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Polyvagal Theory & Pregnancy
Presenter: Cerissa Hayhurst, CSW, MPH
Date: April 30, 2026 | 7:00 PM MST
Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Course Description
The autonomic nervous system plays a profound role in the childbirth experience — yet many clinicians have limited understanding of how polyvagal theory applies to pregnancy, labor, and birth trauma. This one-hour live webinar enhances clinicians' understanding of how the body's autonomic nervous system functions during childbirth and equips providers with practical tools for helping clients prepare for birth in ways that support the body's natural processes.
Through expert-led instruction, guided reflection, and a clinical case study, participants will explore how the environment, internal experience, and relational support shape a birthing person's autonomic state during labor — and how dysregulation can contribute to birth trauma. The course introduces a polyvagal lens for conceptualizing clients who have experienced birth trauma, supporting more nuanced, trauma-informed clinical assessment and intervention.
This training is grounded in the core social work values of dignity and worth, the importance of human relationships, and a commitment to social justice — affirming that competent, trauma-informed perinatal care is both an ethical imperative and a matter of social justice, particularly in communities with high birth rates where access to informed, compassionate support is most critical.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:
Understand how the autonomic nervous system impacts the childbirth experience.
Understand how the environment, internal experience, and support impact a birthing person's experience.
Conceptualize clients with birth trauma through a polyvagal lens.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This online training presents a focused, introductory overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be comprehensive; clinicians seeking more advanced knowledge are encouraged to pursue additional training. The virtual format may not fully replicate the interactivity of in-person learning. No significant risks are anticipated, though participants may have existing assumptions or worldviews challenged in the process of engaging with the material. Benefits include foundational knowledge of polyvagal theory as applied to pregnancy and childbirth, practical clinical tools for supporting perinatal clients, and increased confidence and competence in conceptualizing and treating birth trauma.
About the Presenter
Cerissa Hayhurst, CSW, MPH, brings a background rooted in public health, women's health, and doula education to her work as a clinical social worker. Her clinical experience spans maternal mental health, psychosis, and substance use disorders, and she is certified in trauma-informed care and Motivational Interviewing and trained in EMDR. Cerissa's diverse background informs a holistic, deeply compassionate approach to supporting clients across a wide range of needs and life experiences.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in facilitated discussion, guided reflection, and Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
ASWB ACE Statement:
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.
AASECT CKA:
G. Sexual and reproductive anatomy/physiology.
H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality, including illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury, and safer sex practices.
AASECT ST:
C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.
This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.
Polyvagal Theory & Pregnancy
Presenter: Cerissa Hayhurst, CSW, MPH
Date: April 30, 2026 | 7:00 PM MST
Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Course Description
The autonomic nervous system plays a profound role in the childbirth experience — yet many clinicians have limited understanding of how polyvagal theory applies to pregnancy, labor, and birth trauma. This one-hour live webinar enhances clinicians' understanding of how the body's autonomic nervous system functions during childbirth and equips providers with practical tools for helping clients prepare for birth in ways that support the body's natural processes.
Through expert-led instruction, guided reflection, and a clinical case study, participants will explore how the environment, internal experience, and relational support shape a birthing person's autonomic state during labor — and how dysregulation can contribute to birth trauma. The course introduces a polyvagal lens for conceptualizing clients who have experienced birth trauma, supporting more nuanced, trauma-informed clinical assessment and intervention.
This training is grounded in the core social work values of dignity and worth, the importance of human relationships, and a commitment to social justice — affirming that competent, trauma-informed perinatal care is both an ethical imperative and a matter of social justice, particularly in communities with high birth rates where access to informed, compassionate support is most critical.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:
Understand how the autonomic nervous system impacts the childbirth experience.
Understand how the environment, internal experience, and support impact a birthing person's experience.
Conceptualize clients with birth trauma through a polyvagal lens.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This online training presents a focused, introductory overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be comprehensive; clinicians seeking more advanced knowledge are encouraged to pursue additional training. The virtual format may not fully replicate the interactivity of in-person learning. No significant risks are anticipated, though participants may have existing assumptions or worldviews challenged in the process of engaging with the material. Benefits include foundational knowledge of polyvagal theory as applied to pregnancy and childbirth, practical clinical tools for supporting perinatal clients, and increased confidence and competence in conceptualizing and treating birth trauma.
About the Presenter
Cerissa Hayhurst, CSW, MPH, brings a background rooted in public health, women's health, and doula education to her work as a clinical social worker. Her clinical experience spans maternal mental health, psychosis, and substance use disorders, and she is certified in trauma-informed care and Motivational Interviewing and trained in EMDR. Cerissa's diverse background informs a holistic, deeply compassionate approach to supporting clients across a wide range of needs and life experiences.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in facilitated discussion, guided reflection, and Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
ASWB ACE Statement:
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.
AASECT CKA:
G. Sexual and reproductive anatomy/physiology.
H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality, including illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury, and safer sex practices.
AASECT ST:
C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.
This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.
