Ep 101 Description:

“If we can learn to tolerate our feelings of emotional pain, grief, loss, sadness, and anxiety, we open up the possibility of being able to feel more pleasure. And it starts with the body.” —Dr. Nan Wise

Pleasure is a fundamental part of the human experience that enhances well-being and quality of life. The ability to experience joy and satisfaction promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and strengthens our relationships and connections with others. Yet modern lifestyles often leave little time for leisure, play, and mindfulness of sensations in our own bodies.

This week’s episode explores the neuroscience of pleasure and how stress impacts our ability to experience joy with our expert guest, Dr. Nan Wise. Why Good Sex Matters author, Dr. Wise, is a certified sex therapist, relationship specialist, and neuroscience researcher. Her studies help address the gaps in literature regarding the neural basis of human sexuality. Dr. Nan is passionate about teaching her clients techniques to manage stress and experience more pleasure in their daily lives and relationships.

Listen in as Debra and Dr. Wise offer strategies to regulate the nervous system and access pleasure pathways in the brain and tools pregnant women can use to prepare emotionally for birth. They also delve into how stress can "hijack" brain chemistry and impact mental health, the brain's core emotional systems, the importance of self-care for mothers, and redefining sexuality beyond intercourse to embrace embodiment and connection.

If you would like to Positively Prepare for Birth - check out our Pleasurable Birth Essentials online classes or if you are a doula take our free challenge of 5 Essential Tools to Enhance Pleasure-Centered Birth:

https://orgasmicbirth.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/f09cf842-9294-41f3-941e-ab4cd6833a59

https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/

Connect with Debra!

Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com

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YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471

Episode Highlights:

03:11 Managing Stress and Anxiety

09:10 Brain Function and Emotions

14:21 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence During Pregnancy and Childbirth

22:03 Redefining Sexuality During Pregnancy and Parenthood

25:15 The Origin of Emotions