Kick Counting 101: The Simple Habit That Could Save Your Baby’s Life
Release Date: 07/02/2025
Natural Induction Methods: What the Evidence Really Says (with Dr. Dekker)
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re welcoming a very special guest – the amazing Dr. Rebecca Dekker from Evidence Based Birth®! Rebecca is a PhD nurse, researcher, educator, and fierce advocate for evidence-based maternity care. She’s also the author of Babies Are Not Pizzas and host of the Evidence Based Birth® podcast, which has over 4.5 million downloads 👏 In this episode, we’re digging into the topic of natural labor induction – what works, what doesn’t, and how to tell the difference. Inside the episode: Evidence behind common natural induction techniques ...
info_outline
8 Totally Weird Things That Might Happen Right Before Labor Starts
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re chatting about labor signs – but not the obvious ones like contractions or water breaking. We’re talking about the weird, lesser-known signs that your body might be getting ready for labor 👀 Because if you’ve ever found yourself googling, “Is ___ a sign of labor?”...you’re so not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing: The most common (but surprising!) symptoms I see before labor begins Why it’s totally normal to feel hyper-aware of every body change in the final weeks What to actually pay attention to as you approach...
info_outline
Labor Pain Relief Options (Besides the Epidural!) You Should Know About
Mommy Labor Nurse
IV Narcotics, Nitrous Oxide, and More One of the most common questions I get during hospital shifts? “What other pain meds can I get if I don’t want (or can’t have) an epidural?” While epidurals are the go-to for many, they’re definitely not the only option! In this episode of The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m diving into: IV narcotics: what they are, how they work, and what to expect Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas!): how it’s used for labor pain relief Pros and cons of each option Plus a few non-medical pain relief ideas to consider too! Whether you're planning for...
info_outline
10 Weird-but-Normal Newborn Habits That Totally Freak Parents Out
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and fellow podcaster Dr. Mona Amin to chat about those quirky, confusing, and totally normal things newborns do in the early days. Dr. Mona is a board-certified pediatrician and parenting expert who’s all about helping new parents feel calm, confident, and informed. Inside this episode, we’re unpacking: Why your baby’s hiccups are nothing to worry about What’s going on with day/night confusion How much (or little!) your baby really needs to eat in those early days And 7 more newborn behaviors that might...
info_outline
Kick Counting 101: The Simple Habit That Could Save Your Baby’s Life
Mommy Labor Nurse
Welcome back to The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast! Today we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools you can use to monitor your baby’s well-being in the third trimester: kick counting. I’m joined by Kimberly Isburg from Count the Kicks, an incredible organization that’s helping parents all over the country improve birth outcomes and reduce stillbirth through awareness and education. Kimberly is a mama of two and a passionate advocate for maternal health – and I’m so excited for you to hear her wisdom and warmth. Inside the episode, we’re covering: Why tracking baby’s...
info_outline
Curious About Epidurals? Here’s Exactly What to Expect Before You Say Yes
Mommy Labor Nurse
When 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: How an epidural is placed (step-by-step!) Whether it hurts to get one What the needle looks like (spoiler: not as scary as you think) Common epidural side effects And yes – we’re talking about walking epidurals, too! These are...
info_outline
Hospital Bag Must-Haves + What to Eat (and Avoid!) During Labor
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re talking all about what to pack (and not pack!) in your hospital bag for birth – plus we’re covering snacks and eating during labor too 🍿 Let me tell you, for my first birth? Total slacker. I didn’t get serious about packing my bag until wayyy late in the game – and it could’ve backfired big time. For baby #2? Totally prepared! In this episode, I’m breaking it all down: What to pack in four separate bags: labor, recovery, partner, and baby What to leave at home (because clutter = chaos) My go-to list of snacks for labor...
info_outline
Hollywood vs. Reality: Liesel + Jenna React to Birth on the Big Screen
Mommy Labor Nurse
*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift! In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!* ****** This week on 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...
info_outline
The 'Too Shy to Ask' Birth Questions: Liesel's Unfiltered Answers (Part 2)
Mommy Labor Nurse
*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift! In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!* ****** This week I am back to answer your most embarrassing birth questions, part 2! I had so much fun with last week’s episode, I just had to come back and answer more of your questions because we got so many good ones! Not only are these “Ask Me Anything”...
info_outline
The 'Too Shy to Ask' Birth Questions: Liesel's Unfiltered Answers (Part 1)
Mommy Labor Nurse
Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift! In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!* ****** Happy New Year podcast fam! If you are listening to this in real time, then you know that this is the very first episode of 2023, and we’re kicking off the year with a super fun “Ask Me Anything” style episode. This time, I asked our community over on...
info_outlineWelcome back to The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast! Today we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools you can use to monitor your baby’s well-being in the third trimester: kick counting.
I’m joined by Kimberly Isburg from Count the Kicks, an incredible organization that’s helping parents all over the country improve birth outcomes and reduce stillbirth through awareness and education. Kimberly is a mama of two and a passionate advocate for maternal health – and I’m so excited for you to hear her wisdom and warmth.
Inside the episode, we’re covering:
-
Why tracking baby’s movement matters so much in late pregnancy
-
Common myths and misconceptions about fetal movement
-
How to use the Count the Kicks method and app
-
Tips for staying calm, confident, and connected to your baby
This one’s a must-listen – especially if you’re in your third trimester and want to feel empowered and informed 💛
🎁 FREE Third Trimester Prep Pack
Take the stress out of your final weeks with this free checklist + guide made by a labor nurse (yep, me!)
📥 Download your 3rd Trimester Prep Pack
🎓 Need More Support Before Birth?
Whether you're planning for an unmedicated birth, thinking about an epidural, or preparing for a C-section, our online birth classes will get you ready, confident, and in control.
💻 Explore MLN All-Access Birth Classes
📲 Stay Connected with Count the Kicks
👩💼 About Kimberly Isburg
Kimberly is the Communications Manager for Healthy Birth Day, Inc., the nonprofit behind Count the Kicks. She’s also a mom of two boys and used the Count the Kicks method in both of her pregnancies. Her work helps save lives, and we’re so honored to have her on the show!
💛 Join the MLN Community
Follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram for daily pregnancy tips, labor hacks, and support from a labor nurse who gets it.