Birth With Power
by Dr. Nicole C. Rankins
Birth With Power is the go-to podcast for expecting mothers who want to take charge of their birth experience.Hosted by Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a practicing, board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of experience and thousands of births attended, this podcast delivers accurate, expert advice, real birth stories, and honest conversations to get you informed and empowered.Through solo episodes, guest interviews, and inspiring birth stories, you’ll get the tools to navigate pregnancy, labor, and postpartum with calm and confidence.Whether you’re planning your first birth or your fourth, Birth With Power will help you approach the journey feeling strong, prepared, and empowered.Subscribe today and take charge of your birth!
Episodes
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[POSTPARTUM POWER REPLAY] Recognizing When You Need Mental Health Support
This is a special rebroadcast of one of my most essential postpartum episodes — a clear, compassionate conversation about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and how to recognize when you need support. This episode will help you clearly know what’s “normal,” what’s not, or when to…
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[POSTPARTUM POWER REPLAY] Thriving After the NICU Journey
This is a special rebroadcast of one of our most-loved postpartum episodes, a powerful and practical conversation for any parent navigating life after the NICU. Whether you’re currently in the thick of it or simply want to feel more prepared, this replay will leave you feeling supported…
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[POSTPARTUM POWER REPLAY] Healing After A Traumatic Birth
This is a special rebroadcast of one of our most downloaded postpartum episodes, and for good reason. This conversation is for you if your birth didn’t go the way you hoped. In this replay, I sit down with Kaylee Summers — the Birth Trauma Mama — to unpack what birth trauma actually is, why it’s…
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Holiday Boundaries, Big Milestones & What I’m Carrying Into 2026
This episode is your invitation for a softer season, a clearer mind, or just a moment to breathe before the year ends. It will feel like a nice warm exhale. In this reflective end-of-year episode, I’m sharing the milestones, challenges, and growth that shaped my 2025 — from sending my NICU…
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Ep 312: Why This OB-GYN Walked Away From the System with Dr. Nathan Riley
Hospital birth may not be the right path for every OB/GYN. This week, I’m in conversation with Dr. Nathan Riley, an OB-GYN and palliative care physician who left conventional medicine to support home birth and midwifery-led care. We talk about what the system gets wrong, what it does right, and…
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Ep 311: 11-Pound Baby, 3-Hour Labor: Leah’s Powerful Home Birth Story
Today’s episode is a little different. I’m sharing a home birth story! Home birth can be safe, supported, and deeply empowering when planned well. In this birth story, I’m joined by Leah, a writer, mom of two, and aspiring childbirth educator who planned a home birth after a positive but…
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Ep 310: What I'm Thankful For After 20+ Years as an OB-GYN
This Thanksgiving, I’m inviting you into my heart. After more than two decades in obstetrics, raising a family, and building this platform — I’m pausing to name what I’m deeply grateful for. It’s more than a holiday checklist. This is about honoring the anchors that carry me through birth work…
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Ep 309: The Oral Health–Fertility Link No One’s Talking About
What if the key to your fertility isn’t just in your hormones—but in your mouth? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. Katie Lee, dentist, entrepreneur, and author of Saved by the Mouth, to uncover the powerful connection between oral health and reproductive outcomes. We break down how...
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Subchorionic Hematomas: Here’s What You Need to Know
Bleeding early in pregnancy can be terrifying — but in many (even most) cases, it’s not as dangerous as it seems. In this short episode, I’m unpacking what it means when you’re told there’s a subchorionic hematoma. I’ll walk you through what’s actually happening in your body, how it’s diagnosed,...
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Ep 308: From IVF to Fast Labor: What Dr. Allison Learned on Both Sides of Birth
What happens when a perinatal psychologist — who supports women through fertility and birth trauma — becomes the patient herself? In this honest and heartfelt episode, I chat with Dr. Allison Altman, a Bay Area psychologist who specializes in women’s mental health and trauma, about her deeply...
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Ep 307: Informed Consent Isn’t a Form — It’s a Conversation
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by medical jargon or unsure what’s really in the medications you’re offered — you’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Alexandra Galaska, founder of Just the Inserts, to talk about what true informed consent looks like and how to decode medical product...
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Is Acetaminophen a.k.a. Tylenol “Safe”?
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...
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Ep 306: Tracking Labor Progress: Vaginal Exams Decoded
Vaginal exams are one of the most common — and most misunderstood — parts of labor. They can empower you or leave you feeling powerless. The difference? Knowing what they really mean. In this episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek inside The Birth With Power Pathway, my upcoming childbirth…
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Ep 305: Trust Your Body — Ashley’s Story of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
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...
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5 Things to Know Before You Get An Epidural
If you’re planning a hospital birth, you may be wondering whether an epidural is right for you. You’re not alone—and you deserve clear, practical guidance. In this episode, I walk you through five essential truths about epidurals—from how well they work (and when they don’t) to timing, side...
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Ep 304: How Chiropractic Care May Ease Your Postpartum Journey
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...
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Ep 303: Letting Go: My NICU Baby Heads to College
If you’ve ever wondered how you’ll let your baby go one day, this one’s for you. In this episode, my husband Falcon takes over the mic and interviews me the very week we dropped our oldest—who started life in the NICU—off at college! It’s a raw, unscripted conversation about the joy, grief…
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Back With Clarity: Values, Peace, and What’s Coming
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...
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[POWER REPLAY] The Term "Pregnant People" – My Honest Thoughts
This Power Replay episode brings back a candid and heartfelt discussion where I share my personal perspective on the term “pregnant people.” It’s a short but powerful conversation about identity, inclusion, and why language matters in the world of pregnancy and birth. You’ll hear how I navigate...
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[POWER REPLAY] Physiologic Birth: Benefits, Challenges & Why It Matters
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...
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[POWER REPLAY] A Healthy Baby Isn’t the Only Thing That Matters
This week’s episode is a Power Replay of one of the most important messages you need to hear.. We often hear the phrase, “just be happy to have a healthy baby.” But that mindset overlooks something deeply important - your birth experience matters too. In this short but powerful episode, I share…
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[POWER REPLAY] The Power Of The Placenta: Your Baby’s Lifeline
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...
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[POWER REPLAY] How Much Coffee Can You Really Have While Pregnant?
This episode is a power replay and it's one worth tuning into if you've ever wondered: Is it okay to drink coffee while I'm pregnant? Join me as we dive into what the research says (and doesn't say) about caffeine during pregnancy. We'll talk about why the data is mixed, what a “safe” amount of...
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[POWER REPLAY] What Amniotic Fluid Levels Means for Your Baby and Your Pregnancy
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...
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[POWER REPLAY] Is It Really That Bad To Sleep On Your Back While Pregnant?
This episode is a Power Replay you’ll definitely want to hear! If you’re pregnant and wondering whether it’s really a big deal to sleep on your back — or why your sleep feels so off in general — this short episode has the answers. Tune in as I dive into: How your sleep changes across each…
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[POWER REPLAY] Understanding Your Due Date and What Happens If You Pass It
This week’s episode is a power replay of a listener favorite all about... your due date! Yep, that little date carries a whole lot of weight. From test scheduling to birth decisions, your due date impacts nearly everything during pregnancy, which is why it’s so important to get it right. But…
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[POWER REPLAY] Pregnant...and Clueless. Even as an OB/GYN!
It’s Power Replay time! In this quick and fun storytime episode, I’m sharing how I found out I was pregnant with both of my sweet girls and let’s just say, all of my OB/GYN training went right out the window both times! You’ll hear the unexpected twists and honest moments from my own journey to...
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[POWER REPLAY] 11 Essential Tips For A Calm, Confident, Empowered Pregnancy & Birth
This episode is a Power Replay that’s packed with gems to guide you through your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey with confidence and grace. With nearly 15 years of experience as an OBGYN and thousands of births under my belt, I know firsthand that while birth is unpredictable, you can...
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[POWER REPLAY] Should You Take Baby Aspirin During Pregnancy?
This power replay episode is a must-listen if you’re wondering whether baby aspirin should be part of your pregnancy care plan. In this short and information-packed replay, I break down everything you need to know about baby aspirin—what it is, why it’s prescribed, and most importantly, who…
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[POWER REPLAY] Recommitting To Heartfelt Hopes For Your Pregnancy & Birth
This week’s episode is a Power Replay that felt especially timely to revisit at the midpoint of the year. It’s a great moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to the values and visions that matter most for pregnancy, birth, and maternal health. In this heartfelt episode, I share 10 loving-kindness...
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[POWER REPLAY] Consent During Birth Is A MUST
👋🏾 This episode is a Power Replay of one of the most important messages I’ve ever shared — nothing should happen to you during your birth without your consent. Period. Whether it's a vaginal exam, breaking your water, starting Pitocin, or performing an episiotomy, your provider must have a…
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Rest. Refocus. Realign.
In this short and personal episode, I share a personal update, what’s coming next, and an invitation to reflect on where you might need rest too.
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Ep 302: Feeling Your Baby Move - What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Call
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…
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Ep 301: Melissa’s Birth Story - From Miscarriage to Motherhood
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...
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Ep 300: The Silent Danger Behind Pregnancy Itching with Donna Benavides, Founder of ICP Care
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...
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Ep 299: How to Protect Your Power and Avoid an Unnecessary Episiotomy
Episiotomy is not routine anymore, but it hasn't gone away. If it's done without your consent or because your doctor's in a hurry, that’s a problem. So let's talk about it! Because when you understand what an episiotomy really is, when it's actually needed, and how to protect yourself from one…
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Ep 298: From Birth Center to OR: Navigating An Umbilical Cord Prolapse Emergency
In the last birth story episode, episode 295, I shared a story of a home birth that went beautifully. Today, we’re exploring the other side of that experience—because while out-of-hospital births can be wonderful, they can also come with real risks. My guest, Megan, joins me to share her second...
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Ep 297: Can’t Sleep During Pregnancy or Postpartum? Here’s What Actually Helps with Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialist Dr. Daniella Marchetti
Struggling to sleep during pregnancy or postpartum? You are definitely not alone. And it’s not just about being tired - it’s a chronic condition that deserves attention. Up to 80% of women experience insomnia by the third trimester, and many continue to struggle even two years postpartum. So if...
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Ep 296: What Hospital Birth Can Learn from Home Birth
I never intended to talk much about home birth—mainly because I’ve never attended one myself. But here we are. Why? Because if we’re serious about making hospital birth safer, more respectful, and more empowering, we have to take a close look at what home birth gets right. This episode is not…
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The 10 Best and Worst Parts of Being a Mom
With Mother’s Day around the corner, I want to share something really personal—what it’s actually like to be a mom (or mommy as my girls call me :)). In this episode, I’m getting real about the 10 best and worst things about motherhood. Whether you're already a mom or you're pregnant and…
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Ep 295: Creating Emotional Safety in Birth: A Home Birth Story with Lessons for All
This episode is a first for the podcast: I’m sharing a home birth story. While I primarily focus on hospital births, I wanted to learn more and see what we might take away from this experience to make hospital births better. Lauren joins me to share her beautiful, deeply thoughtful journey into...
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How a Simple Blood Test Can Protect Future Pregnancies
Did you know your blood type can impact not just your current pregnancy, but future ones too? In this Thursday short episode, I’m breaking down what it means to be RH negative, how RhoGAM works, and why this small shot can prevent serious complications. Every woman and birthing person deserves to...
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Ep 294: What Extended Breastfeeding Really Looks Like - A Real Talk Guide with Erin Harris
What if you're not ready to stop breastfeeding but you're burned out from the constant demands? Or maybe you’re thinking of breastfeeding beyond the baby stage? In this episode I'm talking with Erin Harris, a certified lactation educator and the creator of Nursing Mamas, about the very real and...
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Fast Labor, Long Pushing—Why Patience Matters in Birth - Story Time!
Just because labor moves fast doesn’t mean pushing will! In this powerful storytime episode, I take you into the delivery room with me for a birth that had a fast start, a long push, and a beautiful ending. You’ll learn why patience, positioning, and the right support team are everything—plus…
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Ep 293: Own Your Hospital Birth Experience with the B.I.R.T.H. Blueprint
What if I told you that understanding your birth environment is one of the most powerful ways to take charge of your birth? When you know what to expect at every stage—from check-in to how labor progress is assessed—you can make informed choices and feel more confident. That’s exactly what we’re...
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The Truth About Pitocin: What It Is, How It Works, and When It’s Used
Heard scary stories about Pitocin? You’re not alone—and you deserve real information, not fear. In this quick and powerful episode, I’m sharing 10 fast facts about Pitocin: what it is, how it works, and what you actually need to know before it’s offered during labor. Walk away feeling informed,...
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Ep 292: Two Epidurals, Then Unmedicated: What Danica Learned (and Didn’t Expect)
Epidural or unmedicated: how do you know what’s right for you? Danica has done both and in this episode she takes us through her journey of having two epidural births followed by an unmedicated one—her biggest baby yet! She shares what worked, what didn’t, and how she felt in those first moments...
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A Supported Birth is a Safe Birth: Creating Your Circle of Support
The right support can make all the difference in your birth experience. 💕 From your doctor to your partner to your labor nurse, your Circle of Support should empower and uplift you every step of the way. In this episode, I break down exactly who should be on your birth team and how to ensure…
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Ep 291: Breath, Movement & Birth: Why Every Pregnancy Can Benefit from Yoga with Dr. Shilpa Babbar
Did you know that practicing prenatal yoga can actually shorten your labor by up to three hours? Or that simple breathing techniques might help manage your blood pressure during pregnancy? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Shilpa Babbar, a double board-certified maternal-fetal medicine…
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The MAMA Mindset: A Powerful Approach for a Confident Birth
What if the key to a calm, confident birth was all in your mindset? In this episode, I introduce the MAMA Mindset, part of my new Birth with Power Pathway framework. You’ll learn how Meditation, Affirmations, Movement, and an Attitude of gratitude can transform the way you approach birth—helping...
About this show
Birth With Power is the go-to podcast for expecting mothers who want to take charge of their birth experience.Hosted by Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a practicing, board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of experience and thousands of births attended, this podcast delivers accurate, expert advice, real birth stories, and honest conversations to get you informed and empowered.Through solo episodes, guest interviews, and inspiring birth stories, you’ll get the tools to navigate pregnancy, labor, and postpartum with calm and confidence.Whether you’re planning your first birth or your fourth, Birth With Power will help you approach the journey feeling strong, prepared, and empowered.Subscribe today and take charge of your birth!
Hosted by
Dr. Nicole C. Rankins