How Early Imprinting Shapes Our Nervous Systems and Parenting feat. APPPAH | #71

How do our earliest experiences in the womb and during birth shape our nervous systems and the way we parent?

Ashley Makan and Wendy Bruns both began their careers as doulas, driven by a deep calling to support families during birth. Through their work with the Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health (APPPAH), they discovered how early experiences, starting in the womb and continuing through birth, leave lasting imprints on our nervous systems.

They observed that modern culture often dismisses birth as just a single day, ignoring how a pregnant mother's stress and environment shape a baby's developing body. Ashley and Wendy faced the challenge of helping parents navigate inherited patterns without feeling overwhelmed or judged. They realized that breaking intergenerational cycles is not about achieving perfection, but about cultivating curiosity and self-awareness. By understanding where we come from and reconnecting with our bodies, parents can transform how they show up for their children. We believe their work shows us that when we replace judgment with compassion, we can heal past imprints and build deeper connections for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• Our earliest experiences in the womb leave lasting imprints on our nervous systems that influence how we manage stress as adults.
• Babies in the womb are constantly sensing and responding to their mother's emotions, heartbeat, and stress levels to regulate their own nervous system.
• Breaking generational birth patterns is not about being a perfect parent, but about practicing connection, curiosity, and self-compassion without judgment.
• Reconnecting with your body through quiet evening practices helps lower stress and creates a deeper bond with your baby before birth.
• Learning your own birth story and history can help you understand your emotional triggers and make conscious choices for your family.

Becoming The Nurtured Mother

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Resources

• Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health (APPPAH) Website: https://birthpsychology.com
• APPPAH's Public Education Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@apppah
• APPPAH Podcast: Demystifying Birth Psychology https://birthpsychology.com/podcast
• Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH Journal Archives) https://birthpsychology.com/journal

Guests Bio:

Ashley Makan is a Prenatal and Perinatal Educator, Birth Doula, Body Ready Method® Pro, Reiki Master Teacher, and Meditation Guide specializing in trauma-informed preconception and birth preparation. She is the founder of Bodhi Birth and Wellness in Upstate South Carolina and a student of midwifery in apprenticeship, advocating passionately for prenatal and perinatal psychology.

Wendy Bruns holds a degree in Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz and works as a birth doula and educator. Her role with the Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health (APPPAH) deepens her understanding of how early experiences shape mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification

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