Episode #22: Polyvagal Wisdom for Birth, Postpartum, and Menopause with Chantal Traub

In this episode, we welcome back the incredible Chantal Traub—seasoned doula, women’s health educator, and author—who has dedicated her work to empowering women through life’s biggest transitions, from childbirth to menopause. You may remember her from episode 11, where she shared her journey of vision loss, navigating a meningioma, and moving through menopause. This time, Chantal returns to dive deeper into the Polyvagal Theory and how understanding the nervous system can transform women’s experiences through birth, postpartum, and beyond.Chantal shares how meeting Dr. Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory, helped her put language to what she had long practiced intuitively—supporting women through subtle cues of safety, connection, and calm. She explains how the vagus nerve and our social engagement system influence everything from how we birth to how we heal, and how she applied these principles during the pandemic when in-person doula support wasn’t possible. By focusing on voice, tone, and presence—even over Zoom—Chantal continued to help women feel grounded and supported during their most vulnerable moments.Through her personal reflections, Chantal opens up about living much of her life in a “fight or flight” state and how becoming aware of her own nervous system patterns reshaped her work and her well-being. She explores neuroception, our subconscious sense of safety or threat, and how it affects relationships, healing, and resilience. This conversation is both eye-opening and deeply practical—offering listeners a roadmap to regulation, safety, and self-awareness through every stage of womanhood.SHOW NOTES: Chantal Traub:  Website for Birthing Classes, Courses and Menopause Coaching Chantal's Social Media:   InstagramUnyte: Listening/Sound Therapy with Dr. PorgesWebsite for Dr. Steve Porges & Deb DanaBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: affiliate linksThe Polyvagal Theory:  Neurophysiological Foundations of EmotionsAnchored:  How to Befriend Your Nervous System using Polyvagal⭐ If you’re loving the podcast, don’t forget to give us a star rating—it really helps us grow!Please consider writing us a review on your favorite podcast platform as this keeps our podcast in the forefront for others to find us with ease.Follow us on IG  https://www.instagram.com/replenishing_soul/Thank you for your interest!Disclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is based on the opinions and experience of Lori Dorothy and their guests. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional m