May 13, 2024

337: Evidence Based Birth®️ with Dr. Rebecca Dekker

51 minutes

Having information and being empowered to make decisions are ways to protect mental health. Nothing is more disempowering than finding out later that you had choices of which you were unaware at the height of a mental health struggle. All of these concepts apply perfectly to birthing situations. One of the main reasons this podcast exists, along with the work of today’s guest is to spread information so that it’s accessible to EVERYONE. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Rebecca Dekker, a nurse with her Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth®️ and the author of Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered. Previously, Dr. Dekker was an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Kentucky. In 2016, she shifted gears to focus full-time on the mission of Evidence Based Birth®️. She and Team EBB are committed to creating a world in which all families have access to safe, respectful, evidence-based, and empowering care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. EBB does this by boldly making the research evidence on childbirth freely and publicly accessible. Dr. Dekker is also the host of the

Evidence Based Birth®️ Podcast, which has over 5.5 million downloads!

Show Highlights:

The beginnings of EBB in 2012

The shift for Rebecca from her first birth to her second—-a clear change from disempowerment to empowerment

The evidence around preventable cesarean births, vaginal births, and the mother’s wishes

Rebecca’s advice for those who want to advocate or feel empowered:

Choose a provider and birth setting with a low cesarean rate. (Leapfrog is a recommended resource for information.)

Consider hiring a doula for added support.

Learn what the evidence shows about induction, Pitocin, and preparing your body with proper sleep, food, and hydration.

Assessing your provider for “continuity of care”

Fact: Switching providers can help prevent birth trauma!

Approaching your labor/delivery experience with a spirit of collaboration and teamwork

How PTSD can impact the decisions of healthcare workers

Rebecca’s tips for empowering yourself in the labor/delivery process, using the acronym BRAND [Ask, what are the benefits, risks, alternatives, (what happens if I do) nothing, and discuss (with your partner).]

Hot tip for laboring moms: Ask for time to pray (Rebecca explains why this gives you time and space.)

Components of a calm birthing environment for an empowered laboring mother

What Rebecca wants our listeners to know

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Evidence Based Birth®️: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered, and the Evidence Based Birth®️ Podcast

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to better support people for whom they provide services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

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By Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C

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