Better Relationships After Baby
Better Relationships After Baby helps parents nurture their marriage and connection while navigating life with a little one. Hosted by Chelsea Skaggs, each episode delivers expert advice, relatable stories, and actionable tips to improve communication, reignite intimacy, and find balance in your new roles. Whether you're facing sleep deprivation, shifting priorities, or longing for a deeper bond, this podcast is your guide to building a stronger relationship after baby.
Episodes
How to Not Lose Yourself in Motherhood (Finding Yourself Again After Kids)
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, Who even am I anymore? A lot of women have and they tell me about it, which is why I hosted this free workshop and now I'm letting you in on it too.It's not because you don’t love being a mom, but because somewhere between the diapers, the planning, the emotional labor, and taking care of everyone else… pieces of you started to fade into the
Emotional Safety After Baby: Why Internal Safety Changes Your Marriage
This one’s a little different.No outline. No formal teaching. Just a real coffee-chat between us about something that keeps coming up in our work with couples: Emotional safety.Find our current offerings including small groups, relationship prep for expecting couples + relationship support for current parents: postpartumtogether.com/current-offeringsWe talk about:– Why internal safety matters befo
The Empty Stocking Isn’t About the Stocking
Every year after Christmas, the same conversation resurfaces: moms waking up to empty stockings and the internet rushing in with advice to leave, rage, or declare the relationship doomed.But what if the stocking isn’t the real issue?In this episode, we slow the moment down and talk honestly about why this seemingly small disappointment hits so hard for so many moms and what it actually reveals abo
Baby’s First Christmas Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect (What Actually Matters for Parents)
Baby’s first Christmas can come with a lot more weight than most people talk about.The pressure to make memories. The logistics. The overstimulation. The quiet grief when it doesn’t look the way you imagined it would.In this episode, Chelsea and Mike talk honestly about what babies are actually learning during the holidays and why it has far less to do with gifts, photos, or traditions, and far mo
One Sure Way to Eff Up the Holidays for Your Family
The number one way to tank the holidays for your family isn’t burnt rolls, forgotten gifts, or a crooked tree. It’s walking into every room wound tight, resentful, and pretending your energy isn’t affecting anyone.In this episode, Chelsea and Mike break down what kids actually remember about the holidays (hint: not the matching pajamas) and why your nervous system becomes the emotional backdrop of
Day 10: The Wrap-Up — A Lighter, More Connected Holiday Starts Here
ou made it to the final episode of our 10-day Holiday Mental Load Series, and that says something meaningful about who you are as a partner and a parent.You’ve shown up with intention, reflection, honesty, and a desire to make this season lighter for everyone in your home, including yourself.In today’s wrap-up, we look back on everything you’ve covered:• Home + hosting• Family logistics• Event sch
Day 9: Supporting Each Other Through Mixed Holiday Emotions
Today we’re talking about something almost every new parent experiences during the holidays, but few couples actually prepare for: Mixed emotions.Because December isn’t just joy and magic.It’s overstimulation, nostalgia, grief, pressure, expectations, family dynamics, exhaustion, and the ache of wanting the holidays to feel a certain way… while navigating a very tender season of parenthood.And par
Day 8: How to Have a Holiday Huddle — Talk First So You Don’t Fight Later
Today we’re breaking down one of the most powerful tools for reducing resentment, confusion, and emotional overload during the holidays: the Holiday Huddle.A Holiday Huddle is a simple 10-minute weekly check-in that helps couples stay aligned during December — before the stress, assumptions, and misunderstandings hit.Because most holiday conflicts aren’t about what happened.They’re about not talki
Day 7: Gift Logistics + Special Extras — Share the Load Before the Wrapping Paper
Today we’re digging into one of the biggest (underestimated) parts of the holiday mental load: Gift logistics and all the special extras that come with December.Because gifts aren’t just gifts.They’re:• Lists• Budgets• Shipping timelines• Teacher gifts• Stockings• Matching pajamas• “Who already bought what?”• “What’s developmentally appropriate?”• “Did we go overboard or not enough?”And most of th
Day 6: Holiday Safety + Travel Prep — Protect Your Sanity (and Your Schedule)
Welcome to Day 6 of our 10-Day Holiday Mental Load Series for new and expecting parents.Today we’re digging into a part of the season that becomes shockingly heavy once you have a baby: holiday safety and travel prep.Because holiday travel is no longer “grab your bag and go.”It’s car seats, sleep setups, feeding supplies, backup outfits, weather checks, medicine bags, chargers, toys, kid snacks, e
Day 5: Self + Sanity — Protecting Your Capacity During the Holidays
Today we’re talking about the part of the holiday mental load that almost no one prioritizes, but absolutely every new parent needs: your own capacity, needs, and sanity.Because when you’re navigating the holidays with a baby, even the “simple” things can feel overwhelming. Lights, noise, disrupted routines, pressure to be everywhere, overstimulation, emotional labor, family dynamics… it all compo
Day 4: Emotional Labor + Holiday Expectations — The Hidden Load That Drains New Parents
Episode 4 of 10: Emotional Labor + Holiday Expectations (Holiday Mental Load Series)Today we’re talking about the invisible part of the holiday mental load that hits new and expecting parents the hardest: emotional labor and expectations.This is the stuff no one sees ,but absolutely everyone feels.Because when you’re the parent managing the vibe of the room, the tension between relatives, your own
Day 3: Event Schedules + Seasonal To-Dos — How to Stop Overscheduling Your December
Today we’re talking about the part of the holiday mental load that drains new parents faster than anything else: the nonstop event schedule and the endless seasonal to-do list.Because once you have a baby, every outing suddenly comes with extra logistics, emotional load, nap timing stress, overstimulation concerns, and a very real question:“Is this even worth it for our family right now?”In this e
Day 2: Holiday Logistics + Family Coordination — The Plan That Prevents December Blowups
Today we’re unpacking the part of the holiday mental load that drains new parents faster than wrapping paper and sugar crashes: logistics and family coordination.Because once you become a parent, December is no longer just a month—it’s an entire operation. Travel planning, nap windows, meal timing, driving routes, RSVPs, “who’s hosting what,” and navigating multiple sides of the family… it adds up
Day 1: Home + Hosting — Your Holiday Mental Load Breakthrough Begins
Welcome to the first episode of our 10-day Holiday Mental Load Series—created for new and expecting parents who are overwhelmed by the mental load of December.Today we’re breaking down the invisible work behind holiday home prep and hosting from the decorating, cleaning, planning, meal prep, to the emotional labor that usually falls on one partner.In this episode, we’ll cover:• Why home + hosting
The Mental Load of the Holidays: A Survival Guide for New Parents Who Are Tired of Doing It All
You love your baby. You love your partner.But the holidays hit, and suddenly you’re the one tracking gifts, outfits, nap schedules, travel plans, and everyone’s feelings… while your partner is getting praised for bringing one pie.In this episode, Chelsea and Mike break down the mental load of the holidays for new parents—especially moms who are carrying the invisible work of making everything “mag
Why Every Parent Needs a Mom Group or Dad Group: The Science of Connection
Modern parenthood wasn’t meant to be a solo project, yet so many new moms and dads are trying to figure it out in isolation. We scroll, read, and listen to every parenting podcast, but at the end of the day, it still feels lonely. The truth is, no amount of information can replace the transformation that happens in community.In this episode of the Better Relationships After Baby Podcast, Chelsea a
Anchored, Not Stoic: How Dads Can Steady the Postpartum Home
When a new baby arrives, the whole family’s nervous system changes. In this episode, we’re talking about what helps families thrive in the postpartum season, especially how dads and partners can become the steady, emotionally present anchor their home needs.We break down:What it means to be anchored, not stoic (emotional presence vs. emotional shutdown)Why nervous system regulation and co-regulati
Behind the Scenes: How We Talk About Emotional Steadiness (Without Sounding Stoic)
We're pulling back the curtain. This is our real planning convo on how we align language, debate “steady vs. stoic,” and map the tools before we get into a weekly podcast episode. It’s messy, honest, and meant to bring you right in the room with us.This isn’t a polished episode; it’s the actual conversation we had to plan Tuesday’s show. We hash out what “steadiness” really means (not robotic,
Where a New Kind of Manhood Begins
In this solo episode, Mike Skaggs — co-founder of Postpartum Together — speaks directly to the men stepping into fatherhood, partnership, and purpose in a changing world.He shares a vision for a new kind of manhood—one built not on control or performance, but on presence, steadiness, and love. Drawing from his own experience in the NICU with his daughter, Mike reflects on what it means to protect
Why You’re Snapping (and How to Stop): Dysregulation, Co-Regulation, and Early Parenthood with Manu Brune
Early parenthood can fry your nervous system.Hello overstimulation, zero bandwidth, and snapping at your partner or kids. In this conversation, Chelsea and parent coach Manu Brune break down what co-regulation actually looks like between partners and with your baby, and how small, body-based tools help you move from survival mode to a livable rhythm. We name the signs of dysregulation (short fuse,
What This Dad is Most Afraid Of
Becoming a dad after a baby arrives can shake a man to his core. In this episode, Mike opens up to share fears, emotions, and invisible battles many fathers face in the postpartum season. From feeling like they’re on the outside looking in, to wondering if they’re enough, we unpack what’s really going on behind the quiet moments and unspoken worries.We explore why presence matters more than perfec
The Stories We Tell Ourselves (Pt. 2): Emotional Safety, Sex, and Finding Yourself Again After Baby
In this second part of The Stories We Tell Ourselves series, Chelsea and Mike get into how the stories we carry in early parenthood shape connection, intimacy, and identity.They unpack why emotional disconnection and constant stress make couples feel distant, how to rebuild psychological safety, and why nervous-system regulation is key to closeness.You’ll learn:How to externalize negative stories
The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Repairing Conflict After Parenthood Begins
Conflict after a baby is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to break your relationship. In this episode, Chelsea and Mike go deeper than their Babies & Bumps workshop to unpack the real difference between couples who thrive and those who drift apart: Repair.You’ll hear:Why conflict itself doesn’t predict divorce, but failure to repair does (thanks, John Gottman).How rupture in relationships is li
NICU Stories and Support: Emily Rosen’s Waiting for Max
When your newborn goes to the NICU, nothing feels “normal.” In this honest conversation, author and creative director Emily Rosen shares the 16-day NICU journey with her son Max, the grief of leaving the hospital without your baby, and the small lifelines that help you keep going. We talk day-to-day NICU rhythms, supporting partners, what friends can actually do, and why Emily wrote Waiting for Ma
The Invisible Load: How to See It, Share It, and Stop Resentment Before It Starts
Ever feel like your brain has 27 tabs open—and none of them can close? We kept having the same fight about chores, schedules + who does what… so we built a system to fix it (Get it here!)That’s the invisible load of parenthood: The endless mental and emotional labor that keeps a family running but often falls on one parent without ever being named.In this episode, Chelsea and Mike break down:What
Why Parents Fight Differently: Processing Styles in Marriage After Baby
Tired of having the same fight on repeat with your partner? One of you wants to hash it out right now, the other goes silent, and suddenly you’re not even arguing about the actual issue anymore. You’re arguing about how you argue. Sound familiar?In this episode, Chelsea and Mike break down processing styles in marriage after baby—external vs. internal processors—and why these differences get loude
Marriage Under Pressure: What We Would’ve Fixed Before Becoming Parents
Early parenthood has a way of putting every crack in your relationship under a spotlight. In this candid conversation, Chelsea and Mike pull back the curtain on the pain points they faced after having kids and the lessons they wish they’d learned sooner. From buried baggage that resurfaces under pressure to communication breakdowns and the mental load that nearly pulled them apart, they share the
From People-Pleasing to Peace: Rewriting the Rules of Family Life
Are you constantly saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”?In this episode, Chelsea and Mike get honest about people-pleasing, the “eldest daughter” martyr mindset, and how overstuffed calendars and invisible expectations quietly drain your marriage and family life.Together, they share how learning to set boundaries, stop overscheduling, and get clear on your values (instead of everyone else
Shoot the Shit Sessions: Fatherhood, Presence, and the Micro-Griefs of Parenting
On this off-the-cuff parenting podcast episode, Chelsea and Mike get real about fatherhood, parenting grief, and the pressure to be present.From crying at the bus stop to reflecting on kids growing up and what it means for your marriage, this conversation covers micro-griefs in parenting, dads and emotions, and communication in parenting.If you’re a mom or dad navigating parenting transitions and
Why You Can’t Do Motherhood Alone: Building Your Village, Ditching Guilt, and Finding the Right Support {Guest: Stephanie Fornaro, Hello Nanny}
Motherhood was never meant to be a solo act.In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Stephanie Fornaro, founder of Hello Nanny, to talk about why accepting help isn’t a weakness, it’s wisdom.We explore the emotional, relational, and practical layers of building your support system, from financial independence and partnership dynamics to the difference between nannies and family assistants. Stephani
Rupture, Repair, and the Nervous System: Why Connection Builds Resilience
Is your stress response a sign you're failing, or a sign you're human?In this episode, Chelsea and Mike get real about what stress is actually trying to tell us and how it impacts connection in relationships. We'll explore how everyday tension can become a source of strength if we know how to come back to safety, together.You’ll hear:The psychology of rupture and repair—and why it matt
You Can’t Fix a Relationship from Fight or Flight: Conflict, Co-Regulation & Repair
“Let’s just figure it all out right now…”You’ve said it. Or your partner has. And before you know it, it’s 10:30pm, you’re in survival mode, and the ‘solution’ turns into another fight.In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea and Mike get honest about why trying to fix your relationship during fight-or-flight doesn’t work and what to do instead.You’ll learn:What happens in your
Touched Out: What Your Nervous System Is Trying to Tell You
Ever felt like you want a connection, but the thought of one more person touching you makes your skin crawl?You’re not cold. You’re not broken. You might just be touched out.In this episode, Chelsea and Mike dig into what’s really happening when physical affection feels like too much, especially in the postpartum season. Using Polyvagal Theory as a framework, they explore how your nervous system r
How to Spot Emotional Distance After Baby + Rebuild Together
You’re in the same room, but it feels like miles apart.You love your partner, but you feel more like co-managers than a couple.Sound familiar?In this episode, Chelsea and Mike get real about the signs of emotional disconnection that show up after having a baby, often quietly and gradually. From scorekeeping and silence to intimacy struggles and the nervous system overload no one warns you about, t
The World Is on Fire, But We’re Still Parenting
When the world feels like it’s burning politically, socially, & emotionally, what do we do as parents? In this episode, Chelsea and Mike get honest about what it means to raise kids in today’s tense climate and why your home might just be the most powerful place of resistance.From stress-induced doomscrolling to boundary-setting in your own house, they unpack how overwhelmed couples can protec
HOW You Talk About the Mental Load Matters
<<GET THE FREE MENTAL LOAD LIST TEMPLATE: https://chelseaskaggs.kit.com/9116bb8436>>Once we learned about the mental load, we thought we were on the same page. But that first conversation? It brought up more frustration than clarity. In this episode, we share how our first attempt to talk about the mental load went sideways, the common mistakes couples make in these moments, and the
We Didn’t Know What the Mental Load Was—But It Was Ruining Our Connection
<https://chelseaskaggs.kit.com/9116bb8436>>For the first 4 years of our parenting journey, we didn’t know what the mental load was, let alone how deeply it was impacting our connection, our communication, and our resentment.In this honest conversation, we share what our relationship looked like before we had the words, how the invisible labor kept building tension, and what shifted when w
Why We Almost Gave Up on Our Marriage — And Why We Didn’t
From postpartum rage to career stress to spiritual deconstruction, we’ve walked through some serious identity earthquakes and nearly walked away from our marriage. We know what it’s like to sit in silence at the end of a long day, feeling more like roommates than partners. To wonder if things will ever feel good again. To carry the mental load, the emotional labor, and the resentment that builds w
Stop Self-Sabotaging: The 3 Ways You’re Blocking Your Own Joy
If your emotional hangover keeps crashing your good days, or your confidence lives and dies by your partner’s mood… we need to talk. This one’s coming in hot with equal parts spicy and supportive. In this tough love episode, I'm channeling my no-BS grandma to call out three common ways women self-sabotage in relationships and life:Expecting the good to fall apartHanding your power over to your par
Stop Nagging, Start Connecting: How to Get Your Partner to Actually Talk to You
Feel like you're the only one trying to keep the conversation (and the relationship) alive? In this episode, Chelsea Skaggs breaks down how to get your partner to open up and communicate—without nagging, resentment, or repeating yourself 100 times. We’ll talk about why your partner may be emotionally shut down, how gender conditioning plays a role in communication breakdowns, and how to use curios
Touched Out & Overwhelmed: What Moms Can Do When They’re Maxed Out on Physical & Emotional Demands
Feeling touched out as a mom is so real — and so under-talked about.In this episode, we’re diving into what it means to feel touched out, how overstimulation affects your connection in marriage and motherhood, and what to do when your nervous system is begging for a break.Host Chelsea Skaggs (mom, relationship coach, and author of upcoming release: Talk Like a Team) shares her personal story of be
Why Your Vacation Feels Like More Work (And How to Fix It as a Team)
You planned the trip. Packed the bags. Hoped for rest.But somehow, you’re still managing tantrums, tracking snacks, and wondering why your partner is chilling while you're losing it in the hotel bathroom.Sound familiar?In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many family vacations leave one parent drained (usually you), and how to shift the dynamic before, during, and after the trip — so both of
Spring Clean the Emotional Clutter: The Hidden Blocks Holding Your Relationship Back
In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, we’re not just opening the windows and scrubbing baseboards—we’re clearing out the emotional dust bunnies that quietly build up in your relationship. Inspired by a junk drawer declutter (spoiler: it wasn’t even my stuff), I’m diving into the invisible messes—like unspoken expectations, unchosen roles, and the quiet resentment that chips away at y
How to Repair After Arguments and Build Emotional Connection in Your Relationship
Arguments happen. Misunderstandings are inevitable. But what separates thriving couples from those who grow distant isn’t how often they argue—it’s how they repair after a fight.In this episode, Chelsea Skaggs dives into why your arguments aren’t the real problem in relationships, and how emotional repair can strengthen your bond. She breaks down how your body and brain store emotional memories (h
How to Stop Relationship Drift and Reignite Connection Through Coaching
Is your relationship feeling “fine” but not exactly thriving? Relationship drift is real, and it can happen to even the strongest couples. In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea Skaggs breaks down the differences between relationship coaching and therapy, explaining why coaching might be the proactive solution your relationship needs to get back on track.From feeling disconnec
Dismantling the Patriarchy Together: Real Talk on Gender, Relationships & Emotional Labor with Fred Van Riper
In this powerful and raw conversation, Chelsea sits down with Fred Van Riper, a Fair Play facilitator and men’s relationship coach, to explore the invisible forces shaping modern partnerships. Together, they dive deep into the impact of patriarchy, gendered expectations, and the emotional labor that often goes unrecognized in relationships.They explore how societal norms influence both men and wom
Can Relationships Survive Political Differences? Tips for Couples
Has your relationship felt heavier lately? You’re not alone.In this episode, we’re tackling the rising tension many couples are facing, especially during this emotionally charged election season. Whether you’re in a marriage, co-parenting partnership, or navigating family and friendships, political conversations are starting to feel like landmines.I’m not here to tell you who to vote for—I’m here
Breaking the Loneliness Cycle in Your Marriage
Ever feel disconnected from your partner—even when you’re spending time together? You’re not alone.In this episode, I’m diving into the quiet loneliness that can settle into long-term relationships. We’ll talk about why emotional distance creeps in, how love and loneliness can coexist, and—most importantly—how to rebuild a sense of connection with your partner.I’m sharing personal experiences, ins
The Hidden Cost of Doing It All—and How to Ask for Help (with Nicole Buckley)
New parents often feel the weight of doing it all—managing the baby, the house, the career—without asking for help. But the cost of that is high.In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, I sit down with Nicole Buckley, a licensed perinatal therapist and the voice behind Raising Good Parents, to talk about why so many new parents, especially moms, feel like they have to do it all alone.We
Breaking the Argument Cycle: Why You Get Loud and They Shut Down"
Do you find yourself stuck in the same argument loop? One of you gets louder, pushing for resolution, while the other shuts down, emotionally withdrawing. It’s frustrating, but this cycle is more about your nervous system than personality differences.In this episode, we dive into why this common dynamic happens and how you can break the cycle. You’ll learn practical tools to shift the way you comm
"s Your Relationship Built to Last Through Anything?
Your relationship doesn’t crumble in one dramatic moment—it’s the small, everyday fractures that weaken the foundation. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to build a relationship that can withstand stress, conflict, and the inevitable hard times.You’ll learn:Why couples don’t fall apart in explosive arguments—but in unnoticed moments of disconnectionHow 30-second check-ins can change everyth
Why You Keep Fighting Over “Nothing”: The Truth About the Mental Load
If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner keep arguing over the tiniest things—like chores, schedules, or who forgot to buy the milk—this episode is for you.Chelsea dives into the hidden force behind those “small” arguments: the mental load. This is the often-invisible labor of planning, anticipating, and managing the needs of a home and family—work that disproportionately falls on women. And
Teaser: What's NOT Working For You
Tune into tomorrow's episode to learn what you CAN DO to stop arguing over "nothing" and address the common struggles in your relationship.
How to Ask for More Help Without Sounding Ungrateful
Feeling overwhelmed but nervous to ask your partner for more help? You’re not the only one. Many of us worry that asking for support will be taken as nagging—or that it somehow cancels out our appreciation.In this episode, Chelsea breaks down how gratitude and asking for help can coexist—and why they must in a healthy relationship. You'll learn why appreciation actually boosts follow-through (
How to Build Equity in Your Relationship with the Fair Play Method (with Sandi Konta)
Feeling like you carry the mental and emotional weight of your home while your partner coasts? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep doing it all.In this episode, Chelsea is joined by Sandi Konta, certified Fair Play facilitator and founder of Done Being Good, to explore how couples can create more equity at home. Together, they break down the ways women often become unintentionally complici
How to Break Out of the Roommate Phase in Your Relationship
Does it feel like you and your partner are just running the house and raising kids… but missing the connection you once had? You’re not broken—this “roommate phase” is incredibly common after baby. But you don’t have to stay stuck there.In this episode, I’m breaking down:Why so many couples shift into logistics modeWhat causes the distance (and how to name it without blame)Simple ways to bring bac
INVITE: Rebuilding Your Mom Confidence
This isn’t just another episode—it’s a heart-to-heart invitation. 💛Becoming a mom shifts everything: your routines, your relationships, your identity. It’s no wonder so many women say, “I don’t feel like me anymore.” If you’re feeling stretched thin, lost in the shuffle, or just not as confident as you once were, this space is for you.I'm inviting you to The Confident Mom Reset—a small, intima
Where Did My Mom Rage Come From? Understanding and Navigating the Hidden Roots
Mom rage is real—and you're not the only one feeling it. 😔If you've ever slammed a cabinet, yelled louder than you meant to, or felt so overwhelmed it scared you, this episode is for you.In this honest conversation, we're unpacking what mom rage really is, where it comes from, and why it deserves so much more compassion and understanding. Mom rage isn't about being a bad mom. It
How Do We Keep the Intimacy Alive While Trying to Conceive (TTC)? (Guess Erin McCaffrey Crespon)
rying to conceive can feel like a rollercoaster—filled with hope, pressure, and so many emotions. 🌀And while everyone talks about ovulation trackers and timing, few talk about the relationship strain TTC can cause.In this episode, I’m joined by Erin McCaffrey Crespo, a fertility expert and doula, for a raw and supportive convo about how to stay emotionally and physically connected with your partne
Relationship Misunderstandings After Parenthood: What’s Really Going On?
Ever feel like you're speaking a different language than your partner—especially in the thick of raising kids? 🙃You're not alone. Misunderstandings in relationships after becoming parents are extremely common, but often go unspoken. This episode breaks down why it happens and what you can actually do about it.We’ll dive into:The real reasons partners start to feel misunderstood (spoiler: i
Why You Feel the Need to Justify Yourself in Conversations—and How to Stop
Do you find yourself constantly justifying, explaining, or defending your choices in conversations—especially with your partner? That pattern has a name: JED (Justify, Explain, Defend), and it could be silently damaging your communication.In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea breaks down what JED is, how it shows up in relationships, and why it often leads to frustration or d
How to Build Emotional Safety and Strengthen Your Relationship
What’s the real secret to deeper connection, lasting trust, and stronger intimacy with your partner? In this episode, we unpack the foundational role of emotional safety—what it is, how it breaks down, and how to rebuild it when things feel off.We’ll talk about how common patterns like criticism, defensiveness, and emotional avoidance can quietly erode your connection—and what to do instead. I’ll
How to Stop Fighting About Money and Start Working Together
Why does talking about money feel so hard—and why does it lead to so many fights in relationships?In this episode, Chelsea is joined by money mindset coach and financial educator Shannon Brown Ward to unpack one of the most common relationship stressors: finances. From childhood beliefs to budgeting breakdowns, they explore how our earliest money experiences shape the way we communicate with our p
Reaching Your 2025 Relationship Goals: Less Input, More Intention
Feeling stuck in the cycle of information overload? You’re not alone—and it’s time to break free in 2025.
In this episode, we explore how embracing authenticity and letting go of external expectations can pave the way for real, impactful change.
Join me to learn and discuss the power of focused action, why identifying just one key change can spark a domino effect, and how limiting input sources re
One Powerful Question to Simplify the Holidays and Strengthen Your Relationships
In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, we’re flipping the script on holiday stress. If your calendar feels packed, your mind is racing, and your patience is thinning, this conversation is for you. Chelsea shares one powerful question that can help you shift from reactive mode to intentional living—so you can stop running on autopilot and start savoring the season.You’ll learn how to i
3 Relationship Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore in 2025 (And What to Do Instead)
Is your relationship feeling off, but you’re not sure why? In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea breaks down three sneaky red flags that quietly chip away at connection, intimacy, and trust—especially during demanding seasons of life.You’ll hear:🚩 The subtle signs of emotional disconnection (and why they matter more than you think)🚩 How resentment builds over unequal responsi
How Baby Sleep Affects Your Relationship: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Alexa Lee
If sleep deprivation is straining your relationship, you’re not alone. In this powerful episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea chats with pediatric sleep consultant Alexa Lee about the hidden ways baby sleep impacts your connection, communication, and overall family dynamic.You’ll hear:🛏️ How unmet sleep needs can lead to conflict, resentment, and burnout in couples🛏️ The most common
Holiday Parenting Hack: How “Shift Work” Can Save Your Sanity (and Your Relationship)
Tired of being the default parent while your partner sips cocktails and chats it up at family gatherings? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep doing holidays that way. In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea introduces the concept of “shift work” for parenting during the holidays—a simple, game-changing strategy that helps both partners feel seen, supported, and sane.You
Pets and Babies: How to Prepare Your Dog (and Your Relationship) for a New Baby
Bringing a baby into a pet-loving home can be beautiful… and a little chaotic. In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea teams up with pet expert McKenna to talk all things pets and parenthood. From managing dog anxiety to balancing your attention between baby and fur baby, this is your go-to guide for keeping the whole family—two-legged and four-legged—happy and safe.You’ll lear
Why Advocacy Starts at Home: Strengthening Your Family to Change the World
Want to raise kind, aware, change-making kids? It starts with what happens under your own roof. In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea breaks down why strong, connected family relationships are the real foundation for meaningful advocacy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the state of the world but unsure where to start, this episode is your reminder that lasting impact begin
What Men Gain When We Dismantle the Patriarchy: Rethinking Power, Identity & Connection
Worried that dismantling the patriarchy means losing something? You’re not alone—but you might be asking the wrong question. In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea dives into what’s actually at stake for men when we move beyond outdated gender roles—and what’s possible when we do.Let’s talk about:👥 How shedding toxic masculinity leads to deeper, more satisfying relationships🧠
From Separation to Connection: How One Couple Rebuilt Their Marriage Through Coaching
After years of feeling unseen and carrying the emotional load in her marriage, Jenny asked for a separation. But then, one recommendation and a leap into coaching turned it all around.
In this episode, Chelsea speaks with a previous client, Jenny, who opens up about the key conversations that saved her relationship, how coaching helped her understand her partner in a new light, and why she now
Tricking Your Brain to Make Space for Relationship Growth
Change is hard—especially in relationships. Our brains are wired to crave certainty and familiarity, even if it’s not serving us anymore. In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, we explore how to gently hack your mindset to allow growth and connection in your relationship, especially during the big identity shifts that come with parenthood.You’ll learn:Why your brain resists change—and
How to Improve Communication in Relationships: The Foundation for a Stronger Partnership
Effective communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. Without it, love, attraction, and shared goals can struggle to survive long-term. In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, I’m kicking off 30 Days of Better Communication with the essential foundation of it all.Most of us weren’t taught how to communicate effectively—and that’s why so many relationships face conflict,
Preparing Now for a Less SAD Winter
Hey friends, it’s Chelsea, and today on Better Relationships After Baby, we’re diving into a topic that hits hard this time of year: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you're already balancing new motherhood with the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum, adding winter's shorter days and colder weather can feel overwhelming. I get it—I've been there too.
In this episode, we’re exploring how to
Why You NEED to Have These Conversations Before Baby Arrives
Why You NEED to Have These Conversations Before Baby ArrivesPregnancy is an exciting time, but let’s face it—there are some tough conversations you absolutely need to have before baby arrives. In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, I’m sharing the five must-have conversations that every couple should have during pregnancy to set themselves up for success.Bringing a baby into the world
Do You Show Enough Appreciation to Your Partner?
When was the last time you really, intentionally showed appreciation to your partner?Are there moments where you assume they know what you love and admire about them, but you haven’t actually said or shown it?In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, we’re diving into why showing appreciation is so crucial to keeping your relationship strong—and how easily we can take our partners for gr
How (and Why) to Make Couple's Friends: Building Meaningful Connections
In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea explores the importance of couples’ friendships and why they’re essential for the health of your relationship and your well-being. Feeling isolated as a couple can be tough, but building a strong community of friends who truly understand and support your family can make a world of difference. Chelsea shares why it’s vital to have friends
Business and Family: Honoring Both (Guest: Emerson)
In this episode, I sit down with my eight-year-old son, Emerson, for an honest chat about family, business, and marriage. We dive into the ups and downs of being both a mom and a business owner, exploring how I’ve learned to set boundaries and prioritize what truly matters. I also share some personal insights from my journey and offer a free workshop on building a business that supports your marri
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