The ARRIVE Trial and the Term Breech Trial reshaped modern birth practices in ways researchers never intended. From skyrocketing inductions to the loss of vaginal breech training, these studies reveal how even “gold-standard” science can miss the human side of birth.

Clara invites you to take a mindful pause: to look beyond the data, question how evidence gets translated into policy, get curious about how the research was designed, and remember that true evidence-based care must center the individual—not just the research.

You’ll Learn:

• What the ARRIVE Trial and the Term Breech Trial actually found (and what they didn’t)
• How these studies shifted policy, practice, and training worldwide
• Why over-reliance on “evidence” can erase skills, intuition, and personal choice
• How to bring mindfulness into your decision-making about induction, breech birth, or any medical recommendation
• Why traditional and holistic birth practices still matter—even if they’ve never been studied

Mindful Reflection

“Mindfulness isn’t about ignoring evidence—it’s about pausing long enough to ask, ‘Does this research apply to me, in my body, in this context?’
 True evidence-based care is a dialogue between research, clinician experience, and your own wisdom.”

Resources Mentioned

• Download Clara’s Free Birth Plan Template, used at over 5,000 births.
• Ready for an evidence based birth class? Check out A Path to A Powerful Birth
• The Birth Advocacy Toolkit is a great option for expectant parents who have already taken a class but want to make sure their preferences are heard and want evidence based information to help make their decisions. 
• Evidence Based Birth: Evidence on the ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks
• Evidence Based Birth: Evidence on Breech Birth
• Grobman WA, et al. Labor Induction versus Expectant Management in Low-Risk Nulliparous Women. NEJM, 2018.
• Evidence Based Birth: “Evidence on the ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks.”
• Nethery E, et al. Obstet Gynecol, 2023. Post-ARRIVE induction impact study.
• Hannah ME, et al. Planned Cesarean vs Planned Vaginal Birth for Breech. Lancet, 2000.
• Kotaska A. BMJ, 2004. “Inappropriateness of RCTs for complex intrapartum phenomena.”
• Goffinet F, et al. PREMODA Study. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2006.
• RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 20b (2017).
• ACOG Committee Opinion No. 745 (2018).
• SOGC No. 384 (2019).

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.