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

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 date...

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 ab...

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 w...

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 p...

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 en...

In this episode of "The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled," Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® is joined by Erin Galloway from She Might to discuss the complexities of unplanned and unexpected pregnancies. Together, they unpack the wide range of emotions—from shock and grief to adjusting expectations and seeking support. The conversation highlights how common these experie...

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, hosts Hilary Erickson and Dr. Janene Fuerch, a neonatologist at Stanford, dive into what every pregnant family should know about the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). They discuss why it's important to understand NICU basics—even if you're planning a smooth delivery—and share practical tips on how to cope if your baby needs extra care, including way...

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary chats with Dani Morin about the many paths to pregnancy, navigating tough relationships with healthcare providers, and whether you can really trust AI for pregnancy advice. Dani shares her unique experience of becoming a mom through different methods, including home insemination, and opens up about the challenges she faced after loss and while b...

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary welcomes certified nurse midwife Juli Pyle to dive into the topic of informed consent in labor and delivery. Together, they break down what informed consent really means, the key components every patient should know, and how it plays out during childbirth. Juli and Hilary share personal stories from both sides—provider and patient—highlighting w...

Curious about assisted deliveries? In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson, The Pregnancy Nurse®, sits down with Dr. Tori O'Daniel, a board-certified OB GYN, to demystify vacuum and forceps deliveries. They explain when and why these tools might be used, how they work, the differences between them, and what you can expect if your delivery needs a little extra help. They also...

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson, RN, is joined by Kimberly Iceberg from Count the Kicks to answer common questions about tracking your baby's movements during pregnancy. They discuss why kick counts matter, how to use the Count the Kicks app, what to do if you notice changes in your baby's movement, and how kick counting can give you peace of mind while supporting sti...

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson, RN, and guest Stephanie Straub from CNY Therapy Solutions dive into the complexities of changes in marital roles, especially after the arrival of a new baby. They explore how these shifts can impact relationships and offer practical advice on how couples can adjust to these changes. Listen as they discu...

In episode 257 of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson shares an update on her recovery post-appendix surgery, reviewing recent changes and challenges in her business, and announces a shift in the podcast's schedule. Hilary discusses the impact of recent Google changes on her online traffic, her frustration with unresponsive business courses, and her decision to take a break from the podcast...

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, hosts Hilary Erickson, RN, and Kara Kushnir, LCSW, delve deep into the topic of postpartum anxiety. They discuss personal experiences, signs and symptoms, distinctions between anxiety and other mental health conditions, and practical tools for managing anxiety at home. They also emphasize the importance of seeking help...

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 a...

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 los...

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 significa...

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 rig...

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...

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 a...

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 ti...

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...

Welcome back to The Pulling Curls Podcast! In today's episode, Hilary Erickson shares her personal experience with appendicitis. From the initial symptoms to her time in the hospital and the recovery process, Hilary provides a detailed and eye-opening account of what it's like to deal with a ruptured appendix. Tune in for valuable insights, emotional moments, and practical tips on navigating an un...

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson sits down with Dr. Tori O'Daniel, an experienced OB GYN, to discuss critical considerations for plus size pregnancies and births. Sponsored by Laborie Medical, the episode delves into the challenges and solutions related to monitoring, C-sections, and postpartum care for moms living in larger bodies. Tun...

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson chats with Margaret Wright, vice president of a local school board, about the significance of minor elections. They delve into the challenges and rewards of serving on the school board, the intricacies of local elections, and the importance of researching and voting for these often overlooked positions t...