Podcasts about evidence based birth instructor

Special Announcement from EBB! If you're an experienced birth worker or health care professional and you're interested in becoming an Evidence Based Birth Instructor, applications for 2025 are opening soon for a limited time only!   Podcast listeners who are interested in becoming an EBB Instructor are invited to join us for a live Q & A session on Wednesday, May 28 at 1:00 PM EDT.    We'll be answering your questions about who is eligible to apply, what the application process looks like, and the support and training you'll receive as an EBB Instructor.   Whether you're thinking about teaching the EBB Childbirth Class or leading EBB Pro Workshops, this is a your opportunity to learn more. Can't make it live? Register anyway and we'll send the replay straight to your inbox. Just head to ebbirth.com/instructor to attend.    Want to listen to a few podcast episodes about being an EBB Instructor? EBB 310: Joyce Dykema, EBB Instructor & Doula, talks about teaching the EBB Comfort Measures for L & D Nurses Workshop! EBB 222: Jen Anderson, Nurse, Doula, and EBB Instructor, breaks down for us how she tailors her EBB Childbirth Class to high-risk birthing families EBB 226: Dana Patterson, Doula & EBB Instructor, joins her client Mandy on-air to talk about serving as both her client's doula and childbirth educator!  EBB 252: Leslie Green, Doula & EBB Instructor, explains how the EBB Childbirth Class has advanced her ability to advocate for her clients EBB 283: EBB Instructors Tania Silva Meléndez, Doula, and Tamara Trinidad González, Certified Professional Midwife, share how they use EBB Instructor resources in Puerto Rico. 

Dr. Rebecca Dekker is joined by Joyce Dykema, doula and EBB Instructor, and Brianna Fields, a labor and delivery nurse, to discuss advocating for positive shifts in birth culture, particularly in Nebraska. Joyce shares her journey into birth work and the impact of the Evidence Based Birth Instructor program on accessing research evidence, highlighting changes in hospital practices and provider attitudes that support more diverse birthing options.   Brianna discusses her experience in Joyce's EBB Comfort Measures Workshop—which covers the importance of language, positioning, acupressure, and eating and drinking during labor. Together, Joyce and Brianna talk about the need for ongoing education for nurses so that they can provide optimal support during childbirth. Joyce also opens up about the legislative challenges facing the birth community in Nebraska. Tune in to this episode learn about doulas and nurses advocating together, using research evidence to make positive changes in birth culture.   Resources: Check out EBB Continuing Education events (including the EBB Comfort Measures Workshop) for Professionals here. Get on the wait list for the EBB Instructor program here. Visit Joyce's website and see her upcoming events here! Follow Joyce on Instagram here.   EBB Resources: 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.

May 17, 2023 - On today's episode we are honoring Pelvic Floor Awareness Month with a replay episode from one of our most popular episodes, an interview with Dr. Juan Michelle Martin all about pelvic floor health in both pregnancy and postpartum. Content warning: discussion of sexual function and dysfunctions in plain terms. In this episode, I will be talking with Dr. Juan Michelle Martin. Dr. Martin is a pelvic floor specialist for 13 years and now an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor. Dr. Martin is the owner and founder of JMM Health Solutions. She's created a few programs for pregnant individuals as well as two coaching programs, one of them being a 12-week program for people with endometriosis, and the other being a four-week program for individuals suffering from dyspareunia. We talk about the benefits of pelvic floor therapy for pregnancy and postpartum. We also talk about the importance of advocating for accessible pelvic care services. Learn more about Dr. Juan Michelle Martin here (https://www.jmmhealthsolutions.com/). Follow Dr. Martin on Instagram here (www.instagram.com/thepelvicperspective). View Dr. Martin's pelvic floor topic videos on YouTube for JMM Health Solutions here (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNEkVefn_wLgrqlf4wyXHw).  Learn more about Academy of Pelvic Health (APH) here (https://aptapelvichealth.org/). Follow APH on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/aptapelvic/).  Learn more about Herman & Wallace here (https://hermanwallace.com/). Follow Herman & Wallace on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/HermanandWallace/).  Listen to recent EBB episodes about Pelvic Floor Health & Postpartum: EBB 256 - Top 3 Recommendations for Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after Birth with Dr. Sarah Duvall EBB 264 - Top 3 Tips for Exercise in Pregnancy with Mamastefit For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), Click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

The process of preparing for birth, giving birth, and recovering can be described in many ways. Some might say incredible, others might say life changing, and still others might say horrific. But whatever someone's experience is, one thing is for sure. It always helps to know a bit about the process before the day you welcome your bundle of joy.Jen Buice joins us today for a deep and meaningful conversation around all things childbirth. Jen has been supporting families as a childbirth educator, lactation counselor, and birth doula for 15 years in and around New York City. Jen came to this work after the births of her two children, which brought her to an understanding of the essential role of caring support and empowering education before, during, and after childbirth. Today she chats with us on how important it is to know the physiology of birth, what is normal/not as normal, what is medically SUGGESTED versus medical NECESSARY, and all the possible ways that birth can happen. She believes that even if you are planning for a home birth, knowing hospital birth-related information is key, in case you need to go down that route. She emphasizes the importance of partners advocating for the birthing individual and to always make sure the birthing person is a part of the decision-making process. Jen is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, committed to helping people gain the skills and knowledge they need to feel prepared, confident, and respectfully supported as they bring their babies into the world. She teaches childbirth classes through Evidence Based Birth®, Birth Day Presence, and boober, both virtually and in person.Connect with her:yourpreparedbirth.com@yourpreparedbirth

In this episode we talk with EBB Instructor Leslie Greene, about doula advocacy and empowering families through the EBB Childbirth education class.   Leslie Greene, pronouns, she/her, is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, baby wearing consultant and Evidence Based Birth Instructor and founder of Peridot Births. Leslie's work reflects her passion for birth justice, and she has a special interest in supporting Black and brown birthing families and members of the LBGTQIA+ community. Leslie is also the mom of a rising first grader and loves to spend her time with her adopted Shih Tzu and tabby kitten when not working.   We talk about the importance of doula advocacy. Leslie talks about her personal journey to becoming a childbirth educator and a doula, as a form of activism to address the Black maternal health crisis in American. She describes how to step into the birthing space as a collaborative advocate to center the parent's experience for their birth.    Content Warning: discussion of the murder of George Floyd, maternal mortality for African Americans, Black maternal health crisis, systemic racism, politics, obstetric violence, racism, forced cervical exams, perineal massage with baby shampoo, poverty, substance use, teen pregnancy, lack of prenatal care, colonization, slavery, and the COVID-19 pandemic Resources: Listen to EBB 218 – The Evidence on Perineal Massage during Labor with Dr. Rebecca Dekker here   Check out and follow all of Leslie's work: o   Leslie's Evidence Based Childbirth Education site can be found here o   Leslie's Doula Services can be found here o   Follow Leslie's work on Instagram here Go to our YouTube channel to see video versions of the episode listed above!! For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on:  TikTok Instagram Pinterest Ready to get involved?  Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) here  Find an EBB Instructor here  Click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

In this episode, we are talking with Scarlett Lynsky (she/her) from Hatchings Doula all about her experiences as an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor and two-time gestational surrogate. Scarlett Lynsky was born, raised, and practices as a doula and childbirth educator in Portland, Oregon. Fascinated by childbirth from an early age, and inspired by Grantly Dick-Read's Childbirth Without Fear, she decided to become a Childbirth Educator and Doula in 2009. Over the last 13 years, Scarlett has attended over 200 births. She is passionate about informed consent, bodily autonomy and tuning in to each birthing person's needs at any given moment. Scarlett has two children of her own as well as completing two "extra credit births" in the form of gestational surrogacy. She continues to be in awe of the transformative power of birth and the strength and bravery of every birthing person. In this episode, Scarlett shares how she came into birth work and why she chose to pursue two very different but equally beautiful surrogacy journeys. We discuss the nuances of being a surrogate and the importance of open and clear communication between the gestational carrier, the intended parent(s), and their support and care teams. Content Warnings: fertility/infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, bleeding in pregnancy, subchorionic hemorrhage, abortion,  pregnancy termination, assisted reproduction, IVF, 3rd party reproduction, gendered language, adoption, maternal mortality, high risk pregnancy, discussion of down syndrome, pregnancy complications related to uterine loss Resources and References: Find out more about Scarlett's EBB Childbirth Class and Doula services on her website here and follow her on Instagram here. Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth by Grantly Dick-Read (1959), find a copy here Learn about agency Scarlett worked with in Oregon, Northwest Surrogacy Center here. Go to our YouTube channel to see video versions of the episode listed above!! For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on:  TikTok Instagram Pinterest Ready to get involved?  Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) here  Find an EBB Instructor here  Click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

In this week's episode, Dr. Shannon sits down with Tara Thompson, a metro-Atlanta prenatal, postpartum, and infant massage therapist to discuss all things massage!  We cover:Some of the top reasons moms are seeking prenatal massageWhen to get a prenatal massageHow are the massages performedAt home things moms can do for comfortWhat is a lymphatic massageWhat does postpartum massage therapy look likeWhat is infant massageAnd more!Not only is Tara a talented massage therapist, but she is Cappa Certified Doula, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, and an Evidence Based Birth Instructor.  She uses all of her knowledge of prenatal health and wellness to help moms-to-be be more comfortable and advocate for themselves.  As always, be sure to locate a massage therapist in your area with prenatal training, and keep your care provider informed.  Connect with Tara:Tara's Birth Services - websiteTara Thompson Co - on instagram This podcast was created from a desire to share conversations and interviews about topics from pregnancy and birth to motherhood and the importance of a healthy body and mind through it all.  Our goal is to bring you fun, interesting, and helpful conversations that excite you and make you want to learn more.  We hope what we share will make an impact and help someone else along their journey.  We believe that when you are aligned in body, mind, and your intuition, you can conquer anything!  If you like what you are hearing and you don't want to miss our newest episodes, be sure and tap subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated.Follow us on Instagram:Aligned Birthwww.instagram.com/aligned_birthDr. Shannonwww.instagram.com/sunrise_chiropractic_wellnessDoula Rachaelwww.instagram.com/northatlantabirthCheck out our individual websites:Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness - www.sunrisechiropracticandwellness.comNorth Atlanta Birth Services - www.northatlantabirth.comDisclaimerThe information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast.  The podcast hosts take no money from affiliate links provided in the show notes. Podcast Editing by:Chris Godfrey of Godfrey Sound: www.godfreysound.comMusic:"Freedom” by Roa - https://roamusic.wixsite.com/roamusic

This episode is so important for a number of reasons. Discovering a new career and purpose in one's 30s and continued evolution to ensure it works all along one's life trajectory. We celebrate discovery, movement, and flexibility in work. Jen Buice has a rare story of discovering her purpose & professional calling in the world of childbirth. A career rebirth. We also talk about continued career evolution and self-advocacy and empowerment in building one's own business. This conversation is key for people in various stages of life and work, no matter what profession because uncovering your career passion and purpose can happen anywhere, you just have to notice it. Jen Buice has been supporting families as a childbirth educator, lactation counselor, and birth doula for 14 years in and around New York City. She came to this work after the births of her two children, which brought her to an understanding of the essential role of caring support and empowering education before, during, and after childbirth. Jen is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, committed to helping people gain the skills and knowledge they need to feel prepared, confident, and respectfully supported as they bring their babies into the world. She teaches childbirth classes through Birth Day Presence, boober, and Evidence Based Birth®, both virtually and in person. Jen holds degrees from Bowdoin College and the University of Chicago, where she studied anthropology and education and would have explored the anthropology of childbirth had she known how fascinated by birth she would later become! https://www.yourpreparedbirth.com/ The Mindshare Podcast is created for our listeners' growth and learning, and our programs are available through the Workshops & Challenge Tabs on Monumentalme.com. Produced and hosted by Liana Slater. If you want a weekly boost of evidence-based tools to help you thrive, subscribe to the podcast AND to our Thrive Letter at monumentalme.substack.com!

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Birth Fusion founder and Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, Jennifer Anderson, about her work as a childbirth educator and doula while serving families who get pregnant via in vitro fertilization and those over the age of 35. Jennifer Anderson (she/her) is an RN, doula, childbirth educator, birth photographer, and Evidence Based Birth Instructor. Jennifer provides labor support to couples in the Sacramento, California region and she also teaches the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class online to families everywhere. In 2011, Jennifer started Birth Fusion to provide labor support and childbirth classes to couples in Northern California. Today, Jennifer has supported more than 225 births in the Sacramento and Bay Area. In 2019, Jennifer was one of the first instructors to begin teaching the EBB Childbirth Class, and she's taught more than 45 classes in three short years. While keeping her license active in nursing, Jennifer likes to say she practices community nursing. Jennifer's core demographics include IVF couples and those over the age of 35, as she guides couples in understanding their risks through the lens of their values. Jennifer's superpower is educating and supporting families and navigating labor inductions by taking away the element of surprise while thinking outside the box to help her clients gain agency and autonomy in this process.  We talk about Jennifer's work assisting individuals and families who become pregnant through in vitro fertilization, as well as individuals over the age of 35. We also talk about Jennifer's work as an EBB Instructor and her experience serving families in need during the pandemic. Content Warning: We mention gendered language, pre-eclampsia, labor induction, the COVID pandemic, epidural, labor pain, in vitro fertilization, stillbirth, and miscarriage related to being 35 and older. RESOURCES: Learn more about Jennifer Anderson and Birth Fusion here. Learn more about the ARRIVAL trial on EBB episode 10 here. Listen to EBB episode 176 here.  Listen to EBB episode 177 here.Listen to EBB episode 178 here. For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/ ), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with student midwife and Evidence Based Birth®'s new Program Team Manager, Chanté Perryman about life as a student midwife. Chanté Perryman (she/her) is a midwifery student studying to become a certified professional midwife in Central Kentucky. She owns Baby Dreams Maternity Concierge and has a goal of opening a freestanding birth center to continue to provide community support, education, and advocacy for birthing families. Chanté is the new Program Team Manager here at Evidence Based Birth®. She is also a professionally certified birth and postpartum doula, a certified childbirth educator, an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, and a Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator. Chanté also volunteers with the Kentucky Birth Coalition helping to advance legislation for midwives and families. In her spare time, she loves reading, lettering, drinking hot tea, and traveling with her family to explore local museums and restaurants.  We talk about Chanté's passion to become a future midwife and what motivated her to start her journey as a student midwife. We also talk about Chanté's dream goal of owning a freestanding birth center and the barriers she has faced as a Black student midwife.  Content warning: We mention racism and trauma. Learn more about Chanté Perryman here. Follow Chanté on Facebook and Instagram.  Listen to Episode 79 here.  Listen to Episode 136 here.  Listen to Episode 145 here.  Listen to Episode 183 here. Learn more about Indiana Black midwife, Amanda Chandler, here. Learn more about Karie Stewart and Melanated Midwives here. For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

On this episode of The Lamaze Podcast, Denise Bolds, MSW, Adv.CD(DONA), CLC, CBE, speaks with Dr. Michelle Gabriel Caldwell, a Certified Labor Doula, Evidence Based Birth Instructor and National Black Doula Association Doula Trainer & Mentor. Throughout this episode, Michelle discusses her personal birth experiences as well as how she and her husband teamed up to teach The Bradley Method, which focuses heavily on partner involvement and natural labor techniques.

Jen Buice discovers her purpose & professional calling in the world of childbirth. A career rebirth. We also talk about continued career evolution and self-advocacy and empowerment in building one's own business. This conversation is key for people in various stages of life and work, no matter what profession because uncovering your career passion and purpose can happen anywhere, you just have to notice it. Jen Buice has been supporting families as a childbirth educator, lactation counselor, and birth doula for 14 years in and around New York City. She came to this work after the births of her two children, which brought her to an understanding of the essential role of caring support and empowering education before, during, and after childbirth. Jen is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, committed to helping people gain the skills and knowledge they need to feel prepared, confident, and respectfully supported as they bring their babies into the world. She teaches childbirth classes through Birth Day Presence, boober, and Evidence Based Birth®, both virtually and in person. Jen holds degrees from Bowdoin College and the University of Chicago, where she studied anthropology and education and would have explored the anthropology of childbirth had she known how fascinated by birth she would later become! https://www.yourpreparedbirth.com/ The Mindshare Podcast is created for our listeners' growth and learning, and our programs are available through the Workshops & Challenge Tabs on Monumentalme.com. Produced and hosted by Liana Slater. If you want a weekly boost of evidence-based tools to help you thrive, subscribe to the podcast AND to our Thrive Letter at monumentalme.substack.com! Series 2 focuses on Career choices, pivots and purpose. Download & Rate the Mindshare Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Subscribe to Google Podcasts and Spotify, and share this podcast with your friends. Pay it forward.

On today's podcast we're going to talk with Paula Richards about advocacy work as a trauma-informed nurse educator.  Paula Richards (she/her) is a perinatal nurse and nurse educator who likes to nerd out about OB-related nursing professional development on Instagram under the handle @NurseBrownGirl. Paula joined the Evidence Based Birth® Instructor program in the spring of 2020 and she's also a guest teacher in the videos of our Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class where we talk about interventions during childbirth. We talk about Paula's journey to become a nurse and her experience of unlearning traumatic childbirth practices that are problematic and harmful for birthing people. We also talk about the gap between evidence, human rights, and actual practice, as well as the need for more ethical nurse education. Content warning: We will talk about traumatic childbirth and obstetric abuse. This episode also contains strong language, swear words, and how binary language/terminology is routinely used in labor and delivery. If you'd prefer to read a transcript without swear words you can find that on our blog here. RESOURCES: Learn more about Paula Richards on Instagram here.  Learn more about The Business of Being Born here. Learn more about “Are There Benefits to Uterine Massage in the Third Stage of Labor” here.  Learn more about the Association of Women's Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) here.  Learn more about “white supremacy culture” by Tema Okun here. Learn more about Cristen Pascucci and Birth Monopoly here. Learn more about Mandy Irby of The Birth Nurse here.  Learn more about Maggie Runyon of Your Birth Partners Podcast here. For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

The ladies speak with Michelle Gabriel-Caldwell this week about her doula services! Michelle and Brent have been married since 1997, they always knew they wanted children. Blessed with two great kids, they didn't realize how impactful the birthing experiences were until sharing theirs with friends and family. Michelle's first pregnancy was normal and perfect, she wanted the same for the labor and birth...normal, natural. She took Bradley Method Classes, hired a doula and had a low intervention, natural hospital birth. Second time around she was older and wiser, birth two would be at home on Christmas night...same birth team! Both ​of them were inspired to teach The Bradley Method and they have been doing so since 2006. ​ Michelle is also a Certified Labor Doula, Evidence Based Birth Instructor and National Black Doula Association Doula Trainer & Mentor. In her spare time she loves supporting The Birth Center of NJ as their Doula Coordinator and Childbirth Instructor.

On today's podcast, we have an exciting takeover in celebration of Pride Month. We have Mystique Hargrove, Kortney Lapeyrolerie, and Nadine Ashby to talk about their experiences as Black queer and trans birth workers. Mystique (She/They) is the radical femme CEO, and creator of "The Black Birth Healer." Mystique is a holistic birth and postpartum wellness specialist who is certified as a full spectrum doula, a lactation educator, a childbirth educator, and a Diaspora death doula. Mystique is a Pathway 3 IBCLC mentee, an Evidence Based Birth Instructor®, and our podcast coordinator. Currently, Mystique is a Ph.D. student with a research focus on inclusive services and advocacy in perinatal mental health for Black LGBTQ+ individuals.  Kortney (She/They) is a queer Black healing justice activist, birth worker, conflict mediator, and content creator. She is the founder and organizer of the Queer Doula Network, which maintains a digital LGBTQIA+ birth work and birth work-adjacent directory, provides workshops, and holds community spaces for LGBTQIA+ birth workers to find support. Kortney has worked with the Black Health (formerly the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS) and the Latino Commission on AIDS, providing capacity building around communications and sexual and reproductive health.  Nadine (They/Them) is a queer trans birth doula and doula educator. Nadine's work is built on a foundation of social justice and equity. Nadine's birth work journey started with their mother taking them to the births of family members and friends. Nadine leaned into the incredible transformative power that birthing people unearthed at each birth they attended. This reverence led Nadine to earn a degree in Biology with the intention of becoming a nurse-midwife. They talk about what Pride Month means to them as Black queer and trans birth workers and their past experiences which lead them to their roles to advocate for birth and reproductive rights of queer and trans bodies of color. They also talk about the challenges they face in their communities as Black queer and trans birth workers and the hopeful futures they envision for their communities.  **Content Warning: They will talk about racism, misgendering, homophobia, transphobia, and trauma.** RESOURCES: Learn more about Mystique here (https://www.theblackbirthhealer.com). Follow Mystique on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theblackbirthhealer) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blackbirthhealer). Learn more about Mystique's fundraiser project on Black-led birth and postpartum services here (https://ifundwomen.com/projects/black-led-birth-and-postpartum-wellness).  Learn more about Kortney and The Queer Doula Network here (https://queerdoulanetwork.com/). Follow The Queer Doula Network on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/QueerDoulaNetwork/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/queerdoulas/). Learn more about the Queer Doula Network membership here (https://www.patreon.com/queerdoulanetwork). Connect with the Queer Doula Network by email here (queerdoulanetwork@gmail.com).  Learn more about Nadie here (https://www.doula4all.com/). Learn more about Roots Community Birth Center here (https://www.rootsbirthcenter.com/). Follow Nadine on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Doula4all) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Doula4all/). Learn more about Birth Revolution here (https://thebirthrevolution.org/).  For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

In today’s episode I had the pleasure of speaking with a husband and wife childbirth instructor team! I had the chance to interview Brent Caldwell and Michelle Gabrielle-Caldwell about their experience teaching the Bradley Method childbirth class. Michelle and Brent have been married since 1997, they always knew they wanted children. Blessed with two great kids, they didn't realize how impactful the birthing experiences were until sharing theirs with friends and family. Michelle's first pregnancy was normal and perfect, she wanted the same for the labor and birth...normal, natural. She took Bradley Method Classes, hired a doula and had a low intervention, natural hospital birth. Second time around she was older and wiser, birth two would be at home on Christmas night...same birth team! Both of them were inspired to teach The Bradley Method and they have been doing so since 2006.Michelle is also a Certified Labor Doula, Evidence Based Birth Instructor and National Black Doula Association Doula Trainer & Mentor. In her spare time she loves supporting The Birth Center of NJ as their Doula Coordinator and Childbirth Instructor. In today’s episode we discuss: Michelle and Brent’s background and  how they started teaching birth classesHistory of the Bradley Method What is the the Bradley Method Childbirth education philosophy? The role of a childbirth coach and a doulaWhat the 12 week class structure is likeClass 1: History of/Intro to Bradley Method and Get to Know your InstructorsClass 2: NutritionClass 3: GestationClass 4: Coaching class for partnersClass 5: Introduction to 1st Stage of LaborClass 6: Introduction to 2nd Stage of LaborClass 7: Birth PlansClass 8: Variations and ComplicationsClass 9: Advanced 1st StageClass 10: Advanced 2nd StageClass 11: Advanced CoachingClass 12: Newborn care, Breastfeeding and Postpartum  Who would be a good fit for a Bradley class?How to get in touch with/follow Michelle/Brent:WebsiteFollow her on InstagramHow to get in touch with me: Follow me on InstagramFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillagepod.comEmail me at amanda@findingyourvillagepod.com Monthly Newsletter Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/findingyourvillagepod?fan_landing=true)

In today’s episode, I am focusing on a newer childbirth preparation program from  Evidence Based Birth. I had a chance to sit down with Cat LaPlante, who is the Director of the Instructor Program at Evidence Based Birth®. She is a certified childbirth educator, certified doula, and an Evidence Based Birth Instructor.  Cat's passion is empowering birthing people and their partners through evidence based education and supporting their informed choices.    In this episode we discuss: The history of Evidence Based BirthHow Cat got involved with EBB and became the Director of the Evidence Based Birth® Instructor ProgramWhat the EBB Childbirth Education Class is like:Three pillars are: comfort, evidence and advocacyStarts with an online orientation, there are two models now depending on where you are: in person and onlineTeach about birth statistics and how to look them up for their care providerOnline class is comprised of videos for parents to watch and then are followed with online calls with instructorsThe class goes over: comfort measures, interventions and the evidence on both and how to advocate for yourself or your parternThere is also a postpartum section that goes over: delayed cord clamping, skin to skin, circumcision, diaper and washing baby and postpartum care planWho would be a good fit for EBB Childbirth Class:For the parent who wants to know it allThose who want to know the evidence and practice comfort and relaxation techniquesDon't forget to see the special cohorts and other classes being offered by EBB Instructors both virtually and in person in your area at www.evidencebasedbirth.com/parentclasses/ How to get in touch with Cat:WebsiteFollow her on InstagramHow to get in touch with me: Follow me on InstagramFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillagepod.comEmail me at amanda@findingyourvillagepod.com Monthly Newsletter Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/findingyourvillagepod?fan_landing=true)

On today's podcast, we talk with L&D nurse, Ann Marie Gilligan, about perinatal positioning during labor. Ann is a labor and delivery nurse in Minnesota, who is trained in high-risk obstetrics and advanced fetal monitoring, certified through Waterbirth International and also, certified as a sexual assault nurse examiner. Ann has 30 years of labor and delivery experience, ranging from the start-up team for an independent birth center to working at a level three high-risk labor and delivery unit to working as a legal nurse consultant and prenatal yoga instructor. Ann has extensive experience caring for families who want an unmedicated birth as well as caring for people with high-risk conditions, such as pre-eclampsia, uncontrolled diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, and sepsis. Ann has also traveled to Bolivia and Tanzania, where she taught high-risk obstetrics and maternal positioning for optimal fetal positioning. More recently, Ann became an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor in 2020 and is a Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner.  We talk about maternal positioning and its effect on fetal positioning during labor. We also talk about Ann’s vast experience as an L&D nurse and her web-based resource, Gilligan's Guide, where Ann teaches physicians, nurses, and families the importance of infant positioning for birth. Learn about Ann Marie Gilligan and Gilligan’s Guide here (www.gilligansguide.com). Follow Ann on Instagram here (www.instagram.com/gilligansguide).  Learn about EBB instructor, Rhonda Fellows, Learn about Oily Doula MN here (https://www.oilydoulamn.com/) and follow Oily Doula MN on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/oilydoulamn/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/oilydoulamn/). Learn more about Spinning Babies® here (https://www.spinningbabies.com/). For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

In this episode, you’ll learn:The fact that hospitals restrict women from how their bodies want to give birth. Delivering at home with a midwife is even illegal in Georgia!Uncovering the truth that women give birth in hospital beds just for the doctors to see it and the convenience of the medical staff.Why you need to check on moms during their postpartum period.Losing weight should be the last thing on your mind after giving birth.And much more!-About Tara Thompson:I believe pregnancy and childbirth are amazing and unique experiences for everyone. I understand that knowledge is power and making informed decisions can help you have the best birth experience possible.In the last 15 years, I have since gone on to become a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, Cappa Certified Doula, and a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in prenatal, postpartum, and infant massage. I also recently became a sexual wellness consultant to continue to help my clients after they gave birth. From rolling around in the sheets to giving birth, I can help you achieve success.I am a New York native, but I moved to Georgia with my family in 2005. Ever since, I have been fully dedicated to serving prenatal and postpartum families. I have a deep passion for music and dancing, especially that from the 90's era. If I weren't a doula or childbirth educator, my dream job would be dancing in music videos.-Connect with Tara Thompson!Website: https://www.tarasbirthservices.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarasbirthservices Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taradthompson.co/ Nourish in Atlanta: https://www.tarasbirthservices.com/NourishInAtlantaBox Subscriptions: https://www.tarasbirthservices.com/store/BOX-SUBSCRIPTIONS-c62775300-Connect with Amy Lee!Website: https://www.soulhealingbodyworkwellnesscenter.com/Facebook Group: https://web.facebook.com/groups/571961710177428

In this episode I interview Ambrosia Meikle, a Los Angles-based Evidence Based Birth Instructor, CAPPA-certified birth and postpartum doula, and a full-spectrum doula. She is also a lactation educator specialist and childbirth educator, Ambrosia also volunteers to teach childbirth classes and provide doula services at a high school for pregnant teens. She is a mother of two. This show has a trigger warning for pregnancy termination related to a fatal birth defect. Before entering birth work, Ambrosia was a surrogate for a family from overseas. In her practice, Ambrosia serves an extremely diverse community, and she is passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to the type of support that is best for them.  We talk about Ambrosia’s surrogacy - including some very difficult decisions she had to make during that pregnancy, and the moment she felt empowered in her labor to birth the baby when she felt the time was right. We also talk about the importance of childbirth education and support for pregnant teens. 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 Ambrosia on Instagram or her website. Click here for the Evidence Based Birth Signature Article, Evidence on: Doulas.

In this episode, I am joined by Katie Kane, a parent from Cherry Hill, New Jersey who took the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class when she was pregnant with her daughter. Katie worked with EBB Instructor Cat LaPlante.  From the beginning of her pregnancy, Katie planned for an unmedicated hospital birth - leading her on a path to researching doulas and eventually finding the EBB Childbirth Class. She was intentional in choosing her birth team, and ended up switching providers when she knew her first was not the best fit for her. With the support of her husband and doula, Katie was able to navigate roadblocks that may have resulted in different outcomes for her birth if she had not been so well prepared. 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: Find an Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class or Comfort Measures for Labor and Delivery Workshop here. Find an Evidence Based Birth Instructor, and all EBB parent resources here. Follow Jen McLellan at Plus Size Birth, the Plus Mommy podcast and Instagram. You can also hear Jen on the Evidence Based Birth Podcast here.

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. 

In this episode, I am joined by Heather McCullough, an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, Certified Hypnobabies Instructor®, and Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner. Heather is also CAPPA faculty, and is certified to train labor doulas, postpartum doulas, and lactation educators. She has also been a childbirth educator and a certified professional midwife for over 25 years.  Heather reveals some of the ways providers may interact with birthing people to steer them into situations that are best for them and for the hospital - not necessarily the birth plan. She also shares some success stories she’s experienced using EBB advocacy techniques. 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 Heather McCullough at her website, on Facebook, and on Instagram.  For the latest Evidence Based Birth COVID-19 updates, click here.  

Lia Berquist is a mom of two, Doula, Bradley Method Instructor, Evidence Based Birth Instructor and self-proclaimed birth fanatic. Lia was introduced to the Bradley Method in 1998 after giving birth naturally in a hospital. Ten years later with the knowledge and understanding on how to advocate for herself she gave birth to her second child at home. She believes that no matter what type of birth you choose, it should be your choice and you should have the tools and knowledge to advocate for yourself. Key Takeaway: When it comes to childbirth education, do you research, make your selection on the method you prefer and stick with it, otherwise you'll find yourself second guessing your choices and will feel overwhelmed. Lia's website: yournaturalbirth.net Instagram: @yournaturalbirth Facebook: @yournaturalbirthlb Resources: Bradley Birth Method website: bradleybirth.com Spinning Babies: spinningbabies.com Evidence Based Birth: evidencedbasedbirth.com Favorite Parenting Book: No Cry Sleep Solution When selecting a Doula these are the certifications you want to look for: DONA, CAPPA, BADT. Lia recommends when you interview your Doula, ask hard questions and see if this person is the right fit for you.

Have you ever been told you cant do something? Better yet have you ever told yourself you cant do something?  In this episode we interview Tanya Grazione, a Tampa Bay based Doula who is an expert in Hypnobirthing and certified Evidence Based Birth Instructor. Tanya tells us the incredible story of how she became a Doula and how she came into her true power after years of feeling powerless. At the end of the episode we talk about useful tools you can use to help you find your passion and the power within. 

Have you ever been told you cant do something? Better yet have you ever told yourself you cant do something? In this episode we interview Tanya Grazione, a Tampa Bay based Doula who is an expert in Hypnobirthing and certified Evidence Based Birth Instructor. Tanya tells us the incredible story of how she became a Doula and how she came into her true power after years of feeling powerless. At the end of the episode we talk about useful tools you can use to help you find your passion and the power within.

Kathy Watkins talks about her history as a midwife, her view of mindful birth in a family birth center in her community, her philosophy as a provider, and how she and her OB partner, Dr Megan Kasper deliver respectful, mindful care for the pregnant woman and her family in the Treasure Valley. She explains the process of a successful implementation of a family friendly cesarean practice in the hospital where she works and how she and her physician partners work so well together. BIO Kathy Watkins Certified Nurse Midwife.  Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada – Masters of Science in Nursing –Midwifery from the University of Utah – Transformational Nurse Leadership Fellowship from Duke University 26 years practicing as a Certified Nurse Midwife with certifications in Midwifery Sonography, First Assist at C Section, Centering Pregnancy, Evidence Based Birth Instructor, WaterBirth International Currently, Full Scope CNM care with Saltzer OBGYN offering all pregnancy care inclusive of attendance at birth at St Luke’s Nampa Family Birth Center, well woman care, gynecology, contraception, menopause Interests include a fit clean healthy lifestyle, commitment to the Triple Aim initiative, team member of the family friendly c section movement

In this episode, I am joined by Bess English, a mother of two who lives near Pensacola, Florida.  Bess describes her first hospital birth experience as traumatic. When she was pregnant with her second child, she and her husband took the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class with Instructor Traci Weafer to learn more about advocacy tools and comfort measures.  Bess’ attempted VBAC home birth did not go as planned - and she and her husband found themselves back in the hospital setting making some difficult choices. But this time, it was a different story. Hear Bess tell her birth stories, how she processed her birth trauma, and utilized advocacy tools to navigate and feel empowered in her complicated second birth. 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: For more information on the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class, click here. To find an Evidence Based Birth Instructor and EBB classes near you, click here. Get your copy of my book, Babies Are Not Pizzas, here. It’s the story of my traumatic first birth, interwoven with the latest evidence surrounding common birth interventions.

In this episode, I am joined by Taiwo (Tia) Ajao and her husband Dr. Wale Ajao. Tia is an RN with a Master’s in Public Health, a Lamaze certified childbirth educator, and a DONA-trained birth doula. Wale is a medical doctor as well as a communication professional, specializing in film and video production. He is also a Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA-trained birth doula, and a certified professional photographer. Tia and Wale lead Hello Baby Baltimore, a health communications initiative serving families in Baltimore City and the DC/Maryland/Virginia area. Hello Baby Baltimore believes in educating a family’s entire support network, creating unique teaching moments at private baby showers and events. Tia and Wale draw on their background as multimedia creators, and as a doctor/nurse couple with both local and international experience. We talk about their truly unique approach to childbirth education and family support, including their focus on normalizing the role of men in childbirth. We also talk about the Evidence Based Birth Instructor program, and male doulas. 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: Learn more about Hello Baby Baltimore and Tia and Wale Ajao via their website, Facebook, and Instagram .

In this episode, I am joined by Denise Bolds, a New York City-based medical social worker and DONA International certified birth doula. She specializes in high-risk VBACs and first time pregnancies, as well as same-sex and hospital births. She also supports breastfeeding, and is an Evidence Based Birth Instructor. Denise has served as a regional director with DONA International, and she is a published author of a self-help book called Raising Princes to be Kings: A Single Black Mother’s Guide to Raising Her Black Son. She has a successful blog called The Audacious Black Woman, as well as an internet radio show - Birth While Black - which reflects her passion for maternal health disparities awareness, and equity in birth work. We talk about the political atmosphere surrounding doula work, particularly in New York City, as well as what it’s like to give birth in the complex healthcare systems of NYC. We also look ahead to the state of maternity care in 2020. 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 Denise on her website, Facebook and Instagram. Check out Denise’s book, Raising Princes to be Kings, here. More of Denise’s content: The Audacious Black Woman blog and Birth While Black podcast. Find the Black Mamas Matter paper on doula reimbursement here.

In this episode, I talk with Ashely Smith about her awe-inspiring and peaceful experience giving birth to twins. Ashley and her partner Trevor live in Lexington, Kentucky. They are both local business owners active in their community. As first time parents, they took time to equip themselves to have a smooth birth experience. Ashley always found herself describing the role of a doula to her friends and family, and finally got to experience having doula herself! She worked with Chanté Perryman, a certified doula and Evidence Based Birth Instructor. Chanté taught Ashley and Trevor through the EBB Childbirth Class -they are the first participants of the class to give birth to twins! We discuss Ashley’s successfully well-planned birth, as well as her postpartum journey. I also talk about some of EBB’s upcoming projects! 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: Click here for all the details about the Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class! Find an EBB Instructor and Childbirth Class near you here. Click here for all of the EBB resources for parents!

In this episode, I interview EBB Professional Membership Coordinator Chanté Perryman about her first cesarean and her super-fast VBAC! Chanté is a professional birth and postpartum doula, certified childbirth educator and a maternity coach at Baby Dreams Maternity Concierge. She is also an Evidence Based Birth Instructor. Chanté is a birth advocate in central Kentucky, coordinating the Bluegrass Baby Expo and publishing a quarterly magazine for parents. She also volunteers with the Kentucky Home Birth Coalition, advocating for certified professional midwives. She will begin her studies to become a midwife in 2020, and she has three daughters. Hear how Chanté’s first birth led her on a new career journey, and how she relates to clients using her experiences with cesarean and VBAC. We also discuss strategies for birth professionals to reach lower-income communities, and the practical challenges of balancing life as a birth professional. 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: Connect with Chanté via the Baby Dreams Maternity Concierge website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 

In the United States, the month of April is recognized as National Minority Health Month. It’s an initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities. And this week is Black Maternal Health Week! Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a non-profit organization sponsoring Black Maternal Health Week from April 11 through April 17. I strongly encourage you to connect with Black Mamas Matter and to sign up for their mailing list (find that link in the references below). They have all kinds of free social media events this week. It’s important to see black mamas’ voices and perspectives elevated around issues that impact them.  In this episode, we are excited to feature Michelle Gabriel Caldwell. Michelle is a trained and certified childbirth educator and doula. She has more than ten years of experience in both of these areas, and also has experience as a postpartum doula and a breastfeeding peer counselor. Her passion is educating women about their options during their birth journey. As a woman of African descent, she wants all women to understand the role they play in healing. In addition, Michelle holds science degrees and works full time for a Germany-based chemical company from her home in New Jersey. In 2018 Michelle became an Evidence Based Birth Instructor, and she is teaching Evidence Based Childbirth Classes for parents as well as EBB workshops for professionals in the New Jersey area.  Join us for a deep discussion on racism in the birth world, and how to combat institutional prejudice. One more announcement - TONIGHT is the last chance to attend our free public webinar all about the research evidence on epidurals and cesareans! You can register for that webinar via the link in the resources below.  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: Sign up for the Black Mamas Matter Alliance email list here. Learn more about Black Maternal Health Week here. Connect with Michelle on Facebook, and via email at babypleasebirthservices@gmail.com Join us for our FREE webinar on the “Evidence on Epidurals and the Risk of Cesarean” airing live TONIGHT, April 17 at 9:00 pm Eastern! Register here.

In this episode, I am joined by "Mr. EBB" himself, Dan Dekker! Dan is an Accountant with his MBA, the father of 3 children, and also my husband. He has worked for more than 10 years in small business accounting, and five years ago left a successful corporate position to become a full-time stay-at-home dad and to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Evidence Based Birth. Dan and I dive into the backstory of EBB - including how starting this business has impacted our family. Our Evidence Based Birth Instructors supplied Dan with thoughtful and fun questions for this interview, including what's it like being my birthing partner! We move from the fun and lighthearted to tackling the top mistake we see made by small business owners - especially birth business owners. By the end of this interview you'll learn what Dan is most excited about with the future of EBB - including how we are planning to release more products for parents! And if you've been struggling to keep your birth business afloat, Dan has some words of wisdom and encouragement for you. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it with him! 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:  For more information about Dan's new class, Birth Business Teacher, click here. To learn more about becoming an Evidence Based Birth Instructor, click here. For information on Hypnobabies, click here. To see Dan in action as our birthing partner role model via the EBB Childbirth Class, click here!

In this episode, I am joined by EBB Professional Membership and Higher Ed Program Coordinator Chanté Perryman. Chanté is a certified birth and postpartum doula, a childbirth educator, an Evidence Based Birth Instructor, and will begin training as a midwife in 2020. She is a strong promoter of birth choices - coordinating an annual baby expo, publishing a quarterly magazine for local parents, and volunteering with the Kentucky Home Birth Coalition as an advocate for Certified Professional Midwives.  Together, Chanté and I will tell you all about the Birth Workers of Color Scholarship campaign for the 2019 Evidence Based Birth Conference! Our goal is to raise $25,000 to fund the costs for 30 birth workers of color to attend the conference. We need your help to make this happen! Tune in to hear why this initiative is so important to EBB and our community. We also unveil more news about our EBB Signature Articles, and the language we will use in them going forward to help combat systemic racism.  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:  For more information on the EBB Birth Worker of Color Conference Scholarship Campaign, click here! You can donate through March 11. No amount is too small! All donations are tax deductible, and 100% of all donations will go directly to fund the scholarships.  For more on the 2019 Evidence Based Birth Conference - Bringing Evidence to Life, click here. For information on the Evidence Based Birth® Professional membership, including scholarship options, click here. Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD Setting the Standard for Holistic Care of and for Black Women - The Black Paper, April 2018 by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance MotheringJustice.org - White Women School TheGrandChallenge.org  

Families Seeking Wellness: Proactive and preventative prenatal care expert that is hands on help for families to have the birth they desire! How does our lifestyle affect birth?   Bio: Heather McCullough, CPM is a midwife and Faculty Educator for CAPPA in 3 programs - Certified Labor Doula (CAPPA), Certified Postpartum Doula (CAPPA) Certified Lactation Educator (CAPPA). She is also a Certified Hypnobabies Instructor, Birthing From Within Mentor, as well as an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor and Professional Member. Heather is also a student of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a Certified Educator in Acupressure for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum.   As an educator and midwife for nearly 25 years, she regularly presents to both expecting parents and professionals on current childbirth research. A passionate, experienced, and innovative birth provider for over 25 years, Heather began this work when she was 19. Initially going to pre-med to become an OB-Gyn, she was re-directed to Midwifery and became a Certified Professional Midwife. Heather practiced midwifery in Portland, Oregon. After moving back to the midwest, Heather settled in Chicago, Illinois. As of this writing, Illinois does not offer a license for CPMs. She therefore works as a Doula, Monitrice, and Childbirth Educator, and has supported over 1,400 families.   As owner of 312Doulas.com & HMBirth.com, she has a thriving labor support business Chicagoland, while teaching classes and in-services for families, doulas, and educators.   To make an appointment, call  773.528.8485 or go to CommunityChiropractic.net 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E Chicago, IL 60657   To learn more about Dr. Maj, go to drmaj.com/bundle to receive the digital copy of her book & speaker’s books and resources will be delivered right to your inbox.

Proactive and preventative prenatal care expert that is hands on help for families to have the birth they desire! How does our lifestyle affect birth?   Bio: Heather McCullough, CPM is a midwife and Faculty Educator for CAPPA in 3 programs - Certified Labor Doula (CAPPA), Certified Postpartum Doula (CAPPA) Certified Lactation Educator (CAPPA). She is also a Certified Hypnobabies Instructor, Birthing From Within Mentor, as well as an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor and Professional Member. Heather is also a student of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a Certified Educator in Acupressure for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum.   As an educator and midwife for nearly 25 years, she regularly presents to both expecting parents and professionals on current childbirth research. A passionate, experienced, and innovative birth provider for over 25 years, Heather began this work when she was 19. Initially going to pre-med to become an OB-Gyn, she was re-directed to Midwifery and became a Certified Professional Midwife. Heather practiced midwifery in Portland, Oregon. After moving back to the midwest, Heather settled in Chicago, Illinois. As of this writing, Illinois does not offer a license for CPMs. She therefore works as a Doula, Monitrice, and Childbirth Educator, and has supported over 1,400 families.   As owner of 312Doulas.com & HMBirth.com, she has a thriving labor support business Chicagoland, while teaching classes and in-services for families, doulas, and educators.   To make an appointment, call  773.528.8485 or go to CommunityChiropractic.net 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E Chicago, IL 60657   To learn more about Dr. Maj, go to drmaj.com/bundle to receive the digital copy of her book & speaker’s books and resources will be delivered right to your inbox.

In this episode I interview Courtney Carangian, a native to the Hawai’ian island of O’ahu. Courtney is an Evidence Based Birth Instructor, and is currently undergoing the DONA certification process to be a birth and postpartum doula. A mother of two children, Courtney has been married for seven years. She serves the birth and parenting community on O’ahu with doula services, lactation education, and EBB instruction.  Courtney got involved in birth work via baby wearing. She started a business, Wearing and Caring, and much of her focus is on creating connections in her local birth community. Courtney helps run Birth Processionals of O’ahu, and she also hosts play dates to mix local birth pros and parents. We discuss how native Hawai’ians interface with their local medical community, as well as how research is generated and how evidence is applied in the real world. We also discuss the topic of pain after epidurals. RESOURCES You can connect with Courtney at Wearing and Caring. For more information on Birth Professionals of O’ahu, click here. For information on Rebecca’s Comfort Measures Workshop in Honolulu, click here. 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.

In this episode I interview Krysta Dancy, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified birth doula, and Evidence Based Birth Instructor. Krysta has over 15 years of experience in the field of psychology. In her office in Roseville, CA, she provides compassionate and evidence-based care for a variety of fertility-related mental health issues, with special emphasis on trauma and birth (for both providers and patients). She also serves as Co-Director and Clinical Supervisor at The Place Within, a nonprofit that makes counseling affordable for those who may not otherwise have access.  As a longtime friend to the birth community, Krysta has had the opportunity to intimately experience the birth process and its many complexities. She brings a deeply held optimism to her work and holds space for the contributions of each person in the birth room. Her warmth, passion, expertise, experience and background in professional public speaking combine to make her workshops both informative and meaningful. We discuss the patterns Krysta sees in people who have experienced a traumatic birth, as well as some of the effective therapies she utilizes to address these challenges for both parents and birth workers. We also cover the systemic recognition and definition of birth trauma, the disruption of the sharing of generational wisdom, and the effects of maternal trauma on future generations.  Connect with Krysta and see her class schedules at www.ThePsychologyOfBirth.com or on Facebook. Find more information about Krysta’s therapy work here.  Click here learn about The Place Within. Connect with the Birth and Trauma Support Center, as well as on Facebook. To join a free support group for parents who have experienced birth trauma, click here and for support for birth professionals, click here. 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.

In this episode, I interview certified birth doula, postpartum doula, parent educator and breastfeeding counselor Nubia Jones. Nubia is a mother of five, and her journey of supporting women and families began 18 years ago during the birth of her first child. She went on to become involved in her local birth community, determined to help many families have positive and peaceful births, especially in hospital settings. Now, she serves a diverse population throughout New York City. As an Evidence Based Birth Instructor, Nubia’s mission is to support families by respecting their personal choices and providing evidence based information. She also serves as a Certified Attachment Parenting International Educator, and a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, so she has much information to offer her clients and members of the community. Among her main areas of focus are guiding families on paths to avoid preventable cesarians, as well as supporting young mothers and mothers of color. Her most recent endeavor is working with a charter high school in Brooklyn that has a high number of teen parents and expecting mothers. She has joined the school’s parent support initiative with other staff members, as the only birth professional in the group.  Nubia and Rebecca discuss the evidence on cesarean rates, as well as other birth experiences, for teen moms. They also talk about the upcoming Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Education course, which a select number of EBB Instructors will be able to teach as early as January 2019. Connect with Nubi at  https://www.doulavivabirths.com/, and on Instagram. 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.

Jenn D’Jamoos is a CAPPA-certified childbirth educator and Evidence Based Birth Instructor, human rights activist and mom of four who lives in Michigan. She founded the Livingston County Birth Circle in 2013 to serve the needs of families in her area. While the stated goal of the LCBC is to provide non-judgmental support to expectant and new families, the organization also works to elevate conversation surrounding the birth experience.  Jenn recently enrolled in White Woman School through Mothering Justice to explore opportunities for anti-racism work in the context of perinatal education. Jenn and I discuss the importance of birth settings and putting care provider relationships into proper perspective, as well as the use of motivational interviewing to help guide people through changes without telling them what to do. We also brainstorm ways to help people birth experiences with supportive dialogue, without reigniting feelings of trauma or stress. Connect with Jenn at EarthMamaBirth.com, on Facebook, and Twitter. Other resources:  Ladder of Empowerment - “From White Racist to White Anti-Racist: the Life-Long Journey” by Tema Okun Mothering Justice          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.

Juliet Swedlund is the director of the Topeka Doula Project, a nonprofit offering evidence based doula support to teen mothers, incarcerated and reintegrating mothers, and low-income mothers and their families. Juliet has worked as a birth doula for four years, and has 16 years experience working in health and wellness. She achieved her DONA Birth Doula certification in 2016, and became an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor in 2018. Juliet discusses her organization’s beginnings and her inspirations, as well as the unique challenges of the underserved populations she works with. “Some of the women I work with who are incarcerated… so much is out of their control, and they do feel like the system gets to decide what it looks like,” she said. “So part of our job as doulas for those women is to help them understand that they can take an active role in what they do have control over - in what they can find autonomy in in that birth setting.” She and Rebecca also discuss funding strategies for non-profits.  Learn more about Juliet and her work at her website. You can also follow Topeka Doula Project on Facebook and Instagram. Contact Juliet at julietswedlund@topekadoula.org. 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 and our Instructor program.

Guest: Jen Graham In this episode, we will cover: while babies don’t come with manuals, this list is the next best thing if you are birthing at a hospital, the one thing you absolutely MUST do BEFORE you go to into labor a long list of trusted resources for parents to get even more information Resources mentioned in the conversation: the CAP Wellness Center Newborn Care 101 Class Jen Graham’s website: www.peacefulbeginning.com the Postpartum Health Alliance website Happiest Baby on the Block (book by Dr. Karp) http://www.carseat.org/ and www.Safercar.gov Bio: About Jen Graham Jen Graham, has been a practicing doula since 1996. She is trained and certified through DONA International. She offers birth and postpartum doula care in the greater San Diego area. She teaches Newborn Care 101 the at Cap Wellness Center in Encinitas and is an Evidence Based Birth Instructor.   She is the mother of 4 of her own children. And has cared for hundreds of newborn babies and their families. She has experience with singletons, twins, triplets, special needs babies, and with both sleep problems and breastfeeding issues.