Curious About Epidurals? Here’s Exactly What to Expect Before You Say Yes
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. 💌 FREE Epidural Prep Pack! 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 🎓 Ready for Birth You Actually Feel Ready For? 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 📲 Join the MLN Community Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily pregnancy tips, birth prep advice, and real talk from a labor nurse who’s been there.
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37:56
Hospital Bag Must-Haves + What to Eat (and Avoid!) During Labor
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re talking all about what to pack (and not pack!) in your hospital bag for birth – plus we’re covering snacks and eating during labor too 🍿 Let me tell you, for my first birth? Total slacker. I didn’t get serious about packing my bag until wayyy late in the game – and it could’ve backfired big time. For baby #2? Totally prepared! In this episode, I’m breaking it all down: What to pack in four separate bags: labor, recovery, partner, and baby What to leave at home (because clutter = chaos) My go-to list of snacks for labor and what to know about eating during labor Trust me, being prepared is a major stress reducer – and I’ve got you covered with the ultimate hospital bag prep episode! 🎁 Grab Your FREE Hospital Bag Checklist! This free printable checklist was made by a practicing L&D nurse (hey, it’s me 👋) and it’ll help you feel 10,000% more confident walking into the hospital. ➡️ Download the Hospital Bag Checklist now 💻 Want to Feel Really Ready for Birth? Hospital bag packed? Check. Now let’s prep your mind for labor too. My online birth classes are here to help you feel calm, informed, and in control – no matter how you deliver. 🎉 Click here to explore MLN Birth Classes 🧪 Try This Essential Oil Labor Blend This soothing blend is a fan favorite for labor: 2 drops Ylang Ylang 7 drops Clary Sage 3 drops Lavender 3 drops Frankincense Add to a glass bottle and top off with your favorite carrier oil 💧 💛 Don’t forget to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram for daily tips, education, and relatable mom content – we’re a community of 650k+ strong!
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31:49
Big Podcast Update!! 😍🎙️
The MLN Podcast is on pause..but not for long!! In this candid episode, I share a short personal update on the challenges I've faced in recent months that led to re-airing old podcast episodes. I open up about the real-life struggles that have drained my energy and delayed new content creation. But now, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back with renewed vigor and exciting plans!! I've been working hard on building a new content studio with a fake hospital room to deliver more visual and engaging educational content. Mark your calendars for Spring 2025, when the new format of the Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast will debut. I can't wait to share this fresh, fun, and insightful content with all of you!! And...I'd love you forever if you'd subscribe to my YouTube channel to experience the episodes in their full glory. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!!
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15:00
Hollywood vs. Reality: Liesel + Jenna React to Birth on the Big Screen
*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift! In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!* ****** This week on the podcast, I had my sister Jenna come on the show for a fun and light hearted episode that I’m really excited to share with you guys. Jenna and I watched some birth videos – but not the kind of birth videos that you’re thinking of! – and react to them live on the episode. I thought it’d be interesting coming from me as a labor and delivery nurse and from Jenna, who you know has never been pregnant and doesn’t have any kids. I’m not gonna spoil too much of the episode. It was a lot of fun to record, but was also a big pain in the butt to get ready for, so I hope you guys like it! Related Podcast Episodes: EP116: Pregnancy and Birth Trivia EP68: The Labor Games EP61: What’s It Like to Be a Labor and Delivery Nurse ****** Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered! CLICK HERE to get helpful and supportive tips, info, and resources from an L&D nurse sent straight to your inbox every week, and never sort through search results again! CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver. And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!
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41:53
The 'Too Shy to Ask' Birth Questions: Liesel's Unfiltered Answers (Part 2)
*Hi guys! Liesel here. I wanted to let you know that the Mommy Labor Nurse podcast as you know it is currently getting a HUGE facelift! In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my instagram for updates on when the new and improved Mommy Labor Nurse podcast will be back with all new episodes!* ****** This week I am back to answer your most embarrassing birth questions, part 2! I had so much fun with last week’s episode, I just had to come back and answer more of your questions because we got so many good ones! Not only are these “Ask Me Anything” style episodes fun, but it’s my hope that they are really informational and educational for you as well. We all have questions that we might be a little embarrassed to ask our provider (even I do!), but have no fear, I’m here to unpack it all. Questions covered in the episode How common is pooping and peeing during birth? How do I clean up all the stuff after birth? What happens if I get diarrhea in a birth pool? How do I pee in a catheter? Does it come out whenever, or do I have to push it out? How often do moms have urinary retention after getting an epidural? Is it difficult to pee during labor? I pooped 3 times – is that normal? What are your tips for first postpartum poop pain? What if I don’t have control of my bladder and pee during contractions? Is it normal for my provider to put their finger in my butt while I am pushing? How common is it to fart during pushing? ****** Overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy & birth info out there? I got ya covered! CLICK HERE to get my FREE hospital bag checklist - straight from the brain of an L&D nurse to make sure you are 10000% ready to go! CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth classes that will help you feel prepared and in control - no matter how you deliver. And be sure to follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over half a million for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!
Welcome to the Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, where we firmly believe in the power of education when it comes to giving birth! Tune in each week as we dive into pregnancy-related topics, expert interviews, and a variety of birth stories!
As a reminder, anything you hear on this podcast should not be taken as medical advice, please see mommylabornurse.com/disclaimer for more info.
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