Advertise on podcast: The Push Podcast

What is an episiotomy, and when is it actually necessary during birth? In this mini episode of The Push Pod, we’re breaking down episiotomies, a procedure that involves making an incision in the perineum to help widen the vaginal opening during childbirth. We discuss why episiotomies were historically performed more routinely, how recommendations around their use have changed, and when one may be medically necessary. Whether you’re preparing for birth, supporting someone through pregnancy, or simply wanting to learn more about evidence-based birth practices, this episode will help you feel more informed and empowered! Because knowing your options matters! 🎧 Listen to this mini episode of Push wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Nurse Sydney's YouTube Channel under the The Push Podcast playlist. Follow us on social: Instagram: @the.push.podcast Tiktok: @the.push.pod

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses infant loss, grief, and the loss of a child. Please take care of yourself while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if it is not right for you at this time. In this deeply personal episode of The Push Pod, we sit down with Dena, a mom who has experienced the unimaginable loss of her baby, to talk about infant loss, grief, recovery, and what healing can look like after such a profound heartbreak. We talk about the reality of navigating life after loss, the emotional and physical journey of recovery, and the complicated feelings that can come with grieving a child while trying to find a way forward. Dena shares her personal experience, what she wishes more people understood about infant loss, and the ways she has learned to carry her grief while continuing to live, love, and heal. Infant loss is a topic that is often met with silence, but no parent should have to feel alone in their grief. Our hope is that this conversation helps break that silence, honors the babies who are gone, and reminds anyone navigating loss that their feelings are valid and their story deserves to be heard. Thank you, Dena, for trusting us with your story. Referenced Video from episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbtw2y4SOO9/ Grief Gift Registry: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/Q8X0D5R/love-for-the-linders Follow us on Social: Tiktok: @the.push.pod Instagram: @the.push.podcast

This week on Push, we’re joined by breast radiologist, educator, podcast host, author, and breast health advocate Dr. Robyn Roth (@theboobiedocs) for an important conversation about breast health and what every woman should know. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month as the backdrop, we’re breaking down everything from breast cancer risk factors and screening to mammograms, dense breasts, breast self-awareness, and how to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right. We also dive into an especially important topic for the Push community: breast health during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Dr. Roth explains what changes are normal, when a lump or symptom needs to be checked, whether breast imaging is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and why you should never feel like you have to wait it out when you’re concerned. Plus, we tackle some of the biggest breast cancer myths, from family history and breast pain to deodorant, underwire bras, mammograms, and more, and get Dr. Roth’s three most important takeaways for women at every stage of life. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of Push wherever you get your podcasts or watch it on Nurse Sydney's YouTube Channel under The Push Podcast playlist. Follow Dr. Robyn: @theboobiedocs Follow us on social: @the.push.podcast @nurse_sydney @megmcgrattanmd

Eating in Labor: What You Need to Know Can you eat during labor? What can you eat, and why might you be told not to? In this mini episode of The Push Podcast, we’re talking all things food and drink in labor, from keeping your energy up to understanding when and why restrictions might apply. A quick, practical listen to help you feel more informed and prepared for birth! Find us on social: The hosts: @nurse_sydney and @megmcgrattanmd The pod: Instagram - @the.push.podcast and TikTok @the.push.pod

Is this perimenopause or are you just exhausted? It feels like everyone is talking about hormones and menopause right now, but with so much information (and misinformation) online, it can be hard to know what’s actually true. On this episode of The Push Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michelle Jacobson, MD, FRCSC, MHSc MSCP, an OB-GYN, menopause specialist, and co-founder and Medical Director of COVEN Women’s Health, for an honest, evidence-based conversation about perimenopause, menopause, HRT, fertility, weight, sex, and everything in between. Can perimenopause really start in your 30s? What are the earliest signs? Can you still get pregnant? Do you actually need to get your hormones checked? And what symptoms should make you look for another explanation? We’re also getting into the HRT conversation! From the fear around breast cancer to the growing claims that hormones are the secret to longevity, weight loss, better skin, and preventing dementia, we're tackling it to see where the evidence actually stands. No fear-mongering. No “one-size-fits-all” answers. Just a conversation about what we know, what we don’t, and how to make informed decisions about your health. Resources: Personalized Women's Health: www.covenhealth.com/ Symptom Tracker: www.menopausefoundationcanada.ca/resources/menopause-symptoms/ Find us on social: The Guest: @heydoctorj @covenhealth The hosts: @nurse_sydney and @megmcgrattanmd The pod: Instagram - @the.push.podcast and TikTok @the.push.pod

Jen Hamilton has helped millions of people feel more informed, empowered, and less afraid of birth. In this episode of The Push Podcast, the labor and delivery nurse, educator, content creator, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Birth Vibes joins us for a conversation about birth preparation, advocacy, birth trauma, labor support, and the realities of working in healthcare! We discuss the inspiration behind Birth Vibes, how to prepare emotionally for labor, what patients can do when they feel dismissed, and why compassionate care matters. Maintaining her fun, warm, and uniquely Jen humor and empathy in this conversation, you'll be drawn in and feel like you were in the room with us! This is our last episode of season 2. We'll be back in 8 weeks for season 3! Thanks for listening, and please subscribe to stay up to date on our next season! Follow us on social: The Guest: ⁨@jenhamilton⁩ Nurse Sydney: ⁨@nurse_sydney⁩ Dr. Meghan: @megmcgrattanmd

Anonymous submissions!! In this episode of The Push Podcast, we're answering questions submitted by listeners and sharing our thoughts on the topics that matter most to our community! We've got questions about periods and hysterectomies. bacterial vaginosis, vaginal dryness and aging, and labor and delivery! Join OBGYN Dr. Meghan and Nurse Sydney as they share personal anecdotes, honest conversations, and answer your questions with practical insights and real-world advice. Find us on social: The Pod: @the.push.pod & @the.push.podcast Nurse Sydney: @nurse_sydney Dr. Meghan: @megmcgrattanmd Submit more questions for the next Q&A episode with this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/11ADP0wYjHMtfc39QqEoiIIDKvhIdBjj2CtQ81J52xRo/edit

In this episode of The Push Podcast, we sit down with Lo Mansfield, better known as The Labor Mama, a labor & delivery nurse, mom, educator, and one of the most trusted voices online for evidence-based pregnancy, birth, and postpartum education! Lo shares what it’s really like for her working as an L&D nurse, the biggest misconceptions about labor and delivery, what social media gets wrong about birth, and the things labor nurses wish every pregnant woman and partner knew before heading to the hospital. We talk about common labor fears, birth plans, postpartum realities, and how to feel more informed and less anxious going into birth. We also dive into hilarious behind-the-scenes labor and delivery stories, the funniest things partners do during labor, overhyped hospital bag items, pregnancy myths circulating online, and the moments in birth work that people don’t talk about enough. This episode is packed with reassurance, practical advice, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs for anyone navigating pregnancy, labor, postpartum, or new parenthood. Follow us on social: The Guest: @thelabormama The Pod: @the.push.pod & @the.push.podcast The Hosts:: @nurse_sydney @megmcgrattanmd

Why does medical advice sometimes seem to change, especially online? In this episode, Sydney and Dr. Meghan are joined by Dr. Fran Haydanek, from ⁨@PagingDrFran⁩ , to break down how medical evidence actually becomes the recommendations your OB makes in the clinic. Together, they dive into why one study can go viral on social media, why different creators may interpret the same research differently, and how medical organizations develop guidelines over time. The conversation covers everything from the hierarchy of evidence and why not every study is created equal, to how professional societies like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada evaluate research before making recommendations. They also unpack why guidelines evolve, why two patients with the same condition may receive different care plans, and how listeners can better evaluate medical claims online. If you’ve ever wondered why medicine can feel confusing on TikTok or why your provider recommends something different than what you saw online, this episode is for you. Follow us on social: The Guest: ⁨@PagingDrFran⁩ The Pod: @the.push.podcast & @the.push.pod

In this episode of The Push Podcast, L&D nurse Sydney and OBGYN Dr. Meghan sit down with Kimberly Isberg, Communications Director for Count the Kicks, to talk about fetal movement, kick counting, and the ongoing effort to reduce preventable stillbirths. Together, they discuss what normal fetal movement actually looks like in the third trimester, why changes in movement can matter, and how expectant parents can feel more empowered, recognizing their baby’s unique patterns. The conversation also explores the history and evidence behind the Count the Kicks campaign, the emotional realities of stillbirth, common misconceptions about kick counting, and why many providers are working toward more consistent education around fetal movement awareness. This episode offers an evidence-based, compassionate look at an important and often overlooked conversation in pregnancy. Find us on social: The Guest: @counthekicksus IG: @the.push.podcast TikTok: @the.push.pod Count the Kicks App: https://tinyurl.com/3hsee2w2

Safe newborn sleep is one of the most important—and overwhelming—topics for new parents. In this episode of The Push Podcast, we’re joined by Liz Hilton, mom of four, founder of Swaddelini, and creator of the documentary Holding Mother, to break down what safe sleep really looks like in real life. We talk about the gap between safe sleep guidelines and the reality of caring for a newborn, including sleep deprivation, anxiety, and the pressure parents feel to “get it right.” Liz shares her personal journey through four babies, how her approach to sleep evolved, and why supporting the mother is one of the most important (and overlooked) factors in safer sleep. This episode also covers the essentials every parent should know, including the ABCs of safe sleep, common mistakes, and how to create a safe sleep environment without fear or shame. We take a deeper look at swaddling—what’s safe, what’s not, when to stop, and how products like Swaddelini fit into current recommendations. If you’re expecting, in the newborn stage, or feeling overwhelmed by sleep advice online, this conversation will help you feel more informed, supported, and confident in making safer choices for your baby. Find us on social: The Guest: @swaddelini IG: @the.push.podcast TikTok: @the.push.pod Prototype: https://share.icloud.com/photos/085w6GMHbhrL5TD0hPzbIOgZA Current design: https://share.icloud.com/photos/018XKCc50u3t4pk85jWFNLz2A Free postpartum Resources: https://postpartum.net/ https://motherbees.com/ In Michigan: https://www.michigan.gov/mihp https://share.google/3peTyGCJZEAt8RJ07 In New Mexico: https://share.google/ZH1NtxSb9VzxzXzeL

What is it really like going from zero to two babies overnight? In this episode of The Push Podcast, I sit down with a Canadian creator, twin mom, and founder of Active Girls TO, Kristen, to talk about the unfiltered reality of twin pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. She shares her experience navigating a mono-di twin pregnancy, the challenges of a higher-risk journey, and what no one tells you about delivering and caring for two newborns at once. We also get into the mental load of motherhood, identity shifts, and the pressure to “bounce back”—especially in the fitness space. We unpack how social media shapes expectations versus what motherhood actually looks like behind the scenes, and what it’s really like balancing a business while raising twins. This is an honest, relatable conversation for anyone navigating motherhood, postpartum, or the transition into becoming a mom. Follow us on social: The Guest: @kcalib @activegirlsto The Pod: @the.push.podcast @the.push.pod

Looking for ways to manage labor pain without medication? In this episode of The Push Podcast, we’re diving into non-pharmacologic pain relief in labour: What it is, how it works, and how to use it effectively during childbirth. We break down evidence-based comfort measures like breathing techniques, movement and positioning, hydrotherapy, massage, counterpressure, and more. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth or simply want more information to make informed decisions for your birth plan, this episode will help you understand your options and feel more prepared for labor. We also discuss when and why these methods are used, how they support both physical and emotional coping, and how partners and support people can play a key role! 🎧 Tune in to learn practical, empowering strategies to navigate labor with confidence! New episodes drop every week. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on Nurse Sydney’s YouTube channel! Follow us on social IG: @the.push.podcast Tiktok: @the.push.pod

In this episode of The Push Podcast, Nurse Sydney shares her eating disorder recovery story, opening up about her struggles that began in her early teens and how she battled through the years to full recovery! With both personal experience and professional insight as a nurse, Sydney breaks down the realities of eating disorders, including early warning signs, the role of control and mental health, and what true recovery looks like. She also discusses the challenges she faced, the turning points in her healing journey, and how she rebuilt a healthy relationship with food and herself. This episode is packed with education, awareness, and hope for anyone struggling with an eating disorder, supporting a loved one, or looking to better understand recovery. This is an eye-opening look at eating disorders as they don't always take the form we see in mainstream media, and a great listen for all women. Support & Resources If this episode brought anything up for you, please know you’re not alone—and support is available. Recovery is not linear, and you deserve care that feels safe, supportive, and aligned for you. If you are pregnant, postpartum, or navigating feeding your baby and struggling with food, body image, or control—this is more common than people talk about, and you deserve support. You don’t have to go through it alone. Here are some trusted resources you can explore: Eating Disorder Support & Education National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/ National Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/ ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders): https://anad.org/get-support/ Free Support Groups ANAD Virtual Support Groups: https://anad.org/get-support/about-our-support-groups/ Canada-Based Support NEDIC (National Eating Disorder Information Centre): https://nedic.ca/ Crisis & Immediate Support U.S.: Call or text 988 (24/7 mental health support) Crisis Text Line: Text NEDA to 741741 ANAD Helpline: (888) 375-7767

What does it actually mean if your baby is breech, and how does it affect your delivery options? In this episode, L&D nurse Sydney and OBGYN Dr. Meghan break down breech in a clear, supportive way, covering why some babies don’t turn head-down, how common it is, and what can happen as you approach delivery. They walk through the different types of breech positions, whether babies can still turn late in pregnancy, and what to know about procedures like external cephalic version (ECV). Whether you’re pregnant, planning your birth, or just want to understand your options better, this episode offers evidence-based insight grounded in real clinical experience. Breech Birth Episode — Key References Term Breech Trial & Subsequent Debate • Hannah ME et al. Planned Caesarean Section vs Planned Vaginal Birth for Breech Presentation at Term (Term Breech Trial). Lancet, 2000. • Hofmeyr GJ et al. Planned Caesarean Section for Term Breech Delivery. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015. • Joseph KS et al. Once More Unto the Breech: Planned Vaginal vs Planned Cesarean Delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2015. Outcomes With Strict Selection Criteria & Dedicated Breech Programs • Devold Pay AS et al. Establishing a Dedicated Breech Clinic: Effect on Vaginal Breech Birth Rates and Neonatal Outcomes. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 2020. • Goffinet F et al. (PREMODA Study Group). Is Planned Vaginal Delivery for Breech Presentation at Term Still an Option? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2006. Training & Simulation for Breech Skills • Deering S et al. Simulation Training and Resident Performance of Singleton Vaginal Breech Delivery.Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2006. • Yang L & Bisits A. 360° VR Video and Simulation Models for Teaching Breech Birth. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2025. • Farin A et al. Simulation Training for Upright Breech Delivery. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2023. Population-Level Outcome Studies • Ekéus C et al. Vaginal Breech Delivery at Term and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality (Swedish Cohort).Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2019. • Lyons J et al. Delivery of Breech Presentation at Term in Canada (2003–2011). Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2015. • Schafer R et al. Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Planned Community Breech Births in the US. PLOS One, 2024. • Sorensen HA et al. Breech Delivery in Low-Income Settings: Systematic Review of Vaginal vs Cesarean Outcomes. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2023. Clinical Practice Guidelines • Sentilhes L et al. Breech Presentation: Clinical Practice Guidelines from the French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF). EJOGRB, 2020. • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Mode of Term Singleton Breech Delivery. Committee Opinion No. 745, 2018. • Kotaska A et al. Vaginal Delivery of Breech Presentation. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 2009.