Birth With Power

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)Free Resources to Help You Birth With PowerGet the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patientsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 ICPFree Resources to Help You Birth With PowerGet the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patientsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, we’re talking all about chiropractic care in the postpartum period—what it is and how it may help you heal after giving birth. Now listen, I know some doctors can be quick to dismiss things like chiropractic care or other so-called “alternative” approaches. But I really believe it's important that we expand our lens and stay open to options outside the traditional box—especially when those options may offer real benefits for postpartum healing and wellness.In this episode, we’re welcoming back award-winning prenatal chiropractor and childbirth educator, Dr. Elliot Berlin. He was a guest on the podcast way back on episode 44 and he’s back to talk about how chiropractic care can support your body during recovery. If you're curious about safe, effective ways to care for your body after baby, this one's for you!In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:How personal fertility struggles shifted Dr. Berlin from medicine to holistic careWhat chiropractors really do (and no it doesn’t always involve cracking)How restoring joint motion supports recoveryWhat the postpartum “golden window” is and how it makes chronic issues easier to resolveWhat physical stress pregnancy places on joints, muscles, and postureWhether chiropractic care is safe after giving birthHow laser therapy can support C-section recovery and pelvic floor healingHow integrating physical therapy and chiropractic care can improve outcomesWhat to look for in a chiropractorWhy postpartum recovery works best with team-based, collaborative care_________Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode303Feel calm and confident before birth with the $37 Mindset Bundle! Grab it at drnicolerankins.com/calm.Free Resources to Help You Birth With PowerGet the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patientsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when you actually pause—without guilt, without pressure? Clarity shows up. Peace returns. Purpose sharpens.This mini episode is me sharing five lessons from my summer reset—family first, listening for divine guidance, returning to my core values, remembering I am what I teach, and using social media with intention. I’m back with more joy, more clarity, and a big update on the Birth with Power Pathway.You’ll learn:Why time with family is never a regret—and how presence restores you.How stillness opens space to hear what you’ve been asking for.The 3 values that ground Birth with Power: service, authenticity, simplicity.A reminder that you can be calm, confident, and powerful—because I live it, too.A healthier way to use social media (yes, I deleted the apps from my main phone).Resources Mentioned:Join my email list for first access + launch bonus: drnicolerankins.com/email.Follow me on Instagram: @drnicolerankins.Free Resources to Help You Birth With PowerGet the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patientsFree Resources to Help You Birth With PowerGet the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patientsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is a power replay and one you don’t want to miss!We’re revisiting one of the most insightful and important topics I've covered: physiologic birth. I was inspired to do this episode by Certified Nurse Midwife Gianna Fay, who raised a critical question - how do we define and support physiologic birth, especially in a hospital setting?As an OB/GYN, I wasn’t taught much about this, and I had to dig in and learn myself. In this episode, I break down what physiologic birth really means, what disrupts it, why it’s beneficial, and how YOU can be supported in having one.You’ll learn:How normal physiologic birth is definedWhich factors can disrupt the process (and how many of them are routine in hospitals)What benefits physiologic birth can offer to both you and your babyWhy hospital protocols often contradict best practicesThe truth about pushing techniques, fetal monitoring, labor positions, and moreHow you can advocate for yourself and demand change in a system slow to evolveWhether you're planning a physiologic birth or not, this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to make the best decisions for your birth experience.👉🏽 Be sure to sign up for my email list for more helpful resources at drnicolerankins.com/email.You deserve a beautiful pregnancy and birth!Free Resources to Help You Birth With PowerGet the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patientsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week’s episode is a Power Replay and we’re diving into one of the most fascinating parts of pregnancy that often doesn’t get enough attention - the placenta! Yep, it’s an organ, and it's your baby’s lifeline throughout pregnancy. This episode is packed with essential info every expecting parent should know.You'll learn all about what the placenta does, where it forms, and how it supports your baby’s growth and development. I also break down common (but thankfully rare) complications like placenta abruption, placenta previa, and placenta accreta, including who’s at risk and why they matter.We also explore some of the more debated practices—placenta encapsulation and lotus birth. Curious about eating your placenta or leaving it attached to your baby? I’ve got you covered with the facts and what to think about before making your decision.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What the placenta is and how it functionsHow and why placental issues occurWhat makes conditions like placenta accreta so seriousThe real deal on placenta encapsulationWhy some parents choose lotus birth and whether it's beneficialWhether you're preparing for your first birth or brushing up your knowledge, this episode will leave you more informed and empowered about this incredible organ.🎧 Tune in now—and don’t forget to join my email list for more empowering pregnancy content at drnicolerankins.com/emailOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week's episode is a Power Replay that’s packed with essential info every expecting parent should hear.Amniotic fluid might not be something you think about every day, but let me tell you, it plays a huge role in your baby’s health. Whether it’s too little or too much, the amount of amniotic fluid matters. And understanding it can help you feel more confident and informed as you navigate your pregnancy journey.In this replay, I’m breaking it all down for you:What exactly is amniotic fluid and why it's so importantWhat it's made of and how it's createdHow we measure it (and why those measurements matter)What happens when there’s too little (oligohydramnios) or too much (polyhydramnios)What causes these conditions and how we manage themI'll also share personal insights from my own pregnancies—yes, I had polyhydramnios myself—and what that experience was like.Whether you're preparing for birth or just want to deepen your understanding, this episode is a must-listen.👉🏽 Be sure to sign up for my email list at drnicolerankins.com/email to stay in the know and get even more empowering pregnancy info delivered right to your inbox.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy