We all know there’s 40 weeks of pregnancy.
Pulling Curls has you covered during every week of pregnancy!
You might be wondering why on EARTH I have so much pregnancy content. And that, my friends is I am a labor and delivery nurse — of 15 years. I love pregnancy. I love how the human body changes to create a human. If I can do anything to make that process easier, or easier to understand, I want to. 🙂 Hope you find it helpful!
You might be wondering why on EARTH I have so much pregnancy content. And that, my friends is I am a labor and delivery nurse — of 15 years. I love pregnancy. I love how the human body changes to create a human. If I can do anything to make that process easier, or easier to understand, I want to. 🙂 Hope you find it helpful!If you’d like more information sent to you about the stage of pregnancy that you are currently in — I have a way to do that. I’ll follow you through your pregnancy with a newsletter that is like no other. It’s like an insider’s look at the delivery room. Check it out!
I do sell my own online childbirth class, if you click on the “look inside” on the sales page you can even see part of the first chapter on what to come in for!
Preparing for Pregnancy
From Ovulation through Conception — we’ve got it all! We’d say we’ve got you covered — but no covering now {wink, wink} you want to get pregnant!
Marijuana during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. Hopefully, you'll consider actually reading this post before you comment. 🙂 This post points out the dangers of smoking weed while pregnant and how CPS will be involved. Marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding can have serious consequences. I can't believe I have to write this post, but we're seeing it more and more -- and somehow moms are shocked and surprised by the consequences ...
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In this post: You'll learn how to prepare for breastfeeding. A few things you can do, while still pregnant to get ready! This post is sponsored by Boppy. Thanks to Boppy and their support of breastfeeding, in so many ways! Be SURE to enter their giveaway at the bottom of this post! Breastfeeding is somewhat nebulous until you have a baby. You're not exactly sure how it will work and what you'll need. I mean, you've never fed a human with your body before, and it does sound somewhat difficult, am I right? You might the person that feels like ...
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Today's post is a GUEST post by Melissa from mamasandminimes.com. As a note, I don't normally take guests posts, but I felt like this post is REALLY relevant. We tried for 4 years for our last child and I felt a lot of the things in this article, she had great advice! Take it away Melissa! Keeping things sexy while Trying To Conceive is a challenge. Some of you are super lucky that when you decide you want to start a family, you simply stop using whatever prevention tactics you’ve been employing and wing it. It likely doesn’t take much effort ...
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Why can't I get pregnant again is something I asked myself for years. If you can't get pregnant -- what can you do? What IS there to do? You might have a reason, or everything might be normal. Even includes a quiz! Why can't I get pregnant again I was having a hard time getting pregnant with my second and third children. The third time it took us over three years. Secondary infertility is no unusual and I want to share the reasons I later saw as to why it happened. All of my tests came back normal -- what ...
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Babies are parasites. You heard what I just said. Babies are parasites. I mean, super adorable parasites that you created out of love.... but parasites. God created babies to take what they need from you -- that is how our race goes on. They sometimes grow at their mom's expense. I once had a good friend who had great teeth right up to baby #5. Then, suddenly she was spending hours at the dentist. That baby had sucked it out of her. The good news is there is a perfect way to stop that. That thing is vitamins. The problem ...
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It's that time of the month, you've waited and "worked" for a simple second line. You wake up early remembering to pee in the cup (or on the stick if you're pretty coordinated early in the morning - which I never was). If you're smart, you use the dollar store variety (woah -- I just found these on Amazon). And there it is, just one line. One late period and just one line. You're not pregnant. I would take a big sigh and think that at least I can take an ibuprofen if I have a headache for the next couple of weeks after ...
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How far apart should kids be? Child spacing is a hot topic and one that there are many pros and cons for each spacing. As a labor and delivery nurse, I get asked by expectant moms how far apart are my kids. I often get wide eyes -- they're awfully far apart (although certainly not as far apart as some). For your info, my kids are 5, 11 and 14 -- at this moment in time. I have 9 years between the first and the last, with only one in between them. And that's how God wanted it. God made it ...
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Not getting pregnant is one thing, but it just seems like there are heaps of other things that blow when it comes to being infertile. It took us about 3.5 years to get pregnant with our last child. While I strongly feel that pregnancy is a 2 edge sword that for some reason we just needed to wait for, it was a rough few years. So, without further adieu -- let's commiserate on the 10 worst things about being infertile -- besides, of course, not getting pregnant ...
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Learning that you're pregnant, or trying to conceive is an exciting time! There are SO many questions though. "What to do when I'm first pregnant?" is on a lot of women's minds. Here's a few tips from an L&D Nurse. You can get my helpful tips your entire pregnancy by signing up for my pregnancy newsletter! ...
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Your doctor says you should do A, but you're not so sure. He says "it's what I would do" and leaves it at that. You feel a little lost and confused. What does the doctor chart? Informed consent given. But was it? What is Informed Consent? Informed consent (in a medical situation) is a doctor's obligation when giving a recommendation. It involves a few parts:
- Explain the procedure. Tell you exactly what will happen and how it will go.
- Explain the risks of the procedure. And, when done correctly this will often end with "you could die." That certainly doesn't ...
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Early Pregnancy
You’re Pregnant! Yayayay! Now what?
Marijuana during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. Hopefully, you'll consider actually reading this post before you comment. 🙂 This post points out the dangers of smoking weed while pregnant and how CPS will be involved. Marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding can have serious consequences. I can't believe I have to write this post, but we're seeing it more and more -- and somehow moms are shocked and surprised by the consequences ...
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Baby registry lists are things you're going to want to sign up for during your pregnancy. They include where to register, how to save some cash, look great -- AND get rid of your fear of the labor room Baby Registry Lists: If you're looking for what to PUT on your registry, don't miss my 11 things you need for your new baby and my awesome list of things you'll want for your new baby. Being pregnant is a unique time in your life -- and it will 100% change some of the things you're doing/have done. Today we're going ...
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In this post, we'll talk what can cause premature birth and what to watch for. Ten percent of all births are premature. You'll find out if you're at risk and what you can do! Preterm labor isn't something most people consider until it starts to happen. This post is sponsored by PreTRM, but I am an avid believer in preventing premature births -- ideas and opinions are my own. Sure, it might sound amazing to get that baby out and get out of the worst part of the pregnancy, but a preterm baby has lots of possible consequences, including a NICU ...
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I am getting a lot of nervous women about the Zika Virus in pregnancy. I wanted to do a post to give you the basics. As with all things disease you first turn to the CDC -- they have a great page about it! I thought I'd boil it down for you. Zika Virus in Pregnancy:
- Zika virus can be transmitted by both mosquitoes and by having a sex with a male partner with the disease (although, it doesn't look like they know if this type of transmission also causes birth defects).
- Just because you are bitten by a ...
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Prenatal class -- it's just ONE more thing to add to an ever-growing list of things to do "before the baby" and it's at an odd time, and with people who ask the dumbest questions. No fun. Not fun at all. {unless of course, you're in my classes, but I am currently on hiatus} That's why I'm here to rescue you with prenatal class on your own terms. In your jammies, in front of your computer/tablet/phone screen, with snack of choice in your lap. In case we haven't met yet... I'm Hilary and I'm a labor and delivery nurse. I've been one for ...
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I was once pregnant with my first. I wasn't an L&D Nurse and I would constantly worry that something was going wrong. What are the normal signs of pregnancy? As it turns out, growing a human inside you own body can be problematic while you're trying to live in that body too. Some things are just normal: Hilary has been a labor nurse for 15 years and excited to give you great info during our pregnancy but -- be sure to never take the advice of anything you read here (or anywhere on the internet) over the advice of ...
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Learning that you're pregnant, or trying to conceive is an exciting time! There are SO many questions though. "What to do when I'm first pregnant?" is on a lot of women's minds. Here's a few tips from an L&D Nurse. You can get my helpful tips your entire pregnancy by signing up for my pregnancy newsletter! ...
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Oh Pregnancy, you turn my normally svelt body into a 90 year old. Or, at least I feel that way. The way my hips creak when I get out of chair, the way the skin on my belly peels like I've sat in the sun for 12 hours. Yuck. I'm suddenly old! The reality is -science backs that feeling up pretty well. Your body is put under a LOT of stress during pregnancy. That doesn't mean you can't be active and do almost all of the things you did before you got pregnant. But it DOES mean that you need ...
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With all the brew-ha-ha over measles/vaccinations plus how much flack I get about my birth plan post I have had a post bubbling at the surface for a long time. The reality is that choosing a doctor isn't just finding a name that sounds good from your insurance booklet. You need to find a good match. Finding a primary care physician can make or break your healthcare plans. I don't get people who are anti-vaccination still beg to get into pediatricians who are entirely pro-vaccination and won't allow unvaccinated children in their office. If you REALLY feel like we ...
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The adorable second trimester
The second trimester is the sweet spot of pregnancy. Isn’t it? No seriously, it is.
Sleep during pregnancy seems to come either super easily, or hard -- depending on what trimester you are in. We're going to talk sleep aids if you're having trouble getting pregnancy sleep and even if naps are OK. Sleep in Pregnancy Importance of sleep during pregnancy You are growing a HUMAN inside of you. You likely feel tired and ornery and a little frustrated that you can't do more -- but in reality, you are creating life, within your body -- and when you look at that placenta, you'll realize HOW MUCH work and iron it took to build that ...
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What do contractions feel like? We'll talk about what to feel for -- as well as a way to monitor your contractions & track them from home. Looking for a Bloom Monitor Coupon Code?? What is a contraction? A contraction is your uterus (which is basically, just a large muscle) tightening down on the baby. I really like how this video shows it: ...
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Marijuana during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. Hopefully, you'll consider actually reading this post before you comment. 🙂 This post points out the dangers of smoking weed while pregnant and how CPS will be involved. Marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding can have serious consequences. I can't believe I have to write this post, but we're seeing it more and more -- and somehow moms are shocked and surprised by the consequences ...
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Having a baby is serious business. But, it seems like it's a secret, mystifying screen that it dwells behind. How can you best learn about your upcoming birth? I must admit, that labor has been shielded as an area of unknown for a long time. Men weren't allowed in and it wasn't lady-like to talk about it. Thank goodness for the information age -- there are lots of books you can read and things you can do prepare for your upcoming delivery. **If you're looking for the BEST way to learn, don't miss this one created for busy couples to ...
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This Is my Water Broken Quiz will help you figure out if your water broke or if you just peed... even with or without contractions. It seems like it wouldn't be that hard -- IS my water broken? Water gushes out of your nether-regions. It's obviously broken... right? ...
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What DOES your labor nurse think of your hospital birth plan? Does it help you have a better experience? You might wonder why I know this -- I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. After seeing thousands of patients, and hundreds of birth plans, also working with hundreds of nurses along the way -- I thought some of you might be interested to know what goes on behind the scenes with your birth plan. What's a birth plan? Birth plans are simply letting your nurse know what you'd like. We're going to talk more about what we ...
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Baby registry lists are things you're going to want to sign up for during your pregnancy. They include where to register, how to save some cash, look great -- AND get rid of your fear of the labor room Baby Registry Lists: If you're looking for what to PUT on your registry, don't miss my 11 things you need for your new baby and my awesome list of things you'll want for your new baby. Being pregnant is a unique time in your life -- and it will 100% change some of the things you're doing/have done. Today we're going ...
Read More
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In this post, we'll talk what can cause premature birth and what to watch for. Ten percent of all births are premature. You'll find out if you're at risk and what you can do! Preterm labor isn't something most people consider until it starts to happen. This post is sponsored by PreTRM, but I am an avid believer in preventing premature births -- ideas and opinions are my own. Sure, it might sound amazing to get that baby out and get out of the worst part of the pregnancy, but a preterm baby has lots of possible consequences, including a NICU ...
Read More
Read More
Babies are parasites. You heard what I just said. Babies are parasites. I mean, super adorable parasites that you created out of love.... but parasites. God created babies to take what they need from you -- that is how our race goes on. They sometimes grow at their mom's expense. I once had a good friend who had great teeth right up to baby #5. Then, suddenly she was spending hours at the dentist. That baby had sucked it out of her. The good news is there is a perfect way to stop that. That thing is vitamins. The problem ...
Read More
Read More
I am getting a lot of nervous women about the Zika Virus in pregnancy. I wanted to do a post to give you the basics. As with all things disease you first turn to the CDC -- they have a great page about it! I thought I'd boil it down for you. Zika Virus in Pregnancy:
- Zika virus can be transmitted by both mosquitoes and by having a sex with a male partner with the disease (although, it doesn't look like they know if this type of transmission also causes birth defects).
- Just because you are bitten by a ...
Read More
Delivery Prep
So, what do I need to know for the big ol’ day?
What do contractions feel like? We'll talk about what to feel for -- as well as a way to monitor your contractions & track them from home. Looking for a Bloom Monitor Coupon Code?? What is a contraction? A contraction is your uterus (which is basically, just a large muscle) tightening down on the baby. I really like how this video shows it: ...
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The signs of labor can be confusing. The early signs of labor approaching can give you an idea for what's to come -- sometimes even a little diarrhea. Boom! Labor happens. One minute you're making out with your baby daddy, and the next minute OUCH -- OMGosh the baby is coming! That's how it happens, right? If you believe the movies, it sure is. I'm here to tell you that is NOT how it happens. This post is about the signs you're going into labor. When it's not "boom. labor" -- how do you know it's the real thing? Sidenote: I have ...
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Have you wondered what to pack in your hospital bag -- WHEN to pack it and maybe even what NOT to pack for labor and delivery? This hospital bag checklist will give you a free, printable PDF that you can customize for just what YOU need so you just bring the essentials. What to pack in your hospital bag has a lot of options. you'll want a printable list for your newborn, for dad and for labor and delivery. This hospital bag list will be very helpful for both vaginal deliveries or a c section ...
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Creating a hospital bag for dad helps everyone enjoy labor and delivery more. This Checklist will help you create a survival kit so dad can support you in your labor. Labor is hard for dads. While it is easy to feel the sorriest for the writhing mom, I often see serious fear in the eyes of a dad. To see someone you love in pain or in a precarious healthcare condition where you have zero control. While I am 100% on board for having moms prepared for labor -- I think a small prep for dad helps (which is why I have ...
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After delivery, you'll want a few specific things in your hospital bag. Sometimes postpartum has different needs than you expect. This also shares what to pack if you have a planned c-section. This post is part of my What to Pack in your Hospital Bag series. Be sure to check out all of the areas in that post.
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- What to pack in your labor and delivery bag
- After the baby bag (that's this post)
- What to pack in the diaper bag for the hospital
- What to pack in hospital bag for dad
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You'll be bringing another human home from the hospital. What should you pack in the diaper bag for the baby after the hospital? This checklist helps you pack the necessities. This is part of my hospital bag series. It's split up into a few pieces:
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- Checklist for labor and delivery
- After the baby bag
- What to pack in the diaper bag for the hospital (that's this posts)
- What to pack in hospital bag for dad
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Each new baby brings a new list of baby needs.. Let's give you a second baby checklist (that also works for any baby after #1) to help you in preparing for your second baby. Stay tuned for the new wife analogy! You thought having your first baby was hard? Bringing baby two home (or 3, 4 or 12) home has a whole new list to bring along with it. New things you'll need, things you'll need to prep for. Here's a new baby checklist, to use as you approach D-day. Let's not waste time, you're a busy mom. 🙂 ...
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Labor and Delivery -- the main action happens at delivery and it is a busy time! Right before the delivery of your baby, there are ton of things your labor and delivery nurse does. This post is going to review those steps so you can be familiar with what is going to happen. How do I know all of this? I've been a labor nurse since 2001 and I'm happy to say that this is an "every day" occurance. I've done it hundreds of time -- and I really want you to understand what's going to happen too! Don't forget ...
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Should you hire a doula? Using a doula has many pro's and con's. We're going to talk advantages and disadvantages of hiring a doula and if you really need one, or if they will be a waste of money. What is a Doula? A doula is someone you hire to get you through labor -- a labor coach. Sometimes they teach prenatal classes, or meet with you during your pregnancy to give you tips and tricks, they can even go after to your home to tell you then... Their services vary pretty widely. There is an organization for them called ...
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Today we're going to talk about what your labor nurse knows -- that you don't know. Why you should trust her and, most importantly, ask her questions. 5 things your labor nurse knows Loads of schooling ...
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Tips for Delivery
No, I don’t plan on you delivering it yourself, but these tips are going to help you in the delivery room!
One of the most important things to know is to know when breastfeeding isn't working. More and more women are finding that biologically breastfeeding is NOT working -- and they are not actually feeding their baby (often accompanied by guilt). This post teaches the signs that breastfeeding isn't working. First off, let me state CATEGORICALLY, I am a STRONG proponent of breastfeeding. I think it is the A#1 best way to feed your child. There are so many wonderful things about it. I won't get into all that here (because I have a lot of other awesome breastfeeding posts). But ...
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You'll bleed for 4 to 6 weeks after your baby, during the postpartum period. Postpartum just means after the baby comes out. You'll find that your body is truly recuperating from what you put it through during the postpartum period ...
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For me, there are few times in my life that I wouldn't mind missing more -- by being in a coma -- than the postpartum period. It hurts, you're tired, it hurts, your baby sucks on parts of you, you're tired, it hurts. There's no leaving it behind, it's attached to you. The postnatal monkey on your back. Well, here are my 10 tips to make that a tad more comfortable -- postpartum comforts, if you will. AND to make things even a little easier -- I created a postpartum pack with Dollar Maxi Pad Club. I also have a whole ...
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Having a baby is hard work! Sometimes you don't think about all that your body is going through (or WILL go through AFTER you go through labor). I know I was guilty of thinking I'd be 100% back to normal when I got out of the hospital. Wow, was I in for a surprise! This post is going to be SO helpful -- and I have even created a little after-baby checklist of things to watch for and have on hand: After having 3 of my own, as well as being a labor nurse for 15 years I have found ...
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This article is going to talk about breastfeeding support at the hospital -- and ask the question if baby-friendly hospitals are really all that friendly long-term? I read another thought-provoking postpartum article this morning about how tough life can be after a baby. There seem to be a lot of those out there, and I gave a silent amen as I finished it. I've certainly had my own. And it got me thinking of the thousands of babies that I've seen born. I've had a cold lately, so I've also watched more Call the Midwife than my tear ducts can ...
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The Dollar Maxi Pad Club provides quality feminine products at a low price, shipped to your house conveniently, even with a treat! Dollar Maxi Pad Club The Dollar Maxi Pad Club is just like it sounds. It doesn't sell a lot -- but what it sells are quality.
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- Pads $1
- Tampons $3
- Wipes $1
- Menstrual Cups $20
- Panti Liners $1
- Pamper package (my favorite part -- like a gift for being a woman) for a limited time this is only $6
- They also have a POSTPARTUM package that is a dream!
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Originally written in January of 2011, photos editing/post re-published in 2017 I have a hard time at work sometimes. Sometimes I feel like I'm that drill Sargent sending troops off to the war that was so very painful to me. I wheel them to the curb with a little tear in my eye. I know where they're going. I've been there. I've watched my friends go there. It is a war. I have literally choked away tears as I wish them good luck. Lately I have a lot of friends who are having their first baby (seriously, how did I ...
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I am taking ACLS this week. That's the one where you learn to shock people who are in cardiac arrest. There's more to it than that, but my ACLS focuses on OB cases... It's super interesting. All the changes that happen in the body that demand that we change how we do CPR. I guess at one point in time there was a lot of controversy over if you save the mom or the baby. I've even had patients tell me that if there is a choice between them or the baby to take the baby. I just laugh (to ...
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Pregnancy Complications
There’s a reason people have babies at the hospital. And who do you turn to for tips about complications — your favorite nurse, of course.
Amy at Pregnant Chicken asked if I'd help her with a reader question, and I was all too happy to oblige. Today's answer is about what signs/symptoms to call your doctor (or head into labor and delivery for). Excluding labor. That's a blog post for another day ...
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Your doctor says you should do A, but you're not so sure. He says "it's what I would do" and leaves it at that. You feel a little lost and confused. What does the doctor chart? Informed consent given. But was it? What is Informed Consent? Informed consent (in a medical situation) is a doctor's obligation when giving a recommendation. It involves a few parts:
- Explain the procedure. Tell you exactly what will happen and how it will go.
- Explain the risks of the procedure. And, when done correctly this will often end with "you could die." That certainly doesn't ...
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Oh man, the contractions are coming hard and heavy, you think it's the real thing. You head to the hospital only to find out that they disappear as soon as the nurse puts the monitors on and you head home. Ready to call off the troops. Dejected, and still pregnant. False labor pains can be deceiving. The thing is, they totally hurt. I prefer to call them "practice labor" -- as it truly is your body just getting ready for the real thing. As a labor nurse of 15 years, I've certainly sent a lot of women home and had ...
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In this post we'll talk all about being pregnant with twins. Everything from the different types, complications all the way through delivery and after baby. You'll learn tons about a twin pregnancy! Twins. Two. Double the fun. Whether your twin pregnancy is something you hoped for, or if it's a big surprise (and maybe not even a happy surprise) twins are a lot to take in. You'll get looks from strangers, with people wondering if they were natural or IVF. First off, there is no shame in dealing with your feelings in being pregnant with twins. It's a lot. Yes, ...
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Dear pregnant women of the world. Don't cut your rings off! I just found a very cool Youtube video that will give you instructions to get it off. A couple other things to try: 1. Lotion or soap -- if you lube it up, will it come off? 2. If that doesn't work: Try this. Instead of an oxygen strap you could use some thin elastic. Anyway, not unusual to get swollen fingers during pregnancy, I hope this helps someone. If you're concerned about your swollen fingers be sure to check out my preeclapsia post. If you like great ...
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First off, they're actually called TOLAC (Trial Of Labor After Cesarean). But, no one wants to be a Toe-lac. They'd rather be a VBAC (a VBAC would actually be a sucessful vaginal birth after cesarean section). There, feel educated? This is always on a pendulum. I'm not sure how much of that pendulum is associated with the malpractice insurance, as that is where a lot of anything comes from in this business. When I first started (13 years ago), NO ONE VBAC'd, and then we went to where most OB's were trying it, and now I feel like we're swinging back ...
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Having C-section can feel really scary. Will you be left cut in two like a bad magician’s assistant or will it be easier than a vaginal delivery? So many unknowns! I've had a lot of people emailing me asking for c-section tips. And you know me, I love to give what the people want! Here are 5 C-Section Tips that might ease your mind a bit: First, be sure to sign up to get my free hospital packing list -- get in the know on what to bring! C-section Tips (from a labor nurse who knows): ...
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This post will share some of the most comment pregnancy fears and face them head on with some good information along with a labor nurse of 15 years Did you know that your diaphragm rises and your rib cage expands while you're pregnant? Otherwise, you wouldn't get enough oxygen for yourself and the baby. So, even though you feel out of breath, you'd be in a way worse way if that didn't all happen. And it JUST HAPPENS. You don't have to worry about it! And yet, there are a million things pregnant women worry about. Here are the top ...
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In this post: Bladder Infections can be very irritating. This post will answer the question "How do I know if I have a bladder infection" as well as share the reasons why you might get one as well as the treatment. There are special kinds of pain that make you want to crawl out of your body and find a new place to live. A raging bladder infection or UTI is one of those. It is just such an uncomfortable spot and nothing makes it better. Let's talk UTI's today. UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection -- usually a bladder ...
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In this post we will learn what decreased fetal movement is and how you can use kick counts to be aware of your baby's movements as well as when to go to L&D for kick counts taking longer. I am seeing so many monitors, devices, and gadgets coming out to make your pregnancy safer. The cost a lot of money. And you know what most of them are doing -- counting fetal movement. And the beautiful money-saving thing that God gave you is an ability to count your baby's own movements. Problem is, we all get so busy and people don't ...
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Postpartum Tips
So, the baby is out. What happens now? Do I get a fairy Godmother?
One of the most important things to know is to know when breastfeeding isn't working. More and more women are finding that biologically breastfeeding is NOT working -- and they are not actually feeding their baby (often accompanied by guilt). This post teaches the signs that breastfeeding isn't working. First off, let me state CATEGORICALLY, I am a STRONG proponent of breastfeeding. I think it is the A#1 best way to feed your child. There are so many wonderful things about it. I won't get into all that here (because I have a lot of other awesome breastfeeding posts). But ...
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You'll bleed for 4 to 6 weeks after your baby, during the postpartum period. Postpartum just means after the baby comes out. You'll find that your body is truly recuperating from what you put it through during the postpartum period ...
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For me, there are few times in my life that I wouldn't mind missing more -- by being in a coma -- than the postpartum period. It hurts, you're tired, it hurts, your baby sucks on parts of you, you're tired, it hurts. There's no leaving it behind, it's attached to you. The postnatal monkey on your back. Well, here are my 10 tips to make that a tad more comfortable -- postpartum comforts, if you will. AND to make things even a little easier -- I created a postpartum pack with Dollar Maxi Pad Club. I also have a whole ...
Read More
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Having a baby is hard work! Sometimes you don't think about all that your body is going through (or WILL go through AFTER you go through labor). I know I was guilty of thinking I'd be 100% back to normal when I got out of the hospital. Wow, was I in for a surprise! This post is going to be SO helpful -- and I have even created a little after-baby checklist of things to watch for and have on hand: After having 3 of my own, as well as being a labor nurse for 15 years I have found ...
Read More
Read More
This article is going to talk about breastfeeding support at the hospital -- and ask the question if baby-friendly hospitals are really all that friendly long-term? I read another thought-provoking postpartum article this morning about how tough life can be after a baby. There seem to be a lot of those out there, and I gave a silent amen as I finished it. I've certainly had my own. And it got me thinking of the thousands of babies that I've seen born. I've had a cold lately, so I've also watched more Call the Midwife than my tear ducts can ...
Read More
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The Dollar Maxi Pad Club provides quality feminine products at a low price, shipped to your house conveniently, even with a treat! Dollar Maxi Pad Club The Dollar Maxi Pad Club is just like it sounds. It doesn't sell a lot -- but what it sells are quality.
Read More
- Pads $1
- Tampons $3
- Wipes $1
- Menstrual Cups $20
- Panti Liners $1
- Pamper package (my favorite part -- like a gift for being a woman) for a limited time this is only $6
- They also have a POSTPARTUM package that is a dream!
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Originally written in January of 2011, photos editing/post re-published in 2017 I have a hard time at work sometimes. Sometimes I feel like I'm that drill Sargent sending troops off to the war that was so very painful to me. I wheel them to the curb with a little tear in my eye. I know where they're going. I've been there. I've watched my friends go there. It is a war. I have literally choked away tears as I wish them good luck. Lately I have a lot of friends who are having their first baby (seriously, how did I ...
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I am taking ACLS this week. That's the one where you learn to shock people who are in cardiac arrest. There's more to it than that, but my ACLS focuses on OB cases... It's super interesting. All the changes that happen in the body that demand that we change how we do CPR. I guess at one point in time there was a lot of controversy over if you save the mom or the baby. I've even had patients tell me that if there is a choice between them or the baby to take the baby. I just laugh (to ...
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Newborn Care
Wait, this baby depends on me? Help!
This post will share free baby stuff for expecting mothers, or new moms. These freebies are often by mail too! No trip to the store for pregnant mammas! These freebies for new moms will have you seeing smiles. While some come by mail and do require shipping a lot are SO cute -- I think you'll love them! ...
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This post is all about looking for ways to save on an Owlet monitor or an Owlet promo code. But first, let's find out if it's actually worth it -- from an L&D RN. >> For a VERY limited time -- Owlet has some refurbished units -- $100 off the regular price, and tested with a 16 point inspection -- available only through this link! They are also available with financing too!<< Having newborn is really similar to a battlefield. You never know when they're going to go off, or what they need, or really if you can fix it ...
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In this post: You'll learn how to prepare for breastfeeding. A few things you can do, while still pregnant to get ready! This post is sponsored by Boppy. Thanks to Boppy and their support of breastfeeding, in so many ways! Be SURE to enter their giveaway at the bottom of this post! Breastfeeding is somewhat nebulous until you have a baby. You're not exactly sure how it will work and what you'll need. I mean, you've never fed a human with your body before, and it does sound somewhat difficult, am I right? You might the person that feels like ...
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One of the most important things to know is to know when breastfeeding isn't working. More and more women are finding that biologically breastfeeding is NOT working -- and they are not actually feeding their baby (often accompanied by guilt). This post teaches the signs that breastfeeding isn't working. First off, let me state CATEGORICALLY, I am a STRONG proponent of breastfeeding. I think it is the A#1 best way to feed your child. There are so many wonderful things about it. I won't get into all that here (because I have a lot of other awesome breastfeeding posts). But ...
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SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a horrible thing. I think it is something all parents have had to come to terms with. The reality of parenthood is that you truly can't control ALL things, but science has made a few things you can control with your newborn to give you SOME peace of mind (although you can easily follow every precaution and it just happens - my heart goes out to every single family affected by SIDS). As an L&D nurse for 16 year I've educated countless families on SIDS precuations and I'm excited to share them with you! Looking ...
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We were really poor when we had our first baby. I worked as a nurse in a nursing home full time and my husband had JUST gotten his first full time job out of college running errands for a steel company. We were, quite honestly, as poor as we have ever been. I didn't get any paid maternity leave with my company, and headed back to work just shy if my 6 week checkup even though I had ripped stem to stern with his delivery (thank you forceps). What are the things a baby NEEDS weighed heavy on my heart ...
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Children's Fever - when do you worry? High fever in children can be really disconcerting. We'll talk about unsafe fever temperature for kids. Children's fever can't be cured, but it does have remedies to make your baby, toddler or kid feel better. Fever in children is a lot different than fever in adults. Let's talk symptoms, how to take their temperature, and what you should do if its in an infant. You hear your sweet baby crying, you go in and press your lips to their cheek only to feel fire on your lips. Does that make you cringe inside? Fevers ...
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Yes, this post is about 5 things you certainly don't NEED for your baby. Which is awesome, because when you walk into a baby store it's like you need ALL THE THINGS. And I'm here to tell you, you totally don't (I have a post about the 11 things you NEED for a new baby). When I had my first one, times were financially rough. I get it. Babies are expensive in SO many ways! BUT I do have 5 things that I think are worth a splurge on babies (but totally not necessary). Some of them are NOT worth ...
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Be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom to win some FREE Bamboobies! Ray Romano has a great sketch where he talks about how men view breastfeeding. What was once a super fun playground is now a juice bar. So sad, so very sad.... 🙁 Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you. Not only do you still need great vitamins, minerals and nutrition while you breastfeed, you need to take care of the juice bar itself, as it were. I mean... we grow up a great portion of our lives not doing much more than holstering the ladies. They ...
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I literally had never spent one minute of my life considering how a baby was fed until I showed up to couplet care as a student nurse one day. I was shocked by how HARD it was. How there needed to be pamphlets and help. I mean, the baby cow just walks up to the mom cow and it just WORKS. Where did mother nature leave us so alone? When I teach prenatal classes, and when I talk to my patients I'm adamant to share that this is something that will take a little practice. Much like riding a bike ...
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