Tapping Into Calm: EFT’s Growing Role in Birth & Beyond
- Lorie Michaels, CD(DONA), LCCE, PMH-C, CLC, BRMPro
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever felt fear or anxiety rising before labor, you’re not alone. One of the most powerful tools I share with families — and now teach in my doula trainings — is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also called tapping.
EFT combines gentle tapping on acupressure points with focused attention on thoughts or emotions. This simple practice helps calm the nervous system, release fear, and restore a sense of safety — which is especially meaningful during pregnancy and birth.
🎥 Want to see EFT in action? Here’s a short demo from my YouTube channel:
In the world of birth and postpartum support, doulas are always looking for evidence-based, compassionate ways to help families manage stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience. One tool that’s gaining more attention than ever is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) — also known as tapping therapy.
Recently, EFT has been featured in mainstream media and research:
📰 NBC’s Today Show highlighted EFT as a practical, science-backed way to calm the body and mind. Read the article →
🎧 UC Berkeley’s award-winning Science of Happiness podcast shared illustrator Minnie Phan’s personal story of using EFT to connect with herself, care for her mental health, and foster creativity. Listen here →
📖 New clinical research demonstrated that even a single session of EFT can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and negative mood, while also increasing forgiveness and benevolence. Read the study →
What Is EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)?
EFT is an integrative practice that combines gentle tapping on acupressure points with verbal acknowledgment of thoughts and feelings. Think of it as a cross between mindfulness, somatic therapy, and cognitive reframing.
The method has been studied for its impact on:
Stress and anxiety reduction
Trauma recovery support
Emotional regulation
Pain and fatigue management
Forgiveness and resilience building
Why EFT Matters for Birth and Postpartum Care
Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are filled with joy — but also stress, uncertainty, and sometimes trauma. Families need tools that are:
Safe & non-invasive: No side effects, no equipment required.
Quick & portable: Can be used in the moment, even during labor or middle-of-the-night newborn care.
Evidence-based: Backed by growing research and mainstream recognition.
For doulas, EFT can be a game-changer in:
Supporting clients with birth fears or past trauma.
Helping postpartum parents navigate sleep deprivation, emotional overwhelm, or feeding challenges.
Empowering families with a tool they can continue to use long after doula care ends.
How BirthPro Integrates EFT into Training
At BirthPro Doula Training, we believe every doula should graduate with both practical care skills and tools for emotional support. That’s why EFT is woven into our curriculum as part of a trauma-informed, inclusive approach to birth and postpartum care.
Our students learn how to:
Introduce EFT safely and ethically within doula scope.
Use tapping for grounding during stressful moments.
Teach families simple sequences they can continue on their own.
This means doulas not only support the body but also help create space for emotional healing, resilience, and calm.
Ready to Learn More?
✨ If you’re considering becoming a postpartum doula, explore our Postpartum Doula Training
✨ Already certified, but curious about EFT and advanced skills? Join our Doula Mastery & Mentoring Collective.
Bottom line: EFT isn’t just a wellness trend — it’s an evidence-based practice now recognized by leading researchers, universities, and media outlets. For doulas, it’s an essential skill that strengthens both your care and your clients’ wellbeing.
