Welcome to the first episode of Dr. Nicole Says! In this episode you'll learn why it's not only ok, but NORMAL to fear birth and what you should do with that fear.

These Dr. Nicole Says episodes will be short episodes (about 10 minutes or less) where I share a little pregnancy and birth gem with you :).

The only way to know about these episodes is to subscribe to the podcast so be sure you're subscribed!

Register for the class How to Make a Birth Plan the RIGHT Way (next LIVE class is August 29th!)

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you heard of birth story medicine? Today’s guest, Amelia Kriss, is a therapist who helps parents work through unresolved issues connected to the experience of giving birth. Not everyone will necessarily need to work through their delivery narrative with someone else. But for those who experience trauma it can be a helpful tool.

When people are unhappy with their birth it’s generally not because of the specific course it took but rather because they hadn’t anticipated the possibility of it deviating from what they envisioned. Even if you’re sure of the birth you want, it’s important to explore all possibilities. You can’t control birth so the best thing you can do is educate yourself so you can be prepared.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• Why it’s important to process your birth story
• What a drama therapist does
• How to balance processing your birth story while staying in the present moment
• What you can do during your pregnancy to help shape your birth story to be more positive
• How our narratives about our birth stories affects us in the long term
• How your opinion of your birth story can affect your opinion of yourself
• What the most common reasons are that people seek counseling for their birth
• Why it’s important to acknowledge that not everything about parenting is great

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode221

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Amber had the picture perfect pregnancy that ended with an emergency induction. Her daughter couldn't tolerate the contractions and her heart rate kept decelerating. The birth almost ended up in a c-section but Amber was determined to at least have the vaginal birth she hoped for.

She succeeded in having a vaginal birth but her care team was not very supportive. In fact, they rushed her every step of the way. 99% of the time, the heart rate can drop and your baby will be just fine. Amber says now that she wishes she would have been more firm in what she wanted but honestly her care team should have been listening to her. I would say she did a great job of standing her ground.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• How Amber could tell she was pregnant
• How her pregnancy affected her immune system
• Why she recommends pelvic floor therapy
• How her husband supported her throughout her pregnancy
• What her birth wishes were
• Why her doctor pushed for an induction
• What made her disappointed with her doula
• How she coped with postpartum depression

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode220

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I'm taking a little time of to reset and recharge so enjoy this fan favorite rebroadcast episode on labor induction!

I covered this topic 3 years ago and there is new information in this updated episode. I get a lot of requests to talk about this and I get why. It’s one of those topics that makes a lot of pregnant people nervous. You may have heard horror stories about induction and pitocin. Plus there’s concern about the cascade of interventions or increasing the risk for c-section - so I get it. And on today’s episode I will answer your questions and shed some light on what labor induction is all about!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

-What labor induction is

-Why labor may be induced (you’ll be surprised to hear that there are only 2 reasons)

-When induction is NOT appropriate

-How labor is induced and the efficacy of different methods

-What constitutes a failed induction

-Which questions to ask before being induced

 

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode183

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Take a quick, fun labor pain quiz

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode you’re going to get excellent information and strategies to help with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) from RN Kimber MacGibbon of The Hyperemesis Foundation. Her organization works to dispel the misconception that hyperemesis is a short-lived condition without consequences for the mother or child.

After her own experience with HG during two pregnancies, she was shocked to find that her doctor was not willing to help her. It was difficult to find information and resources so she decided to tackle the problem herself. Working with other experts in the field, she developed HER Foundation, a non-profit which is taking the lead in advancing HG research, advocacy, and education.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• What hyperemesis is and how it’s different from morning sickness
• How long it can last
• What complications are possible
• Which strategies and medications can be helpful
• How to tell if it’s time to reduce medication
• What some home care options are that can keep people with HG out of the hospital
• Why it can be so difficult to get support for HG

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode219

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I’m sure you’ve heard me say how much I love doulas. Studies show that having a doula can shorten labor, decrease the need for pain medicine, and increase your chances for having a vaginal delivery. They provide physical and emotional support during labor and the postpartum period. But just like any other practitioner, not every doula is going to be the right fit for you.

In this episode I’m going to walk you through the process of finding the right support specialist to help you along your birth and postpartum journey. We’ll go over where to look and the questions you should ask potential candidates. Remember that it’s your birth and your money. Hire the person who is going to make you feel comfortable and be your ally.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• What a doula is and how they help during labor and postpartum
• Why you might consider hiring one
• Where to find a doula
• Why it’s important to interview multiple candidates
• Which questions to ask when interviewing a doula
• How available you can expect them to be
• How a doula can help both you and your partner

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode218

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kristine had a very positive birth experience. In her words, her pregnancy “wasn’t easy but it wasn’t hard.” It’s good to remember that even though birth is unpredictable, it’s possible to have the experience you want. Kristine hoped for an unmedicated hospital birth and that’s what she got.

A birth plan doesn’t come with any guarantees but if you don’t have one it can make getting what you want a lot harder. Multiple people along the way asked Kristine for her plan and that’s great but a lot of birthing people don’t have that experience. You need to show up prepared to advocate for yourself and preferably with a birth partner who can help support your wishes.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• Which uncommon pregnancy symptoms Kristine experienced
• Why she recommends everyone do pelvic floor PT
• Why she chose to hire a doula and how she felt that helped on her journey
• What made her 39 week appointment a bad experience
• How she handled her pain without medication
• How quickly she progressed from 5-10cm
• Why she wishes she had booked an outpatient lactation consultant earlier

--

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode217

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When Dianna had her first baby she felt like no one explained anything about pumping. Hospital staff didn’t tell her about her options, sizing and fit, or even how to do it. Dianna’s own journey led her to found Pump with Purpose, a global lactation private practice for people who want to include pumping in their journey, either exclusively or in addition to nursing. They help the breastfeeding community with common concerns like increasing supply, finding the right pump and flange, and getting onto a schedule. She is so passionate about her work and it comes through in the conversation. Most people will wind up using a breast pump at some point so everyone should know this information.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

-How to decide which breast pump is right for you

-Which factors to consider when deciding what size flange to use

-Why you need a pumping bra and what makes it different from a nursing bra

-How people get on a pumping schedule

-How to increase milk supply

-What some of the most common issues are that people have with breastmilk collection

-What “pumping self-care” means

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode216

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Donate your baby's umbilical cord blood! www.thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode you’re going to learn 11 must-know tips to have the best pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. As you know, I’ve delivered thousands of babies and I’ll be the first to tell you that you can’t predict how any birth will go. The only predictable thing about birth is that it’s unpredictable.  

BUT….you can absolutely be ready for that unpredictability! I’ve put together a list of tips that everyone having a baby can benefit from. Whether it’s your first or your last, whether you’re giving birth in the hospital, a birth center or at home, whether you have a midwife or a physician, this advice will be super helpful to you!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

-What making the most of your prenatal care looks like

-Why it’s essential to attend all of your prenatal checkups

-What a support system is and how to build one

-Why you need a birth partner who you can communicate with

What are some ways you can bond with your baby (even before they’re born!)

-Why you need to understand that SELF CARE ISN’T SELFISH

-How to manage the inevitable stress that will come with pregnancy, birth, and parenthood

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode215

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Donate your umbilical cord blood and help save lives! thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A challenging pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean a difficult birth. Jade had an awful nine months. She experienced nausea, severe pelvic pain, and adverse reactions to medication. Her hope was to have an unmedicated birth but as she struggled with her pregnancy she wondered if she would be able to get through her delivery without assistance.

Well, Jade not only had her baby without medication but the birth almost moved too quickly. She barely made it to the bed! There’s so much to learn from her story and you’re going to love the way she tells it.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• How Jade prepared both her mind and her body for birth
• Why she chose to work with midwives for this birth
• What medication actually cured her persistent nausea
• …and how that medication wound up putting her in the hospital
• What pica is and what causes it
• How chiropractic care helped her with pain

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode214

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com
* Check out Ritual at get 40% off your first month for a limited time: https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/birth-with-power/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy