In this episode, I am joined by Leiko Hidaka, an Evidence Based Birth Instructor from the Dominican Republic. Leiko holds a Master’s degree in Human Settlements and Environment. She earned her birth doula certification with DONA International, and her childbirth educator certification with the International Childbirth Education Association. She serves as International Coordinator for ICAN, and also leads the local ICAN chapter of the Dominican Republic, where she is a highly respected and passionate leader for women’s autonomy through evidence based care. Leiko became an EBB Instructor in 2018, and she teaches classes and workshops for parents and birth professionals in the Dominical Republic. She is also working to establish a free standing birth center there.  Leiko and I talk about what birth is like in the Dominican Republic, and the challenges all women face in finding the provider who is right for their unique needs. We also discuss a technique called motivational interviewing, and how to use that strategy to navigate communication with providers. Trigger warning: This podcast address obstetric violence and fear. 

For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Resources:

Follow Leiko Hidaka on her website, Instagram, and Facebook Click here  for the Evidence Based Birth COVID-19 resource page. Click here to see EBB’s new Sample Informed Consent Form for Refusal to Separate Birthing Parent and Infant. This document is also available in Spanish. For Spanish translations of EBB’s one-page handouts, click here. Check out our Spring Sale in the Evidence Based Birth Shop! T-shirts are on sale - buy two, get $10 off your order. Also - we are offering FREE downloads of the e-book version of Babies Are Not Pizzas!  The Evidence Based Birth Pro membership is on sale through this Friday, May 1! Click here to get 20% off the monthly or annual term.