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
Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN as been a nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth. Learn more here.
// 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
Compression socks can be helpful during pregnancy. When should you start wearing them and what do …
When Should I Start Wearing Compressions Stockings During Pregnancy?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
Today we're sharing what hospital policies you can not say no to (or ones that have some pretty …
// 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
Getting ready for labor involves more than just packing a hospital bag—it’s about feeling prepared, …
Master Labor Preparation: How Online Classes Help Couples ThriveRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
I've talked ALL about what to do before an induction, today I want to talk about 5 things to NOT do …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Those last weeks of pregnancy can be a LOT -- I get it. Your brain is also feeling pretty mushy and …
// 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
Today I'm answering a question I get a LOT of. Lots of images sent to me via social media to ask if …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Pitocin or Oxytocin is a hormone your body produces to start things like labor, breastfeeding, and …
// 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
Have you had a bladder infection, or are worried you're getting one? Pregnancy is a time that …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The first trimester can feel tricky, and I'm finding more and more people are having their first …
// 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
Embarking on your journey to parenthood is an exciting and transformative time, filled with …
Planning for Bump to Bassinet: Must-Have Resources for Expecting ParentsRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
If you go to sleep will it make your contractions stop? Today I'm going to share if sleeping is the …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Hospital birth classes used to be the standard for expecting parents, but now there are alternatives …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Perineal massage gets a lot of talk on the internet, but is it actually useful? Today I'm going to …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Today I want to share three things you can do it try to make for a faster labor. That isn't to say …
3 Things to Do At the End of Your Pregnancy for a Faster LaborRead More
// 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
Today I want to share the WORST parts of pregnancy. Sometimes you just want to feel like "yeah, this …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Self-Care looks different during every phase of our lives. As you get later into your pregnancy …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
There's something that people don't talk about, because it seems a little scary -- but it truly is …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Your mucus plug is a magical thing that keeps baby safe during the first couple of trimesters, but …
// 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
You may think that the things that cause the most trauma are the kinds you see on TV or the news, …
// 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
Is your groin (meaning in between your thighs and even into your middle-pelvis) hurting during …
// 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
Choosing to have an induction is super complicated. Many women find a LOT of reasons to get …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're pregnant, and wondering when to announce to the people around you that's happening. When is …
// 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
Sleep can be tough during pregnancy. Sometimes you feel like you're sleeping too MUCH and sometimes …
// 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
So, you just found out you're pregnant (or you're hoping to soon) -- what are some things you should …
// 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
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 going in for an induction, but in the back of your head -- you're sort of wondering what …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are planning on a cesarean section, or recently had one? Today I'm going to share a few …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You've hit that third trimester, and you think you'll running it into the endzone for a big win this …
7 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Third TrimesterRead More
// 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
Having contractions can feel like -- "oh my gosh, is this it" but there are some questions you …
// 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
I see it all the time -- "I don't think I'll make it to my due date" -- but is that correct OR the …
// 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
Parents come to the hospital with a lot of expectations and worries. What are some mistakes that …
5 Mistakes People Make Preparing to go to the Hospital to Have Their BabyRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Maybe you have a planned c-section or you're just wondering what you might need to change into if …
// 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
You hear a lot of thoughts about birth class online. Some people think they're helpful, some don't …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You've had or you're having a growth ultrasound where they're telling you how large your baby is in …
6 Things to Know About Your Fetal Growth UltrasoundRead More
// 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
Are you looking to have your baby sooner rather than later? Are there things you can do to make …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The fear of miscarriage or fetal loss is very normal during pregnancy. However, stressing about it …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
There is a lot to keep in your head as you head into your delivery, but lots of families make pretty …
// 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
There's a lot of "dont's" while you're pregnant but there are some serious ones to not do AFTER baby …
// 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
Today I want to share the BIGGGEST that I have seen about labor, and this ends up catching people …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Your round ligaments attach your uterus to the rest of your body. During pregnancy they can stretch …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Communicating with providers can be hard. A lot of us feel like we need to just do what our doctor …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may be wondering a birth class is really for you? Today I'm going to share 4 signs that you …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
A non-stress test is a time where we monitor baby without any contractions. During that time we …
What is a Non-Stress Test (NST)? Why does it matter?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The epidural gets both a lot of flack and love online. Some people love it, some hate it -- but …
Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks AboutRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're sitting in an office chair quite a bit during pregnancy. What can you do to keep good …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're at the end zone of pregnancy and OVER it. You're wishing it was over and are wondering WHAT …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Maybe you're going to sleep and wondering if something will start tonight, or just idle curiosity -- …
// 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
Hearing your baby's heart beat can be SO fun. Especially early on when it all sort of just seems …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
So, you're pregnant and either aware there's a decent-sized chance you could have a c-section, OR …
How to Prepare for Your C-Section (Cesarean Section)Read More
// 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
Being pregnant in the winter can bring-up some issues you haven't thought about. Let's talk about …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Ok, you've failed (or thought about failing) your 1-hour glucose test? What happens now? …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
So you go in for your 36 week check-up and you agree to a cervical exam. What should your …
What Cervix Dilation Should You Be at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be tough, you may even hate it. You are re-thinking all your …
What to do if You’re Miserable At the End of Your PregnancyRead More
// 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
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
Looking for some real pregnancy advice from someone who KNOWS what they're talking about? Today I'm …
The 5 Worst Pieces of Pregnancy Advice I Have HeardRead More
// 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
You might have been checked in the office at one of your appointments -- and been told your cervix …
// 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
STD tests are SO important for pregnant women, your provider will offer screening of a few including …
// 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
A lot of people want some clear-cut guidelines about when they should go to the hospital when …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Ok, you're onto baby 2+ -- and you're thinking, "I don't need a prenatal class, I've done this" -- …
Reason You’ll Want a Birth Class on Your Second+ BabyRead More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may have heard that raspberry tea can help induce labor -- when should you START taking it and …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
It can be SUPER scary to look down at your panties or when you wipe and see some blood when you are …
Does Vaginal Bleeding Mean a Miscarriage in Early Pregnancy?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Cervical ripening is the process from which the cervix turns from hard like rubber into soft and …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Having a cough during pregnancy is absolutely miserable. Not only can you take les medication, …
Can Excessive Coughing During Pregnancy Hurt the Baby?Read More
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're getting to the "endzone" of pregnancy and it can be really easy to take your eye off the …