S5 | E48 Ending Routine Episiotomies with Dr. Michael Klein
Dr. Michael Klein is best known for his landmark Randomized Control Trial of episiotomy that demonstrated that routine episiotomy caused the very problems it was supposed to prevent. This work is credited with leading to a dramatic drop in episiotomy and a parallel drop in severe rectal trauma across Canada and beyond. Semi retired, he continues to teach both clinical and research skills, and mentors family practice physicians for their research projects. He is also the author of “Dissident Doctor”, a riveting book chronicling his life and work.
Nikki, Lexi, and Dr. Klein chat about the eye opening experiences and knowledge Dr. Klein has gained through his years of dedication, work and research in birth. He shares the importance of self-advocacy, gives us a history lesson in obstetric violence and pleads with us to make change for future generations of birthing women.
What We’re Chatting About:
What makes you so passionate about maternity care for women?
Can you tell us why episiotomies should be avoided?
How did episiotomies become routine practice?
How important do you feel midwives & doulas are in maternity and birth care?
How can women be better equipped to advocate for themselves to not have an episiotomy?
What other ill-practices do you feel are out there?
Why do episiotomy rates continue to be so high in many places around the world despite the evidence against them?
It’s been said it takes on average 17 years for evidence-based care to make it into practice settings. Can you speak to this? Has that been your experience?
How can we each do our part to change this culture and demand better practices?
I’m in the middle of reading your memoir “Dissident Doctor” - My Life Catching Babies and Challenging the Medical Status Quo. You really are a beacon of light in the medical community! What is next for you?
Show Notes:
For more of Dr. Michael Klein, please visit
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*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*
*Disclaimer: All opinions of our guests are their own and in no way represent that of Lexi Miles Corrin and or Nikki Bergen.*