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Navigating Intimacy After Parenthood

On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.

Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Keywords: intimacy, motherhood, postpartum relationships, postpartum sex, perimenopause, postpartum body image, emotional connection, parenting,

In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, hosts Sarah Adelmann and Justine Leach explore the complexities of intimacy after becoming parents. They discuss the societal expectations surrounding postpartum sex at six weeks, physical touch on relationships, and the challenges of reclaiming one's body and identity after having a baby. The conversation also delves into the fears and trust issues that can arise in intimate relationships, particularly after childbirth, and the myths surrounding postpartum recovery. Thay also discuss the changes that come with aging and perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of creating space for emotional connection with self and other, as well as, understanding the evolving nature of desire.

Takeaways

  • Intimacy changes after becoming a parent.
  • Societal expectations can create pressure for postpartum intimacy too quickly.
  • Physical touch from children can make adult intimacy challenging.
  • Reclaiming one's body is a journey that takes time.
  • Non-sexual touch is crucial for emotional connection.
  • Motherhood often places a burden on intimacy.
  • Changing bodies can affect sex and confidence.
  • Perimenopause is a significant life transition that is often overlooked.
  • Desire for intimacy can fluctuate throughout life.

 

Sound Bites

  • "I didn't feel like my body was mine for so long."
  • "Those moments of not being touched feel precious."
  • "Intimacy is a dance that changes with time."
  • "Our bodies change, and so do our identities."
  • "Perimenopause is as intense as puberty."

 

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Intimacy After Parenthood

02:57 Expectations vs. Reality of Postpartum Intimacy

05:59 The Impact of Touch on Relationships

09:04 Reclaiming Your Body and Identity

11:58 The Complexity of Sexual Intimacy

15:00 The Burden of Motherhood on Intimacy

18:04 Coping with Changing Bodies

21:02 Fear and Trust in Intimacy

23:58 The Myths of Postpartum Recovery

27:02 Understanding Perimenopause

29:58 The Journey of Aging and Intimacy

33:09 Cultural Perceptions of Aging Women

36:04 Creating Space for Closeness

38:59 Embracing Change in Desire

41:54 Conclusion and Reflections