Moving from Surviving to Thriving in the Perinatal Period with Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich

The Hole Shebang

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Episode Description

In this powerful episode of The Hole Shebang, host Kristen Parise sits down with Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich, a clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal mental health, sex and couples therapy. Together they explore the often unspoken challenges of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum life. Dr. Buch-Frohlich shares insights from both her professional expertise and personal experiences, offering valuable guidance for couples navigating the complex emotional terrain of new parenthood. From redefining intimacy after baby to processing birth trauma and managing postpartum emotions, this conversation breaks the silence on topics many suffer through alone.

About Our Guest

Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich is a Clinical Psychologist licensed with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and Quebec. She completed her doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and clinical training at the Sex and Couple Therapy Service at the Allen Memorial Institute. Dr. Buch-Frohlich provides inclusive Sex and Couples Therapy using a combination of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She specializes in helping couples navigate communication challenges, infidelity, and transitions into parenthood, from fertility to perinatal and postpartum care.

Key Takeaways

• Perinatal mental health issues are far more common than most people realize
• The postpartum period should be treated as a survival period before thriving can begin
• Both partners may experience birth trauma, though often in different ways
• Self-care is essential for new parents and should not be viewed as selfish
• The pressure to "bounce back" after pregnancy is unrealistic and harmful
• Intimacy can be redefined beyond sexual intercourse through emotional and physical connection
• Communication is key to maintaining intimacy and navigating challenges in relationships
• Processing emotions like anger is healthy; it's the behaviors that need to be appropriate
• Prioritizing your relationship during parenthood is vital for long-term success

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health
• 03:04 The Journey of a Clinical Psychologist
• 05:57 Navigating Emotional Changes in Pregnancy
• 09:04 Creating a Supportive Environment for Couples
• 11:48 Surviving the Postpartum Period
• 14:57 The Pressure to Bounce Back
• 17:59 Self-Care Strategies for New Parents
• 21:03 Resuming Intimacy After Baby
• 24:02 Communication and Intimacy in Relationships
• 26:41 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability
• 27:34 Understanding Birth Trauma and Its Impact
• 30:03 Preparing for Birth: Communication and Expectations
• 32:10 Processing Trauma Together: The Partner's Perspective
• 33:53 Navigating Anger and Reconnection Postpartum
• 35:56 Self-Care Strategies for New Parents
• 39:34 Emotional Regulation and Healthy Expression
• 43:14 Resources for Postpartum Support
• 45:29 Prioritizing Relationships in Parenthood

Resources Mentioned

• Big Little Feelings (Instagram and podcast)
• Dr. Becky Goodenstein
• Fertility Oasis/The Oasis Network (support groups for Ontario)
• Dr. Arielle's website: drarieltherapy.com
• Coming Soon: Anna and Solomon's Sex and Couples Health (launching May 2025)

Connect With Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich

• Website: Dr. Arielle website
• Coming soon: Anna and Solomon's Sex and Couples Health
• Instagram: @annaandsolomon (launching May 2025)

Connect With The Hole Shebang

• Host: Kristen Parise, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
• Clinic: Blueberry Therapy Pelvic Health and Pediatrics
• Website: The Hole Shebang
• Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth

This episode contains discussions about birth trauma, mental health challenges, and intimate relationships. While we aim to provide helpful information, this podcast is not a substitute for personalized medical or psychological care.