The Push Podcast

The Push Podcast

by Dr. Meghan McGrattan and Nurse Sydney
EducationHealth & Fitness
Season 2
Birth Vibes with Jen Hamilton: Birth Trauma, Advocacy, Labor Tips & Pregnancy Preparation
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
S2 · E16
Jun 10, 2026
52:29
Q&A Episode 2: Listener Questions!
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
S2 · E15
Jun 3, 2026
55:33
L&D Nurse Secrets, Birth Myths & What Pregnant Women Really Need to Know with Lo Mansfield
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
S2 · E14
May 27, 2026
52:10
How Medical Evidence Becomes Medical Advice with Dr. Fran
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
S2 · E13
May 20, 2026
56:04
Swaddling, Safe Sleep & Postpartum Support: A Motherhood Story with Swaddelini Founder Liz Hilton
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
S2 · E11
May 7, 2026
50:39
Twin Mom Life Unfiltered: Pregnancy Risks, Newborn Chaos & The Truth About “Bouncing Back”
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
S2 · E10
Apr 22, 2026
1:03:21
Natural Birth Techniques: Non-Pharmacologic Pain Relief in Labour
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
S2 · E9
Apr 15, 2026
1:14:21
Eating Disorder Recovery Story: Nurse Sydney’s Journey with ED
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
S2 · E8
Apr 8, 2026
56:29
Breech Babies: Causes, Risks, and Your Delivery
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.
S2 · E7
Apr 1, 2026
1:12:18
Pelvic Exams on Women Under Anesthesia: Now under Criticism
Disclaimer: This episode includes descriptions and content that may trigger people who have a history of trauma around sexual assault. Please listen with care. In this episode of The Push Podcast, Nurse Sydney and Dr. Meghan McGrattan dive into the growing controversy surrounding pelvic exams performed on women under anesthesia without explicit consent. As this practice comes under increasing criticism within women’s health, we break down what exams under anesthesia are, why they have historically been performed, and the ethical concerns now being raised by patients, providers, and advocacy groups. We explore the role of informed consent, patient autonomy, and medical education, while unpacking what current policies and state laws say about pelvic exams under anesthesia. This conversation sheds light on a topic many women have never heard about but deserve to understand, empowering you with the knowledge to ask questions, advocate for your body, and make informed decisions about your care. You can also find all podcast episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. All things women's and reproductive health from two Canadian healthcare professionals - a L&D nurse and an OBGYN - neatly wrapped up in a women's health, fitness, and wellbeing podcast! Watch the push pod now on Nurse Sydney's YT Channel: here Follow us on social media: Instagram Tiktok
S2 · E6
Mar 25, 2026
59:05
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