Beyond Beautiful Birth is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts

This episode was generously sponsored by Ferritin+ by Flora Health: https://florahealth.com/products/ferritin

About the Episode
Our guest Sarah Forbes, an anthropologist and former curator of the Museum of Sex in New York City, introduces us to the word matrescence, an anthropological term to describe the physical, psychological and emotional changes (akin to adolescence) that marks the “birth of a mother.” We discuss why the word is known to so few of us and how to prepare and honour this time in a person’s life. We discuss the “mental load of motherhood” and consider the effect of a “village” on “motherwhelm” and the problem with the idea of “bouncing back.”

We talk about navigating the terrain of pregnancy and birth, setting your birth intentions and the challenge of choosing your care providers when access is low.

Our guest discusses her experience of having conversations about sexuality in her home as well as what she has learned so far with her research for her new book “Mamasex” including postpartum changes to a birthing person’s body and the emotional effect of the transition to parenthood that can impact maternal sexuality.

Guest Bio & Links:
Sarah Forbes is a curator + sexual culturalist + author + personal ethnographer. Dubbed a "sexpert supreme" by Cosmopolitan Magazine, her memoir, "Sex in the Museum: My Unlikely Career At New York's Most Provocative Museum," is based on her decade as the Curator of the Museum of Sex. Unafraid of tackling taboo social topics, Sarah is currently writing her second book, "Mama Sex," an anthropological look at motherhood and sexuality.

Web: https://www.mamasexbook.com/
IG: @mamasexbook

Host Bio & Links:

Dr Dori Skye Engel is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Birth Doula practicing family medicine in Toronto with a special interest in Pregnancy, Pediatrics and Perimenopause. Mama to three wonderful, intense and dramatically different boys, she believes strongly in the innate wisdom of the human body and our powerful ability to heal. She can be found at https://www.familynaturopathy.ca
https://www.instagram.com/mamadoll
https://www.facebook.com/DrDoriND

Natalie Tregaskiss is a Registered Midwife, a Labour and Delivery Nurse and a Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has been supporting families for over 17 years. She has three amazing children whom she is constantly learning from. Through her unique breadth of experience she helps parents birth with autonomy and transition to authentic parenthood. She can be found at https://www.instagram.com/tregaskiss1

About the EcoParent Podcast Network:

The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family’s health, the planet and to our children’s future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids’ nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts

Partnerships:

Audio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal.

This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.