Postpartum Better | Postpartum Recovery, Sleep Support, Breastfeeding, FTM, Postpartum Depression, Mom Guilt, Identity

Chelsea Barbine INHC, Postpartum Health Coach
  • 4.8 (33)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The go-to podcast for moms who want to feel less overwhelmed in the trenches of early motherhood.  ***TOP 5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST ***  You did everything they told you to do. You took the birth class. You built the baby registry. You prepped the nursery, the hospital bag-maybe even printed a checklist or two. But somewhere between the gender guesses and the baby pools, no one prepared you for the most important part: the exhaustion, the mental load, the identity shift—life after birth. If you’re overwhelmed, touched-out, or wondering when you’ll finally feel like yourself again, you’re not alone-and you’re not failing.  You’re in the right place, mama.  Hi, I’m Chelsea Barbine—wife, mom of two under three, postpartum health coach, and the friend who will always ask you to tell me more. I’ve lived two very different postpartum realities.The first? A summer baby who arrived five days past her due date. I had a 9–5 job, full-time childcare, and a calm, two-person household.  The second? A winter baby born six weeks early, 16 days in the NICU, a toddler at home, and a business I wasn’t taking much of a "maternity leave" from.  What I’ve learned is this: the only way to be the mom you want to be is to make sure you’re supported, too.  On a mission to rewrite the postpartum narrative for the collective I’m sharing my “secrets” to better sleep, sanity and self-identity in motherhood. Because truthfully - the health and happiness of the world depends on us! If you’re ready to finally feel at home in your postpartum body… to create rhythms that support your healing, boost your energy, and strengthen your bond with your baby… to make confident decisions without spending hours scrolling for answers… and to reconnect with who you are—without the mom guilt—this podcast is for you. So throw in that claw clip and grab your Hydrojug. It’s time to Postpartum Better!  Next Steps: Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol Coach with me: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

  1. 1D AGO

    140. What If You Miss It? The Truth About Baby Milestones & Going Back to Work

    Send us Fan Mail What if you miss it? The first step. The first word. The moment everyone tells you you’ll never get back. For so many working moms, the fear isn’t just about milestones— it’s about what those moments mean. Does it still count if you weren’t there? Will your baby feel it? Are you choosing your career over your child? In this episode, Chelsea breaks down the real reason this fear feels so heavy—and the belief shift that changes everything. Disclaimer: The information and stories shared during this episode is intended to offer general guidance and support. However, every individual's health and circumstances are unique. Before making any significant changes, or if you have concerns about your health, it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner. Next Steps: Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

    5 min

  2. MAR 28

    139. The Best Mommy + Me Postpartum Workout Class for Moms with Rachael Bridgens

    Send us Fan Mail Mommy & me classes are supposed to make things easier… so why do they so often feel like the opposite? If you’ve ever: Left a class more stressed than when you arrivedSpent the entire time bouncing, feeding, or stepping outOr skipped it altogether because it just didn’t feel worth the effort…this episode is going to hit. Because what if the problem isn’t you… it’s the setup? In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Rachael Bridgens—mom of two, pre and postnatal Pilates specialist, and founder of Pilates Collective in Audubon, PA—who created the kind of postpartum space most of us wish existed. We’re talking about: Why so many mommy & me classes fall short (and what’s missing)The one shift that allows moms to actually participate (hint: it’s a game-changer)Why Pilates is one of the most supportive ways to return to movement postpartumThe connection between your core, posture, and pelvic floor (and why it matters more than you think)What realistic postpartum recovery should actually look like (not the “bounce back” version)How to reconnect with your body in a way that feels supportive—not overwhelmingThe power of being in a room where other moms just get it Resources Mentioned:  Check out the Pilates Collective Mommy + Me Class: https://www.pilatescollectivehq.com/ Follow Pilates Collective on IG: https://www.instagram.com/pilatescollectivehq/ Build Your Postpartum Support team: https://www.perinatalpartnersnetwork.com/directory Keep your breastmilk cold: https://www.cereschill.com/ Next Steps: Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

    41 min

  3. MAR 21

    138. Why Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping—And Why ‘Trying Everything’ Isn’t Working with Baby Sleep Coach Ann Marie Harriger

    Send us Fan Mail You expect your baby to sleep. Everyone says they will. So when they don’t? You’re left questioning everything. In this episode, Chelsea sits down with baby sleep consultant and mom of 3, Ann Marie Harriger, to unpack what’s really going on when sleep isn’t working—and why trying to “fix everything” might be the exact reason you feel stuck. This conversation will help you release the pressure, understand your baby more clearly, and finally feel like you have a plan. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why naps feel like the tipping point for so many momsThe ripple effect of sleep deprivation on your baby, your relationship, and your homeThe biggest mistake moms make when trying to improve sleepWhy focusing on one thing at a time changes everythingHow nighttime sleep becomes the foundation for everything elseWhat to do if your baby is feeding all night (and how daytime plays a role)How to stop second-guessing yourself and start feeling confident in your approachStop playing whack-a-mole and listen to this episode.  Disclaimer: The information and stories shared during this episode is intended to offer general guidance and support. However, every individual's health and circumstances are unique. Before making any significant changes, or if you have concerns about your health, it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner. Connect with Ann Marie Website: https://amsmilessleeptraining.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/am_smiles_sleepcoach/ Next Steps: Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

    56 min

  4. MAR 14

    137. Tongue Ties in Babies: How to Know if a Release Is Right for Your Baby with Kelsey Swope OTD, OTR/L, CLSP

    Send us Fan Mail Thinking about a tongue tie release for your baby — but not sure if it’s actually necessary? In this episode, I’m joined by occupational therapist Kelsey Swope, owner of Baby Basics OT, to break down what parents should really know about tongue ties. We talk about feeding challenges, reflux, body tension, baby milestones, and why the common advice to “wait and see” can sometimes leave families stuck and struggling longer than necessary. If you’ve been feeling like something is "off" — or just want to better understand what your baby may be communicating through their body — this episode is for you. Disclaimer: The information and stories shared during this episode is intended to offer general guidance and support. However, every individual's health and circumstances are unique. Before making any significant changes, or if you have concerns about your health, it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner. Next Steps: Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

    57 min

  5. MAR 7

    136. What to Eat After Baby: A Postpartum Chef’s Guide to Fourth Trimester Nourishment with Rachel Popik

    Send us Fan Mail Are freezer meals really enough for postpartum? In this episode, postpartum health coach Chelsea Barbine sits down with Rachel Popik, founder of Stay Doughy, to talk about one of the most overlooked parts of postpartum recovery: how moms are actually supposed to feed themselves once the baby arrives. Because yes, freezer meals can help. But they only go so far. Chelsea and Rachel unpack the invisible labor of feeding yourself postpartum—from deciding what to eat, to grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up—and why this burden so often falls on moms during one of the most physically and emotionally demanding seasons of life. They also explore why dinner gets all the attention in traditional meal trains, even though breakfast, lunch, snacks, and easy-to-grab nourishment are often what moms need most. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: Why feeding yourself postpartum is about more than just “having food ready”The invisible labor behind every meal—and why it matters so much after birthWhy traditional meal trains can be helpful and limitedPractical ways to prepare for postpartum nourishment before baby arrivesThe key nutrients Rachel recommends moms prioritize for healing and recoveryHow postpartum food support may need to extend far beyond the first few weeksIf you’ve ever wondered what you’re actually supposed to eat postpartum—or how to make sure nourishment doesn’t become one more thing on your plate—this episode is for you. Disclaimer: The information and stories shared during this episode is intended to offer general guidance and support. However, every individual's health and circumstances are unique. Before making any significant changes, or if you have concerns about your health, it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner. Rachel Popik (she/her) is an anti-diet chef, cooking instructor and the founder of Stay Doughy, specializing in postpartum nutrition. Based in Philadelphia, Rachel is a lover of food, nature, foraging, gardening, and nature. She’s happiest when she’s in the kitchen, using cooking as a creative outlet, a way to care for her community, and heal her relationship with her body. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @StayDoughy and find her offerings on her website at staydoughy.com Resources Mentioned: The Nourished Mother by Lindsay Taylor  The First Forty Days by Heng Ou *Host receives commission on linked products Next Steps: Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

    46 min

  6. FEB 28

    135. Is This Normal? Newborn Feeding Questions Every Mom Asks with Ashley Feeley, IBCLC

    Send us Fan Mail Are you constantly wondering if your baby is actually getting enough—or if feeding is “supposed” to hurt this much? In this episode, Chelsea Barbine sits down with lactation consultant Ashley Feeley to unpack the biggest points of confusion families face in the early days of feeding—especially when you’re sleep-deprived, overwhelmed by advice, and trying to figure out what’s normal (and what’s not). You’ll learn: How often should a newborn eat? (Is every 30–90 minutes normal?)Is my baby getting enough milk? Signs to look for beyond the clockHow do I know if the latch is good? What effective milk transfer feels/sounds likeWhy does breastfeeding hurt? When nipple pain is normal vs. notWhen can I let my baby sleep longer at night?Why is my baby not gaining weight? What might actually be going onShould I wake my baby to feed?Is it okay to give a bottle for my sanity? (The “mental health bottle” explained)Cluster feeding or low supply? How to tell the differenceHow do I trust my gut as a new mom?If you’ve ever fed your baby… put them down… and then heard them cue again 30 minutes later, this episode will remind you: you’re not doing it wrong. You’re learning your baby—and that takes support, not shame. Disclaimer: The information and stories shared during this episode is intended to offer general guidance and support. However, every individual's health and circumstances are unique. Before making any significant changes, or if you have concerns about your health, it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner. Connect with Ashley Feeley, IBCLC Website: www.lovelylatchlactation.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelylatchlactation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelylatchlactation/ Next Steps: Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

    47 min

  7. FEB 21

    134. How to Create A Realistic Postpartum Workout Plan with Kat Bright

    Send us Fan Mail The internet loves a simple rule: “Wait 6–8 weeks, then get back to working out.” But real postpartum life isn’t that simple. In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Kat Bright, a perinatal trainer (and athlete for life), to talk about returning to movement in the first year postpartum—without the bounce-back pressure, guilt, or all-or-nothing mindset. Kat shares why postpartum fitness shouldn’t be about shrinking or “undoing” birth. It’s about rebuilding strength on your terms: more resilience, more vitality, and a body that feels like home again. You’ll hear: Why chasing your pre-baby body can keep you stuckWhat consistency actually looks like with babies and toddlersWhy unfinished workouts still count (even just putting your workout clothes on)How to start when you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to beginWhat to do when time and childcare feel like the biggest barrierThe “another baby vs. best shape of my life” conversation — and why it’s not either/orPractical movement ideas when time and childcare are limited—especially in winterDisclaimer: The information and stories shared during this episode is intended to offer general guidance and support. However, every individual's health and circumstances are unique. Before making any significant changes, or if you have concerns about your health, it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner. Connect with Kat NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Prenatal and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katfitstrength/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatFitStudios/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@katfit Email Newsletter: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/82744/165616968429208964/share Website: https://www.kat.fit/  Next Steps: Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

    1 hr

  8. FEB 14

    133. How to Protect and Navigate Your Relationship After Baby with Jaclyn Zeal, LMFT

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever finally gotten the baby down… looked at your partner… and wondered, “Will this ever feel easy — or even fun — again?” You love each other. You chose each other. But right now? You’re exhausted. Maybe even a little distant. If you have, first of all — you’re not alone. Postpartum changes everything. Your body. Your sleep. Your identity. Your capacity. And because of that… your intimacy, too. In this episode, Chelsea talks with marriage and family therapist, Jaclyn Zeal. Together, they talk about why intimacy often feels different after baby — and what you can actually do about it. Disclaimer: The information and stories shared during this episode is intended to offer general guidance and support. However, every individual's health and circumstances are unique. Before making any significant changes, or if you have concerns about your health, it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner. Connect with Jaclyn Website: https://therapywithjaclyn.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithjaclyn Next Steps: Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

    50 min
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4.8
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

The go-to podcast for moms who want to feel less overwhelmed in the trenches of early motherhood.  ***TOP 5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST ***  You did everything they told you to do. You took the birth class. You built the baby registry. You prepped the nursery, the hospital bag-maybe even printed a checklist or two. But somewhere between the gender guesses and the baby pools, no one prepared you for the most important part: the exhaustion, the mental load, the identity shift—life after birth. If you’re overwhelmed, touched-out, or wondering when you’ll finally feel like yourself again, you’re not alone-and you’re not failing.  You’re in the right place, mama.  Hi, I’m Chelsea Barbine—wife, mom of two under three, postpartum health coach, and the friend who will always ask you to tell me more. I’ve lived two very different postpartum realities.The first? A summer baby who arrived five days past her due date. I had a 9–5 job, full-time childcare, and a calm, two-person household.  The second? A winter baby born six weeks early, 16 days in the NICU, a toddler at home, and a business I wasn’t taking much of a "maternity leave" from.  What I’ve learned is this: the only way to be the mom you want to be is to make sure you’re supported, too.  On a mission to rewrite the postpartum narrative for the collective I’m sharing my “secrets” to better sleep, sanity and self-identity in motherhood. Because truthfully - the health and happiness of the world depends on us! If you’re ready to finally feel at home in your postpartum body… to create rhythms that support your healing, boost your energy, and strengthen your bond with your baby… to make confident decisions without spending hours scrolling for answers… and to reconnect with who you are—without the mom guilt—this podcast is for you. So throw in that claw clip and grab your Hydrojug. It’s time to Postpartum Better!  Next Steps: Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol Coach with me: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

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