Please remember this episode is for entertainment purposes, and at no point you should you take the advice in this podcast over the information your provider gives you.

This episode was inspired by my Is My Water Broken Quiz (which is super handy also).

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples In there, we dive deep into your water breaking, and I give you a no-fail equation to when you should head to the hospital that families just love!

When your water breaks remember:

• Color
• Odor
• Amount
• Time

Puppy pads to put on your bed/couch, etc

My are you in labor quiz.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Make organizing easier with these simple things. They're just a few supplies you likely already have around the house. Grab these to make it easier to organize, and you'll need less motivation to organize next time.

Make sure to get on my 5 Word Organization Challenge

This episode was inspired by

Big thanks to our sponsor The Organized Home. It's being updated through 2021 (and into 2022), with challenges, plans and more! It's a great way to get your motivation to get started (and loads of ideas in our private Facebook Group)

We're talking about the three things that make organizing easier. Simple, functional ways to make it easier. I find the easier every organizing session is, I am more likely to work on it again next time.

A card table.

Folding Bins

My favorite microfiber cloths

Producer: Drew Erickson

What do you REALLY need for your newborn? When budgets are tight, or you'd just prefer to be a minimalist -- let's talk about the most important things!

Today's guest is Valerie Trumbower — the creator of New Parents Academy and a postpartum doula. She has a free expecting parents workshop — and a SUPER helpful class on newborns called Expecting 101. She also has a free workshop and a class for adoptive parents (LOVE THAT). You can also get tons of tips if you follow her on Instagram.

This is her SECOND time on the podcast and her first was 3 Truths of Newborn Life (which is also awesome)

This episode was inspired by my post on 11 newborn needs.

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples - I believe it IS a need for your pregnancy and postpartum time. I tried to price mine at a very affordable level:

Infant carseat (both Valerie and I love this one) -- and learning how to use it.

A stroller (although not necessary right off)

A bouncy seat or a swing (or a place to "put" your baby)

A breastfeeding pillow (I do prefer this one)

A place for baby to sleep (I love that she mentions a play yard vs a bassinette)

A swaddle blanket

White noise machine.

Burp cloths (these were my favorite)

Diapers & Wipes

Bottles (I used this kind)

A Thermometer (I recommend this kind)

Nasal aspirator (this is the one Valerie mentions)

Baby bathtub (BUY THIS USED or borrow from a friend -- one like this)

Pacifier (this type seems most popular)

Newborn nail clippers (I used this kind)

Producer: Drew Erickson

Today's guest is my 20 year old son. I thought he would be a good vantage point as to what we can concentrate on when raising teenagers.

Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines -- if you're looking to focus more on the experiences and the parenting, family routines will help give you that time!

In this episode

• How to handle privacy and the internet for teenagers
• How my fear as a parent affected how I parented

Other things that might interest you

• My review of The Circle
• Sending your kids to college
• Getting teens to read podcast episode
• Why my kids hate me
• Talk to your kids about sex
• Logical Consequences for Teens

Producer: Drew Erickson

Moving during labor is one of the most important things you can do help the labor process. But, how do you do it at home, in the hospital or if you have an epidural

Today's guest is Mandy Irby (second time Mandy is on, she was also on this episode on how to go into labor and this one on saying no). She's The Birth Nurse on Youtube and on Instagram and does trauma-sensitive nursing and childbirth education in the Roanoake, VA area (and also does Spinning Babies classes — which are super cool).

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- I'm going to help you partner support you and remind you of all these priorities once you're in labor. I think you'll love it!

Why you might not prioritize movement during labor

How your partner can help you move during labor

How you can move when you're in labor at home

How you can prioritize movement in the hospital

Wireless monitors in labor

Walking Epidurals (find out all my info on epidurals here)

Ronco Rotissarie Chicken maker

How your partner can help move you when you have an epidural (and how their engagement can help your staff move you more).

How a peanut ball can help

WHY you need to move and what it does to help your baby come out

What nurses can and can't do for you and your movement during labor

How frequently you will be moving in labor

How to balance rest and movement in labor

Why movement can help your epidural

Corona Virus in Pregnancy

Fetal Movement & Kick Counts

Pregnancy Sleep

Producer: Drew Erickson

I want to wish all the listeners of The Pulling Curls Podcast a very Merry Christmas. We're talking about bringing goodness and light into our lives during this holiday season.

In this episode we're talking:

Little House on the Prairie Christmas

Hanukah Miracle Dinner

Producer: Drew Erickson

This episode is about the Covid vaccine and my experience with it. Along with what I have seen as far as studies of the vaccine during pregnancy.

This episode was inspired by

• My post on the Covid Vaccine in Pregnancy
• My post on my experience in the Covid Vaccine Study

In this episode:

I share how I signed-up to get into the study

What my symptoms were like with the shot

How being in the Covid Vaccine Study Works

Producer: Drew Erickson

Covid revealed the fact that making food for my family was putting so much pressure on me, and I finally broke. I had to figure out a way to get my family more involved in dinner prep.

This episode was inspired by my post on getting your family to help with dinner more. I think you'll love that post as well!

Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines -- if you're wanting to get you family more involved -- THAT is the course for you!

How to pick what's for dinner

• Listing the foods you have on hand that you can eat

Me helping them vs them helping me

Practicing Intuitive Eating or intermittent fasting as a mom

• America's Test Kitchen Kid's Cookbook

Producer: Drew Erickson

A lot of women want to avoid an epidural There are things you can do to prevent getting an epidural -- and conversely there are things you can DO that make it more likely you will need one.

This episode was inspired by my post on how to have an unmedicated hospital delivery. TONS of good tips in that post too, so be sure to check that out!

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- remember that it has a whole bonus video on pain management and by being prepared for what is going to happen, you'll be less anxious overall (which makes pain a lot easier).

I give my course at a 50% discount when combined with Hypnobabies -- find out more here.

I mention my episode with Mandy Irby (we talked about curb walking)

All the things you can do at HOME that you can't do at the hospital

My episode on doulas (and my post on the pro's and con's of doulas)

** Be as communicative as possible with your team about what you want.

Understanding Informed Consent can help you ask about the risks and benefits.

How they place an epidural

Figuring out WHY you don't want an epidural in advance.

I recommend a LARGE Yoga ball like this (get the largest one)

If you're wanting to refuse some things check out my episode on saying no.

Producer: Drew Erickson

In July 2020 I started losing my hair and I knew that stress was the cause. I took a real look at what I was doing and today on the podcast I'm sharing some life changes I have made.

In this episode I share some secrets about my life including a job update.

Plus, I am doing the Covid Vaccine! It's a big episode and I hope you'll listen!

Other things that might interest you

Producer: Drew Erickson