Curious About Epidurals? Here’s Exactly What to Expect Before You Say Yes
Release Date: 06/25/2025
Mommy Labor Nurse
On this episode of the podcast, I had my sister Jenna come on the show for a fun and light hearted episode that I'm really excited to share with you guys. Jenna and I watched some birth videos – but not the kind of birth videos that you're thinking of! – and react to them live on the episode. I thought it'd be interesting coming from me as a labor and delivery nurse and from Jenna, who you know has never been pregnant and doesn't have any kids. I'm not gonna spoil too much of the episode. It was a lot of fun to record, but was also a big pain in the butt to get ready for, so I hope you...
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Curious about where your placenta is? Wondering what the deal is with different placenta positions? You are in the right place! I don’t know about you, but the placenta fascinates me! Just think about everything it does. Not only does it provide oxygen and nutrients to help your baby grow, but it also eliminates waste. For all intents and purposes, it is your growing baby’s lifeline. Listen in to learn ALL ABOUT this incredible organ.
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This week on the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast we're going to talk about your cervix! To be more specific, we'll be diving into cervical checks and membrane sweeps. Your cervix is essential to birth and can often be used as an indicator of how “prepped” your body is for labor before labor even starts. Today, you'll learn how cervical checks are done, how to handle them, and general pros and cons during pregnancy and labor. Then, we'll talk about membrane sweeps which involve the cervix and are one of several things you can do to help jump start labor. So, what exactly is a membrane sweep?...
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This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast we are re-releasing an interview with the amazing Dr. Nicole Callaway Rankins who you may know from her very popular pregnancy podcast, ! Similar to Mommy Labor Nurse, Dr. Rankins offers amazing, online resources for pregnant women because she too knows what a critical role education plays in a woman's ability to advocate for themselves during birth and reduce any sense of fear or anxiety they may have. On today's show, Dr. Rankins is going to share with us more about what it's like to be an OBGYN, memorable moments from her years of practice,...
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Pelvic floor stuff doesn’t have to be embarrassing or confusing! Nikki from The Belle Method joins me to chat about what your pelvic floor does, signs of dysfunction, and how to protect and rehab it through pregnancy and postpartum.
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Ever wondered what home birth is actually like? I’m joined by a licensed homebirth midwife who breaks it all down – what to expect, who’s a good candidate, and how it compares to hospital birth. It’s a super eye-opening convo!
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What actually happens after birth? This episode walks you through the first 48 hours with your newborn – from that golden hour and first latch to bleeding, bathroom trips, and baby checks. No fluff, no fear – just real talk 💁♀️
info_outlineWhen it comes to birth, epidurals are a big part of the conversation – whether you’re planning on getting one or just want to be informed.
Most people know that an epidural can take away labor pain…but beyond that? There’s still a lot of mystery around how it all actually works!
In this episode of The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m diving into:
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How an epidural is placed (step-by-step!)
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Whether it hurts to get one
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What the needle looks like (spoiler: not as scary as you think)
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Common epidural side effects
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And yes – we’re talking about walking epidurals, too!
These are your most-asked questions from my DMs, answered 💬
Whether you’re team epidural, team unmedicated, or just figuring it out – you’ll walk away feeling way more confident.
💌 FREE Epidural Prep Pack!
Want to feel educated and empowered before you say yes to an epidural?
🎁 Grab my free Epidural Prep Pack – it’s short, sweet, and packed with what you really need to know before the big day.
➡️ Click here to download it now
🎓 Ready for Birth You Actually Feel Ready For?
Whether you're planning to get an epidural or not, understanding your options is key to feeling in control.
My MLN Birth Classes cover everything from contractions to pushing – and help you feel calm, educated, and confident no matter how your story unfolds.
💛 Check out the MLN Birth Classes here
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Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily pregnancy tips, birth prep advice, and real talk from a labor nurse who’s been there.