Somatics, Embodied Parenting, and the Female Nervous System with Veronia Rottman

I am so excited to finally bring to you Veronica Rotman, a somatic nervous system healing practitioner and teacher to discuss with me the importance of somatics in parenting and the impact of the nervous system on our experiences. This conversation encompasses everything I have learned and believe that parents need to know to get free from the invisible prisons of performance, perfectionism and pain that they find themselves in. 

Veronica is not only an expert in the nervous system, but she specializes in the female nervous system, and she explains how the lack of maternal support specifically impacts our differently wired systems, as well as how females are wired differently than males. This is like a supportive mini masterclass, full of so much information, but also advice, encouragement, and empathy as we too as mothers fully know what it’s like to be in these bodies in this time in history.

And like me, she has found through her training, work with parents and from her lives experience, that when we do the somatic trauma healing work from the events in our lives (especially the relational trauma that is rampant in our culture), parenting can "flow from an intuitive place." This is everything I want for you all.
Enjoy this breath of fresh air and this further nudge into this life-altering work.

Takeaways

Move beyond the cultural narrative of simply asking 'how do you feel?' and explore and be present with our sensations and emotions. The female nervous system is primed for relationship and co-regulation, and this is crucial in parenting. Neuroception is the autonomic nervous system's ability to scan our environment for signs of safety or threat. Prioritize oxytocin over dopamine in our culture to support regulation and well-being. New mothers often experience isolation and lack of support, which can impact their nervous system and mental health. Embodiment, regulation, and co-regulation are essential in parenting and fostering secure attachment. Interrupt the cycle of dysregulation and reactivity through open curiosity and self-awareness. Modeling emotional regulation is essential for children to learn how to regulate their own emotions. Creating coherence between our feelings, words, actions, and beliefs is important for building secure relationships. Healing and rewiring our attachment patterns is crucial for our own well-being and for providing secure attachment to our children. Nature can be a powerful co-regulator and can help us establish a sense of safety and connection. Anger is a natural emotion and can be a healthy part of our relationships when expressed and followed by repair. Accountability and embodiment are key in creating healthy dynamics and relationships.

You can connect with Veronica and her work on Instagram at @wakingwomb or her website https://waking-womb.com/ to see more about her retreats and offerings. Happy Listening and Learning Loves!