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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