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.

Listen in to this healing redemptive birth story!

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? Here's a hint, it has nothing to do with actual broom sweeping! Keep listening to learn more. After this episode, you can continue learning with Episode 77 on why it's important to prep your body for labor and EP112 where you'll get tips about prenatal exercise that will serve you during birth and beyond.   Questions covered in this episode: What is a cervical check? What if you are not dilated or just 1 centimeter dilated? How long does the cervical check take? What exactly is the provider checking for during the cervical check? Are cervical checks painful? What tricks can you use to pass the cervical check? What is the Bishop Score and how does it work? Is the cervical check actually necessary? When is the cervical check necessary? Can you ask for a cervical check to your provider? Can you ask for a cervical check during labor? What are the Pros and Cons of cervical checks during pregnancy? What is the difference between cervical check and membrane sweep? What to expect after the membrane sweep? What tips can you use to pass the membrane sweep? What happens if a membrane sweep is successful? What should you do after a membrane sweep? What other options do you have if a membrane sweep isn't successful?

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, The All About Pregnancy and Birth 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, thoughts on doula and midwifery care, a bit of birth advice, and more. I'm so excited to share Dr. Rankins with you today, so let's get right into it!  

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 💁‍♀️

Think you know all things birth? Let's put that to the test! In this fun and lighthearted episode, we're playing a round of birth trivia – with real questions and answers that might surprise you 🤓 Play along and learn something new!

Pregnancy and new motherhood can bring on a lot of emotions – and for many, anxiety is part of that picture. In this episode, we talk about recognizing anxiety in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and what you can do to manage it. We cover practical coping tools, when to reach out for help, and ways to feel more calm and confident during each stage of the journey. Whether you're currently expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will give you real-life strategies and reassurance.

The postpartum period is a whirlwind – and it's easy to put your own needs on the back burner. In this episode, we're talking about how to nourish your body and support your healing after birth. From nutrient-rich meal ideas to mindset shifts around self-care, you'll learn simple ways to boost your energy, balance your hormones, and feel your best during those early months. Whether you're breastfeeding, recovering from a C-section, or just trying to stay afloat, these tips are for you!

In this heartfelt birth story episode, my guest opens up about her journey through secondary infertility – the challenges, the emotions, and ultimately, the joy of welcoming her new baby. You'll hear about the ups and downs of trying to conceive again, how her pregnancy unfolded, and the details of her birth experience. If you've walked a similar road or love hearing real, unfiltered birth stories, this one will inspire and remind you that you're never alone in your journey.

Ever wonder how you can help your little one start building language skills from the very beginning? In this episode, I'm joined by The Speech Sisters, two speech-language pathologists and moms who are passionate about helping parents support their baby's communication journey.  We're chatting about what's normal in those early months, how to spot red flags, and easy ways to make everyday moments language-rich. Whether your baby is in your belly, cooing, babbling, or starting to say words, you'll walk away with practical tips you can use right away!

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we're diving into a Q&A episode all about the third trimester! These questions came straight from you on Instagram, and I'm so excited to dig into them with more detail than I can fit in a story slide. The third trimester can be a wild ride – full of physical changes, emotional shifts, and so many "is this normal?" moments. Whether you're prepping for labor, feeling the nesting urge kick in, or just dealing with discomforts, this episode is here to support you through it all 💪 We're covering: What to expect as labor approaches Tips for easing common third-tri symptoms How to prep your body and mind for delivery Final to-dos before baby arrives And lots more real talk + reassurance Whether this is your first rodeo or your fourth, there's something here for every mama navigating those final weeks. 🎁 FREE 3rd Trimester Prep Pack This checklist was made by a labor nurse (hi, it's me!) to help you feel calm, confident, and ready as birth day gets closer. 📥 Download the 3rd Trimester Prep Pack 🎓 Want to Feel Totally Ready for Birth? Our MLN Birth Classes break it all down – from contractions to pushing to postpartum – in a way that's clear, supportive, and confidence-building. 💻 Explore the MLN All-Access Birth Classes 📲 Join the MLN Instagram Fam Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily pregnancy tips, birth prep guidance, and real support from a labor nurse who's been there 💛

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we're doing another Ask Me Anything – and this time it's all about the second trimester! These episodes are always a hit (and one of my faves to record!) because I get to answer your real questions from Instagram stories – with way more detail than I can fit into a slide. Inside this episode, we're covering: What's up with peeing when you sneeze (and what to do about it) Kick counting basics – when to start and how it works Glucose tolerance testing tips and what to expect What to know about placenta previa Do you really need a birth class? And more second-tri insights you don't want to miss! Whether you're 13 weeks or 27, this one's full of relatable info and practical tips to help you feel more confident in your pregnancy. 🎁 FREE Second Trimester Prep Pack Registry stress? To-do list overwhelm? This free guide is here to help you stay on track and actually enjoy this trimester! 📥 Grab your 2nd Trimester Prep Pack 🎓 Want to Feel Extra Ready for Labor? Our MLN Birth Classes cover everything you need to know – from contractions to confidence – and are perfect for second-tri mamas looking to get ahead. 💻 Check out the MLN Birth Classes 📲 Let's Stay Connected Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily pregnancy ed, tips, and a supportive community of 700k+ mamas 💛

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we're talking all things first trimester! It's one of our signature Ask Me Anything episodes – and yes, I love doing these for you guys! Every question in this episode was submitted by my IG fam (hey Insta besties 👋) – and I picked the ones that needed a deeper dive than stories allow. So if you're navigating those early weeks and wondering, "Is this normal??" – you're in the right place. Inside the episode, we're chatting about: How to handle nausea without losing your mind Fatigue hacks that actually help What's up with first-trimester anxiety And so much more! Whether you're newly pregnant or just want to feel a little less alone in those first 12 weeks, this episode is packed with validation, tips, and real talk 💛 🎁 FREE 1st Trimester Prep Pack Overwhelmed in the early weeks? This free guide will help you feel more in control, more prepared, and more you. 📥 Grab your 1st Trimester Prep Pack here 🎓 Want to Feel Prepared for Every Trimester? Our online birth classes walk you through every stage of pregnancy – from trimester one to postpartum – so you feel confident and supported. 💻 Check out the MLN Birth Classes 📲 Join the MLN Insta Community Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily education, encouragement, and that "you're not alone" kind of support through pregnancy and beyond 💛

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we're welcoming a very special guest – the amazing Dr. Rebecca Dekker from Evidence Based Birth®! Rebecca is a PhD nurse, researcher, educator, and fierce advocate for evidence-based maternity care. She's also the author of Babies Are Not Pizzas and host of the Evidence Based Birth® podcast, which has over 4.5 million downloads 👏 In this episode, we're digging into the topic of natural labor induction – what works, what doesn't, and how to tell the difference. Inside the episode: Evidence behind common natural induction techniques The difference between "throw you into labor" methods vs. gentle nudges Pros, cons, and safety of various approaches How to think critically and make informed decisions around induction Whether you're hoping to avoid a medical induction or just want to be informed, this episode is a must-listen! 🎁 FREE Birth Prep Guide Want to feel more confident and in control heading into labor? Grab this free guide packed with tips, checklists, and prep strategies from a labor nurse! 📥 Download the Birth Prep Guide 🎓 Need a Complete Birth Prep Plan? My MLN Birth Classes will help you feel so ready – with evidence-based lessons, practical tips, and support for every type of birth. 💻 Check out the MLN Birth Classes 📚 Related Episodes & Resources EP77: Why It's Important to Prep Your Body for Labor The Miles Circuit by Sharon Muza 👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Rebecca Dekker Rebecca is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth®, where she and her team are on a mission to make research on pregnancy and birth accessible and empowering for all families. She's a former nursing professor, passionate educator, and mom who's changing the birth world – one fact at a time. 📲 Learn More from Evidence Based Birth® Visit the Website Follow on Instagram Listen to the Podcast

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we're chatting about labor signs – but not the obvious ones like contractions or water breaking. We're talking about the weird, lesser-known signs that your body might be getting ready for labor 👀 Because if you've ever found yourself googling, "Is ___ a sign of labor?"...you're so not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing: The most common (but surprising!) symptoms I see before labor begins Why it's totally normal to feel hyper-aware of every body change in the final weeks What to actually pay attention to as you approach labor day Whether you're 36 weeks or just curious about what's coming, this episode will help you feel more in tune with your body and what it's trying to tell you 💛 🎁 FREE Hospital Bag Checklist Feeling anxious about packing? This free checklist was made by a practicing L&D nurse (hi, that's me!) to help you pack like a pro and actually feel ready. 📥 Grab your Hospital Bag Checklist 🎓 Want to Feel 1000% More Confident for Birth? My online birth classes are designed to help you feel educated, prepared, and in control no matter how you plan to deliver. 💻 Explore MLN Birth Classes 📲 Come Hang with Me on Instagram Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily tips, relatable education, and solidarity through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.

IV 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 💛