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!
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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! ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
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
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
Early Pregnancy
You’re Pregnant! Yayayay! Now what?
Nosebleeds during pregnancy are an odd sign but actually a common & normal early sign of pregnancy for some people. Early Pregnancy Symptoms Hi, I'm Hilary and I'm an L&D nurse, and while we don't see people as early as I'm talking about (these are symptoms of just the first few weeks of pregnancy) I've had 3 kids of my own and have been around countless pregnant women. These early pregnancy symptoms are NOT a pregnancy test. If you've had a negative test, but are wondering if you could still be pregnant, my friend Katie has a post on negative ...
Read More
Read More
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
Read More
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! ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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
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
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
The adorable second trimester
The second trimester is the sweet spot of pregnancy. Isn’t it? No seriously, it is.
No posts found.
Delivery Prep
So, what do I need to know for the big ol’ day?
No posts found.
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!
Here are some handy postpartum recovery tips from an L&D nurse. You likely won't be "comfortable" but here's a few ways to make recovery a bit easier -- including pads, pain medicine and the timeline you'll likely follow. 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! Here's 5 medical things to keep in mind ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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
Read More
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. **If you are concerned that breastfeeding really isn't working -- I'd recommend making an appointment with a lactation consultant. I have a great online option that is cheaper than in person and they are great. ** First off, let me state CATEGORICALLY, I am a STRONG proponent of breastfeeding. I think it is ...
Read More
Read More
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!
Read More
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 ...
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
Read More
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.
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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, ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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): ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
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
Diastasis Symphysis Pubis is when your pelvis splits at your symphysis pubis (the cartilage holding your pelvis together). It can cause intense groin pain and takes a long time to heal. There are treatments that can help though. Diastasis Symphysis Pubis Diastasis basically means split. Symphysis Pubis is the line of cartilage at the front of your pelvis. During pregnancy, it relaxes to let a baby through, but it can relax too much and can split, leaving your muscles trying to hold your body together. Split Pelvis during Pregnancy At the age of 28 I had a nine pound baby ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
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
Postpartum Tips
So, the baby is out. What happens now? Do I get a fairy Godmother?
Here are some handy postpartum recovery tips from an L&D nurse. You likely won't be "comfortable" but here's a few ways to make recovery a bit easier -- including pads, pain medicine and the timeline you'll likely follow. 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! Here's 5 medical things to keep in mind ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
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
Read More
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. **If you are concerned that breastfeeding really isn't working -- I'd recommend making an appointment with a lactation consultant. I have a great online option that is cheaper than in person and they are great. ** First off, let me state CATEGORICALLY, I am a STRONG proponent of breastfeeding. I think it is ...
Read More
Read More
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!
Read More
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 ...
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
Read More
Newborn Care
Wait, this baby depends on me? Help!
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 currently has some units $100 off! Owlet montiors are also available with financing too!<< Owlet has also announced the Owlet Cam -- which will be shipping fairly soon! I have a whole post about the Owlet cam, and how you can buy both for a great price break! Owlet Baby Monitor Having a newborn is really similar to ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
How can you fix a fever? What to eat, when to worry? Why DO fevers get worse at night? Plus, vomiting, low-grade fevers in children. This post has all the info on fevers! 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 ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
I don't make a secret that having a newborn really beat the crap out of me. I had some fairly serious anxiety for MONTHS after I had princess P. I have no idea if it's hormonal or whatnot, but I know that a large part of it is the lack of sleep. Back in 2000 when I had my first baby (yes, I am a dinosaur) the big sleep book out was "Babywise" and I really clung to it. It was something that showed me there could be some semblence of a schedule. I flounder when I'm without a schedule ...
Read More
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Read More
In this post: A nurse will help you explore different child monitors on the market and you can figure out what type will be your best child monitor at your house. (saving yourself money on bells and whistles you won't use). Having a new baby in the house is tough. I remember I always worried I'd sleep through their crying. Turns out, past about 2 weeks that never happened. BUT, the worry is there, and also if you live in a larger house or have thick walls you might want a monitor to help you stay in touch with your ...
Read More
Read More
It seems so harsh -- one snip of the scissors and that baby that has relied on you for months is on their own. Oxygenating, crying, eating all on their own. Of course, I'd rather it be scissors than my teeth.... but I digress.... Delayed cord clamping is being requested more and more by patients anymore and I'm excited to share some info on it for you: ...
Read More
Read More
Finding unique baby gifts for boys can be hard. I'm going to share some of the most useful & unique baby boy gifts that new moms will love. FYI, this is part of my Gift Ideas for Families Series << that post has TONS of gift ideas for everyone on your list! Useful & Unique Baby Boy Gifts Here are a few items that parents will love to use, but are also unique and different than your average baby gift: ...
Read More
Read More
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. **If you are concerned that breastfeeding really isn't working -- I'd recommend making an appointment with a lactation consultant. I have a great online option that is cheaper than in person and they are great. ** First off, let me state CATEGORICALLY, I am a STRONG proponent of breastfeeding. I think it is ...
Read More
Read More
