In this episode of the Sad Moms Club, we talk to certified sex therapist and LCSW Alex Brown. She emphasizes the significance of open communication, assertiveness, and embracing pleasure in sexual relationships. The discussion also covers practical topics like dealing with differences in sexual desire, postpartum challenges, and the importance of prioritizing intimacy. Alex provides valuable insights into tools like sensate focus and educates listeners on breaking negative sexual narratives.

If you'd like to work with Alex, click here for her website and here for her Psychology Today profile.

Books she recommends:

• Shameless Parenting by Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers
• Becoming Cliterate by Dr. Laurie Mintz, Ph.D
• Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily Nagoksi Ph.D.

Podcast episodes she recommends:

• Come As You Are: Emily Nagoski
• Pillow Talks by Vanessa and Xander Marin

These are specific Pillow Talks episodes that Alex shares with her clients often:

• Episode 12: How to Let Your Partner Love Your Body - Even If You Don't
• Episode 13: How to Handle Rejection When Your Partner Says No To Sex
• Episode 17: How to Allow Yourself To Receive In The Bedroom
• Episode 146: Are You Nagging? Or Is Your Partner Being Childish?

Follow along on The Sad Moms Club's Instagram: @the.sad.moms.club

In this episode of The Sad Moms Club, we are joined by Des Ferrin, a maternal near miss survivor and birth trauma patient advocate for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Des shares her personal story of postpartum complications and resultant birth trauma. We explore her efforts to bridge the gap between birth trauma and maternal mental health in Utah, including her work with the Utah Women’s Newborn Quality Collaborative. We discuss the importance of a supportive environment for mothers, effective communication in healthcare, and innovative approaches to improving maternal mental health care.

02:47 Desiree's Birth Trauma Story Begins

05:02 Complications After Delivery

08:00 The Hemorrhage and Emergency Response

14:28 Facing a Hysterectomy

32:40 Miraculous Survival and Recovery

34:12 Mental Health Challenges and Seeking Help

40:47 Finding the Right Therapist

46:27 The Importance of Connection and Support

52:57 Advocating for Better Maternal Health Care

01:04:05 Final Thoughts and Hope for the Future

If you have had a traumatic birth while living in Utah, feel free to email Des to discuss setting up a 45 minute interview to share your story and ideas of what would have helped. Her email is dferrin@utah.gov.

If you need help finding a therapist in Utah, go to this website (be sure to filter by your insurance!). Always feel free to reach out and ask for help finding a therapist through my DMs.

Follow along on The Sad Moms Club's Instagram: @the.sad.moms.club

Hey y'all! In this episode of the Sad Moms Club I talk to Jennie Houtz, an LCSW specializing in perinatal mental health, sex therapy, trauma, and anxiety. We discuss setting all kinds of postpartum boundaries that can be helpful to set prior to birth. Jennie shares practical tips and a detailed worksheet to help new moms navigate these conversations. They also discuss the significance of self-care and maintaining one's identity after becoming a mother. Listen for helpful advice on how to set empowering boundaries and emotionally support both birthing and non-birthing partners.

00:00: Introduction to Jennie Houtz

00:43 Postpartum Boundaries: A Crucial Conversation

04:00 Navigating Childcare and Career as a Working Mom

05:51 The Mental Load and Resentment in Parenting

13:35 Setting Boundaries: Tips and Strategies

36:28 Health Considerations for Visitors

37:31 Setting Boundaries for Help and Support

39:16 Child and Pet Care Planning

40:25 Personal Space and Privacy

42:20 Handling Parenting Advice

46:12 Social Media Boundaries

49:51 Communication and Sensitive Topics

01:23 Emotional Support and Partner Relationship

01:00:57 Work, Career, and Self-Care

01:08:11 Conclusion and Resources

Resources

• Postpartum Boundaries Worksheet downloadable PDF
• Contact Jennie Houtz. Serving all of Utah via teletherapy.
• Paternal Mental Health Training. PSI-UTAH is proud to announce that we will hosting the Paternal Mental Health Training on September 12-13, 2024 at the Sheraton Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. We are excited to see you there!

Follow along on The Sad Moms Club's Instagram: @the.sad.moms.club