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
What to expect at the hospital. Knowing the hospital routine makes it easier to know how you’ll react when certain things are proposed.
// 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
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
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
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
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
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
There's something that people don't talk about, because it seems a little scary -- but it truly is …
// 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
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
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
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
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
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
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're thinking you likely won't need an IV during labor and you hate needles. So, can you refuse …
// 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
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
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
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
Most people aren't sure if they should wear a bra during labor. While no choice has to be final, as …
// 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
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
// 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
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
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
// 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
Google, Tiktok, Pinterest is full of people saying you can "just ask for a new one" if you don't …
// 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
You may wonder if there are things you can refuse during labor. You might have preferences about …
// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Women who are pregnant often have many questions about labor and delivery. One question that comes …