We're so honored to have the wonderful Dawn Hancock founder of Pivotal Birth on this episode where we discuss the best way to plan for birth, with the idea that there will be times we will need to know how to pivot.

Pivot is an acronym:

• Permission
• Inclusion
• Values
• Options
• Time

With Dawn herself with deep dive into each of these points, how to plan for birth and as two labor and delivery nurses often do, get into our own work birth stories!

Find Dawn and her classes at pivotalbirth.com or on IG @pivotalbirth!

Shelly Yehuda is an HR expert certified in California State Leave Laws with extensive experience in maternity leave benefits. She helps new and expectant mothers understand their rights and options while ensuring they follow the proper procedures for leave. Shelly is well-versed in key programs like FMLA, CFRA, PDL, CA SDI, Paid Family Leave, Bonding, PPLO, ADA and employer-specific policies. She helps moms navigate their maternity leave, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible while staying compliant with all the regulations. Shelly offers clear, personalized guidance to help parents focus on what matters most—their growing families.

More from Shelly Yehuda:

ParentalLeaveAdvisors.com

Follow her on Instagram @californiaparentalleave

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Get Your Childbirth Crash Course Here!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected]

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast send us an email!

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Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Sharon is a research scientist turned birth Doula and pediatric sleep consultant. She shares her world with her wonderful husband and two amazing kiddos! Sharon has a deep rooted passion to help expected families navigate the transition into parenthood as seamlessly as possible, and loves educating and supporting Parents in her community. 

Topic: Evidence-based doula work, Maternal-fetal disparities, and how social media is impacting the birth world 

More from Sharon:

Website: www.douladiligence.com 

IG: @douladiligence_

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Get Your Childbirth Crash Course Here!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected]

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast send us an email!

Stay Connected:

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FaceBook

Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Charlotte, also known as The Smart Doula, is a Virtual Doula based in the UK, providing evidence-based pregnancy support to families who want an empowering birth. With 10 years + of clinical research experience, a biomedical science degree, and two hospital births of her own under her belt, she uses her knowledge to provide pregnancy support to help parents make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.  She also provides pregnancy support for all types of birth, including hospital births, helping her clients to navigate NHS (National Health Services) guidelines. 

Connect with Charlotte:

Follow her on IG @the.smart.doula

Website www.thesmartdoula.com

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Get Your Childbirth Crash Course Here!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected]

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast send us an email!

Stay Connected:

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

FaceBook

Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Amber Ginn, IBCLC, is the founder of The Latch Link, one of the nation’s leading virtual lactation practices. With a decade of experience working with moms, she provides prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding support to families across the U.S.—and with insurance, that care is completely free.

Amber is known for her no-fluff, straight-to-the-point approach, empowering moms with the knowledge and confidence to feed their babies in a way that works best for them. Whether it’s preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy, troubleshooting latch issues, increasing milk supply, or making pumping work, she meets moms where they are with practical, judgment-free guidance.

This week we have a fantastic discussion on what advocating for your own breastfeeding journey really looks like and the top tips for improving your experience!

More from Amber Ginn, IBCLC:

Looking for lactation support? Visit www.thelatchlink.com

IG: @ambertheibclc

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Get Your Childbirth Crash Course Here!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected]

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast send us an email!

Stay Connected:

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

FaceBook

Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

This isn't an easy episode to share, but I think it's one that needs to be. I leave all names out for respect of the professionals in my area, and of course patient information is always confidential, but my side is free to be discussed, and I'm about to.

Please, as nurses, let's do better. Stop the closed minded, no questions asked, okay to bully others, the doctor is king mentality. We are all a team, we are only as strong as our weakest member, and we are all there with a role, to serve the mother and her baby during this one birth. Let's show respect, decency, and even love for each other.

For those who are pregnant and listening, if you are going to the hospital to give birth, go prepared, go with an understanding of what the expectations are, what your preferences are, and how to make the hospital the best birth possible! It is possible!

For virtual coaching

To schedule a call

Casey is a writer and advocate driven by a deep commitment to maternal health and mental well-being. As a mother who has navigated the complexities of birth trauma and postpartum challenges, she understands firsthand the emotional and physical toll motherhood can take. Casey is dedicated to creating a space where mothers feel heard, supported, and empowered in their journeys. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Forensic Medicine, which inform her unique perspective on the intersection of mental health, trauma, and the systemic challenges faced by mothers. A writer, mother, and relentless truth-seeker, she hopes her work sparks much-needed conversations around maternal mental health, healthcare reform, and the strength it takes to navigate the unseen realities of motherhood.

More from Casey:

Visit her website AlchemyOfMotherhood.com

Join the alchemy of motherhood Discord group!  https://discord.gg/UkAPCeqGSz  

Follow her on Instagram: @alchemymotherhood 

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Get Your Childbirth Crash Course Here!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected]

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast send us an email!

Stay Connected:

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

FaceBook

Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

I numbered this episode - finally. I get into a straight shooting discussion on Pitocin, and how we as nurses and the hospital system manage this drug. How do we navigate this, probably overused drug, with respect and safety?

Evidence based, shared decision making is what is sold in the hospital, but is that what you are getting? Too many times we are starting this medication without much of a conversation at all. Let's get into it here and come out with a better understanding of this very useful drug and some questions to ask your provider.

Interested in having your own birth coach to work with virtually during your pregnancy? Yes you CAN be that empowered, bad a$$ BOSS in your birth room, and I can help you get there.

In this illuminating episode of The Birth Link Podcast, we welcome Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health provider who's changing the conversation around parental mental health. As the founder of Phoenix Health, Dr. Guarnotta specializes in supporting parents through the complex emotional landscape of bringing new life into the world.

Our discussion explores the full spectrum of perinatal mental health challenges beyond postpartum depression, including anxiety, OCD, and the often-overlooked struggles that parents face. Dr. Guarnotta shares valuable insights on recognizing warning signs, seeking appropriate support, and breaking down the stigma that prevents many parents from getting the help they deserve.

Learn about the innovative virtual therapy services that Phoenix Health offers to clients nationwide, making specialized mental health support accessible to parents regardless of location. Dr. Guarnotta also provides practical coping strategies that listeners can implement immediately to support their mental wellness journey.

Whether you're planning for pregnancy, currently expecting, or already navigating parenthood, this conversation offers essential information on protecting your mental health during one of life's most transformative experiences.

More from Dr. Emily Guarnotta:

Visit JoinPhoenixHealth.com

Phoenix Health Instagram: @joinphoenixhealth

Phoenix Health Facebook

Linkedin

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Get Your Childbirth Crash Course Here!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected]

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast send us an email!

Stay Connected:

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

FaceBook

Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this essential episode of The Birth Link Podcast, we dive deep into the waters of pregnancy—amniotic fluid! Learn what this miraculous fluid actually is, why it's vital for your baby's development, and how it changes throughout pregnancy. We guide you through what normal fluid levels look like, when to be concerned, and exactly what to do if your water breaks unexpectedly.

From spontaneous rupture to artificial breaking, preterm PROM to 'high and dry' membranes, this episode covers all your burning questions about 'the waters.' We'll discuss the risks associated with different rupture scenarios and provide practical advice for recognizing amniotic fluid versus other pregnancy discharges.

While we covered nearly everything about amniotic fluid, we realize we forgot to mention births 'en caul'—the rare and fascinating phenomenon where babies are born still inside an intact amniotic sac. This special occurrence, considered lucky in many cultures, happens in fewer than 1 in 80,000 births!

Whether you're early in your pregnancy journey or approaching your due date, understanding amniotic fluid is crucial knowledge for every expectant parent. Listen now and feel empowered with evidence-based information for your birth experience.