Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

Curious about what labor pain really feels like and how to prepare for it? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled dives deep into the facts about labor pain, demystifies common fears, and offers practical tips for pain management during childbirth. Whether you're planning for natural birth, hoping for an epidural, or worried about what to expect in the hospital, you'll get expert advice from a seasoned labor and delivery nurse. Discover why pain might not be the thing you should fear most, learn about various medication options, natural coping techniques, and what real preparation looks like for birth and postpartum. Watch the full episode on YouTube. This episode is sponsored by The Online Prenatal Class for Couples. This podcast provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations tailored to your individual needs. About Hilary Hilary is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in labor and delivery. Known as The Pregnancy Nurse® at Pulling Curls, she has helped thousands of families navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence and clarity. Her knowledge and warm guidance make her a trusted resource as you prepare for your parenting journey.  

Curious about pain management options during labor, especially the pros and cons of epidurals? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® pulls back the curtain on epidural anesthesia. The conversation focused on the top 10 reasons someone might choose to avoid an epidural, covering concerns around side effects, potential labor delays, challenges with movement, effects on breastfeeding, and the financial implications. If you're researching whether an epidural is right for your birth experience, or you want real talk based on decades of bedside labor and delivery experience, this episode is packed with information you won't get in a typical prenatal visit. Prefer to watch? Check out the original video on YouTube. Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for informational purposes only, not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss your specific situation and medical questions with a healthcare provider who knows you and your pregnancy history. About Hilary Hilary is both The Pregnancy Nurse® and the creator behind Pulling Curls®. With over 20 years as a labor and delivery nurse and thousands of epidural patients seen firsthand, she brings credible, compassionate insight to every pregnancy and parenting topic. Her experiences as both a nurse and mom—personally receiving epidurals herself—mean you're getting trusted, balanced guidance you can use to feel more confident about your upcoming birth journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Discussing Risks and Epidurals 03:12 Effects of Fluids on Labor 08:48 Catheter choices during labor 11:48 Paying for epidurals with cash 12:53 Epidural advice for expecting moms  

Shownotes Intro Curious about how to go into labor naturally, what really works, and what is safe during the final weeks of pregnancy? This episode of "Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®" untangles all the advice and myths about inducing labor at home. Whether you're googling "ways to induce labor," "how do I get my body to go into labor," or "tips to speed up labor naturally," this episode covers evidence-based methods, what triggers labor to start, what's just a myth, and when it's smartest to talk to your doctor. Perfect for pregnant families wanting to know what to expect at the end of pregnancy and how to prepare for labor and delivery.   Want the full experience? You can watch the original video episode over on YouTube. Disclaimer: This episode is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your own health provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy and medical history. About Hilary Hilary is an experienced labor and delivery nurse with over 20 years on the floor, author, and the supportive pregnancy bestie behind The Pregnancy Nurse® and Pulling Curls®. Having supported thousands of families through pregnancy, labor, and delivery (including her own overdue and induction experiences!), Hilary specializes in making complicated topics easy-to-understand and empowering pregnant families to feel prepared—not scared—through every stage of birth and postpartum.  Timestamps: 00:00 Inducing labor precautions and tips 05:12 Natural labor preparation tips 07:13 Discussing labor-inducing myths 11:28 Pregnancy and early labor tips  

Curious about how to prevent tearing during childbirth? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled dives deep into practical tips for reducing your risk of perineal tears, addressing common myths, and highlighting proven strategies you can start in late pregnancy and use on delivery day. Whether you're searching for "how to avoid tearing during labor," "perineal massage benefits," or "warm compresses for childbirth," this episode is packed with easy-to-follow advice and reassurance to empower your birth experience and postpartum recovery. Catch the complete conversation and visuals by heading to our Youtube channel. Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your individual circumstances. About Hilary Hilary Erickson, also known as The Pregnancy Nurse®, has over 20 years of labor and delivery nursing experience and is a mom of three. Since 1997, she's been helping parents feel prepared, empowered, and supported throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. With firsthand experience both in the delivery room and as a mother, Hilary brings compassion, expertise, and practical insight so you know exactly what to expect. Timestamps: 00:00 Importance of Thorough Birth Classes 03:32 Discussing childbirth tear degrees 08:35 Preventing tears during childbirth 10:03 Epidurals and birth-related tearing

Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® untangles the science and myths behind getting your cervix ready—perfect for anyone searching for natural induction methods, "how to ripen your cervix," or "ways to prepare for labor." The conversation focused on practical, study-backed strategies including intimacy with your partner, nipple stimulation or pumping, evening primrose oil, and eating dates. The discussion explored how each method works, who should avoid certain options, and why preparing your body can make labor easier and potentially reduce the chance of needing a C-section. Want to watch the original video? Check it out on YouTube. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general informational content only. It is not medical advice, and you should always consult your individual provider about what's best for your unique health needs. About Hilary Hilary Erickson, also known as The Pregnancy Nurse®, is a seasoned labor and delivery nurse with years of hands-on experience supporting expectant families from bump to bassinet. Through Pulling Curls®, her mission is to make pregnancy, birth, and parenting less overwhelming by giving clear, evidence-based advice—and helping you prepare for whatever birth experience comes your way.  

Curious about the early signs of labor and not sure what to watch for besides contractions? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls® dives into those subtle pre-labor symptoms that many parents-to-be miss. Learn about cramping, fatigue, mucus plug changes, shifts in discharge, stomach upset, and more—crucial indicators if you're wondering, "Am I about to go into labor?" Perfect for anyone searching for what early labor feels like, what the first signs before contractions are, and how to handle these changes at home before heading to the hospital. Watch the original episode on YouTube: Click here to watch on YouTube Disclaimer This podcast provides educational information only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health and pregnancy. About Hilary: The Pregnancy Nurse® Hilary is an experienced labor and delivery nurse who has been a registered nurse since 1997. With 20 years dedicated to labor and delivery, she specializes in making the complex process of labor easy to understand for new parents. Her expertise ensures you're getting trusted, evidence-based information to make you feel confident and prepared as you approach labor and delivery. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Early signs of labor discussion 05:46 Signs labor might be starting 06:24 Early labor signs and tips  

Are you wondering if your baby has dropped, what fetal lightening means, or whether it's a sign that labor is near? In this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® breaks down the signs your baby has dropped into your pelvis, why it happens, how it affects breathing and bladder pressure, and what it means for your labor timeline. If you're searching for what dropping feels like, when it typically happens in pregnancy, or want to understand station and cervical checks, this episode gives you clear, expert answers and practical tips as you prepare for birth. Watch the Original Video on YouTube Looking for the visuals and the famous crocheted pelvis? Find the original video and more on The Pregnancy Nurse® YouTube channel. Disclaimer This podcast includes general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your own care provider with questions about your specific pregnancy, symptoms, or medical needs. About Hilary Erickson Hilary Erickson, also known as The Pregnancy Nurse®, is the host of Pregnancy and Parenting Untangled. With over 20 years' experience as a labor and delivery nurse and as a mom of three, she's delivered real answers and reassurance to countless new parents. Her commitment to clear, compassionate pregnancy education is rooted in both her professional background and her own motherhood journey, making her a trusted expert for all your pregnancy and birth questions. Timestamps: 00:00 Baby dropping explanation 05:56 Signs baby has dropped 06:40 Prenatal class invitation

If you've ever googled "sharp pelvic pain during pregnancy," "round ligament pain," or wondered if your uterus was about to explode, this episode is for you! On this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse®, Speaker A breaks down everything you need to know about ligament pain in pregnancy—what it feels like, why it happens, how to tell it apart from contractions, and pro tips for preventing discomfort. Whether you're newly pregnant or further along, learn practical ways to ease those sudden, stabbing pains and when it's time to talk with your provider. Tune in and get expert advice from a seasoned labor and delivery nurse! Watch the original video: Check out the full discussion and visuals on our YouTube channel. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and entertainment only. It's not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider about any health concerns or questions specific to your pregnancy and personal situation. About Hilary, The Pregnancy Nurse® Hilary is a registered nurse with over 20 years of labor and delivery experience. Since 1997, she's helped thousands of pregnant patients navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy, including common concerns like ligament pain. Her mission is to empower families with clear, expert information for a smoother pregnancy journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding unexpected pain experiences 03:46 Understanding pregnancy ligament pain 07:08 Identifying pain and when to visit

In this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson RN-BSN —The Pregnancy Nurse®—breaks down everything you need to know about pushing during delivery. From different techniques, timing, and positions, to myths you might see online, Hilary shares her extensive labor and delivery experience to empower you with practical advice for your birth. Disclaimer: This episode is meant for entertainment and general medical information purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult your own provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy. Watch the original video: Find the original episode on Youtube https://youtu.be/aqHSHhcyrvQ?list=PLtc_SbtL2LYHwTOyMArKTWoxAQD0G2lsq Why Hilary is an expert: Hilary Erickson has been a nurse since 1997 and brings over 20 years of labor and delivery expertise to the podcast. Having helped thousands of people push out their babies, she knows firsthand how every birth is different and what really works in the delivery room.  00:00 Pushing and Parenting: No Rules 05:12 "Pushing Techniques in Childbirth" 06:07 "Flexibility in Birthing Methods" 10:07 Optimal Positions for Pushing Birth 13:38 "Preparing for Pushing at Delivery"

In this episode of "The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled," Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® is joined by Erin Galloway from She Might to discuss the complexities of unplanned and unexpected pregnancies. Together, they unpack the wide range of emotions—from shock and grief to adjusting expectations and seeking support. The conversation highlights how common these experiences are, the importance of giving yourself grace, and why finding community, such as She Might, can make a real difference during uncertain times. Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're looking for support & helping your partner support you too -- it's the class for you! Today's guest is Erin Galloway. Erin is a licensed master social worker and certified perinatal mental health professional dedicated to empowering women, supporting families, and connecting people with resources and community. Erin is the CEO of She Might, the online resource and community for women walking through unexpected motherhood. Erin is a mom of two, a Phoenix Suns fan, Americano enthusiast, and podcast lover. Links for you: Get resources for your unplanned pregnancy: https://www.shemight.com/resources Episode with Dani's pregnancy story: https://www.pullingcurls.com/262-getting-pregnant-advocacy/ Timestamps: 00:00 Unexpected Pregnancies Affect Everyone 05:32 "Unexpected Pregnancy After Years Trying" 09:29 "Parenthood Decisions and Identity Impact" 10:17 "Navigating Reactions to Unplanned Pregnancy" 13:30 Navigating Pregnancy and Unexpected Grief 18:46 "Unexpected Twists in Pregnancy" 22:26 Varied Emotions in Birth Stories 24:06 Navigating Pregnancy Challenges Together 28:08 Effective Communication for Better Support 29:49 Maternity Support & Resources Hub 32:56 "Pulling Curls Podcast Appreciation" Keypoints: Unplanned or unexpected pregnancies are very common—almost half of pregnancies in the U.S. fall into this category, and they can happen to anyone, regardless of age, relationship status, or birth control use. Many misconceptions exist about unplanned pregnancies, such as the belief they mostly happen to teenagers or people in crisis, when in reality, they affect people from all walks of life. Feeling conflicted, numb, overwhelmed, or not immediately excited about a pregnancy is normal—even among those who tried to conceive or are experienced in pregnancy and childbirth. Unplanned pregnancies can trigger complex emotions, including grief for one's previous lifestyle, personal identity, and future plans that are suddenly shifted or delayed. The reactions of partners, family, and friends to the news of an unexpected pregnancy can be surprising or disappointing, often because they, too, are processing shock or need time to adjust. Grief around unexpected pregnancy is valid—people may experience ambiguous or disenfranchised grief, mourning the loss of their former freedoms or the plans they thought they'd have. There is a wide spectrum of feelings experienced throughout pregnancy and postpartum, no matter how the pregnancy happened; bonding with the baby and feelings about motherhood develop differently for everyone. Support groups, mental health professionals, and online communities like She Might provide essential resources and a sense of belonging for those navigating unexpected pregnancies. Social media tends to showcase only the positive or "picture-perfect" aspects of pregnancy and motherhood, but tough emotions and struggles are far more common than people might share publicly. Recognizing and celebrating small wins, seeking help, and finding ways to bring pieces of pre-pregnancy joy into new routines can help parents cope and adapt through the journey of an unplanned pregnancy. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: unplanned pregnancy, unexpected pregnancy, perinatal mental health, emotional response to pregnancy, pregnancy grief, ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, perinatal mood disorders, maternal anxiety, postpartum depression, pregnancy community support, partner reactions, family reactions to pregnancy, pregnancy and career, maternity leave planning, pregnancy timeline, birth control failure, high risk pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, prenatal class, pregnancy and identity, adjusting to motherhood, parenting support groups, pregnancy support communities, online pregnancy resources, She Might, Pulling Curls Podcast, Pregnancy Nurse, relationships during pregnancy, financial concerns with pregnancy, pregnancy after infertility