Podcasts about all about pregnancy

Meagan welcomes Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a board-certified OB/GYN, to discuss everything related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the VBAC experience. With over 23 years of experience and more than 1,000 deliveries, Dr. Rankins shares her insights on common questions and concerns from expectant mothers. From the importance of mindset during labor to understanding the implications of the word “allow” in provider-patient relationships, this episode is packed with valuable information. Don't miss out on Dr. Rankins' tips for a calm and confident birth, and learn how to advocate for yourself in the birthing process!Dr. Nicole Rankins' WebsiteNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello, Women of Strength, It's Meagan, and I am so excited to be joining you today with our friend, Nicole Calloway Rankins. Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins is incredible. We've been following her for a long time and have collaborated with her in the past and are so excited to be having her on the podcast today. Dr. Rankins is a board-certified practicing OB/GYN, wife, mom and podcast host here to help you get calm, confident, and empower you to have a beautiful birth you deserve. She was born into a family of educators, and she felt a pull to medical school the day she looked in the mirror and saw a vision of herself in a white coat. And get this, it all happened while she was studying to be an engineer. She says, "I know that sounds crazy, but that vision has led me to exactly where I am supposed to be today- serving pregnant women." She's delivered more than 1,000 babies and has de-mystified childbirth for thousands more through her 5-star rated All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast which she's going be talking about a little bit more today. I'm so excited for her. She has over 2 million downloads and her online birth plan and childbirth education classes. You guys, she is really changing so much about the birth world. She's incredible. You're going to hear it today. I love chatting with her. You can find her at drnicolrankins.com and of course, we'll have all of her other podcasts and Instagram and all that in the show notes. So get ready, we're excited. We're going to be talking a little bit more about common questions for an OB/GYN, but then we're also going to be diving into questions from you personally. I reached out on Instagram and said, "Hey, what are your questions for this doctor?" She is so excited to answer them, and she did. We went through every single question that was asked on our Instagram community. I'm so excited. I'm going to get to the intro, and then we are going to start with Dr. Rankins. You guys, Dr. Rankins is back with us today and I'm so excited. Funny enough, I keep saying that you're back, but you've never done the podcast with us.Dr. Nicole Rankins: I don't think so. Yeah, I think we did a class.m: We did a class which was phenomenal and everyone ranted and raved about it. So we're back together ,but we have you for the first time on the podcast. So welcome. Dr. Nicole Rankins: Well, thank you. I'm excited to be here.Meagan: We just adore you and I love getting your opinion on things. I think from doulas, from midwives to OBs, we all have different opinions and experiences, and if there's anyone that has hands-on experience, it is you and a midwife, like someone who is physically handling.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yep. I've done this a couple thousand times. Yes.Meagan: Versus my 300 and something verse.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Don't discount it. That's very excellent.Meagan: It's still super great, but when it comes to thousands and an understanding on an even deeper level, it's just so fun and it's a compliment to the podcast to have your expertise.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, I've been at this 23 years, so it's a long time.Meagan: And still going. It's still going.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Still going. Yes.Meagan: And okay, tell me we can edit this if you want, but you have a new podcast coming out. I do know it's not going to be by the time this airs. It's not going to be out just yet. But can you tell us a little bit more about it and where people can find this?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. So it's still going to be in the same feed. So if you subscribe to the old podcast, it's just going to change, keep the same feed, but it's going to have a new name and a bit of a new focus still related to pregnancy and birth, but it's just a bit tighter. I want to say the name so bad, but I'm not going to.Meagan: Okay. Don't let it out. We will find out it is released.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yes.Meagan: Tell them where to follow right now.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Right now? Yeah, if you follow me on Instagram, even though I'm taking a Little break now, you'll get it there. But the podcast is called All About Pregnancy and Birth. Go ahead and subscribe, and you can be the first one to know when the first episodes come out. I just have lots of new ways to present information about pregnancy and birth and frameworks and things. Okay, I'll give a little hint. One of the first things I'm talking about is one thing that's so important to pregnancy and your birth experience is your mindset. So one of the things I created is this MAMA mindset framework. MAMA stands for meditation, affirmations, move your body, attitude of gratitudes. I have practices, exercises, and things we're going to talk about. That's just one little, tiny sliver of the things that I've been working on and writing, so it's just good, great stuff.Meagan: Yay. Oh my gosh. I'm so excited. That is even more applied with just birth in general. But VBAC, I feel like mindset attitude, and all these things that you were just saying, is so important because even though we're just moms going and having babies, we have some extra things that some extra barriers that sometimes we have to either break through or we run into.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Absolutely. Yeah. I mean, a calm mind creates a confident birth. So when you have that calm mind, that is the first step to helping you create a confident birth experience. So mindset is really important.Meagan: Yeah, it really is. Well, I'm excited to chat with you today, and I'm excited to listen to that sometime here in the near future and listen to more of what you are bringing to the table. Okay, so one of the questions that I would like to go over is the word "allow".What does the word "allow" mean? How does someone navigate something that maybe doesn't feel right for them? And on both sides-- Dr. Fox and I have talked about how sometimes it's not right for the provider. You're not the right patient for that provider because what you want is not comfortable with the provider and vice versa.But we often hear or actually more see it on The VBAC Link Community on Facebook. There are comments of, "My doctor said they will allow" or "My midwife said they'll allow me to." If so when you are saying that or maybe have you said that, what does that mean?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, I don't say that word.Meagan: Okay.Dr. Nicole Rankins: It's a word that should not be in the discussion about birth because allow implies a hierarchal relationship where I get to make the decisions about what does or does not happen in someone's pregnancy, birth, labor, body, and that is not true. You as the person giving birth are the one who ultimately makes the decisions, not your doctor or your midwife. We can't really allow anything. We're not your parents. Do you know what I mean? So "allow" shouldn't be part of the conversation. It's a left overturn from just a general patriarchal foundation of OB/GYN, particularly when men took over into the specialty and banished midwives is how that language came about is that we need to tell folks and we need to control. So it really shouldn't be the case, but it still hangs around. Words matter, and it's important. Even though people don't necessarily mean it with any sort of ill-intent or that they mean that they're trying to control you, and inherently sort of subconsciously implies that. So I strongly dislike the word "allow".Meagan: Yeah, I am with you too. As someone who has had that word happen to me, it made me feel like I had to do something to meet their standard quota to get that allowance.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Right.Meagan: That just didn't feel great.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. Yeah.Meagan: So if someone is saying that, are there any tips of advice that you would give?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, I mean, first off, if you hear it, that's a little notch of a red flag potentially that it's not going to be a shared decision-making process because really, it should be that my role is to give you information and share my expertise with you to help you come up with the best decision for yourself. That looks like various things for different people. Some people want tons of information. They want to think about it and then talk about it. Some people are like, "Just tell me what to do," which if that's what you want me to do, then I can do that too. So if you hear "allowed", then it's concerning that there may not be that shared decision-making. So that's a little bit of a red flag to know.But then to open it up for discussion, it kind of depends on what the situation is. So is it we don't allow you to eat or drink during labor or we don't allow TOLAC? Then the next question is really, why? Especially if it's something that's important for you, why? If you want to use the language back, you can even use it back. "But why is that not allowed? Why is that the case?" And then kind of take the discussion from there.Meagan: Yeah. I think asking the question just in general, "Why?" or "Okay, I hear you. Can you explain to me?"Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yes.Meagan: It really helps there be a discussion like you were saying. I feel like when it comes to birth, like you're saying, I'm not your parent, but it needs to be collaborative effort here. We're trusting you to help us with this really amazing event in our life, but at the same time, we have to have equal trust from you. It's this collaboration of like, let's talk about what we want this to look like.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. Definitely, tust and collaboration are key in order to have a great birth experience. And ideally, you want to try to work on that foundation during your prenatal appointments so that by the time you get to the hospital, you know that you're going to have that relationship actually, regardless of what doctors there or nurses say. You create this environment of trust and collaboration. So when you ask the question why, don't necessarily start off-- and this is part of the psychology of human behavior. You don't necessarily have to start off with, "Well, why?" attitude because advocacy is not about creating conflict or creating chaos. Advocacy is really about creating that collaboration and creating that trust. It's the end result. So start from a place of trying to connect. Ask, learn information, and then kind of go from there.Meagan: Yeah. Love that. Well, thank you. Okay. Fetal monitoring. I know this is actually going to be a question down the line, or maybe it's a little different, but fetal monitoring with VBAC in hospitals is typically required. Can we talk about the evidence on that of why? Why? Again, here's the question, why? Why is that done? Dive in deeper. We talk about that in our course. But I think it's so great to talk directly to an OB/GYN like you to understand your point of view.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. The reason that's the case is that one of the first signs of uterine rupture is going to be a change in the fetal heart rate. So that's why we always want to see the fetal heart rate because it's going to be the first indication that there's potentially an issue. So it's really that simple. It may even be potentially before you start having pain. Some people may or may not have bleeding, but fetal heart rate changes and pain are going to be the things that will clue us in and we don't want to miss that if it happens.Meagan: Yeah, so when a fetal heart changes, we know, through labor-- this is a spin-off of the question. We know babies' heart rates fluctuate up and down. Sometimes they might have a compression in the cord that causes the heart rate to go really down during the uterine contraction and that goes up, but it goes really down. It's like, oh, that's low, and then it goes right back up to its baseline. So what is a concerning fetal trace in this scenario?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Right, yeah. So this is the part where I have to say, this is the reason we do four years of OB/GYN residency, why we have to get take fetal heart rate monitoring training every couple of years to stay up on it. This isn't something that can be had in a subtle conversation because it's not just what you see in the moment, it's what you see in the moment. The things we look for in general are a baseline of the heart rate between 110 and 150, 160, roughly. We look for things called accelerations, decelerations, and the variability, which is like the squiggliness of it, that's the big picture. But when we look at it, it's like, okay. We assess it, and then we try to do some things to improve the heart rate. We look at how the heart rate looks over time. Has it gotten worse over time? If we do some things to get it better, then that's considered good. So we can't really say if you see this specific snapshot of a fetal heart rate, then that's going to be the thing that triggers things. It really just depends.Meagan: Makes total sense.Dr. Nicole Rankins: And it can also be contractions because sometimes if you're having too many contractions back to back and there's no time to get a break, so the baby's like, "Can I just have a minute to breathe in between these contractions, please?" So maybe we need to slow down the contractions. So really, it's a lot of things that go into it, and that's where our expertise comes in.Meagan: Yeah, it's a big math equation in a lot of ways when it comes to tracings and things like that. Okay.Dr. Nicole Rankins: I do want to say that a lot of times people think monitoring equals no movement. But more and more, hospitals these days have wireless monitoring so you're able to move. That's definitely a question you want to ask ahead of time if wireless monitoring options are available so that you're able to move around.Meagan: Yeah, yeah. Because they've got, at least I don't know if it's what it's called there, but we call it the Monica.It's just that little sandpaper on your belly and that's kind of nice. Sandpaper sounds harsh. It's a light little scrub so it gets the oils off your skin. So that's a really nice thing.Awesome. Okay. And then scar thickness. This is a really big one, and we've talked a little bit about it with Dr. Fox in the past. But scar thickness and double versus single stitch closure is a very, very common question that we are getting wondering about the evidence that shows that someone maybe shouldn't TOLAC or the evidence on thinner scars because it seems like it's becoming a new standard. It's coming in with the VBAC calculator. That is what we're seeing. It's like we're doing the VBAC calculator and we're measuring the scar and those kind of two things are becoming routine. And then of course, once we review OP reports. Double versus single.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. So the double versus single doesn't make a difference. So whether you had a double layer closure or a single layer closure, you're still a candidate for a VBAC. So that one is pretty easy. I don't even look at OP notes for double versus single layer. It really just needs to be a low transverse incision on the low part of the uterus. So that's that. As far as the scar thickness, the rationale behind that is that when the uterus ruptures, it literally just thins out. Thins out and thins out until it ruptures open generally. So when we're measuring this scar thickness, the physiology of it makes sense that if it's really thin and then you start to put the pressure of contractions on it, there may be a higher chance of it rupturing. Now, is there hard data that if it's this amount that is definitely going to rupture or you should or shouldn't TOLAC? Not necessarily. In our area, it's not routinely measured or talked about. It's not anything that we discuss, so it's not a routine part of practice, but that's the thought behind it. And typically it may come up if it's noticed, or if it's very noticeable. If the ultrasound, the maternal fetal medicine specialist or whoever does the ultrasound says, "This uterine scar, where it is, is really, really thin," and then it may come up. But in general, I don't see that come up very often.Meagan: Yeah, well, that's good. That's good to know. Yeah, it just seems. Yeah. Like, oh my goodness. Are you hearing that ding?Dr. Nicole Rankins: No.Meagan: Okay, good. I hope you're not hearing it. On my end, my computer keeps dinging, but it's on mute, so I'm not really sure what's going on. I'm having all the technical issues today.Anyway, that's really, really good to know though, because it is something that so many people are hyper-focusing on. Sometimes I think there are other things to hyper-focus on like our nutrition and finding that supportive provider and getting the education and really understanding the choice that we're making when we VBAC.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, definitely. I'm not focusing on it, so I don't think you should focus on it.Meagan:Yes, yes. But it is. I think it is probably hard for these people when they go to these visits. They're so excited. They want to have a TOLAC or a VBAC, and then they're like, "Oh well, we have to do these things first to see if you qualify."Dr. Nicole Rankins: And scar thickness is just not part of ACOG's recommendation. It's not part of what determines whether or not you can have VBAC.Meagan: I know. It shouldn't be anyway. Yes, yes, yes. But for some reason, we're still seeing it. So I think it's good to know that you guys, if you're having that, maybe just think twice about it.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Or get a second opinion.Meagan: Yeah, I was going to say, get a second opinion.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yes.Meagan: Okay. So our community asked questions. I went on and said that we were going to have you on. And they were so excited and kind of just asked all of the questions. So one of the questions was, if you don't get an epidural for a VBAC and you need a C-section, will you have to be put fully out, so under general anesthesia?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, no. Not necessarily, and most likely not. Generally, as long as it's not an emergency, there's time to do a spinal. The difference between an epidural and spinal, the epidural is a catheter that stays in place and medicine continually gets fed through the catheter where a spinal is a one-shot dose of medicine that lasts for two to three hours. So as long as there's time and you can sit up for the spinal or they can lay you on your side for the spinal, then they can do the spinal for the C-section, and you don't have to do general. General anesthesia is only reserved for if it's truly an emergency and there's not enough time to do the spinal.Meagan: Right. And for this is another, I'm adding this. But epidural versus spinal longevity of effectiveness meaning like you're numb enough for them to perform the surgery.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. The spinal's going wear off.Meagan: Yeah. Quickly, but it's going to go on quicker. Right or no? Or deeper?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, it's a denser numbing than what you get with an epidural. When you get an epidural before, if you have an epidural and then you go to a C-section, then you just get a bigger dose of medicine that kind of mimics what you get through the spinal. So the thing about the spinal is that it's meant to cover a surgery, so it's going to be a larger dose of medicine, so you're going to be more numb because we don't actually want you to be completely numb during labor. The spinal is really just to make sure you're nice and is numb and don't feel the surgery.Meagan: And how long does it take to kick in to be numb enough? Like 20 minutes? 30?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, yeah. I would say it's actually pretty quickly. So yes, you're right. It can kick in a little bit faster than epidural because it's a lot more medicine. So typically, I would say within 5-10 minutes, you're going to start feeling numbness pretty quickly. But by the time we've laid you down, washed your belly, put in the catheter, done those things, then you're numb.Meagan: Yeah. So in that non-emergency situation, you're going to have plenty of time to be numb and not have to be put under general anesthesia. In an emergent situation, we have minutes. We have minutes to work with. How many minutes if we're having fetal distress? And obviously, it could vary for a lot of patients, I'm sure, but major fetal distress emergent like true emergent under general anesthesia. What are we looking at a timeframe before we get baby out before we're really concerned?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. I mean so if it's true, like an emergency, because a lot of people say they had an emergency C-section. It's actually not emergency. Meagan: Right. Baby was born two hours later. D; Yeah, or even 30 minutes later. So emergency is going to be like we're ripping the cords out of the wall. We're running down the hall to the operating room. When we get in the operating room, the heart rate is still in the 60s. So we want baby out in five minutes.Meagan: Okay.Dr. Nicole Rankins: We want baby out as quickly as possible, and the quickest way to get a baby out is general anesthesia and then go, if you don't already have a spinal.Meagan: Right. Perfect. That's also another common question of like, well, how long do I have if I don't have that? Because that's a big deciding factor for people with not wanting to go unmedicated or wanting to go to medicated but not wanting to be in an emergent situation. Those emergent situations, they happen. We can't sugarcoat it. They happen, but they are more rare. I love that you pointed that out. A lot of people say this was an emergent situation and we hear, well, then they went out and they came back, and 25-30+ minutes later, they had a baby.Dr. Nicole Rankins: That's not an emergency. As a matter of fact, emergency C-sections are fairly rare. Knock on wood, I can't remember the last time I've had to run somebody down the hall for a C-section.Meagan: And I call those crash like crash sections. Everybody crashes and goes. Yeah.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Mhmm. Mhmm. Things are moving so quickly.Meagan: Okay. So someone says, do I need an OB for a VBAC? I have lost all trusts in nurses and doctors after being forced into a C-section which breaks my heart that this question is a thing. I see it all the time. People have been "wronged" or bullied, and it shouldn't be that way. Dr. Nicole Rankins: It should not.Meagan: Sometimes it happens for whatever reason. But yeah, like do you have to have an OB? Obviously, we know the answer is no.Dr. Nicole Rankins: No, you can have a midwife. For sure.Meagan: But maybe I want to spin it to more of a positive. If we have an OB, how can we better establish a relationship with them so we're not in a situation in the end feeling pressured or bullied?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. And actually I want you to even back it up even further, and this is for anybody having a baby. What you want, you don't specifically want a midwife. You don't specifically want an OB. What you want is someone who's going to listen to you, respect your wishes and really center you in your birth experience. So yes, midwives are great at that, but sometimes midwives can be tricky too. The way that the reason I said that is because I know people who were like, "I had a midwife and I thought it was going to be great," and it wasn't. And they were hanging too much weight on that midwife hat.Meagan: The midwife word, yeah.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yes, yes. So you really need to start with is this person listening to me and respecting me? So whether that's midwife or OB, okay?Meagan: Yeah.Dr. Nicole Rankins: So take that away first. And then if you have an OB, again because the midwife is also going to work with an OB, I'm assuming you're doing in the hospital, you want someone who is not just like, "Oh, if you go into labor, you can have a VBAC. I mean, I guess that's okay." Or you want somebody who's really actually supportive of it. I think you've used this language before, not just tolerant of VBAC that they actually you and don't just tolerate the possibility.Meagan: Yeah, I have kind of been thinking about that. Like we as doulas. It's like, oh, I want someone to advocate for me. That big word "advocate", and what does that look like? But in a lot of ways, I think that's what I want a supportive provider to do is advocate for me. Like I understand, validate me. I understand this is what you want, and we're going to do everything we can in our power to do this. If there's something along the way that is saying maybe we shouldn't, I will have that discussion with you. I will not just tell you what you have to do. Dr. Nicole Rankins: Exactly. Meagan: Again, it goes back to that conversation we were having in the beginning of that collaborative relationship. If that is there, I think you set yourself up for better expectations no matter who it is with an OB or a midwife.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Definitely. Definitely. Yeah.Meagan: Nurses can be tricky. We love our nurses. They're incredible, but sometimes they have opinions, and sometimes they come in and they put it on us.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Here's the thing that people don't realize. You can ask for a new nurse.Meagan: You can.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yes you can. You can absolutely. There's always a charge nurse who's in charge of making patient assignments. You can ask to speak to the charge nurse, and you can get a new nurse. Don't feel bad or guilty or like you're hurting anybody's feelings. People will be fine. I promise you. They'll go home, and they'll keep going on about their lives if you ask for a new nurse. So I know it can be challenging, especially sometimes for women to speak up about things, and you're worried about hurting people's feelings and things like that, but you can always ask for a new nurse.Meagan: Absolutely. This is not related to birth, but I signed up with a personal trainer at my gym, and I was assigned to this amazing person, and she was great, but I realized a couple weeks into it that maybe we weren't the best fit for one another. I hesitated for two more weeks to say, "Hey, can I switch?" And now that I've switched, oh my gosh, it's the best decision I made, and I get to see her at the gym all the time. I went up to her and was like, "I love you. Thank you so much. This has been great, but this is what I'm doing." It was a wonderful breakup. You don't even have to break up with someone like that, though. You really don't. It doesn't have to be. I was so nervous, but this is your space. This is your birth. This is your experience. You have to protect it and keep it what you need. If someone's not jiving that or that nurse specifically, you can say, "Hey, thank you so much for your services, but I would like to switch." It's okay.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Definitely, Absolutely.Meagan: And you don't want to go back at the end of the day and be like, oh, I had this nurse, and it was the worst seven hours. That's not positive. We want to look at our birth with a positive view, not a negative view.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. And your nurse is going to be there way more than your doctor. Way more. You definitely want to be in sync with your nurse.Meagan: Yeah. And something else, too. I tell our clients all the time, our doula clients, like, "Hey, upon arrival, if we're not there, say, 'Hey, I would really love a nurse that fits in line with blah, blah, blah.'"Dr. Nicole Rankins: Exactly.Meagan: And a lot of times, they assign it right then, and you're like, "Oh my gosh, you guys are amazing. Thank you."Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, exactly.Meagan: Okay, so next question. What should I consider if my goal would be to have a home birth? So from a hospital OB/GYN, where do you fit in that? What would you suggest? I know a lot of JOBs are like, "Don't go to home."D So yeah, so I personally I would TOLAC at home makes me nervous, but that's because I've seen uterine ruptures before and how quickly things can change. So but however, like in Canada, I think their specialty society guidelines support doing a TOLAC at home after one C-section. So it's not that it's unheard of, but I will say it makes me nervous. Now, if you do want to do it at home, then absolutely have someone who is experienced. This is not the time to have like a brand new midwife. I think you want to have somebody who has some experience in particular with looking for any signs and symptoms of when to go to the hospital. We also need a clear plan for hospital transfer and ideally, that midwife should have a relationship with the hospital so that she feels comfortable going to the hospital in a timely fashion. One of the things that I've seen unfortunately happened during my career with home births that have not turned out optimally is that people are afraid to go to the hospital, so they stay at home too often, and then by the time they get to the hospital it's a train wreck. That's not good for anybody involved. So you want it to be a situation where the midwife feels comfortable going to the hospital in a timely fashion. For example, I work with home birth me bias in my community. I have gone out to the birth centers and things and say, "Hey, if you want to transfer somebody, just let us know. Call."Meagan: I love that you've done that.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah, it's, it's important. So call. Send the records. We have a really smooth process. Nobody bats an eye now when there's a transfer from home birth. Meagan: Oh good.D; So you really want to have those two things in place. A skilled midwife and a good backup plan, preferably with the relationship to the hospital.Meagan: I love that. Such great advice. That's awesome that you're doing that for your community. I just had an interview the other day with a VBAC mom who's toying with the idea, not sure where to go. She asked me and I was like, "Well, you could do dual care. You could establish a relationship with a provider. You can ask your provider out-of-hospital of choice if they do have that relationship," because I do think it is important because sometimes even the midwife is like, "I don't know where to go," so I love that you've done that and gone into the birth centers there. Okay. So we just talked about fetal monitoring, but one of the question was, is intermittent monitoring safe with VBAC just in general?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. It hasn't really been studied very much, and it's not going to be. That's the thing. It's just not something that anybody's going to sign up for and say, "Hey, you get monitoring. You don't get monitoring," and see what happens in assess that situation for VBAC. So I can't answer that question based on data. I will just say that in general, we want to do continuous monitoring.Meagan: Right. That makes sense. Okay, so small lumps under my C-section scar. What could that be? Would/could it impact the outcome of my VBAC?Dr. Nicole Rankins: It's probably scar tissue.Meagan: That's what I thought when I saw that question come in. I think that dials into like going and chatting with someone like askjanette or a pelvic floor PT or someone who can help massage that scar tissue because anytime we have a cut whether it be from a C-section or you fell and scraped your knee and cut your knee open on a rock or a twig, our body will develop scar tissue, and sometimes it clumps. Sometimes it gets that.Dr. Nicole Rankins: It's probably just scar tissue. And no, it should not impact your ability to have a VBAC.Meagan: Have you ever seen this within your TOLAC world, your VBAC world where sometimes we've got thicker scar tissue and sometimes there's separation within the scar tissue internally as babies coming down and making their way through or uterus is contracting? And so sometimes it can be like, oh my gosh, I've got this burning sensation in my scar which we hear, and it's like, that's concerning because we know that sometimes uterine rupture can be that feeling of burning sensation or pain, and usually that pain doesn't go away and just keeps improving. But have you ever seen that with someone and where they're like, "Oh, I've got this burning sensation," and could it be scar tissue stretching maybe?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Not that I can think of off the top of my head. Definitely, sometimes you have to be careful when you hear people say they're Having pain in their abdomen. Could it be scar tissue stretching? Possibly. That's definitely a possibility.Meagan: It's something that's crossed my mind, over all the years, especially as baby's coming down and putting that extra pressure there.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Right.Meagan: Okay. So again, yeah, this is something that we asked talked about earlier. So to what extent are decels considered normal in early and late labor? Dr. Nicole Rankins: We don't categorize decels based on the stage of labor necessarily. It's based on how they look, and again, over the course of how the tracing looks. Now sometimes right at the end, we're going to tolerate during pushing some decels, because you're pushing and squeezing, so there's going to be decels. So we may tolerate them more towards the end, but other than that, it really just depends.Meagan: Okay, that makes sense. I feel like sometimes as a doula, we're getting into that transition, almost pushing stage and they come in and they're like, "Hey, so we're wondering if maybe you're ready to push here soon or something's going on based off of some decels." Not that they were concerning, but they're seeing them. But really decels in general, overall, you're going to look at a whole versus one contraction or two contractions.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yep.Meagan: Okay. PROM. So premature rupture of membranes and pre-e with VBAC it says is it still safe? I will answer from my own experience.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yes, absolutely.Meagan: Yeah, but yeah, time too, with PROM So if we're not having labor begin or we're maybe contracting, like what's handled in that situation, especially knowing that in some hospitals around the world and in the US don't allow Pitocin?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Right, yeah.Meagan: Even though that's also not necessarily a contraindication.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Correct. So with PROM, so water breaking before labor starts, it's not as common, but it does happen. You can do expectant management and roughly within 24 hours, most people will start to go into labor on their own. So you can do expectant management, but Pitocin is actually quite safe in those circumstances. The risk of uterine rupture is low. So Pitocin can definitely be used. You just want to use it carefully.Meagan: Yeah. You mentioned that most people within 24 hours will start contracting and having labor, whether it be active at that point or not. But at what point could it be concerning? And maybe if we have GBS or something like that as a factor, would we be like, "Hey, we could keep waiting for the 24-hour mark," and that's not to go in and have a C-section, that's just maybe to augment. When would you encourage augmentation sooner?Dr. Nicole Rankins: So I'm a little bit of an outlier. I just offer the options, and we can talk about that it may take longer if you wait to augment and that's it. It may take longer, and that's it. That can potentially increase the risk of infection. But we don't really do time limits. I don't do 18 hours or 24 hours. I kind of pick. These are moments for us to have discussions about where things are. So definitely usually 6, 12, 18, 24 and just to touch base and see where things are and develop an ongoing plan. Not necessarily have a hard and fast rule that you have to be delivered or by a certain point makes sense.Meagan: And then preeclampsia. So we have seen this quite a bit in our community, on Facebook and on Instagram where they said, "Hey." There was a post just the other day that said, "Hey ladies, I just wanted to thank you so much for being here in this group. You guys have been amazing. Unfortunately, I have to sign off of this group because my provider said I have to have a C-section now because I've developed preeclampsia," so they didn't even offer the option to TOLAC or monitor. And everyone's like, "Wait, what?" This is a thing? So obviously, we know that we can, and everyone's numbers vary. If we've got severe preeclampsia and maybe that's not gonna be best for the stress of mom and baby and everybody, but do you have anything to say on that? I don't really know if I'm asking a question.Dr. Nicole Rankins: But yeah, no. You can definitely try for a TOLAC in the setting of preeclampsia. Now, if even in severe preeclampsia, it just may take longer. But if we're seeing that you're getting sicker and labor isn't progressing or the baby is under distress, then the safer thing may be a C-section. So if you have severe preeclampsia, for example, and it's affecting your liver and your levels of your liver enzymes are going up, up, up, up, up, and we're not close to delivery, then it's going to be safer for your health to expedite birth, and that's going to be a C-section. So it really depends.But the option of completely taking it off the table, that is not standard or that's not evidence-based.Meagan: Yeah, yeah. And for HELPP syndrome, where it's gone to that extreme. Now we've got platelet issues and things like that. Can someone with HELPP syndrome TOLAC or is that truly a better option to have a C-section?Dr. Nicole Rankins: I would actually prefer if someone ideally is in labor with HELPP syndrome. Actually, a vaginal birth is going to be safer because when your platelets are low and then we're adding surgery, the risk bleeding goes up.Meagan: That is what is so weird to me. My fifth birth was a HELPP syndrome. She was a VBAC, and they're like, "You have to have a scheduled C-section." But then we did all these transfusions and all these things and in my head, I was like, but isn't platelet meaning we have a higher risk of bleeding? But so yeah, that's another question.Okay, I think there's only one or two maybe. Oh, this is a really great question. Is it safe to TOLAC? So again, listeners, TOLAC, if that's new for you, is a trial of labor after Cesarean. I know I've thrown it out a couple times this podcast. After having a hemorrhage in a C-section. So had a C-section hemorrhaged. Now they're wanting to TOLAC. Is that considered safe?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Sure.Meagan: Okay.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Okay. I want to discourage people from using the word "safe" because I think what you really want to know is what are the risks of something happening again? So yeah, because what do you mean by safe?Meagan: Right.Dr. Nicole Rankins: What you really want to know is what are the risks of this thing happening again? So there are no identified increased risks in having a TOLAC after you had a postpartum hemorrhage during a previous C-section.Meagan: Okay, I love that. So that's good because I mean anytime anyone hemorrhages with birth, I feel like it's a little bit on everyone's radar.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Right. Okay, and then I have one more question for you before I let you go, and I don't know if it's Bandl's ring or Bandl's. How do you say that?Meagan: Yeah, Bandl's ring. What is a Bandl's ring for those who it's very new to, and then can you TOLAC or have a VBAC with Bandls ring?Dr. Nicole Rankins: It's a really tight ring of muscle in the uterus where it's just really tight, and it doesn't contract. I can only recall seeing it, like, once in 22 years, so it's not common.Meagan: It's more rare.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yes, very rare. So it's just really hard to have a vaginal birth if there's a really tight ring of tissue that is preventing the uterus from opening. If the uterus can't open, then the baby can't come out. So that's the issue. It's not like we can release it or clear it up or anything. I don't know why. We don't know why it develops, but it's just, like anything, if it's tightly closed, it's really difficult to open.Meagan: Yeah. Okay. That makes so much sense. And is there a way to find out if we have that beforehand?Dr. Nicole Rankins: Not really.Meagan: Not really. Okay. And the signs of that Bandl's ring is just lack of progression it seems like.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Overall, it seems like lack of progression. And also, the baby usually doesn't come down in the pelvis.Meagan: Yes. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. That was a one-off random one that crossed my mind. I keep seeing that one too. Anything else that you'd like to touch on? I love all of your points of stop considering the word safe and talk about, what are the risks here? What do we need to know to make the best educated decision? Having a collaborative discussion and relationship with our provider. So many great points along the way. Anything else that you'd like to add or say to the community to someone who really is wanting to know all the information they can to VBAC and are unsure of which way to go?Dr. Nicole Rankins: I think that the best thing is just to really find a supportive provider, doctor, midwife, and do that in the prenatal appointments. Ask those questions early, and don't be afraid to change to someone else if you feel. And sometimes you may not have options, but if you have options, then find someone who is the most appropriate for you because that is going to be the thing that most sets you up for success. Oh, also, get a doula.Meagan: Hey. I love it. I will never not advocate for doula, but really, I mean, I love that you're pointing it out again. Before birth, early on, ask those questions. Always have a conversation with your provider. If something is switching, it's okay to switch. I know it's daunting. It is daunting. It really is. I didn't want to cheat. I felt I was cheating on this doctor. We had this relationship. I don't even know what I thought. I thought I was cheating on him by leaving him. And I didn't leave him, and I didn't find myself having the experience that I wanted or feel like I deserved. And, looking back, I probably should have switched. Well, I didn't. I have learned, but I don't want anyone else to be in that situation of, dang it, I saw all the red flags, and I didn't switch because I felt bad.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yeah. Yeah. I don't mean to sound flippant, but I can guarantee you. Your doctor, if you leave, they're just gonna keep seeing patients. They're just going to go home and keep living their lives. It's going to be fine.Meagan: I know. I had a friend, and she was like, "Looking back, do you realize how it wouldn't have impacted his life at all?" And I was like, "Yes. But in my mind, I had a deeper connection."Dr. Nicole Rankins: I know. In the moment, you can't because you have that emotional connection, and you care about those things? So that's totally natural.Meagan: Yeah. And in a lot of ways, he was saying, "Yeah, sure. I'll support you." But then in a lot of other ways, he wasn't saying this with his words, but he was saying, "No, that's not my thing."Dr. Nicole Rankins: Right.Meagan: So, yeah, you deserve the best and keep doing your research. Find the provider. Get a doula, hands-down. Just a reminder, everybody, we have VBAC-certified doulas on our website all over the world. And yeah, thank you so much. You're the best. And everyone, go follow her podcast and wait it out for these new updates. Yes.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Yes, these new updates are so exciting. I'm so excited.Meagan: I'm so excited for you. That's so awesome. You are just incredible. We really enjoy you. So, thank you.Dr. Nicole Rankins: Thank you so much for having me. ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina and Roxanne welcome Dr. Nicole Rankins, a board certified OB/GYN. Dr. Rankins shares her insights on how to have an empowering experience during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. From choosing the right provider to understanding the importance of mindset and childbirth education, this episode provides valuable tips for expecting parents. Dr. Rankins also emphasizes the significance of preparing for postpartum recovery and gives advice on how partners can support during labor. The conversation delves into key strategies for managing pain, considering birth preferences, and navigating emergent situations, aiming to help parents feel confident and empowered throughout their pregnancy journey.00:00 Welcome to the MamasteFit Podcast01:07 Meet Dr. Nicole Rankins: Empowering Pregnancy and Birth01:56 Choosing the Right Provider for Your Pregnancy09:33 Advocating for Yourself and Your Birth Plan16:02 The Importance of Childbirth Education19:54 Mindset and Preparation for Labor24:20 Navigating Labor and Birth Options44:21 Understanding Birth Plans and Preferences53:40 Postpartum Preparation and Final ThoughtsDr. Nicole Calloway Rankins is a board-certified, practicing OB/GYN and mom of 2 who empowers moms to feel calm, confident, and empowered for pregnancy and birth. In her over 20 year career she's helped nearly 2,000 babies into this world and has demystified pregnancy and childbirth for thousands more women through her popular podcast All About Pregnancy & Birth, which has been downloaded over 2.5 million times. She regularly shares holistic, evidence-based pregnancy and birth info with her community of 25K+ on Instagram (@drnicolerankins), and has served thousands of moms-to-be through her online birth plan class, Make A Birth Plan The RIGHT Way, and comprehensive online childbirth education class, The Birth Preparation Course.Find Dr. Rankins Here!Website: https://drnicolerankins.com/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolerankins/?hl=enPodcast: https://drnicolerankins.com/episode97/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabTgz6_oY-Gz1f9H-xlGFe16xYf6MbFP2zXrzdZXTnOafA2Lt5rZXYImcE_aem_bL0o6BEudOlciE_iuV-Yqw===Get Your Copy of Training for Two on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VOTdwH

In this episode of the Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson chats with Dr. Nicole Rankins about birth plans. Dr. Rankins, an OB GYN with over 20 years of experience and host of the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast, shares invaluable tips on creating effective birth preferences and understanding hospital cultures. Whether you're crafting your birth plan or navigating the intricacies of labor and delivery, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you achieve the birth experience you envision. Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're looking to get prepared for ALL of birth, it's the class for you! Today's guest is Dr. Nicole Rankins. Giving birth in a U.S. hospital can be scary, but it doesn't have to be—especially with Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins in your corner. Dr. Nicole is a Duke University-trained, board-certified, practicing OB/GYN and mom of two who empowers first-time moms to have the beautiful birth experience they deserve. Over her 20 year career, she's helped more than 1,000 babies into this world, and is a proud HBCU grad (Spelman College & North Carolina A&T State University). Her popular podcast, All About Pregnancy & Birth, is a top 50 parenting podcast with over 2 million downloads. Here is her website: https://drnicolerankins.com/ Grab her birth plan here: https://drnicolerankins.com/birth-plan/ Find her on Instagram @drnicolerankins Links for you: Timestamps: 00:00 Increasingly common in OB GYN for safety, efficiency. 06:00 Ask doctors about birth perspectives and doula views. 06:45 Ask questions about birth approach and doulas. 10:52 Ensure your birth plan aligns with hospital practices. 13:19 Birth plans help streamline initial medical assessments. Keypoints: Introduction of the episode focused on birth plans with guest Dr. Nicole Rankins, an experienced OB GYN and host of the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast. Dr. Nicole Rankins highlights her role as an OB hospitalist in Richmond, Virginia, and the benefits of hospitalists in labor and delivery settings. Discussion on the term "birth plan" and why it should be referred to as birth "preferences" due to the unpredictable nature of childbirth. Importance of ensuring that birth preferences align with the practices and capabilities of the selected hospital and healthcare provider. Common issues with birth plans, such as requests that may not be feasible due to hospital policies or lack of staff training. Advice on how to approach creating and communicating birth preferences, including engaging with providers during prenatal visits and hospital tours. Emphasis on the significance of labor nurses and how they can impact the birth experience positively by advocating for the patient's preferences. Tips on how to discuss birth preferences with kindness and mutual respect to foster a cooperative environment between patients and healthcare providers. Information on Dr. Nicole Rankins' live birth plan class, which includes interactive Q&A sessions to address participants' queries. Mention of additional resources, such as the Online Prenatal Class for Couples offered by Hilary Erickson, to prepare for birth in a simple and effective manner. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: birth plans, OB GYN, prenatal class, pregnancy advice, labor and delivery, hospital birth, natural birth, water birth, birth preferences, labor support, birth experience, fetal monitoring, intermittent monitoring, c-section rate, vaginal birth, doulas, hospital policy, patient preferences, pregnancy tips, newborn care, online classes for couples, birth preparation, hospital tour, healthcare advocacy, labor nurse, episiotomy, birth plan class, breastfeedi

Mike "C-Roc" welcomes Dr. Nicole Rankins, a Duke University-trained, board-certified OB-GYN, podcast host, and mom of two. Dr. Nicole has helped over 1,000 babies come into the world during her 20-year career. Together, Mike "C-Roc" and Dr. Nicole dive into her journey from studying engineering to becoming a doctor, the power of authenticity, and her passion for empowering first-time moms to have beautiful birth experiences. They also explore the challenges she faced, including a pivotal career moment when she chose to leave academia, leading her to her current role as an OB hospitalist, which offers a unique work-life balance. Dr. Nicole shares how her shifts allow her to pursue her other passion—helping moms beyond the hospital through her top 50 parenting podcast, "All About Pregnancy & Birth." This episode is filled with inspiration, life lessons, and authentic stories about pursuing your true calling. Tune in to hear Dr. Nicole's powerful journey of service, passion, and perseverance! Website- https://drnicolerankins.com/ Social Media Links/handles- https://www.instagram.com/drnicolerankins/?hl=en

Did you know that the number of babies born to first time parents in the US who are over 35 has been steadily increasing? I see countless parents in the PYC community (including myself) have their first child over 35. So why have we heard that it's difficult and more dangerous to conceive after 35? What happens (or doesn't happen) at 35 to the body and how might this affect your pregnancy and birth? To answer this question I invited Dr. Nicole Rankins back to Yoga|Birth |Babies. This is my third episode with Dr. Rankins. She's an incredible guest. As an OB/GYN she's helped over 1,500 babies into the world. She also has an amazing podcast All About Pregnancy & Birth that I turn to for grounded scientific information that feels like it's coming from a dear friend. In today's episode Dr. Nicole and I talk about the risks and benefits of having babies over 35. We talk about fertility, how care may or may not be different for those over 35, and how managed or not managed your birth may need to be. Dr. Nicole dispels some huge myths. For those of you concerned about pregnancy over 35 this episode will calm and soothe your mind. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna and Laura talk to Dr. Nicole Rankins about what pregnant people can do to create an effective birth plan. Dr. Nicole is a board-certified, practicing OBGYN and the host of the podcast "All About Pregnancy & Birth," and she is the creator of online courses "The Birth Preparation Course" and "Make a Birth Plan the Right Way" to teach pregnant people how to feel comfortable and empowered to have the birth they deserve. Also, Shanna reports on her spring cleaning plan for her kids, and Laura talks about taking a spring break trip to the Palm Springs area. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura's kids are 5 years old and 3 years old. Visit https://drnicolerankins.com/ for more information on Dr. Nicole Rankins and her online birth plan and childbirth education classes. Follow Dr. Nicole Rankins on Instagram. Topics discussed in this episode: -Surviving spring break with young kids -Spring cleaning -Encouraging kids to clean their rooms -Taking a vacation with young kids -How to make a good birth plan -When in pregnancy to create a birth plan -Doing a drop-off playdate -Taking photos underwater This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

Shanna and Laura talk to Dr. Nicole Rankins about what pregnant people can do to create an effective birth plan. Dr. Nicole is a board-certified, practicing OBGYN and the host of the podcast "All About Pregnancy & Birth," and she is the creator of online courses "The Birth Preparation Course" and "Make a Birth Plan the Right Way" to teach pregnant people how to feel comfortable and empowered to have the birth they deserve. Also, Shanna reports on her spring cleaning plan for her kids, and Laura talks about taking a spring break trip to the Palm Springs area. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura's kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.Visit https://drnicolerankins.com/ for more information on Dr. Nicole Rankins and her online birth plan and childbirth education classes.Follow Dr. Nicole Rankins on Instagram.Topics discussed in this episode:-Surviving spring break with young kids-Spring cleaning-Encouraging kids to clean their rooms-Taking a vacation with young kids-How to make a good birth plan-When in pregnancy to create a birth plan-Doing a drop-off playdate-Taking photos underwaterThis episode's full show notes can be found here.Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website!Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How will I come up with fresh podcast topics? Will I be able to release episodes consistently? And will anyone even LISTEN to my show? These are some of the biggest worries that clients share with me when we talk about their podcasting dreams. I'll be honest: I had some of the same doubts when I first launched this podcast (289 episodes ago!). Podcasts definitely take time, effort, and dedication, but speaking directly to your dream clients is an incredible way to grow your audience and business — even if your episodes are only 10-15 minutes long!In this episode of The Business of Thinking Big, I sit down with Dr. Nicole Rankins, host of the wildly popular All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast, to dive into the nitty-gritty of growing a Top 50 show. We explore what it means to create great content, why we prefer podcasting over YouTube, and how Nicole has reached a whopping 2 MILLION downloads! In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌How to build an easeful workflow that allows you to keep a consistent schedule (and even take a week off without skipping an episode!)How to create relevant, interesting, and digestible content with intentionHow to find and pitch the right cross-promotions to grow your audience and your thought leadershipGuest bio: Dr. Nicole is a Duke-University-trained, board-certified, practicing OB/GYN and mom of two who empowers first-time moms to have the beautiful birth experience they deserve. Over her 20-year career, she's helped more than 1,000 babies into this world, and is a proud HBCU grad (Spelman College & North Carolina A&T State University). Her popular podcast, All About Pregnancy & Birth, is a top 50 parenting podcast.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:34  Meet Dr. Nicole Rankins01:59  OB/GYN to podcaster05:54  Podcaster to entrepreneur07:31  Niche & goals08:45  Podcasting or YouTube?12:00  Creating great content13:51  Being intentional16:16  Staying consistent19:25  Podcast support20:16  Choosing your schedule22:12  Interviews v. solo episodes24:43  Million-download strategies26:59  Being a guest30:19  Having guests37:50  Podcast disasters42:28 Monetization46:22  Final takeawayLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Dr. Nicole Rankinshttps://drnicolerankins.com https://www.facebook.com/drnicolerankins Instagram: @drnicolerankins A-Players Rapid Impact Business Coaching Experiencehttps://www.mamasandco.com/groupcoaching  Podcasting supporthttps://theultimatecreative.com https://www.copymagic.agency/podcasts —Learn with me: Mamapreneur Success Path - Free Audio Training  ‌Connect with me:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach  Instagram: @liannekimcoachJoin the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco

We are excited to have our first OB/GYN on the show today, Dr. Nicole Rankins! She is a board certified practicing OB/GYN, a wife, a mom of two, host of The All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, and has been serving pregnant women for over 20 years.Dr. Nicole explains to us the difference between an OB/GYN and a Midwife. She also talks about how we can make sure our OB/GYN is a good fit and stresses the importance of advocating for ourselves throughout the entirety of this episode.We also went to our Instagram audience for this episode and asked them what myths they wanted Dr. Nicole to bust. She tells us whether or not women with small pelvises have harder births and if losing your mucus plug means you're going into labor. Dr. Nicole also emphasizes how black women can take back their power in labor & delivery and shares her personal experience with black maternal health.Listen to Dr. Nicole's Podcast - The All About Pregnancy & Birth PodcastFollow Dr. Nicole on InstagramDr. Nicole's WebsiteLinks & ResourcesExpecting and Empowered YouTube ChannelExpecting and Empowered AppExpecting and Empowered WebsiteExpecting and Empowered InstagramExpecting and Empowered Prepping for Labor + Delivery Course - Enter code 'PODCAST25' at checkout

Sabrina's first birth was a traumatic crash Cesarean. She and her baby were thankfully perfectly healthy, but Sabrina was left with no desire to have any more kids. She didn't realize how much her birth experience played into those feelings until she became pregnant with her second. Sabrina found The VBAC Link through another birth podcast and listened every day on her way to work starting at four weeks pregnant! The beautiful stories from Women of Strength gave her the encouragement to go for it. And Sabrina absolutely proved the fight that was within her. After two weeks of prodromal labor, over 48 hours of labor, and listening to her intuition as plans changed during labor which included some help with forceps, Sabrina achieved the VBAC she was fighting for. Even though her labor and birth were physically brutal, Sabrina immediately felt like she could do it all again. Additional LinksNeeded WebsiteThe Lactation NetworkHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Welcome to The VBAC Link everybody. I am just so happy. I love reviews so much and want to encourage anyone who has maybe been with us for a while or has been listening to let us know your thoughts. Tell us what you think about The VBAC Link. Today, before we get into this review, I wanted to introduce our guest today. Her name is Sabrina. Hello. Sabrina: Hi. Meagan: It's so fun to be here with you today. She jumped on and was like, “Oh, it's so crazy. You were in my ear and now we're here.” Sabrina: Yeah. It is crazy. Meagan: It's so awesome though. I love when our guests come on and they are like, “I've literally been listening to you for so many years. This is so surreal.” It's so fun. It's just such an honor to have you guys sharing your stories because I want you to know that you guys are the reason why this podcast is amazing. Just saying. These storytellers are the reason why The VBAC Link is incredible and all of these professionals come on. They make this podcast what it is. Review of the WeekI'll get into this review and then we'll get into your story. This is from aliaholland. This was back in 2023 and it says, “Love the host.” Oh, that makes my heart sing. Sing and smile, apparently, my heart does a lot of things. It says, “I'm 35 weeks pregnant and planning an all-natural VBAC in the hospital. I've been listening to a few different podcasts but keep coming back to this show. The host is very interactive and nice to listen to. Format is a good blend of birth stories as well as good education.” Oh, that makes me happy and that is exactly what we want to have on the podcast. It is the birth stories and education. If you are out there and you are listening and you are a birth educator or you are a midwife or you are an OB or maybe an anesthesiologist and you work really heavily in the birth world and you think it would be cool to come on the podcast and talk about some education points, we would love that. Always feel free to reach out at info@thevbaclink.com. Sabrina's storiesMeagan: Okay, cute Sabrina. We are talking about two very dramatically different stories today within your own birth stories. I want to just, I don't know if we need necessarily– what's the word– a trigger warning, but at the same time, I think it's really important to talk about how sometimes things just don't go as planned, but then what we can overcome and how we can grow through experiences and have really, really great experiences. I was just telling Sabrina this before she got on. In her note, at the bottom as a reminder to this community, that doesn't mean you failed. I love that message so much because I think so many times in this community, we do feel that feeling. Sometimes we don't even just feel it, we are told that. Sabrina: Definitely. Meagan: Right? We are told. I want to turn the time over to you to share your stories. Sabrina: Perfect. Okay, well I have two little babies. They are two years apart and yes. I'll just start obviously with my C-section story. I went into birth thinking, “I'm young. I can do it. This is easy. This is what I'm made to do.” Everything with my pregnancy with my first daughter was great. Nothing really happened and then at my 32-week midwife appointment, we were listening on the Doppler and her heart actually skipped some beats. It didn't come to anything, but it kind of plays into the story a little later. I was just kind of like, “What's that? Why can I notice this?”Meagan: Abnormalities here. Sabrina: I could hear it so obviously something was going on. We did an ultrasound and everything was fine, so no worries there. My labor started pretty good. I woke up and had that weird feeling that it was coming. My dog was following me around and all of that stuff, so I was like, “Okay. This is the day.” Meagan: Something is happening, yes. Sabrina: The baby is coming. My husband was at work, so I just labored at home. My contractions actually came on right away at 10 minutes apart and progressed like that. He came home probably around 4:00 in the afternoon and we live 45 minutes from a city with a hospital birth at. So I was like, “Okay, we should probably go to the city now.” We go there. I actually had to labor at my in-laws' so that was quite fun because they are asking you, “Do you want water? Do you want food?” I'm like, “I want to be left alone right now.” We stayed there until about 9:00 PM. My midwife was called and she was like, “Oh, you're only 3 centimeters.” I was like, “Okay.” She was like, “We'll see you later tonight.” I was like, “All right.” My husband went to bed. 1:30 comes and I've been walking around for the last four hours.” I was like, “Okay, now.” Meagan: Exhausted. Sabrina: Yes. It has to be time now. I can go to the hospital. She comes. She's like, “Yeah. You're 5 centimeters. We can go now.” Oh, that's my little baby. Meagan: That's okay. Sabrina: We called one hospital that we were supposed to go to and they were actually full. It's a blessing in disguise because we ended up going to a level 1 trauma hospital, so more advanced and actually probably helped with what happened to us. We go there. I'm still feeling good going through the motions. I wasn't progressing very fast. This is where the interventions start. She asks if I want her to break my water. I obviously had no idea. I thought that was normal, so I was like, “Yeah, go ahead.” So she did and then as things do, they progressed quite quickly from there. That was probably at 3:00 in the morning. We got to about 6:00 in the morning and I was ready for an epidural. I was like, “This is way more than I imagined.” I've already been going about this for 20ish hours, so let's do it. He came in. Everything was great. I felt great after that. I was like, “Okay, I can do this.” My contractions went from a minute apart to 10 minutes apart. I was like, “Okay well,” I didn't know any better so I was chilling. My midwife was like, “Okay, we have to do something.” Meagan: They wanted to encourage labor to continue forward quicker. Sabrina; Yeah, exactly. I had no idea, so I was like, “Yeah. Let's do something.” An OB comes in. We do Pitocin. We start it. Everything is going fine. We had a few dips, so they took it off and it wasn't like anything was too concerning. She wasn't recovering great after we took it off either. They said, “We'll put in an internal monitor.” Meagan: Oh, an FSC. Fetal scalp electrode. Sabrina: Yeah, because she wasn't recovering. They didn't know if it was because they couldn't find it with the belly ones or she was moving. I was like, “Okay.” We had it on for a little while and just hung out until she seemed stable, and I was still at 7 centimeters. Nothing had changed. Meagan: But still, that's good. Sabrina: Yeah, it still wasn't fast enough. They come back in and they're like, “We're going to start again.” This was probably 1:30. I'm like, “Okay, let's start it.” They turn it on and probably within 5 minutes, there's absolutely no heartbeat. There are two monitors on. They can't find her. Meagan: So scary. Sabrina: I'm obviously hysterical because I can hear the machine not beeping. There's nothing there. At that point, 15 people ran into the room. This one nurse comes running in. She's like, “OR, right now.” I had no idea this was even an option. We get to the OR and all I remember is that this one nurse introduced herself to me and her name was also Sabrina. She's like, “Okay, honey. Here we go.” I'm like, “Here we go, what? Where's the baby? What's going on?” She's like, “You're under general anesthetic. Your husband can't come in. This is happening right now.” Obviously, I'm bawling my eyes out because I think my baby is no longer there. Meagan: Yeah. Sabrina: Yeah, super traumatic. My husband comes in. He's crying. He's like, “I can't be in here. I can only give you a kiss. This is it. Good luck.” I was like, “Okay.” Meagan: They're kind of taking a long time. Sabrina: It seems like a long time in the thing, but honestly– Meagan: It was probably quicker. Sabrina: They were doing everything. I could feel them putting the iodine on my stomach and everything like that. The midwife was like, “Sabrina, babies are born two ways, vaginally or C-section. You're having this baby. It's going to be fine.” That's really all I remember. Meagan: Knocked out after that. Sabrina: Yeah. Mask on, obviously. You're under general anesthetic. Yeah, I wake up. We didn't know the sex of the baby. I had no idea I had a baby. I wake up and they're like, “Sabrina, you had a baby.” I was like, “I did what? I had what?” They're like, “Yeah, she's with her dad.” I was like, “She? It's a girl?” That feeling is the best feeling I had in the whole world. She was perfectly fine and there was nothing wrong with her heart at all. It just wasn't handling the Pitocin and they got her out quick enough that they didn't have to do any resuscitation or anything like that. Meagan: What were her APGARs? Do you remember? Sabrina: I don't know, but she got to go be with her dad right away. Meagan: Interesting. Sabrina: Yeah. I actually have a video of her screaming that my midwife took. I was like, “That's actually crazy.” Meagan: That is very interesting, yeah. Sabrina: Yeah, so I don't know what was going on. She didn't have any NICU stay or anything. She was perfect. They wheel me out. Obviously, I'm not very coherent. My husband is holding her and he's like, “This is our baby.” I was like, “It's a girl!” He was like, “Yeah, it is. She's perfect.” Everything was great. I ended up having a hemorrhage during surgery. I had to stay for a while. Luckily, I didn't need a blood transfusion, just iron transfusions. Yeah. That was it. I went home. I had the baby on Saturday and I went home on Tuesday. Meagan: Oh, okay. Sabrina: Everything was pretty good and that was my C-section story. Obviously, my midwife was like, “Everything that could go wrong went wrong, but you came out of it fine and so did she.” Meagan: Yeah. Yeah. Sabrina: Fast forward, I didn't want another baby. I didn't think it was trauma, I just didn't want one. I couldn't relate the two until I ended up with our surprise baby. Meagan: I bet. Sabrina: Three weeks before we were supposed to get married. Meagan: Oh my gosh. Sabrina: Yeah, we had a destination wedding planned in Mexico and I had a surprise pregnancy. It really struck me then that the reason I didn't want a baby is that I didn't want that fear happening again. I immediately started research and I was listening to actually a different podcast that you guys were a guest on. Meagan: Oh. Sabrina: Yeah, All About Pregnancy and Birth with Dr. Rankins. Meagan: Yeah, Nicole, yeah. Sabrina: Yeah, you guys were a guest and then I was like, “Oh, I should listen to them.” I was probably 4 weeks pregnant and I listened to every single episode on my drive to work every day. I was like, “This is what I'm doing.” It just gave me the encouragement to go for it. Yeah. We went ahead and we were trying for a VBAC. All of my family was like, “Mmm, are you sure?” “Yep. This is what I want. I don't want to recover with a toddler and a newborn. My husband has to work. What am I gonna do?” I was definitely questioned a lot on it, but something the OB told me after my C-section was like, “You're a great candidate for a VBAC because what went wrong wasn't your fault. There is nothing wrong.” I mean, the too-small pelvis wrong thing that they say. There was nothing there that was bad. It was just her. So his pregnancy was great. I was anemic. I had iron infusions before I labored so if anything was to happen, we would be prepared for that. My midwife was super supportive. I came in at 10 weeks with all of the questions that I heard on The VBAC Link. What about induction? She was like, “We don't induce until 41 and 3.” “What about all of these other things?” She was like, “No. This is what you want to do. You're fine.” I was like, “Oh, okay.” So if anyone needs a midwife up in Canada in Calgary, Alberta specifically, Origins Midwifery is great. Everything went well. My first came early, so of course, when your second one comes late, it's hard. I was 40 weeks pregnant. I had been having prodromal labor for two weeks. Meagan: Oh. Sabrina: I was waking up every night around the same time with contractions and was like, “Today's the day. Okay. Today's the day.” Meagan: That darn prodromal labor. Sabrina: Yep. My husband came home one week before it actually happened and was like, “Okay, let's go.” I was like, “Oh, now they're stopped. Sorry babe.” I was doing the 10,000 steps every day. I ate all of the dates. I ate all of the things just to make sure that I didn't go through this again. I was like, “I'm ready.” Meagan: Yeah. You did all of the things to prepare. Sabrina: Yeah, literally everything I could do, I did. So 40 and 3 comes. It's 1:00 in the morning. I wake up with contractions again. I was like, “Okay, this has to be it. We're overdue now. Let's go.” Yeah. I wake up. I'm like, “Okay.” I wait it out. They're not super strong, but again, they started 10 minutes apart. I had a midwife appointment that day as well, so I was like, “Do I call her right now and be like, ‘Cancel your day or do I wait it out?'” My midwife appointment was in the early afternoon, so I dropped off my toddler and I went there. I was like, “Okay. I'm definitely in early labor. It's been 12 hours now. I'm on a clock. I'm having contractions consistently for 10 minutes. I've tried a shower to stop them. I've gone out of the house. I've tried to scare them away. They're not stopping.” She was like, “Okay, let's do a check.” I was like, “Sure. Let's do a check.” She's like, “Okay, well you are 1 centimeter dilated.” I was like, “Are you kidding?” I've been doing this for two weeks already and now 12 hours of this and I'm only 1 centimeter dilated?” She was like, “Yes, but I can feel the contractions.” I was like, “Okay.” She was like, “So I will see you later.” Meagan: You're like, “Okay.” Sabrina: A week later or tonight later? So we went home. She did do a sweep at that point just to see if it would stretch at all. She said that it did. I don't know what it did, but I went home. I was like, “Okay. I'll just keep going through it.” They hadn't stopped. They were still 10 minutes apart. My husband came home at his normal time. There was no real rush. We hung out and made dinner. It was our last dinner as a family of three and I was super emotional about it. We put our kid to bed and I was like, “I can't sleep. They're already strong enough that I'm not sleeping, so now I've been going at this all day already.”1:00 in the morning comes and I've decided, “Okay. I'm going to have a shower. They're getting pretty strong. I'm going to try to listen to HypnoBirthing tracks.” I wanted to labor at home as long as possible. I called my midwife. I was like, “Okay, things are changing. They are 5 minutes apart.” Again, we live 45 minutes from a hospital. She was like, “Do you want me to come check you or do you think you can keep waiting?” Meagan: That's pretty cool that she was willing to come check you or even come see you. Sabrina: Yeah. I was like, “I don't want you to have to drive all the way here and then drive all the way home and then have to drive to the hospital in a few hours.” I was like, “I'll just keep going.” She was like, “Try another bath. Try another shower.” I sent my husband back to bed and I was like, “Okay. I'll just keep going.” I kept going and I was actually in my daughter's room. She was sleeping in our room. I was over her rocking chair just on my knees with my hands over. This was probably at 3:30 in the morning. I felt this weird change which I learned later was my water breaking, but there was no water. It was a weird feeling and I was like, “Oh, that's really weird.” Yeah, so then I just kept walking around. I had more mucusy discharge so I was like, “Okay. This is not good now.” It's 5:00 in the morning. My husband was still sleeping. I was like, “It's time to wake up.” I'm out here moaning through them. We need to go to the city. We are ready to go. So we call her. She's like, “Okay. They sound different.” I told her about the water. She was like, “Okay, there's no fluid?” I was like, “No. There's nothing coming out.” So she met us there at the hospital. It's 6:00 AM at this point. She was like, “We'll check you.” I'm like, “Great.” She was like, “I don't see your waters, but I can confirm they're broken.” “Oh, okay sure.” She was like, “You're only 4 centimeters.” I was like, “Are you kidding me?” Meagan: Yeah, super frustrating. Sabrina: Yeah. 24 hours of consistent contractions and I'm only 4 centimeters? What? She was like, “Okay, because you're not coping well and you live this far away, we're going to admit you.” I was like, “Okay, fine.” So we got admitted. I was doing all of the walking and everything like that in our room and by 8:00, she checked me and I was 8 centimeters. I was like, “Oh, okay.” Two hours and I am 4 centimeters further along. Great. Let's keep going. So I was at the point where they were so bad. I was so tired and I was like, “Okay, I want an epidural.” The midwife was like, “You just made it from 4 to 8 in a few hours. Keep going.” I was like, “Oh, okay.” I was over the bed, on the toilet, everywhere I could go and now, it was 12:00. I was like, “Okay. I am dying.” Meagan: So tired, I'm sure. Sabrina: Yeah. I'm crying at this point. I need an epidural. She's like, “Okay, let me check you.” She's like, “You're still 8 centimeters.” I was like, “What? There's no way. How did I progress so quickly to here from 4 to 8 and now I'm just stuck?” She's like, “Okay. Give yourself a time. Give yourself a time limit until you can't do it anymore.” I was like, “Okay. I'll go until 2:00. Two more hours. I will just fight through this. At that point, if I'm not any different, call them.” 2:00 comes around and I was like, “Okay, I'm just going to push it a little longer. I really want it.” At 2:45, I was like, “All right, where am I at?” She was like, “You're still 8.” So we called the anesthesiologist in. I had been doing all of the labor positions. I was on my hands and knees. I tried the peanut ball. I tried a birthing ball and nothing was helping.Meagan: Did you know his position? When she checked, could she tell his position at all? Sabrina: Not really, he was just there. That does play in. He does become asynclitic later on which explains even more of why nothing was happening. So then I was just going through the motions. I was like, “Okay. Maybe my body needs to rest. Maybe I just get it and things are going to happen.” I was very upset because I wanted no interventions. My husband was like, “Just do it, Sabrina. You've been at this for a long time.” They come in. It's 3:30 and at this point, I'm throwing up. I was like, “Oh, this is transition.” It wasn't. I was just tired and sick. Meagan: Exhausted. Sabrina: They're like, “Okay.” They gave me the epidural and I was like, “Okay, I feel good. I'm just going to hang out and rest a little bit.” Yeah, then again, nothing happens. I thought I would get some rest and things would keep progressing fast and that was not true. So we were still 8 at about 6:00 PM. My midwife was like, “Okay, if your waters did break at 3:00 AM, you are coming up on a time limit here.” I was like, “Oh.” Meagan: Were you showing any signs of infection?Sabrina: Nothing. I felt good. His heart rate was good. I was just tired and emotional at that point. She was like, “We have to call in an OB.” I was like, “Okay.” She was like, “You have options.” She was like, “You have an option to have a C-section right now.” I was like, “Okay.” She was like, “Or you have the option to start Pitocin.” I was like, “I really don't want that. I really don't want it.” I cried about it for about an hour. My husband was like, “This is a different birth. This is a different baby. If it goes wrong, they can still take the baby out.” I was like, “Okay.” The OB warned me. She was like, “If you start Pitocin and he gets down into the birth canal, you cannot go back and have a C-section. You will be birthing this baby.” I was like, “Okay.” Meagan: If something went awry, they totally could. Sabrina: They would, but she was like, “You're not getting all the way there and then tapping out.” I was like, “It's not really tapping out, but whatever.” Meagan: Interesting, yeah, that they said that. Sabrina: Then she told me, “I do have a high rate of forceps.” I was like, “Okay, I appreciate the honesty.”Meagan: Like a high success rate or do they use them all the time?Sabrina: She uses them a lot. Meagan: That's interesting. Sabrina: Yeah, it was. She was like, “Okay, what are your hard no's?” I was like, “I would not like forceps and I would not like an episiotomy.” She was like, “Okay, but if you need it, would you accept it?” I was like, “Yeah, obviously, for the safety of my baby.” Meagan: Like you would choose that over a C-section maybe that is what she was trying to say. Sabrina: Yeah. We start the Pitocin maybe at about 8:00 PM. I was like, “Okay, here we go.” They're coming in every half hour doing it up. She said that she had no limit on how much she would give even with a previous C-section. I guess some OBs have a limit. Meagan: Yes, they do. Yeah. Sabrina: She said that she didn't. Meagan: Interesting, okay. Sabrina: She was like, “If you want to do this, I am game to do it.” I was like, “Okay. Let's do it.” So we started Pitocin. She came back around 10 and she was like, “You're still only 8 centimeters.” I had been on Pitocin for two hours now. Meagan: This is seriously a positional issue now. Sabrina: Then she's like, “Let's check him.” She's like, “Oh, I think he's asynclitic.” I was like, “Could we have not discovered this–Meagan: Hours ago? Sabrina: This morning. So she was like, “Try the peanut ball some more. If he doesn't move in two hours, you're having a C-section.” I was like, “Okay, fine.” We're going at it. I'm on the peanut ball. I'm switching positions. I must have had a decent epidural because I was able to do all of this on my own. My nurse checked me at 11:30. She was like, “You're 9.5.” I was like, “What?”Meagan: Positional changes. Sabrina: She was like, “You're mindset, this physician. Keep going.” I was like, “Okay. I can do it.” Midnight rolls around. She checked me and she was like, “You're 10 centimeters.” I was like, “We did it. We made it. Now this baby is being born.” It is now two days later. Here we go. My appointment was on Wednesday morning. It is now Friday morning. Let's get it. I was pumped. I'm ready to start pushing. Great. So they gave me guided pushes to begin with. She's like, “You have it. You're doing great. Keep going.” The worst part is in between every contraction, I had to throw up. My husband is holding my leg while I'm pushing then he immediately has to put my leg down and has to grab a bucket. It was between every single one. There was no break. I hadn't been eating because– Meagan: That is, of course, if they don't let you eat. Sabrina: Yeah. It had been two days. I'm just, yeah. It was rough. He makes a joke of it all the time that he was the nurse. He was like, “I pick up her leg. Put her leg down. Grab the bucket. Put the bucket down. Grab the leg.” So pushing comes up. 2:00 AM. She was like, “Okay, well you're pushing effectively, but nothing is really going on. You're coming up to 24 hours on a broken water.” I was like, “Oh my goodness. Just give me more time. I just need– Meagan: Again, no signs of infection, correct? Sabrina: Nothing. Meagan: So yeah, you have 24 hours but baby's fine. There are zero signs of infection. Sabrina: Yeah, there are zero signs of infection. His heart hadn't dipped one time. They were saying that his heart rate was too perfect. Meagan: So it doesn't really need to be a conversation. Women of Strength, just listen to that. If infection is coming into play, then okay, but that just causes stress on you that you didn't need. Sabrina: Yeah, exactly. I think they were just saying it to say it at that point. Nothing was wrong. So then I continued to push and it's coming up 4:00 AM. I've now been pushing for four hours. I'm so tired. I've been up for over two days and literally over 48 hours I've been up at this point. I've had contractions for 48 hours nonstop, no breaks. I'm looking at my husband and I'm like, “I can't anymore. My body can't push. My muscles are weak.” I tried all of the pushing positions with your legs up on your back. I tried the squat bar. I tried with the sheet. I tried over the back of the bed. I tried everything and I can't do it. I'm literally saying to him, “I can't do it. I have no strength left. My body is quivering.” I'm bawling my eyes out and he looks at the nurse. He's like, “Call the OB. She can't. What is she supposed to do? Keep going?” It takes her a while to get there obviously because everyone else was having their babies. She comes in and she's like, “What do you want to do?” I'm just like, “You just need to get the baby out. I don't care what it is at this point. Just take the baby out.” Meagan: You're so exhausted. Sabrina: Yeah. I wasn't even upset about anything, but I was just crying because I had no control over anything at that point. My body was tired. My emotions were tired. I hadn't slept and she was like, “Do you consent to forceps?” I was like, “I consent to whatever you need to do. Just get him out.” She was like, “Okay, I want to do some guided pushes to see if I can help you.” I pushed. She was like, “Your pushing is really good, so something is just not letting him come through.” I was like, “Okay.” Meagan: Did she do any feeling of the head at that point internally? Sabrina: Yeah. Yeah, she was. Then she was like, “I have to go in further to try to turn him a little more.” She tried to stick her whole hand in and I remember the feeling. I was like, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Stop. This is so painful.” She was like, “You can't use forceps if you can feel that.” I was like, “Oh my goodness.” Then they had to wait and call the anesthesiologist to get a top off of fentanyl or whatever. Meagan: Your epidural. Sabrina: Yeah. She comes in. She's like, “Okay. We've got about 15 minutes before this isn't as strong. Are you ready?” I was like, “I guess so.” She was like, “Just because you have the medication doesn't mean it's going to feel good.” I was like, “Okay.” She was like, “It's a lot of pressure.” I was like, “Okay. I'm trying to birth a baby. It's a lot of pressure already.” She was like, “Okay.” She sticks them in and it was not great. It was pretty awful feeling, but she only had to pull twice. She puts in and pulls once. It doesn't do anything. She was like, “Okay, push really hard,” and then all of a sudden, he was born. I remember just the feeling. All of the pain went away. All of the hardness of the birth was gone. I did have to get an episiotomy and I did feel her cut. She didn't tell me she was doing it, but I felt it. That was hard for me because I was just like, “I didn't want that.” Meagan: That's hard. Sabrina: But you have nothing left and you are just getting that baby out. Yeah. He was born at 4:49 in the morning after 49 hours of labor. He was perfectly healthy. He was a big boy, 8 pounds, 7 ounces. Yeah, and everyone thought it was going to be a girl because boys' heart rates are wonky usually and girls like to talk on the phone so they are asynclitic. Meagan: Oh, that's hilarious. I've never heard of that. Girls like to talk on the phone so they come out asynclitic. Sabrina: Yeah. That's what the OB said, the midwife said, and the nurses said. Then the OB comes up to me. She was like, “Those ladies going for VBACs, they're determined. They don't care what they're doing. They just want the VBAC and they'll do anything to achieve it and you did it.” I was like, “Wow, that was really supportive of you.” Obviously, I didn't get a natural, no intervention– Meagan: Unmedicated. Sabrina: Yeah, a no-intervention birth, but I did get a VBAC. This is the funny part. They are stitching me up. Obviously, I have my baby. I'm laying on my back and they have a mirror above my eyes so I can see what they're doing. I was like, “Um, this is a design flaw in this room. I don't think everyone wants to watch.” Meagan: Yeah, I mean, maybe coming out but I don't know about suturing. Sabrina: Yeah, and I didn't notice it was there until they were doing that. He was healthy and everything was fine. Obviously, I had quite a bit of stitching. I had torn plus she had to cut medially so to the sides. Meagan: Mmm, ouch. Sabrina: Yeah, it didn't feel good. She made a comment that was like, “It's just the skin that I cut.” I was like, “Okay, that still sucks.” But yeah. He was born and then the next day, we got to go home. I was telling my husband, I was like, “This is why people have four babies.” This is way better than a C-section. I feel great. Meagan: Aww, I'm so happy. Sabrina: He was like, “What?” I was like, “I feel great. I could do it again.” Meagan: Yes. Sabrina: To me, even though it was very different than I had planned, I achieved what I wanted and I got my baby. I got my VBAC and I birthed him myself. Meagan: Yes, and you made it through a really long, tough labor. I want to actually talk about assisted birth because this is actually a really great question to ask yourself as you are preparing for your VBAC. Something that we go through in our doula practice is asking ourselves what they said. You have options. There is a point where we can use an operative vacuum or forceps or go to the OR. There are going to be pros and cons to both. One of the cons can be damage to baby and damage to mom, especially pelvic floor trauma and things like that. So you have to weigh out your pros and cons there as well and decide if that's acceptable to you or if a Cesarean would be a better route at that point. I encourage you to talk to your providers even before you go into labor about their method of assistance. If you don't– so a lot of the time, midwives aren't the ones doing vacuums and forceps. They'll have, just like in your situation, an OB come in so you can talk to them and say, “Who would be doing this? What is their method?” Obviously, this provider is very forceps-pro versus prone to go to forceps versus vacuum. She apparently uses them a lot. Asking those questions beforehand so you can know and then looking at the information. We actually have a blog which we will put in the show notes today all about operative delivery and the studies and stuff and the risks, the pros, and the cons. I think that is a really important thing to know. Where you were at, you were like, “I would rather do this than that.” Some people are different. Some people are like, “I don't want to risk a forceps or a vacuum and I'd rather have a Cesarean,” so asking yourself those questions beforehand and knowing what your provider's style is beforehand is actually a really, really good thing to think about in case you're in a situation like this. Sabrina: Oh my goodness, yeah. Meagan: You would say that it was worth it for you. Sabrina: Yeah, definitely. Meagan: And baby was good. Sabrina: Baby was fine. I would do it again. That's what my midwife said at my six-week appointment. She was like, “Wouldn't it be crazy how you would feel if you didn't have that?” I was like, “Oh, I'm sure my husband would be going for a vasectomy tomorrow. I would want all of the babies.” It's just so rewarding if you have that goal in mind to achieve it. Obviously, I didn't get what I wanted, but I still had the empowered feeling of doing it. Meagan: Good. Good. So good. And it's not even that you didn't get it. That's so hard. Birth isn't always happening exactly how we want it or envision it. There are some bumps and curves along the way, but the mindset, right? We can be in a space where we are making those decisions and not being told we have to do something, I mean, and Dr. Fox talked about that on the podcast. Sometimes a provider will come in because they're almost obligated to say, “We need to do this,” like maybe your first birth. “We need to go to the OR right now.” But then there are some times where it's like, “Hey, this is what I would suggest but  here are the pros and cons and here are your options.” I think that there is something that is very empowering when a mom is able to really have some informed consent and make a decision that she feels is best for her. Sabrina: Yeah. Yeah, even if in the end you are begging them to take the baby out. Meagan: Right. Sabrina: But yeah, I would totally do it all over again. Even just what she said to me, “Women trying to VBAC are the most determined. You can do it.” I was just like, “Okay. I can do it.” Meagan: You can do it. You can do it. There is something unique about us VBAC moms where we have this– I mean, we all have a mission to have a baby, but I think sometimes, we have a mission to have a different experience. Sabrina: Yeah. Meagan: We want something more. We are working hard and we're doing these things. We're eating the dates and we're going to the chiropractor and we're getting massages and we're curb-walking and getting our steps in and finding providers and listening to podcasts. We're doing all of these things and we want to try to get what we are prepping for. That's okay. That's okay that you want that, but there is some special determination I believe in the VBAC community, 100%. Sabrina: Yeah, definitely. Meagan: Well, thank you so much for being here with us today and sharing your stories. Huge congrats. Sabrina: Oh, thank you.ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today, we're thrilled to have Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins return to the show to dive into all things related to preparing for the delivery room. It's a special full-circle moment as she previously joined us right before Bailey's first son was born, discussing birth preparation and creating a birth plan. Now, we're back for her second pregnancy, covering everything about the delivery room experience!If you're expecting or know someone who is, especially if it's their first time, this episode is packed with information. Listen in as we cover where to start for pregnancy education, red flags when selecting a healthcare provider, the advantages of having a Doula during birth, tips for being well-prepared for your birth experience, and more!Resources:If you missed our first episode with Dr. Rankins about ‘How Not to Be Surprised During Labor & Delivery', you can listen in here!Podcast's Dr. Rankins recommends:All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast with Dr. RankinsEvidence-Based Birth Podcast with Dr. Rebecca DeckerMommy Labor Nurse Podcast with Liesel Teen, RNIf you want to learn more from Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins head to her website http://www.drnicolerankins.com to access her resources such as her free online birth plan class and her signature online program - The Birth Preparation Course.Or you can check out her podcast All About Pregnancy & Birth or reach her on Instagram @‌drnicolerankinsFind us over on Instagram @‌fitmamain30One of the biggest questions we get is what protein powder do you recommend? While there are many out there, not all are created equal. We always look for ones that are third-party tested, have no artificial ingredients, and have at least 20 grams or more of high-quality protein. So we are happy to be partnering with Just Ingredients to give you 10% off your order.This information is meant for educational and informational purposes only. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems without consulting your personal medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner about your specific health concerns and needs.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Giving birth in a U.S. hospital can be scary, but it doesn't have to be—especially with Dr. Nicole Rankins in your corner. I am honored to have an an Obstetrician that truly values patient autonomy and shared decision making with her patients to help them have an empowered birth experience and avoid birth trauma! We are discussing all of the pain relief options in the hospital (yes, epidurals! But so many other options too!) plus everything you need to know about each option to make an informed decision about coping with the sensations of labor!   Our Guest: Dr. Nicole is a Duke University-trained, board-certified, practicing OB/GYN and mom of two who empowers first-time moms to have the beautiful birth experience they deserve. Over her 20 year career, she's helped more than 1,000 babies into this world, and is a proud HBCU grad (Spelman College & North Carolina A&T State University). Her popular podcast, All About Pregnancy & Birth, is a top 50 parenting podcast with over 1.5 million downloads. Find the latest episodes here!   Join The Birth Lounge here for judgement free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole Rankins joins us on the podcast! She is a board-certified OBGYN and incredible educator with her own podcast, All About Pregnancy and Birth. This episode discusses the current trends in birth education and preparation, specifically the ways this community has become polarized and approaches to bridge that gap for patient-centered collaborative care.Here's what you will hear on this episode:- Dr. Rankins' approach to OBGYN care- History of the transition from midwifery to hospital birth care- The battle for trust in OBGYN care- Supporting families to make  decisions that are best for them- The need for overall improved care in the OBGYN field*There is mention of maternal death in this episodeYou can find Dr. Nicole Rankins on Instagram: @drnicolerankins Guest Bio:A board-certified, practicing OB/GYN, wife, mom, and podcast host, here to help you get calm, confident, and empowered to have the beautiful birth you deserve.She's delivered more than 1,000 babies and have demystified childbirth for thousands more through her 5-star rated All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast (over 2 million downloads), and her online birth plan and childbirth education classes.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @birthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

Did you know that the number of babies born to first time parents in the US who are over 35 has been steadily increasing? I see countless parents in the PYC community (including myself) have their first child over 35. So why have we heard that it's difficult and more dangerous to conceive after 35? What happens (or doesn't happen) at 35 to the body and how might this affect your pregnancy and birth?  To answer this question I invited Dr. Nicole Rankins back to Yoga|Birth |Babies. This is my third episode with Dr. Rankins. She's an incredible guest. As an OB/GYN she's helped over 1,500 babies into the world. She also has an amazing podcast All About Pregnancy & Birth that I turn to for grounded scientific information that feels like it's coming from a dear friend.  In today's episode Dr. Nicole and I talk about the risks and benefits of having babies over 35. We talk about fertility, how care may or may not be different for those over 35, and how managed or not managed your birth may need to be. Dr. Nicole dispels some huge myths. For those of you concerned about pregnancy over 35 this episode will calm and soothe your mind. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Coach Charlene Johnson and special guest Nicole Rankins as they dive deep into the unique experiences of women in the medical field and their journey through motherhood. Dr.Nicole shares her transition from engineering to becoming an OB/GYN and how her encounter with her own OB/GYN changed her career path. They discuss the challenges Nicole faced when starting her own career and the inspiration behind her upcoming podcast, aimed at empowering first-time moms. Together, they explore the flaws in the US maternity system, drawing from their own pregnancies and the knowledge gained through their podcasts. The conversation also delves into the importance of being true to oneself, particularly for people of color, and the barriers they face in various industries. Dr. Nicole concludes by highlighting her online childbirth education class, designed to help individuals prepare for a hospital birth. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with insights, empowerment, and a vision for a brighter future in motherhood. About Dr. Nicole Rankins: Dr. Nicole is a Duke University-trained, board-certified, practicing OB/GYN and mom of two who empowers first-time moms to have the beautiful birth experience they deserve. Over her 20 year career, she's helped more than 1,000 babies into this world, and is a proud HBCU grad (Spelman College & North Carolina A&T State University) Her popular podcast, All About Pregnancy & Birth, is a top 50 parenting podcast with over 1.5 million downloads. Check Dr. Nicole Rankins's wesbite for more: https://drnicolerankins.com/ ABOUT WHEN THE MOMENT CHOOSES YOU PODCAST Coach Charlene's purpose is to bring transformation by creating and inspiring destiny moments because every heartbeat matters... When the Moment chooses you will engage in compassionate courageous conversations with some of the most daring trailblazers and change agents in organizations, corporations and the world who dared to respond to those destiny moments. Listen to new episodes bi-weekly on Sundays anywhere you get your podcasts. You will move from thinking and talking about your dreams….to manifesting the desires of your heart….Be inspired to become the highest expression of yourself. What will you do when the moment chooses you? follow me on social media: whenthemomentchoosesyou Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whenthemomentchoosesyou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whenthemomentchoosesyou/ Website: https://www.Coachcharlene.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/charlene-johnson68/message

Dr. Nicole Rankins, OB-GYN and host of the "All About Pregnancy" podcast speaks with Dr. Fox about her approach to creating relationships with her patients, her pregnancy and birth classes, and her podcast.

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast I am joined by the amazing Dr. Nicole Callaway Rankins who you may know from her very popular pregnancy podcast, All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast! Similar to Mommy Labor Nurse, Dr. Rankins offers amazing, online resources for pregnant women because she too knows what a critical role education plays in a woman's ability to advocate for herself during birth and reduce any sense of fear or anxiety she may have. On today's show, Dr. Rankins is going to share with us more about what it's like to be an OBGYN, memorable moments from her years of practice, thoughts on doula and midwifery care, a bit of birth advice, and more. I'm so excited to share Dr. Rankins with you today, so let's get right into it! Click HERE to sign up for FREE Weekly Pregnancy Updates tailored to your exact due date Click HERE to learn more about our online, on-demand childbirth classes About Dr. Nicole Rankins Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins is a board-certified, practicing OBGYN and mom of 2 who empowers first-time moms to feel calm, confident, and empowered for pregnancy and birth. In her over 15 year career she's helped more than 1,000 babies into this world and has demystified pregnancy and childbirth for thousands more women through her popular podcast All About Pregnancy & Birth, which has been downloaded over 1.25 million times. She regularly shares holistic, evidence-based pregnancy and birth info with her community of 19K+ on Instagram @drnicolerankins, and has served thousands of moms-to-be through her online birth plan class, Make A Birth Plan The RIGHT Way, and comprehensive online childbirth education class, The Birth Preparation Course.

Today on Natch, Jackie meets and chats with Dr. Nicole Rankins, a board certified and practicing OB/GYN, all about pregnancy and birth (their shared favorite topic!) Dr. Rankins even hosts The All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast. She shares with Jackie how her career path was dictated to avoid male patients, the only sure fire ways to NOT get pregnant, how to combat birth trauma, the importance of birth education, and why we should all stop using the term “due date.” For everything mentioned in this episode, go to www.natchbeaut.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Black Women Rising Podcast, we sat down with podcast host, course creator, and OBGYN Nicole Rankins. Nicole is dedicated to helping women educate themselves and find confidence and peace when giving birth. In this episode, Nicole talks about the importance of educating yourself on giving birth and having people to advocate for you.Key Discussion Points From This Episode Include:[00:03:26] - Educating Yourself About Birth[00:05:38] - Preparing to Give Birth Late in Age[00:07:08] - Dealing With Fear Around Birth[00:10:21] - Having Support to Advocate for You[00:11:28] - Advice for Expecting Moms[00:12:21] - Dr. Rankins take on the overall capabilities of the Medical Capabilities in The US[00:14:49] - Death Rates Among Black Women Giving Birth[00:16:46] - Support Through Post-Partum[00:18:04] - Advice for Older Women Starting a FamilyDr. Nicole Calloway Rankins is a board-certified, practicing OB/GYN and mom of 2 who empowers first time moms to feel supported and prepared for pregnancy and birth. Over the last 15 years she's helped more than 1,000 babies come into this world and has demystified pregnancy and childbirth for thousands more women through her 5-star rated All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast, her free online birth plan class, and her signature online program - The Birth Preparation Course. Visit her website www.drnicolerankins.com and follow her on Instagram @drnicolerankins.Connect with Nicole:Website: https://drnicolerankins.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolerankins/ Podacst: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-about-pregnancy-birth/id1447449586 Support the show

Join me as I chat with Dr. Nicole Rankins, board-certified OB/GYN, and health coach.  She is also the host of the popular podcast, All About Pregnancy and Birth.In this episode we chat about:Dr. Rankin's journey to becoming a birth advocate.Why she doesn't like the word, birth plan.What women can do to prepare for their birth.How she helps women prepare for the important day. How the medical community needs to treat the birth experience. Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode. I'm beyond honored that you're here and would be grateful if you could take 2 minutes to leave me a 5-star review in iTunes or on your podcast app, this way together we can inspire, connect and educate even more women.Let's connect? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram tagging me in with Jennifer Roelands, MD │Coach (@wellwomanmd) • Instagram photos and videos and the hashtag #WellWomanMD – can't wait to connect.Here is Dr. Rankin's info: OBGYN | Pregnancy & Birth (@drnicolerankins) • Instagram photos and videosDr. Nicole Calloway Rankins (drnicolerankins.com)THANK YOU TO OUR  SPONSOR:Want to learn why your hormones are a hot mess? Trying to get pregnant and want answers?This episode is sponsored by Modern Fertility. A wonderful company that offers tests that are delivered to your door. The most comprehensive fertility hormone test you can take at home to be proactive about your fertility. Use this link and get $10 off of your order.Well Woman MDWell Woman MD is my health coaching business. I have spent over a decade in women's health and can help you optimize your health. If you have a hormonal imbalance and want to reverse your symptoms naturally then I can help you. I address nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset with my 5 steps proven protocol. You will get vetted information to help you live well, love well.Instagram:Jennifer Roelands, MD (@wellwoman.md) • Instagram photos and videos

All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast Your place for supportive evidence-based information from a practicing OB/GYN and other innovative experts. Hear stories of strength and resilience from parents and moms-to-be experiencing the same overwhelm and excitement as you. Guest: Dr. Nicole Rankins, MD OB Hospitalist IG: @drnicolerankins www.drnicolerankins.com All About Pregnancy and Birth online course Pilltalkpodcast.com

Ep: 28

Ep 49 | How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed in Motherhood with Dr. Nicole Calloway RankinsToday on the She Finds Joy podcast, Kim sits down for a conversation with Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins. Nicole is a board-certified, practicing OB/GYN and mom of two girls who empowers first-time moms to feel supported and prepared for pregnancy and birth. Over the last 15 years, she’s helped more than a thousand babies come into this world and has demystified pregnancy and childbirth for thousands of women through her 5-star rated All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast, her free online birth plan class, and her signature online program - The Birth Preparation Course. Interviewing Dr. Nicole Rankins was such a pleasure. I mean, she’s delivered over a thousand babies! Can you imagine? Dr. Rankins authentically shares her own experiences with her two daughters and how the trauma of her first baby’s birth informs why and how she shows up to support, nurture, and educate expectant mothers. Dr. Rankins is also an integrative health coach, which means she supports mothers from every aspect of their lives: physical, relational, spiritual, emotional, and financial. Honestly, these are the pillars we should all take a reflective look at in our own lives. On top of delivering babies and coaching women, she is a high-achieving, career-oriented woman who desires to serve in a very big way. But, she is also a mother and a wife. She explains some of her favorite tips for juggling all of her roles, while also honoring and loving herself in the process. What You’ll Learn From This Episode:The traumatic birthing experience of her firstborn and how that changed her. The top fear of expectant mothers. Why giving mothers choices is so important. How to advocate for yourself in your healthcare. The value of an integrative health coach during pregnancy. Why we feel overwhelmed in motherhood and what we can do about it. How to create a wellness plan that supports all pillars of our wellbeing and health. “The number one thing a mother can do is ask for help.” - Dr. Nicole Calloway RankinsHelpful Links Website: www.ncrcoaching.comInstagram: @drnicolerankins Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcoachingTwitter: @NCRCoachMDBook: “How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind” Huffington Post article: “Why You don’t Have a Health Coach (and Why You Should)” About KimKim Strobel is Chief Happiness Officer at Kim Strobel Live Events and Retreats. She is a teacher, consultant, motivational speaker, happiness coach, and a mission-minded person whose passion helps others overcome their fears and discover their joy!You can follow Kim’s journey on Instagram at @KimStrobelJoy, and in the free private, She Finds Joy Facebook community. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 4 is all about discussing our quote on quote birth plan, we’ll highlight what’s important to us during the labor process, what we’ve been up to this past week, and how we’ve been trying to enjoy these last few weeks of being just millennials and not millennial parents. Recommended podcasts: All About Pregnancy & Birth with Dr. Nicole Rankins Breezy Babies: Boobs, Babies & Breastfeeding Recommended books: The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions From Pregnancy to Motherhood by Alexandra Sacks & Catherine Birndorf Support this podcast

Today we talk to Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, birth educator and practicing OBGYN. She has been involved in over 1000 births over the last 15 years, and contributes to ongoing birth education through courses on her website (https://drnicolerankins.com/) and through her podcast, All About Pregnancy and Birth (https://drnicolerankins.com/podcast/) We talk about Nicole's work as an OBGYN and how she got started, as well as how she manages long hours and how having long shifts for an OB hospitalist helps to decrease the rates of C-Section. We discuss her interest and training in holistic health coaching, how it ties in with her work as an OB, and how that led to her starting a podcast.   We then talk about how prenatal education helps to protect the choices of birthing women. We mention how U.S. hospital birth has a history of misogyny and racism that we are still battling today. We talk about being an informed participant in prenatal care and knowing the questions to ask a provider to ensure quality of care. We talk about how women should feel okay with switching providers whenever they want. We discuss the availability of childbirth education and how there are a lot of low cost resources that anybody can access.   We talk about pain management in birth and how epidural  generally wont be held back from women who want it. We discuss about writing out your birth wishes so that your provider can help to integrate them in your labor as well as possible. We brush on how to make sure that your wishes are honored. We also talk about how to adapt birth plans for COVID restrictions.   Finally we talk about the affects of racism on the birth world. We talk about the rate of maternal mortality in black women, and some of the warning signs of postnatal complications that need attention. We talk about how taking the concerns of black mothers seriously can help to reduce mortality.  We talk about persistence is important in seeking postnatal care.   To learn more, visit https://drnicolerankins.com/   For Any Questions, Email Us at media@birthcircle.com  

Instead of posting a new episode, this week we are amplifying the voices of Black podcasters. We encourage you to take the time you would have used to listen to this week's Birthful episode to expand your listening options.  Hear what they have to say: All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast Birth Stories In Color Podcast Natal Homecoming podcast Fertility Friday Dem Black Mamas Woke Mommy Chatter Experiencing Motherhood: Single & Black Mahogany Momology Black Mom Diaries That Black Couple If you have other shows you would recommend, please share them with us. We are @birthfulpodcast on Instagram and @birthful on facebook. 

I have a special, timely episode for you today about COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus). Some listeners asked me what they need to know about how coronavirus could affect their pregnancy and baby, so this episode should help answer some of those questions. In this episode, I'll give you an overview on what this coronavirus is, how this outbreak has spread so far, and what symptoms to watch for. We will also talk about how to take care of yourself and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. And most importantly, I'll share some research about the impact of coronavirus on pregnancy and babies. There hasn't been a ton of research yet, so it's crucial to stay up to date as more information becomes available. But overall, the information in this episode should reassure any parents who are feeling worried about coronavirus.  I'll be sharing more information in the All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group as the situation develops, so follow along there for updates on the relationship between COVID-19 and pregnancy. You can follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for general updates, too.  In this Episode, You’ll Learn About: What the coronavirus is and how it spreads An overview of the coronavirus outbreak up to March 10th, 2020 Symptoms of coronavirus and who is most at risk from the disease What we know about how coronavirus affects pregnancy and babies How to help prevent the spread of coronavirus Why you should stay calm and where you can find up-to-date information as the outbreak changes Links Mentioned In The Episode How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class! All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group The Birth Preparation Course CDC Guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Join my email list here!

I get a lot of questions about gestational diabetes (also known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM). I think it scares a lot of women to know that their blood sugar could affect their pregnancy, baby, and delivery, so I wanted to share everything I know about GDM in today’s episode.  We’re talking about what exactly gestational diabetes is, how common it is, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated. I’ll also cover some of the side effects GDM can have on you and your baby and why you need to pay extra attention to your own health in the postpartum period.  All pregnant women get tested for gestational diabetes, but it’s important to remember that the test is for the best for you and baby alike. Don’t try to cheat the test or worry about the results! If you have any other questions about GDM after listening to this episode, come on over to the All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group - I’d love to answer your questions there. In this Episode, You’ll Learn About: What exactly gestational diabetes is. How we test for and diagnose GDM. Some of the side effects gestational diabetes can have on you and your baby. The recommended nutritional breakdown of the food you eat during pregnancy. Why insulin is the first-line medication recommended for treating GDM.  How gestational diabetes can affect the postpartum period. Links Mentioned In The Episode How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class! The Birth Preparation Course ​American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology Episode #36: All About Pre-Eclampsia And What You Need To Know To Reduce Your Chances Of Getting It With Dr. Cecily Clark-Ganheart Episode #42: Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy Join my email list here!

We have an exciting episode today: this is the first time I've ever had a guest on the podcast who is currently pregnant! I thought it would be wonderful to have someone on who is on the same journey as a lot of my listeners, so today we have the honor of hosting Amber Manning. Amber is an Occupational Therapist based in Dallas, Texas. She and her husband recently got married and are expecting their first baby in April, so they've jumped wholeheartedly into educating themselves about pregnancy and birth. Amber shares some of the resources she's found really helpful during her pregnancy and talks about how she's applied what she's learned so far. We chat about switching doctors, being flexible with your birth plan, and advocating for yourself throughout your pregnancy and birth. We also discuss some of the mental health aspects of pregnancy and why it's okay if you don't feel perfectly happy and excited every second of your pregnancy. In this Episode, You’ll Learn About: How Amber and her husband found out they were pregnant not long before their wedding What resources they have used to educate themselves before their baby arrives Why Amber wanted to switch doctors right away How she has advocated for herself throughout her pregnancy, and how her husband is making sure he will be able to advocate for her during childbirth Why it's important to have a birth plan and birth wishes, but stay flexible and open to change Some of the struggles, both mental and physical, that Amber has been dealing with throughout her pregnancy Why it's so important to be aligned with what you want for your pregnancy - not what other people think Links Mentioned In The Episode How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class! The Birth Preparation Course Amber Manning | YouTube | Instagram What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin Evidence Based Birth Podcast Spinning Babies on Instagram Sara Reardon PT on Instagram Bump to Baby Academy Join us in the All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group! Join my email list here!

A lot of soon-to-be moms aren't sure what vaccinations they should (or shouldn't) get during pregnancy, if any. I know there are a lot of questions and misconceptions about immunization generally, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to do a deep dive into vaccines and pregnancy. There is a key difference between inactive and live vaccines, and the live kind are never recommended during pregnancy. In fact, there are only two immunizations that are definitely recommended during pregnancy; otherwise, you should try to be up to date before you get pregnant, or wait until after you've given birth to get vaccinated. Today I'll tell you what immunizations you should get before getting pregnant, which ones you should not get while pregnant, and some of the effects that these preventable diseases can have on mom and her developing baby if she doesn't get vaccinated. Don't forget about your flu shot, either - I did a whole episode on why you should get your flu shot during pregnancy, too! And if you  have any questions, come join us in the All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group. In this Episode, You’ll Learn About: Why immunizations are such an important part of a healthy pregnancy How safe vaccinations are and what to keep in mind before getting any new immunizations How the body produces antibodies and passes them along to your baby Why it's such a good idea to get your MMR and Varicella (chicken pox) vaccines before you get pregnant Some of the effects that measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella can have on mom and baby during pregnancy Why moms should get the TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) during pregnancy Links Mentioned In The Episode How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class! The Birth Preparation Course Ep #43: What You Need to Know About Flu and Pregnancy Join my email list here!

Have you ever felt confused about prenatal testing and why your doctor is running so many tests on you during your pregnancy? I realized that a lot of OBGYNs don't do a great job of explaining all of the tests we do during pregnancy, so I thought I'd walk you through the recommended ones. Thank you to Julie, who suggested this topic in the All About Pregnancy & Birth Facebook Group! You'll have most of your testing done at the initial appointment, which includes a full blood count and some tests for various infections, too. Then we'll talk about some of the tests you can expect to receive in the second and third trimesters and why we do each test that we do.  And don't worry about taking notes today - you can download a companion guide to this episode, with all the information about prenatal testing we'll cover today, right here. In this Episode, You’ll Learn About: What tests you can expect to get at your initial appointment and throughout the first, second, and third trimesters. Why we do each test and how it helps your doctor monitor your health and the health of your baby. A brief overview of some genetic tests you can receive. Why and how we test for gestational diabetes, which is fairly common in the third trimester. Why many doctors don't do an ultrasound in the third trimester. Some of the infections that doctors test for and how they can affect your pregnancy & birth. Links Mentioned In The Episode How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class! The Birth Preparation Course Download this episode's companion guide to prenatal testing! Come join us in the All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group! This episode was inspired by one of our conversations there, and it's a great place to meet other pregnant women and learn more about what to expect from your pregnancy & birth. Ep #22: All About Your Due Date Ep #31: Pregnancy & GBS (Group B Strep) Join my email list here!

Birth is unpredictable. If you’ve followed me for long, you’ve heard me say that. If you’re new, I’m telling you now. You can plan (and you should!), but you always have to keep in mind that the entire labor and birth process can’t be planned down to the last detail.   My guest on this episode of the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast, Debbie, knows this all too well! But not only does she provide some amazing insight into how to handle the unexpected and how to process it afterwards, she also shares her struggles with infertility, and about her journey from using an Ob to a midwife and doula combination for her birth.   This episode has so much incredible information that will be helpful for every pregnant mama to be!   After listening in, head on over to the All About Pregnancy & Birth Community on Facebook to continue the conversation! Some of the best discussion happens there! _______ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Episode Show Notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode29  How to Create Your Birth Plan Live Online Class Learn More: www.ncrcoaching.com  The Birth Preparation Course The All About Pregnancy and Birth Community Disclaimer   WHERE TO FIND DEBBIE DIAZGRANADOS: Facebook, LinkedIn

Fear of pain during labor is on every single pregnant mama’s brain. I get it! But you don't have to be afraid, I did this latest episode of the All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast to help you! I lay out all of your options for pain management - non medication techniques, IV pain medication, nitrous oxide, and epidurals. I talk about the risks, benefits, pros and cons of each. After listening to this episode you'll go into your labor and birth armed with education and confidence in whatever choices you make to manage your pain. After listening in, head on over to the All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast Community on Facebook so we can continue the conversation! I'd love to know how you plan to manage pain during labor! If you still have questions after listening in to this episode, check out my website. There are so many resources for you there! You can access my website here. _______ LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Full Show Notes Pain Management PDF The Birth Preparation Course All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast Community Disclaimer www.ncrcoaching.com 

My guest on this episode of the All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast, Dr. Sonal Patel, is doing some pretty amazing things to revolutionize care for both moms and babies during the postpartum period. She has a unique model of care where she provides in home care for newborns in the first month of life, along with breastfeeding support, and mental health care for moms. Not only does she talk all about that, but she gives some practical tips that you will definitely want, and need, to utilize after having your baby.  I really loved our conversation, the work she’s doing, and the advice that she shares during this episode, and I know you will too! After listening in, head on over to the All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast Community on Facebook to continue the conversation! Some of the best discussion happens there! _______ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Join My Email List Episode Show Notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode27  Learn More: www.ncrcoaching.com  The Birth Preparation Course The All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast Community Disclaimer   WHERE TO FIND DR. SONAL PATEL: Facebook, Instagram,  Website

On today's episode, we talk with Dr. Nicole Rankins about her role(s) at work, and how her personal experiences have shaped her professional endeavors!   This episode is brought to you by Willow at Home - an online video series to help you strengthen and condition your core and pelvic floor. It contains 3 unique classes combining yoga, Pilates, and bodyweight exercises. If you're preparing for childbirth, recovering postpartum, or want to improve symptoms of bladder leakage, pelvic organ prolapse or diastasis recti, this series is for you.   To Birth & Beyond Podcast listeners have been given 30% off with the code TOBIRTHANDBEYOND   Access video series through https://willowpeterborough.com/willow-at-home/ --- If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Stitcher to rate/review/subscribe to the show. Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References Dr. Nicole's podcast: “All About Pregnancy and Birth” www.ncrcoaching.com Instagram: @drnicolerankinsFacebook: Dr. Nicole Rankins

On today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Nicole Rankins about her role(s) at work, and how her personal experiences have shaped her professional endeavors!   This episode is brought to you by Willow at Home - an online video series to help you strengthen and condition your core and pelvic floor. It contains 3 unique classes combining yoga, Pilates, and bodyweight exercises. If you’re preparing for childbirth, recovering postpartum, or want to improve symptoms of bladder leakage, pelvic organ prolapse or diastasis recti, this series is for you.   To Birth & Beyond Podcast listeners have been given 30% off with the code TOBIRTHANDBEYOND   Access video series through https://willowpeterborough.com/willow-at-home/ --- If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Stitcher to rate/review/subscribe to the show. Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References Dr. Nicole’s podcast: “All About Pregnancy and Birth” www.ncrcoaching.com Instagram: @drnicolerankinsFacebook: Dr. Nicole Rankins

This is a fantastic episode of the All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast! My guest is Dr. Anne Kennard. Anne is not only a fellow OB Gyn physician, she’s also fellowship trained in Integrative Medicine. In addition, she's a nutritionist, herbalist, yoga instructor, and the mom to a toddler. Dr, Kennard covers so much in this episode. She talks about how she uses an integrative approach to care for all her patients, shares nutrition recommendations for pregnant women, supplements she recommends, environmental toxins to avoid (did you know pesticides can be found in the umbilical cord??), and how her personal difficulties with pregnancy and birth helped make her a better physician. This episode is packed full of so much useful information, you’re going to want to take notes! After listening in, head on over to the All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast Community on Facebook to continue the conversation! Some of the best discussion happens there! ______ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Episode Show Notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode24 Learn More: www.ncrcoaching.com The Birth Preparation Course The All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast Community Disclaimer   WHERE TO FIND DR. ANNE KENNARD: Facebook, Instagram,  Website   Dr. Kennard's Scary Mommy Article The Dirty Dozen: www.ewg.org/foodnews

You might have read the title of this episode of the podcast and instantly been skeptical. I’ll go ahead and say, this episode is based on what I call, the woo woo. But it is an episode you do NOT want to miss because this stuff is important! Expert energy coach, healer and psychic medium Nicole Karon is my guest on this episode. Even if you aren’t normally into things like meditation and visualization, trust me, you’re going to learn so much from this episode! Nicole shares what she does, the importance of connecting with and talking to your baby, and how crucial it is to avoid negative energy during pregnancy and even after birth. You’ll quickly see that what she talks about today, is very relatable and makes complete sense. If you still have questions after listening in to this episode, or thoughts, I would love for you to bring them to the All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast Community on Facebook. _______ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Full Episode Show Notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode21 All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast Community on Facebook Disclaimer Meditation Guide The Birth Preparation Course Learn More: www.ncrcoaching.com   WHERE TO FIND NICOLE KARON www.nicolekaron.com

Do you know how important your baby’s movements are, and how to track them? Your baby’s movements, and tracking them, are incredibly important when it comes to ensuring you have a healthy baby. This episode of the All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast tells you why it’s important to track those movements, how to track them, and most importantly, what to do when you’re concerned about the lack of movement. Listen in to this episode as I go through each of those with you. After tuning in, you’ll be confident in your ability to track your baby’s movements and know when to seek medical help. Because the ultimate goal is to have a healthy baby, right!? If you still have questions after listening in to this episode, I would love for you to check out my website. There are so many resources for you there! You can access my website by clicking here. ________ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Episode Show Notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode16 Learn More: www.ncrcoaching.com Disclaimer

In this episode, I interview Dr. Nicole Rankins about the role of a hospitalist obstetrician, and how families can prepare themselves to have a safe and fulfilling birth in a hospital setting. Nicole is a wife and mother to two girls, an obstetrician/gynecologist, a podcast host, and an integrative health coach. She did her residency at Duke University, and also did a research fellowship at UNC Chapel Hill. Nicole currently practices at a community hospital in Virginia, and she loves helping women enjoy healthy births and healthy lives. She started the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast in 2019, and she offers online childbirth education. As a hospitalist obstetrician, 99% of her work is on the labor and delivery unit. We talk about the role of the hospitalist and what women need to know about this model of care, as well as Nicole’s preventative and health promotion work in her community. We also discuss the problem of compassion fatigue, and the struggles and pressures faced by physicians in connecting with the wider birth world.  For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.  RESOURCES: Connect with Nicole on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and her website . @drnicolerankins Check out Nicole’s podcast, All About Pregnancy and Birth! Get the download links here.

It’s quite possible that when you hear the words “gut microbiome” you’re asking yourself what I’m talking about. Am I right? If so, don’t worry, you’re in good company. The majority of people have no clue what it means. But you’re in luck! On today’s episode of the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast, I talk with Dr. Sarina Pasricha who is an expert on gut health and the gut microbiome. And we had an excellent discussion that I know you’ll not only enjoy but also learn so much from. We cover everything...what gut microbiome means, how it affects your pregnancy and newborn baby, how you can improve your own gut microbiome and your baby’s, and how to help your baby have the best possible start with their gut microbiome. If you still have questions after listening in to this episode, I would love for you to check out my website. There are so many resources for you there! You can access my website here. _______ LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Full show notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode15 Facebook Group: All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast Community Website: www.ncrcoaching.com Disclaimer: www.ncrcoaching.com/disclaimer   WAYS TO CONNECT WITH DR. SARINA PASRICHA: Instagram: www.instagram.com/docsarina Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DocSarina/   IG ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW FOR DIETARY TIPS AND RECIPES: www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd www.instagram.com/plantbasedpediatrician www.instagram.com/theveggiemd www.instagram.com/plantbasedjuniors www.instagram.com/marriedtohealth www.instagram.com/forksoverknives

Do you know what a doula is, what they do, and just how important they can be to you during your pregnancy and labor?I definitely do. That's why I have a doula as part of my Facebook group communities. But as much as I thought I knew, I still learned a thing or two during this episode of the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast!During this episode, I talk with my friend and the community manager of both my course Facebook group and podcast Facebook group, experienced doula Keisha Graham.Keisha gives some GREAT information that every pregnant woman will find valuable. She also illustrates the massive impact that having a doula during your pregnancy, labor and delivery can have. So be sure to listen in and also let us know what you think in the podcast community Facebook group! If you still have questions after listening to this episode, check out my website! There are so many resources for you there! You can access that by clicking here. __________ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Episode Show Notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode9 All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast Community on Facebook Disclaimer Learn More: www.ncrcoaching.com Where you can find Kesha Graham: Doula Match My Birth RVA

Do you know why I love featuring Birth Stories on the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast? Because it shows you that each pregnancy and birth is unique and special! And this episode is no different! Dr. Charmaine Gregory has not one, but THREE amazing birth stories and she takes you through her struggles getting pregnant, to how hypnosis helped her cope with the pain during unmedicated births, to your mindset during pregnancy and beyond. And there are a few fun shockers in this episode as well, so you definitely want to catch this one! My guest on this episode also hosts her own podcasts, so if you’d love to connect with her after listening in, you can find out more below in the links section. If you still have questions after listening in to this episode, I would love for you to check out my website. There are so many resources for you there! You can access my website here. ------------------------------ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Episode Show Notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode8 All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast Community on Facebook Disclaimer Learn More: www.ncrcoaching.com   Where to find Dr. Charmaine Gregory: Website: Fervently Fit With Charmaine Gregory MD Fearless Freedom With Dr. G Podcast: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Dr. Charmaine Gregory on Social Media: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn

I strongly believe that women learn some of the most crucial information about labor, delivery and childbirth...from other women’s birth stories. That’s why on the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast you’ll find a mixture of advice, expert information, and real life birth stories from mamas and mamas-to-be, just like you. This episode is a little different though...on today’s episode I’m sharing with you my own personal birth stories! No filters. No gloss. Just truth. Am I proud of every decision I made during my births? Nope. And I share that with you here today. Because every birth is not ideal. Every mama doesn’t always make choices she’s thrilled about later. Every situation doesn’t go as planned or as dreamed about. But that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. So join me on this episode to hear about my own experience giving birth, as a mama, and an OB/GYN. If you still have questions after listening to this episode, I would love for you to check out my website. There are so many resources for you there! You can access that by clicking here. ----------------------- LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: To enroll in The Birth Preparation Course: www.ncrcoaching.com/enroll (use code CELEBRATE to get 20% off until 2/8/19) To submit your birth story: www.ncrcoaching.com/birthstory Full show notes: www.ncrcoaching.com/episode5 (including pictures)

Introducing the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast! This is the place to be to get comprehensive, evidence-based, holistic information to help you have your best pregnancy and birth. Hosted by Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a board certified ob/gyn physician and certified integrative health coach. The first episodes premiere January 8th!