141: Empowered Birthing: Evidence-Based Insights with Dr. Rebecca Decker

Rewrite the Mother Code with Dr. Gertrude Lyons

In this episode, I speak with Rebecca Dekker, the Founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth® (EBB), about her experiences of obstetric care and homebirth. You will learn how to navigate the obstetric system, advocate for yourself, and understand the implications of hospital policies on maternal health.

After a disempowering birth experience, Rebecca sought answers to improve not only her future births but those of every woman. This research became the foundation for EBB. She shares the fascinating history of midwifery in the U.S. as well as the conscious decision to turn birthing into a business, eradicating the generations of knowledge passed between midwives, doulas, and communities of women. This is a cycle most of us are still very much inside of!

Rebecca discusses how fear-based hospital practices and language around birth can unnecessarily be and what we can do about it. In parts of the world that still have midwives, the maternity care is dramatically better, making this topic more important than ever. Rebecca details specific red flags too look out for with obstetric providers, and suggests if you see one or more of them to find a new provider. It’s never too late, or too early, to advocate for yourself!

You’ll also hear about:

• (03:44) Rebecca’s birth experience
• (19:33) Knowledge gaps between midwives and hospitals
• (21:35) “The midwife problem”
• (28:04) The state of hospital hierarchy
• (32:45) Birth is the top hospital admission
• (36:40) Red flags for birth providers
• (45:10) Shifting birth culture for future generations

Don’t miss Rebecca’s tips to overcome traumatic childbirth experiences and evidence-based labor alternatives.

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Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Leapfrog

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