This week, I had a patient who came in because of an abnormal pap smear, but we ended up chatting a whole lot more about the anatomy of girl parts.  It still amazes me how many of you out there still don’t really understand the Pretty Pink Pussy (that’s code for vagina, vulva, clitoris, etc…you get the picture). So this post is my gift to all of you for whom “down there” is still a mystery.  I can see you all blushing now (Oh my, that doctor just said the word pussy!) But don’t be shy or embarrassed.  Owning Your Body is all part of Owning Pink, and you have to understand it to Own it. So here goes, Pinkies. You ready?

"Expressions of Self Love," artwork by Rita Loyd (c) 2005

Standing at the airport looking at magazine headlines, I found myself, once again, nauseated by all the headlines about weight loss.  How To Lose 100 pounds Without Trying.  The Biggest Loser Loses More.  Jane Superstar Magically Gets Her Body Back After Baby. Oh No! Gorgeous Supermodel Has A Muffin Top! It’s enough to make a girl want to puke.

I never quite thought of myself as the Mommy type. I wanted to be an adventure girl: the cool, hip, young Renaissance woman who was too busy with art, dinner parties, travel, and fascinating conversation to be bothered with diaper changes and breast feeding. Then I met my husband and realized, on our second date, that if I hung out this guy who I adored, I was likely to end up a mother.

Lissa & Baby Siena

Mother’s Day is Sunday. As an OB/GYN, I know this can be a tough day for women who have been unable to conceive, lost pregnancies, had abortions, adopted, or chosen not to reproduce. With all this talk about motherhood floating around - Mother’s Day brunches, kids making shell necklaces, and flower displays at the local grocery store, you may be feeling…well…left out.