Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness Being A Good Human & Birth Vibes with Jen Hamilton
Apr 28, 2026
Jen Hamilton, a labor and delivery nurse, author, and advocate behind the Hot Mess Express. She talks about her book Birth Vibes and what really happens in delivery rooms. Hear candid, funny takes on postpartum realities, how creating safety changes births, her nonprofit’s origin, viral moments, and a playful swaddle game.
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Vivid Postpartum Images That Normalize Recovery
- Jen candidly describes immediate postpartum sensations: a sagging belly and surprising smells that made her feel "broken" at first.
- Her vivid analogies ("week old balloon" and "wet pennies and onion rings") normalized those experiences for listeners.
Acknowledge The Weird To Calm Patients
- Normalize the physical weirdness of birth by acknowledging it openly to reduce shame and fear.
- Jen says telling patients "I acknowledge the weird" helps them relax because it's normal for staff.
Nurses Are The Continuous Advocates In Labor
- Nurses are the constant presence in labor; doctors and midwives often rotate, so nursing care heavily determines the experience.
- Penn and Jen emphasize that nurses do most of the work and advocacy during birth.
