Are contractions like menstrual cramps, back pain, or something completely different? Every labor experience is unique, but understanding what contractions can feel like at each stage of labor can help you feel more prepared for birth. Here's what to expect, from those early contractions to the pushing stage.

As a mama of four and a labor and delivery nurse, I know there's a lot to navigate in those early days! I teamed up with Dr. J-Mack Slaughter, aka Dr. Jmack, to chat about supporting your partner, sharing newborn care, and bonding with your baby.

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn't mean it always comes naturally! From sore nipples and rock-hard breasts to fast letdown and painful breast inflammation, feeding your baby can come with a few surprises. Let's talk about what's happening, what may help, and when it's time to get extra support.

Craving pickles at midnight? Suddenly can't stand your favorite foods? Pregnancy can bring some surprising changes to your appetite and taste buds. Let's explore why pregnancy cravings happen, what they really mean, and when to pay closer attention to what your body is asking for.

There’s no one magic trick for an easier birth, but there ARE things that can help set you up for a more positive experience. From preparing before labor to choosing the right support and staying flexible, here’s what I want every parent to know.

Some birth choices I’d make all over again. Others? Let’s just say experience has taught me a few things. Here’s what I’d keep and what I’d do differently knowing what I know now.

Your baby is finally here… now what!? From skin-to-skin and lots of sleep to sticky first poops and some seriously weird newborn noises, here’s what you can actually expect during your baby’s first 24 hours.

Tearing, inductions and the classic “did my water break or did I pee?” moment. Let’s talk about three things you can actually do to feel a little more prepared for birth, Mama.

Your grandma meant well, but some breastfeeding advice belongs in the past. Here are four outdated myths it’s time to leave behind, and what we know now.

Some birth plan requests sound great on paper but can backfire when labor takes an unexpected turn. Here’s what I’d include, what I’d rethink, and how to make your birth plan actually work for you.

Those first skin-to-skin snuggles aren’t just adorable. There’s a whole lot happening behind the scenes for both you and your baby - and it’s exactly why we make such a big deal about the golden hour.

Not sure when it’s time to move up your baby’s bottle nipple flow? Your baby might already be dropping some pretty big hints. Let’s break down the signs it’s time for a faster flow and what actually matters when choosing one.

Just when you thought we’d covered the biggest pregnancy and birth surprises, moms had more to share. From unexpected symptoms to labor and postpartum moments that caught them off guard, there’s still plenty no one warns you about. As a labor & delivery nurse, I’m breaking down what’s happening and what expecting parents should know.

You can read every pregnancy book and still be caught completely off guard. I asked over 100 real moms what surprised them most about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—and their honest answers might surprise you too. As a labor & delivery nurse, I’m breaking down the unexpected stuff no one seems to talk about and what expecting parents should know.

Every new parent has moments where they stop and wonder, "Is this normal?" From feeding and hiccups to diaper rash and safe sleep, Mama Nurse Tina answers some of the most common newborn questions with practical, reassuring advice you can trust.

No one sends you home with all the answers, and trust me, you're going to have questions. As a labor and delivery nurse and mom of four, I'm answering the newborn questions I hear most often so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your little one.

Real talk: nobody warns you that "feed the baby" is actually a three-part job. There's the feeding. Then there's the washing. Then there's the sanitizing. And somewhere around 2am and wash number four, you start fantasizing about a machine that just does it for you.

Newborn sleep can feel confusing, especially when everyone has an opinion. As a labor and delivery nurse and mom of four, I'm sharing the evidence-based advice I give new parents every day, so you can feel more confident and a little less overwhelmed.

You prepare for labor. You prepare for your baby. But almost no one prepares you for postpartum recovery. As a labor and delivery nurse and a mom of four, here are eight postpartum truths I wish every new mom knew before bringing her baby home.

Most parents expect their baby to get a bath shortly after birth—but these days, that's usually not the case. As a perinatal nurse, certified breastfeeding specialist, and mom of four, I'm breaking down why we wait, what that white "baby cheese" on your newborn's skin is actually doing, and how delaying a bath can support bonding, breastfeeding, and a smoother transition to life outside the womb.