Born Free Method: The Podcast Babies Need to Feel Safe with Nathan Riley, MD, FACOG
In this solo cast, I am not looking at data and reviewing journal articles. I’m pontificating on how we might reimagine the birth of children through the lens of “safety”.
The nervous system responds to our environment, so the environment - including external inputs like sound and internal inputs like thoughts - will lead to physiologic changes throughout our bodies depending on whether our nervous systems are sensing safety. Ideally, we would all feel safe when the environment is safe, but this is unfortunately not the case for all adults, even in the “wealthy” United States.
This is even more important when we consider a baby’s need to feel safe…
To understand this in a more comprehensive way than we learn in medical school, I will be drawing on Polyvagal Theroy and the Perinatal Matrix Theory.
If you’re unfamiliar, here is a synopsis of each:
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, PhD, explains how our autonomic nervous system regulates safety, connection, and defense. It describes three states: social engagement (ventral vagal), fight-or-flight (sympathetic), and shutdown (dorsal vagal). Understanding these helps explain trauma responses and how co-regulation and safety cues restore calm and connection.
Stan Grof’s (MD) perinatal matrix theory links stages of birth to deep layers of the unconscious. He describes four Basic Perinatal Matrices (BPM I–IV): blissful womb, constriction, struggle through the birth canal, and birth/release. These stages shape emotional patterns, trauma, and spiritual experiences throughout life.
The environment within which a baby develops is critical. We know this.
So why wouldn’t the environment after birth matter just as much? And if we were to prioritize the optimization of the birth experience - for both the baby and his parents - would this lead to widespread changes in our world?
It’s a lofty claim, but I think it’s possible.
Enjoy this exploration.
If you like this conversation, you’ll love the Born Free Method, as this solo-cast elaborates the cornerstone of my approach to childbirth alongside my best friend (and a badass midwife) Sara Rosser, CPM.
You can access over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews. 12-month access is $750Lifetime access is $3997 (plus you get direct support from me and Sara for life by phone/text/email/whatever)We also offer a Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above.
We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot us an email: support@bornfreemethod.com
Notes for this episode are found on Substack
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Medical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.
Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5
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