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When contractions hit and the baby feels low, the last thing any parent needs is a clipboard. We walk through the legal protections that guarantee timely care under EMTALA and translate them into practical steps you can use the moment you arrive at the hospital in labor. From spotting red flags of imminent birth to understanding exactly what “medical screening exam” and “stabilizing care” should look like, we break complex policy into clear, actionable moves that keep you and your baby safe.

You’ll hear a grounded, real-world analysis of a widely shared ER incident and why it mattered—not for outrage, but as a lesson in what to demand. We share concise scripts your partner can read verbatim to activate the right team fast: how to ask for the labor and delivery charge nurse, how to request an OB rapid response, and what to say if anyone prioritizes paperwork over care. We also cover what to prepare now: a phone note titled “Hospital: My Rights In Labor,” a simple printed card to hand over if you can’t speak, and smart questions to ask your provider about emergency workflows and who moves you to labor and delivery.

We speak directly to Black mothers and families about the documented risks of delayed care and minimized pain, offering tools to be heard the first time. The goal isn’t fear—it’s confidence. With a few phrases, a plan, and a clear understanding of your rights, you can turn confusion into momentum and make the hospital work for you when minutes matter.

If this helped, subscribe, share with a parent-to-be, and leave a review with the one phrase you’re saving to your phone. Your story could help someone get the care they’re owed.

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Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

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Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.