Intense pregnancy itching might be a sign of a serious condition called cholestasis of pregnancy—a liver disorder that affects pregnancy and can increase the risk of stillbirth. In honor of ICP Awareness Month this June, I’m joined by Donna Benavides, founder of the nonprofit ICP Care, to talk about her personal journey after tragically losing her first son due to cholestasis of pregnancy.

Donna is here to share what everyone should know about this rare but potentially dangerous pregnancy complication. She’s sharing her critical insights about symptoms to watch for, the importance of self-advocacy, and how to get the right care. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, this is must-know information to help you protect your baby and your peace of mind.

• What the signs and symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy are
• Who is most likely to experience cholestasis of pregnancy
• What testing and treatment involve
• How long test results can take—and why timing matters
• Whether cholestasis of pregnancy can be prevented
• How to advocate for yourself
• Which kinds of support can make a difference in your care
• How ICP can affect future pregnancies

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode300

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Episiotomy is not routine anymore, but it hasn't gone away. If it's done without your consent or because your doctor's in a hurry, that’s a problem. So let's talk about it! Because when you understand what an episiotomy really is, when it's actually needed, and how to protect yourself from one that isn't needed, that's when you step into your power.

I first covered this topic back in 2020 but I want to circle back to it because I’d like to come out harder with my thoughts on consent, power, how doctors' habits can shape your birth, and things you can do to protect yourself. So whether this is brand new for you or something you've heard horror stories about, stay with me because I'm giving you the real deal on what to watch out for in labor so nothing is done to you without your consent.

• What the biggest predictor of whether you will get an episiotomy is
• Why it’s important to discuss your doctor’s approach ahead of time
• How rates have changed over time
• What the two types are and how they differ
• When it may actually be necessary — and how rare that is
• What language during labor can signal an episiotomy is about to happen
• What the healing process is like and when to seek pelvic floor support

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode299

Feel calm and confident before birth with the $37 Mindset Bundle — grab it at drnicolerankins.com/calm.

In the last birth story episode, episode 295, I shared a story of a home birth that went beautifully. Today, we’re exploring the other side of that experience—because while out-of-hospital births can be wonderful, they can also come with real risks. My guest, Megan, joins me to share her second birth story, which started at a standalone birth center and turned into a life-threatening emergency involving a cord prolapse and an urgent hospital transfer.

This is an emotional and important conversation about the realities of rare birth complications, the gaps that can exist between birth centers and hospitals, and why it’s so important to ask questions—no matter where you’re giving birth. And yes, even if you're planning a hospital birth, there are key lessons here around communication, continuity of care, and preparing for the unexpected. Megan’s story is one of strength, resilience, and ultimately, healing—and I’m honored to share it with you.

• Why Megan chose a hospital for her first baby and a birthing center for her second
• What a cord prolapse is and why it’s a true obstetric emergency
• How her low-risk birth escalated to a life-threatening situation
• Why relationships between birthing centers and hospitals are so important
• What happens when the nearest hospital isn’t fully equipped for labor and delivery
• Why her cord prolapse required immediate delivery through emergency C-section
• How Megan is healing from birth trauma and preparing for a future VBAC

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode298

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