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 graduate to college, to navigating perimenopause, to choosing rest over hustle. I’m also walking you through the non-negotiable holiday boundaries that matter most during pregnancy and postpartum, and how to give yourself permission to honor what you need this season. You’ll learn: – Why rest is a necessary part of preparing for birth, postpartum, and motherhood – How I’m protecting my peace during the holidays — and how you can too – Simple, clear scripts for setting boundaries with family and visitors – What my family milestones taught me about growth, identity, and motherhood – Why I’m stepping back for the remainder of December (and how you can build your own pause) Resources Mentioned: Instagram: @drnicolerankins Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth: • Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital • How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early • Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth: • Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital • How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early • Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients Our Sponsors: * Check out Ritual and get 25% off : https://ritual.com/DRNICOLE Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
