89. How Breastfeeding Impacts Sexual Desire with Dr. Rachel Ollivier

“I always say sexuality is an evolution throughout the lifespan and postpartum is no different,” says Dr. Rachel Ollivier. Dr. Ollivier is a Nurse Practitioner and clinician scientist, who practices both women's cardiac health and complex gynecology. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ollivier about sexual health after birth. We discuss what impacts sexual health after birth, the fear of pain when returning to sexual activities postpartum, and the impact of birth on body image.

Episode outline:

Sexual health after birth

What impacts your sexual health after birth

Your identity of being a mother and being a sexual being

Body image after giving birth and how that impacts your

How the meaning of your parts of your can change after giving birth (i.e breasts)

The fear of pain when returning to sexual activities after birth

Using masturbation to learn what feels safe and comfortable before returning to sex, taking agency with their body to get to know their bodies again

Postpartum recovery - the importance of getting help and not thinking my body will always look and feel this way after giving birth

Taboo of masturbation for females

Pressure from your partner to have sex

Redefining intimacy and emotional closeness postpartum

Breaking down the idea of what ‘normal’ sex looks like,

Redefining what sex and pleasure actually means to you

 How can people cultivate emotional intimacy if they're used to having physical intimacy as the main event?

The six week check - is it a one size fits all?

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✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month’s Tier 3 membership.

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