IV Narcotics, Nitrous Oxide, and More

One of the most common questions I get during hospital shifts?
"What other pain meds can I get if I don't want (or can't have) an epidural?"

While epidurals are the go-to for many, they're definitely not the only option!

In this episode of The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I'm diving into:

• IV narcotics: what they are, how they work, and what to expect

• Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas!): how it's used for labor pain relief

• Pros and cons of each option

• Plus a few non-medical pain relief ideas to consider too!

Whether you're planning for an unmedicated birth or just want to know your options, this episode will help you feel more educated, empowered, and in control.

Want to walk into your birth feeling ready for anything? This free guide helps you get organized, make informed choices, and feel confident no matter your birth plan.

📥 Download the Birth Prep Guide here

My online birth classes cover everything from labor positions to pain management to pushing – all in an easy-to-digest, confidence-boosting format.

💻 Explore MLN All-Access Birth Classes

🔹 Epidurals 101: Get Informed About Epidurals for Birth (EP171)

Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily tips, birth ed, and relatable moments from a labor nurse who gets you 💛

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I'm joined by my friend and fellow podcaster Dr. Mona Amin to chat about those quirky, confusing, and totally normal things newborns do in the early days.

Dr. Mona is a board-certified pediatrician and parenting expert who's all about helping new parents feel calm, confident, and informed.

Inside this episode, we're unpacking:

• Why your baby's hiccups are nothing to worry about

• What's going on with day/night confusion

• How much (or little!) your baby really needs to eat in those early days

• And 7 more newborn behaviors that might surprise you!

If you're a first-time parent or you just want a little reassurance, this episode is full of validation and real talk from two mamas who've been there 💛

Feel organized and so ready for baby with this free printable checklist made by a labor nurse (hi, that's me 👋)

📥 Grab your 3rd Trimester Prep Pack

Whether you're aiming for an unmedicated birth, planning on an epidural, or prepping for a C-section, our online birth classes will help you feel confident, educated, and in control.

💻 Check out the MLN All-Access Birth Classes

Looking for a powerful, efficient breast pump that actually fits your lifestyle? The Motif Luna is hospital-strength, insurance-covered, and mom-approved 💪

🎉 Use code MLN23 to get 15% off sitewide – including the Luna pump and accessories
(Some exclusions may apply)

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Dr. Mona is a practicing pediatrician, mom of one, and the voice behind the popular PedsDocTalk brand. She's built a warm, inclusive community of 100k+ parents looking for evidence-based guidance without the judgment. Dr. Mona is passionate about helping new moms and dads actually enjoy those early days through smart, reassuring education.

Follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram for daily pregnancy tips, labor prep, and newborn wisdom from a labor nurse who gets it 💛

Welcome back to The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast! Today we're talking about one of the most powerful tools you can use to monitor your baby's well-being in the third trimester: kick counting.

I'm joined by Kimberly Isburg from Count the Kicks, an incredible organization that's helping parents all over the country improve birth outcomes and reduce stillbirth through awareness and education. Kimberly is a mama of two and a passionate advocate for maternal health – and I'm so excited for you to hear her wisdom and warmth.

Inside the episode, we're covering:

• Why tracking baby's movement matters so much in late pregnancy

• Common myths and misconceptions about fetal movement

• How to use the Count the Kicks method and app

• Tips for staying calm, confident, and connected to your baby

This one's a must-listen – especially if you're in your third trimester and want to feel empowered and informed 💛

Take the stress out of your final weeks with this free checklist + guide made by a labor nurse (yep, me!)

📥 Download your 3rd Trimester Prep Pack

Whether you're planning for an unmedicated birth, thinking about an epidural, or preparing for a C-section, our online birth classes will get you ready, confident, and in control.

💻 Explore MLN All-Access Birth Classes

• Count the Kicks Website

• Follow on Instagram

Kimberly is the Communications Manager for Healthy Birth Day, Inc., the nonprofit behind Count the Kicks. She's also a mom of two boys and used the Count the Kicks method in both of her pregnancies. Her work helps save lives, and we're so honored to have her on the show!

Follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram for daily pregnancy tips, labor hacks, and support from a labor nurse who gets it.

When it comes to birth, epidurals are a big part of the conversation – whether you're planning on getting one or just want to be informed.

Most people know that an epidural can take away labor pain…but beyond that? There's still a lot of mystery around how it all actually works!

In this episode of The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I'm diving into:

• How an epidural is placed (step-by-step!)

• Whether it hurts to get one

• What the needle looks like (spoiler: not as scary as you think)

• Common epidural side effects

• And yes – we're talking about walking epidurals, too!

These are your most-asked questions from my DMs, answered 💬

Whether you're team epidural, team unmedicated, or just figuring it out – you'll walk away feeling way more confident.

Want to feel educated and empowered before you say yes to an epidural?

🎁 Grab my free Epidural Prep Pack – it's short, sweet, and packed with what you really need to know before the big day.

➡️ Click here to download it now

Whether you're planning to get an epidural or not, understanding your options is key to feeling in control.

My MLN Birth Classes cover everything from contractions to pushing – and help you feel calm, educated, and confident no matter how your story unfolds.

💛 Check out the MLN Birth Classes here

Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily pregnancy tips, birth prep advice, and real talk from a labor nurse who's been there.

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we're talking all about what to pack (and not pack!) in your hospital bag for birth – plus we're covering snacks and eating during labor too 🍿

Let me tell you, for my first birth? Total slacker. I didn't get serious about packing my bag until wayyy late in the game – and it could've backfired big time. For baby #2? Totally prepared!

In this episode, I'm breaking it all down:

• What to pack in four separate bags: labor, recovery, partner, and baby

• What to leave at home (because clutter = chaos)

• My go-to list of snacks for labor and what to know about eating during labor

Trust me, being prepared is a major stress reducer – and I've got you covered with the ultimate hospital bag prep episode!

This free printable checklist was made by a practicing L&D nurse (hey, it's me 👋) and it'll help you feel 10,000% more confident walking into the hospital.

➡️ Download the Hospital Bag Checklist now

Hospital bag packed? Check. Now let's prep your mind for labor too. My online birth classes are here to help you feel calm, informed, and in control – no matter how you deliver.

🎉 Click here to explore MLN Birth Classes

This soothing blend is a fan favorite for labor:

• 2 drops Ylang Ylang

• 7 drops Clary Sage

• 3 drops Lavender

• 3 drops Frankincense

Add to a glass bottle and top off with your favorite carrier oil 💧

💛 Don't forget to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram for daily tips, education, and relatable mom content – we're a community of 650k+ strong!

The MLN Podcast is on pause..but not for long!! 

In this candid episode, I share a short personal update on the challenges I've faced in recent months that led to re-airing old podcast episodes. I open up about the real-life struggles that have drained my energy and delayed new content creation. 

But now, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back with renewed vigor and exciting plans!! I've been working hard on building a new content studio with a fake hospital room to deliver more visual and engaging educational content. 

Mark your calendars for Spring 2025, when the new format of the Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast will debut. I can't wait to share this fresh, fun, and insightful content with all of you!! 

And...I'd love you forever if you'd subscribe to my YouTube channel to experience the episodes in their full glory. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!!

*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?

******

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!*

******

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!