This week’s episode is a Power Replay that felt especially timely to revisit at the midpoint of the year. It’s a great moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to the values and visions that matter most for pregnancy, birth, and maternal health.

In this heartfelt episode, I share 10 loving-kindness wishes inspired by Metta meditation—a practice rooted in compassion and goodwill. Originally shared at the start of 2025, these wishes are just as powerful now as they were then, and they continue to represent what I want for the people I serve and for the world we live in.

These wishes speak to safety, respect, support, empowerment, healing, and more. They are for you, your loved ones, and anyone walking the path of parenthood. Let them be affirmations, reminders, or moments of pause throughout your day.

Whether you’ve heard this before or it’s your first time, I hope it offers inspiration, healing, and connection.

💌 Be sure to join my email list at drnicolerankins.com/email so you never miss updates, insights, and support for your pregnancy and birth journey.

👋🏾 This episode is a Power Replay of one of the most important messages I’ve ever shared — nothing should happen to you during your birth without your consent. Period.

Whether it's a vaginal exam, breaking your water, starting Pitocin, or performing an episiotomy, your provider must have a clear, informed discussion with you about the benefits, risks, and alternatives, and receive your explicit consent before doing anything.

In this short but powerful “Dr. Nicole Says” episode, I walk you through what real consent sounds like, how it differs from the all-too-common “I’m just here to check your cervix” script, and why being informed and empowered is non-negotiable for your birth experience.

💡 You’ll learn:

• How “nice” providers can still bypass consent
• Real-life examples of consent done right
• Why childbirth education is essential to advocating for yourself

You are the center of your birth. And you have the right to say YES—or NO.

📧 Want more empowering, evidence-based info straight to your inbox? Sign up for my email list at drnicolerankins.com/email

In this short and personal episode, I share a personal update, what’s coming next, and an invitation to reflect on where you might need rest too.