48. It's called a vulva! (with Alex Digrado)

In this episode, we address one of the most important conversations every mother needs to have head on: teaching our daughters (and learning ourselves) the correct anatomical terms for female body parts. Joined by pelvic floor therapist Dr. Alexandra Digrado, we explore why knowing that it’s actually your "vulva" instead of "vagina" matters more than you might think - for safety, health, and reclaiming our bodies without shame.

Key Points

• Understanding the difference between vulva (external) and vagina (internal) - and why this distinction matters
• How using incorrect anatomical terms can impact child safety and abuse prevention
• The shocking reality that many women don't learn proper anatomy until adulthood
• Why the medical field has historically overlooked pelvic health education
• How shame around female anatomy affects everything from periods to sexual health
• The importance of teaching children accurate body part names from an early age
• Navigating pushback when advocating for proper anatomical education
• Breaking generational cycles of shame and misinformation about women's bodies
• Understanding that the clitoris exists solely for pleasure - making joy our birthright
• Practical tips for age-appropriate conversations with young children

Quotes

"The vulva is what you can see on the outside... when we're like, no one can touch your vagina at school, essentially what we’re saying is, the girls can’t be fingered at school.”

"When kids know what their anatomical parts are called, then they can accurately describe what we hope never happens to them."

"We have one part of our body that has one sole purpose, and that is pleasure... pleasure is our birthright."

"It's just like your elbow. It's just a part that society has deemed to have a lot more meaning behind it."

Resources Mentioned

• Information about lichen sclerosus resources, LS Support Network Homepage: https://lssupportnetwork.org/ 
• Bodies are Cool book: Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Bodies-Are-Cool-Tyler-Feder/dp/0593112628 
• Pussy: A Reclamation: Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Pussy-Reclamation-Regena-Thomashauer/dp/1401950248 
• Come as You Are:  Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1982165316 
• Dr. Alexandra Digrado's Practice Boston Pelvic Physical Therapy: https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1982165316

What's Coming Next

Continue the conversation about empowering our daughters with body knowledge and breaking cycles of shame around female anatomy and sexuality.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

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