*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

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This week on the podcast, I had my sister Jenna come on the show for a fun and light hearted episode that I’m really excited to share with you guys.

Jenna and I watched some birth videos – but not the kind of birth videos that you’re thinking of! – and react to them live on the episode.

I thought it’d be interesting coming from me as a labor and delivery nurse and from Jenna, who you know has never been pregnant and doesn’t have any kids.

I’m not gonna spoil too much of the episode. It was a lot of fun to record, but was also a big pain in the butt to get ready for, so I hope you guys like it!

• EP116: Pregnancy and Birth Trivia

• EP68: The Labor Games

• EP61: What’s It Like to Be a Labor and Delivery Nurse

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Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered!

CLICK HERE to get helpful and supportive tips, info, and resources from an L&D nurse sent straight to your inbox every week, and never sort through search results again!

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.

And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

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This week I am back to answer your most embarrassing birth questions, part 2! I had so much fun with last week’s episode, I just had to come back and answer more of your questions because we got so many good ones!

Not only are these “Ask Me Anything” style episodes fun, but it’s my hope that they are really informational and educational for you as well. We all have questions that we might be a little embarrassed to ask our provider (even I do!), but have no fear, I’m here to unpack it all.

Questions covered in the episode

• How common is pooping and peeing during birth?

• How do I clean up all the stuff after birth?

• What happens if I get diarrhea in a birth pool?

• How do I pee in a catheter? Does it come out whenever, or do I have to push it out?

• How often do moms have urinary retention after getting an epidural?

• Is it difficult to pee during labor?

• I pooped 3 times – is that normal?

• What are your tips for first postpartum poop pain?

• What if I don’t have control of my bladder and pee during contractions?

• Is it normal for my provider to put their finger in my butt while I am pushing?

• How common is it to fart during pushing?

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Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered!

CLICK HERE to get my FREE hospital bag checklist - straight from the brain of an L&D nurse to make sure you are 10000% ready to go!

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.

And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

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Happy New Year podcast fam! If you are listening to this in real time, then you know that this is the very first episode of 2023, and we’re kicking off the year with a super fun “Ask Me Anything” style episode.

This time, I asked our community over on Instagram for their most embarrassing questions that they had about birth (you know, the kind of things that you might be a little bit shy to ask but you really want to know), and let me tell you, you guys delivered – no pun intended!

I had such a great time doing this episode for you because I love talking about embarrassing stuff. And we had so many great questions come in that I actually broke it up into two parts for you, with part two airing next week.

If you love these types of episodes, after listening to this one make sure to check out episodes 58, 137 and 155.

Questions covered in the episode:

• How common are hemorrhoids during delivery, and what causes them?

• I already have painful hemorrhoids; how much more painful will it get and what can I expect during childbirth?

• Does the doctor push the hemorrhoids back in while I’m pushing during birth?

• Can masturbation during labor and delivery help move things along?

• Why was delivering my baby such a relief and is it normal that it felt similar to having an orgasm?

• What kind of outfit do I wear during labor, both for the top and bottom?

• What do I wear in the bathtub or shower if I don’t want to be completely naked?

• Do lots of people really labor while naked? Can you wear pants and underwear?

• What can I do if I’m scared to tear badly during labor and delivery?

• Is it ok to have pubic hair or do I need to shave it? What about waxing?

• Will my vagina go back to normal after birth, and will sex feel different? 

  Related Episodes:

• EP11: Jeanice Talks To Us About Pelvic Floor Sexual Health

• EP58: FAQs About Labor and Delivery!

• EP121: Tearing During Birth

• EP137: Ask Me Anything About Labor and Delivery 

• EP155: Ask Me Anything About Pregnancy and Birth

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Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered!

CLICK HERE to discover my top tips for a more positive birth in my FREE 45-minute mini birth class!

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.

And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

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This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m excited to be answering some questions submitted by listeners from the podcast hotline!

First, we have a mom-to-be who is hoping for a VBAC. She explains that she’s already feeling some discomfort around her C-section scar. She is wondering if this could indicate an increased risk for uterine rupture and if pursuing a VBAC is a safe option for her.

Next, we have Taylor, a second-time mom who is curious if her second labor will be similar to her first, which involved very frequent contractions that lead to an epidural she was hoping to avoid.

If you want to submit your question to be featured on the show, all you have to do is call the hotline and leave a voice message! The number is 919-213-8719.

And if you like what you hear, you can listen to Episode 168 which has the same format.

A peek at the questions we covered:

• Why do I have a tugging sensation around my C-section scar?

• What is scar tissue?

• What can affect the sensation of scar tissue?

• What is a uterine rupture?

• As a VBAC candidate, am I at a higher risk for uterine rupture?

• Should I try having a vaginal birth after I had a C-section?

• What factors should I consider when deciding for a VBAC?

• What are the benefits of a VBAC?

• Is my second labor going to be the same as my first?

• Does labor get shorter with the more babies I have?

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Want to erase anxiety and actually feel excited about birth?

CLICK HERE to get instant access to my free mini birth class to learn tons of pain-coping strategies and actionable tips today!

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.

And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

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This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast I’m joined by my sister and MLN team member, Jenna, for a fun get-to-know-me style episode.

Usually, I’m the one interviewing other people, but this week Jenna is going to interview me so that you can get to know me better, professionally and personally!

You’ll hear about how I got started in L&D, my L&D superpower, what I’d be doing if I wasn’t a labor and delivery nurse, and a whole lot more.

• Where are you from, how old are you, and what’s your “official” job title?
• What was your first exposure to the L&D world?
• What were you doing when you decided to become an L&D nurse?
• What do you like most about being an L&D nurse?
• What do you like least about being an L&D nurse?
• What is your L&D superpower?
• What might you be doing if you weren’t an L&D nurse?
• What are you doing when you’re not working in the hospital or on MLN stuff?
• Who tolerates your crazy schedule?
• What are three fun facts about yourself?

• A Typical Day in the Life of a Labor and Delivery Nurse
• EP108: What’s It Like Being a Male L&D Nurse?
• EP61: What’s It Like to be a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

******

Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered!

CLICK HERE to get helpful and supportive tips, info, and resources from an L&D nurse sent straight to your inbox every week, and never sort through search results again!

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.

And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

******

In this podcast, I’m going to go over the ins and outs of tearing, all the different ways you can tear, how to prevent tearing if there is such a thing, how to care for a perineal tear if it does wind up happening to you, and more. My goal with this episode is to rid that fear of tearing from your brain. 

• Blog Article: How To Prevent Tearing During Birth: Tips from a Labor and Delivery Nurse

• Blog Article: Episiotomy Vs Tearing: Which is Better?

• Instagram Post: Scared of Tearing During Birth?

• Instagram Post: Different Types of Perineal Tears

******

Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered!

CLICK HERE to get instant access to my FREE Mini Birth Class to learn tons of pain-coping strategies and actionable tips today!

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.

And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

******

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast I am sharing a twin birth story, but not the kind of twin birth story you are thinking of…no this mom, or should I say moms were not pregnant with twins! I had Sierra and Hailey on the podcast this week, and THEY are twins!

About Sierra:

Sierra O’Toole is a mom to 18-month-old daughter, Kora, and lives in Ventura, CA with her husband Sean O’Toole.

She works as a Marketing Manager for Primal Kitchen and in her free time enjoys surfing, family beach days, reading, cooking, and listening to birth story podcasts.

Connect with Sierra and birth resources she loved:

Instagram: @sierrapartridge 

Precipitous Labor Facebook Group

Doula: Anastasia Stone IG: @my_lovestones

OBGYN: Dr Melissa Drake IG: @dr_melissa_drake 

About Hailey:

Hailey O’Rourke is mom to 18-month-old son, Patrick, and is currently pregnant with her second baby boy, due in July 2022.

She lives in a suburb of Denver, CO with her husband, Eamonn O’Rourke, and works as a flight attendant for a major US Airline. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, skiing, surfing, and walking her French Bulldog, Finnegan.

Connect with Hailey and birth resources she loved:

Instagram: haileyjorourke

Doula: Anissa Cornelius

Dr. Sterling & Dr. Cassidy’s Prepared Postpartum Course: https://thesterlinglife.com/courses/

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Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered!

CLICK HERE for our FREE mini birth class. You will discover my top tips for a more positive birth in this 45-minute class.

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.

And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

******

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast I’m on solo for you guys! In this episode, I’m answering LOTS of third trimester FAQs. I remember what it was like being in my third trimester (both times) – and that last one really wasn’t that long ago, and gosh I gotta say it can come with quite a few discomforts! 

As that due date gets closer and closer it inevitably seems like more questions come up!Some of the topics I cover are: nausea in the third trimester, traveling during pregnancy, baby movements, itchy feet, labial swelling, hip pain, what to do if your water breaks unexpectedly, and more!

Resources from the episode:

This episode was actually inspired by two blog articles we have on the site, so in lieu of detailing out the show content, I’m going to leave the links here for your browsing:

• Third Trimester FAQs and Tips with an L&D Nurse

• All About Water Breaking During Pregnancy

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Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered!

CLICK HERE to get your FREE Third Trimester Prep Pack and feel completely confident with your birth plan and hospital bag and know you’re not forgetting to do a thing.

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

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This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with the lovely Dr. Natalie Crawford all about infertility and more specifically secondary infertility.

Dr. Crawford’s Bio:

Dr. Natalie Crawford is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and is Director of Patient Experience and Education and co-founder of Fora Fertility, a boutique fertility practice in Austin, Texas. Dr. Crawford values developing close connections with her patients throughout their fertility journeys. She is passionate about education and promotes fertility awareness through social media and community outreach. 

Connect with Dr. Crawford:

Website: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/

Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: Natalie Crawford, MD

TikTok: @nataliecrawfordmd

Twitter: @ncrawfordmd

Podcast: As a Woman

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*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift!

In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!*

******

Caitlin Karl, a fellow mom who’s actually currently pregnant, came on to share all about her journey to adopting her son AJ. Caitlin shares that she and her husband always knew they wanted to grow their family through adoption and biologically, and was never really quite sure in what order it would happen.

Ultimately, they decided to pursue adoption first because they knew there was a lot of time, resources, and energy required to go through the process of adopting a baby. So in the summer of 2019, they started the whole process and by July they brought their sweet baby boy home.

Caitlyn Karl’s Bio:

Caitlyn Karl is a working mom who lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband Jake, son AJ, and soon daughter (due at the beginning of June). Caitlyn and Jake started their family through the adoption of their son this past year. 

You can find Caitlyn Karl on social media here:

Instagram: @k.adoption.journey

Resources from the episode:

• Be the Bridge Transracial Adoption Guide

• The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family Book by David R. Cross, Karyn B. Purvis, and Wendy Lyons Sunshine

• Angela Tucker: Transracial adoptee and Public Speaker. @angieadoptee on Instagram, “The Adoptee Next Door” Podcast, “Closure” documentary

• Brandi Ebersole: Adoptee and Adoptive Mom. @brandi_ebersole on Instagram

• Wreckage and Wonder: Torie is an adoptee who shares her perspective on adoption

• Cam Lee Small: Adoptee and adoption informed therapist. @therapyredeemed on Instagram, 

• Ashley Mitchell: Birth mother, adoption reform advocate, founder of Lifetime Healing Foundation. @bigtoughgirl on Instagram, “Twisted Sisterhood” Podcast

• Adoption Education Keys: Adoption education from the perspective of a birth mother. @adoptioneducationkeys on Instagram

• Adopt Well: Two adoptive moms who educate about adoption.  “Adopt Well Podcast”, @adoptwell on Instagram 

• Kindredand.Co: Adoption community, blog, profile books, run by adoptive mom Hannah Eloge. @kindredand.co on Instagram

• Susan VanSyckle: This is the adoption consultant Caitlin and her husband worked with

******

Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered!

CLICK HERE to get helpful and supportive tips, info, and resources from an L&D nurse sent straight to your inbox every week, and never sort through search results again!

CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver.

And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!