Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with EBB Childbirth Class graduates Kat Sullivan and Ben Winston about their journey through pregnancy and birth. Kat shares her deeply personal experience of living with emetophobia—the fear of vomiting—and how it impacted her pregnancy and decision to pursue a home birth. From navigating intrusive thoughts and panic attacks to finding a supportive care team and discovering the power of SSRIs, Kat and Ben open up about their challenges and triumphs. Hear how they prepared for labor, the role of their midwives, and how the EBB Childbirth Class helped them feel informed and empowered. Whether you're curious about home births, mental health in pregnancy, or simply love heartfelt birth stories, this episode is a must-listen!

Content Note: The first half of the interview will discuss distressing symptoms related to emetophobia, panic attacks, and OCD, as well as considering pregnancy termination due to emetophobia.

(00:01:24) Joyful Home Birth Experience despite Challenges (00:04:56) Empowered by Supportive Providers for Emetophobia (00:10:17) Navigating Mental Health in Parenthood Transition (00:17:53) Navigating Challenges with a Strong Support System (00:30:10) Unpredictable Transitions in Labor and Birth (00:35:03) Empowering Decisions Through Evidence-Based Home Birth (00:36:07) Empowering Parents Through Evidence-Based Childbirth Education

• Learn more about Kat and Ben's EBB Instructor, Emily McMichael, here or follow her on Instagram here!

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Dr. Rebecca Dekker and EBB Research Fellow Morgan Richardson Cayama tackle your questions about the ARRIVE trial and elective inductions at 39 weeks. They explore the evidence behind this controversial study, discuss the implications for Cesarean rates, and unpack the concept of patient autonomy in maternity care. Plus, they share practical tips for managing pressure to induce and delve into how the ARRIVE trial impacts outcomes like breastfeeding, epidurals, and costs. Tune in to hear this Q&A session originally broadcast to listeners worldwide.  

• Episode 334: The ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks

(03:38) How often are we seeing pressure from obstetricians to induce? (07:20) How can you manage pressure from an obstetrician to get an induction at 39 weeks? (12:00) What are the geographic trends in induction rates? (15:30) What are the statistics on infant death and mortality? (19:56) What happens if a midwife or obstetrician refuses a 39-week elective induction requested by a birthing person? (21:50) Why did the ARRIVE trial report such high rates of preeclampsia and hypertension? (32:16) Is induction considered to be more cost-effective? (34:54) Are inductions affecting breastfeeding and epidural rates? (36:54) Is there research around maternal satisfaction and birthing experience? (40:11) Why are IVF and advanced maternal age clients often pressured or offered induction? (41:24) What strategies can doulas use to support clients facing discussions about 39-week induction with their provider?   For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Dr. Jessica Brumley, a Certified Nurse Midwife and President of the American College of Nurse Midwives, joins Dr. Dekker to explore the transformative impact of respectful maternity care. Dr. Brumley reflects on her journey to midwifery, inspired by a lifelong commitment to equitable and compassionate healthcare. Together, they discuss the importance of supporting normal physiology in birth, the guiding principles of the midwifery model, and the need for systemic change to foster respectful care in hospitals. Dr. Brumley also shares insights from her work with the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, including initiatives to reduce unnecessary interventions and amplify patient voices. Tune in to learn how respectful care can improve outcomes, build trust, and why a “midwife for every community” could change the landscape of maternal health in the United States.

(00:07:30) Equitable and Respectful Maternity Care Advocacy (00:28:57) Promoting Respectful Maternity Care in Workplaces (00:30:28) Creating a Culture of Respect in Healthcare (00:30:49) Cultural Respect in Healthcare Settings (00:34:24) Promoting Equitable and Respectful Healthcare Practices (00:43:11) Elevating Midwifery Practice for Improved Healthcare (00:44:47) Retention Strategies for Midwifery Professionals   Resources:

• EBB 324 – Blending Birth, Science, Technology, and Storytelling with Erica Chidi, Co-founder and CEO of LOOM
• EBB 332 – Advocating for Yourself during Prenatal Visits with Retired Obstetrician Dr. Leslie Farrington, Co-Founder of the Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood
• Read Protecting Your Birth: A Guide For Black Mothers in The New York Times.
• Learn about the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)
  • and the ICM's RESPECT Presentation (mentioned by Jessica)
• Learn about the Florida Perinatal Collaborative
• Learn more about Dr. Brumley and her work
• Learn about the American College of Nurse Midwives

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

In this episode, I’m joined by Camden Crane Wachowiak—a health coach, EBB Childbirth Class graduate, and new mom—who shares her high-risk pregnancy and birth journey. Camden walks us through her induction experience after her water broke at term and her decision to labor with non-pharmacological comfort measures. We also talk about Camden's approach to navigating unique health considerations during pregnancy, including antiphospholipid syndrome and a cardiac pacemaker. She reflects on the empowering choices she made with her partner, such as hiring a supportive doula, and the role of the EBB Childbirth Class in helping them feel informed and confident. Discover how Camden built a team of providers who respected her strength, addressed her concerns without excessive intervention, and supported her in achieving a safe and positive birth experience.

(05:45) Experienced Doula Enhancing Birthing Experiences (09:52) Personalized Obstetric Care Based on Medical History (17:50) Natural Methods for Inducing Labor Contractions (19:39) Natural Comfort Techniques During Medication-Free Labor (23:32) Enduring labor pains without medical intervention (25:05) Breathwork and Support in Intense Childbirth (35:26) Vital Importance of Newborn Resuscitation Training (37:27) Embracing Motherhood: Navigating New Priorities and Routines (43:26) Transformative Role of Postpartum Communities  

• Learn more about Camden’s fitness coaching business, Camden C3 Fit here.
• EBB 288 – From Birthing in the Pandemic to Birthing a Career as a Postpartum Doula and Chef with Malisa Dekker of Planted Postpartum
• EBB 305 – A High-Risk Pregnancy and Miraculous Birth with Krista and John DeYoung, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Team EBB's Chanté Perryman, Rikki Jenkins and Sara Ailshire are taking over the podcast to share their tips for transitioning home from the hospital and supporting new parents postpartum! Rikki, a seasoned childbirth educator, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Instructor Program Coordinator at EBB, stresses the importance of having a strong support system and being open about postpartum mental health. Sara, a Research Fellow at EBB, draws from cultural practices and her own journey into parenthood to discuss the importance of accepting help and cherishing special moments with a newborn. Together, with Chanté, Director of Programs at EBB, they remind us to celebrate the transition into parenthood and practice self-compassion during this transformative period.   Don't forget to sign up for the waitlist for the new EBB Pocket Guide to Newborn Procedures!    (00:04:59) New Beginnings: Homecoming Baby Celebration (00:11:15) Building a Strong Postpartum Support System (00:12:34) Postpartum Support through Meal Trains (00:13:36) Setting Boundaries for Postpartum Support (00:31:04) Multilingual Breastfeeding Support and Resources (00:31:20) Partners' Support in Postpartum Hydration Plan (00:41:04) Neglecting Self-Care: Early Postpartum Warning Signs (00:46:48) Supportive Partner Role in Preventing Postpartum Depression (00:50:30) Navigating Postpartum Mental Health Challenges (00:53:28) Transformative Self-Compassion in Parenthood  

• Resources on Nursing and Pumping
• La Leche League
• UpToDate: Pumping Breastmilk
• Learn about the PUMP act, which protects many working parents.
• See the CDC’s Guidelines for Breast Milk Storage.
• Learn about common issues in breastfeeding.
• Watch Global Health Media breastfeeding education videos in a variety of languages.
• Resources for Car Seats
• Child Passenger Safety Certified Technicians
• The Car Seat Lady: Safe newborn head position
• Chicco newborn car seat position
• Resources for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
• Get an overview on PPD from The Office on Women’s Health
• Learn about PPA
• What to Expect: Postpartum Anxiety
• Support Organizations
• Postpartum Support International (PSI)
• PSI Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color

 

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

We're celebrating the upcoming release of the brand new Pocket Guide to Newborn Procedures! Join us as Dr. Dekker explores essential aspects of newborn care: the evidence on 1) pain management during newborn procedures, 2) baby's first bath, and 3) whether and how newborns should receive screening for low blood sugar. In this episode, you'll learn about newborn comfort techniques like skin-to-skin care, massage, "tucking in," and the use of pacifiers. You'll also walk away with a new appreciation for the evidence on delaying the first newborn bath to 24 hours, and the causes and management of newborn low blood sugars (also known as neonatal hypoglycemia).   (00:05:58) Parental Involvement in Newborn Comfort Care (00:08:34) Pain Relief Techniques for Newborn Procedures (00:12:01) Enhancing Newborn Comfort and Pain Management (00:20:22) Newborn Immersion Tub Bathing Advantages (00:31:45) Factors Contributing to Neonatal Hypoglycemia (00:39:31) Managing Newborn Hypoglycemia with Blood Sugar Testing (00:42:49) Enhancing Newborn Comfort and Pain Relief  

• Join the waitlist for the Newborn Procedures Pocket Guide here.
• Learn more about ingredients in infant cleansers here.

  Click here for the full list of references.   For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Join Dr. Rebecca Dekker and EBB Research Fellow Morgan Richardson Cayama as we explore the ARRIVE Trial and its impact on elective induction at 39 weeks. Together, we'll break down what elective induction involves, examine the trial's findings and critiques, and discuss the latest evidence on this increasingly common practice. Elective inductions have surged since the Trial's release. In this podcast episode, we'll talk about the latest post-ARRIVE research, and the benefits, risks, and professional guidelines on elective induction at 39 weeks. Additionally, we'll focus on the crucial role of respectful maternity care when making decisions about induction.   This podcast episode is a companion to the Evidence Based Birth® Signature Article on "Evidence on: The ARRIVE Trial and Elective Induction at 39 Weeks." You can access all of the resources, scientific references, and a free 2-page handout at ebbirth.com/arrive. If you prefer to learn via video, check the EBB YouTube channel for the video version of this episode.   For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

In this episode, we're talking about uterine fibroids and their impact on pregnancy and birth with Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, a board-certified OB/GYN and nationally recognized expert in fibroid treatment. Dr. Gillispie-Bell shares her wealth of knowledge on this critical, yet often overlooked, topic—explaining everything from what fibroids are to the various treatment options available. We cover how fibroids affect reproductive health, debunk myths about Cesarean versus vaginal birth, and discuss the racial disparities in fibroid care that Black women face. Dr. Gillispie-Bell also opens up about her personal connection to this field, tracing her passion for fibroid treatment back to her own mother’s journey.

Content Note: This episode contains discussions of maternal mortality and pregnancy-related death. Please take care while listening.   02:30 Understanding Uterine Fibroids and Their Prevalence 04:22 Symptoms and Health Consequences of Uterine Fibroids 08:05 Dr. Gillispie-Bell's Interest in Fibroids and Racial Disparities 16:13 Minimally Invasive Procedures for Fibroids 19:12 Hysterectomy as a Treatment Option 21:55 Considerations for Fibroid Treatment in Relation to Fertility 24:19 Safety and Impact on Fertility of Certain Fibroid Treatments 26:11 Primary Surgical Procedure: Myomectomy 28:19 Hysteroscopic Fibroid Removal   Resources

• Follow Dr. Gillispie-Bell on Instagram here.
• Help prevent maternal mortality with the CDC – Hear Her Campaign.
• Learn more about fibroid advocacy by visiting the White Dress Project and the Fibroid Foundation.
• Follow the work of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative.

 

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker’s book, “Babies Are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered!” If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Dr. Leslie Farrington, an African-American retired OB/GYN, birth justice advocate, and co-founder of the Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood, shares how her early experience with midwifery inspired her passion for patient-centered care. As a physician who later recognized the harmful effects of “physician supremacy” in the medical system, she details her transformation into an advocate for liberation and anti-racism in healthcare. She discusses how systemic issues impact Black maternal health and introduces the ACTT (Ask, Claim, Trust, Tell) framework, a powerful toolkit designed to empower birthing families to advocate for themselves during prenatal care. Dr. Farrington also offers practical strategies for building confidence, addressing power imbalances in medical settings, and ensuring patients are heard and respected.

(00:00) Empowering Pregnant Individuals in Prenatal Care (14:13) Advocating for Black Maternal Health Equity (17:55) Empowering Patients in Prenatal Healthcare Settings (26:23) Fostering Collaborative Relationships for Patient-Centered Care (32:50) Enhancing OB/GYN Care for African American Parents (42:00) Advocacy Training for Black Maternal Health

• Learn more about the Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood here.
• Download the Irth App here.

For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Chiropractor Dr. Lisa Vawter is all about women's health, especially when it comes to prenatal and postpartum care. With certifications in the Webster technique, Spinning Babies®, and BirthFit™, she's got all the tools to support expectant and new moms in a holistic way. Dr. Vawter is a firm believer in the power of chiropractic care to ease pregnancy symptoms like low back pain and sciatica, focusing on things like posture, muscle engagement, and body balance. Inspired by her own pregnancy journey, Dr. Vawter provides personalized and compassionate care to make sure birthing people have a safe and comfortable journey into parenthood. Listen as we talk about:

• Dr. Lisa Vawter's journey of being pregnant while in chiropractic school
• An overview of the anatomy of the spine, hips, and pelvis
• The kinds of normal bodily changes that happen in pregnancy
• How body mechanics and everyday movements can impact comfort in pregnancy
• Simple, bite-size exercises to help with re-alignment of your neck and pelvis
• Types of chiropractic adjustments used in pregnancy, including the Webster technique
• Information on the safety of chiropractic care in pregnancy

Visit Dr. Vawter's website here, or follow her on Instagram here.

Learn more about Spinning Babies® and BirthFit™.

For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.