"It's normal, but we can't explain it." That's how many women feel during pregnancy - experiencing profound bodily and emotional shifts they themselves don't fully understand, let alone communicate to their partners. In this raw conversation, Jessyl reveals how during boy pregnancies, she developed a physical aversion to her husband's smell and saliva - a common but rarely discussed hormonal response that left her confused and Alex feeling rejected.
The journey of pregnancy transforms not just bodies, but relationships. Alex candidly shares how he initially approached birth from a traditional medical perspective that created tension with Jessyl's more intuitive approach. Their evolution from hospital births (where birth plans were routinely disregarded) to home births reflects a growing trust between partners that only developed after Alex learned to honor Jessyl's deeper connection to her body's wisdom.
We dive into what Alex calls "the fourth trimester for men" - that disorienting period when fathers suddenly feel a sense of abandonment as their partners naturally shift focus to the newborn. This adjustment, coupled with society's unrealistic expectations about postpartum healing (the myth of the six-week clearance), creates unnecessary pressure on new parents. Instead, we advocate for practical support systems like meal trains over baby registries, protected recovery periods, and creative approaches to maintaining connection beyond physical intimacy.
Whether you're expecting your first child or reflecting on past birth experiences, this conversation offers validation for the complex emotional landscape of bringing new life into your relationship. The greatest gift partners can offer each other? Curiosity instead of control, education instead of assumptions, and the courage to trust each other through one of life's most transformative journeys.
