logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
1h 3m

Ep 280: Rachel’s Birth Story - Weaning O...

Dr. Nicole C. Rankins
About this episode

Rachel always wanted to be a mother, but before she could begin that journey, she felt it was important to get off of depression and anxiety medication. After spending three months weaning off her meds, she very quickly got pregnant. Her pregnancy, although a source of great excitement, also brought unexpected difficulties, including two falls - and then her water broke during her baby shower!

A breech baby, a failed turning procedure (external cephalic version), intubation during her cesarean for a “panic attack”, and more added up to a traumatic birth experience. Rachel gets a bit emotional and teary during her story and you can understand why. Her birth was definitely a challenge and there's so much to learn from her story. I cannot wait for you to hear it.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

  • How Rachel and her psychiatrist created a plan to safely stop medication
  • What tactics she used to manage anxiety and depression symptoms
  • How limited food options triggered old disordered eating struggles
  • How lower back and hip pain caused daily difficulties with mobility
  • Why she wishes she would’ve chosen a different provider
  • How the epidural created a sensation of being unable to breathe
  • Why she underwent general anesthesia for her C-section
  • What her healing process was like
  • Whether or not she’ll return to psychiatric medication


--

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode280

Check out The Birth Preparation Course

Register for the class How to Make a Birth Plan the Right Way



Our Sponsors:
* Check out Ritual and get 40% off for the best sale of the season : https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE
* Check out Uncommon Goods and get 15% off: https://uncommongoods.com/drnicole


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Up next
Nov 18
Ep 309: The Oral Health–Fertility Link No One’s Talking About
<p>What if the key to your fertility isn’t just in your hormones—but in your mouth?</p><p>In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with <strong>Dr. Katie Lee</strong>, dentist, entrepreneur, and author of <em>Saved by the Mouth</em>, to uncover the powerful connection between oral ... Show More
35m 49s
Nov 13
Subchorionic Hematomas: Here’s What You Need to Know
<p>Bleeding early in pregnancy can be terrifying — but in many (even most) cases, it’s not as dangerous as it seems.</p><p>In this short episode, I’m unpacking what it means when you’re told there’s a <em>subchorionic hematoma</em>. I’ll walk you through what’s actually happening ... Show More
10m 8s
Nov 11
Ep 308: From IVF to Fast Labor: What Dr. Allison Learned on Both Sides of Birth
<p>What happens when a perinatal psychologist — who supports women through fertility and birth trauma — becomes the patient herself?</p><p><br></p><p>In this honest and heartfelt episode, I chat with Dr. Allison Altman, a Bay Area psychologist who specializes in women’s mental he ... Show More
44m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
Tackling Anxiety in Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum
<p dir="ltr"><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>In today's episode we're diving into a topic that sometimes hides in the shadows — anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum.</p> <p dir="ltr"><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>Anxiety isn't just confined to the postpartum ... Show More
27m 30s
Sep 17
Birth Story: Unmedicated Birth Story & Baking Sourdough During Labor with Rachel Weaver
<p><b>Join the My Essential Birth Course by October 7th and get the exclusive Rise &amp; Birth Pack</b> featuring a calming Birth Affirmations Audio Track and 25 beautifully crafted, printable Birth Affirmation Cards to keep you grounded, confident, and inspired for birth. Learn ... Show More
1h 3m
Jul 2025
The Mum Who Delivered Her Own Baby Via C-Section
At 38, with no partner but unwavering determination, Bree embarked on a fertility journey that would test her resilience but ultimately fulfill her lifelong dream. After navigating the emotional rollercoaster of two failed IUIs, Bree's persistence led her interstate where she acc ... Show More
24m 22s
Oct 17
Birth Story - Ashley [IVF, Hyperemesis, Induction]
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1346374/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>In this episode of the <em>Pregnancy, Birth and Recovery</em> podcast, I chat with Ashley, a beautiful member of the FitNest Mama community, who shares her heart ... Show More
51m 39s
May 2024
Hope and Help for Taboo Topics in Postpartum Care :: Krystle Howald [Ep 467]
Did you know that once you are postpartum you are always postpartum? Do you have issues from pregnancy, birth, or c-sections that have followed you and don’t know where to turn? Do you know that only 4% of parents are getting the movement that they need?  Today Krystle Howald, a ... Show More
56m 43s
Sep 14
Understanding Natural Birth and How to Prepare for an Unmedicated Birth
<p>Unmedicated birth can offer many benefits, but it also involves real challenges that need preparation, planning, and support. In this episode, you'll discover why some parents choose an unmedicated birth and what a physiologic birth without interventions looks like. Discover p ... Show More
37m 37s
Oct 2024
Surprise! This Baby Checked In Early at a Hotel?!
<p dir="ltr"><em>*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!</em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>In the meantime, please enjoy this re-air of a fan favorite episode!! And stay tuned to my <a href= " ... Show More
50m 19s
Aug 12
349. Natural Birth Expert: 95% Of Women Don't Know This About Childbirth (Even Doctors Won't Tell You)
"Natural birth is not just a choice: it’s your body’s intelligent design." – Shari LyonIn this eye‑opening conversation, I speak with Shari Lyon, founder of Belly2Birth. With over 13 years of experience as a childbirth educator, Shari reveals why natural, physiological birth is o ... Show More
1h 23m
Oct 8
Birth Story at a Military Hospital: Fast, Faith-Filled, and Unmedicated
<p>This week I&apos;m chatting with <b>Daizjah</b>, who shares her incredible <b>first birth story </b><b><em>at a military hospital</em></b>.</p><p>From finding out she was pregnant just weeks before her wedding, to <b>preparing with CrossFit</b> up until 34 weeks,<b> mental reh ... Show More
59m 2s
Jan 2025
Imperfect Birth Stories with Sophie Walker
In this episode of our Summer School, we are joined by Sophie Walker, creator, and host of Australian Birth Stories. With over 17 million downloads, and 500 episodes, Australian Birth Stories podcast has been accredited by the Australian College of Midwives and has been instrumen ... Show More
1h 1m