Appendicitis Tales: Inside the Mind of a Nurse Turned Patient - 247
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
Release Date: 11/11/2024
Has Your Baby Dropped Yet? What to Expect and When Labor Might Start - 267
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
Are you wondering if your baby has dropped, what fetal lightening means, or whether it’s a sign that labor is near? In this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® breaks down the signs your baby has dropped into your pelvis, why it happens, how it affects breathing and bladder pressure, and what it means for your labor timeline. If you’re searching for what dropping feels like, when it typically happens in pregnancy, or want to understand station and cervical checks, this episode gives you clear, expert answers and practical tips as you...
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From Sharp Stabs to Relief: Navigating Ligament Pain in Pregnancy with a Pro Nurse - 266
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
If you’ve ever googled “sharp pelvic pain during pregnancy,” “round ligament pain,” or wondered if your uterus was about to explode, this episode is for you! On this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse®, Speaker A breaks down everything you need to know about ligament pain in pregnancy—what it feels like, why it happens, how to tell it apart from contractions, and pro tips for preventing discomfort. Whether you’re newly pregnant or further along, learn practical ways to ease those sudden, stabbing pains and when it’s time to talk with your...
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How to Push Out Your Baby: Options, Expert Advice, and Personal Choice 265
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
In this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson RN-BSN —The Pregnancy Nurse®—breaks down everything you need to know about pushing during delivery. From different techniques, timing, and positions, to myths you might see online, Hilary shares her extensive labor and delivery experience to empower you with practical advice for your birth. Disclaimer: This episode is meant for entertainment and general medical information purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult your own provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy. Watch the original video: Find...
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Unexpected Pregnancy: You’re Not Alone – Processing Grief and Finding Support - 264
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
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
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
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
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
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
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
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
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
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
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
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
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
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...
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.
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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.