Losing a baby through stillbirth is an unimaginable pain that changes everything—especially how you feel about your body and intimacy. In this episode of the Navigating Baby Loss podcast, host Jennifer Senn sits down with Morgane Horn, a sex and intimacy coach, to discuss how stillbirth moms can begin to rebuild intimacy, both with themselves and their partners.
Body Betrayal and Trust
Morgane shares that one of the first struggles after stillbirth is feeling like your body has betrayed you. It can be hard to trust your body again when it didn’t do what you hoped it would. Morgane emphasizes that rebuilding this trust is essential before moving forward with intimacy or trying for another baby. She suggests practical ways to reconnect, like engaging in activities that remind you of your body’s strength, such as exercise or mindful movement.
Communication with Your Partner
Another challenge is the emotional disconnect that can happen between partners after loss. While one person may want closeness as part of their grieving process, the other may feel that intimacy is inappropriate or too painful. Morgane highlights the importance of open, honest conversations about intimacy needs and boundaries. She reminds us that being naked with each other physically also means being vulnerable emotionally.
The Emotional Floor Plan
One unique concept Morgane introduces is the “Emotional Floor Plan,” which helps visualize the emotional journey from grief and anger to closeness and desire. Instead of forcing yourself to feel intimate, take smaller steps by moving to the next “room” in your emotional house—like care or comfort—before trying to rekindle intimacy.
Permission to Feel Pleasure
Morgane also addresses the guilt many women feel when they start to experience joy, laughter, or pleasure again after loss. She encourages giving yourself permission to reconnect with your body without feeling that it dishonors your baby’s memory.
Intimacy after stillbirth is complex, and healing is not linear. Take your time, communicate with your partner, and practice small steps toward rebuilding body trust. You deserve to feel connected to your body and loved ones again.
For more insights from Morgan Horn and other experts on healing after loss, subscribe to the Navigating Baby Loss podcast. Visit NavigatingBabyLoss.com for resources, support, and community. You can learn more about Morgane and how she helps couples rekindle intimacy by visiting https://www.morganehorn.com/
