On your skin. That’s where your baby should be right after birth!The benefits of skin to skin contact include:An easier transition to newborn lifeMore stable breathing and temperatureHelps with breastfeedingPromotes bondingCheck out The Birth Preparation Course , my online childbirth education class that gets you calm. confident, and empowered to have a beautiful birth. Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/drnicole50Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When Meg was already trying for the ambitious goal of an unmedicated VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), the hospital didn't think she could also have a water birth. But she proved them wrong when she gave birth in the tub.Her first baby was breech. Despite trying everything she could to turn her, she was unable to and in the end had a c-section. Even though the birth went well, she was disappointed that she didn't have the experience she wanted. Even though she knew there was a chance it wouldn’t work out, she decided to try for a VBAC on her second birth. In this incredible birth story you’ll hear all about how her birth wishes came true.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:What about Meg’s first birth made her want a VBACWhat lead to her first birth being a cesareanHow hypnobirthing helped her access the trauma from her c-sectionWhen she went into labor for her second birthWhat comfort measures she used during her unmedicated birthHow she combined instinct and what she learned from childbirth education to successfully deliver her baby vaginallyHow she managed to have a water birth despite the hospital’s doubts--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode225Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right WayOur Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/drnicole50Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nothing should happen to you during your birth without your consent.That means before➡️ Vaginal exams➡️ Breaking your water➡️ Starting pitocin➡️ Episiotomythere’s a discussion about the benefits, risks, and alternatives and your provider needs to receive your explicit consent before proceeding.This places YOU at the center of your birth which is exactly how it should be.The Birth Preparation CourseOur Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/drnicole50Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sometimes, you realize that your Plan B was your Plan A all along. When Julia chose to become a solo mom, there were a lot of decisions to be made. She meditated, traveled, journaled, and more.This path of independent maternity felt right to her so she set out to learn as much about alternative families as she could. She decided to do this by having conversations with real people which inspired her podcast Stork’d. She’s on a mission to share through personal experience, both hers and others’, what it looks like to create your own happiness.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:Why Julia opted to be a solo momWhat made her select insemination over adoptionHow her friends and family responded to her choice to be an independent parentHow she found the confidence to stand firm in her decision to be a solo motherWhich factors she took into consideration when choosing a sperm donorWhat the donor selection process was likeWhat it was like to navigate prenatal care as a solo parentWhat the positives and negatives were of living with her parents postpartum--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode224Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right WayOur Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/drnicole50Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sometimes, you realize that your Plan B was your Plan A all along. When Julia chose to become a solo mom, there were a lot of decisions to be made. She meditated, traveled, journaled, and more.This path of independent maternity felt right to her so she set out to learn as much about alternative families as she could. She decided to do this by having conversations with real people which inspired her podcast Stork’d. She’s on a mission to share through personal experience, both hers and others’, what it looks like to create your own happiness.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:Why Julia opted to be a solo momWhat made her select insemination over adoptionHow her friends and family responded to her choice to be an independent parentHow she found the confidence to stand firm in her decision to be a solo motherWhich factors she took into consideration when choosing a sperm donorWhat the donor selection process was likeWhat it was like to navigate prenatal care as a solo parentWhat the positives and negatives were of living with her parents postpartum--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode224Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right WayOur Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/drnicole50Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy