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Itâs 2025! In this first episode of the year, Iâm sharing 10 wishes for pregnancy, birth, and maternal health inspired by metta meditation, a practice rooted in cultivating goodwill and compassion. I learned about this beautiful practice from Aditi Shah, a Peloton meditation instructor, and today weâre adapting it to reflect on pregnancy, birth, and maternal health through 10 loving-kindness wishes.
These wishes are heartfelt hopes for a better, safer, and more equitable world for parents, babies, and families. As you explore them, I encourage you to approach them with an open heartâwhether for yourself, someone you know, or for all mothers and families. Carry these wishes with you as affirmations, reminders, or moments of pause in your day. Letâs start 2025 with kindness and care.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:Why feeling safe and supported is essential during pregnancy and birthWhat respectful and compassionate care looks likeHow access to resources helps families thrive during pregnancy and parenthoodWhat parents need to feel empowered in their decisionsHow patience and care contribute to physical and emotional healing after birthWhat we can do to eliminate inequities in maternal and infant health outcomesWhich experiences help cultivate joy and connectionHow helping birth workers helps familiesWhy prioritizing mental health during pregnancy and parenthood is essentialHow childbirth education transforms the pregnancy and birth experience--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode288
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Itâs that time of year again: Iâm recapping the most downloaded episodes of 2024. Think of this as a kind of greatest hits or playlist - a perfect place for you to start if youâre new to the podcast. If you donât see your favorite episode on this list, remember that earlier episodes have more downloads simply because theyâve been available longer, not because theyâre less valuable!
Weâre closing out the year with over 435,000 downloads in 2024 and the total lifetime downloads are up to 2.6 million! I so appreciate each and every one of you who puts me in your ears and trusts me to help you through your pregnancy and birth experience.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:How to tell when itâs time to go to the hospitalWhat changes can happen to the body postpartumWhether or not you can have a period while youâre pregnantWhich conditions are screened for in prenatal testsWhat colostrum is and why itâs importantHow to plan for a safer childbirth experienceWhich mental health conditions are common during pregnancyHow feeding patterns influence your babyâs sleepHow a hospital birth can feel joyful and relaxingWhat the difference is between pain and suffering during laborWhat a VBAC is and how to prepare for oneHow much caffeine is safe during pregnancyHow pregnancy can affect intimacy--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode287
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I know you want to exercise during pregnancy, but what are you supposed to do and how do you do it safely? Amy Keifer from Expecting and Empowered is here to answer that question and more!
After starting her personal training career working with pregnant clients, she realized there were a ton of misconceptions still floating around about exercising during pregnancy. Thatâs why she and her sister created their thriving maternal fitness community. As a registered nurse, doula, personal trainer, and having gone through three unmedicated births, Amy offers invaluable firsthand insight. âThis is a great conversation and I know youâre going to find it incredibly valuable.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:Whether you should start strength training during pregnancyHow you can start exercising during pregnancyWhat the benefits are of exercise during pregnancyWhat coping techniques Amy recommends for managing pain during laborHow can movement and labor rituals help you manage contractionsHow water, like a tub or shower, can help alleviate labor painWhy itâs important to understand the stages of labor and what to expect during eachWhy you should take time to familiarize yourself with your birthing optionsWho should be on your support team and what roles they can play during laborWhat are the benefits of practicing breathwork and mindfulness for labor prep--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode286
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What happens when youâre a physician and you experience a childbirth-related injury? Are you treated any differently? Todayâs guest experienced exactly that and youâre going to hear her unique perspective. Gina is an ophthalmology resident who had a birth complication that left her paralyzed in one leg. She has regained her mobility but this very rare injury still has lasting effects.
Despite being a physician herself, Gina faced dismissiveness from her medical team. In fact, one nurse even told her people with more medical backing actually get worse care because they have âmore knowledge.â You donât always know ahead of time when youâll need to advocate for yourself. It is an absolute must that you are ready to do so.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:What caused Dr. Gina Yuâs rare postpartum nerve injuryWhat her team initially thought caused the injury versus what tests revealedHow positional adjustments during labor could prevent nerve damageWhat steps she took to regain mobility after paralysisHow she balanced recovery with caring for her newbornHow support systems played a critical role in her recoveryHow gratitude helped her cope with trauma and uncertaintyWhy postpartum challenges often go overlooked in healthcareHow her injury changed her perspective on patient care--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode285
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When exploring âalternativeâ therapies, itâs crucial to understand the training and qualifications of practitioners. Although licensure and certification arenât guarantees, they certainly help give you some assurance that the person is trained and capable. This weekâs guest, Meaghan Beames, is a Registered Massage Therapist and Craniosacral Therapist who teaches perinatal professionals how to incorporate CST into their practices.
Now, I will be honest, I was a little hesitant about this episode. While craniosacral therapy is offered at many mainstream big institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, Duke, or Harvard, some folks say that craniosacral therapy is pseudoscience and it's relatively new in pregnancy and infants. But I ultimately decided that this is important information to share. I learned a lot and you will too.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:What craniosacral therapy is and how it worksWhich pregnancy and infant conditions craniosacral therapy can help withHow craniosacral therapy works and which areas of the body it targetsHow many sessions are typically recommendedWhat to look for in a craniosacral therapist What research says about the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode284
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Iâve said it many times: the only predictable thing about birth is that itâs unpredictable. But you can absolutely navigate that unpredictability by being prepared - which is exactly what Alexa did. After what she calls a âsmooth pregnancy,â things took some surprising twists and turns which ended in a cesarean birth.
At 35 weeks, her husband noticed she was unusually swollen and urged her to visit the doctor. What was supposed to be a checkup turned into delivery day! It was determined that she actually did have preeclampsia and, though at first she hoped she would be able to spend a couple more weeks on bed rest waiting, her baby had different plans.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:Why being pregnant alongside friends made a difference for AlexaWhen she decided to start looking for a doula and how she made her decisionHow Alexa and her family initially reacted to her swelling /// What signs of swelling Alexa experienced before her diagnosisWhat steps her husband took after noticing her swellingWhy Alexa was hospitalized after her checkupWhen Alexa learned her baby was breech and how it changed the birth planWhat factors led to Alexaâs C-sectionWhat it was like giving birth where her husband worksWhat challenges Alexa faced during recoveryWhich support systems helped Alexa through postpartum depression--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode283
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Did you know that almost one in ten pregnancies in the United States is affected by gestational diabetes? While that might sound scary, the good news is that with the right information and care, people with gestational diabetes will most likely have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
When itâs time to be screened, donât focus on âpassingâ the test. If you have gestational diabetes, you want to know so you can treat it effectively. Many people can manage it with dietary changes so donât stress too much if you donât get the results you want. Just take the test - then manage the results with confidence. Listen to this episode to help you!
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:What gestational diabetes is and how common it isWhat complications it can pose for parent and babyHow glucose tests are used in diagnosisHow pregnancy hormones can affect blood sugar levelsHow GDM is treated: both with and without medicationHow it affects pregnancy and birth managementWhat its lasting effects can be--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode282
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I have a FANTASTIC Black Friday Sale coming! Join my email list at drnicolerankins.com/email so you'll be the first to get notified!
You've heard of low intervention birth but what does it mean? In this episode I share how a low intervention birth under my care unfolded. Here's a peak -
8 AM - cervical check and 4 cmIntermittent monitoring, saline lock, moving, eating and drinking8 PM - second cervical check and 6 cmstarting pushing at 1130 PMand listen to hear the rest!
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Did you know the U.S. is one of just four countries in the world - and the only developed nation - without guaranteed paid maternity leave? While weâve made great strides in workplace fairness, the fight for equity is far from over. In a country where pregnancy can still jeopardize someoneâs career, these protections are more crucial than ever. Thatâs why advocates like todayâs guests are so important.
Jack Tuckner is a workplace rights attorney who specializes in gender discrimination, including pregnancy-related issues, and Catherine Kreider is a lawyer and doula. Through their legal work and advocacy, theyâve been instrumental in advocating for laws like the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and strengthening protections for expectant workers. Make sure you know your rights, document everything, and donât hesitate to seek out a local attorney if you need support - advocacy starts with awareness!
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:What constitutes pregnancy discrimination in the workplaceWho qualifies for protections under the Pregnant Workers Fairness ActWhy documenting workplace interactions is critical for protecting your rightsWhen and how to notify your employer about your pregnancyHow to request accommodations during pregnancyWhether state or federal laws provide better protections for pregnant workers--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode281
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In this shorty episode I answer this listener question from Kate. And if you want me to answer a question for you DM me on Instagram @drnicolerankins or shoot me a message on my website contact form!
"I was checked at 5 cm, started feeling pressure after a few hours, and then a really strong urge to push after another few hours. I was unmedicated, so I could really feel those sensations, but was told to push against this urge and, I quote, ""hold it in"" because I was only at 8 cm and that I would tear my cervix if I pushed. This kept going for about an hour, at which point they called the doctor, who said, I quote again, â8, maybe 9, I guess you could push if you want toâ. I wasnât really able to talk, so I just pushed and everything went well. But then I started wondering why my body would give me such a powerful urge to push if it was too early. Is it possible that 9 cm was as far as my cervix would dilate? Iâm a really small person, does that play a role? Does everyone get as far as 10? Iâm curious and would love to hear more about this."
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Rachel always wanted to be a mother, but before she could begin that journey, she felt it was important to get off of depression and anxiety medication. After spending three months weaning off her meds, she very quickly got pregnant. Her pregnancy, although a source of great excitement, also brought unexpected difficulties, including two falls - and then her water broke during her baby shower!
A breech baby, a failed turning procedure (external cephalic version), intubation during her cesarean for a âpanic attackâ, and more added up to a traumatic birth experience. Rachel gets a bit emotional and teary during her story and you can understand why. Her birth was definitely a challenge and there's so much to learn from her story. I cannot wait for you to hear it.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:How Rachel and her psychiatrist created a plan to safely stop medicationWhat tactics she used to manage anxiety and depression symptomsHow limited food options triggered old disordered eating strugglesHow lower back and hip pain caused daily difficulties with mobilityWhy she wishes she wouldâve chosen a different providerHow the epidural created a sensation of being unable to breatheWhy she underwent general anesthesia for her C-sectionWhat her healing process was likeWhether or not sheâll return to psychiatric medication--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode280
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In this short episode I address this really thoughtful comment from a listener -
"I've noticed that Dr. Rankins' position statements have gotten stronger on the negatives of a hospital birth over time (in the year+ that I've been listening). For instance her opening introduction now frames hospitals as a system that "too often takes away power from women over what happens in their own bodies." When she first started I think this was phrased more as "it can undermine women" or something a little softer. I've noticed the types of guests she welcomes onto the podcast are also more likely to have this stronger mentality against/suspicious of/worried about hospital births. I guess I'm curious if this reflects a true change in Dr. Rankins' position as she continued to gain knowledge herself through the podcast community, or if this reflects her willingness to simply say what she's known more strongly now, or if this is a trend of worsening conditions in hospitals. And overall does Dr. Rankins feel that hospital births still provide an overall positive service to women (do the goods outweigh the bads, especially for women who come in prepared with some knowledge), or does she feel that the scales are now tipped more negatively? I guess an updated "bird's eye" view of the whole system in the US might be helpful for some of us trying to understand the overall context as we work through our individual choices available to us in our regions. (For context on myself, if it matters/helps, my first birth was unmedicated in a hospital setting with a doula -- the doula was excellent, the overall birth experience was just ok, the after birth care was very good.)"
If you want to let me know your thoughts about the podcast head to drnicolerankins.com/survey!
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Dealing with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is no fun. Youâve probably heard of âmorning sicknessâ but thatâs a misnomer - queasiness can happen at any time of day (and during any stage of pregnancy too). The good news is, for most people, itâs nothing to worry about. Even though itâs uncomfortable (and sometimes downright miserable), itâs generally not harmful to you or your baby.
In this episode, youâll learn about triggers, warning signs, and relief options for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Itâs a challenging part of pregnancy, and itâs common so we need to talk about it! Iâll also touch upon hyperemesis gravidarum, which is when nausea and vomiting escalates to a more serious condition and a level of severity that requires more intense medical attention.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:How common pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting areWhether symptoms can harm you or babyWhat some of the underlying causes areWhen digestive issues typically occur during pregnancyWhat hyperemesis gravidarum involves and how itâs handledHow pregnancy sickness is evaluated and treatedHow diet, acupressure, and ginger could helpWhich medication options are availableWhy cannabis isnât recommended for symptom managementWhen to visit your doctor for help--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode279
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How did a birth described as âa series of traumatic eventsâ end up being the best experience of Jennaâs life? Despite all of the unexpected challenges, getting through the 65 hour labor and birth helped her find peace and confidence in her intuition.
Jennaâs story reminds us that itâs okay to feel both grateful to a medical team and to feel upset about how certain aspects of care were handled. Itâs well beyond time to stop saying that âall that matters is a healthy babyââthe full experience matters, too. Iâm so excited for you to hear Jennaâs journey and how she navigated this incredibly challenging birth.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:Why Jenna booked a preconception consultationHow polyhydramnios and gestational diabetes affected the pregnancyWhy she opted for a 39-week inductionWhich interventions her team used to help progress laborWhat challenges her babyâs position presentedHow she managed through a failed epidural experienceHow her intuition and persistence led to an emergency C-sectionWhat an Erbâs Palsy diagnosis meant for her babyâs recoveryWhat role postpartum therapy played in reframing her experience--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode278
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In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month this October, in this episode we have secondary infertility and baby loss survivor Bernice Quesenberry (and quick note I inadvertently mispronounced her last name in the episode, my apologies!). She has repurposed her pain into something positive by starting a national nonprofit called Chasing the Rainbows, which offers FREE, trauma-informed support for those facing infertility, miscarriage, and infant loss.
If youâve experienced pregnancy or infant loss, it can feel very isolating because itâs not talked about often in media & mainstream culture. But you are not alone - unfortunately itâs a very common part of people's journey to being parents. I hope you never need this episode but if you do or know someone who might need it, then it's here with all of these amazing resources to help you.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:Why trauma-informed care is crucial in supporting those experiencing baby lossHow reproductive trauma occurs and how frequently it happensWhat makes it difficult to find mental health support after baby lossHow peer mentorship and support groups provide a sense of connection and support during healingWhat the grief journey may look likeWhat you should (and shouldnât) do to support someone after pregnancy or infant lossHow grief from infant loss impacts mental healthHow to honor the memory of a lost baby while continuing with life--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode277
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I just turned 50 - yes, 50! I know people - and women especially - can feel some kind of way about sharing their age. But I have no problem with sharing my age because every day is truly a gift. To mark this milestone, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect, express my gratitude, share some thoughts on what helped me get here, and whatâs next.
This episode is also a bit different, as I want to take time to honor two people very dear to me - my late father, who passed away just last month, and my sister, who I lost over 10 years ago. Though I still miss them deeply, I feel immense gratitude for the time we shared, and their memories serve as a constant reminder to appreciate life and the people in it. Itâs a bit of a different episode today, but I know youâll enjoy it!
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:Why it doesnât matter who you call family - it just matters that you spend time with themWhy itâs so important to value your own timeWhether you should invest in things or experiencesWhere true joy and happiness come fromHow staying true to your values can keep your peace of mindWhy you should shoot your shot - even if youâre scared!How real clarity comes from action, not overthinkingWhy embracing both joy and difficulty is key to living fully--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/276
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This episode may be about the NICU but itâs for any and every person whoâs having a baby. The reason I say that is because itâs actually way more common than you think that a baby needs to receive intensive care. Nearly 40% of babies who go to the NICU are full-term.
As a mom of two NICU babies, let me tell you: itâs the NICU nurses who are at your side. NICU nurses are angels and todayâs guest is one! Mary Farrelly, a certified NICU nurse and trained doula, is leading the way in helping parents navigate the NICU journey. You know I always say itâs important to listen to real experts - and todayâs guest is exactly that!
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:What NICU stands for and what the levels areWhy babies go to the NICUWhat NICU nurses do and what training is requiredHow to include the NICU in your birth planWhy blending NICU nurse and doula roles benefits familiesWhich procedures are commonly used in the NICUWhat emotional support looks like for families post-NICU--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode275
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Martha hoped and prepared for a low intervention birth and ended up getting just about every intervention! She tried everything to get labor to start on its own but she ultimately was induced at 41 weeks. After 40 hours of labor with no pain medication other than nitrous oxide, she opted for an epidural. Soon after she was advised to get a non-emergency C-section because unfortunately things had plateaued.
The C-section was fortunately not traumatic but it was the opposite of what she wanted. Her postpartum was beautiful but she also needed time to grieve the loss of the birthing experience she had hoped for. Today, she is feeling grateful to be bonded with her baby and wants listeners to take this story as a reminder that even if you have a challenging pregnancy and birth you can have a joyful and "easy" postpartum.
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:How she was envisioning her birth when she was preparing for itWhy she opted for midwives in a hospital settingHow she bargained for specifically 41 weeks and 3 daysWhich methods she used to try and induce laborWhy she preferred Cytotec to CirvidilWhether a balloon or Pitocin were helpfulWhy she said yes to an epidural and how she responded to itWhat doctors mean when they refer to your baby as âsleepyâ during laborWhy she was grateful her doctor used a clear curtain during the C-section--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode274
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This episode was inspired by a message from long-time listener Sierra. She has experienced multiple miscarriages and, though she appreciated the episodes I have done discussing pregnancy loss, there are some issues specific to recurrent miscarriage that I havenât gotten into yet. Sierra says âYou've had some women who gave birth stories that had elements of miscarriage or infertility, but most of the discussions with them focus on the living children they had afterwards.â
A successful pregnancy following miscarriage is the norm, itâs true. But for some, thatâs not the full story. If youâre going through this painful experience, I hope this episode brings you both practical information and reassurance that youâre not alone. Even if you donât think this episode applies to you, donât shy away from it out of fear. Staying informed is empowering, not tempting fate!
In this Episode, Youâll Learn About:What the difference is between miscarriage and recurrent miscarriageHow common single miscarriage is compared to recurrentWhat causes are often behind pregnancy lossWhich treatment options are availableHow likely a successful pregnancy is after miscarriageWhat the emotional impact of a pregnancy loss can beHow to support someone whoâs had a miscarriageWhat to say to someone who has recently experienced loss--
Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode273
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Medical recommendations surrounding eating and drinking in labor are evolving, but not quite where they should be.
In this episode learn the rationale for restricting eating and drinking in labor, why it's outdated, what our current guidelines are, and my evidence based recommendations for eating and drinking in labor.
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