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The Role of Preparation in Preventing Birth Trauma - 253

Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled

Release Date: 02/03/2025

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More Episodes

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 The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're looking to get prepared it really is the easy way to do it!

Links for you:

Timestamps:

00:00 Birth trauma: deeply personal, varies between individuals.

04:45 Start communication early to prevent birth trauma.

07:36 Understand expectations, communicate effectively, learn from experts.

Keypoints:

  • Introduction to the topic of preventing birth trauma.
  • Emphasis on the dual responsibility of both providers and patients in preventing birth trauma.
  • Explanation of birth trauma as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.
  • Importance of understanding the normal processes and procedures during labor and delivery.
  • Advocacy for learning effective communication with healthcare teams early in pregnancy.
  • Encouragement to lower and manage expectations about labor, delivery, and postpartum periods.
  • The significance of having realistic and correct expectations for the birth process.
  • Promotion of the online prenatal class for couples as a resource to prepare for birth.
  • Discussion about the prevalence of misrepresented birth experiences on social media and TV.
  • Upcoming episodes on baby safety and the benefits of taking a hospital tour.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

Pulling Curls podcast, birth trauma prevention, Hilary Erickson, episode 253, preventing birth trauma, pregnancy nurse, birth trauma definition, patient empowerment, traumatic birth events, preparing for childbirth, online prenatal class, couples prenatal class, understanding labor, labor and delivery process, hospital admission process, fetal heart rate monitoring, communicating with healthcare team, birth plan, trauma triggers, managing childbirth pain, postpartum expectations, realistic birth expectations, labor expectations, childbirth education, healthcare communication, prenatal care, labor nurse interaction, birth trauma causes, hospital birth experience, pregnancy advice.