In this episode of the Birth Rebel Podcast, Angel welcomes back Jennifer Summerfeldt, a perinatal mental health therapist specializing in nervous system informed care and trauma care. Jennifer shares her journey into birth work, stemming from her first childbirth experience, and discusses the importance of understanding and addressing psychological and nervous system trauma in childbirth and postpartum periods. She introduces the concept of Polyvagal Theory and the roles of different nervous system states in birth experiences. Jennifer also distinguishes between trauma-informed care and nervous system-informed care, providing insights on how birth workers can support mothers more effectively. The episode emphasizes trust in the biological process, the significance of creating supportive conditions for birth, and the potential for systemic change by adopting a heart-centered approach to care.
00:33 Introducing Jennifer Summerfelt
02:07 Jennifer's Journey into Birth Work
03:12 The Impact of Birth Literature
04:58 Jennifer's Personal Birth Experience
07:22 Transition to Perinatal Mental Health
09:53 Understanding Trauma and the Nervous System
25:36 The Role of the Nervous System in Childbirth
30:58 Understanding the Instinctive Nature of Birth
32:37 Signs of a Disregulated Nervous System
33:02 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory
34:50 The Dorsal Vagal Pathway: Survival Mode
39:00 The Sympathetic Pathway: Fight or Flight
43:09 The Ventral Vagal Pathway: Social Engagement
44:51 Epidurals and Pain Management in Labor
47:40 Nervous System Informed Care for Birth Workers
52:51 The Importance of Co-Regulation
55:16 Final Thoughts and Resources
Previous Birth Rebel Podcast Episode with Jennifer Summerfeldt - Episode 36
Explore the Nervous System in Birth & Birth Trauma with Jennifer Summerfeldt
Books/Resources Mentioned
What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Mate
Healing After Birth by Jennifer Summerfeldt
Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory in Trauma Treatment with Stephen Porges & Deb Dana
Polyvagal Institute - What is Polyvagal Theory?
Being a Brain-Wise Therapist: A Practical Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology by Bonnie Badenoch
Where to Find Jennifer Summerfeldt
Website | Jennifer’s Podcast - Therapy for Moms | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Linktree
Jennifer Summerfeldt as a Guest on Various Podcasts
Jennifer’s Healing After Birth Program
Access my Better Birth Blueprint Workshop. This workshop will give you five tips on how you can have a safer more comfortable birth! As a bonus you will get a FREE downloadable workbook to accompany your workshop. Access your FREE Workshop!
Until Next time my Birth Rebel crew!
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