Today we’re talking about something that is beautiful, powerful, and yes—potentially life-saving: feeling your baby move. In addition to the emotional connection, it’s also an important way to stay in tune with their wellbeing. But there’s a lot of inaccurate advice and fear out there.

You’ll hear so many opinions about kick counts, what’s normal, and when you should call your doctor. It can feel incredibly confusing. So today I’m giving you the info you need on understanding your baby’s movement so you can feel calm, confident, and empowered through every kick, roll, and twist.

• When you should start feeling your baby move
• What's normal for fetal movement and what's not
• How to tune into your baby's pattern without stressing yourself out
• When counting kicks can be a helpful tool—and when it’s not necessary
• What the research says about tracking fetal movement and preventing stillbirth
• When to see your doctor or midwife for changes in your baby’s activity

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode302

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

After experiencing a miscarriage, Melissa decided to heal, both emotionally and physically, before trying again. In this episode, she shares how therapy and doing her homework helped her process the loss and feel ready to try again.

From the exhaustion of prodromal labor to the raw intensity of pushing and a third-degree tear, Melissa shares a beautifully honest and empowering account of her journey. There’s so much goodness in this episode—real talk, helpful tips, and lessons that can truly make a difference for your own birth experience.

• What Melissa experienced during her miscarriage
• How therapy helped her process the loss and feel ready to try again
• How soon she got pregnant for the second time
• When she learned she had a fibroid and what it meant
• How she educated herself before giving birth
• Why she chose midwifery care and how her provider’s approach influenced her birth experience
• What it felt like to go through prodromal labor for days before true labor began
• What made labor so much harder than she expected
• Which degree of tearing she had during delivery
• What surprised her about postpartum healing

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode301

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

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

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