Labor & Delivery 101: Stages, Inductions & Epidurals (with Dr. Kate White)

Erica (32 weeks!) and Hillary kick things off with a bump update, a baby-shower wardrobe saga, and a funny "am I late…or pregnant?!" moment—then OB-GYN Dr. Kate White joins to walk first-time moms through Labor & Delivery 101.

We cover:
– Stages of labor in plain English (what Braxton Hicks really are, and the 5-1-1 rule)
– When to head to the hospital vs. when it's okay to wait
– Pain management options: preparing for unmedicated birth, when to ask for an epidural, what "too late" actually means, and non-pharmacologic tools (showers, TENS, nitrous where available)
– Induction 101: Bishop score basics, ARRIVE trial takeaways, and cervical-ripening methods (Cervidil/misoprostol, Foley bulb, Dilapan, membrane rupture, Pitocin)
– Water breaking myths: why it doesn't always mean sprinting to L&D (and when it does)
– Rapid-fire truths: delayed cord clamping (how long is actually helpful), eating during labor (what's smart), and whether you can still move with an epidural
– What to ask on your hospital tour: anesthesia availability, epidural timing policies, nitrous/TENS access, birth bars/balls, and shower use
– Reassurance for anxious moms: how to voice fears, why flexibility is your secret superpower, and keeping the main goal—healthy mom, healthy baby—front and center

Guest:
Dr. Kate White, OB-GYN, Lowcountry OB/GYN (Charleston, SC) — co-host of the podcast Heads & Tails: https://www.headsandtailspodcast.com

Get clear on the feeding–sleep loop and next steps: https://babysettler.com

Connect:
– Baby Settler: https://www.babysettler.com
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babysettler
– Early-Momming Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/earlymommingpodcast

Listen on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/early-momming-podcast-with-hillary-sadler/id1732529746
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7yKAmDQdt3jCErIwyLFRtF

About Hillary:
Hillary is a board-certified lactation consultant, masters-level registered nurse, author of Babies Made Simple, mom of four, and the founder and lead consultant at Baby Settler in Charleston, SC (serving families virtually worldwide).

Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding questions or concerns about your or your baby's health.