Why do we desexualize women when they become mothers? The second episode of Women and Radio explores the messages society sends us about how mothers should look and behave. Discover the strange history behind why many women still feel they must leave their sexual identity behind once they have a baby in their arms.

Expert Guests:

Stephanie Coontz, Professor of history and family studies at Evergreen State College, Director of Research at the Council on Contemporary Families, and author of several books, including Marriage, A History

Lina-Maria Murillo, Professor of history and gender studies at University of Iowa

Jennifer Haylett, Sociologist who studies surrogacy and the sociology of reproduction at University of Iowa

Personal Story:

Satheara Teeuwen, Burlesque teacher and Buti yoga instructor living in Portland, Oregon

“It's just not common for people to think that pregnant women are sexy, but I'm over here like ‘Hey, I'm still a super babe, I just have a big old belly.’”

-Satheara Teeuwen

“All of a sudden you become a mom, and the sexy part of your life is supposed to just disappear and you’re just supposed to take care of this other person, which I think is terrible.”

-Satheara Teeuwen with her one-year-old son Deklan

Thanks for listening to the second episode of Women and Radio, a podcast that explores how the beliefs we hold shape women’s lives. If you have a story you’d like to see featured in a future episode, please email me at [email protected].

Hosted, Written, and Produced by: Donna Cleveland

Music: Meara Oberdieck, AudioBlocks

Graphic Design: Chosie Titus

Recording: Cody Olivas

Research Assistance: Marissa Markowitz