Labor Pain Relief Options (Besides the Epidural!) You Should Know About
Release Date: 07/16/2025
Reacting to Hollywood Birth Scenes – The Good, the Bad, and the 🤯
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...
info_outline
Let’s Talk About the Placenta – Your Baby’s First Lifeline
Mommy Labor Nurse
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.
info_outline
Birth After Trauma - A Powerful, Healing Birth Story
Mommy Labor Nurse
Listen in to this healing redemptive birth story!
info_outline
Do You Have to Get Checked? Let’s Talk Cervical Checks + Sweeps
Mommy Labor Nurse
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?...
info_outline
What It’s Really Like to Be an OBGYN – with Dr. Nicole Rankins
Mommy Labor Nurse
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,...
info_outline
Working Mom Guilt is Real – Let’s Talk About It with Dr. Sarah Allen
Mommy Labor Nurse
Working mom guilt? Yep, it’s very real. Dr. Sarah Allen joins me to unpack where that guilt comes from, how to navigate it, and ways to feel more confident in whatever choices work best for your family.
info_outline
How to Prep Your Relationship for Baby – Tips That Actually Help
Mommy Labor Nurse
Having a baby is a huge transition – and it’s totally normal for your relationship to feel the impact. In this episode, we’re talking about ways to stay connected, set expectations, and support each other through the fourth trimester and beyond.
info_outline
Let’s Talk About Your Pelvic Floor – with Nikki from The Belle Method
Mommy Labor Nurse
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.
info_outline
Home Birth Myths, Facts, and What It’s Really Like with a Midwife Guest!
Mommy Labor Nurse
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!
info_outline
From Birth to Day 2: Your Postpartum Play-by-Play
Mommy Labor Nurse
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_outlineIV 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 an unmedicated birth or just want to know your options, this episode will help you feel more educated, empowered, and in control.
🎁 FREE Birth Prep Guide
Want to walk into your birth feeling ready for anything? This free guide helps you get organized, make informed choices, and feel confident no matter your birth plan.
📥 Download the Birth Prep Guide here
🎓 Want to Go Deeper with Your Birth Education?
My online birth classes cover everything from labor positions to pain management to pushing – all in an easy-to-digest, confidence-boosting format.
💻 Explore MLN All-Access Birth Classes
🎧 Related Episodes
🔹 Epidurals 101: Get Informed About Epidurals for Birth (EP171)
📲 Let’s Connect!
Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily tips, birth ed, and relatable moments from a labor nurse who gets you 💛