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 through what the research actually says, why observational studies can confuse the conversation, and how to make a smart, individualized decision with your clinician.

You’ll learn:

• Why “safe” ≠ “risk-free,” and how OBs should communicate benefits vs. risks
• What big studies say about acetaminophen and neurodevelopment—and what they don’t prove
• Why untreated fever and significant pain carry their own real risks in pregnancy
• A simple decision framework: lowest effective dose, shortest time, with guidance
• Non-drug options to consider for pain (PT, yoga, chiropractic)

Resources Mentioned:

• Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology (cautious, judicious use; association ≠ causation)
• Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability (no association in sibling-controlled analyses)

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 education program. We’ll demystify vaginal exams — what they measure, how often they should be done, and how to make them more comfortable and respectful. By the end, you’ll understand how to stay informed, set boundaries, and keep your power every step of the way.

You’ll learn:

• What dilation, effacement, and fetal station actually measure
• How to interpret those numbers (and why they can vary between providers)
• How often vaginal exams are typically done — and when you can say “no”
• Tips to make exams more comfortable and less painful
• What true informed consent looks like during labor
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

The Birth With Power Pathway — join the waitlist: drnicolerankins.com/email

Follow me on Instagram: @drnicolerankins

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 episode, Ashley shares how she faced ICP not once, but twice — from an unexpected early labor that left no time for pain meds to finding peace and confidence in her second birth. Her story is a raw and empowering reminder to trust your instincts, speak up when something feels off, and lean on your care team.

You’ll learn:

• What ICP is and why early detection matters
• How Ashley’s lightning-fast first birth unfolded (and what she wishes she’d known)
• How her second birth experience was completely different — and healing
• Practical signs to watch for if you ever experience unexplained itching
• Why listening to your body can literally save lives
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

• ICP Care — support and information for families affected by ICP

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 effects, movement, and what they do not do to your cesarean risk. You’ll leave feeling informed, confident, and ready to make the choice that fits you.

You’ll learn:

• Why epidurals are highly effective—yet not “magic”—and what hot spots and uneven relief mean in real life.
• How timing works (IV, fluid bolus, anesthesiologist availability) and realistic relief onset.
• When you can request one (spoiler: anytime—even fully dilated in select cases).
• Common side effects vs. rare complications—and simple ways we manage them.
• Why there’s no true “walking epidural,” but how we adjust dosing so you can push effectively.
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Labor Pain Management Playbook (free): drnicolerankins.com/labor

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 important that we expand our lens and stay open to options outside the traditional box—especially when those options may offer real benefits for postpartum healing and wellness.

In this episode, we’re welcoming back award-winning prenatal chiropractor and childbirth educator, Dr. Elliot Berlin. He was a guest on the podcast way back on episode 44 and he’s back to talk about how chiropractic care can support your body during recovery. If you're curious about safe, effective ways to care for your body after baby, this one's for you!

• How personal fertility struggles shifted Dr. Berlin from medicine to holistic care
• What chiropractors really do (and no it doesn’t always involve cracking)
• How restoring joint motion supports recovery
• What the postpartum “golden window” is and how it makes chronic issues easier to resolve
• What physical stress pregnancy places on joints, muscles, and posture
• Whether chiropractic care is safe after giving birth
• How laser therapy can support C-section recovery and pelvic floor healing
• How integrating physical therapy and chiropractic care can improve outcomes
• What to look for in a chiropractor
• Why postpartum recovery works best with team-based, collaborative care

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode303

Feel calm and confident before birth with the $37 Mindset Bundle! Grab it at drnicolerankins.com/calm.

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, pride, and growth tucked inside every goodbye. I share how NICU memories never really leave, why presence matters more than perfection, and the mindset shift that helped me loosen my grip while keeping our bond strong.

You’ll hear:

• How our NICU beginning still shapes my heart today
• The one mindset that made move-in day gentler (presence > perfection)
• How I prepared myself (not just my teen) for launch
• Why honoring your child’s personality builds lifelong confidence
• The NICU resources I wish I’d had back then

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 76: Navigating the NICU with neonatologist Dr. Terry Major-Kincade drnicolerankins.com/episode76

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 using social media with intention. I’m back with more joy, more clarity, and a big update on the Birth with Power Pathway.

You’ll learn:

• Why time with family is never a regret—and how presence restores you.
• How stillness opens space to hear what you’ve been asking for.
• The 3 values that ground Birth with Power: service, authenticity, simplicity.
• A reminder that you can be calm, confident, and powerful—because I live it, too.
• A healthier way to use social media (yes, I deleted the apps from my main phone).

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my email list for first access + launch bonus: drnicolerankins.com/email.
• Follow me on Instagram: @drnicolerankins.

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 using terms like “pregnant woman” and “pregnant person,” and how my experiences as a Black woman and as a parent have shaped my approach. This episode is all about honoring diverse identities while still seeing and affirming yourself.

Whether you’ve never thought much about this topic or it’s something that sparks strong feelings for you, I hope you’ll listen with an open heart.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message through my website at drnicolerankins.com/contact or DM me on Instagram @drnicolerankins.

👉🏽 Sign up for my email list to stay connected and get more great pregnancy and birth content: drnicolerankins.com/email