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FYI Pulling Curls is Hilary’s original site and has tons of great pregnancy posts as well (if you don’t find what you want here, check that site out).
Latest Posts:
- 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 that we … - 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 to know … - Hospital Policies You Can NOT Say No To.
Today we’re sharing what hospital policies you can not say no to (or ones that have some pretty serious consequences). … - How to Push-Out a Baby
You know that labor involves contractions, but how exactly does that baby get from the inside of your body outside … - Master Labor Preparation: How Online Classes Help Couples Thrive
Getting ready for labor involves more than just packing a hospital bag—it’s about feeling prepared, informed, and empowered. Birth Classes … - 5 Things NOT to do Before Your Induction
I’ve talked ALL about what to do before an induction, today I want to talk about 5 things to NOT … - Your Third Trimester Checklist
Those last weeks of pregnancy can be a LOT — I get it. Your brain is also feeling pretty mushy … - 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 … - 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 same. … - What Does a Faint Line on a Pregnancy Test Mean?
Today I’m answering a question I get a LOT of. Lots of images sent to me via social media to … - Pitocin to Induce Labor
Pitocin or Oxytocin is a hormone your body produces to start things like labor, breastfeeding, and more. Your body has … - 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 … - Bladder Infections in Pregnancy
Have you had a bladder infection, or are worried you’re getting one? Pregnancy is a time that you’re more likely … - 5 Do’s and Don’ts of the First Trimestser
The first trimester can feel tricky, and I’m finding more and more people are having their first prenatal appointment later … - 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 they had known … - Advocating For Yourself in Labor
Recently, I asked in a group of pregnant women what some of their biggest fears were about labor, and SO … - 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 the control … - Planning for Bump to Bassinet: Must-Have Resources for Expecting Parents
Embarking on your journey to parenthood is an exciting and transformative time, filled with anticipation and so many decisions. Whether … - Does Sleeping Stop Contractions?
If you go to sleep will it make your contractions stop? Today I’m going to share if sleeping is the … - Alternatives to Hospital Birth Classes
Hospital birth classes used to be the standard for expecting parents, but now there are alternatives to that form of … - 3 Things to Know About Perineal Massage
Perineal massage gets a lot of talk on the internet, but is it actually useful? Today I’m going to share … - 3 Things to Do At the End of Your Pregnancy for a Faster Labor
Today I want to share three things you can do it try to make for a faster labor. That isn’t … - 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 how you’ll attempt some … - The WORST Parts of Pregnancy
Today I want to share the WORST parts of pregnancy. Sometimes you just want to feel like “yeah, this really … - Self Care During Postpartum & Pregnancy
Self-Care looks different during every phase of our lives. As you get later into your pregnancy & after you have … - My #1 Tip for Hospital Birth
There’s something that people don’t talk about, because it seems a little scary — but it truly is your BEST … - What Does the Mucus Plug Look Like?
Your mucus plug is a magical thing that keeps baby safe during the first couple of trimesters, but it often … - 100+ Fascinating Pregnancy & Labor Statistics: Be Informed What Is Normal
These are some fascinating facts about pregnancy & birth that every pregnant family should know. Everything from fears, to tearing, … - 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 would). What … - 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. But, what does that … - The MOST Traumatic things in Labor & Delivery
You may think that the things that cause the most trauma are the kinds you see on TV or the … - 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 true … - 5 Fixes for Groin Pain During Pregnancy
Is your groin (meaning in between your thighs and even into your middle-pelvis) hurting during pregnancy. Today I’m going to … - 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 the … - Can Summer Heat Hurt Your Pregnancy?
Did you know that hot summer conditions can prove to be problematic for your pregnacy. This article isn’t here to … - 5 Reasons to NOT Get Induced
Choosing to have an induction is super complicated. Many women find a LOT of reasons to get induced, but there … - When to Announce Your Pregnancy
You’re pregnant, and wondering when to announce to the people around you that’s happening. When is the BEST time to … - 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 does it … - Sleeping During Pregnancy: Tips by Trimester
Sleep can be tough during pregnancy. Sometimes you feel like you’re sleeping too MUCH and sometimes you can’t get to … - 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 of … - 10 Things to Do When You Find-Out You’re Pregnant
So, you just found out you’re pregnant (or you’re hoping to soon) — what are some things you should be … - 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 … - Epidurals During Pregnancy & Labor
Getting an epidural during labor is a very common form of pain mangement in the US. Today I want to … - 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 happens … - C-Section Recovery: Tips You’ll Need
Are planning on a cesarean section, or recently had one? Today I’m going to share a few little-known tips for … - 7 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Third Trimester
You’ve hit that third trimester, and you think you’ll running it into the endzone for a big win this pregnancy. … - 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 TOLAC (which … - What to Do When You’re Having Contractions
Having contractions can feel like — “oh my gosh, is this it” but there are some questions you should ask … - 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? What happens if … - To the Mom Who Thinks She’ll Go Early.
I see it all the time — “I don’t think I’ll make it to my due date” — but is … - 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 on … - 5 Mistakes People Make Preparing to go to the Hospital to Have Their Baby
Parents come to the hospital with a lot of expectations and worries. What are some mistakes that parents make in … - What to Wear For a Cesarean Section
Maybe you have a planned c-section or you’re just wondering what you might need to change into if you 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 your … - 6 Lies You Hear About Birth Class
You hear a lot of thoughts about birth class online. Some people think they’re helpful, some don’t — but today … - 6 Things to Know About Your Fetal Growth Ultrasound
You’ve had or you’re having a growth ultrasound where they’re telling you how large your baby is in comparison 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 … - How to Dilate Faster
Are you looking to have your baby sooner rather than later? Are there things you can do to make yourself … - The Fear of Miscarriage or Loss
The fear of miscarriage or fetal loss is very normal during pregnancy. However, stressing about it too much can be … - 5 Mistakes Families Make Preparing for Delivery
There is a lot to keep in your head as you head into your delivery, but lots of families make … - 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 you … - Things to NOT Do After You Have Your Baby
There’s a lot of “dont’s” while you’re pregnant but there are some serious ones to not do AFTER baby is … - 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 really intense, fast and scary … - The BIGGEST Myth About Labor (bar-none)
Today I want to share the BIGGGEST that I have seen about labor, and this ends up catching people off-guard … - What Does Round Ligament Pain Feel Like
Your round ligaments attach your uterus to the rest of your body. During pregnancy they can stretch and feel VERY … - Tips To Saying No To Your Provider
Communicating with providers can be hard. A lot of us feel like we need to just do what our doctor … - Signs You Need a Birth Class
You may be wondering a birth class is really for you? Today I’m going to share 4 signs that you … - What is a Non-Stress Test (NST)? Why does it matter?
A non-stress test is a time where we monitor baby without any contractions. During that time we watch baby and … - Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks About
The epidural gets both a lot of flack and love online. Some people love it, some hate it — but … - How to Sit in an Office Chair During Pregnancy
You’re sitting in an office chair quite a bit during pregnancy. What can you do to keep good posture, eliminate … - Can You Push Yourself Into Labor?
You’re at the end zone of pregnancy and OVER it. You’re wishing it was over and are wondering WHAT you … - Can Labor Start While Sleeping?
Maybe you’re going to sleep and wondering if something will start tonight, or just idle curiosity — or maybe woke-UP … - 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 class, are … - 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 an IV … - Should You Buy Your Own Fetal Doppler?
Hearing your baby’s heart beat can be SO fun. Especially early on when it all sort of just seems like … - How to Prepare for Your C-Section (Cesarean Section)
So, you’re pregnant and either aware there’s a decent-sized chance you could have a c-section, OR you have a scheduled … - 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). Where … - 6 Tips for Winter Pregnancies
Being pregnant in the winter can bring-up some issues you haven’t thought about. Let’s talk about some things to watch … - You Failed Your 1-hour Glucose Test – What’s Next?
Ok, you’ve failed (or thought about failing) your 1-hour glucose test? What happens now? There are a couple of ways … - What Cervix Dilation Should You Be at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy?
So you go in for your 36 week check-up and you agree to a cervical exam. What should your cervix … - What to do if You’re Miserable At the End of Your Pregnancy
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be tough, you may even hate it. You are re-thinking all your life’s … - 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, first … - 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 don’t know WHICH … - The 5 Worst Pieces of Pregnancy Advice I Have Heard
Looking for some real pregnancy advice from someone who KNOWS what they’re talking about? Today I’m going to share some … - 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 for about 3.5 … - I’m 2 cm Dilated? How much longer?
You might have been checked in the office at one of your appointments — and been told your cervix is … - 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 … - What STD Tests are given to Pregnant Women?
STD tests are SO important for pregnant women, your provider will offer screening of a few including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, … - 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 the … - How to Time Going to the Hospital in Labor
A lot of people want some clear-cut guidelines about when they should go to the hospital when they’re in labor. … - Reason You’ll Want a Birth Class on Your Second+ Baby
Ok, you’re onto baby 2+ — and you’re thinking, “I don’t need a prenatal class, I’ve done this” — but … - When Should I Start Drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea?
You may have heard that raspberry tea can help induce labor — when should you START taking it and has … - Does Vaginal Bleeding Mean a Miscarriage in Early Pregnancy?
It can be SUPER scary to look down at your panties or when you wipe and see some blood when … - What is Cervical Ripening?
Cervical ripening is the process from which the cervix turns from hard like rubber into soft and pliable more like … - Can Excessive Coughing During Pregnancy Hurt the Baby?
Having a cough during pregnancy is absolutely miserable. Not only can you take les medication, you also have a baby … - 5 Mistakes People Make in Their Third Trimester
You’re getting to the “endzone” of pregnancy and it can be really easy to take your eye off the “prize”. … - Is a “Walking Epidural” A Real Thing?
Are you wondering if you can get a “walking epidural” — the answer is that it DEPENDS. Some hospitals still … - Can Curb Walking Induce Labor?
You’re so pregnant, you’re DONE and you want that baby out. Someone suggested curb walking. In fact, we talked about …
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- First Trimester Resources
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More Pregnancy Content
Pulling Curls is Hilary’s original site and has tons of great pregnancy posts as well!
