Things That Might Make Labor Tough - 250
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
Release Date: 01/13/2025
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...
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Baby Proofing 101: Dani Morin's Mission for Baby Safety Awareness - 254
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In Episode 254 of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson is joined by Dani Morin, a car seat technician and influencer. They dive deep into baby safety, discussing essential tips for childproofing your home, the importance of proper car seat usage, and the dangers of Baltic amber teething necklaces. Dani opens up about her advocacy work following the tragic loss of her son, Deacon, and shares practical advice for new parents. Tune in for a heartfelt and informative conversation aimed at helping parents make safer choices for their little ones. Big...
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The Role of Preparation in Preventing Birth Trauma - 253
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
his episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, we dive into the important topic of preventing birth trauma. Hilary Erickson, a nurse and mom to three, shares valuable insights on what birth trauma is and actionable steps you can take to minimize the risk. Learn how understanding the birth process, effective communication with healthcare providers, and setting realistic expectations can make a significant difference in your birth experience. Big thanks to our sponsor -- if you're looking to get prepared it really is the easy way to do it! Links for you: Timestamps: 00:00 Birth trauma:...
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Stronger Bones, Stronger Women: The Benefits of Strength Training - 252
Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled
In today's episode of the Pulling Curls podcast, Hilary Erickson is joined by fitness expert Kaleigh Cohen to discuss the importance of strength training for women. They dive into the benefits of resistance training, especially for bone health and overall functionality as we age. Hilary shares personal stories and insights, while Kaleigh offers practical tips on how to get started and find the right weights for your workouts. Tune in for an empowering discussion that could transform your exercise routine and health trajectory. Big thanks to our sponsor -- if you want to get some strength...
info_outlineIn Episode 250 of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson delves into five reasons your birth might be particularly challenging. From not meshing with your doctor to having solid expectations, she unpacks potential obstacles and offers valuable advice on how to navigate them. Sponsored by the Online Prenatal Class for Couples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better prepare for a smoother birth experience.
Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- you'll find these tips and more to have your best pregnancy, birth & postpartum life!
Links for you:
My post 5 reasons your birth might be hard: https://pregnurse.com/birth-hard/
Timestamps:
00:00 Switch providers if unsatisfied; consider larger offices.
04:50 Keep flexible expectations during birth for ease.
07:09 Join online prenatal class to enhance preparation.
Keypoints:
- Discussion on why having a good relationship with your doctor is crucial for a smoother birth experience.
- Advice on switching providers if there's a mismatch, even past 30 weeks of pregnancy.
- Explanation of previous uterine or cervical surgeries and how they can impact delivery.
- Importance of knowing about cervical surgeries like LEAP and their potential effects on labor.
- Encouragement to start speaking up for oneself during prenatal appointments for better communication during birth.
- Warning against having rigid expectations for birth as it can lead to disappointment and stress.
- Emphasis on positivity and flexibility during labor to make the process easier.
- Significance of being well-prepared for birth and not relying solely on providers for preparation.
- Personal anecdote about the lack of preparation for hospital experiences and the creation of a comprehensive birth class.
- Promotion of the online prenatal class for couples to help expectant parents prepare for various stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
Producer: Drew Erickson
Keywords:
birth complications, hard birth, pregnancy nurse, prenatal class, switching doctors, doctor-patient relationship, meshing with doctor, uterine surgery, cervical surgery, cervical scarring, LEAP procedure, pap smear, dilate cervix, C-section, speaking up, birth plans, birth expectations, birth trauma, labor pain, epidural, induced labor, birth preparation, birth class, online prenatal class, third trimester testing, laboring at home, postpartum care, breastfeeding difficulties, pregnancy resources, strength training during pregnancy.