When we think about birth, we often focus on the physical side of things — contractions, dilation, pushing, breathing. But there’s a whole other side that’s just as important: the emotional and neurological story unfolding inside the birthing person.
That's where Polyvagal Theory comes in.
Stick with me — it’s way less intimidating than it sounds, and it has everything to do with how we support birth.
First Things First: What Is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, basically says this:
Your nervous system is always scanning the environment for cues of safety or danger — even if you aren't consciously aware of it.
Depending on what it senses, your body reacts automatically to either stay calm, get ready to fight or flee, or completely shut down.
It’s like having an internal “safety radar” that affects your heart rate, breathing, digestion... and yes, even labor.
There are three main states:
-
Safe & Social (Ventral Vagal State)
→ You feel calm, connected, supported. Your body can function optimally — including birthing smoothly. -
Fight-or-Flight (Sympathetic State)
→ You sense danger. Your heart races, adrenaline spikes, and labor can stall or become more painful. -
Shutdown (Dorsal Vagal State)
→ You feel hopeless or overwhelmed. Everything slows down — not ideal for labor progression.
Pretty fascinating, right?
Why Is This Important During Birth?
During labor, the birthing body needs to feel safe to do its job.
Safety isn’t just about "nothing bad happening" — it’s about deep emotional and physiological trust in the environment and the people around you.
When someone feels safe:
- Oxytocin (the love-and-labor hormone) flows freely.
- Endorphins (natural painkillers) rise.
- Muscles of the uterus work rhythmically, helping the baby descend.
When someone feels unsafe:
- Adrenaline spikes, which can slow or stall labor.
- Pain perception increases.
- The body may literally try to "pause" labor to find a safer environment.
Bottom line?
A feeling of emotional safety isn't extra — it’s essential for birth physiology.
How We Can Support the Nervous System in Birth
Knowing this, birth workers (and partners, and medical providers!) have an incredible opportunity to co-regulate — to help the birthing person stay connected to that safe, social state.
Here’s how:
- Soft eye contact and warm facial expressions
- Calm, steady voice with simple, reassuring words
- Gentle, supportive touch (only if welcome!)
- Protecting the birthing space: dim lights, fewer interruptions, trusted people only
- Slow pacing: no rushing, no urgent energy unless medically necessary
These actions send powerful nonverbal signals to the birthing person's nervous system that say:
"You’re safe. You’re not alone. You can let go."
And when they feel that?
Birth unfolds more smoothly, often with fewer interventions and a deeper sense of empowerment.
The Big Takeaway
Polyvagal Theory reminds us that birth is not just a physical event — it’s a deeply social and emotional journey.
How a person feels during labor shapes not just their experience, but the actual biology of their birth.
As birth workers, companions, or even simply as humans who care, our presence, our energy, and our ability to create safety can change everything.
In birth, safety isn’t a bonus — it’s the foundation.
This blog is inspired by insights from the article "Polyvagal Theory: A Biobehavioral Journey to Sociality" by Dr. Stephen Porges, exploring how our nervous system shapes connection and safety — especially in childbirth.