Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled

Hilary Erickson
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Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled

Join Hilary Erickson, RN BSN and mom to three as she tackles the subjects you NEED To know about. We will untangle the sticky parts of pregnancy, parenting, home life and even some travel. As an expert in all these areas -- Hilary knows NO ONE IS AN EXPERT, but people sure give it a good try and make the best choice for their family.

  1. Hospital Tours 101: What Parents-to-Be Should Know

    3 DAYS AGO

    Hospital Tours 101: What Parents-to-Be Should Know

    In Episode 255 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson discusses why taking a hospital tour is an essential part of preparing for childbirth. From understanding hospital amenities to getting a feel for the unit and reducing anxiety on the big day, Hilary covers the numerous benefits of a hospital tour. Listen in for practical tips, insightful questions to ask during your tour, and personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of familiarizing yourself with your birthing environment. Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- a hospital class isn't meant to take the place of a tour, but it is a great addition to a great class like that one! Links for you: Timestamps: 00:00 Hospital amenities vary; inquire during your tour. 04:28 Familiarize yourself with hospital layout and procedures. 08:43 Consider hospital and sibling tours post-25 weeks. 10:36 Your support significantly boosts our podcast growth. Keypoints: Hospital tours are valuable for choosing the right hospital for delivery. Many hospitals offer virtual tours post-COVID, sometimes with a nurse answering questions. A hospital tour serves as a dry run for driving to the hospital, parking, and finding your way inside. Touring the hospital helps you understand the available amenities, such as room features and provided toiletries. It’s an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the layout and location of the maternity unit within the hospital. Knowing whether you’ll stay in the same room or move to a postpartum floor can lessen anxiety. Prepare a list of important questions tailored to your specific needs and concerns for the tour. Understanding nurse-to-patient ratios can help gauge the level of support you’ll receive. Hospital tours can offer insights into common practices and the birth culture within the unit. Sibling tours can help prepare older children, making them more comfortable with the hospital environment. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: hospital tour, hospital birth class, COVID hospital tours, virtual hospital tour, online prenatal class, prenatal class for couples, hospital amenities, hospital policies, driving to the hospital, hospital parking, labor and delivery tour, hospital toiletries, hospital mesh panties, hospital special lighting, hospital room fridge, pregnancy tips, parenting tips, childbirth preparation, childbirth questions, labor support, postpartum transition, sibling hospital tour, unusual childbirth requests, labor nurse support, birth culture, prenatal education, childbirth resources, hospital tour benefits, hospital room features, hospital preparedness

    11 min
  2. Baby Proofing 101: Dani Morin's Mission for Baby Safety Awareness

    FEB 10

    Baby Proofing 101: Dani Morin's Mission for Baby Safety Awareness

    In Episode 254 of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson is joined by Dani Morin, a car seat technician and influencer. They dive deep into baby safety, discussing essential tips for childproofing your home, the importance of proper car seat usage, and the dangers of Baltic amber teething necklaces. Dani opens up about her advocacy work following the tragic loss of her son, Deacon, and shares practical advice for new parents. Tune in for a heartfelt and informative conversation aimed at helping parents make safer choices for their little ones. Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines -- to make room for important things like baby proofing, having the rest of your life in a routine totally helps! Today's guest is Dani Morin. She is a child safety advocate and CPST on social media. Helping parents make informed parenting decisions and providing product research to help moms make the perfect baby registry. Find her here: @Danimorin_ on IG and @danimorin13 on TikTok Links for you: Timestamps: 00:00 Necklace strangulation hazard led to tragedy. 03:27 Baltic amber teething necklaces: all risk, no benefit. 09:10 Struggles with safety advice for parent education. 11:24 Desiring family connection and appreciation for moms. 13:12 CPST instructor identified car seat errors. 18:02 Regularly check floor level for baby hazards. 22:01 Overprotective, balancing safety and learning experiences. 25:14 Anchor furniture to prevent tip-over incidents. 26:08 Millennials source furniture anywhere, anchoring optional. 32:11 Avoid outdated plastic; seek modern electrical options. 33:13 Avoid hazards: baby-proof, prevent falls, lock windows. 38:31 Keep detergent pods safe; store, don't display. 41:21 Share safety tips; be open to feedback. 45:17 Balance mom worries with safety precautions. 48:44 Doctor advises against bedsharing; recommends separate sleeping arrangements. 51:33 AI prioritizes popular articles, not necessarily best. 53:43 Son's low blood sugar led to NICU. 57:53 Dani moron 13 keeps humble TikTok presence. 59:12 Episode focused on friendship and parenting choices. Keypoints: The episode is focused on baby safety and features Dani Morin, a car seat technician and TikTok influencer. Dani shares the tragic event of losing her son Deacon due to a Baltic amber teething necklace, which drives her advocacy. Baltic amber teething necklaces are shown to be ineffective and potentially dangerous, with some platforms banning their sale. The importance of anchoring furniture to prevent accidents is emphasized, as well as modern safety challenges with slim TVs and high-voltage cords. Dani discusses the concept of safe sleep practices and the risks involved with co-sleeping, advocating for strong safety standards. Baby-proofing is highlighted as a continuous, evolving process as children grow and develop new abilities. Both Hilary and Dani stress the importance of sourcing reliable, professional information over random online articles or AI-generated content. Dani uses the "shit sandwich" method to offer safety advice without coming across as judgmental or critical. The episode emphasizes creating supportive communities for new mothers to share information and provide emotional support. Safe storage of household items like laundry pods and electrical equipment is crucial to prevent accidents, with practical tips provided for parents. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: baby safety, car seat technician, Dani Morin, Hilary Erickson, Pulling Curls podcast, TikTok influencer, baby proofing, CPR for infants, Baltic amber teething necklace, child strangulation, parenting routines, Family Routines course, TikTok safety education, single motherhood by choice, pediatrician advice, NICU facilities, safe sleep practices, furniture anchoring, earthquake safety, kitchen safety, window barriers, bolted baby gates, parenting support community, teething necklaces dangers, anti-influencer campaign, laundry pod safety, childproofing electrical outlets, fall prevention for children, safe room setup for childbirth, validating parents' struggles, good better best approach.

    1 hr
  3. The Role of Preparation in Preventing Birth Trauma

    FEB 3

    The Role of Preparation in Preventing Birth Trauma

    his episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, we dive into the important topic of preventing birth trauma. Hilary Erickson, a nurse and mom to three, shares valuable insights on what birth trauma is and actionable steps you can take to minimize the risk. Learn how understanding the birth process, effective communication with healthcare providers, and setting realistic expectations can make a significant difference in your birth experience. Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're looking to get prepared it really is the easy way to do it! Links for you: Timestamps: 00:00 Birth trauma: deeply personal, varies between individuals. 04:45 Start communication early to prevent birth trauma. 07:36 Understand expectations, communicate effectively, learn from experts. Keypoints: Introduction to the topic of preventing birth trauma. Emphasis on the dual responsibility of both providers and patients in preventing birth trauma. Explanation of birth trauma as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Importance of understanding the normal processes and procedures during labor and delivery. Advocacy for learning effective communication with healthcare teams early in pregnancy. Encouragement to lower and manage expectations about labor, delivery, and postpartum periods. The significance of having realistic and correct expectations for the birth process. Promotion of the online prenatal class for couples as a resource to prepare for birth. Discussion about the prevalence of misrepresented birth experiences on social media and TV. Upcoming episodes on baby safety and the benefits of taking a hospital tour. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: Pulling Curls podcast, birth trauma prevention, Hilary Erickson, episode 253, preventing birth trauma, pregnancy nurse, birth trauma definition, patient empowerment, traumatic birth events, preparing for childbirth, online prenatal class, couples prenatal class, understanding labor, labor and delivery process, hospital admission process, fetal heart rate monitoring, communicating with healthcare team, birth plan, trauma triggers, managing childbirth pain, postpartum expectations, realistic birth expectations, labor expectations, childbirth education, healthcare communication, prenatal care, labor nurse interaction, birth trauma causes, hospital birth experience, pregnancy advice.

    9 min
  4. Stronger Bones, Stronger Women: The Benefits of Strength Training

    JAN 27

    Stronger Bones, Stronger Women: The Benefits of Strength Training

    In today's episode of the Pulling Curls podcast, Hilary Erickson is joined by fitness expert Kaleigh Cohen to discuss the importance of strength training for women. They dive into the benefits of resistance training, especially for bone health and overall functionality as we age. Hilary shares personal stories and insights, while Kaleigh offers practical tips on how to get started and find the right weights for your workouts. Tune in for an empowering discussion that could transform your exercise routine and health trajectory. Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines -- if you want to get some strength training in your life -- this is the key! Today's guest is Kaleigh Cohen. Kaleigh has two YouTube channels, Kaleigh Cohen Cycling & Kaleigh Cohen Strength. She creates indoor cycle & strength programs that will transform you into an unstoppable force. Links for you: Kaleigh's other episode on exercise in pregnancy (episode 248) Timestamps: 00:00 Pulling Curls podcast: pregnancy, parenting, routines, YouTube. 06:05 Start with basic weights; focus on form. 07:24 Working out despite weight challenges; gradual progress. 10:23 Workouts help me discover and surprise myself. Keypoints: • Discussion on the importance of strength training for women's overall health, especially as they age. • Introduction of guest Kaleigh Cohen, who runs two YouTube channels focused on strength training and cycling. • Personal anecdotes from Hilary about her mother's severe bone issues and how it motivated her to take strength training seriously. • Explanation of how resistance training helps increase bone density and overall strength. • Clarification that strength training won't lead to unwanted bulking up due to different testosterone levels in women. • The misconception that walking alone isn't sufficient for comprehensive strength training benefits. • Recommendations for starting weights for beginners: light (5 lbs), medium (10 lbs), and heavier (15 lbs) sets, emphasizing good form. • Encouragement for even small, consistent efforts in strength training, such as 10 minutes, three times a week. • Personal insights from Kaleigh on how exercising helps her manage life's challenges and improve other aspects of life. • Call to action for women to start strength training, regardless of age, to avoid future bone-related health issues and maintain functionality. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: strength training for women, resistance training, women's strength training, bone density, menopause and strength training, strength training benefits, strength training tips, resistance bands, dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, exercise bands, weight lifting for women, increasing bone density, starting strength training, women and weight lifting, workout routine for women, menopause and exercise, strength training misconceptions, strength training form, benefits of strength training, prenatal exercise, postpartum exercise, body weight exercises, importance of resistance training, home workouts, functional fitness, starting weights, motivation to exercise, health benefits of strength training

    14 min
  5. Moving Mom and Dad: Tips for a Smooth Transition

    JAN 20

    Moving Mom and Dad: Tips for a Smooth Transition

    In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson dives into the emotional and logistical challenges of moving her parents into retirement living. From choosing the right facility to downsizing a 6,000 square foot home, Hilary shares practical tips and personal insights to help make this transition smoother. Discover the different care options available, the financial implications, and the importance of planning ahead. Get a firsthand look at the realities of estate sales and the benefits of hiring professional movers. If you're approaching this stage with your parents, this episode is a must-listen. Big thanks to our sponsor Family Routines moving your parents can take havoc on your family and having solid routines can make your life still happen. Couldn't recommend them any more! Links for you: My post on moving to assisted living. Timestamps: 00:00 Downsize, consider assisted living, wait lists fill. 04:59 Medicare assists short-term home health expenses. 08:40 Reasonable storage for family memories and history. 09:45 Downsize immediately; avoid unnecessary storage or sales. 13:17 Estate sale: necessary for selling the house. 16:53 Find experienced real estate agent for parents. 20:44 Fast decisions helped moving process efficiently. 22:44 Upcoming topics: women's strength training, birth trauma. Keypoints: Hilary discusses her experience moving her parents into retirement living and the challenges associated with it. The importance of planning ahead and considering different living options such as assisted living, nursing homes, and independent living. Routines can help maintain normalcy during the transition. Financial considerations for different living options, including costs for nursing homes, rehab, and assisted living. The process of selecting a suitable retirement facility and the benefits of getting on a waitlist early. Downsizing possessions and the emotional impact of sorting through a lifetime of belongings. The role of professional movers and considerations for hiring experienced movers. The estate sale process, its challenges, and financial implications for clearing out a large home. Selling the family home and the benefits of engaging a real estate agent experienced with senior moves. Reflecting on the timeline and process highlights the importance of starting early and maintaining less clutter for an easier transition later in life. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: moving parents to retirement living, assisted living, retirement living options, downsizing home, moving into assisted living, independent living, nursing home costs, Utah nursing home, rehab care, skilled nursing facility, CNA services, independent living costs, Medicare coverage for seniors, estate sale process, choosing an estate sale company, selling family home, storage facilities for downsizing, hiring movers, downsizing furniture, realtor for senior home sale, financial planning for senior care, managing parent's move, Swedish death cleaning, simplifying life for seniors, retirement community, emotional aspects of moving seniors, family involvement in senior move, senior meal plans, home health services for seniors, balancing finances for senior care

    23 min
  6. Things That Might Make Labor Tough

    JAN 13

    Things That Might Make Labor Tough

    In Episode 250 of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson delves into five reasons your birth might be particularly challenging. From not meshing with your doctor to having solid expectations, she unpacks potential obstacles and offers valuable advice on how to navigate them. Sponsored by the Online Prenatal Class for Couples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better prepare for a smoother birth experience. Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- you'll find these tips and more to have your best pregnancy, birth & postpartum life! Links for you: My post 5 reasons your birth might be hard: https://pregnurse.com/birth-hard/ Timestamps: 00:00 Switch providers if unsatisfied; consider larger offices. 04:50 Keep flexible expectations during birth for ease. 07:09 Join online prenatal class to enhance preparation. Keypoints: Discussion on why having a good relationship with your doctor is crucial for a smoother birth experience. Advice on switching providers if there's a mismatch, even past 30 weeks of pregnancy. Explanation of previous uterine or cervical surgeries and how they can impact delivery. Importance of knowing about cervical surgeries like LEAP and their potential effects on labor. Encouragement to start speaking up for oneself during prenatal appointments for better communication during birth. Warning against having rigid expectations for birth as it can lead to disappointment and stress. Emphasis on positivity and flexibility during labor to make the process easier. Significance of being well-prepared for birth and not relying solely on providers for preparation. Personal anecdote about the lack of preparation for hospital experiences and the creation of a comprehensive birth class. Promotion of the online prenatal class for couples to help expectant parents prepare for various stages of pregnancy and postpartum. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: birth complications, hard birth, pregnancy nurse, prenatal class, switching doctors, doctor-patient relationship, meshing with doctor, uterine surgery, cervical surgery, cervical scarring, LEAP procedure, pap smear, dilate cervix, C-section, speaking up, birth plans, birth expectations, birth trauma, labor pain, epidural, induced labor, birth preparation, birth class, online prenatal class, third trimester testing, laboring at home, postpartum care, breastfeeding difficulties, pregnancy resources, strength training during pregnancy.

    9 min
  7. Understanding Healthshares: Bills, Payments, and Peace of Mind

    11/25/2024

    Understanding Healthshares: Bills, Payments, and Peace of Mind

    In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson delves into the complexities of navigating healthcare without traditional insurance. Sharing her personal experience with an appendicitis, Hilary discusses the use of health shares, detailing the ins and outs of how her family manages medical expenses as self-employed individuals. Learn about the advantages, challenges, and practical tips for those considering a health share alternative. If you'd like to check out Zion Healthshare please do use my link: https://www.pullingcurls.com/go/zion-healthshare/ Links for you: My other healthshare info: Zion Healthshare Reviews & Why Left Liberty Healthshare Finding a HealthShare for Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints How Does a Healthshare Work? with Heather Eden from Zion Healthshare — Episode 126 Making the Choice to use a Christian Healthshare — Episode 065 Is a Health Share Right for You? Discover If You’re a Good Fit. Using a Direct Primary Care Membership with Dr Bradley Shumway – Episode 086 Timestamps: 00:00 Zion reimburses quickly; other health shares delay. 06:13 Unexpected healthcare costs due to insurance complexities. 06:59 Bills cleared monthly; sometimes paid using credit. 12:47 Waited 30 days for medical bill, frustrated. 13:24 Frustrated over hospital billing and collection threats. Keypoints: Hilary Erickson shares her personal experience with non-traditional healthcare, specifically a health share organization, rather than traditional health insurance. The high costs of traditional health insurance for self-employed individuals prompted Hilary to explore alternative options, leading her to Zion Healthshare. Health share organizations allow for greater flexibility in choosing hospitals, doctors, and labs without restrictive networks. Hilary explains that with health share organizations, patients are often considered self-pay and need to be proactive in managing and submitting medical bills for reimbursement. Unlike insurance companies, health shares may take time to process and reimburse bills, sometimes taking up to six months, but Zion Healthshare was notably faster. Hilary highlights the concept of a per-incident deductible with Zion Healthshare, explaining that for each new medical incident, her family is responsible for the first $1,000. The episode details the various medical bills Hilary received following her appendicitis surgery, including bills from the hospital, anesthesiologist, radiologist, and other specialists. A key frustration was the medical billing process, where hospitals initially billed exorbitant amounts before drastically reducing them for self-pay patients. Hilary emphasizes the importance of having some form of healthcare coverage to manage unexpected medical expenses and stresses the necessity of understanding and navigating the billing process. The podcast episode aims to demystify health share organizations and provide valuable insights into alternative healthcare options for families, particularly those who are self-employed. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: health insurance, pulling curls podcast, Hilary Erickson, Christian health share, traditional health insurance, ZION health share, appendicitis, Liberty health share, Samaritan health share, self-pay patients, health share benefits, insurance policies, emergency medical bills, per incident deductible, health share reimbursement, DPC, con

    16 min
  8. Pregnant and Active: Exercise Tips That Make a Difference

    11/18/2024

    Pregnant and Active: Exercise Tips That Make a Difference

    In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson chats with fitness expert Kaleigh Cohen about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. They delve into personal stories, tips for staying active, and specific exercises to make labor and recovery easier. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just trying to stay healthy during your pregnancy, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation. Tune in to learn more about integrating exercise into your pregnancy routine! Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're looking to get prepared for birth, look no further. It is truly the best option for you. Today's guest is Kaleigh Cohen. Kaleigh has two YouTube channels, Kaleigh Cohen Cycling & Kaleigh Cohen Strength. She creates indoor cycle & strength programs that will transform you into an unstoppable force. Links for you: Timestamps: 00:00 Pulling Curls podcast featuring Kaleigh Cohen Strength. 04:43 Exercise improved pregnancy and postpartum recovery significantly. 08:43 Ensure clearance, do what feels good, avoid discomfort. 12:46 Start small, verify sources, and stay consistent. 16:12 Squats open pelvis, relieve hip and back. 19:17 Exercise during pregnancy boosts happiness, stay tuned. Keypoints: Hilary Erickson discusses the benefits and importance of exercise during pregnancy. Guest Kaleigh Cohen, a fitness YouTube personality, shares her personal experiences with exercising throughout her three pregnancies. Kaleigh is currently 37 weeks pregnant and still actively filming workout content. Key benefits of pregnancy exercise include lessening the severity of gestational diabetes and potentially reducing birth trauma. Hilary recalls how fitness advice during pregnancy has evolved over the years, highlighting increased encouragement for physical activity. Kaleigh emphasizes starting small, such as with five-minute walks, for those with low energy or limited time. Discussion about the importance of consulting healthcare providers and physical therapists to tailor exercise routines safely during pregnancy. Exercises like squats and hip thrusts are highlighted for their benefits in preparing the body for labor and easing typical pregnancy discomforts. Kaleigh shares tips on motivating oneself to exercise, including focusing on the end results and the positive feelings post-workout. Hilary and Kaleigh both advocate for practical and flexible approaches to staying active, ensuring expectant mothers listen to their bodies and adjust workouts as needed. Producer: Drew Erickson PUT TRANSCRIPT HERE: Keywords: Pregnancy exercise, prenatal workouts, gestational diabetes prevention, exercise benefits during pregnancy, pregancy fitness, pregnancy health, morning sickness, prenatal physical therapy, prenatal yoga, gestational diabetes, prenatal weight gain, postpartum recovery, labor and delivery fitness, prenatal strength training, prenatal exercise tips, pelvic floor exercises, prenatal workout routine, pregnancy energy levels, prenatal cardiovascular health, prenatal squat exercises, prenatal hydration, birth trauma prevention, prenatal flexibility, prenatal hip flexor exercises, prenatal core exercises, prenatal glute bridges, prenatal push-ups, pregnancy workout motivation, short prenatal workouts, prenatal online classes.

    20 min
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4.8
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

Join Hilary Erickson, RN BSN and mom to three as she tackles the subjects you NEED To know about. We will untangle the sticky parts of pregnancy, parenting, home life and even some travel. As an expert in all these areas -- Hilary knows NO ONE IS AN EXPERT, but people sure give it a good try and make the best choice for their family.

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