When Body Image Affects Connection: Rebuilding Intimacy After Motherhood

When Body Image Affects Connection: Rebuilding Intimacy After Motherhood

Postpartum can make your body feel purely functional and intimacy complicated. Counsellor Ashleigh Chapman (mum of two, 3 months postpartum) shares how body image, safety and the mental load shape desire, what partners often misread as rejection, and practical ways to reconnect: the “sex-off-the-table” reset, a gentle touch ladder, real-life scripts, and tiny steps to rediscover desire for yourself first. Warm, honest, zero shame and very doable. “Our bodies aren’t here to show up for a partner, they’re here to show up for us.” If you'd like to connect with Ashleigh you can find her on Insta @Evolve.MH or get in touch through her website www.evolvementalhealth.com.au.

Body Image in Pregnany: The Expectations, The Language, The Truth.

Just a heads up, there is the occasional F-bomb is dropped in this episode, so if you have little ears around make sure you have your ear-buds in. In this episode, I sit down with Alice Worthy, aka The Modern Doula, to talk about why pregnancy can be such a vulnerable time for body image, and how we can protect our minds (and hearts) through it. Alice supports women through pregnancy, birth and beyond on the Central Coast, and she brings the perfect mix of practical wisdom and warm, “you’ve got this” energy. We get honest about the gap between expectations and reality (hello, “glow” that never shows), why society celebrates a big bump but shames a post-baby body, and how the words we use, with ourselves and with each other, can make or break a new mum’s day. Connect with Alice (The Modern Doula): * Instagram: @themodern.doula * Book a free 30-min Connect Call via the link in her bio to chat about pregnancy, birth or postpartum support (partners welcome).

Body Image Lessons from an Ironman Mum

In this inspiring episode of The Body Resilient Mum, I chat with Sierra Ryland, a dedicated triathlete, 5x Ironman finisher and mother (wow), to explore the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with athletic ambitions. Sierra shares her journey from competing in Ironman events to navigating the complexities of recovery after a significant injury, all while maintaining her role as a mother and coach. Tune in to hear Sierra's insights on resilience, body image, and the importance of celebrating small milestones in the pursuit of personal, athletic and body image goals. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a new mum navigating changes in your body, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing the process and trusting in your body's capabilities and celebrating the small wins.

Strong Not Small, with Kate Hickey

Warning: This episode contains a few f-bombs, so if you have little ears around you might want to pop in your earbuds! This week I sat down with Kate Hickey and honestly, it’s one of those chats that just hits you right in the feels. Kate’s the founder of Empower 360 Fitness and she’s all about helping women feel strong and confident without getting caught up in how we should look. We talk about everything from teenage girls figuring out who they are, to women in menopause learning to appreciate their bodies in new ways. Kate shares her own story and some brilliant insights on why strength matters way more than dress size, and how we can all give ourselves a bit more credit. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought you weren’t enough, this episode is going to feel like a warm hug and a pep talk rolled into one. Do yourself and your body image a favour and give Kate at Empower360 a follow on social media!

Tummy tucks, Abdominal Separation and Body Image After Baby

In this episode of The Body Resilient Mum Project Podcast, I sit down with Rhiannon Walton, Exercise Physiologist at Conveniently Active to have an open and honest conversation about abdominoplasty, a surgery more commonly (and often dismissively) called a “tummy tuck.” After experiencing a very large abdominal separation and lax connective tissue post-pregnancy, Rhiannon found herself living with pain, digestive issues, posture challenges, and reduced confidence. Despite years of dedicated rehabilitation, nothing worked , leaving surgery as her best option. Rhiannon shares: * Her personal journey of deciding on surgery after years of trying conservative measures * The reality of the physical symptoms associated with abdominal separation (beyond just aesthetics) How her history with eating disorders made body image even more complex in her recovery * The stigma surrounding abdominoplasty, and why we need to start changing the narrative for mums Her mission to educate and empower women to make informed choices , whether that’s through rehab or surgery * This is not a “one size fits all” conversation. Instead, it’s about reducing shame, opening up honest dialogue, and reminding mums that your journey is valid, whatever path you take to feel strong, supported, and at home in your body. Listen now for a powerful story of resilience, self-advocacy, and healing. If you'd like to get in touch with Rhiannon you can find her on Instagram @conveniently_active or her website https://convenientlyactive.com.au/