Kristin Whipple, CNM, IBCLC

10/23/2025

The 2025 Cochrane review on immediate and early skin-to-skin contact after birth highlights that further randomized controlled trials comparing skin-to-skin contact with ‘usual care’ are no longer ethical.

The findings show there is now enough evidence to make immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth the global standard of care, and as WHO already recommends skin-to-skin the standard of care, the authors argue that randomizing the separation of mother and newborn may no longer be justifiable.

Read more:
https://centerforbreastfeeding.org/cochrane-review-2025

09/15/2025

In her research on Respectful Maternity Care, EBB Team Member Dr. Morgan Richardson Cayama asked mothers and birthing people for their recommendations on ways to make sure that care during pregnancy and birth is high-quality and respectful.

One of the most common recommendations was encouraging pregnant people to do their own research when it comes to picking out a hospital or birth setting and a care provider. They felt that it was important that you make a birth plan early, discuss this plan with potential care providers, and find someone (and someplace) willing to honor your preferences. It’s also important that your care provider makes you feel comfortable and supported, and that you trust yourself and your intuition when it comes to making decisions about your care.

They also encouraged other mothers and birthing people to get some type of support during labor, like a doula or a close family member or friend, who is also willing to advocate for you if needed and if this is something you desire.

You can hear more about Dr. Morgan’s research and Respectful Maternity Care by checking out EBB Episode #369 “What is Mistreatment in Childbirth” and our new 2-page handout, the “Evidence on Respectful Care in Pregnancy and Birth” at ebbirth.com/rmc.

09/13/2025

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AJOG Expert Review in Labor: Water birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomes https://ow.ly/nr7O50R9Nzi

09/11/2025

Pregnancy and postpartum can be a vulnerable time where individuals may experience depression, anxiety, or scary thoughts. These conditions are common, treatable, and you don’t have to face them alone. This , read an expert’s view on recognizing symptoms and finding support: https://bit.ly/469yxDa

08/26/2025

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07/24/2025

Mental health is important in all stages of life. I see medications that treat depression in pregnancy positively impact people and families every day. SSRIs save lives. Decisions surrounding medications in pregnancy are individualized, to be made after thorough conversations about risk versus benefit between a patient and their OB provider.

At the heart of midwifery in addition to evidence-based clinical care is the core of individualized treatment planning. Continuation or initiation of SSRIs should be a shared decision between midwife and client, based on symptoms, history, and the client's goals and values.