Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

Hilary Erickson

Join Hilary Erickson, RN BSN (The Pregnancy Nurse®) as she shares the important parts of pregnancy, parenting & more.

  1. Oct 13

    Should You Avoid an Epidural? Exploring Reasons and Alternatives for Labor Pain Relief

    Curious about pain management options during labor, especially the pros and cons of epidurals? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® pulls back the curtain on epidural anesthesia. The conversation focused on the top 10 reasons someone might choose to avoid an epidural, covering concerns around side effects, potential labor delays, challenges with movement, effects on breastfeeding, and the financial implications. If you're researching whether an epidural is right for your birth experience, or you want real talk based on decades of bedside labor and delivery experience, this episode is packed with information you won't get in a typical prenatal visit. Prefer to watch? Check out the original video on YouTube. Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for informational purposes only, not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss your specific situation and medical questions with a healthcare provider who knows you and your pregnancy history. About Hilary Hilary is both The Pregnancy Nurse® and the creator behind Pulling Curls®. With over 20 years as a labor and delivery nurse and thousands of epidural patients seen firsthand, she brings credible, compassionate insight to every pregnancy and parenting topic. Her experiences as both a nurse and mom—personally receiving epidurals herself—mean you're getting trusted, balanced guidance you can use to feel more confident about your upcoming birth journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Discussing Risks and Epidurals 03:12 Effects of Fluids on Labor 08:48 Catheter choices during labor 11:48 Paying for epidurals with cash 12:53 Epidural advice for expecting moms

  2. Sep 2

    How to Start Labor at Home: Evidence-Based Strategies That May Help

    Shownotes Intro Curious about how to go into labor naturally, what really works, and what is safe during the final weeks of pregnancy? This episode of "Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®" untangles all the advice and myths about inducing labor at home. Whether you're googling "ways to induce labor," "how do I get my body to go into labor," or "tips to speed up labor naturally," this episode covers evidence-based methods, what triggers labor to start, what's just a myth, and when it's smartest to talk to your doctor. Perfect for pregnant families wanting to know what to expect at the end of pregnancy and how to prepare for labor and delivery.   Want the full experience? You can watch the original video episode over on YouTube. Disclaimer: This episode is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your own health provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy and medical history. About Hilary Hilary is an experienced labor and delivery nurse with over 20 years on the floor, author, and the supportive pregnancy bestie behind The Pregnancy Nurse® and Pulling Curls®. Having supported thousands of families through pregnancy, labor, and delivery (including her own overdue and induction experiences!), Hilary specializes in making complicated topics easy-to-understand and empowering pregnant families to feel prepared—not scared—through every stage of birth and postpartum.  Timestamps: 00:00 Inducing labor precautions and tips 05:12 Natural labor preparation tips 07:13 Discussing labor-inducing myths 11:28 Pregnancy and early labor tips

    How to Start Labor at Home: Evidence-Based Strategies That May Help

  3. Aug 5

    Preventing Tearing During Delivery: Real Tips for a Smoother Birth and Recovery

    Curious about how to prevent tearing during childbirth? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled dives deep into practical tips for reducing your risk of perineal tears, addressing common myths, and highlighting proven strategies you can start in late pregnancy and use on delivery day. Whether you're searching for "how to avoid tearing during labor," "perineal massage benefits," or "warm compresses for childbirth," this episode is packed with easy-to-follow advice and reassurance to empower your birth experience and postpartum recovery. Catch the complete conversation and visuals by heading to our Youtube channel. Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your individual circumstances. About Hilary Hilary Erickson, also known as The Pregnancy Nurse®, has over 20 years of labor and delivery nursing experience and is a mom of three. Since 1997, she's been helping parents feel prepared, empowered, and supported throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. With firsthand experience both in the delivery room and as a mother, Hilary brings compassion, expertise, and practical insight so you know exactly what to expect. Timestamps: 00:00 Importance of Thorough Birth Classes 03:32 Discussing childbirth tear degrees 08:35 Preventing tears during childbirth 10:03 Epidurals and birth-related tearing

  4. Jun 30

    Prepare Your Cervix for Labor and Reduce Your Risk of C-Section

    Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® untangles the science and myths behind getting your cervix ready—perfect for anyone searching for natural induction methods, "how to ripen your cervix," or "ways to prepare for labor." The conversation focused on practical, study-backed strategies including intimacy with your partner, nipple stimulation or pumping, evening primrose oil, and eating dates. The discussion explored how each method works, who should avoid certain options, and why preparing your body can make labor easier and potentially reduce the chance of needing a C-section. Want to watch the original video? Check it out on YouTube. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general informational content only. It is not medical advice, and you should always consult your individual provider about what's best for your unique health needs. About Hilary Hilary Erickson, also known as The Pregnancy Nurse®, is a seasoned labor and delivery nurse with years of hands-on experience supporting expectant families from bump to bassinet. Through Pulling Curls®, her mission is to make pregnancy, birth, and parenting less overwhelming by giving clear, evidence-based advice—and helping you prepare for whatever birth experience comes your way.

    Prepare Your Cervix for Labor and Reduce Your Risk of C-Section

  5. Jun 3

    Recognizing Early Signs of Labor: What to Watch for Before Contractions Start

    Curious about the early signs of labor and not sure what to watch for besides contractions? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls® dives into those subtle pre-labor symptoms that many parents-to-be miss. Learn about cramping, fatigue, mucus plug changes, shifts in discharge, stomach upset, and more—crucial indicators if you're wondering, "Am I about to go into labor?" Perfect for anyone searching for what early labor feels like, what the first signs before contractions are, and how to handle these changes at home before heading to the hospital. Watch the original episode on YouTube: Click here to watch on YouTube Disclaimer This podcast provides educational information only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health and pregnancy. About Hilary: The Pregnancy Nurse® Hilary is an experienced labor and delivery nurse who has been a registered nurse since 1997. With 20 years dedicated to labor and delivery, she specializes in making the complex process of labor easy to understand for new parents. Her expertise ensures you're getting trusted, evidence-based information to make you feel confident and prepared as you approach labor and delivery. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Early signs of labor discussion 05:46 Signs labor might be starting 06:24 Early labor signs and tips

    Recognizing Early Signs of Labor: What to Watch for Before Contractions Start

  6. May 6

    Has Your Baby Dropped Yet? What to Expect and When Labor Might Start

    Are you wondering if your baby has dropped, what fetal lightening means, or whether it's a sign that labor is near? In this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® breaks down the signs your baby has dropped into your pelvis, why it happens, how it affects breathing and bladder pressure, and what it means for your labor timeline. If you're searching for what dropping feels like, when it typically happens in pregnancy, or want to understand station and cervical checks, this episode gives you clear, expert answers and practical tips as you prepare for birth. Watch the Original Video on YouTube Looking for the visuals and the famous crocheted pelvis? Find the original video and more on The Pregnancy Nurse® YouTube channel. Disclaimer This podcast includes general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your own care provider with questions about your specific pregnancy, symptoms, or medical needs. About Hilary Erickson Hilary Erickson, also known as The Pregnancy Nurse®, is the host of Pregnancy and Parenting Untangled. With over 20 years' experience as a labor and delivery nurse and as a mom of three, she's delivered real answers and reassurance to countless new parents. Her commitment to clear, compassionate pregnancy education is rooted in both her professional background and her own motherhood journey, making her a trusted expert for all your pregnancy and birth questions. Timestamps: 00:00 Baby dropping explanation 05:56 Signs baby has dropped 06:40 Prenatal class invitation

    Has Your Baby Dropped Yet? What to Expect and When Labor Might Start

  7. Apr 1

    From Sharp Stabs to Relief: Navigating Ligament Pain in Pregnancy with a Pro Nurse - 266

    If you've ever googled "sharp pelvic pain during pregnancy," "round ligament pain," or wondered if your uterus was about to explode, this episode is for you! On this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse®, Speaker A breaks down everything you need to know about ligament pain in pregnancy—what it feels like, why it happens, how to tell it apart from contractions, and pro tips for preventing discomfort. Whether you're newly pregnant or further along, learn practical ways to ease those sudden, stabbing pains and when it's time to talk with your provider. Tune in and get expert advice from a seasoned labor and delivery nurse! Watch the original video: Check out the full discussion and visuals on our YouTube channel. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and entertainment only. It's not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider about any health concerns or questions specific to your pregnancy and personal situation. About Hilary, The Pregnancy Nurse® Hilary is a registered nurse with over 20 years of labor and delivery experience. Since 1997, she's helped thousands of pregnant patients navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy, including common concerns like ligament pain. Her mission is to empower families with clear, expert information for a smoother pregnancy journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding unexpected pain experiences 03:46 Understanding pregnancy ligament pain 07:08 Identifying pain and when to visit

  8. Mar 4

    How to Push Out Your Baby: Options, Expert Advice, and Personal Choice 265

    In this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson RN-BSN —The Pregnancy Nurse®—breaks down everything you need to know about pushing during delivery. From different techniques, timing, and positions, to myths you might see online, Hilary shares her extensive labor and delivery experience to empower you with practical advice for your birth. Disclaimer: This episode is meant for entertainment and general medical information purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult your own provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy. Watch the original video: Find the original episode on Youtube https://youtu.be/aqHSHhcyrvQ?list=PLtc_SbtL2LYHwTOyMArKTWoxAQD0G2lsq Why Hilary is an expert: Hilary Erickson has been a nurse since 1997 and brings over 20 years of labor and delivery expertise to the podcast. Having helped thousands of people push out their babies, she knows firsthand how every birth is different and what really works in the delivery room.  00:00 Pushing and Parenting: No Rules 05:12 "Pushing Techniques in Childbirth" 06:07 "Flexibility in Birthing Methods" 10:07 Optimal Positions for Pushing Birth 13:38 "Preparing for Pushing at Delivery"

    How to Push Out Your Baby: Options, Expert Advice, and Personal Choice 265
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Join Hilary Erickson, RN BSN (The Pregnancy Nurse®) as she shares the important parts of pregnancy, parenting & more.

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