If you think that birth class is mainly to get you through the pain of labor -- do you really need …
Do You Need a Birth Class if You Plan to Get an EpiduralRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
If you think that birth class is mainly to get you through the pain of labor -- do you really need …
Do You Need a Birth Class if You Plan to Get an EpiduralRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're mulling over getting an epidural and you'd like more info? Well, I'm thrilled that you're …
Your Complete Guide to Epidurals in Labor: Everything You Need to KnowRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
I am a huge fan of movement during birth. In fact, it's one of my 3 proven secrets. However, you may …
3 Tips to Using Movement During Labor WITH an EpiduralRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Getting an epidural during labor is a very common form of pain mangement in the US. Today I want to …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're hoping to get an epidural while you're in labor -- but how far "along" do you need to be to …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The epidural seems to divide a lot of people. Some people love it, some hate it -- but what you …
Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks AboutRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Not sure if you'll want an epidural or not? Honestly, you're not alone. The majority of patients …
What to Do If You Can’t Decide if You Want an Epidural or Not?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're in labor, and you hear your provider is coming to break your water. Is it better to get …
Should You Get the Labor Epidural Before They Break Your Water?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you wondering if you can get a "walking epidural" -- the answer is that it DEPENDS. Some …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
How much labor pain should you expect during labor when you have an epidural? Should you expect to …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Women who plan on vaginal birth may wonder how painful the placement and infusion of epidural …
How Bad Does the Epidural Hurt? What to expect during placement.Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
When is the best time to request epidural anesthesia? Will getting it earlier or later prolong …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may be wanting to get an epidural, but not sure at what point you CAN'T get during childbirth …
Why Can’t You Get an Epidural After a Point During Childbirth?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Requesting an epidural is an important choice -- and choosing it too early or too late can have …
Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters? Is it too late?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Many people wonder WHEN in their labor they can be given the epidural. Today we'll discuss that, as …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The baby coming out is normally the most painful part of the birthing process. Will you feel the …
Can You Feel the Baby Coming Out With the Epidural?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Making the choice to get an epidural during an induction can be confusing. If you know you're going …
Can I Get an Epidural Before My Induction of Labor?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
There is a lot of discussion about whether or not epidurals cause back problems for pregnant women. …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
I just wrote a post on reasons to NOT get an epidural, so today I thought I'd share the reasons TO …
9 Reasons TO Get an Epidural: Valid reasons to get the “happy-dural”Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Did you know that only about 60 percent of women in the United States actually receive epidurals for …
Why Not to Get an Epidural: 10 Reasons to consider other pain management in laborRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
What are the differences between an epidural or spinal anesthesia? Today we're going to give into …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Epidurals sometimes don't work. That's right, you pay all that money, and sit up for the placement …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Who puts in your epidural and what types of qualifications do they need to do so? Did you know …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you hoping to have a "natural" delivery at the hospital. Today we're going to talk about what …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Pain can be really scary -- but birth pain is very different. Today, I'm going to tell you 4 things …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Today I want to talk about a few things that you're doing that makes labor longer than it has to be. …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you a mom-to-be? Congratulations! Are you starting to feel a little bit anxious about childbirth …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
A Foley catheter is something that drains the urine out of your bladder into a bag. It can be used …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
As a labor and delivery nurse for 20 years I can't wait to share with you three things that can make …
3 Proven Labor Secrets You Don’t Want to Labor Without!Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
I know we love phrases like birth plans, birth preferences and birth wishes -- but the reality is …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
I often hear people wanting to know how to have a "natural" birth at the hospital. It's important …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You know that labor involves contractions, but how exactly does that baby get from the inside of …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Your first BM after delivery can be really stressful. I speak from an area of what NOT to do (as …
First Poop After Delivery: Make it less-hard (literally)Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Birth plans are all the rage. Sure, I prefer birth preferences or birth wishes, but the idea is the …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may have heard that inducing at 39 weeks is safe, or maybe you just want to be done being …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Today we're going to deep dive into a study on what parents (especially first time parents) wish …
What do People Wish They Had Known About Before Birth?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Recently, I asked in a group of pregnant women what some of their biggest fears were about labor, …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
My #1 truth about pregnancy and labor is to let go of control (because mother nature ultimately has …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Creating a postpartum plan during your pregnancy is SO smart. Preparing for life after baby, and …
Your Guide to Your Postpartum Plan with Free TemplateRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
These are some fascinating facts about pregnancy & birth that every pregnant family should know. …
100+ Fascinating Pregnancy & Labor Statistics: Be Informed What Is NormalRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're in labor, but it's just not progressing like you'd hoped (or possibly how the staff wished it …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Countless studies show that a birth class can change everything in your first steps into parenthood. …
How a Birth Class Changes Pregnancy, Labor, Birth & Life With BabyRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Have you ever heard that if you go looking for trouble, you'll find it? Studies show that is also …
Intermittent Auscultation: Who it’s for (and why it’s better)Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The saline lock (formerly known as a hep lock) is an under-utilized tool in labor that can allow you …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Did you know that hot summer conditions can prove to be problematic for your pregnacy. This article …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Has your doctor said they will place a foley bulb with your induction? What does that mean, what …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
If your provider wants to break your water, should you let her? Today I'm going to talk about some …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
They give you a due date meaning baby will be OUT around then, right? But what if you hit that due …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're going in for an induction, but in the back of your head -- you're sort of wondering what …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're considering a VBAC and I LOVE that. That means a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, but not all …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The urinary catheter is given for a variety of reasons during labor. Can you refuse it though? …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Looking to make life after baby a bit more manageable? There are a few things I recommend to have …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Do you have an induction scheduled? Today I want to share some things you can do to prepare for …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
If you're feeling super anxious or nervous about birth -- what do you do? Today I'm going to give …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Precipitous labor is considered birth within 3 hours of contractions becoming regular. It can be …
What You Need To Know About Precipitous Birth (fast births)Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're looking at a birth class, and the prices seem pretty steep. What's the average cost of a …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're thinking you likely won't need an IV during labor and you hate needles. So, can you refuse …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Ok, you're looking for a birth class, and you'd love it to be free (because baby gear is expensive). …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You might be thinking it's about a certain position to use, or a specific type of midwife to get -- …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Taking a birth class can seem so pricey for new parents who already feel like they have a lot to …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you just DONE being pregnant and wondering how you can ask your provider to induce you? Let me, …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Hilary, circa 2009. I'm feeling huge, I'm pregnant with my third baby, after a bout of infertility …
Debunking Induction Myths with My Own Induction StoryRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Is your baby breech and you'd like them to NOT BE? You're in the right place. Today I'm going to …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Birth classes are one of the most important things you can do during your pregnancy, but many …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Dilation is a signs that your cervix is opening and labor may be close! But, since most of us …
Signs You Are Dilating: Symptoms of cervical dilationRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
It sounds like you're considering an induction of labor around 37 weeks pregnant. How will it be …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
It is a standard practice in most US Hospitals to order an intravenous line (mostly referred to as …
IV During Labor – Do you NEED IV fluids in labor and delivery?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may be miserable, or your mom's in town or for a variety of reasons you may want to be induced 3 …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Today I want to tell you five things to watch for your birth to be hard. These are things that can …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You might be wondering if there is a time of day that you are more likely to start contractions than …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Induction of labor is definitely a process. How long will your labor induction take? What should …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Using a birthing ball can have a lot of benefits for your pregnancy. Today I'm going to share …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Preparing for your induction can be intimidating. Suddenly, something that was unknown seems …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Is kidney stone pain worse than childbirth? What is, in fact, the worst pain out there? Today we’ll …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Is taking a childbirth class (also called prenatal classes, birth classes or pregnancy classes) …
Do Birth Classes Improve Birth Outcomes? What do the studies show?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Knowing what position your baby is in can be hard to tell. Baby will most likely need to be …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Have you been doing your breathing exercises for pregnancy? It's not too late to start! Even if …
When to Start Breathing Exercises for Pregnancy & BirthRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Do you notice baby moving more and wonder if it's a sign of labor? In general baby's movements …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Did you know that Pitocin is the most common drug used to induce labor? If you're considering using …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Tinyhood is becoming a leader in online courses for new parents, but are they the BEST classes for …
Alternatives to Tinyhood: Best online childbirth and parenting classes you can take!Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Later in pregnancy your doctor may start discussing an induction of labor with you. Many people …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Cervical checks or vaginal exams can be painful and sometimes unnecessary. Today I want to talk …
Can I Refuse Cervical Checks in Labor? Declining cervix exams in pregnancy.Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
At your 36 week check-up your doctor might ask you if you want a vaginal exam to check how dilated …
36 weeks Pregnant – Cervix is 1 cm dilated: When will labor start?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Creating a birth plan is a good beginning to starting good communication between the patient and …
Create a Natural Birth Plan From My Free Birth Plan Template!Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Today, we're going to chat about a few things: What to wear during labor and delivery, what not to …
Your Guide on What to Wear in Labor & Delivery and Your Hospital StayRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Prenatal education is one of the most important tasks for expecting parents. In this article we're …
What Are the BEST Online Childbirth Classes for First Time Parents?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Being in the hospital can be scary, you can feel like you "have" to do a lot of things because …
Do You Have to Give Birth on Your Back in the Hospital?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
When should you pack that hospital bag? Certainly you don't want it packed at 20 weeks, but when is …
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag: Get prepared with The Pregnancy NurseRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
If you’re pregnant and looking for a podcast that fills your best options for labor and delivery, I …
Best Pregnancy Podcasts: Top listens for moms before birthRead More
The Pregnancy Nurse Podcast is The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled. I …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
There is a lot to get done as you head to your due date or before an induction. Some of it is …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
If you're pregnant, you may be experiencing tailbone pain. This is a common occurrence, and there …
Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy — 6 Things you can do to help!Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Having an induction can bring up a lot of questions. At least I hope it does. Inducing labor …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The third stage of labor (the pushing stage) can be brutal, because expectations are that it will be …
How Long Does it Take to Push Out A Baby?: The 3rd stage of laborRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
When it comes to labor, there are a few different ways that contractions can be felt. For some …
Contractions on The Monitor But You’re Not Feeling Them: What does that mean?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
How long will your labor last? Labor has four phases (or stages) of labor that you body will move …
Stages of Labor Duration: How long does labor last?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Midwives offer pregnant women a wealth of benefits that traditional obstetricians cannot match. From …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may wonder if there are things you can refuse during labor. You might have preferences about …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you pregnant and looking for a way to prepare for labor and delivery? Are you interested in …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Your choice of cesarean section anesthsia is not too broad. There are mainly two humane choices for …