Appendicitis Tales: Inside the Mind of a Nurse Turned Patient - 247
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
Release Date: 11/11/2024
Unexpected Pregnancy: You’re Not Alone – Processing Grief and Finding Support - 264
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In this episode of "The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled," Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® is joined by Erin Galloway from She Might to discuss the complexities of unplanned and unexpected pregnancies. Together, they unpack the wide range of emotions—from shock and grief to adjusting expectations and seeking support. The conversation highlights how common these experiences are, the importance of giving yourself grace, and why finding community, such as She Might, can make a real difference during uncertain times. Big thanks to our sponsor -- if...
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What Every Pregnant Family Should Know About the NICU - 263
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, hosts Hilary Erickson and Dr. Janene Fuerch, a neonatologist at Stanford, dive into what every pregnant family should know about the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). They discuss why it's important to understand NICU basics—even if you’re planning a smooth delivery—and share practical tips on how to cope if your baby needs extra care, including ways to stay connected, manage stress, and support bonding. The episode also highlights exciting innovations aimed at making NICU stays safer and more comfortable for babies and families, plus...
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Unconventional Conception Stories and Advocacy in Motherhood with Dani Morin - 262
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary chats with Dani Morin about the many paths to pregnancy, navigating tough relationships with healthcare providers, and whether you can really trust AI for pregnancy advice. Dani shares her unique experience of becoming a mom through different methods, including home insemination, and opens up about the challenges she faced after loss and while being a single parent. The discussion is honest, real, and packed with supportive insights for anyone on their own parenthood journey. Big thanks to our sponsor -- if you're looking to get...
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Informed Consent During Pregnancy: Knowing Your Rights - 261
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary welcomes certified nurse midwife Juli Pyle to dive into the topic of informed consent in labor and delivery. Together, they break down what informed consent really means, the key components every patient should know, and how it plays out during childbirth. Juli and Hilary share personal stories from both sides—provider and patient—highlighting why these conversations matter and how they can empower you to make the best choices for your birth experience. Whether you're planning your first delivery or looking to better understand your...
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Vacuums, Forceps and Birth: What Every Parent Should Know About Assisted Deliveries - 260
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
Curious about assisted deliveries? In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson, The Pregnancy Nurse®, sits down with Dr. Tori O'Daniel, a board-certified OB GYN, to demystify vacuum and forceps deliveries. They explain when and why these tools might be used, how they work, the differences between them, and what you can expect if your delivery needs a little extra help. They also bust some common myths and share real-life experiences (including Hilary’s own forceps story), plus get honest about risks, benefits, and postpartum recovery tips. Whether you’re prepping for...
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Kick Counts Made Simple: FAQs, Expert Tips, and Why It Can Save Babies’ Lives - 259
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson, RN, is joined by Kimberly Iceberg from Count the Kicks to answer common questions about tracking your baby's movements during pregnancy. They discuss why kick counts matter, how to use the Count the Kicks app, what to do if you notice changes in your baby’s movement, and how kick counting can give you peace of mind while supporting stillbirth prevention. The episode also covers tips for handling complications like an anterior placenta and offers advice for communicating concerns with your healthcare provider. Big thanks to...
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Lessons in Partnership: Adapting to Changes in Marital Duties With Stephanie Straub of CNY Therapy Solutions - 258
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson, RN, and guest Stephanie Straub from CNY Therapy Solutions dive into the complexities of changes in marital roles, especially after the arrival of a new baby. They explore how these shifts can impact relationships and offer practical advice on how couples can adjust to these changes. Listen as they discuss the mental load, the importance of communication, and strategies like the "Sunday sit down" to help untangle the various roles within a marriage. This episode is packed with insights for...
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Pivoting Plans: New Podcast Directions for 2025 - 257
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In episode 257 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson shares an update on her recovery post-appendix surgery, reviewing recent changes and challenges in her business, and announces a shift in the podcast's schedule. Hilary discusses the impact of recent Google changes on her online traffic, her frustration with unresponsive business courses, and her decision to take a break from the podcast before returning with longer, expert-focused episodes in 2025. Stay connected via social media and newsletters for updates. Timestamps: 00:00 Business Shift and Sponsorship Updates 03:50...
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Understanding Postpartum Anxiety: Expert Tips from Kara Kushnir, LCSW - 256
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, hosts Hilary Erickson, RN, and Kara Kushnir, LCSW, delve deep into the topic of postpartum anxiety. They discuss personal experiences, signs and symptoms, distinctions between anxiety and other mental health conditions, and practical tools for managing anxiety at home. They also emphasize the importance of seeking help and provide resources like Postpartum Support International's helpline for those who need professional support. Big thanks to our sponsor -- we have a whole section on postpartum as well as...
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Hospital Tours 101: What Parents-to-Be Should Know - 255
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In Episode 255 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson discusses why taking a hospital tour is an essential part of preparing for childbirth. From understanding hospital amenities to getting a feel for the unit and reducing anxiety on the big day, Hilary covers the numerous benefits of a hospital tour. Listen in for practical tips, insightful questions to ask during your tour, and personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of familiarizing yourself with your birthing environment. Big thanks to our sponsor -- a hospital class isn't meant to take the place of a tour, but it is...
info_outlineWelcome back to The Pulling Curls Podcast! In today’s episode, Hilary Erickson shares her personal experience with appendicitis. From the initial symptoms to her time in the hospital and the recovery process, Hilary provides a detailed and eye-opening account of what it’s like to deal with a ruptured appendix. Tune in for valuable insights, emotional moments, and practical tips on navigating an unexpected medical crisis while balancing motherhood and daily life.
Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines -- they can really save you when the stuff hits the fan. If routines have only one fan it's me -- especially after this.
Links for you:
Timestamps:
00:00 Mom's thoughts overwhelm before surgery; responsibilities linger.
05:07 High cost delayed treatment despite severe pain.
07:35 Delayed surgery led to complications, still satisfied.
11:03 Mom's hospital worries: life insurance and minutiae.
15:18 Gnawing stomach pain caused anxiety and fear.
16:09 Grateful for doctor; small change improved everything.
19:36 Upcoming episodes: pregnancy exercise, health insurance.
Keypoints:
Hilary Erickson shares her recent experience with appendicitis, highlighting the details of her symptoms and diagnosis.
She describes the importance of routines, which helped her family manage during her absence.
Despite the signs, she initially attributed her stomach pain to other causes, including semaglutide and muscle pain.
Hilary discusses the tests for appendicitis, explaining the concept of rebound tenderness and how her symptoms differed.
She eventually went to the ER, detailing the financial concerns and pain that prompted her to seek medical help.
Her appendix had burst, leading to septic shock and a more complicated recovery process.
She emphasizes the challenges of hospital life, including the struggle to get rest and the limited food options.
Hilary voices the emotional weight of being a mom facing surgery, worrying about household tasks and family needs.
Post-surgery, she talks about her recovery process, the trauma of the event, and the importance of communicating with healthcare providers.
Upcoming episodes will cover topics like pregnancy exercise with Kaylee Cohen and her unconventional approach to health insurance.
Producer: Drew Erickson
Keywords:
Hilary Erickson, Pulling Curls podcast, appendicitis, episode 247, nurse, pregnancy nurse, family routines, semaglutide, abdominal pain, lower right quadrant, DigestZen, doTERRA, rebound tenderness, ER visit, septic shock, CT scan, morphine, Fentanyl, Dilaudid, IV antibiotics, laparoscopic surgery, general anesthesia, post-operative recovery, hospital stay, clear liquids diet, hospital at home, protonics, infection control, surgeon, home healthcare, patient experience.