In today’s episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we’re diving into some of the common—yet often overlooked—stressors of pregnancy. We explore everything from hormonal changes and PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) to the profound life shifts that come with this transition. We also take a closer look at trauma-informed care: what it really means, how trauma is defined, and how to effectively communicate your needs to your care provider when it comes to support during birth.
To have this conversation today with me on Yoga| Birth| Babies I have maternal health specialist Ja’Neen Jenkins. With a deep passion for supporting mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Ja’Neen integrates her expertise as a licensed mental health therapist, doula, and perinatal coach to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care. Ja’Neen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Master’s in Teaching from Louisiana College in Pineville, and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She currently serves as the Clinical Supervisor at Jenkins Counseling Services, where she is committed to shaping the future of perinatal mental health care.
In this episode, we talk about everything from birth debriefing and birth maps to nervous system regulation and how it influences the flow of labor. If you or someone you love is expecting, this episode is a must-listen. So often, people leave their birth experience feeling unsettled or disappointed. But as Ja’Neen and I discuss, the work done during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of birth trauma and postpartum mental health challenges.
In this episode, you will learn:
- About Ja’Neen and how her own births shaped her passion for birth work
- How her role as a licensed therapist enhances her work as a childbirth educator and doula
- Common stressors of pregnancy Ja’Neen sees within the perinatal community
- Trauma informed care- what it is and how it applies to birth
- About birth debriefing and birth maps
- How the nervous system, and dysregulation of the nervous system, may impact birth flow
- Ja’Neen’s suggestions for birth prep for pregnant folks
- One final tip or piece of advice she would like to offer new and expectant parents
- Where you can find her work
**Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com
About Ja’Neen:
Ja’Neen Jenkins, MS, LPC, is a dedicated advocate for maternal mental health and the well-being of women and children. With a deep passion for supporting mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Ja’Neen integrates her expertise as a licensed mental health therapist, doula, and perinatal coach to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care.
Ja’Neen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Master’s in Teaching from Louisiana College in Pineville, and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She currently serves as the Clinical Supervisor at Jenkins Counseling Services, where she is committed to shaping the future of perinatal mental health care.
Driven by the need for specialized mental health support for mothers, Ja’Neen is pioneering Louisiana’s first Perinatal Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program—a groundbreaking initiative designed to help expectant and postpartum mothers navigate emotional challenges, birth trauma, and the complex transition into motherhood. Ja’Neen has acquired extensive certifications to serve the perinatal community, including:
Postpartum Nutrition Specialist
Professional Perinatal Nutrition Expert
Becoming Us Instructor
Certified Doula
Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor
Body Ready Method Pro & Body Ready Birth Instructor
She has also undergone advanced clinical training in Birth Trauma, EMDR, Brainspotting, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with a special focus on supporting mothers who have experienced emotional trauma during childbirth.
Ja’Neen’s unwavering dedication stems from a profound belief that every mother deserves to feel supported, empowered, and mentally well throughout her perinatal journey. Whether she’s working with mothers one-on-one, training other professionals, or advocating for improved maternal mental health care, she remains a beacon of hope, healing, and transformation in the perinatal space.
Connect with Ja’Neen:
Instagram: @YourPerinatalBFF
Check out similar Yoga| Birth| Babies episodes:
- Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE
- If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify!
To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:
Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter
Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center
