Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled

In episode 243 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson dives into the pros and cons of sticking to routines, especially when life throws unexpected challenges your way. She reflects on her own experiences, such as postpartum cleaning and creating flexible family schedules, and explores how sometimes stepping back from strict routines can help maintain balance and sanity. Join for an insightful discussion on when to hold on to routines and when to let them go.

Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines while routines can definitely be a rut, they can also keep our house on a schedule that allows us more freedom!

Timestamps:

00:00 Non-routine days help maintain sanity amidst chaos. 04:30 Evaluate routines: beneficial or unnecessarily stressful today?

Keypoints:

• Introduction to the episode topic: being too tied to routines and its implications.
• Hilary’s personal background as a nurse, mom, and the creator behind Pulling Curls and The Pregnancy Nurse.
• Mention of Family Routines as the episode's sponsor and its relevance to the topic.
• Anecdote about Hilary’s habit of sticking to routines, including cleaning routines postpartum.
• Discussion on how being too tied to routines can become problematic during unexpected situations like illness or having a sick child.
• Example of Hilary incorporating "non-routine" days into her structured weeks to balance routine and spontaneity.
• Reflection on how rigid routines impacted Hilary’s enjoyment of early motherhood and thoughts on potential future as a grandparent.
• The concept of occasionally allowing children to break from routines as a form of a treat, and emphasizing the importance of returning to routines thereafter.
• The importance of evaluating whether a routine is helpful or harmful, and being flexible enough to adjust.
• Tease for upcoming episodes focusing on birth plans with Dr. Nicole Rankins and a discussion on local voting with a school board member.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

Pulling Curls, podcast, episode 243, routines, overcomplicating, Hilary Erickson, serial overcomplicator, nurse, mom of three, pregnancy, parenting, Family Routines, cleaning schedule, postpartum, bathroom cleaning, moderation, routine balance, sick kid, summer plan, screen time, learning activities, non-routine day, kitchen day, baby schedule, grandparenting, Saturday morning clean, family involvement, routine flexibility, household management, birth plans, voting, school board.

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson, RN, dives into essential tips for preparing the day before your induction. From packing your hospital bag effectively to getting much-needed rest and staying active, Hilary shares her expert advice to ensure a smooth induction experience. Plus, learn what to discuss with your provider and how to make postpartum preparations. Don't miss these invaluable insights for expectant parents facing induction.

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're planning on an induction a birth class is EXTRA important. This class has a full chapter just on inductions to help you get prepared.

Grab my hospital packing list: https://pregnurse.com/free-resources/#packing

Grab my postpartum checklist: https://pregnurse.com/free-resources/#Postpartum

Grab my induction checklist: https://pregnurse.com/free-resources/#induction

Timestamps:

00:00 Hospital bag essentials: hair tie, charger, ChapStick. 04:57 Prepare for postpartum, not just childbirth. 06:19 Clarify induction duration with provider to prepare.

Keypoints:

• The importance of packing your hospital bag carefully, including entertainment options like movies, cards, and apps to fill waiting time during induction.
• Key items for your hospital bag include a hair tie, an external charger, and lip balm to combat a dry hospital environment.
• The necessity of getting adequate sleep before induction; consider asking your provider for a light sleep aid if anxiety is a concern.
• Keep physically active the day before induction through activities like walking and doing squats to help position the baby.
• Eat a satisfying meal before induction; prioritize something enjoyable but light to avoid discomfort.
• Prepare for postpartum by gathering necessary supplies and creating a postpartum plan, including visitor policies and support arrangements.
• An induction can take varying lengths of time; communicate with your provider to get an idea of what to expect based on your specific circumstances.
• Maintaining a positive mindset about induction can make the experience more manageable and less stressful.
• Inductions have the potential to be a positive and controlled birthing experience with successful outcomes for both mother and baby.
• Engage with the podcast’s community on social media to share and gain insights about preparing for induction.

Producer: Drew Erickson

PUT TRANSCRIPT HERE:

Keywords:

induction, hospital bag, prenatal class, pregnancy advice, birth preparation, labor, sleep tips, meal suggestions, postpartum, hospital packing list, external charger, hair tie, ChapStick, relaxation during induction, hospital tour, Kindle Fire, birthing ball,

She challenges the pervasive notion that parents only have 18 summers with their kids, advocating for a balanced approach that focuses on enjoying each day while maintaining self-care. Hilary shares personal anecdotes and insights on avoiding the pitfalls of scarcity-induced stress and embracing the present moments with our children. This episode is sponsored by Family Routines, ensuring you enjoy your kids more while prioritizing their learning needs.

Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines -- because you only have a few years to teach them what they need to know!

Timestamps:

00:00 Enjoying Disneyland with kids, teaching and parenting. 03:22 Parenting: Embrace each day with balance. 06:38 Next week: induction preparations and breaking routine.

Keypoints:

• Introduction to the scarcity mindset in parenting and its impact
• Critique of the "you only have 18 summers with your kids" concept
• Comparison between daily child development and daily parental aging
• Influence of marketing on creating a scarcity mindset, especially by companies like Disney
• Discussion on the real-life experience of repetitive, mundane tasks with children like feeding them Goldfish and chicken nuggets
• Balancing the need to cherish moments with realistic daily challenges of parenting
• Personal anecdote about pushing oneself despite exhaustion to fulfill perceived parenting duties
• Emphasis on the importance of self-care and recognizing limits in parenting
• Observations on social media and culture perpetuating scarcity beliefs in parenting
• Encouragement to find balance between routine and spontaneity in parenting while addressing the next podcast topics on induction preparation and the issue of being too tied to routine.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

pulling curls podcast, scarcity mindset, parenting, Hilary Erickson, Family Routines, kids learning, 18 summers, parenting reality, children growing, marketing to parents, Disney, Disneyland experience, summer challenges, kids' food preferences, Goldfish and chicken nuggets, scarcity and parenting, pregnant pare

osts Hilary Erickson, RN, and PhD student Kathleen Gunter dive deep into the emotional and mental health challenges that follow a miscarriage. Kathleen shares insights from her research on how women experience subsequent pregnancies after a loss, highlighting key themes such as emotional distress, fearful anticipation, and ambivalence. We explore the importance of social support and how healthcare providers can better assist during these difficult times. Join us as we untangle the complexities of miscarriage and motherhood.

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're looking to navigate pregnancy with more confidence, it is the course for you.

Today's guest is Kathleen Gunter -- a Nursing Instructor and PhD student whose research focus is on maternal mental health following miscarriage. After experiencing a miscarriage with her first pregnancy, Kathleen developed a passion for helping other moms feel less alone as they navigate the emotional journey that follows losing a baby.

Episode 227: Beyond the Rainbow: Pregnancy After Stillbirth with Winter Redd from Still a Part of Us Podcast

Timestamps:

00:00 Study on experiences of mothers after miscarriage. 05:57 Fear of causing harm during second pregnancy. 08:52 Women experienced ambivalence and emotional detachment in pregnancy. 10:17 Navigating loss and finding joy amid uncertainty. 13:31 "Social support crucial for healing after pregnancy loss." 18:18 Supportive women can help during difficult times. 19:47 Stay tuned for more on Pulling Curls.

Keypoints:

• Introduction to episode 240 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, focusing on miscarriage and motherhood.
• Hilary Erickson, RN, introduces herself and the podcast's aim to simplify pregnancy and parenting.
• Today's guest, Kathleen Gunter, a PhD student researching mental health after miscarriage, is introduced.
• Discussion on Kathleen's study of mothers pregnant again after a previous loss, which included interviews with 7 women.
• Identification of three major themes from the study: emotional distress, fearful anticipation, and ambivalence.
• Insights into the anxiety, worry, and hypervigilance women experience in subsequent pregnancies after a miscarriage.
• The tendency of women to reach certain pregnancy milestones and the emotional significance of these benchmarks.
• The impact of social support on mental health after miscarriage, emphasizing support from individuals with similar experiences.
• The importance of healthcare provider support post-miscarriage and the current lack of adequate follow-up care.
• Encouragement for women to openly discuss their experiences to find solidarity and support, both personally and within the healthcare system.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

miscarriage, motherhood, pregnancy, mental health, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, emotional growth, first pregnancy, subsequent pregnancy, pregnancy loss, pregnancy milestones, ultrasounds, support groups, healthcare providers, social support, partners, healing, mental health support, physical health, quality of life, stillbirth, infant loss, hormones, postpartum experience, research study, PhD student, nursing science, emotional distress, pregnant again, miscarriage experience

In episode 239 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson explores ways to bring more joy and fun into everyday life without the need for expensive trips or excessive planning. She shares personal insights on shifting focus from frequent travel to enjoying local activities and hobbies, making the case for finding entertainment close to home. Tune in to discover how simplifying your schedule can create more opportunities for fun right where you are.

Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines -- if you're thinking HILARY Who has time for fun? Getting into routines can make more margin in your life for fun!

Timestamps:

00:00 Diminishing joy in frequent vacations and travel. 04:10 Enjoy fun at home, rethink the travel. 06:04 Upcoming episodes on miscarriage, motherhood, and parenting.

Keypoints:

• The episode focuses on finding more enjoyment and fun in activities closer to home.
• Hilary shares her experiences with frequent trips to Disneyland and how the excitement diminished over time.
• She references the law of diminishing returns, emphasizing that repeated exposure to an activity can reduce its enjoyment.
• Hilary talks about how frequent traveling disrupted her weight loss journey and overall routine.
• She highlights the importance of finding local activities and events, such as movies, comedy shows, concerts, and theater.
• Hilary realized that local options, like theater shows in Phoenix, can be as enjoyable as traveling to places like New York.
• Emphasis on having fun without the stress and expense associated with travel.
• The importance of making time for local activities, even those as simple as playing pickleball.
• Hilary encourages listeners to share their ideas on fun, local activities via Instagram.
• She wraps up with teasers for upcoming episodes, focusing on miscarriage in motherhood and the scarcity mindset in parenting.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

Pulling Curls podcast, episode 239, fun at home, simplifying life, family routines, Disneyland experiences, law of diminishing returns, travel fatigue, weight loss and travel, enjoying local activities, family entertainment, theater shows, Broadway, New York trips, local theaters in Phoenix, stress-free activities, TSA stress, work-life balance, pregnancy preparation, postpartum reali

In this episode of the Pulling Curls podcast, Hilary Erickson, RN, delves into the topic of taking aspirin during pregnancy. Featuring insights from her recent campaign with the March of Dimes, Hilary discusses the benefits of low-dose aspirin in reducing the risk of preeclampsia, a condition that can have severe health implications for both moms and babies. She covers what preeclampsia is, who might be at risk, and the importance of consulting with your healthcare provider. Tune in to learn more about this important and evolving aspect of prenatal care.

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're looking for the easy way to get prepared for birth, it's here for you!

My video on Aspirin in pregnancy.

Timestamps:

00:00 Screening for preeclampsia, talking to your provider. 04:14 Consider baby aspirin for preeclampsia; weigh risks. 06:37 Sudden swelling, headaches, and liver pain signs. 10:15 Upcoming episode on motherhood and miscarriage.

Keypoints:

• Hilary Erickson, RN, the host, introduces the topic of aspirin use in pregnancy.
• Preeclampsia is explained as a condition involving the narrowing of small arteries, potentially leading to high blood pressure, organ issues, and severe complications like eclampsia.
• Benefits of aspirin in reducing the risk of preeclampsia are discussed, with an emphasis on starting low-dose aspirin (81 mg) around 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• The host underscores the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before starting aspirin during pregnancy.
• Aspirin's safety and lack of increased bleeding risks during pregnancy are supported by numerous studies, including some conducted in Europe with higher doses.
• Specific risk factors for preeclampsia are listed, such as hypertension, kidney issues, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, multiple gestations, and more.
• Symptoms of preeclampsia are detailed, including high blood pressure, headache, dizziness, blurry vision, swelling, and right-sided rib pain.
• The ease of diagnosing preeclampsia through urine and blood tests is highlighted, encouraging listeners to consult their providers if they experience symptoms.
• Hilary addresses concerns about aspirin's historical contraindications during pregnancy and reassures listeners about the new, evidence-based recommendations.
• The episode concludes with a call to normalize discussions about aspirin use in pregnancy among friends, family, and healthcare providers, to disseminate this crucial information.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

aspirin in pregnancy, preeclampsia, eclampsia, high blood pressure during pregnancy, prenatal care, pregnancy complications, low dose aspirin, aspirin benefits, aspirin risks, preeclampsia symptoms, pregnancy health, pregnancy screening, urine dip test, blood pressure monitoring, placental abruption, pregnancy medication

In episode 237 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson shares her personal weight loss journey. She discusses the various strategies she employed, including working with a health coach, incorporating somatic exercises, maintaining a balanced diet, and using semaglutide. Hilary also highlights the importance of strength training to prevent osteoporosis and improve overall health. Tune in to hear her candid experiences and practical tips for sustainable weight loss.

The Workout Witch: https://theworkoutwitch.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 Surprise parenting led to seeking somatic exercise. 04:45 Key takeaways: Calories matter, add fiber, beans. 07:14 Preventing osteoporosis through strength and mobility exercises. 10:22 Kelly Clarkson shares honest weight loss journey.

Keypoints:

Sure! Here's the summary without the numbers:

• Introduction to the Episode:
• Hilary Erickson announces the focus on her personal weight loss journey and the episode aim to help keep things simple.
• Initial Struggles:
• Hilary describes experiencing pain, fatigue, and discomfort, prompting her to consider a focus on her health as her youngest child started high school.
• The Workout Witch:
• She discovered 'The Workout Witch' on social media who claimed to heal various pains through somatic exercises. Remarkably, Hilary's hip pain was alleviated after following the exercises and addressing her jaw tension.
• Health Coach Involvement:
• Hilary engaged a health coach for focused guidance. This coach had a background in dietetics and helped Hilary with diet and nutrition strategies.
• Key Dietary Insights:
• Emphasis on three dietary pillars from the health coach: Protein intake, fiber consumption, and calorie regulation.
• Introduction to Semaglutide:
• Hilary began using semaglutide around Christmas, noting some side effects and the importance of gradual dose increases.
• Exercise Routine:
• Hilary implemented weight-bearing exercises to prevent osteoporosis, aiming for short, consistent sessions throughout the week.
• Weight Loss and Plateaus:
• Over the months, Hilary lost approximately 12 pounds but experienced plateau phases. Emphasis on protein, fiber, and calorie counting continued despite slow progress.
• Food Habits Changes:
• She noted that semaglutide reduced food chatter in her mind and made her cautious about overeating, particularly at restaurants.
• Overall Takeaway:
• Hilary is happy to have reduced pain and improved functionality, prioritizes sustainable small steps in her weight loss journey, and aims to eventually stop using semaglutide while maintaining her progress.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

weight loss journey, Pulling Curls podcast, Hilary Erickson, overcomplicating things, serial overcomplicator, pregnancy and parenting, weight loss, fatigue, health coach, somatic exercises, workout witch, pelvis pain, fiber intake, protein intake, calories matter, dietetics, dietitian, semaglutide, strength training, osteoporosis prevention, bone growth, mobility exercises, functional exercises, weight bearing exercises, food chatter, nutritionist, resting, dieting myths, keto diet, weight management, health improvement

revalent myths in pregnancy: the illusion of control. Hilary breaks down the aspects of pregnancy that parents often feel they can manage but ultimately cannot, such as the baby's position and gestational diabetes. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be controlled – our attitudes and reactions. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on preparing for childbirth with an open mind and less stress.

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- getting prepared is one of the biggest things you CAN control.

My episode with my friend Onjali

My episode with my friend Rachel

Timestamps:

00:00 Simplify pregnancy and parenting, debunking myths. 05:10 Embrace control over our thoughts and actions. 07:15 Prepare for any birth scenario, stay calm.

Keypoints:

Sure! Here are 10 bullet points summarizing episode 236 of The Pulling Curls Podcast:

1. Episode Introduction:
   • "The biggest myth of pregnancy" is the focus of episode 236.
   • Hilary Eickson, RN, introduces herself and her goals for the podcast.
2. Control in Pregnancy:
   • The primary myth discussed is the belief that one has control over pregnancy and childbirth.
3. Lack of Control:
   • Specific examples of things that cannot be controlled: baby’s position, onset of gestational diabetes, timing of delivery.
4. Personal Anecdotes:
   • Hilary shares her personal experience of going 12 days overdue with her last baby, challenging her own desire for control.
5. Birth Plans:
   • Importance of birth plans emphasized, but not as a means of control.
   • Hilary shares her love for detailed and creative birth plans but advises against creating them with the intention to control the birth process.
6. Attitude and Response:
   • You can control your attitude, feelings, and actions in response to events during pregnancy and childbirth.
7. Adjusting Expectations:
   • A positive attitude towards unexpected outcomes, e.g., being open to a c-section if needed.
   • Encourages flexibility in birth plan expectations.
8. Parenthood Control:
   • The lack of control extends beyond pregnancy into parenting; highlighting that controlling children is often impossible.
9. Therapy and Preparedness:
   • Advocates for therapy to help manage control issues and recommends being prepared for various birth outcomes.
   • Importance of taking general birth classes to prepare for all possible scenarios.
10. Season 6 Preview:
    • Brief overview of upcoming episodes on weight loss journey and aspirin use in pregnancy.
    • Encouragement to stay tuned and support the podcast through reviews and sharing. These bullet points capture the essence and key messages of the episode.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

Pulling Curls podcast, pregnancy myths, biggest myth of pregnancy, Hilary Erickson, online prenatal class, gestational diabetes, baby position, birth plans, labor nurse, Pitocin, c section, birth preparation, pregnancy control, parenting advice, prenatal classes, attitude in pregnancy, birth plan creation, controlling pregnancy, b

Welcome to episode 235 of the Pulling Curls Podcast! Today, host Hilary Erickson, a seasoned nurse and mom of three, dives into the concept of the cascade of interventions in childbirth. Hilary untangles how one medical decision can lead to another, influencing the course of labor and delivery. She discusses various scenarios such as inductions and epidurals, and shares personal insights to demystify the process. Join us as we explore how to make informed choices during labor. Let’s get those tangles out!

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- it is going to help you make your own choices and understand how they can affect future choices, don't miss it!

Timestamps:

00:00 Epidural can lead to possible cascade of interventions. 04:45 Choices in childbirth impact future interventions.

Keypoints:

1. Definition of Cascade of Interventions: Hilary starts the episode by explaining the concept of the "cascade of interventions," which refers to a sequence of medical decisions during labor and delivery that lead to additional interventions.
2. Induction as an Example: Hilary uses the example of induction to illustrate how one decision (inducing labor) can increase the likelihood of subsequent interventions like a cesarean section or the need for an epidural.
3. Natural Labor Comparison: The host contrasts staying at home during early labor versus going to the hospital for an induction, explaining that the former can potentially reduce the need for an epidural.
4. Epidural and its Effects: Hilary discusses the procedures followed after choosing an epidural, such as administering extra fluids and potential adjustments if the baby shows signs of distress.
5. Personal Experience: Hilary shares her personal experience with being induced and her hesitations about interventions, specifically about breaking her water, which she held off on out of fear of a rigid commitment to further interventions.
6. Outcome of Decisions: Ultimately, Hilary acknowledges that refusing certain interventions initially made her labor longer, suggesting that embracing some interventions earlier might have led to a quicker delivery.
7. IV Placement Misconceptions: The episode addresses common misconceptions about the placement of an IV, clarifying that it does not necessarily start a cascade of interventions.
8. Philosophy on Making Choices: Hilary emphasizes that making one choice in labor can open some doors while closing others, akin to a "choose your own adventure" scenario, stressing the importance of making informed decisions at each step.
9. Advice on Managing Fear: Hilary advises against letting fear guide labor decisions, recommending that listeners embrace the necessary interventions as they come rather than worrying excessively about future possibilities.
10. Conclusion and Season Wrap-Up: The episode concludes with Hilary wrapping up season 5 of the podcast, thanking listeners and inviting them back for the next season after a summer break.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

cascade of interventions, labor and delivery, epidural, c-section, induction, prenatal class, doula, pregnancy, childbirth, interventions in labor, IV fluids, Pitocin, blood pressure, delivery options, hospital birth, natural labor, labor choices, pain management in labor, maternal health, childbirth education, birthing process, labor induction risks, medical interventions during labor, pushing during labor, birthing experience, delivery complications, anesthesia in labor, pregnancy and parenting, choose your own adventure, labor progression.

Welcome to episode 234 of the Pulling Curls Podcast, where host Hilary Erickson explores the transformative power of weekly organizing. Dive into practical tips for creating and maintaining organizational systems in your home, making the process manageable and stress-free. Whether you're tackling clutter in your closet or sorting through paperwork, this episode offers guidance to refine your space little by little, every single day of the week. Join Hilary as she untangles the challenges of keeping a home organized, even in the busiest of times.

Big thanks to our sponsor my free weekly cleaning plan: https://www.pullingcurls.com/the-benefits-of-weekly-cleaning-schedule/

00:00 Update and refine systems without feeling overwhelmed. 03:35 Refining cleaning system by assigning tasks weekly.

Keypoints:

1. Hilary Erickson introduces the topic of weekly organization plans on the Pulling Curls Podcast episode 234.
2. The episode is sponsored by Hilary's free weekly cleaning plan, accessible in the show notes.
3. Hilary discusses the creation of organizational systems in the home and their need for adjustments due to changes and interactions with family members.
4. She emphasizes the importance of small, manageable updates to organizational systems rather than overwhelming revamps.
5. Daily and weekly routines are highlighted, assigning specific rooms to specific days for focused cleaning and organizing.
6. Practical examples include organizing a bedroom closet by sections and deciding what clothes to keep or donate.
7. Hilary shares her personal feelings about organizing difficult areas and her strategy for document management, especially during tax season.
8. The episode includes a structured weekly schedule assigning days to various household areas, improving consistency and focus.
9. Hilary reflects on the psychological benefits of having predetermined tasks, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed.
10. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to review, share, and subscribe to the podcast for more insights on simplifying pregnancy and parenting challenges.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

weekly organization plan, Pulling Curls podcast, weekly cleaning plan, home organization, organizing systems, Hilary Erickson, pregnancy and parenting, clutter management, daily cleaning tasks, room-specific organization, minimalism, decluttering, organizational tweaks, system updates, wardrobe organization, document filing, tax preparation, productivity tips, simplifying routines, maintaining order, living space optimization, household management, personal efficiency, organizing habits, reducing overwhelm, storage solutions, cleaning schedule, workspace organization, time management, organizing challenges