Hospital's Policies Before Birth

(33:00) Tip #5: Understanding Failed Induction Criteria

(42:09) Preparing When an Induction Is Unexpected

(49:00) 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

EBB 411 - Advocating for a Family Centered Cesarean with Holly and Nathan Miller, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

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.

(01:27) Finding Evidence Based Birth® and Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth

(03:33) When Birth Plans Began to Change

(05:03) Navigating Birth Options in Rural South Georgia

(07:51) Exploring ECV, Vaginal Breech Birth, and Cesarean

(10:24) Shifting Toward a Family-Centered Cesarean

(12:50) Advocating for a Clear Drape and Immediate Skin-to-Skin

(15:10) Holly and Nathan's Cesarean Birth Story

(17:43) What a Cesarean Felt Like Physically and Emotionally

(22:03) Meeting Eliana and Beginning Skin-to-Skin

(25:31) Breastfeeding and Recovering from a Cesarean

(28:53) Partner Support During Postpartum Recovery

(30:09) Advice for Navigating Breech Birth and Unexpected Changes

(31:53) 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 410 - Evidence and Controversy Surrounding Freebirth Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

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. (00:03:20) What Is Freebirth? (00:07:41) Prenatal Care, Wild Pregnancy, and Freebirth (00:10:30) How Common Is Freebirth? (00:14:27) The History and Origins of Freebirth (00:22:16) Why Do Some People Choose Freebirth? (00:26:14) What Do We Know About the Risks of Freebirth? (00:34:42) The Role of Skilled Midwives in Home Birth Safety (00:42:28) Free Birth Society Controversy (00:53:49) Lessons from the Free Birth Society (00:55:44) Warning Signs of Controlling Group Dynamics and Influencer Manipulation (01:01:50) 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: https://www.cdc.gov/stillbirth/communication-resources/index.html Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support: https://nationalshare.org/ Stillbirth and infant loss support communities: https://postpartum.net/group/stillbirth-and-infant-loss-support-for-parents/ Works Cited Birthplace in England Collaborative Group (BECG). (2011). "Perinatal and maternal outcomes by planned place of birth for healthy women with low risk pregnancies: the Birthplace in England national prospective cohort study." BMJ 343: d7400. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22117057/ Biesele, M. (1997). "An Ideal of Unassisted Birth: Hunting, Healing, and Transformation among the Kalahari Ju/'hoansi." In Childbirth and Authoritative Knowledge. Cross-Cultural Perspectives. Davis-Floyd, R. & C.F. Sargent (eds), Childbirth and Authoritative Knowledge. Cross-Cultural Perspectives, Berkeley: University of California Press, pp. 474-92. Bjellmo, S. & Iversen, J. K. (2025). "Unassisted home births in Norway: A growing concern." Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 104(8): 1418-1419. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40536244/ Boodman, S. G. (2007). "Do-it-yourself Delivery." The Washington Post. July 31. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/27/AR2007072702164.html Bovbjerg, M. L., Cheyney, M., Hoehn-Velasco, L., et al. (2024). "Planned Home Births in the United States Have Outcomes Comparable to Planned Birth Center Births for Low-Risk Birthing Individuals." Med Care 62(12): 820-829. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39514513/ Boushra, M., Stone, A., & Rathbun, K. M. (2023). "Umbilical Cord Prolapse." In StatPearls. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542241/ Brandt, J. S. & Ananth, C. V. (2023). "Placental abruption at near-term and term gestations: pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management." Am J Obstet Gynecol 228(5S): S1313-S1329. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10176440/ Carlson, K. & Vadakekut, E. S. (2026). "Amniotic Fluid Embolism." In StatPearls. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559107/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Natality on CDC WONDER Online Database. (2026). Data are from the Natality Records 2016-2024, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/natality-expanded-current.html on Jul 29, 2026. Cheyney, M., Bovbjerg, M., Everson, C., et al. (2014). "Outcomes of care for 16,924 planned home births in the United States: the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project, 2004 to 2009." J Midwifery Womens Health 59(1): 17-27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24479690/ Dahlen, H., Kumar-Hazard, B., & Schmied, V. (2020). Birthing Outside the System: The Canary in the Coal Mine. Edited Volume. London: Routledge. Dahlen, H. G., Jackson, M., & Stevens, J. (2011). "Homebirth, freebirth and doulas: casualty and consequences of a broken maternity system." Women Birth 24(1): 47-50. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21163719/ Davey, M. (2026). "Stacey Warnecke died after choosing a birth free of all medical help. An inquest wants to know why." The Guardian. June 19. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/20/stacey-warnecke-melbourne-influencer-died-freebirth-inquest-ntwnfb Davis-Floyd, R. & Cheyney, M. (2019). Birth in Eight Cultures. Edited Volume. Waveland Press. Einerson, B. D., Gilner, J. B., & Zuckerwise, L. C. (2023). "Placenta Accreta Spectrum." Obstet Gynecol 142(1): 31-50.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10491415/ Feeley, C. & Thomson, G. (2016). "Tensions and conflicts in 'choice': Womens' experiences of freebirthing in the UK." Midwifery 41: 16-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27498184/ Feeley, C. & Thomson, G. (2016). "Why do some women choose to freebirth in the UK? An interpretative phenomenological study." BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 16: 59. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27000100/ Greenfield, M., Payne-Gifford, S., McKenzie, G. (2021). "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Considering "Freebirth" During Covid-19." Front Glob Womens Health 2: 603744. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34816178/ Hutton, E. K., Cappelletti, A., Reitsma, A. H., et al. (2016). "Outcomes associated with planned place of birth among women with low-risk pregnancies." CMAJ 188(5): E80-E90. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26696622/ Iceland Monitor. (2024). "How do you know this woman had this child." Iceland Monitor. May 9. https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/2024/05/09/how_do_you_know_this_woman_had_this_child/ Johansson, M., Jansson, O., Lilja, F., et al. (2023). "Freebirth, the only option for women who do not fit into common practice- A Swedish national interview study." Sex Reprod Healthc 37: 100866. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37295181/ Johnston, K. & MacDougall, C. (2026). "Toward Conceptual Clarity: Out-of-Hospital Birth Practices and Freebirth Entrepreneurialism." Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture, & Social Justice. 47(1): 44–57. https://atlantisjournal.ca/atlantis/en/article/view/5920 Kale, S. & Osborne, L. (2025). "Influencers made millions pushing 'wild' births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world." The Guardian. November 22. https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/nov/22/free-birth-society-linked-to-babies-deaths-investigation Kale, S. & Davey, M. (2026). "A US champion of 'freebirthing' always claimed there had been no maternal deaths linked to the movement. Is Stacey Warnecke the first?" The Guardian. June 29. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/30/freebirth-wellness-influencer-stacey-warnecke-death-ntwnfb Lou, S., Dahlen, H. G., Gefke Hansen, S., et al. (2022). "Why freebirth in a maternity system with free midwifery care? A qualitative study of Danish women's motivations and preparations for freebirth." Sex Reprod Healthc 34: 100789. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36332498/ Mackeen, D. (2026). "She wanted a `free birth.' It put her and her baby in grave danger." The New York Times. April 22. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/science/free-birth-wild-pregancy-risks-home-birth.html McKenzie, G., Robert, G., & Montgomery, E. (2020). "Exploring the conceptualisation and study of freebirthing as a historical and social phenomenon: a meta-narrative review of diverse research traditions." Med Humanit 46(4): 512-524. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32361690/ Miller, J. F. (2020). "Solitary and Kin-Assisted Rarámuri Birth: Ideals and realities." In Birthing Models on the Human Rights Frontier. Daviss, B. & Davis-Floyd, R., eds. Routledge: London. Payne, E. (2025). "Officials 'strongly advise' against freebirths after cluster of stillbirths in Ontario." Ottawa Citizen. January 15. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/officials-advise-against-freebirths-after-stillbirths-ontario Pillai, S., Cheyney, M., Everson, C. L., et al. (2020). "Fetal macrosomia in home and birth center births in the United States: Maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes." Birth 47(4):409-417. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8923081/ Rosenberg, K. & Trevathan, W. (1995). " Bipedalism and human birth: The obstetrical dilemma revisited." Evolutionary Anthropology 4(5): 161-168. https://doi.org/10.1002/evan.1360040506Sargent, C. (1982). "The Implications of Role Expectations for Birth Assistance among Bariba." Soc Sci Med 16(16): 1483-1489. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7135022/ Shorey, S., Jarašiūnaitė-Fedosejeva, G., Akik, B. K., et al. (2023). "Trends and motivations for freebirth: A scoping review." Birth 50(1): 16-31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36598288/ Shostak, M. (1981). Nisa: The Life and Words of a !Kung Woman. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Snowden, J. M., Tilden, E. L., Snyder, J., et al. (2015). "Planned Out-of-Hospital Birth and Birth Outcomes." N Engl J Med 373(27): 2642-2653. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26716916/ Sperlich, M. & Gabriel, C. (2022). ""I got to catch my own baby": a qualitative study of out of hospital birth." Reprod Health 19(1): 43. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35164785/ Togioka, B. M. & Tonismae, T. (2023). "Uterine Rupture." In StatPearls. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559209/ Uda, E. (2026). "Facing rural realities and mistrust in hospitals, these women turned to home births." CBC Radio. April 26. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/freebirthing-rural-maternal-medicine-9.7172199

Full show notes at the publisher

EBB 409 - Business Advice for New Doulas with Katie Nyberg, Doula Trainer and Founder of The Iowa Baby Ladies Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

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 exhaustion that once made her consider leaving birth work altogether, and the changes that helped her build a more sustainable career. She discusses how recognizing the root causes of burnout, diversifying income, creating intentional seasons of work and rest, and building supportive relationships with other doulas keep her going.

(02:05) Katie's journey from teacher to birth doula

(04:55) Early lessons in business, fees, and communication

(07:21) Setting healthy boundaries with clients

(11:40) Navigating childcare and the on-call doula lifestyle

(14:02) Preparing for long births and using backup support

(19:53) Recognizing and addressing doula burnout

(25:45) Saying no and making space for rest

(27:05) Growing The Iowa Baby Ladies

(33:41) Advice for new doulas getting started

(37:02) Overcoming imposter syndrome through education and experience

(43:13) Advice for building a lasting doula career

Resources

Learn more about the EBB Instructor Program: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-an-evidence-based-birth-instructor/
Find an EBB Instructor: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiowababylady/
Learn more about the Iowa Baby Ladies: https://theiowababylady.com/
Evidence on: Doulas
EBB 364 – How to Prevent and Heal Birthworker Burnout with Doctoral Student Ihotu Ali and Grace Flannery, Certified Professional Midwife

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 Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

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 makes perinatal mental health distinct from other forms of mental illness.

They discuss the myths that keep parents suffering in silence, the real impact of mental health on babies and families, and how therapy and support groups, including free resources from Postpartum Support International, can empower families on the path to healing.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of perinatal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Sensitive topics such as intrusive thoughts, stigma, feelings of guilt and shame, and the potential for harm to self or others are addressed. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage anyone who may be affected by these topics to reach out for support through Postpartum Support International or a trusted healthcare provider.

(00:07:28) Unique Challenges in Perinatal Mental Health (00:11:05) Caregivers' Mental Health and Bonding Challenges (00:16:32) Parental Isolation Stemming from Anxiety and Depression (00:21:53) Emergent Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms (00:27:08) Overcoming Stigma in Perinatal Mental Health (00:31:54) Thought and Behavior Change Therapy for Depression (00:36:56) Perinatal Mental Health Challenges and Support

Resoureces

EBB 408 - "What They Didn't Tell Me about Birth and Parenthood" with Dr. Jessica Vernon, Board-Certified OB/GYN and Perinatal Coach Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

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 transformed the way she practices medicine and deepened her understanding of the physical, emotional, and identity-related transitions into parenthood. Plus, get practical guidance for changing providers, asking informed questions after a prior Cesarean, and navigating the overwhelming, and sometimes unreliable, health information found through social media and artificial intelligence.

(00:02:03) Dr. Vernon's journey into obstetrics and the influence of midwifery (00:05:47) Understanding matrescence and the transition into parenthood (00:07:14) What integrative medicine looks like in pregnancy and postpartum care (00:09:59) Bringing perinatal mental health and integrative medicine into obstetric practice (00:12:19) Gaps in traditional perinatal care and the need for individualized support (00:16:59) Supporting parents after infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, or a difficult postpartum experience (00:21:32) Why it is okay to change providers (00:24:31) How infertility and pregnancy loss can shape a subsequent pregnancy (00:27:25) Practicing evidence-based, person-centered care that protects patient autonomy (00:29:02) Finding trustworthy pregnancy information online (00:32:27) Balancing medical evidence with personal intuition and individual circumstances

Resources

Connect with Dr. Vernon and learn more about her 1:1 perinatal coaching: https://www.drjessicavernon.com/

Follow Dr. Vernon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jessicavernon/

Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood by Dr. Jessica Vernon: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/then-comes-baby-9781538195925/

Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood by Lucy Jones: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714054/matrescence-by-lucy-jones/

Free Postpartum Support International online support groups: https://postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

PSI Perinatal Mental Health Provider Directory: https://postpartum.net/get-help/provider-directory/

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