Podcasts · Kids & Family · Health & Fitness

Evidence Based Birth®

Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN

300 episodes

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!

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. EBB 415 - What is RSV? with the EBB Research Team

    · 25 min

    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…

  2. REPLAY: EBB 217 - Disability Justice in Birth and Parenting with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu

    · 36 min

    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…

  3. EBB 414 - Evidence on Natural Labor Induction: Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Breast Stimulation

    · 43 min

    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…

  4. EBB 413 - Evidence on Migraines and Pregnancy: Frequency, Prevention, and Comfort Measures

    · 1 h 05 min

    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,…

  5. EBB 412 - Induction Tips for Families with High-Risk Doula Jennifer Anderson, RN

    · 1 h 01 min

    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…

  6. EBB 411 - Advocating for a Family Centered Cesarean with Holly and Nathan Miller, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates

    · 35 min

    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…

  7. EBB 410 - Evidence and Controversy Surrounding Freebirth

    · 1 h 08 min

    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…

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

    · 45 min

    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…

  9. 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

    · 42 min

    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…

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

    · 37 min

    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…

  11. 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

    · 46 min

    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…

  12. EBB 406 - Critical Info Every Expecting Family Should Know about Cytomegalovirus (CMV) with Megan Nix, Author of Remedies for Sorrow

    · 49 min

    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…

  13. REPLAY: EBB 267 - Debunking Myths about Fundal Massage with Barbie Christianson, RN

    · 57 min

    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…

  14. EBB 405 - Navigating Unexpected Turns in Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum with Emily Cook, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate and Preeclampsia Survivor

    · 55 min

    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,…

  15. EBB 404 - Mini Q&A about Average Time Spent Pushing, Precipitous Labor, and Okra Water During the Third Trimester

    · 24 min

    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…

  16. EBB 403 - Why Is My Hospital's Cesarean Rate So High (or Low)? with Dr. Emily White VanGompel, Family Medicine Physician and Research Scientist

    · 59 min

    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…

  17. Special Announcement: Join me in Summer School!

    · 1:57

    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…

  18. REPLAY: EBB 196 - Pelvic Biomechanics and Movement in Labor with Brittany Sharpe McCollum

    · 41 min

    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…

  19. EBB 402 - Cultural Aspects of Lactation and Infant Feeding in India with Yogyata Wadhwa, IBCLC and Young Child Feeding Specialist

    · 48 min

    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…

  20. EBB 401 - Perinatal Mental Health for 2SLGBTQ+ Parents with Dr. Leiszle Lapping-Carr, Clinical Psychologist

    · 41 min

    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…

  21. EBB 400 - Best of Evidence Based Birth®

    · 50 min

    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…

  22. EBB 399 - Benefits and Safety of Exercise during Pregnancy with Ashley Reid, Exercise Physiologist and Author of "Active Mom"

    · 41 min

    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…

  23. EBB 398 - Supporting Neurodivergence in Birth and Postpartum with Victoria White, Doula and Author of "Why Neurodivergent Birth Matters"

    · 44 min

    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…

  24. REPLAY: EBB 253 – Preparing for a 38-week Labor Induction due to Intrauterine Growth Restriction with Leah Bergman, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate

    · 35 min

    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…

  25. EBB 397 - Words of Wisdom about Birth that Can Bring You a Sense of Calm and Peace

    · 39 min

    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…

  26. EBB 396 - Inequities in VBAC Access with Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin, MD, PhD

    · 41 min

    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…

  27. Induction Bootcamp Coming Soon

    · 2:54

    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:…

  28. EBB 395 - Postpartum Practices from African American Traditions with Shafia Monroe, Midwife and Author of Mothering the Mother

    · 47 min

    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…

  29. REPLAY: EBB 357 - Making Decisions about Elective Induction of Labor with Dr. Ann Peralta & Kari Radoff, CNM, from Partner to Decide

    · 49 min

    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,…

  30. EBB 394 - Team EBB's Stance on AI in our Workplace

    · 56 min

    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…

  31. EBB 393 - Evidence on Inducing at 41 Weeks or Later

    · 1 h 00 min

    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…

  32. EBB 392 - Enduring a 54-Hour Long Induction for Preeclampsia with Paige Wener and Kevin Booth, Graduates of the EBB Childbirth Class

    · 1 h 02 min

    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…

  33. EBB 391 - Electronic Fetal Monitoring Advocacy Tips with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, OB/GYN and Author of The Birth Book

    · 55 min

    Electronic fetal monitoring is one of the most common interventions in hospital birth, but it's also one of the least understood. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer…

  34. EBB 390 - Simple but Effective Communication Techniques for Hospital Birth with Dr. Amber Weiseth, DNP, RNC-OB of Ariadne Labs and TeamBirth

    · 47 min

    In this episode, we explore how the traditional "game of telephone" model in hospitals can leave birthing people out of critical decisions about their own care and what happens when we redesign the system to center…

  35. EBB 389 - The Global Impact of Midwifery with Stephanie Marriott, Midwife Advisor for the International Confederation of Midwives

    · 46 min

    Some of the most effective solutions for improving birth outcomes worldwide are rooted in relationships, not technology. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker speaks with midwife Stephanie Marriott of the International…

  36. EBB 388 - Updated Evidence on Induction for Gestational Diabetes

    · 43 min

    Gestational diabetes (GDM) is one of the most common reasons families are advised to plan for an early birth. But what does the evidence actually say about induction for GDM? Does it lower the risk of Cesarean? Prevent…

  37. EBB 387 - Doulas in the Operating Room, Risk of Repeating a Severe Tear, and White Coat Hypertension in Pregnancy with the EBB Research Team

    · 33 min

    In this episode, the EBB Research Team is answering three questions we received from our Pro Members! We take a close look at the evidence behind doula presence in the operating room, the risk of experiencing another…

  38. EBB 386 - A Peaceful yet Urgent Cesarean Birth Story with Krista DeYoung, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate and Placental Abruption Survivor

    · 52 min

    In EBB 350, Krista DeYoung called in from her hospital room after weeks of inpatient monitoring for partial placental abruption. She and Dr. Rebecca Dekker had just finished a crash course on preparing for a Cesarean,…

  39. REPLAY: EBB 118 - How to Have a Healthy Postpartum Transition with Dr. Alyssa Berlin

    · 38 min

    In one of the most popular podcast episodes ever published by Evidence Based Birth®, Dr. Rebecca Dekker sits down with Dr. Alyssa Berlin, a clinical psychologist specializing in pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting, to…

  40. EBB 385 - A Healing Birth Center Waterbirth with Michaela Raines, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate

    · 35 min

    A healing birth can change the way you understand everything that came before it. In this episode, Dr. Dekker talks with EBB Childbirth Class graduate Michaela Raines about experiencing a deeply healing birth after a…

  41. EBB 384 - Evidence on "What is a Due Date?"

    · 50 min

    What is a due date, and how accurate is it, really? Dr. Rebecca Dekker is joined by Dr. Sara Ailshire of Team EBB to walk through the latest research on due dates, pregnancy length, and what happens when pregnancies go…

  42. EBB 383 - Impact of Extreme Weather on Pregnancy with Alicia Race, Climate Resilience Policy Advocate

    · 32 min

    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.…

  43. Special Announcement from EBB

    · 6:39

    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.

  44. EBB 382 - The Power of Your Birth Story with Lisa Greaves Taylor, Host of the Birth Matters Podcast

    · 49 min

    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…

  45. EBB 381 - Ask Me Anything with Dr. Rebecca Dekker

    · 1 h 01 min

    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…

  46. Bonus Announcement from EBB

    · 4:37

    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,…

  47. EBB 3 - Why Is It So Hard to Get Evidence Based Care?

    · 30 min

    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…

  48. EBB 380b - Combating Birth Trauma in Mexico with Sofía Herrera, Psychologist and EBB Instructor

    · 39 min

    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…

  49. EBB 380a - Combatiendo el trauma del parto en México con Sofía Herrera, psicóloga e instructora de EBB

    · 50 min

    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,…

  50. REPLAY: EBB 221 - Evidence on Birthing Positions and Tried-and-True Midwifery Practices for Protecting the Perineum

    · 48 min

    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…

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