IV Narcotics, Nitrous Oxide, and More

One of the most common questions I get during hospital shifts?
“What other pain meds can I get if I don’t want (or can’t have) an epidural?”

While epidurals are the go-to for many, they’re definitely not the only option!

In this episode of The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m diving into:

• IV narcotics: what they are, how they work, and what to expect

• Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas!): how it’s used for labor pain relief

• Pros and cons of each option

• Plus a few non-medical pain relief ideas to consider too!

Whether you're planning for an unmedicated birth or just want to know your options, this episode will help you feel more educated, empowered, and in control.

Want to walk into your birth feeling ready for anything? This free guide helps you get organized, make informed choices, and feel confident no matter your birth plan.

📥 Download the Birth Prep Guide here

My online birth classes cover everything from labor positions to pain management to pushing – all in an easy-to-digest, confidence-boosting format.

💻 Explore MLN All-Access Birth Classes

🔹 Epidurals 101: Get Informed About Epidurals for Birth (EP171)

Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily tips, birth ed, and relatable moments from a labor nurse who gets you 💛

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and fellow podcaster Dr. Mona Amin to chat about those quirky, confusing, and totally normal things newborns do in the early days.

Dr. Mona is a board-certified pediatrician and parenting expert who’s all about helping new parents feel calm, confident, and informed.

Inside this episode, we’re unpacking:

• Why your baby’s hiccups are nothing to worry about

• What’s going on with day/night confusion

• How much (or little!) your baby really needs to eat in those early days

• And 7 more newborn behaviors that might surprise you!

If you’re a first-time parent or you just want a little reassurance, this episode is full of validation and real talk from two mamas who’ve been there 💛

Feel organized and so ready for baby with this free printable checklist made by a labor nurse (hi, that’s me 👋)

📥 Grab your 3rd Trimester Prep Pack

Whether you’re aiming for an unmedicated birth, planning on an epidural, or prepping for a C-section, our online birth classes will help you feel confident, educated, and in control.

💻 Check out the MLN All-Access Birth Classes

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Dr. Mona is a practicing pediatrician, mom of one, and the voice behind the popular PedsDocTalk brand. She’s built a warm, inclusive community of 100k+ parents looking for evidence-based guidance without the judgment. Dr. Mona is passionate about helping new moms and dads actually enjoy those early days through smart, reassuring education.

Follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram for daily pregnancy tips, labor prep, and newborn wisdom from a labor nurse who gets it 💛

Welcome back to The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast! Today we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools you can use to monitor your baby’s well-being in the third trimester: kick counting.

I’m joined by Kimberly Isburg from Count the Kicks, an incredible organization that’s helping parents all over the country improve birth outcomes and reduce stillbirth through awareness and education. Kimberly is a mama of two and a passionate advocate for maternal health – and I’m so excited for you to hear her wisdom and warmth.

Inside the episode, we’re covering:

• Why tracking baby’s movement matters so much in late pregnancy

• Common myths and misconceptions about fetal movement

• How to use the Count the Kicks method and app

• Tips for staying calm, confident, and connected to your baby

This one’s a must-listen – especially if you’re in your third trimester and want to feel empowered and informed 💛

Take the stress out of your final weeks with this free checklist + guide made by a labor nurse (yep, me!)

📥 Download your 3rd Trimester Prep Pack

Whether you're planning for an unmedicated birth, thinking about an epidural, or preparing for a C-section, our online birth classes will get you ready, confident, and in control.

💻 Explore MLN All-Access Birth Classes

• Count the Kicks Website

• Follow on Instagram

Kimberly is the Communications Manager for Healthy Birth Day, Inc., the nonprofit behind Count the Kicks. She’s also a mom of two boys and used the Count the Kicks method in both of her pregnancies. Her work helps save lives, and we’re so honored to have her on the show!

Follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram for daily pregnancy tips, labor hacks, and support from a labor nurse who gets it.