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Hospital Routines

What to expect at the hospital. Knowing the hospital routine makes it easier to know how you’ll react when certain things are proposed.

What You Need to Know About Wired vs Wireless Monitors in Labor

June 24, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

There is a lot of talk about wireless monitors for labor. Today I want to talk about the …

What You Need to Know About Wired vs Wireless Monitors in LaborRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth

The-Three-Biggest-Mistakes-Labor-Patients-Make—And-How-to-Prevent-Them

The Three Biggest Mistakes Labor Patients Make—And How to Prevent Them

June 17, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Bringing new life into the world is an experience that can be filled with anticipation, excitement, …

The Three Biggest Mistakes Labor Patients Make—And How to Prevent ThemRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

many images of a pregnant woman in the hospital getting an epidural

Your Complete Guide to Epidurals in Labor: Everything You Need to Know

January 14, 2025 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pain Management

urinary catheter

How is a Foley Catheter Used in Labor?

January 8, 2025 //  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: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman using a peanut ball during labor

3 Tips to Using Movement During Labor WITH an Epidural

December 5, 2024 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pain Management

pregnant woman and her labor nurse

3 Proven Labor Secrets You Don’t Want to Labor Without!

November 26, 2024 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

husband and wife in a hospital room with their newborn

YOUR Birth Priorities: How to make them clear

November 19, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

I know we love phrases like birth plans, birth preferences and birth wishes -- but the reality is …

YOUR Birth Priorities: How to make them clearRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in nature

How To Have A Natural Hospital Birth

November 14, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

I often hear people wanting to know how to have a "natural" birth at the hospital. It's important …

How To Have A Natural Hospital BirthRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Pregnancy Classes, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

provider holding a stethoscope

Hospital Policies You Can NOT Say No To.

November 13, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Today we're sharing what hospital policies you can not say no to (or ones that have some pretty …

Hospital Policies You Can NOT Say No To.Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant patient pushing //

How to Push-Out a Baby

November 11, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You know that labor involves contractions, but how exactly does that baby get from the inside of …

How to Push-Out a BabyRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman with her birth plan

What a Birth Plan Can ACTUALLY Do For Your Birth?

October 21, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Birth plans are all the rage. Sure, I prefer birth preferences or birth wishes, but the idea is the …

What a Birth Plan Can ACTUALLY Do For Your Birth?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in the hospital.

Inducing Labor at 39 Weeks: Pros and Cons

September 19, 2024 //  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 …

Inducing Labor at 39 Weeks: Pros and ConsRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Induction, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant mama

What do People Wish They Had Known About Before Birth?

September 10, 2024 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pregnancy Classes

woman advocating for herself in labor.

Advocating For Yourself in Labor

August 29, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Recently, I asked in a group of pregnant women what some of their biggest fears were about labor, …

Advocating For Yourself in LaborRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in the hospital //

5 Things You CAN Control in Labor (mostly)

August 27, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

My #1 truth about pregnancy and labor is to let go of control (because mother nature ultimately has …

5 Things You CAN Control in Labor (mostly)Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in pain

My #1 Tip for Hospital Birth

July 23, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

There's something that people don't talk about, because it seems a little scary -- but it truly is …

My #1 Tip for Hospital BirthRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman bored by labor.

What To Do If Your Labor Goes Long?

July 11, 2024 //  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 …

What To Do If Your Labor Goes Long?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant family in different phases, pregnancy, labor, birth and life with baby.

How a Birth Class Changes Pregnancy, Labor, Birth & Life With Baby

June 25, 2024 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pregnancy Classes, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman with partner screaming in labor

The MOST Traumatic things in Labor & Delivery

June 24, 2024 //  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, …

The MOST Traumatic things in Labor & DeliveryRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

doppler fetal monitoring

Intermittent Auscultation: Who it’s for (and why it’s better)

June 20, 2024 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

saline lock

The Magical Saline Lock: How it can help

June 13, 2024 //  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 …

The Magical Saline Lock: How it can helpRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Cook's balloon

What to Expect at A Foley Bulb Induction

June 5, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Has your doctor said they will place a foley bulb with your induction? What does that mean, what …

What to Expect at A Foley Bulb InductionRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Induction, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

fetus

Should You Let Your Provider Break Your Water?

May 29, 2024 //  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 …

Should You Let Your Provider Break Your Water?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman with a cesarean scar

Considering a VBAC: What to do

May 9, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You're considering a VBAC and I LOVE that. That means a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, but not all …

Considering a VBAC: What to doRead More

Category: Cesarean Section Delivery, First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

urinary catheter with the word "no" over the balloon.

Can You Refuse a Urinary Catheter During Labor

April 30, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

The urinary catheter is given for a variety of reasons during labor. Can you refuse it though? …

Can You Refuse a Urinary Catheter During LaborRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in cesarean section

What to Wear For a Cesarean Section

April 18, 2024 //  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 …

What to Wear For a Cesarean SectionRead More

Category: Cesarean Section Delivery, Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

concentric circles

How Many CM Do You Need to Be to Get An Epidural?

March 26, 2024 //  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 …

How Many CM Do You Need to Be to Get An Epidural?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman talking to her doctor

Tips To Saying No To Your Provider

February 13, 2024 //  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: First Trimester Resources, Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman with an IV in.

Can I Refuse an IV During Labor?

January 25, 2024 //  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 …

Can I Refuse an IV During Labor?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Pregnant couple giving birth with a nurse and a doctor

The 5 Worst Pieces of Pregnancy Advice I Have Heard

December 8, 2023 //  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

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pregnancy Classes, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Debunking Induction Myths with My Own Induction Story

December 6, 2023 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Induction, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

human fetus with an arrow.

3 Ways To Get Baby to Flip Head Down

November 28, 2023 //  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 …

3 Ways To Get Baby to Flip Head DownRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

fetus in the amniotic sac and an amnihook.

Should You Get the Labor Epidural Before They Break Your Water?

November 16, 2023 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in a car

How to Time Going to the Hospital in Labor

November 15, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

A lot of people want some clear-cut guidelines about when they should go to the hospital when …

How to Time Going to the Hospital in LaborRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

IV During Labor – Do you NEED IV fluids in labor and delivery?

August 14, 2023 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in a bra

Do You Wear a Bra During Labor?

June 14, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Most people aren't sure if they should wear a bra during labor. While no choice has to be final, as …

Do You Wear a Bra During Labor?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in pain

Can I Get an Epidural Before My Induction of Labor?

December 23, 2022 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Induction, Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman's belly

What Happens if You’re Sent Home From the Hospital in Early Labor?

December 22, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You may be really worried about being sent home from the hospital when you think you're in labor. …

What Happens if You’re Sent Home From the Hospital in Early Labor?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

putting on a medical glove

Can I Refuse Cervical Checks in Labor? Declining cervix exams in pregnancy.

December 8, 2022 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in a hospital gown

Your Guide on What to Wear in Labor & Delivery and Your Hospital Stay

October 21, 2022 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

nurse gift basket

Labor and Delivery Nurse Gift Basket Ideas: Nurse thank you gift ideas

October 17, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Tell your nurse thank you is plenty of gift for them, but if you want to give your labor and …

Labor and Delivery Nurse Gift Basket Ideas: Nurse thank you gift ideasRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman pushing on her back

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

September 27, 2022 //  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: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

labor nurse

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

August 30, 2022 //  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: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman and nurses with fetal monitoring strip

Contractions on The Monitor But You’re Not Feeling Them: What does that mean?

August 22, 2022 //  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

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman in labor

Things You Can Refuse During Labor

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

You may wonder if there are things you can refuse during labor. You might have preferences about …

Things You Can Refuse During LaborRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman holding her belly

How to Get Admitted to Labor and Delivery

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

Women who are pregnant often have many questions about labor and delivery. One question that comes …

How to Get Admitted to Labor and DeliveryRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

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