The Birth Ease Podcast

002 The Impacts of Stress

Episode Summary

In this second episode, Michelle sets the foundation; she explains what she means by "noise" in the podcast introduction and exactly what stress is and the impacts it has. Michelle shares how stress can affect our ability to conceive a child, as well as cause pregnancy complications and preterm birth. If a mother is experiencing chronic or intense acute stress, then it will actually interfere with the wiring of the unborn baby's brain. During the birth, stress and fear can cause labor to slow or stall. Michelle shares measures to help make the transition from the womb into the world less stressful for the baby. Stressful life events can be a factor in developing postpartum depression as well. Michelle reassures listeners that women undergoing acute or chronic stress can have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies, but it is vital to reduce our stress as much as possible and find coping skills and techniques to help. Please check out the next episode. We will be discussing ways to mitigate stress and elicit the relaxation response. It will include a bonus guided relaxation session that is valuable for anyone that has a child or children in their life, no matter the age of the child.   “Stress can impact us, our relationships, and our bodies. There is help in the form of resources, techniques, and coping skills.” —  Michelle Smith Connect with Michelle Smith: Website: BirthEaseServices.com Facebook:

Episode Notes

In this second episode, Michelle sets the foundation; she explains what she means by "noise" in the podcast introduction and exactly what stress is and the impacts it has. Michelle shares how stress can affect our ability to conceive a child, as well as cause pregnancy complications and preterm birth. If a mother is experiencing chronic or intense acute stress, then it will actually interfere with the wiring of the unborn baby's brain. During the birth, stress and fear can cause labor to slow or stall. Michelle shares measures to help make the transition from the womb into the world less stressful for the baby. Stressful life events can be a factor in developing postpartum depression as well.

Michelle reassures listeners that women undergoing acute or chronic stress can have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies, but it is vital to reduce our stress as much as possible and find coping skills and techniques to help. Please check out the next episode. We will be discussing ways to mitigate stress and elicit the relaxation response. It will include a bonus guided relaxation session that is valuable for anyone that has a child or children in their life, no matter the age of the child.

 

“Stress can impact us, our relationships, and our bodies. There is help in the form of resources, techniques, and coping skills.” —  Michelle Smith

Connect with Michelle Smith:

Website: BirthEaseServices.com

Facebook: Birth Ease

Instagram: @birtheasemichellesmith

Youtube: Birth Ease

Show: Birth Ease

Episode References:

“Too much stress for the mother affects the baby through amniotic fluid”

Stress & Pregnancy

Can your stress affect your fetus?

Can’t get pregnant? How stress may be causing your infertility

The relationship between stress and infertility

The Effects of Prenatal Stress on Child Behavioural and Cognitive Outcomes Starts at the Beginning

Stress Symptoms: Effects of Stress on the Body

The Effect of Stressful Life Events on Postpartum Depression: Findings from the 2009-2011 Mississippi Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression Facts

Interview with Thomas Verny, MD on the 2019  Better Birth 360 Summit hosted by Nicholas Olow

Newsweek Special Edition:  Your Baby's Brain 2015 "Keep Calm and Carry On"