We hear a lot that the epidural is evil and should be avoided at all costs. Conversely -- some say …
Search Results for: epidural
Epidural Myths vs. Facts: What Social Media Gets Wrong About Labor Pain Relief
Epidurals have always been a mine field of opinions, but today I want to share some of the myths vs …
Epidural Myths vs. Facts: What Social Media Gets Wrong About Labor Pain ReliefRead More
Why People Get An Epidural Even When They’re Not Planning On It
If most people come in labor and delivery hoping not to get an epidural, why is it that so many end …
Why People Get An Epidural Even When They’re Not Planning On ItRead More
Do You Need a Birth Class if You Plan to Get an Epidural
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
Your Complete Guide to Epidurals in Labor: Everything You Need to Know
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
3 Tips to Using Movement During Labor WITH an Epidural
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
Epidurals During Pregnancy & Labor
Getting an epidural during labor is a very common form of pain mangement in the US. Today I want to …
How Many CM Do You Need to Be to Get An Epidural?
You're hoping to get an epidural while you're in labor -- but how far "along" do you need to be to …
Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks About
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
What to Do If You Can’t Decide if You Want an Epidural or Not?
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
Should You Get the Labor Epidural Before They Break Your Water?
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
Is a “Walking Epidural” A Real Thing?
Are you wondering if you can get a "walking epidural" -- the answer is that it DEPENDS. Some …
Does Labor Still Hurt With an Epidural?
How much labor pain should you expect during labor when you have an epidural? Should you expect to …
How Bad Does the Epidural Hurt? What to expect during placement.
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
Best Time to Get an Epidural During Labor
When is the best time to request epidural anesthesia? Will getting it earlier or later prolong …
Why Can’t You Get an Epidural After a Point During Childbirth?
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
Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters? Is it too late?
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
When Can I Get a Labor Epidural?
Many people wonder WHEN in their labor they can be given the epidural. Today we'll discuss that, as …
Can You Feel the Baby Coming Out With the Epidural?
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
Can I Get an Epidural Before My Induction of Labor?
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
Can an Epidural Cause Back Problems?
There is a lot of discussion about whether or not epidurals cause back problems for pregnant women. …
9 Reasons TO Get an Epidural: Valid reasons to get the “happy-dural”
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
Why Not to Get an Epidural: 10 Reasons to consider other pain management in labor
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
Epidural vs Spinal: Which is best for you?
What are the differences between an epidural or spinal anesthesia? Today we're going to give into …
What to Do When Your Epidural Doesn’t Work
Epidurals sometimes don't work. That's right, you pay all that money, and sit up for the placement …
Who Administers an Epidural
Who puts in your epidural and what types of qualifications do they need to do so? Did you know …
If I had a Baby Again this is What I’d Do Different
While I am staring at the big five-zero here in the next few months (and my baby years are far …
If I had a Baby Again this is What I’d Do DifferentRead More
Episiotomy vs a Natural Tear: Which Is Better?
Is it better to be cut or to tear naturally at delivery? Obviously, the answer is neither, but the …
Lies I Used to Believe about Labor & Birth
You know, I wasn't always a labor nurse, and I definitely wasn't a labor nurse who read all the …
How to Know If You’re Really Ready for Labor
You've got some onsies and you've watched some tiktoks and read some articles -- but how do you …
Common Choices During Labor
I often hear doulas saying that a doula helps you know your choices during labor -- but gosh, I know …
How to Push During Labor (What No One Explains)
A lot of birth education just stops once your cervix is fully dilated (also called "complete" or 10 …
How to Feel Confident Making Choices During Labor
Are you worried about making all the choices that will confront you during labor? Honestly, I can't …
What To Do If Labor Isn’t Progressing?
You may get to a point where labor stops progressing. This can feel really disheartening as you …
Secret Keys to Labor that No One Talks About
There are a few keys to a great labor that no one really talks about (or talks about them right). …
What You Need to Know About Wired vs Wireless Monitors in Labor
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
Why Labor Pain Can Feel So Different For Each Person
Many of us feel like a certain action has a certain amount of pain associated with it. You break …
Why Labor Pain Can Feel So Different For Each PersonRead More
Avoid Tearing at Delivery: 3 things you can do.
Tearing at delivery isn't anything anyone wants to think about. I get it. However, I wish I had …
5 Simple Tips for a “Natural” Labor & Delivery
Are you hoping to have a "natural" delivery at the hospital. Today we're going to talk about what …
4 Things to Know About Birth Pains
Pain can be really scary -- but birth pain is very different. Today, I'm going to tell you 4 things …
Mistakes You’re Making That Makes Labor Longer
Today I want to talk about a few things that you're doing that makes labor longer than it has to be. …
How to Prepare for Childbirth
Are you a mom-to-be? Congratulations! Are you starting to feel a little bit anxious about childbirth …
How is a Foley Catheter Used in Labor?
A Foley catheter is something that drains the urine out of your bladder into a bag. It can be used …
3 Proven Labor Secrets You Don’t Want to Labor Without!
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
YOUR Birth Priorities: How to make them clear
I know we love phrases like birth plans, birth preferences and birth wishes -- but the reality is …
How To Have A Natural Hospital Birth
I often hear people wanting to know how to have a "natural" birth at the hospital. It's important …
What is Pushing at Delivery?
You know that labor involves contractions, but how exactly does that baby get from the inside of …
First Poop After Delivery: Make it less-hard (literally)
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
What a Birth Plan Can ACTUALLY Do For Your Birth?
Birth plans are all the rage. Sure, I prefer birth preferences or birth wishes, but the idea is the …
Inducing Labor at 39 Weeks: Pros and Cons
You may have heard that inducing at 39 weeks is safe, or maybe you just want to be done being …
What do People Wish They Had Known About Before Birth?
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
Advocating For Yourself in Labor
Recently, I asked in a group of pregnant women what some of their biggest fears were about labor, …
5 Things You CAN Control in Labor (mostly)
My #1 truth about pregnancy and labor is to let go of control (because mother nature ultimately has …
Your Guide to Your Postpartum Plan with Free Template
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
100+ Fascinating Pregnancy & Labor Statistics: Be Informed What Is Normal
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
What To Do If Your Labor Goes Long?
You're in labor, but it's just not progressing like you'd hoped (or possibly how the staff wished it …
How a Birth Class Changes Pregnancy, Labor, Birth & Life With Baby
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
Intermittent Auscultation: Who it’s for (and why it’s better)
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
The Magical Saline Lock: How it can help
The saline lock (formerly known as a hep lock) is an under-utilized tool in labor that can allow you …
Can Summer Heat Hurt Your Pregnancy?
Did you know that hot summer conditions can prove to be problematic for your pregnacy. This article …
What to Expect at A Foley Bulb Induction
Has your doctor said they will place a foley bulb with your induction? What does that mean, what …
Should You Let Your Provider Break Your Water?
If your provider wants to break your water, should you let her? Today I'm going to talk about some …
40 weeks + a day and No Sign of Labor?
They give you a due date meaning baby will be OUT around then, right? But what if you hit that due …
What Happens if Your Induction Doesn’t Work?
You're going in for an induction, but in the back of your head -- you're sort of wondering what …
Considering a VBAC: What to do
You're considering a VBAC and I LOVE that. That means a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, but not all …
Can You Refuse a Urinary Catheter During Labor
The urinary catheter is given for a variety of reasons during labor. Can you refuse it though? …
Postpartum Essentials for a Great Recovery
Looking to make life after baby a bit more manageable? There are a few things I recommend to have …
How to Prepare for an Induction
Do you have an induction scheduled? Today I want to share some things you can do to prepare for …
I’m So Nervous About Birth – What do I do?
If you're feeling super anxious or nervous about birth -- what do you do? Today I'm going to give …
What You Need To Know About Precipitous Birth (fast births)
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
How Much Do Birth Classes Cost?
You're looking at a birth class, and the prices seem pretty steep. What's the average cost of a …
Can I Refuse an IV During Labor?
You're thinking you likely won't need an IV during labor and you hate needles. So, can you refuse …
Best FREE Childbirth Classes
Ok, you're looking for a birth class, and you'd love it to be free (because baby gear is expensive). …
The Best Labor Advice You’ll Ever Get
You might be thinking it's about a certain position to use, or a specific type of midwife to get -- …
Why are Birth Classes So Expensive?
Taking a birth class can seem so pricey for new parents who already feel like they have a lot to …
How to Ask Your Doctor to Induce You
Are you just DONE being pregnant and wondering how you can ask your provider to induce you? Let me, …
Debunking Induction Myths with My Own Induction Story
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
3 Ways To Get Baby to Flip Head Down
Is your baby breech and you'd like them to NOT BE? You're in the right place. Today I'm going to …
6 Reasons You Need to Take a Birth Class
Birth classes are one of the most important things you can do during your pregnancy, but many …
Signs You Are Dilating: Symptoms of cervical dilation
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
Being Induced at 37 Weeks: What should you expect?
It sounds like you're considering an induction of labor around 37 weeks pregnant. How will it be …
IV During Labor – Do you NEED IV fluids in labor and delivery?
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
Can You Request to Induce Labor at 37 Weeks?
You may be miserable, or your mom's in town or for a variety of reasons you may want to be induced 3 …
5 Signs Your Birth is Going to Be Hard
Today I want to tell you five things to watch for your birth to be hard. These are things that can …
Do Most Women Go Into Labor at Night?
You might be wondering if there is a time of day that you are more likely to start contractions than …
How Long Does an Induction of Labor Take?
Induction of labor is definitely a process. How long will your labor induction take? What should …
When Should I Start Using a Birthing Ball?
Using a birthing ball can have a lot of benefits for your pregnancy. Today I'm going to share …
11 Easy Ways to Prepare for your Labor Induction
Preparing for your induction can be intimidating. Suddenly, something that was unknown seems …
Kidney Stone vs Childbirth Pain — Which is Worse?
Is kidney stone pain worse than childbirth? What is, in fact, the worst pain out there? Today we’ll …
Do Birth Classes Improve Birth Outcomes? What do the studies show?
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
Symptoms of Baby Turning Head Down
Knowing what position your baby is in can be hard to tell. Baby will most likely need to be …
When to Start Breathing Exercises for Pregnancy & Birth
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
Increased Baby Movements Before Labor
Do you notice baby moving more and wonder if it's a sign of labor? In general baby's movements …
Pitocin Induction of Labor: What to expect
Did you know that Pitocin is the most common drug used to induce labor? If you're considering using …
Alternatives to Tinyhood: Best online childbirth and parenting classes you can take!
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
Why Do Doctors Push Inductions of Labor?
Later in pregnancy your doctor may start discussing an induction of labor with you. Many people …
Can I Refuse Cervical Checks in Labor? Declining cervix exams in pregnancy.
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
36 weeks Pregnant – Cervix is 1 cm dilated: When will labor start?
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
Create a Natural Birth Plan From My Free Birth Plan Template!
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
Your Guide on What to Wear in Labor & Delivery and Your Hospital Stay
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
