Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Longtime midwife turned somatic trauma healing coach, Christie Davis talks about what it really takes to stay whole in the world of birth work. After over 20 years of attending births and running a private midwifery practice, Christie now supports midwives and birth professionals through the emotional aftermath of traumatic births, burnout, and the heavy expectations of the profession.
Together, we unpack the somatic foundations of trauma, how nervous systems get "stuck," and what real healing can look like. We also talk boundaries (the kind that keep you and your clients safe), deconstruct the martyrdom baked into midwifery culture, and explore how to build more sustainable careers in birth work—without abandoning your heart.
Whether you're a seasoned provider or a student midwife just entering the field, this is an honest, compassionate conversation you need to hear.
Topics Covered:
- Why so many midwives are burned out—and how to shift that
- What somatic healing actually means (beyond the buzzword)
- The emotional toll of traumatic births on providers
- Signs you’re stuck in a survival nervous system state
- Real-world examples of “normal” midwifery expectations that are not normal
- How boundaries can change everything—for you and your clients
- The difference between empathy and emotional entanglement
- How to start healing—without talk therapy lasting 10 years
🔗 Show Notes:
Learn more about Christie Davis and her somatic healing work for birth professionals at perinataltraumacenter.com/about
Check out our Boundaries for Birthworkers course on our website midwiferywisdom.com
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:11 Christie Davis' Background and Transition
00:54 The Importance of Birth Trauma Healing
02:12 Coaching and Support for Midwives
07:48 Somatic Healing Explained
12:00 Challenges in Midwifery
15:32 Global Perspectives on Midwifery
21:24 Comparing Midwifery to Other Professions
22:58 The Importance of Boundaries in Midwifery
24:52 Guidelines for New Midwives
25:58 Challenges Facing Modern Midwives
29:08 Somatic Approaches to Midwifery
32:16 How to Work with Christie
33:49 Practical Techniques for Nervous System Regulation
37:10 The Future of Midwifery and Student Training
41:11 Conclusion and Contact Information
Longtime midwife turned somatic trauma healing coach, Christie Davis talks about what it really takes to stay whole in the world of birth work. After over 20 years of attending births and running a private midwifery practice, Christie now supports midwives and birth professionals through the emotional aftermath of traumatic births, burnout, and the heavy expectations of the profession.
Together, we unpack the somatic foundations of trauma, how nervous systems get "stuck," and what real healing can look like. We also talk boundaries (the kind that keep you and your clients safe), deconstruct the martyrdom baked into midwifery culture, and explore how to build more sustainable careers in birth work—without abandoning your heart.
Whether you're a seasoned provider or a student midwife just entering the field, this is an honest, compassionate conversation you need to hear.
Topics Covered:
- Why so many midwives are burned out—and how to shift that
- What somatic healing actually means (beyond the buzzword)
- The emotional toll of traumatic births on providers
- Signs you’re stuck in a survival nervous system state
- Real-world examples of “normal” midwifery expectations that are not normal
- How boundaries can change everything—for you and your clients
- The difference between empathy and emotional entanglement
- How to start healing—without talk therapy lasting 10 years
🔗 Show Notes:
Learn more about Christie Davis and her somatic healing work for birth professionals at perinataltraumacenter.com/about
Check out our Boundaries for Birthworkers course on our website midwiferywisdom.com
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:11 Christie Davis' Background and Transition
00:54 The Importance of Birth Trauma Healing
02:12 Coaching and Support for Midwives
07:48 Somatic Healing Explained
12:00 Challenges in Midwifery
15:32 Global Perspectives on Midwifery
21:24 Comparing Midwifery to Other Professions
22:58 The Importance of Boundaries in Midwifery
24:52 Guidelines for New Midwives
25:58 Challenges Facing Modern Midwives
29:08 Somatic Approaches to Midwifery
32:16 How to Work with Christie
33:49 Practical Techniques for Nervous System Regulation
37:10 The Future of Midwifery and Student Training
41:11 Conclusion and Contact Information
