Weeks of Pregnancy

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!

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!

Painful Vaginal Exams: Internal check during pregnancy is painful

Vaginal or cervical exams aren't something that any woman looks forward to, but many women find internal exams during pregnancy almost intolerable because of the pain. Let's talk about why they are so painful and what you can do to make them easier to handle. First off -- HELLO! I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. I've performed thousands of vaginal exams (and stopped many doctors as well). A lot of women have this issue, and I'm excited to share some great info with you today! Be sure to check out all of my posts on labor ...
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Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant: Will they take my baby away if I test positive?

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. Will they take your baby away if you test positive? 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

Why Can’t I Get Pregnant Again?

Take our 5 question quiz to find out why you can't get pregnant. Infertility can be a frustrating process, but there are some easy things you can try to make a change. I also discuss why it took us so long to get pregnant (and the positive results). Why can't I get pregnant? 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 not unusual and I want to share the reasons I later saw as to why it happened.  All of my tests ...
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What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

There is a firm foundation about what you should be doing to have a healthy pregnancy & breastfeed. Stop paying attention to gimics and ideas that really won't help you I have seen SO many "lactation cookies" or "pregnancy smoothies" acting like you NEED those things to have a healthy baby ...
Read More

Not Getting Pregnant, When Everyone Else Is

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 ...
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What to Do When Pregnant for the First Time

This post is going to share what to do when you're pregnant for the first time. Or, if you've forgotten, you should still do these things for EACH pregnancy. What to do when you're first pregnant. Learning that you're pregnant, or trying to conceive is an exciting time! There are SO many questions though. 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

How far apart should I have my Babies?: Baby spacing

How far apart should I have my babies? 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. ...
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Keepin’ the Sexy On While Trying to Conceive

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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Fertile Window: Find your dates to get pregnant

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. And, if fertility is on your list of things to do -- don't miss my 2 other posts:

• Not getting pregnant when everyone else is
• Why I can't get pregnant again

So, without further adieu -- ...
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How to Prepare for Breastfeeding: A Breastfeeding Checklist

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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Early Pregnancy

You’re Pregnant!  Yayayay!  Now what?

Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant: Will they take my baby away if I test positive?

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. Will they take your baby away if you test positive? 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

The MOST accurate — am I pregnant quiz!

The harsh reality is that a pregnancy test is the most accurate -- but if you're looking to know if you're pregnant -- take my MOST accurate am I pregnant quiz to find out. And then go buy a home pregnancy test, because that's the best. 🙂 ...
Read More

What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

There is a firm foundation about what you should be doing to have a healthy pregnancy & breastfeed. Stop paying attention to gimics and ideas that really won't help you I have seen SO many "lactation cookies" or "pregnancy smoothies" acting like you NEED those things to have a healthy baby ...
Read More

Cause of Premature Birth: Can it be predicted?

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 ...
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Questions to Ask Your OB on Your First Pregnancy Visit

Your first pregnancy visit is an important one -- and these five questions will help you know if your doctor is the right fit for you and your growing family. Your first visit to your OB is likely to be very chaotic. In fact, many women don't actually even SEE their OB on the first visit because they are mostly getting lab tests, and setting up paperwork/payment options with the office staff. However, once you get IN to see your doctor (or midwife, or whoever you are seeing) here are 5 questions NOT to be missed (and they may not ...
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The story of my Pregnancy

Today I want to share the story of my own pregnancy. I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. In 2008 I was experiencing infertility. We'd been trying to have a baby for over 2 years and weren't really sure what was in God's cards for us, but we also had 2 boys -- the youngest turning 5 soon. I was ready to close the baby factory. The items in this post will talk about my infertility, up through having our last baby in April 2009 (so, posts go from the oldest to the newest). I know I ...
Read More

What to Do When Pregnant for the First Time

This post is going to share what to do when you're pregnant for the first time. Or, if you've forgotten, you should still do these things for EACH pregnancy. What to do when you're first pregnant. Learning that you're pregnant, or trying to conceive is an exciting time! There are SO many questions though. 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

Normal Signs of Pregnancy

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 your ...
Read More

What We Know About The Zika Virus in Pregnancy

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

Taking Care Of Yourself During Pregnancy

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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The adorable second trimester

The second trimester is the sweet spot of pregnancy.  Isn’t it?  No seriously, it is.

Delivery Prep

So, what do I need to know for the big ol’ day?

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!

Postpartum Recovery Tips: Healing your placenta scab self care

Here are some handy postpartum recovery tips from an L&D nurse. Your uterus is now healing from a "placenta scab" left from the baby making their exit. This post includes info on 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! ...
Read More

Postpartum Recovery with Katie Clark from Clarks Condensed — PCP Episode 018

This week's episode is going to focus on what happens after baby. What's normal, what to watch for and I even have a guest on who JUST had a baby and is one of the best moms I know (but also struggling to keep her head above the water with baby #3). I can't wait to share it with you! This week's guest is Katie Clark from Clarks Condensed. If you remember, I actually Katie on a few weeks ago on episode 005 right before she had her new baby to talk about getting ready for baby, and I wanted ...
Read More

Postpartum Comforts

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. But first off -- Hi, I'm Hilary. I've been an L&D RN since 2001 -- and I am the survivor of a 4th ...
Read More

What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

There is a firm foundation about what you should be doing to have a healthy pregnancy & breastfeed. Stop paying attention to gimics and ideas that really won't help you I have seen SO many "lactation cookies" or "pregnancy smoothies" acting like you NEED those things to have a healthy baby ...
Read More

When Breastfeeding is Not Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

One of the most important things to know is the signs that 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, and share's this RN's tale of when breastfeeding didn't work for me. **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. If you haven't given ...
Read More

The story of my Pregnancy

Today I want to share the story of my own pregnancy. I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. In 2008 I was experiencing infertility. We'd been trying to have a baby for over 2 years and weren't really sure what was in God's cards for us, but we also had 2 boys -- the youngest turning 5 soon. I was ready to close the baby factory. The items in this post will talk about my infertility, up through having our last baby in April 2009 (so, posts go from the oldest to the newest). I know I ...
Read More

Ode to the New Mom

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

Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

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

Tushy Review & Coupon Code: Who it’s for from a nurse.

Today I want to review the Tushy bidet, give you a coupon to try it out for yourself, and share who I think it's best for, and some things to watch out for when you install it. Tush Bidet Review Tushy sent me a Bidet (but is NOT requiring this review, and you will find that it is my 100% honest opinion). And honestly -- guys -- I am not sure I've been sent anything more "up my ally" than this product. 🙂 I mean, perineal care is one of my passions (don't worry I'm an L&D nurse, and I've ...
Read More

Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

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

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.

Why Do I Need Prenatal Vitamins?

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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Guest Post on Pregnant Chicken — When to Call Your Doctor

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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Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Discharge in pregnancy is almost like a crystal ball to a lot of ladies. We're going to talk about color, consistency and how it relates to the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy First off - let's talk a bit about why pregnancy discharge is different than regular discharge. During pregnancy, you have a lot higher blood volume, in order to get enough blood to your baby and still function as a human at the same time ...
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Fetal Survival Depends on Maternal Survival

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. BTW, I am so passionate about this topic I made one of my favorite podcasts out of it -- episode 013 talks about maternal survival too -- you can listen right here: I guess at one point in time there was a lot of controversy over if ...
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What We Know About The Zika Virus in Pregnancy

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

False Labor Pains: Is it the real deal?

Falso labor can be known by a few things: Prodromal labor, braxton hicks, or early labor. All of these don't tell you that false labor can REALLY hurt -- but how do you prevent it and how do you know if it's false or true labor pains? 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 ...
Read More

Normal Signs of Pregnancy

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 your ...
Read More

Preeclampsia Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Preeclampsia Signs: Preeclampsia can be a scary complication of pregnancy. We're going to talk labs, prevention, why it sometimes happens postpartum, when it occurs, how it may affect the baby and what causes it. **Please do not take any information given here in lieu of your doctor's advice. You pregnancy is special and you need to listen to YOUR doctor's advice. This is just information to help you hopefully understand it better. You can't make your own diagnosis of preeclampsia by anything you've read on the internet, leave that to your doctor. AND, most importantly, PLEASE pick a doctor you ...
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Dehydration During Pregnancy: The importance of hydration while growing a human.

Dehydration can be extremely problematic during pregnancy. Today we're going to talk about the importance of hydration. Why you want to stay hydrated and how to best do it! Hi, I'm Hilary -- the curly haired nurse behind Pulling Curls. I've been an RN since 1998 and an L&D RN since 2001 ...
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Being Pregnant with Twins: Double the fun & risk

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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Postpartum Tips

So, the baby is out.  What happens now?  Do I get a fairy Godmother?

Postpartum Recovery Tips: Healing your placenta scab self care

Here are some handy postpartum recovery tips from an L&D nurse. Your uterus is now healing from a "placenta scab" left from the baby making their exit. This post includes info on 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! ...
Read More

Postpartum Recovery with Katie Clark from Clarks Condensed — PCP Episode 018

This week's episode is going to focus on what happens after baby. What's normal, what to watch for and I even have a guest on who JUST had a baby and is one of the best moms I know (but also struggling to keep her head above the water with baby #3). I can't wait to share it with you! This week's guest is Katie Clark from Clarks Condensed. If you remember, I actually Katie on a few weeks ago on episode 005 right before she had her new baby to talk about getting ready for baby, and I wanted ...
Read More

Postpartum Comforts

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. But first off -- Hi, I'm Hilary. I've been an L&D RN since 2001 -- and I am the survivor of a 4th ...
Read More

What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

There is a firm foundation about what you should be doing to have a healthy pregnancy & breastfeed. Stop paying attention to gimics and ideas that really won't help you I have seen SO many "lactation cookies" or "pregnancy smoothies" acting like you NEED those things to have a healthy baby ...
Read More

When Breastfeeding is Not Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

One of the most important things to know is the signs that 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, and share's this RN's tale of when breastfeeding didn't work for me. **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. If you haven't given ...
Read More

The story of my Pregnancy

Today I want to share the story of my own pregnancy. I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. In 2008 I was experiencing infertility. We'd been trying to have a baby for over 2 years and weren't really sure what was in God's cards for us, but we also had 2 boys -- the youngest turning 5 soon. I was ready to close the baby factory. The items in this post will talk about my infertility, up through having our last baby in April 2009 (so, posts go from the oldest to the newest). I know I ...
Read More

Ode to the New Mom

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

Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

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

Tushy Review & Coupon Code: Who it’s for from a nurse.

Today I want to review the Tushy bidet, give you a coupon to try it out for yourself, and share who I think it's best for, and some things to watch out for when you install it. Tush Bidet Review Tushy sent me a Bidet (but is NOT requiring this review, and you will find that it is my 100% honest opinion). And honestly -- guys -- I am not sure I've been sent anything more "up my ally" than this product. 🙂 I mean, perineal care is one of my passions (don't worry I'm an L&D nurse, and I've ...
Read More

Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

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

Newborn Care

Wait, this baby depends on me?  Help!

Can You Hold a Newborn too Much? Spoiling newborns & benefits

Spoiling newborns is a question a lot of new moms have. CAN you hold a newborn too much? Is it OK to hold them while they sleep? What are the benefits from all that holding? Can you hold a newborn too much? First off, I want to state categorically that mothers are born with instincts. One of the saddest things about delivering babies in the hospital is that I think we remove a lot of the instinct, by us following research and having safe patterns of practice. When I hear home birth stories I get chills. Your body knows what ...
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What is SIDS and how to prevent It

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! ...
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Help! My Baby Won’t Sleep — my epiphany!

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

What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

There is a firm foundation about what you should be doing to have a healthy pregnancy & breastfeed. Stop paying attention to gimics and ideas that really won't help you I have seen SO many "lactation cookies" or "pregnancy smoothies" acting like you NEED those things to have a healthy baby ...
Read More

When Breastfeeding is Not Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

One of the most important things to know is the signs that 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, and share's this RN's tale of when breastfeeding didn't work for me. **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. If you haven't given ...
Read More

Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping

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: ...
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Online Breastfeeding Classes: The best classes to learn the basics on how to feed your baby

Taking an online breastfeeding class is a GREAT way to learn how to feed your baby. Much of the class is NOT hands-on (as you likely won't have a baby when you take it) and is easily learned online. Many include awesome graphics and instructional ways to help you understand it well! Online Breastfeeding Classes Why take a breastfeeding class online? As an L&D nurse since 2001, plus the creator of one of the best selling online prenatal classes I strongly believe that a breastfeeding class is paramount to understanding how things work and having a better experience ...
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The Owlet Cam ~ A way to keep EYES on your baby, when you want

The Owlet was a revolutionary tool, created to help parents feel some peace when stepping away from a sleeping baby. Now they have an Owlet Cam that will help them feel like they are still there. SO many of my readers have bought the Owlet, and then asked me what I thought they should do as far as a video monitor. And now, I have your solution. I am a big fan of having ONE app to check when you need to do something -- and now, with the Owlet, you can do just that! News Flash: As of RIGHT ...
Read More

Ode to the New Mom

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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Getting Ready to Breastfeed

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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