Long before labor begins, the stories we hear about birth are already shaping our expectations and choices. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Lisa Greaves Taylor, founder of Birth Matters NYC Childbirth Education, director of the East River Doula Collective, and host of the Birth Matters podcast, about the power of birth stories as tools for education, healing, and self-advocacy.

Drawing from her work supporting families in New York City since 2010, Lisa shares how storytelling helps birthing people move beyond fear-based narratives and reconnect with their intuition, confidence, and voice. Together, Rebecca and Lisa explore the realities of giving birth in NYC—including high rates of induction, limited access to midwifery and birth centers, and postpartum support gaps—while also highlighting reasons for hope, advocacy, and change. They also talk about how birth stories can support preparation during pregnancy, help process trauma after difficult births, and empower families navigating VBAC, repeat pregnancies, and systemic barriers to evidence-based care.

(02:51) What drew Lisa to childbirth education and doula work

(07:45) Giving birth in NYC then vs. now

(09:07) The evidence-practice gap in New York City maternity care

(15:02) Postpartum care challenges and lactation support gaps

(18:05) The role of midwives in improving birth experiences

(23:47) How storytelling activates intuition and self-advocacy

(28:15) When birth stories can be harmful and how to curate wisely

(35:34) Trauma, dissociation, and the importance of processing birth

(42:18) What gives Lisa hope for the future of birth work

(46:28) Stories, Education, and Support

Resources

Learn more about Lisa

Birth Matters NYC: birthmattersnyc.com
Birth Matters Podcast: birthmattersnyc.com/podcast
East River Doula Collective: eastriverdoulas.nyc
Instagram: @birthmattersnyc

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin: share.libbyapp.com/title/5017296

The Story Factor by Annette Simmons: annettesimmons.com/the-story-factor/

The Evidence on: Induction or Cesarean for a Big Baby

EBB 311 – Creating a Community-Led Birth Center in New York City with Myla Flores of the Womb Bus

Organizations & Advocates Mentioned

Ancient Song Doula Services: ancientsongdoulaservices.com
Chanel Porchia-Albert: chanelporchia.com
Jennie Joseph: jenniejoseph.com
Kimberly Seals Allers: kimberlysealsallers.com
Michelle Browder: ebbirth.com/274

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.

EBB 382 - The Power of Your Birth Story with Lisa Greaves Taylor, Host of the Birth Matters Podcast

Evidence Based Birth®