Trish welcomes Lauren Murdock, RN, IBLCLC, and founder of Labor Lauren, a platform dedicated to empowering women for peaceful, powerful, faith-centered births. Lauren shares her unexpected path into nursing, from caring for her grandmother in hospice at age 16, to challenges she faced including passing out during labor and delivery clinicals, and how she overcame them. Lauren also touches on her passion for incorporating faith into childbirth, advocating for herself and her patients, and educating others on the importance of preparation for labor. Trish and Lauren also debunk labor pain myths and share practical advocacy tips for expectant moms.

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What’s inside this episode:

• Lauren's Journey into Nursing: From hospice care for her grandmother to battling fears in labor and delivery clinicals, Lauren's story is a testament to divine calling and perseverance.
• Faith in Birth: Lauren discusses incorporating scripture and breath prayers to foster peace and self-control during labor.
• Misconceptions About Labor Pain: Why preparation is essential even if planning an epidural, and the pitfalls of "pain-free birth" promises - pain is real, but manageable with tools and mindset.
• Advocacy in the Hospital: Using the BRAIN acronym (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing) to make informed decisions, plus tips for partners to support and read the room.
• Hospital Progress and Education: Challenges in supportive care, the value of doulas, and Lauren's work on a home-like birth room in her hospital.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:39 Lauren's Journey to Nursing
• 01:30 Experiences in Hospice and Oncology
• 04:26 Transition to Labor and Delivery
• 08:15 Teaching and Spiritual Birth Support
• 11:33 Common Misconceptions About Labor Pain
• 13:47 Debunking the Myth of Pain-Free Birth
• 14:48 Managing Pain and Control During Labor
• 18:48 The Role of Hormones in Labor
• 19:04 Advocating for Yourself in the Hospital
• 22:38 Hospital Support for Educated Women
• 24:58 Challenges with Traditional Providers
• 27:11 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information

More from Labor Lauren:

LaborLauren.com 

Follow her on Instagram @labor.lauren

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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services