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The Pregnancy Nurse

All your best pregnant info from the curly nurse

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    • Induction
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Labor

What to Do When Your Epidural Doesn’t Work

May 16, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Epidurals sometimes don't work. That's right, you pay all that money, and sit up for the placement …

What to Do When Your Epidural Doesn’t WorkRead More

Category: Labor, Pain Management

pregnant woman doing jumping jacks

Can Jumping Jacks Induce Labor?

May 5, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

A lot of moms-to-be are looking for ways to induce labor, and some believe that jumping jacks may …

Can Jumping Jacks Induce Labor?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Induction, Labor

woman with an IV

Inducing Labor with Pitocin: What to expect from an expert

April 30, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Did you know that Pitocin is the most common drug used to induce labor? If you're considering using …

Inducing Labor with Pitocin: What to expect from an expertRead More

Category: Induction, Labor

Who Administers an Epidural

April 18, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Who puts in your epidural and what types of qualifications do they need to do so? Did you know …

Who Administers an EpiduralRead More

Category: Pain Management

woman getting a cervical exam

When Do Cervical Checks Start in Pregnancy

April 14, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

While most pregnant patients do get a pap smear at their first appointment.  Many women dread …

When Do Cervical Checks Start in PregnancyRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Labor

urinary catheter

How is a Foley Catheter Used in Labor?

April 11, 2022 //  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 …

How is a Foley Catheter Used in Labor?Read More

Category: Labor

pregnant woman on phone

5 Things NOT to do Before Your Induction

April 1, 2022 //  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 …

5 Things NOT to do Before Your InductionRead More

Category: Induction, Labor

Pitocin to Induce Labor

March 28, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Pitocin or Oxytocin is a hormone your body produces to start things like labor, breastfeeding and …

Pitocin to Induce LaborRead More

Category: Induction, Labor

stork

Different “Types of Childbirth”

March 21, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

People define different types of childbirth in many ways. Today I wanted to define the basic types …

Different “Types of Childbirth”Read More

Category: Birth Education, Labor

mom having a natural birth

Create your Natural Birth Plan Template: Top 10 things for natural birth wishes

February 25, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Creating a birth plan is a good beginning to starting good communication between the patient and …

Create your Natural Birth Plan Template: Top 10 things for natural birth wishesRead More

Category: Birth Education, Labor

epidural placement

When Can an Epidural Be Given?

February 21, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Many people wonder WHEN in their labor they can be given the epidural. Today we'll discuss that, as …

When Can an Epidural Be Given?Read More

Category: Labor, Pain Management

Can You Feel the Baby Coming Out With the Epidural?

February 21, 2022 //  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

Category: Labor, Pain Management

pregnant woman in the bath

Can a Warm Bath Help Induce Labor

January 24, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Will a warm bath help get contractions going? Let an experienced labor nurse help you know how a …

Can a Warm Bath Help Induce LaborRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, LaborTag: Will this Induce Me?

How Long Does an Induction of Labor Take? ~ From a labor pro!

January 24, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Induction of labor is definitely a process. How long will it take? What should you expect? …

How Long Does an Induction of Labor Take? ~ From a labor pro!Read More

Category: Induction, LaborTag: Will this Induce Me?

doctor measuring uterus

When Will a Doctor Induce Labor? What to expect as you get closer to your due date.

December 3, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

A labor induction for pregnant women is an important choice to make with your healthcare …

When Will a Doctor Induce Labor? What to expect as you get closer to your due date.Read More

Category: Birth Education, Induction, LaborTag: Will this Induce Me?

pregnant woman sleeping

Can Labor Start While Sleeping?

November 22, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Can labor start while you're sleeping? Can you sleep through early labor? How can you sleep …

Can Labor Start While Sleeping?Read More

Category: Labor, Phases of Labor

woman talking to her doctor

Tips to Saying No to Your Provider

November 19, 2021 //  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 …

Tips to Saying No to Your ProviderRead More

Category: Birth Education, Hospital Routines, Labor

putting on a medical glove

Can I Refuse Cervical Checks in Labor / Late Pregnancy

November 15, 2021 //  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 / Late PregnancyRead More

Category: Birth Education, Labor, Phases of Labor, Uncategorized

woman getting a prenatal masage

Can Prenatal Massage Induce Labor?

November 10, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Pregnant women may be considering massage therapy for several reasons, especially as they get close …

Can Prenatal Massage Induce Labor?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, InductionTag: Will this Induce Me?

pregnant woman being induced

5 Reasons to NOT Get Induced

October 28, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Choosing to have an induction is super complicated. Many women find a LOT of reasons to get …

5 Reasons to NOT Get InducedRead More

Category: Cesarean Section Delivery, Healthy Pregnancy, Induction, Labor, Uncategorized

Induction at 37 Weeks: The Why’s and How’s

October 22, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Having a labor induction before or at 37 weeks is something each pregnant woman and her partner …

Induction at 37 Weeks: The Why’s and How’sRead More

Category: Induction, Labor

pregnant couple

5 Mistakes People Make Preparing to go to the Hospital to Have Their Baby

October 14, 2021 //  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

Category: Birth Education, Labor

nurse feeling a pregnant woman's belly.

The Complete Guide to Labor Induction and How it Can Help You in Your Baby’s Delivery

October 12, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

What is an induction of labor, what can it do for you and how does a labor induction work? Today …

The Complete Guide to Labor Induction and How it Can Help You in Your Baby’s DeliveryRead More

Category: Birth Education, Induction, Labor

mom learning how to bathe a baby

Best Online Childbirth Classes

September 29, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Expectant parents may be looking to take an online course to know how prepare for their labor …

Best Online Childbirth ClassesRead More

Category: Birth Education, Hospital Routines, Labor

woman pushing on her back

Do You Have to Give Birth on Your Back in the Hospital?

September 23, 2021 //  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

Category: Birth Education, Hospital Routines, Labor, Phases of Labor

When is it Too Late to Get an Epidural: Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters?

September 17, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Requesting an epidural is an important choice -- and choosing it too early or too late can have …

When is it Too Late to Get an Epidural: Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters?Read More

Category: Pain Management

How Long Does Cervidil Take to Induce Labor? What to expect at a Dinoprostone induction

September 3, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Your labor induction could happen with Cervidil.  It’s a vaginal insert that includes hormones …

How Long Does Cervidil Take to Induce Labor? What to expect at a Dinoprostone inductionRead More

Category: Birth Education, Induction, Labor

labor nurse

What to Do If You Don’t Like Your Labor Nurse

August 26, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Google, Tiktok, Pinterest is full of people saying you can "just ask for a new one" if you don't …

What to Do If You Don’t Like Your Labor NurseRead More

Category: Birth Education, Hospital Routines, Labor

What to Do the Day Before a Labor Induction

August 23, 2021 //  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 …

What to Do the Day Before a Labor InductionRead More

Category: Induction, Labor

Can Coughing Induce Labor?

August 12, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Pregnant women have a lot of concerns about their pregnancy.  Coughing can really FEEL like …

Can Coughing Induce Labor?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, LaborTag: Will this Induce Me?

happy pregnant couple

5 Mistakes Families Make Preparing for Delivery

June 2, 2021 //  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 …

5 Mistakes Families Make Preparing for DeliveryRead More

Category: Birth Education, Healthy Pregnancy, Labor

Third Phase of Labor: How Long Does it Take to Push Out A Baby?

May 24, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

The third stage of labor can be brutal, because expectations are that it will be easy. But, how …

Third Phase of Labor: How Long Does it Take to Push Out A Baby?Read More

Category: Labor, Phases of Labor

How Bad Does the Epidural Hurt? What to expect during placement.

May 21, 2021 //  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

Category: Labor, Pain Management

Best Time to Get Epidural During Labor

May 17, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

When is the best time to request epidural anesthesia? Will getting it earlier or later prolong …

Best Time to Get Epidural During LaborRead More

Category: Labor, Pain Management

Best FREE Childbirth Classes (online preparation for new parents)

May 14, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

You’re interested in a great birth experience, but the budget is tight.  How can you find a …

Best FREE Childbirth Classes (online preparation for new parents)Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Labor

Cytotec (Misoprostil) Induction

May 10, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

There are a few medication options in the United States when you are planning an induction. Cytotec …

Cytotec (Misoprostil) InductionRead More

Category: Induction, Labor

IV Fluids During Labor — Do You Need Them?

April 26, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

It is a standard practice in most US Hospitals to order an IV for a laboring woman. However, is …

IV Fluids During Labor — Do You Need Them?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor

women at a birthing class

When to Take Childbirth Class?

March 5, 2021 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Taking a childbirth class is an important step in your parenting journey. For many couples, this is …

When to Take Childbirth Class?Read More

Category: Labor

Stages of Labor Duration: How long does labor last?

February 4, 2021 //  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

Category: Labor, Phases of Labor

Cesarean Section Anesthesia

December 2, 2020 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Your choice of cesarean section anesthsia is not too broad. There are mainly two humane choices for …

Cesarean Section AnesthesiaRead More

Category: Cesarean Section Delivery, Pain Management

Latent Labor: Early Labor to Active Labor

November 11, 2020 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

What is latent labor, how long does it last and is there anything you can do to speed it up? How …

Latent Labor: Early Labor to Active LaborRead More

Category: Labor, Phases of Labor

Does Labor Still Hurt With an Epidural?

September 17, 2020 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

How much pain should you expect during labor when you have an epidural? Should you expect to be …

Does Labor Still Hurt With an Epidural?Read More

Category: Labor, Pain Management

Epidurals During Pregnancy & Labor

September 2, 2020 //  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 …

Epidurals During Pregnancy & LaborRead More

Category: Labor, Pain Management

10 Common Questions About Inductions

August 27, 2020 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Having an induction can bring up a lot of questions. At least I hope it does. Inducing labor …

10 Common Questions About InductionsRead More

Category: Induction, Labor

5 Myths about Induction

August 19, 2020 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN RN

Today I want to share five myths about induction. Things everyone thinks is true, but isn't always …

5 Myths about InductionRead More

Category: Induction, Labor

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