Ep. 141 - How To Have An Empowered Hospital Birth

Tips From OB/GYN Dr. Nicole Rankins

“You are the expert on you. So trust your own expertise when you bring that to the conversation. Don't let anybody talk you out of your own expertise.”
Dr. Nicole Rankins
Episode 141, orgasmic birth the podcast

Welcome to Episode 141

Your voice matters in the birth room! 

Too often, women’s preferences and concerns are overlooked or dismissed during hospital births. But we can reclaim our power by understanding the foundation for a positive, empowered birth experience. 

Dr. Nicole Rankins is a Board Certified OB GYN, maternal health advocate, and creator of one of the top 0.5% global podcasts on pregnancy and birth, with over 2.6 million downloads. Her expertise and accessible approach have empowered thousands of women to approach birth with confidence.

Tune in as Debra and Dr. Nicole discuss the must-knows of childbirth education, preparing for birth without overwhelm, creating birth plans that actually work, and expert advice for an empowered hospital birth experience.

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Episode Highlights:

03:32 First Birth: A Traumatic C-Section

07:59 The Importance of Childbirth Education 

10:17 Green Flags, Red Flags

16:22 Birth Plans and Preferences   

21:40 Informed Decision-Making in Labor

24:47 Creating a Joyful Birth Experience  

Quotable Quotes

“If you do not feel safe, your labor can slow down. Safety is really important.” —Dr. Nicole Rankins

 “Voice and choice is important on how you feel about your body and your birth for years to come.”
—Debra Pascali-Bonaro

“Birth can’t be planned, but you have preferences; you have wishes, and that helps you to put that into perspective and then think about the different options. So it’s a great tool when it’s used the right way.”
—Dr. Nicole Rankins

You'll make a great doula

Virtual DONA Birth Doula Training

May 7-10, 2025, 9:00-5:00 PM ET

Are you ready to use your special gifts to change the world?

  • Welcome Session with Debra & Anti-racism and Birth Equity Session with Amadoma Bediako, May 6th, 4-6 PM ET
  • Fulfills 2 of the requirements of DONA Birth Doula Certification 
  • Bonus Certification Q+A
  • Payment plans available
  • Lifetime access to workshop materials and private WhatsApp Community

Are you ready to use your special gifts, compassion and desire to make a difference in a career that will fulfill you, your soul, and help to change the world?