Ep. 291: How to Build Self-Advocacy Skills for Navigating the Hospital with Ellese Nickels, PFPT

Join HeHe and Dr. Ellese Nickels as they dive into the complex world of birth options and healthcare navigation. Ellese, a pelvic floor physical therapist, shares her two vastly different birth stories—one in a local birth center during the pandemic and another in a hospital setting following startling ultrasound results. Together, they explore the significance of informed choices, respectful care, and the challenging journey through the medical system. Ellese also discusses her shift from home birth plans to hospital delivery due to a false positive heart anomaly and how it reshaped her professional practice. Don't miss the insightful discussion on advocacy, trust in healthcare providers, and finding empowerment through childbirth.   Discussing Birth Stories and Healthcare Insights First Birth Experience: Dreamy Yet Challenging The Impact of Birth Experience on Body Image Second Birth Story: From Home Birth Plans to Hospital Care Navigating a False Positive Diagnosis The Provider's Responsibility in Patient Communication Addressing Soft Skills in Medical Training Challenges in Medical Practice and Patient Trust Navigating Amniocentesis Results and Long QT Syndrome Confronting Medical Recommendations and Seeking Expert Advice Transitioning to Hospital Birth and Final Preparations Reflecting on the Birth Experience and Systemic Issues Postpartum Care and Virtual Support Services   Guest Bio: Ellese Nickles is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, who specializes in treating women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from UNC in 2016 and has practiced in outpatient orthopedics, pelvic health physical therapy and early intervention with children 0-3 years old. In addition to her career in physical therapy Ellese has experience in personal training, group fitness and teaching yoga and combines these skills with her clinical expertise to holistically help women navigate motherhood. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Ellese on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube.   BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   LINKS MENTIONED: Get a free month, just for our listeners, when you sign up for one of Dr. Ellese’s programs.