Ep. 443: From overwhelm to calm: understanding your nervous system with Dr Brooke Weinstein

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.   In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe returns for her first newly recorded show since maternity leave and sits down with Dr. Brooke Weinstein to unpack what nervous system regulation really means for mothers. Dr. Brooke, a doctor of occupational therapy and neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation expert, explains why being “regulated” doesn’t mean calm all the time. Instead, it means having the awareness and tools to move through stress, recover more efficiently, and reduce the constant peaks and crashes so many parents experience. They talk through why nervous system regulation has become such a buzzword online, how social media often oversimplifies healing, and why understanding your own sensory profile, triggers, and patterns matters more than quick-fix hacks. HeHe and Dr. Brooke also discuss postpartum overwhelm, identity shifts after baby, communication with partners, shame-free ways to respond to emotional meltdowns, and how both parents can experience dysregulation during the transition to parenthood. Timestamps 00:00 Awareness Before Change01:03 Nervous System Basics05:46 What Regulation Means11:44 Regulation Is Not Calm17:14 Peaks, Valleys, and Resets19:09 No Shame, Just Data23:45 Reparenting Self Talk29:47 Autopilot and Patterns36:15 Quick Wins Postpartum41:04 Brain-Body Awareness Tools49:51 Pregnancy and Nervous System58:31 Regulation vs Newborn Phase01:01:10 Partner Support and Communication01:12:02 Avoid Quick Fix Gimmicks01:15:41 Closing Resources and Wrap Up Guest Bio: Dr. Brooke Weinstein is a leading expert in neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation, helping parents and high performers create healthier, more sustainable lives through practical, science-backed strategies. A doctor of occupational therapy and creator of the THRIVE Like a Parent podcast, Brooke is known for combining neuroscience expertise, humor, and honest conversations about burnout, healing, and modern parenthood. With more than one million followers and over half a million podcast downloads, she is trusted by families and Fortune 500 leaders alike. Connect with Dr. Brooke: https://drbrookeweinstein.com/ Instagram: @brookeweinst: https://www.instagram.com/brookeweinst/ Tik Tok: brookeweinstein: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeweinstein  Youtube: dr.brookeweinstein: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC40kFZWuWeZ_-e2fFDTgzgw/videos SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, a