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Magazine Articles
POLYVAGAL PRINCIPLES FOR BIRTH & POSTPARTUM
Optimizing the birth process to minimize the trauma experience and foster connection and co-regulation.
“ Co-regulation serves as the language of our nervous systems, facilitating the dynamic interaction necessary for regulating our autonomic nervous systems, particularly the ventral vagal system. In this process, individuals with a more regulated autonomic nervous system support others in regulating theirs, nurturing feelings of safety and tranquility. During the birthing process, co-regulation serves as a tool that engages the nervous systems of both the labor support person and the client. When the doula and the mother have their ventral vagal circuits synchronized…not only is the mother calm and glowing, but so is the doula. ”
EMPOWERED PUSHING
2nd stage Labor & your pelvic floor
One of the shortest part of labor—the pushing stage—is the most important when it comes to impact on your body and lasting effects on the pelvic floor.
What I’ve found is that birthing moms are often underprepared for the pushing stage of labor. They may push inefficiently for extended periods of time. This is not without consequence. Unnecessary forceful pushing can be harmful to the perineum, increasing the risk of tearing and pelvic-floor weakness associated with incontinence or prolapse. Uncoordinated pushing during birth can also lead to further weakening and damaging of the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor.
But it doesn’t have to be this way...
