The Doula’s Guide to Nurturing Birth Instincts and Connection feat. Stefanie Antunes | #51

Why is the way we connect with our babies at birth so vital for our long-term relationship?Stefanie Antunes began her journey as a doula and educator over twenty years ago after the birth of her second son taught her the true value of preparation and support. She is now a visionary in the field, training thousands of doulas and helping families navigate the intense transition into parenthood. Stefanie believes that birth is an embodied experience that acts as a gateway to our emotional world. She has seen how modern hospital practices often disturb the natural hormonal flow that nature designed for safety and bonding.A major challenge she addresses is the pressure for parents to follow "head-based" information instead of trusting their own inner landscape and instincts. She transformed her practice by focusing on helping people connect with their heart and gut before the "noise" of the world takes over. Stefanie advocates for a return to our mammalian roots, emphasizing that we aren't meant to parent in isolation. She encourages us to reject the myth that we should know everything automatically and instead surrender to the community support we deserve. By prioritizing skin-to-skin contact and planning for postpartum care, she helps families create a foundation of connection that lasts a lifetime. We believe this conversation is a beautiful reminder to look inward and trust the wisdom of our bodies.Key TakeawaysEarly connection at birth is deeply rooted in our mammalian biology and sets a vital foundation for the lifelong parent-baby relationship.Learning to distinguish between anxiety in the head and instinct in the gut helps parents make better decisions for their families.Modern hospital disturbances, like early inductions, can disrupt the essential hormones that nature provides for a safe and bonded birth experience.The "nuclear family lie" makes us believe parenting should be easy, but we actually need a village to thrive in the postpartum period.Planning for postpartum support through exercises like the "four circles" helps families navigate the intense changes in time and energy after birth.ResourcesDoula School Canada's Website: https://doulatraining.caDoula School International's Website: https://doulaschool.comStefanie Antunes's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieantunesGuest Bio: Stefanie Antunes has been a Lamaze® Educator and doula since 2002, after the birth of her second son showed her just how valuable it is to be prepared for birth and to have good support around you. Stefanie is a visionary in the childbirth field. Her commitment to the profession has been exemplary. She founded Ontario’s first doula agency, helping to obtain insurance for the doula industry, creating the Birth Doula Program, Ontario’s first and only hospital doula program, and more! Stefanie is the director of public relations for the Association of Ontario Doulas, former Public Relations Director and Treasurer for DONA International and sits on many local boards and coalitions to improve our communities.Ready to Connect with Greer?"Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaumFREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stressFREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parentingOrder "The Nurture Revolution" Book: