The Push Podcast

In this episode of The Push Podcast , Nurse Sydney and Dr. Meghan continue their deep dive into inductions of labor — this time focusing on what happens after cervical ripening . They break down how Pitocin (artificial oxytocin) is used to stimulate contractions, what to expect when your provider suggests artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) , and how these methods work together to help labor pr...

Before contractions or Pitocin even start, there’s one crucial step in an induction — cervical ripening. In this episode, we break down exactly how the cervix is prepared for labor and what to expect during this process. We cover: What cervical ripening actually means The most common methods, including Cervidil , Foley and Cook catheters , and Misoprostol (Cytotec) What each option feels like, how...

From “vaginal rejuvenation” ads to viral vulva masks, the wellness industry is full of promises about women’s bodies. In this episode, Nurse Sydney and Dr. Meghan unpack what cosmetic gynecology actually means, the procedures that are evidence-based (and the ones that aren’t), and why no two vulvas should ever look the same. They break down common myths, talk about labiaplasty research, and explai...

In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Nurse Sydney and Dr. Meghan open an honest conversation about miscarriage and early pregnancy loss — topics that are often left unspoken. Together, they share medical insight, emotional realities, and ways to support yourself or someone you love through loss. If you’ve experienced loss, please know you are not alone.

Let’s talk Pap tests, HPV, and what cervical cancer screening really means for you. In this episode, Nurse Sydney and Dr. Meagan break down when to start screening, how often to do it, and what those results actually mean. We’re cutting through the confusion, busting myths about HPV, and diving into how the Gardasil vaccine helps protect against cervical cancer. Because knowledge is power — and yo...

Stretch and sweeps are one of the most common procedures offered near the end of pregnancy — but do they actually help bring on labour? In this mini bonus episode of The Push Podcast , Nurse Sydney and Dr. Meghan break down what to expect, how it’s done, and whether it’s truly effective. If you’re nearing your due date and wondering if a stretch and sweep is worth it, this quick listen will give y...

What does it really take to be the best support in the delivery room? In this episode of The Push Podcast , Nurse Sydney and Dr. Meghan share the secrets every partner needs to know — from calming words and simple comfort measures, to advocacy tips that help create a positive birth experience. Whether it’s your first time supporting a birth or you’re preparing for another baby, this conversation w...

Birth plans have become a staple of modern maternity care. You can find endless templates online and TikToks debating what should (or shouldn’t) go on them. But what’s the real purpose of a birth plan, and do they actually make a difference in your experience? In this episode of The Push Podcast, Sydney and Meghan unpack the history of birth plans, how they’re used in hospitals today, and what the...

In this bonus episode of The Push Podcast , we respond to the viral TikTok out of Santa Barbara where staff at Sansum Clinic under Sutter Health mocked patients by posting photos of bodily fluids left behind after exams. We want to start by saying we are deeply sorry if this video made you feel embarrassed, ashamed, or hesitant to seek care. Patient trust and dignity should never be compromised, a...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 people with ovaries, but if you’ve ever Googled it or scrolled #PCOS on TikTok, you know the information out there is confusing at best. Is it really all about having cysts? Do you need to cut carbs forever? Can supplements “cure” it? In this episode, we break down what PCOS actually is- the hormones that get out of balance, the common symptoms (fro...

When our Beyond “Breast is Best” episode came out, one part of the conversation sparked a flood of questions: substance use while breastfeeding. From alcohol and cannabis to caffeine and smoking, the comments section lit up with “Is this safe?,” “What about just once in a while?,” and “Does it really get into breastmilk?” In this follow-up episode, we’re digging into those questions head-on. We’ll...

Epidurals are one of the most common ways people manage pain in labour, but they’re also one of the most debated. Are they safe? Do they slow labour? Will you still be able to push? In this episode, we take a deep dive into both the science and the lived experience of epidurals. We’ll walk you through how they work, what the procedure looks like, and what the latest research says about their impac...

Why is it still so hard for women to get permanent birth control? Across TikTok, Reddit, and even news stories, young people are sharing their frustration at being turned away by providers when they ask for sterilization. At the same time, a growing movement is pushing for elective salpingectomy- the complete removal of the fallopian tubes- as the gold-standard surgical option for contraception. I...

Flat on your back isn’t the only way to give birth- but it’s the one most people expect. So how did that position become the standard, and what happens when you try something different? In this episode, we unpack the history behind why “back-only” became the norm, what the evidence actually shows about different pushing positions, and how things like gravity and mobility can make a big difference....

You’ve packed your hospital bag, now let’s talk about what happens after baby arrives. In this quick mini-episode (Part Two of our birth prep series), OB/GYN Dr. Meghan McGrattan and L&D nurse Sydney share our ultimate Postpartum Survival Kit. From recovery essentials to the little comforts that make a big difference in those first few weeks, we’ll help you stock up on the items you’ll actuall...

It’s almost go-time! This quick mini-episode is the first in our two-part series on getting ready for birth and postpartum recovery. Today, OB/GYN Dr. Meghan McGrattan and L&D nurse Sydney break down exactly what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery- and what you can definitely leave at home. We cover the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and the items that will just take up space...

Why are we still so obsessed with “baby weight”? In this episode, we break down the science and the societal pressure behind pregnancy weight gain and postpartum weight loss. From weekly weigh-ins at prenatal visits to the unrealistic timelines for “bouncing back” after birth, we’re asking: what’s the evidence, and what’s just expectation? Dr. Meghan and Nurse Sydney unpack why pre-pregnancy BMI i...

Why the real goal is support in breastfeeding- not shame. World Breastfeeding Awareness Week kicks off August 1st, and we’re getting in early with the equally messy and miraculous truth about postpartum feeding. From leaky boobs to latch stress, nipple shields to formula shame- and yes, whether or not you can have that glass of wine- we’re breaking down the biology, busting the myths, and asking w...

Hormones, hype, and how the pill really works. The birth control pill is one of the most studied- and most misunderstood- drugs in modern medicine. In this episode, we unpack what it actually does to your body, mood, and menstrual cycle, while also tracing its roots as a revolutionary tool in the fight for reproductive freedom. Whether you’ve been on it for years, just started, or are pill-curious...

Part myth, part medicine, the “husband stitch” has long haunted conversations about childbirth and consent. In the first full episode of the Push Podcast, Meghan and Sydney unpack the origins of the term, what the research actually says, and why this story still strikes a nerve today. From perineal repair to power dynamics, they explore how a single stitch became a symbol, and what it reveals abou...

Welcome to The Push Podcast , where we break down the big (and sometimes bizarre) topics in obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s health, no medical degree required. In this introductory episode, we- Meghan McGrattan, OB/GYN, and Sydney Fuller, RN- share who we are, how our friendship and professional paths brought us to this podcast, and why we felt it was time to start pushing back on myths, misin...