What I learned to support mamas that can help the whole world
As part of my ongoing birth doula training, I attended the Perinatal Mental Health Conference last week held by Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies. We learned about the importance of community support for new parents (and everyone else), and about the healing that can happen through the embodied expression of difficult emotions.
Over three days of sessions, many amazing teachers, bodyworkers, and researchers shared their knowledge. For example, Dr. Ryan Van Lieshout offered convincing evidence that new parents who have the support of peers, briefly trained in good mental health techniques, have much better outcomes around postnatal depression. And Prairie Wolf’s session on helping people release trauma through somatic experiencing (SE) was deeply moving and inspiring.
What is Somatic Experiencing? I’m no expert and have no specific training in SE. But I understand it to be a way of working through stuck grief, fear, and trauma primarily through moving your body — as opposed to traditional talk therapy, which leads by processing emotions with your mind.
Shake to release fear and relieve anxiety
Shaking is a somatic technique that may help you to release some pent-up worry or stress in your body. Shaking is a natural urge. We often do it when we’re worried, or after something stressful has happened. With this exercise, we are deliberately shaking our whole body for a prolonged period of time.
You can’t do it wrong. Just stand up in a comfortable position and in a place where you can keep your balance. Then start by shaking your limbs: one leg, the other, your hands and arms. Then shake your hips, your head, and your whole body. See if you can keep it up for five minutes or even longer. Stay curious about what you feel in your body before, during, and after. And try not to worry about looking silly.
Massage for mamas, papas, and everybody else
Of course, a massage is also a great way to get some of those stuck feelings moving. And it can also be wonderfully supportive for people during and after pregnancy.
If you’d like to hear more about all the great stuff I learned at the conference, please ask me the next time you’re in! I’d love to talk with you about it.
In this season of gratitude, I want to express sincere thanks to all of you. Building a strong community is one of my highest values, and we’re doing it together.