E244. How Birth Could Shape Your Baby’s Brain

How Birth Could Shape Your Baby’s Brain with Emily Roper

Today’s conversation dives into a stage of life that every single one of us has experienced, but almost no one really talks about in depth.

When we think about early brain development, most of the focus tends to land on pregnancy or what happens after a baby arrives. But what if we’re overlooking one of the most influential moments in shaping a child’s neurological future?

My guest today is Emily Roper @earlyroots who specialises in working with children experiencing developmental challenges, everything from anxiety and ADHD to autism spectrum profiles. And what she’s found, time and time again, is that many of these patterns can be traced back to the earliest stages of life, especially the birth process itself.

We’re talking about how birth can shape everything from attachment and stress response to gut health, reflex development, and even long-term emotional regulation. But this isn’t just a conversation about what can go wrong, it’s also about how incredibly adaptable and resilient babies are, and what parents can actually do to support healthy brain development from the very beginning.

This episode might just change the way you think about the very first moments of life.

This episode is sponsored by Aniball, a birth preparation tool designed to help you become more familiar with the sensations of stretching and relaxation around the vaginal opening. As a midwife, I know how valuable building body awareness and confidence can be when preparing for birth.

To get 10% off, use code PIP26.

Extra Resources:

📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫

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