Birth With Power

Latest Episodes:

Ep 215: 11 Must Know Tips to Have the Best Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Experience Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

In this episode you’re going to learn 11 must-know tips to have the best pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. As you know, I’ve delivered thousands of babies and I’ll be the first to tell you that you can’t predict how any birth will go. The only predictable thing about birth is that it’s unpredictable.

BUT….you can absolutely be ready for that unpredictability! I’ve put together a list of tips that everyone having a baby can benefit from. Whether it’s your first or your last, whether you’re giving birth in the hospital, a birth center or at home, whether you have a midwife or a physician, this advice will be super helpful to you!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

-What making the most of your prenatal care looks like

-Why it’s essential to attend all of your prenatal checkups

-What a support system is and how to build one

-Why you need a birth partner who you can communicate with

What are some ways you can bond with your baby (even before they’re born!)

-Why you need to understand that SELF CARE ISN’T SELFISH

-How to manage the inevitable stress that will come with pregnancy, birth, and parenthood

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode215

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Donate your umbilical cord blood and help save lives! thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 214: Jade’s Birth Story - 9 Months of Nausea, 2 Minutes of Pushing Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

A challenging pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean a difficult birth. Jade had an awful nine months. She experienced nausea, severe pelvic pain, and adverse reactions to medication. Her hope was to have an unmedicated birth but as she struggled with her pregnancy she wondered if she would be able to get through her delivery without assistance.

Well, Jade not only had her baby without medication but the birth almost moved too quickly. She barely made it to the bed! There’s so much to learn from her story and you’re going to love the way she tells it.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

How Jade prepared both her mind and her body for birth
Why she chose to work with midwives for this birth
What medication actually cured her persistent nausea
…and how that medication wound up putting her in the hospital
What pica is and what causes it
How chiropractic care helped her with pain

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode214

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 213: Breastfeeding Education with Kelly Kendall, IBCLC, of The Balanced Boob Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

**This episode is sponsored by The Lactation Network, the largest network of accredited breastfeeding experts in the country. Visit tln.care/AAPB to learn more and schedule your own insurance-covered consultation today!

I always say that breastfeeding is a labor of love. It’s rewarding but it can also be extremely challenging. Just because it’s natural, doesn’t mean it’s going to come naturally. That’s where education comes in. Although first-hand experience is valuable, you need someone with expertise and training, someone like today’s guest.

Kelly Kendall is a Nurse and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is also the founder of The Balanced Boob, an educational resource and support community for breastfeeding families. I’ve been in maternity care for a long time and she even taught me some new things so I know you’re going to learn a lot from this episode!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

-What it takes to become an international board certified lactation consultant

-How COVID forced Kelly to pivot to becoming an online educator

-What hand expression is and why it is a helpful technique to learn

-Whether or not pain in breastfeeding is an inevitability

-How common it is to have trouble with latching and breastfeeding in general

-How to handle clogs and mastitis

-How often and how much you should be feeding your newborn

-What some tips and products are that can prevent and treat nipple pain

-What are some causes and solutions to under and over supply

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode213

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 212: What Happens During Labor - A Sneak Peak Inside The Birth Preparation Course! Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

Today you’re getting a special sneak peek inside the Birth Preparation Course! If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ve heard me talk about it. For those who don’t know, it’s my signature online childbirth education class designed to get you calm, confident, and empowered to have the beautiful birth experience you deserve.

In this episode, I’ll be going through the lesson on exactly what happens during labor, from the moment you get to the hospital until your baby is born. This episode is great in audio but it’s even better in video because you can see the things I demonstrate. Hop on over to the BPC and check it out!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

-What happens when you arrive at the hospital

-How common it is to be sent home

-Why it’s helpful to have someone with you who can answer medical history questions on your behalf

-How much more you’ll see your nurse than your doctor

-What it’s like in the labor room

-What vaginal exams are checking for and how frequently they need to be done

-How position changes can help with more than just pain

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode212

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 211: Monique’s Birth Story - Prioritizing Peace Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

Monique thought she was going to have a vaginal birth with an epidural. She was scheduled to be induced just after 40 weeks but as it goes with labor, things took a bit of a turn and you’re going to hear about all those twists and turns in today’s birth story episode.

Being a recent transplant from Suriname in South America, she was still adjusting to a strange country when she got pregnant. Going into motherhood away from home meant she had to be extra prepared. She did a ton of research, hired doulas, and asked friends for help. Because of all the work she did to make sure she was supported, she had the beautiful birth she deserved.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

-Why Monique was concerned about pregnancy loss from the start

-What made birth customs in the U.S. different from those in Suriname

-Which resources she used to get very, VERY prepared for her birth

-What preferences she discussed with her doctor ahead of time

-How she made a plan to deal with her low pain tolerance

-How she used doulas intentionally and strategically to ease stress

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode211

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 210: The Freedom to Choose Your Birthing Position with Dr. Rebecca Dekker of Evidence Based Birth May 30, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Rebecca Dekker is back! You may remember Dr. Rebecca from way, way back in episode 18. Since then, my work and hers have both grown tremendously. If you enjoy what I’m doing here I think you would also enjoy the resources she provides through her organization, Evidence Based Birth.

Today’s conversation is all about the topic she has dedicated so much of her work to: birthing positions. A majority of US births are supine, or on the back. This is what we always see in tv and movies but it’s actually not the ideal, or more importantly, ONLY way to give birth. There isn’t a perfect or best labor position. Instead, what really matters is that you have the freedom and support to move your body and find what works best for you.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What the classifications are for birthing positions
What does research show about which positions people opt for if given the choice
Why most people in the US give birth on their backs
What makes lithotomy/stirrup birth dangerous
What evidence says about birth positions with and without an epidural
How birth seats are used
How medical culture affects birth outcomes

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 209: The Umbilical Cord -What Is It, What Does It Do and What Problems Can Occur May 23, 2023

Show notes

The umbilical cord is truly your baby’s lifeline. It provides a pathway for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste. After birth the cord is cut and the fetal circulation ends, leaving behind a small stump. And when that stump falls away it makes the belly button, a permanent reminder of the physical connection between you and your baby.

In this episode you’re going to learn about what potential problems can happen with the umbilical cord including those diagnosed during pregnancy (marginal cord insertion, velamentous cord insertion, vasa previa, 2 vessel cord), and those that can occur during birth (cord compression, cord prolapse, nuchal cord, cord knots). Now, even though I go over a lot of cord-related issues in this episode, the chances of a true emergency are unlikely. I want you to be informed and aware of the potential risks but mostly I want you to come away from this episode feeling amazed and appreciative of what your body can do.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What the umbilical cord delivers to your baby and how it works
Which cord-related issues can be diagnosed during routine ultrasound exams
What cord complications can happen during the course of labor
What delayed cord clamping is and what the benefits are
What umbilical cord blood banking means
What the types of cord blood banking are and which might be right for you
How different cultures around the world commemorate the umbilical cord

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode209

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 208: Candace’s Birth Story - Reclaiming Your Birth Story After Obstetric Violence May 16, 2023

Show notes

When Candace learned how dangerous it is to be Black and give birth in the US, she started looking for solutions. Using her skills as a professional data scientist, she determined that she would be safest opting for an unmedicated birth at a birthing center.

There, the staff was patient, respectful and communicative. But at 39 weeks, after days of prodromal labor, a hospital transfer was necessary. That’s when her whole experience took a dark turn.

About 20% of all birth center births will result in a hospital transfer. The most common reason for transfer is pain management. If we do a little back of the napkin math, that means that Candace’s story is incredibly common. That’s just unacceptable. We can and should do better and this episode shows how the simplest efforts can make big impacts.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

Which four factors Candace determined improve outcomes for Black parents
What respectful medical care looks like
How Candace discussed racial healthcare disparities with her care team
Why she decided to switch doctors mid-delivery
What convinced Candace it was time for a c-section
How she managed the emotional pain and trauma she felt in the wake of her birth

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode208

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 207: Beauty from the Inside Out with Personal Stylist Anetra Byrd May 09, 2023

Show notes

Society has always been so judgmental of what mothers “should” wear during pregnancy. But celebrities like Rihanna and Beyoncé are showing off their baby bellies and still looking sexy, proving maternity doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.

Personal stylist Anetra Byrd is here for a fun episode about what to wear while your body goes through changes. If you saw the pictures from my women’s empowerment talk with Tracee Ellis Ross, you know how talented Anetra is. She styled me for that event and made me feel confident and true to myself. You deserve to look good during pregnancy, whatever that might look like to you, and Anetra has a lot of great advice on how to be chic and stay comfortable.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What a personal stylist does
How Anetra helps clients express themselves authentically
Why you need support from both your bra and your loved ones
What some key pieces are that look cute and aren’t restrictive
Why you might consider a stylist for a maternity shoot
Why you may need several sets of clothes throughout your pregnancy and after baby’s arrival
What a capsule wardrobe is and how it could help simplify your life postpartum

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode207

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep206: What Does it Mean to Have an Ectopic Pregnancy? May 02, 2023

Show notes

We’re doing a better job of talking about miscarriage but we don’t necessarily talk a lot about ectopic pregnancy loss. As I explain in the episode, an ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If that happens, it can be life-threatening and requires medical attention.

The emotional impact of an ectopic pregnancy can be the same as a miscarriage. Feelings of sadness, grief, and loss are common. Plus, it’s normal to experience anxiety and fear around your own health as well as what’s going to happen in future pregnancies.

The good news is that most often, an ectopic pregnancy will not affect your fertility. Listen to this episode to learn what warning signs to look out for and how to get the treatment you need. After you’ve received proper care, you should be able to go on to have a healthy baby.