Ep 308: From IVF to Fast Labor: What Dr. Allison Learned on Both Sides of Birth
What happens when a perinatal psychologist — who supports women through fertility and birth trauma — becomes the patient herself?In this honest and heartfelt episode, I chat with Dr. Allison Altman, a Bay Area psychologist who specializes in women’s mental health and trauma, about her deeply personal journey through infertility, IVF, and an unexpectedly fast hospital birth. Allison opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy after infertility, how her professional training shaped her experience, and why advocacy and flexibility made all the difference.In this episode, you’ll learn:What it’s really like to go through IVF — and how uncertainty takes a toll on your mental healthHow anxiety can show up during pregnancy after infertility (and what helps)What an IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) diagnosis means and how to navigate induction decisionsHow Allison balanced her birth preferences with hospital protocols — and why she said “no” to breaking her water earlyThe surprising speed of her labor (from 4 cm to baby in 20 minutes!) and how she processed it afterwardWhy setting up postpartum support before birth matters more than you thinkResources Mentioned:Dr. Allison Altman’s websiteThe Birth With Power Pathway — my online childbirth classOur Sponsors:* Check out Ritual and get early access to their Black Friday sale - 40% off! : https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE* Check out Uncommon Goods at get 15% off! : https://uncommongoods.com/drnicoleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Ep 307: Informed Consent Isn’t a Form — It’s a Conversation
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by medical jargon or unsure what’s really in the medications you’re offered — you’re not alone.In this episode, I sit down with Alexandra Galaska, founder of Just the Inserts, to talk about what true informed consent looks like and how to decode medical product information with confidence. From navigating medication inserts to advocating for yourself in pregnancy and postpartum, this conversation will help you feel grounded — not fearful — in your choices.You’ll Learn:What informed consent really means (and why it’s more than signing a form)How to find and read medication and vaccine insertsThe CLEAR framework for informed decision-makingHow to balance medical recommendations with your personal valuesHow to ask your provider informed, respectful questions during pregnancy and birthResources Mentioned:Just the Inserts – Free Training & ResourcesIs Your Doctor Right For Your Birth? - Dr. Nicole’s Question GuideOur Sponsors:* Check out Ritual and get early access to their Black Friday sale - 40% off! : https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE* Check out Uncommon Goods at get 15% off! : https://uncommongoods.com/drnicoleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Is Acetaminophen a.k.a. Tylenol “Safe”?
You’ve heard it all—“Tylenol causes autism” vs. “Totally safe.” Safe doesn’t mean risk-free, and you deserve the full picture.If you’re pregnant and dealing with headache, fever, or pain, this short episode gives you a clear, guilt-free way to think about acetaminophen (Tylenol). I walk you through what the research actually says, why observational studies can confuse the conversation, and how to make a smart, individualized decision with your clinician.You’ll learn:Why “safe” ≠ “risk-free,” and how OBs should communicate benefits vs. risksWhat big studies say about acetaminophen and neurodevelopment—and what they don’t proveWhy untreated fever and significant pain carry their own real risks in pregnancyA simple decision framework: lowest effective dose, shortest time, with guidanceNon-drug options to consider for pain (PT, yoga, chiropractic)Resources Mentioned:Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology (cautious, judicious use; association ≠ causation)Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability (no association in sibling-controlled analyses)Our Sponsors:* Check out Ritual and get early access to their Black Friday sale - 40% off! : https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE* Check out Uncommon Goods at get 15% off! : https://uncommongoods.com/drnicoleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Ep 306: Tracking Labor Progress: Vaginal Exams Decoded
Vaginal exams are one of the most common — and most misunderstood — parts of labor. They can empower you or leave you feeling powerless. The difference? Knowing what they really mean.In this episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek inside The Birth With Power Pathway, my upcoming childbirth education program. We’ll demystify vaginal exams — what they measure, how often they should be done, and how to make them more comfortable and respectful. By the end, you’ll understand how to stay informed, set boundaries, and keep your power every step of the way.You’ll learn:What dilation, effacement, and fetal station actually measureHow to interpret those numbers (and why they can vary between providers)How often vaginal exams are typically done — and when you can say “no”Tips to make exams more comfortable and less painfulWhat true informed consent looks like during laborResources Mentioned:The Birth With Power Pathway — join the waitlist: drnicolerankins.com/emailFollow me on Instagram: @drnicolerankinsOur Sponsors:* Check out Ritual and get early access to their Black Friday sale - 40% off! : https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE* Check out Uncommon Goods at get 15% off! : https://uncommongoods.com/drnicoleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Ep 305: Trust Your Body — Ashley’s Story of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
When Ashley’s hands and feet started to itch, she almost brushed it off as “just another pregnancy symptom.” But that simple sign turned out to be something much more serious — intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). This condition can significantly increase the risk of stillbirth.In this episode, Ashley shares how she faced ICP not once, but twice — from an unexpected early labor that left no time for pain meds to finding peace and confidence in her second birth. Her story is a raw and empowering reminder to trust your instincts, speak up when something feels off, and lean on your care team.You’ll learn:What ICP is and why early detection mattersHow Ashley’s lightning-fast first birth unfolded (and what she wishes she’d known)How her second birth experience was completely different — and healingPractical signs to watch for if you ever experience unexplained itchingWhy listening to your body can literally save livesResources Mentioned:ICP Care — support and information for families affected by ICPOur Sponsors:* Check out Ritual and get early access to their Black Friday sale - 40% off! : https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE* Check out Uncommon Goods at get 15% off! : https://uncommongoods.com/drnicoleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Birth With Power is the go-to podcast for expecting mothers who want to take charge of their birth experience.Hosted by Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a practicing, board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of experience and thousands of births attended, this podcast delivers accurate, expert advice, real birth stories, and honest conversations to get you informed and empowered.Through solo episodes, guest interviews, and inspiring birth stories, you’ll get the tools to navigate pregnancy, labor, and postpartum with calm and confidence.Whether you’re planning your first birth or your fourth, Birth With Power will help you approach the journey feeling strong, prepared, and empowered.Subscribe today and take charge of your birth!
Ireland