The interaction of trauma, matrescence and nervous system function…
Motherhood, a journey of ceaseless wonder and frequent chaos, encompasses layers of emotion and physiological changes and responses.
Our senses awaken, attuned to every coo, cry, and giggle. Today, let's embark on an exploration of the symbiotic dance between motherhood, sympathetic dominance, and the captivating role of implicit memory in our sensory symphony.
The Brain's Dance of Change:
Pregnancy bestows upon us not only the miracle of life but also profound brain rewiring. This transformation is remarkable, yet it may contribute to hypervigilance, where our mind becomes finely tuned to the nuances of our new role.
Trauma's Ripple Effects:
Trauma leaves an imprint, subtly shaping our implicit memory—our subconscious responses. Our body's responses are often orchestrated by implicit memory, those subconscious imprints that guide our reactions to life's tapestry. They play an integral role in determining whether we sway towards sympathetic dominance or discover a calmer state. By delving into and understanding our implicit memory, we unlock the key to conscious well-being.
Hypervigilance ~ Unveiling the State:
Hypervigilance, often seen as an intensified "fight or flight" response, can be both a protective mechanism and a source of challenge. This heightened state of awareness is influenced by hormonal shifts, evolutionary factors, and the body's innate preparation for the arrival of a new life.
Sympathetic Dominance's Intricate Dance:
Sympathetic dominance plays a crucial role in understanding hypervigilance. When the sympathetic nervous system remains overactive, it can lead to prolonged states of stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil. During pregnancy and motherhood, these factors intertwine, sometimes causing an overwhelming sense of vigilance.
The Symphony of Balance:
And so - pregnancy brings remarkable changes to the brain, as neural pathways adjust to prepare for motherhood, including the increased need to protect and nurture our babies.
Amid this rewiring, we have our implicit memory - the way our body stores memory as sensation.
AND mother, creating a symphony of touch, smell, and sounds. This sensory influx can contribute to sympathetic dominance, keeping us in a state of heightened alertness. Understanding this interplay, we can navigate the sensory symphony with empathy, finding equilibrium amidst the dynamics of motherhood.
Imagine a space where understanding meets support. Where your experiences are heard and validated. As a Mental Health OT, I am here to walk this path alongside you. Together, we’ll weave the threads of motherhood, sympathetic dominance, the sensory echoes of implicit memory and it’s impact on your crucial role as a mother.