5 Nervous System Reset Tools for Doulas on the Way to a Birth
5 Nervous System Reset Tools for Doulas on the Way to a Birth
Even after more than 1000 births, there are times when I feel anxious as I drive to the hospital. Here’s what I do to help down regulate my nervous system so that when I arrive, I’m ready and able to best serve my client and you can do these, too:
1) Bring your awareness to your breathing. When we are feeling anxious, we are often in a clavicular breathing pattern. To down regulate that anxious feeling, move into that full rib cage expansion breath imagine that you are breathing into the back of your bra strap. If that doesn’t help, lean forward slightly in the driver seat and that will move your breathing more into that 360° breath. The goal is to have the ability to take those slow deep, full breaths in and out.
2) Speak aloud to yourself the same affirmations that your clients do.
3) Play calming music and HUM -yes-HUM to it. Just as humming helps your client, it will help you too.
4) Do progressive muscle release. Gently tense and release your shoulders, jaw, and hands while at stoplights to release hidden tension.
5) Visualization - picture yourself entering the birth space with calm, confident, energy, ready to support your client. The way you enter can set or reset the mood.
“I am a source of peace, encouragement, and strength.”
5 Affirmations for Birth Doulas - Speak these over yourself as you drive to your client
“I carry calm into every space I enter.”
“My presence is steady, grounded, and strong.”
“I trust my skills and intuition to guide me.”
“This birth is not mine to control—I am here to support.”
“I am a source of peace, encouragement, and strength.”
