This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re doing another Ask Me Anything – and this time it’s all about the second trimester!

These episodes are always a hit (and one of my faves to record!) because I get to answer your real questions from Instagram stories – with way more detail than I can fit into a slide.

Inside this episode, we’re covering:

• What’s up with peeing when you sneeze (and what to do about it)

• Kick counting basics – when to start and how it works

• Glucose tolerance testing tips and what to expect

• What to know about placenta previa

• Do you really need a birth class?

• And more second-tri insights you don’t want to miss!

Whether you’re 13 weeks or 27, this one’s full of relatable info and practical tips to help you feel more confident in your pregnancy.

Registry stress? To-do list overwhelm? This free guide is here to help you stay on track and actually enjoy this trimester!

📥 Grab your 2nd Trimester Prep Pack

Our MLN Birth Classes cover everything you need to know – from contractions to confidence – and are perfect for second-tri mamas looking to get ahead.

💻 Check out the MLN Birth Classes

Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily pregnancy ed, tips, and a supportive community of 700k+ mamas 💛

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re talking all things first trimester!
It’s one of our signature Ask Me Anything episodes – and yes, I love doing these for you guys!

Every question in this episode was submitted by my IG fam (hey Insta besties 👋) – and I picked the ones that needed a deeper dive than stories allow. So if you’re navigating those early weeks and wondering, “Is this normal??” – you’re in the right place.

Inside the episode, we’re chatting about:

• How to handle nausea without losing your mind

• Fatigue hacks that actually help

• What’s up with first-trimester anxiety

• And so much more!

Whether you’re newly pregnant or just want to feel a little less alone in those first 12 weeks, this episode is packed with validation, tips, and real talk 💛

Overwhelmed in the early weeks? This free guide will help you feel more in control, more prepared, and more you.

📥 Grab your 1st Trimester Prep Pack here

Our online birth classes walk you through every stage of pregnancy – from trimester one to postpartum – so you feel confident and supported.

💻 Check out the MLN Birth Classes

Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily education, encouragement, and that “you’re not alone” kind of support through pregnancy and beyond 💛

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re welcoming a very special guest – the amazing Dr. Rebecca Dekker from Evidence Based Birth®!

Rebecca is a PhD nurse, researcher, educator, and fierce advocate for evidence-based maternity care. She’s also the author of Babies Are Not Pizzas and host of the Evidence Based Birth® podcast, which has over 4.5 million downloads 👏

In this episode, we’re digging into the topic of natural labor induction – what works, what doesn’t, and how to tell the difference.

Inside the episode:

• Evidence behind common natural induction techniques

• The difference between “throw you into labor” methods vs. gentle nudges

• Pros, cons, and safety of various approaches

• How to think critically and make informed decisions around induction

Whether you’re hoping to avoid a medical induction or just want to be informed, this episode is a must-listen!

Want to feel more confident and in control heading into labor? Grab this free guide packed with tips, checklists, and prep strategies from a labor nurse!

📥 Download the Birth Prep Guide

My MLN Birth Classes will help you feel so ready – with evidence-based lessons, practical tips, and support for every type of birth.

💻 Check out the MLN Birth Classes

• EP77: Why It’s Important to Prep Your Body for Labor

• The Miles Circuit by Sharon Muza

Rebecca is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth®, where she and her team are on a mission to make research on pregnancy and birth accessible and empowering for all families. She’s a former nursing professor, passionate educator, and mom who’s changing the birth world – one fact at a time.

• Visit the Website

• Follow on Instagram

• Listen to the Podcast

This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re chatting about labor signs – but not the obvious ones like contractions or water breaking. We’re talking about the weird, lesser-known signs that your body might be getting ready for labor 👀

Because if you’ve ever found yourself googling, “Is ___ a sign of labor?”...you’re so not alone.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• The most common (but surprising!) symptoms I see before labor begins

• Why it’s totally normal to feel hyper-aware of every body change in the final weeks

• What to actually pay attention to as you approach labor day

Whether you’re 36 weeks or just curious about what’s coming, this episode will help you feel more in tune with your body and what it’s trying to tell you 💛

Feeling anxious about packing? This free checklist was made by a practicing L&D nurse (hi, that’s me!) to help you pack like a pro and actually feel ready.

📥 Grab your Hospital Bag Checklist

My online birth classes are designed to help you feel educated, prepared, and in control no matter how you plan to deliver.

💻 Explore MLN Birth Classes

Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily tips, relatable education, and solidarity through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.

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

Looking for a powerful, efficient breast pump that actually fits your lifestyle? The Motif Luna is hospital-strength, insurance-covered, and mom-approved 💪

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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.

When it comes to birth, epidurals are a big part of the conversation – whether you’re planning on getting one or just want to be informed.

Most people know that an epidural can take away labor pain…but beyond that? There’s still a lot of mystery around how it all actually works!

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

• How an epidural is placed (step-by-step!)

• Whether it hurts to get one

• What the needle looks like (spoiler: not as scary as you think)

• Common epidural side effects

• And yes – we’re talking about walking epidurals, too!

These are your most-asked questions from my DMs, answered 💬

Whether you’re team epidural, team unmedicated, or just figuring it out – you’ll walk away feeling way more confident.

Want to feel educated and empowered before you say yes to an epidural?

🎁 Grab my free Epidural Prep Pack – it’s short, sweet, and packed with what you really need to know before the big day.

➡️ Click here to download it now

Whether you're planning to get an epidural or not, understanding your options is key to feeling in control.

My MLN Birth Classes cover everything from contractions to pushing – and help you feel calm, educated, and confident no matter how your story unfolds.

💛 Check out the MLN Birth Classes here

Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily pregnancy tips, birth prep advice, and real talk from a labor nurse who’s been there.