Evidence Based Birth®

Latest Episodes:

EBB 209 - Providing Unbiased VBAC Access and Support with VBAC Facts® Founder, Jen Kamel Jan 26, 2022

Show notes

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Jen Kamel of VBAC Facts® about VBAC or vaginal birth after cesarean.

As the founder and CEO of VBAC Facts®, Jen Kamel is an internationally recognized consumer advocate, whose mission is to increase feedback access through education, legislation changes, and amplifying the consumer's voice. Jen travels throughout the United States training perinatal professionals, presents grand rounds at hospitals, and works as a legislative consultant throughout the US, focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations that threaten VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, access. Jen envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and a community where they can plan the birth of their choice in the setting they desire.

We talk about the statistics on VBAC access, as well as the difference between VBAC rates and VBAC success rates. We also talk about the misinformation about VBAC and the unbiased evidence based research that helps to support a person's right to choose to have a VBAC.

Content Warning: We will mention cesarean, uterine rupture, placental abnormalities, and birth trauma.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Jen Kamel here. Follow VBAC Facts® on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more about the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) here and ACOG's information on VBAC here.

Lundgren I, van Limbeek E, Vehvilainen-Julkunen K, Nilsson C. Clinicians' views of factors of importance for improving the rate of VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean section): a qualitative study from countries with high VBAC rates. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2015 Aug 28;15:196. doi: 10.1186/s12884-015-0629-6. PMID: 26314295; PMCID: PMC4552403.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

EBB 208 - Advocating for Your Rights in Birth with EBB Childbirth Class Graduate, Cheyanne Saenz Jan 19, 2022

Show notes

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with EBB Childbirth Class graduate, Cheyanne Saenz, about advocating for her human rights during her birth experience. Cheyanne Saenz (she/her) is a fun, loving, and outgoing 27-year-old, who lives in Tulare, California. Cheyanne's faith and her family are the most important in her life. Cheyanne took the EBB Childbirth Class instructed by EBB Childbirth Class Instructor, Jennifer Anderson. Cheyanne uses her brain in puzzles, solving problems, and helping others. We talk about Cheyanne's birth experience while advocating for her human rights from what she learned in our EBB Childbirth Class. We also talk about Cheyanne's beautiful support from her family during her postpartum recovery and her advice for every birthing person about the importance of researching and advocating for one's rights during birth.

Content warning: We mention group b strep and COVID.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about EBB Childbirth Class Instructor, Jennifer Anderson here. Follow Jennifer on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

EBB 207 - Gender-Affirming Birth Work and Education with Full Spectrum Doula and Childbirth Educator, Moss Froom Jan 12, 2022

Show notes

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with non-binary doula and childbirth educator, Moss Froom, about gender-affirming birth work and education. Moss Froom (they/them), is a non-binary doula and childbirth educator living in Baltimore, Maryland. Moss offers trans and queer centered support services for people at all stages of their reproductive and family building journeys. Moss also teaches other birth workers how to provide support that's affirming and celebratory of trans and queer families.

We talk about how Moss got started in their journey to become involved in birth and reproductive work as a non-binary professional in birth work. We also talk about the importance of gender-affirming practices in birth work to create safer spaces for queer and trans families.

Content Warning: We mention misgendering, abortion, pregnancy loss, and infertility.

RESOURCES:

Learn about Moss Froom here. Follow Moss on Instagram here.

Learn more about Ray Rackllin here.

Learn more about Marea Goodman here.

EBB 206 - Evidence on Perineal Tears and the Importance of Avoiding Episiotomy with EBB Founder, Dr. Rebecca Dekker Jan 05, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, we are kicking off a new series on protecting the perineum - starting with the evidence on perineal tears and the importance of avoiding episiotomies.

In this episode, we will cover the factors that can increase or decrease your risk of tearing during birth. We'll also talk about the types of perineal tears that can occur, as well as the consequences of perineal tears. Finally, we'll wrap up this podcast by discussing why it's so important to avoid an episiotomy during childbirth.

Content warning: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, episiotomy, and obstetric violence related to cutting episiotomies without consent.

Resources:

For a full list of scientific references, see the blog post that goes along with this episode.

The Mayo Clinic has graphics that show the different types of tears: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/multimedia/vaginal-tears/sls-20077129

Read Dr. Klein's story here https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/meet-dr-michael-klein-canada-s-father-of-family-friendly-births-1.4884557

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/ ), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/ ). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/ ). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/ ), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/ ) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

EBB 205 - End of Year Wrap Up (2021) with Team EBB Dec 29, 2021

Show notes

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with team members of Evidence Based Birth®, about a wrap-up of this past year and what our goals are for next year.

We talk about our favorite team projects for 2021 such as past podcast episodes, our creative growth as a team, and the recent EBB Instructor retreat. We also talk about our future goals for EBB and what we look forward to in the future of Team EBB.

Content warning: We mention COVID, birth trauma, postpartum, obstetric abuse, and obstetric violence.

Listen to EBB 175 - Evidence on Midwives here.

Listen to EBB 177 - Dimitri and Mera here.

Listen to EBB 179 - Trish and Mimi Ang here.

Listen to EBB 180 - Trauma-Informed Care and Consent with Feminist Midwife, Stephanie Tillman here.

Listen to EBB 187 - Advocacy for Postpartum Medicaid Extension Coverage with Dr. Monica McLemore and Dr. Jamila K. Taylor here.

Listen to EBB 189 - Why Black Lactation Matters and the Importance of Black Breastfeeding Week with IBCLC, Janiya Mitnaul Williams here.

Listen to EBB 199 - Writing about Racism's Effects on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes with EBB Research Associate, Ihotu Ali here.

Listen to EBB 200 - Taking a Stand Against White Supremacy and Creating Solidarity in Birth Work with EBB Founder, Dr. Rebecca Dekker here.

Listen to EBB 201 - Bridging the Gap Between Evidence and Human Rights with Perinatal Nurse and Nurse Educator, Paula Richards here.

Listen to EBB 202 - A Fast First-Time Birth Experience with EBB Childbirth Class Graduate, Haley Grachico here.

EBB 204 - Refuting the Spread of Misinformation Online About COVID with Board Certified Physician, Dr. Stacy De-Lin Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with board certified physician Dr. Stacy De-Lin about the spread of misinformation online about COVID, particularly COVID and pregnancy. Dr. Stacy De-Lin MD (she/her), is a board certified physician whose specialty and area of practice is gynecology and family planning. Dr. De-Lin is an Associate Medical Director at Planned Parenthood and works to provide access to full-spectrum reproductive healthcare no matter what. In addition to her busy practice, Dr. De-Lin works to combat online misinformation through her Instagram account @stacydelin_md. We talk about the rise of misinformation online about COVID regarding pregnancy. We also talk about how evidence based research about COVID can assist pregnant people and their families to make informed decisions about their health.

Content Warning: We mention COVID, COVID-related deaths, abortion, and miscarriage.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Dr. Stacy De-Lin and follow her Instagram here.

Learn more about Planned Parenthood here.

Learn more about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here.

Learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics here.

Learn more about EBB COVID resource page here.

Learn more about the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) here.

EBB 202 - A Fast First-Time Birth Experience with EBB Childbirth Class Graduate, Hailey Grachico Dec 01, 2021

Show notes

On today's podcast we talk with Haley Grachico about her intense, fast birth experience at a freestanding birth center.

Haley and her husband, Dr. Ismael, are graduates of the EBB Childbirth Class. Iz completed his general surgery residency at Oregon Health and Science University just 13 days before their daughter Josefine's arrival. A week after Josefine was born, the Grachico family moved to Grants Pass, Oregon, where Is joined a private practice general surgery group. Haley is enjoying time with Josefine and their two dogs, Duke and Bentley. Haley has since then started a new parents group in town and is exploring options to possibly become a doula and to support families in a different way in their new community.

We talk about Haley and Dr. Iz's experience taking the EBB Childbirth Class, and the importance of them having a doula to help with their different perspectives on birth and medicine. We also talk about Haley's intense, fast birth and how the influence of her empowering birth support inspired her in wanting to become a future doula to support other families in her community.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about the Oregon parenting group, "The Parent Trip" here.

Listen to EBB 15 on nitrous oxide here. View our YouTube video on nitrous oxide here.

Learn more about the third stage of birth from our signature article here.

Learn more about HypnoBirthing here.

EBB 201 - Bridging the Gap Between Evidence and Human Rights with Perinatal Nurse and Nurse Educator, Paula Richards Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

On today's podcast we're going to talk with Paula Richards about advocacy work as a trauma-informed nurse educator.

Paula Richards (she/her) is a perinatal nurse and nurse educator who likes to nerd out about OB-related nursing professional development on Instagram under the handle @NurseBrownGirl. Paula joined the Evidence Based Birth® Instructor program in the spring of 2020 and she's also a guest teacher in the videos of our Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class where we talk about interventions during childbirth.

We talk about Paula's journey to become a nurse and her experience of unlearning traumatic childbirth practices that are problematic and harmful for birthing people. We also talk about the gap between evidence, human rights, and actual practice, as well as the need for more ethical nurse education.

Content warning: We will talk about traumatic childbirth and obstetric abuse. This episode also contains strong language, swear words, and how binary language/terminology is routinely used in labor and delivery.

If you'd prefer to read a transcript without swear words you can find that on our blog here.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Paula Richards on Instagram here.

Learn more about The Business of Being Born here.

Learn more about "Are There Benefits to Uterine Massage in the Third Stage of Labor" here.

Learn more about the Association of Women's Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) here.

Learn more about "white supremacy culture" by Tema Okun here.

Learn more about Cristen Pascucci and Birth Monopoly here.

Learn more about Mandy Irby of The Birth Nurse here.

Learn more about Maggie Runyon of Your Birth Partners Podcast here.

EBB 200 - Taking a Stand Against White Supremacy and Creating Solidarity in Birth Work with EBB Founder, Dr. Rebecca Dekker Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, we celebrate our 200th episode on the Evidence Based Birth®podcast, where Ihotu Ali, EBB Research Associate, will be talking with our founder, Rebecca Dekker, about solidarity in birth work.

In this episode, Ihotu asks Rebecca about her cultural upbringing, and Rebecca reflects candidly on racism and cultural differences she witnessed as a child growing up in the suburbs of Memphis, Tennessee. We also explore the harmful impacts of white privilege and white supremacy on birth and reproductive justice work, as well as oppressive agendas that harm communities of color and other marginalized communities.

Ihotu and Rebecca also talk about solutions such as doing inner work, educating yourself, understanding your ancestry, creating solidarity with those from other cultural groups, protecting Black women and girls (vs. being a savior), and being aware of how your actions and words may have harmed people from marginalized groups.

Content warning: We mention racism, white supremacy culture (including aspects of anti-black white supremacy), the uprisings in Minneapolis, the murder of George Floyd, racialized violence against Black communities.

RESOURCES:

Listen to EBB 143 - "Birthing in a World with Reproductive Justice" here.

Listen to EBB 199 - " Writing about Racism's Effects on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes" here.

Learn more about "Readings For Diversity And Social Justice" by Maurianne Adams, Warren Blumenfeld, Carmelita Rosie Castaneda, Heather Hackman, Madeline Peters, and Ximena Zuniga here.

Learn more about Minnesota Healing Justice Network here.

Learn more about the Oshun Center for Intercultural Healing here.

Learn more about Ijeoma Oluo here and "So You Want To Talk About Race" here.

Learn more about Ibram X. Kendi's "So You Want To Be Antiracist" here.

Learn more about Tema Okun's "Aspects of White Supremacy Culture" here.

Learn more about Dr. Sayida Peprah here.

EBB 199 - Writing about Racism's Effects on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes with EBB Research Associate, Ihotu Ali Nov 03, 2021

Show notes

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Ihotu Ali, MPH, who is writing about research on the effects of racism on pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Ihotu ("love" in the Idoma language) (she/her) is a prenatal and Maya Abdominal massage therapist with a Master's in Public Health, and a doctoral student in Chiropractic Medicine. Ihotu is the granddaughter of a traditional Nigerian Chief, of Polish-Irish farmers, is a graduate of Columbia University. Ihoutu also conducted maternal health research with the United Nations before becoming a doula in 2011.

Fascinated by the connections between western and traditional medicine, Ihotu spent a decade studying Afro-Indigenous and global cultural practices for childbirth, ancestral, and womb healing, which she is now alongside medical training in chiropractic care and the neuroscience of spirituality and meditation. Ihotu is the co-founder of the Minnesota Healing Justice Network, featured in Rolling Stone Magazine for their focus on rest for residents and healers through the 2020 Uprising. In response to burnout among healers, Ihotu formed the Oshun Center for Intercultural Healing - an interracial collective offering support to apprentices, as well as public courses on decolonizing and democratizing medicine and small business. Ihotu teaches on cultural birth and bodywork, appropriation, racism in health care, allyship, and economic justice tools like the sliding scale fee.

In this podcast episode, we talk about Ihotu's shift towards researching the effects of racism on pregnancy and birth outcomes. We also talk about how Ihotu practices self-care as a researcher of heavy topics, and the scope of our upcoming EBB Signature Article which will cover the history of racism and the evidence on racism's effects on preterm births, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality.

Content Warning: We mention racism, preterm birth, police violence, COVID-19, maternal-infant death, and other adverse health outcomes.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Ihotu Ali here and The Oshun Center here.

Learn more about the Minnesota Healing Justice Network here. Follow the Minnesota Healing Justice Network on Facebook and Instagram. Listen to EBB 143, "Birthing in a World with Reproductive Justice" here.

Learn more about Ancient Song here. Follow Ancient Song on Instagram and Facebook.

Learn more about Dr. Rachel Hardeman and the Roots Community Birth Center here. Learn more about Dr. Hardeman's research here. Read Dr. Hardeman's Stolen Breaths here.

Learn more about Dr. Sayida Peprah here.

Learn more about Black Mamas Matter Alliance here.

Learn more about the Momnibus Act bill here.

Learn more about the Medicaid Postpartum Expansion here. Listen to EBB 187 with Dr. McLemore and Dr. Taylor here.

Learn more about Jennie Joseph here. Learn more about Commonsense Childbirth here. Learn about "The JJ Way: Community-Based Maternity Center Evaluation Report" here. Listen to EBB 136 here.

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