Our bodies are intricate landscapes of sensation, where hormones dance, nerves communicate, and physiological responses intertwine in ways we’re only beginning to understand. And these same pathways that create sexual pleasure are remarkably active during childbirth, challenging centuries of medical narratives that have reduced this transformative moment to a clinical, painful procedure.
This week, Debra discusses her landmark article, Orgasmic Birth: The Anatomy of Pleasure in Childbirth, published in Frontiers in Global Women’s Health Journal, delving into the science of orgasmic birth, systemic obstetric violence, reproductive justice, hormonal landscapes of pleasure, the anatomy of childbirth, cultural narratives of pain, bodily autonomy, and the transformative potential of reclaiming women’s birthing experiences. Don’t miss this groundbreaking episode!
Episode Highlights:
01:50 Challenging Obstetric Violence
05:22 The Science of Sensuality
08:02 Birth as an Empowering Experience
10:11 Challenging Systemic Inequalities with Pleasure
Quotable Quotes
“Reclaiming pleasure in birth is about more than feeling good—it’s about restoring dignity and agency to one of the most powerful human experiences.”
—Debra Pascali Bonaro
“Pleasure in childbirth reminds us that reproductive justice isn’t just about access—it’s about experience. It’s about choice. It’s about the right to birth in a way that aligns with your values, your rhythm, and your truth.”
—Debra Pascali Bonaro