Better Relationships After Baby

Chelsea Skaggs
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. Tune in to rediscover love and partnership in this wild season of your life as lovers and parents.

  1. 5D AGO

    Relationship Drift Is Real—Here’s What to Do About It

    Is your relationship “fine”... but not exactly thriving?In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, I (Chelsea Skaggs) break down the key differences between relationship coaching and therapy—and why coaching might be the proactive support your partnership actually needs. From couples feeling disconnected after having kids to those craving more communication, intimacy, and emotional connection, I'll share how my coaching approach helps you move forward—not just dig into the past. You’ll learn why emotional intelligence is crucial for modern relationships, how a personalized Relationship Blueprint can reignite your connection, and why waiting until a crisis isn’t the only option. Whether you’re in the thick of parenting, navigating the emotional load, or just ready for deeper relationship growth, this episode offers tools, insights, and a fresh perspective on investing in your partnership. 🔑 Topics Covered: Relationship stagnation and the “in-between” feeling Therapy vs. coaching: which is right for you? How to rebuild connection without starting from scratch The role of men and emotional leadership in relationships Why proactive support changes everything Modeling healthy partnerships for your kids Building a Relationship Blueprint tailored to your real life 👉 If you’re ready to move from survival mode to true partnership, this episode is your next right step. 🔗 Book a Relationship Coaching Meet and Greet Call: Click hereFollow me on IG: @chelseabrookeskaggs

    22 min
  2. APR 15

    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 unpack the invisible forces shaping our partnerships—particularly the role of patriarchy and gendered expectations. Together, we explore how societal norms have impacted both men and women, why conversations around vulnerability, emotional labor, and mental health are often avoided, and what true partnership really requires. From reframing what it means to be a provider to acknowledging unprocessed shame and stepping into emotional ownership, this episode challenges listeners, especially men, to get uncomfortable and take real steps toward change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in traditional roles or unsure how to create an equitable, empowered relationship, this conversation is your starting point. Topics include: Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness The unseen cost of the patriarchy for men and women Why men must lead in dismantling toxic norms The blame-shame loop in relationships How to start building emotional safety and community Takeaway: It’s not about blame—it’s about responsibility. We don’t need perfect solutions, but we do need committed partners. This is your invitation to do the inner and relational work. Connect with Fred: Transform Your Life: Coaching for High-Achieving Men | Seat at the Table Connect with Chelsea: Chelsea Skaggs Coaching

    41 min
  3. APR 8

    Can Love Survive Political Differences? Navigating Relationship Tension During Election Season

    Has your relationship felt heavier lately? You're not alone. In this episode, we are here to discuss the rising tension I'm seeing in couples, especially during this election season in the U.S. — a season that’s loud, divisive, and emotionally charged. 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 to help you protect your relationship while honoring your values, especially when you and your partner see the world differently. In this episode, you'll hear: Why political talk feels so personal (spoiler: it’s not just about policies) How mismatched views can trigger identity-level conflict in relationships The 3 most common tension patterns couples fall into — and how to shift them Why your home needs to be a “safe landing place,” now more than ever Encouragement to turn toward each other instead of away — even when you disagree This is the real-talk, empathy, and empowerment that makes me your favorite big sister voice in the world of modern parenting and relationships. If you're wondering how to keep your connection strong through disagreement — and even grow because of it — this one’s for you. 🔗 Ready to do the deeper work together? Coaching spots are open. www.postpartumtogether.com/services 📲 Share this with your partner or your favorite group chat — the ones avoiding political talk at the dinner table.

    15 min
  4. APR 1

    Why Do I Feel Lonely in My Own Marriage?

    Feeling lonely in your relationship, even when you're together all the time? You're not alone. In this episode, I'll share about the quiet disconnection that can creep into long-term partnerships. We'll get into how love can exist alongside loneliness, why emotional distance happens, and how to rebuild a sense of connection. I’m sharing personal experiences, insights from working with couples, and practical ways to break out of the “roommate” cycle. If you’re craving deeper conversations, emotional closeness, and more intentional moments with your partner, this episode is for you. What to expect in this short-and-sweet episode Signs you might be stuck in a loneliness cycle Small shifts to create deeper daily connection How to respond to your partner’s bids for attention My 4-month Relationship Roadmap Coaching for couples If this resonates, take a moment to reflect—and if you’re ready for more support, let’s talk. Helpful Links: FREEBIE: Spring Cleaning Your Relationship OFFER: The Confident Mom Reset OFFER: Relationship Coaching Hang with me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relationships.after.baby Relationship loneliness Emotional disconnection Feeling lonely in marriage Marriage struggles Relationship connection Communication in relationships Rebuilding intimacy Marriage support Relationship coaching Emotional intimacy Feeling like roommates Strengthening your marriage Improving communication Relationship advice for couples

    12 min
  5. MAR 25

    The Hidden Cost of Doing it All- And How to Ask for Help

    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 one of the biggest struggles for new parents: asking for help. We break down the barriers that keep moms stuck in burnout mode, why so many of us feel like we have to do it all, and how learning to ask for help can transform not only your own well-being but also your relationship. Nicole shares practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real-life examples to help you step out of survival mode and into a more supported, balanced version of motherhood. Plus, we chat about the impact of the pandemic on today’s parents and how to move forward with healthier expectations. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed but didn’t know how to ask for help, this episode is for you! 📌 Learn more about Nicole and her upcoming self-care workshop at: https://www.nicolebuckleylpc.com/📌 Follow Nicole on Instagram: @RaisingGoodParents📌 Tell me what you thought of this episode or ask more about coaching with me by sending me a message on Instagram Maternal gatekeeping Mental load in motherhood Overwhelmed moms Asking for help as a mom Parenting partnership Sharing household responsibilities Marriage after baby Mom burnout Delegating as a parent Work-life balance for moms Resentment in motherhood Postpartum relationships Communication after baby Parenting teamwork Letting go of control as a mom Perfectionism in parenting Stay-at-home vs. working mom struggles Balancing motherhood and marriage Emotional labor in relationships Breaking gender roles in parenting

    40 min
  6. MAR 4

    Why You Keep Fighting Over "Nothing"

    Download my FREE Relationship Jumpstart Bundle (Including conversation starters about the mental load): https://chelseaskaggs.kit.com/relationship-jumpstart In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, Chelsea discusses the invisible weight of the mental load—the planning, remembering, and anticipating that often falls on one partner (usually women). If you’ve ever felt frustrated that your partner “just doesn’t see” everything you manage, this episode will help you unpack why that happens—and what to do about it. Chelsea breaks down how small fights over chores or schedules are actually about deeper issues of cognitive labor and emotional burden. She shares practical, no-BS solutions to help couples shift household responsibilities, communicate more effectively, and build a more balanced partnership. Takeaways: Fighting over small things often masks deeper issuesWomen typically carry the majority of the mental loadResentment builds when one partner feels overburdenedDirect conversations—not passive frustration—create changeReallocating entire responsibilities (not just tasks) prevents micromanagingWeekly check-ins help keep the balance in check Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the Mental Load 02:51 - Understanding the Mental Load 04:39 - The Impact of Mental Load on Relationships 08:49 - Shifting the Dynamic: Solutions for Couples 11:38 - Practical Steps to Balance Responsibilities Tune in now and take the first step toward a more balanced partnership.

    14 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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. Tune in to rediscover love and partnership in this wild season of your life as lovers and parents.

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