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Learn about the nervous system through Polyvagal Theory
Honoring the body’s feedback
Honoring the Body’s Feedback
A conversation with Stephen Porges, developer of Polyvagal Theory
This interview was part of a series of webinars entitled ‘Supporting Your Nervous System through Motherhood, Midlife and Beyond’, organised by the Polyvagal Institute in October 2024. Learn about the significance of Polyvagal Theory in understanding how our nervous system shapes our experience – in daily life, our relationships and the birth room.
“As a doula and health coach Chantal introduces polyvagal informed approach to create the feelings of safety and connection that help expecting families enhance their birthing experience. Her insightful approach incorporates polyvagal principles to support and optimize birth and minimize trauma in both infant and parents.”
POLYVAGAL INSTITUTE CONFERENCE 2022
Expert Health Talks
Second Stage of Labor
UNDERSTANDING 2nd STAGE
THE FINAL PUSH
PUSHING POWER & THE POSTPARTUM BODY
Watch more videos
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...
