S3E2: Eating in labor

Hormones are behind SO much of what happens in our bodies, but how much do we actually know about them? In this episode of The Push podcast, Nurse Sydney and OBGYN Dr. Meghan are breaking down all things hormones, from what’s normal to what’s not, how they impact our everyday lives, and what every woman should know about her hormonal health. And of course, examining the discourse online for fact or fiction! Tune in to the latest episode of The PUSH Podcast on all streaming platforms or watch here on my YouTube channel! Follow us on social IG: @the.push.podcast TT: @the.push.pod

This week on The Push Podcast, we're joined by Canadian content creator Sam Doll for an unfiltered, hilarious, and unexpectedly vulnerable Everywoman conversation about birth, motherhood, and everything that comes with being a woman.Sam takes us through her traumatic birth experience, from an unexpected induction to a frightening C-section, and opens up about the postpartum struggles that followed, including the complicated feelings that can come with bonding with a new baby.We also get into her decision to have a labiaplasty, the realities of miscarriage, why women deserve to make decisions about their own bodies without shame, and how becoming a mother completely transformed the way she sees herself.From laugh-out-loud moments to conversations that will make you feel a little less alone, this episode is about the parts of womanhood we don't always say out loud.Because sometimes the most empowering thing we can do is tell the truth about our experiences.

We LOVE Girl With the List! She's been on the radar of L&D nurse Sydney for a while, but she's a new entry into toddler mom and OBGYN Dr. Meghan's algorithm, and they're here to talk about it! In this mini episode, we dive into several items on the list to break them down, add context, and clear up a few along the way. We really enjoy how Girl With the List gives people permission to explore the things that can happen before, during, and after pregnancy so they can make informed choices about having kids, all in a fun, approachable way. The list is QUITE long, so if any of the items raise concerns for you, bring them to your provider and ask whether, and how, they apply to your individual situation.Three cheers for Girl With the List and the dedication behind making the realities (and abnormalities!) of pregnancy part of mainstream culture! Knowledge is power, and the more women can talk and share our experiences, the stronger we become. Follow us on social: IG: @the.push.podcastTiktok: @the.push.pod

What is an episiotomy, and when is it actually necessary during birth?In this mini episode of The Push Pod, we’re breaking down episiotomies, a procedure that involves making an incision in the perineum to help widen the vaginal opening during childbirth. We discuss why episiotomies were historically performed more routinely, how recommendations around their use have changed, and when one may be medically necessary.Whether you’re preparing for birth, supporting someone through pregnancy, or simply wanting to learn more about evidence-based birth practices, this episode will help you feel more informed and empowered!Because knowing your options matters!🎧 Listen to this mini episode of Push wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Nurse Sydney's YouTube Channel under the The Push Podcast playlist. Follow us on social:Instagram: @the.push.podcastTiktok: @the.push.pod

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses infant loss, grief, and the loss of a child. Please take care of yourself while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if it is not right for you at this time.In this deeply personal episode of The Push Pod, we sit down with Dena, a mom who has experienced the unimaginable loss of her baby, to talk about infant loss, grief, recovery, and what healing can look like after such a profound heartbreak.We talk about the reality of navigating life after loss, the emotional and physical journey of recovery, and the complicated feelings that can come with grieving a child while trying to find a way forward. Dena shares her personal experience, what she wishes more people understood about infant loss, and the ways she has learned to carry her grief while continuing to live, love, and heal.Infant loss is a topic that is often met with silence, but no parent should have to feel alone in their grief. Our hope is that this conversation helps break that silence, honors the babies who are gone, and reminds anyone navigating loss that their feelings are valid and their story deserves to be heard.Thank you, Dena, for trusting us with your story.Referenced Video from episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbtw2y4SOO9/ Grief Gift Registry: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/Q8X0D5R/love-for-the-lindersFollow us on Social:Tiktok: @the.push.podInstagram: @the.push.podcast

This week on Push, we’re joined by breast radiologist, educator, podcast host, author, and breast health advocate Dr. Robyn Roth (@theboobiedocs) for an important conversation about breast health and what every woman should know.With Breast Cancer Awareness Month as the backdrop, we’re breaking down everything from breast cancer risk factors and screening to mammograms, dense breasts, breast self-awareness, and how to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right.We also dive into an especially important topic for the Push community: breast health during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Dr. Roth explains what changes are normal, when a lump or symptom needs to be checked, whether breast imaging is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and why you should never feel like you have to wait it out when you’re concerned.Plus, we tackle some of the biggest breast cancer myths, from family history and breast pain to deodorant, underwire bras, mammograms, and more, and get Dr. Roth’s three most important takeaways for women at every stage of life.🎧 Listen to the full episode of Push wherever you get your podcasts or watch it on Nurse Sydney's YouTube Channel under The Push Podcast playlist. Follow Dr. Robyn: @theboobiedocsFollow us on social: @the.push.podcast @nurse_sydney @megmcgrattanmd

Eating in Labor: What You Need to KnowCan you eat during labor? What can you eat, and why might you be told not to? In this mini episode of The Push Podcast, we’re talking all things food and drink in labor, from keeping your energy up to understanding when and why restrictions might apply.A quick, practical listen to help you feel more informed and prepared for birth!Find us on social: The hosts: @nurse_sydney and @megmcgrattanmd The pod: Instagram - @the.push.podcast and TikTok @the.push.pod

Is this perimenopause or are you just exhausted? It feels like everyone is talking about hormones and menopause right now, but with so much information (and misinformation) online, it can be hard to know what’s actually true.On this episode of The Push Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michelle Jacobson, MD, FRCSC, MHSc MSCP, an OB-GYN, menopause specialist, and co-founder and Medical Director of COVEN Women’s Health, for an honest, evidence-based conversation about perimenopause, menopause, HRT, fertility, weight, sex, and everything in between. Can perimenopause really start in your 30s? What are the earliest signs? Can you still get pregnant? Do you actually need to get your hormones checked? And what symptoms should make you look for another explanation?We’re also getting into the HRT conversation! From the fear around breast cancer to the growing claims that hormones are the secret to longevity, weight loss, better skin, and preventing dementia, we're tackling it to see where the evidence actually stands.No fear-mongering. No “one-size-fits-all” answers. Just a conversation about what we know, what we don’t, and how to make informed decisions about your health.Resources: Personalized Women's Health: www.covenhealth.com/ Symptom Tracker: www.menopausefoundationcanada.ca/resources/menopause-symptoms/Find us on social:The Guest: @heydoctorj @covenhealthThe hosts: @nurse_sydney and @megmcgrattanmdThe pod: Instagram - @the.push.podcast and TikTok @the.push.pod

Jen Hamilton has helped millions of people feel more informed, empowered, and less afraid of birth. In this episode of The Push Podcast, the labor and delivery nurse, educator, content creator, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Birth Vibes joins us for a conversation about birth preparation, advocacy, birth trauma, labor support, and the realities of working in healthcare! We discuss the inspiration behind Birth Vibes, how to prepare emotionally for labor, what patients can do when they feel dismissed, and why compassionate care matters. Maintaining her fun, warm, and uniquely Jen humor and empathy in this conversation, you'll be drawn in and feel like you were in the room with us! This is our last episode of season 2. We'll be back in 8 weeks for season 3! Thanks for listening, and please subscribe to stay up to date on our next season! Follow us on social: The Guest: ⁨@jenhamilton⁩ Nurse Sydney: ⁨@nurse_sydney⁩ Dr. Meghan: @megmcgrattanmd

Anonymous submissions!! In this episode of The Push Podcast, we're answering questions submitted by listeners and sharing our thoughts on the topics that matter most to our community! We've got questions about periods and hysterectomies. bacterial vaginosis, vaginal dryness and aging, and labor and delivery!Join OBGYN Dr. Meghan and Nurse Sydney as they share personal anecdotes, honest conversations, and answer your questions with practical insights and real-world advice.Find us on social: The Pod: @the.push.pod & @the.push.podcast Nurse Sydney: @nurse_sydneyDr. Meghan: @megmcgrattanmdSubmit more questions for the next Q&A episode with this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/11ADP0wYjHMtfc39QqEoiIIDKvhIdBjj2CtQ81J52xRo/edit