How We Carry and Transform Reproductive Experiences with Kristen Portney

Join Ailey Jolie and Kristen Portney, a therapist and reproductive health specialist, on this episode of In This Body. Together, they explore the unconscious narratives surrounding reproductive health—how they are shaped by family systems, culture, and internalized beliefs, and how they manifest in the body. Kristen shares insights on navigating the complex emotions tied to pregnancy, abortion, and loss, shedding light on the somatic imprints of these experiences. They discuss the role of creativity, ritual, and storytelling in reclaiming agency over reproductive narratives, as well as the link between self-forgiveness, pleasure, and embodiment. This conversation offers a nuanced and compassionate perspective on reshaping one’s relationship with the body after reproductive experiences, inviting listeners into a space of self-inquiry and possibility. We hope you enjoy the episode.In this episode:01:30 – Exploring reproductive narratives and trauma03:54 – Motherhood myths and societal pressures09:14 – The Madonna-Whore complex in motherhood15:17 – The role of self-compassion in healing24:30 – Rewriting reproductive stories28:40 – The importance of self-forgiveness34:12 – Reclaiming pleasure in the body42:47 – Reproductive patterns and healing46:39 – Therapeutic change beyond the session53:43 – Creativity after reproductive lossYou can read the show transcript here.To find out more about Kristen:Find: WebsiteFollow: InstagramExplore: Post Abortion WorkbookLearn more about Ailey Jolie:Find: WebsiteFollow: InstagramExplore: SubstackEmail: [email protected] follow along with the In This Body podcast:Follow: InstagramFind: WebsiteEmail: [email protected] more about Ailey Jolie:Find: WebsiteFollow: InstagramExplore: SubstackExperience: Insight TimerSign up: InBodyMethodEmail: [email protected] follow along with the In This Body podcast:Follow: InstagramFind: WebsiteEmail: [email protected]