The 12 Days Of Destigmatizing Sexual Health & Wellness in Motherhood
‘Tis the season…to learn how to Destigmatize Sexual Health & Wellness in Motherhood! Over the next 12 days, we’ll explore a new way to destigmatize sexual health and wellness in motherhood
Why We Need to Destigmatize Sexual Health & Wellness in Motherhood
Destigmatizing sexual health in motherhood isn’t just a nice idea—it’s absolutely essential. The shame and stigma surrounding maternal sexuality cause real harm, affecting mothers physically, emotionally, and relationally, while also having long-term societal and generational impacts.
Here’s what’s at stake:
Physical Suffering
The silence surrounding sexual health prevents mothers from getting the care they need.
Unaddressed Pain: Many mothers endure issues like painful sex, pelvic floor dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances without seeking help.
Delayed Recovery: Injuries from childbirth—like tearing, prolapse, or c-section scar pain—go untreated because these topics are rarely discussed.
Health Neglect: Mothers often put their needs last, allowing treatable issues to become chronic.
Emotional Suffering
The stigma of maternal sexuality deeply impacts mental and emotional well-being.
Internalized Shame: Unrealistic expectations and silence around sexuality leave many mothers feeling guilt, shame, or failure.
Isolation: Without open conversations, mothers feel alone in their struggles.
Mental Health Decline: Untreated sexual health issues can worsen anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Loss of Identity: Disconnection from their sexual selves leads to diminished confidence and self-worth.
Relational Suffering
Unspoken struggles with sexual health create tension in partnerships.
Strained Relationships: Lack of communication and unresolved issues lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
Pressure and Guilt: Mothers may feel obligated to prioritize their partner’s needs at the expense of their own comfort and safety.
Lack of Intimacy: Stigma prevents vulnerability, hindering emotional and physical closeness.
Parenting Impact
The effects of stigma ripple into how we parent.
Passing Down Shame: When mothers carry stigma, it can unintentionally be passed to their children, perpetuating cycles of sexual shame.
Burnout: Suppressing needs leaves mothers emotionally depleted, affecting their ability to parent with presence and fulfillment.
Societal Costs
The stigma surrounding maternal sexuality harms everyone.
Normalizing Self-Sacrifice: Mothers are expected to put themselves last, reinforcing patriarchal norms that devalue their needs.
Neglect of Maternal Health: A lack of resources, research, and attention leaves maternal sexual wellness overlooked and unsupported.
Join Us Over The Next 12 Days
Over the next 12 days, we’ll explore actionable ways to destigmatize maternal sexual health and wellness. Together, we’ll challenge the systems that diminish mothers and pave the way for a world where sexual wellness is seen as vital to maternal health, identity, and thriving.
