177. Take It Beyond the Bedroom: Healing Together Through Creating Intimate Connection after Infertility and other Hardships

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD explores the vital role of intimate connection, when navigating struggles couples commonly encounter in their sexual relationship, particularly after facing significant life challenges such as infertility and loss. Offering gentle, compassionate guidance, she describes effective methods to recreate emotional, sensual, and erotic intimacy. Dr. Alexandra discusses the challenges faced by couples when they experience disconnection during erotic intimacy. It often leads to functional sex rather than pleasure-driven passion. She  emphasizes the importance of reconnecting from a starting point of comfort and familiarity, slowly rekindling passion through tender, patient, calibrated moments together.   Also in this episode:  Recognize the impact of life events, such as infertility treatments and personal loss, on a couple's sexual intimacy. Understand the significance of starting with small, comfortable steps to re-establish physical connection. Acknowledge that both partners have changed throughout the challenging life circumstances, in unique ways, and the importance of integrating new aspects into the relationship. Utilize basic, soothing methods like eye gazing, hand-holding, or embracing, to facilitate a gradual and sustainable return to intimacy.   Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact