Ep. 445: Reair of Ep. 248: Mirror Neurons in Labor with Dr. Jaz Robbins

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 re-air of Episode 248 of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with trauma therapist, nutritionist, and mental health consultant Dr. Jaz Robbins to explore the powerful role mirror neurons can play in labor, birth outcomes, and the overall birth experience. Dr. Jaz breaks down the science behind mirror neurons and explains how we naturally absorb the emotions, energy, and behaviors of the people around us, especially in high-stress moments like labor. Together, they discuss how intense stress can take the prefrontal cortex offline during labor, increasing fight, flight, or freeze responses, particularly for those with a trauma history. HeHe and Dr. Jaz also unpack why providers, doulas, and partners often become the grounding presence in the room, and how tone of voice, body language, eye contact, breathing, and calm leadership can help create safety and support physiological birth. They also cover trauma-informed communication, the harm of labeling someone a “difficult patient,” provider burnout, and practical ways partners can prepare before labor so they know how to confidently support when it matters most. This episode is a powerful reminder that birth is not just physical. The emotional environment in the room matters too. Timestamps:  00:00 Mirror Neurons Teaser 00:48 Free Pitocin Guide 02:07 Why This Episode Matters 04:11 Meet Dr Jazz Robbins 07:38 Defining Mirror Neurons 10:53 Monkey Study Breakthrough 13:55 Birth Room Dynamics 20:43 Nervous System States 26:58 Trauma And Freeze Response 34:17 Who Leads Attunement 35:41 Using Mirror Neurons Well 35:47 Mirror Neurons in Birth Prep 37:01 Partner Training and Prenatal Classes 40:38 Safety and Positive Birth Mindset 40:59 Difficult Patient Reframe 42:41 Provider Burnout and Bias 46:43 Patient Self Advocacy Scripts 49:53 Trauma Informed Provider Response 53:34 Preparing Partners to Ground 55:10 Mirror Neuron Tools in Labor 01:02:13 Key Takeaways and Helpers High 01:04:49 Wrap Up and Where to Connect 01:06:03 Podcast Outro and Call to Action Guest Bio: Dr. Jaz Robbins is a therapist, nutritionist, author, professor, and mental health consultant. She is the founder of the nonprofit, Healing, Hope & Love as well as the mental health consulting firm, The Active Experience®. She specializes in working with clients who have histories of trauma and/or complicated health concerns. Additionally, Dr. Robbins is a poet and stage performer who enjoys integrating expressive arts into her work with clients when appropriate. Work with Dr. Jaz: https://www.drjazrobbins.com/ The Active Experience: https://www.activeexperience.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Jaz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jazrobbins/ 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