Welcome to Our Evidence-Based Resource Hub
Empowering your journey with facts, not just opinions.
Navigating pregnancy and childbirth can often feel like a whirlwind of conflicting advice and "what-if" scenarios. We believe that the best way to reduce anxiety and gain confidence is through high-quality, unbiased information. That is why we have curated this library of resources from Evidence Based Birth® (EBB)—the global leader in translating complex medical research into plain language for families.
How to Use This Page
This hub is designed to be your "pocket advocate." Here is how we recommend diving in:
Start with Your Questions: Instead of reading everything at once, look for the specific topics your doctor or midwife has mentioned (like GBS testing or induction).
Print and Share: Each link leads to a deep-dive article. Many of these include "Signature Handouts" that you can print and bring to your prenatal appointments to facilitate a collaborative discussion with your care team.
Know Your Rights: Use the "Four Pillars of Support" and "Advocacy" sections to understand what you can ask for during labor. Remember, "evidence-based" means combining the best research with your personal values and clinical needs.
Look for the "Bottom Line": If you’re short on time, most articles include a "Bottom Line" summary at the end to give you the most vital takeaways immediately.
Knowledge is power. Whether you are planning a physiological birth or a scheduled Cesarean, these resources are here to help you make the decisions that are right for you and your baby.
The articles in this section address systemic issues like racism, weight bias, and trauma. While these topics can be difficult to read, they are included here to empower you with the knowledge needed to advocate for a safe, respectful, and dignified birth experience.
Prenatal & Planning
Articles to read during the second and third trimesters as you prepare your birth plan.
Evidence on: Induction for Due Dates
Summary: This article examines the controversial 2018 ARRIVE trial to determine if inducing labor at 39 weeks actually improves safety for first-time parents. It clarifies that while induction may slightly lower C-section rates for some, it is not a medical requirement for a healthy pregnancy. This resource helps you weigh the convenience of a scheduled birth against the benefits of waiting for labor to start on its own.
Evidence on: Group B Strep (GBS)
Summary: GBS is a common bacteria that is harmless to adults but can be dangerous to newborns if passed during delivery. This summary explains the research behind the 36-week screening test and the effectiveness of using IV antibiotics during labor to prevent infection. It also addresses how these antibiotics might affect a baby’s developing microbiome, allowing you to make a balanced choice about treatment.
Evidence on: The "Big Baby" Myth
Summary: Many parents are pressured into inductions because an ultrasound suggests their baby is "large," but research shows these weight estimates are frequently inaccurate. This article highlights that for most healthy pregnancies, inducing for a "suspected" big baby doubles the risk of a C-section without improving the baby's health outcomes. It empowers you to discuss a "wait and see" approach with your provider instead of relying on an estimated weight.
Evidence on: Membrane Sweeping
Summary: Often used to avoid a medical induction, a membrane sweep involves a provider manually stimulating the cervix to release natural labor-inducing hormones. The evidence shows that for every eight people who receive a sweep, one will avoid a formal medical induction. This article helps you understand the trade-offs, including common side effects like discomfort and spotting, so you can decide if this "natural" boost is right for you.
Labor & Birth Support
Evidence to help you navigate your options and stay empowered during the active stages of birth.
Summary: This signature article explores the powerful impact of continuous labor support, showing that doulas significantly reduce the risk of Cesareans and the need for pain medication. Research suggests that a doula’s presence acts as a "stress buffer," helping labor progress more naturally and leading to shorter labors and higher satisfaction for the birthing person. It is a vital resource for understanding how professional, non-medical support improves both clinical outcomes and the emotional experience of birth.
Summary: This guide provides an unbiased look at the most popular pain management tool in the hospital setting. It clears up myths about whether epidurals cause C-sections while providing the facts on real side effects, such as maternal fever and an increased need for vacuum or forceps assistance. It is an essential read for anyone wanting to understand how an epidural might change the "flow" of their labor.
The Evidence on: Nitrous Oxide
Summary: Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," is a safe alternative for those who want pain relief without the immobility of an epidural. This article reviews evidence showing that it is effective at reducing anxiety and making contractions more manageable while leaving the body quickly. It is a great resource for parents seeking a less invasive pharmacological option that doesn't require a catheter or continuous monitoring.
The Evidence on: Birthing Positions
Summary: While lying on your back is the hospital standard, research shows that upright and mobile positions can open the pelvic outlet by up to 30%. This article explains how gravity helps the baby descend and how different positions can reduce the risk of severe tearing and shorten the pushing stage. It encourages parents to move freely to find the position that feels most effective for their unique body.
The Evidence on: Eating and Drinking During Labor
Summary: Modern research suggests that the old "ice chips only" rule is outdated for low-risk birthing people and can actually lead to exhaustion. This resource explores why staying hydrated and nourished provides the necessary glucose for the uterus to work efficiently during the "marathon" of birth. It equips you with the data to advocate for your right to eat and drink to thirst and hunger during labor.
Summary: Using warm water for labor and birth is often called "the midwife’s epidural" because of its powerful ability to reduce pain. This article looks at large-scale studies confirming that waterbirth is a safe option for low-risk pregnancies and can significantly lower the risk of severe perineal trauma. It also details the specific safety protocols used to ensure the baby’s first breath happens safely above the water.
The Golden Hour & Newborn Care
Evidence for the first moments and days of your baby’s life.
Evidence on: Skin-to-Skin After a Cesarean
Summary: Immediate skin-to-skin contact is often missed during C-sections, but this article shows it is both safe and highly beneficial in the operating room. Research confirms that placing the baby on the parent's chest immediately stabilizes the infant's heart rate and temperature while lowering maternal stress levels. This resource helps you advocate for a "family-centered" C-section that prioritizes bonding.
Evidence on: Pitocin During the Third Stage of Labor
Summary: This article covers the evidence for "active management" of the third stage of labor—the delivery of the placenta—to prevent heavy bleeding. It compares the routine use of Pitocin against a more physiological approach where the body is allowed to work naturally. This summary helps you understand the risks of postpartum hemorrhage and the role medication plays in making the postpartum period safer.
Summary: Because babies are born with low levels of Vitamin K, they are at risk for a rare but dangerous bleeding condition called VKDB. This article reviews the statistics on the safety and necessity of the standard newborn injection compared to oral alternatives. It provides the essential facts parents need to understand why this specific "routine" procedure is so highly recommended by pediatricians.
Evidence and Ethics on: Circumcision
Summary: This comprehensive guide provides a balanced look at the medical research, history, and bioethics surrounding newborn male circumcision. It examines potential health benefits, such as reduced risks of certain infections, alongside the arguments for bodily integrity and the surgical risks involved. Rather than offering a "yes or no" answer, the article equips parents with the data and ethical frameworks needed to make a choice that aligns with their personal family values.
Equity & Advocacy
Understanding the broader landscape of birth work and patient rights.
The Evidence on: Anti-Racism in Birth Work
Summary: This article provides an evidence-based framework for dismantling systemic racism in maternity care by centering Black-led birth justice movements, empowering white allies with advocacy tools, and highlighting the life-saving impact of midwifery and community-based doula models.
The Evidence on: Plus-Size Pregnancy and Weight Bias
Summary: Many birthing people in larger bodies face "fatphobia" or weight stigma, which can lead to increased medical interventions. This resource examines how BMI-based restrictions—such as being denied access to a birth center—are often based on bias rather than individual health, providing tools for patients to advocate for respectful, size-blind care.
The Evidence on: LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Birth Work
Summary: This article addresses the unique challenges faced by queer, trans, and non-binary parents. It highlights the importance of gender-affirming language and the rights of non-gestational parents, helping families move beyond "heteronormativity" to find providers who respect their specific family structure and identity.
The Evidence on: Obstetric Violence and Trauma-Informed Care
Summary: Focusing on bodily autonomy and psychological safety, this resource defines "obstetric violence" and explains the framework of Trauma-Informed Care. It is a critical guide for survivors of past trauma and for anyone looking to ensure their birth experience is rooted in clear, enthusiastic, and informed consent.
The Evidence on: The Crisis in Black Maternal Health
Summary: This resource explores the systemic causes behind the racial disparities in maternal mortality. By highlighting successful models of community-led care and prenatal advocacy, it serves as both an educational piece on birth inequity and a vital tool for families navigating a system that disproportionately affects Black and Indigenous people.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.