Birth support professionals have mastered somatic work, as they naturally attune to the body’s wisdom when supporting expectant individuals and new parents. Through hands-on comfort measures like massage and acupressure, breath awareness, guided movement, and voice activation, I’ve helped my doula clients navigate the physical and emotional sensations of the perinatal journey. Whether using positioning, grounding exercises, or mindful touch, birth professionals integrate somatic practices into their care, fostering safety, trust, and empowerment.

So, it’s no surprise that many hesitate when I encourage them to shift from long hours of hands-on support to perinatal coaching conversations. It can feel revolutionary—and even intimidating—to imagine stepping away from the familiar, deeply embodied skills they’ve honed. Yet, this shift doesn’t mean abandoning somatic wisdom; instead, it’s about transforming how we use it, allowing for a deeper impact while reducing professional fatigue and burnout.