A traumatic first birth can shape everything that follows—but with the right support, education, and advocacy, it's possible to turn fear into empowerment.

 

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker sits down with EBB Childbirth Class Graduates Rivka and Steven Dubinsky as they share the transformative journey from a traumatic hospital induction and birth injury to a redemptive second birth experience centered on autonomy, education, and trust. Rivka opens up about how her first birth left her physically injured and emotionally shaken, and how she didn't initially recognize it as trauma. Over time—and with therapy, research, and support—she came to understand what had been taken from her. Determined to have a different experience with her second child, she carefully selected a trauma-informed OB, dove into birth education, and found strength in preparing for every possibility.

 

Together, Rivka and Steven share how they prepared as a team, how Steven stepped into his advocacy role during labor, and why they chose to "fire" a hospital-assigned doula. They also reflect on the surprising power of reclaiming their voice—even in the midst of pain—and how a supported birth experience can shift everything.

 

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of birth trauma. This episode also contains mild language at 45:55.

 

(01:48) Rivka's First Birth and the Silent Cost of Lost Autonomy

(07:13) Steven's Reflections on Feeling Unprepared to Support

(10:45) Moving to Ohio and Choosing Trauma-Informed Care

(14:02) Becoming an "Information Junkie" and Taking the EBB Childbirth Class

(17:02) Steven Learns Advocacy Through EBB

(22:14) From Elective Cesarean Plan to Informed Induction

(29:18) Navigating Nursing Styles and Hospital Systems

(36:00) Epidural Differences and Listening to Her Body

(40:50) Hands-On, Informed Support During Pushing

(43:39) A Sunny-Side-Up Baby and Immediate Skin-to-Skin

(45:53) Feeling Empowered, Present, and Powerful

(50:06) Advice for Families Seeking Trauma-Informed Birth Care

 

Resources

• Learn more about Rivka and Steven's EBB Instructor, Aly Romot: @alyromotdoula

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! 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.