Chelsea Skaggs - Podcast Details

Shows

Better Relationships After BabyTouched Out & Overwhelmed: What Moms Can Do When They’re Maxed Out on Physical & Emotional DemandsFeeling 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 being physically and emotionally maxed out after baby #2, the guilt she had around asking for space, and the empowering communication shifts that helped her find herself again.2025-05-2027 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhy 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 you get a break, feel seen, and actually enjoy your time away.We’ll talk about:The pre-vacation convo every couple needs (a...2025-05-1317 min

Better Relationships After BabySpring Clean the Emotional Clutter: The Hidden Blocks Holding Your Relationship BackIn 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 your connection.You'll hear real talk about:How the default parent role might be wearing you downWhy unspoken expectations create lingering tensionAnd how to n...2025-05-0622 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Repair After Arguments and Build Emotional Connection in Your RelationshipArguments 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 (hello, Inside Out fans!), and shares simple but powerful ways to create deeper connection after difficult conversations.Chelsea also opens up about a personal story of a recent tearful...2025-04-2813 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Stop Relationship Drift and Reignite Connection Through CoachingIs 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 disconnected after having kids to craving better communication, intimacy, and emotional connection, Chelsea shares how relationship coaching focuses on moving forward, rather than just delving into the past.You’ll learn why emotional intelligence is critical for bu...2025-04-2221 min

Better Relationships After BabyDismantling the Patriarchy Together: Real Talk on Gender, Relationships & Emotional Labor with Fred Van RiperIn 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 women, why emotional labor and vulnerability are often avoided in conversation, and what true partnership requires for growth and equality. From reframing the role of provider to dismantling shame and stepping into emotional ownership, Fred and Chelsea sh...2025-04-1541 min

Better Relationships After BabyCan Relationships Survive Political Differences? Tips for CouplesHas 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 to help you protect your relationship while honoring your values, even when you and your partner see the world differently.In this episode, you'll hear:Why political ta...2025-04-0814 min

Better Relationships After BabyBreaking the Loneliness Cycle in Your MarriageEver 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, insights from working with couples, and practical steps to break out of the “roommate” cycle. If you’re craving deeper conversations, emotional closeness, and more intentional moments with your partner, this episode...2025-04-0112 min

Better Relationships After BabyThe 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 dive into the barriers that keep us stuck in burnout, the mindset shifts necessary to ask for help, and how doing so can...2025-03-2539 min

Better Relationships After BabyBreaking 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 communicate, repair faster, and actually solve issues without the emotional shutdowns.What you’ll learn:Why one person gets louder while the other shuts downT...2025-03-1815 min

Better Relationships After Baby"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 everythingThe power of repairing quickly instead of letting resentment buildOne thing you and your partner can turn to when things get toughHard times a...2025-03-1120 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhy You Keep Fighting Over “Nothing”: The Truth About the Mental LoadIf 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 when it goes unacknowledged, it leads to resentment, burnout, and constant tension.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why small fights often stem from unspoken...2025-03-0413 min

Better Relationships After BabyTeaser: What's NOT Working For YouTune into tomorrow's episode to learn what you CAN DO to stop arguing over "nothing" and address the common struggles in your relationship. 2025-03-0300 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Ask for More Help Without Sounding UngratefulFeeling 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 (yes, it’s backed by research) and how to communicate your needs without resentment or tension.What you’ll learn:A step-by-step framework for asking for help clear...2025-02-2519 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow 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 complicit in imbalance—and how the Fair Play method helps reset expectations, roles, and communication without nagging or scorekeeping.You’ll learn:Why stepping back is of...2025-02-1831 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Break Out of the Roommate Phase in Your RelationshipDoes 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 back curiosity, play, and real connectionHow to create small, intentional moments that help you feel...2025-02-1116 min

Better Relationships After BabyINVITE: Rebuilding Your Mom ConfidenceThis 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, intimate group coaching experience for new and seasoned moms alike. Together, we’ll explore how to:Rebuild your confidence in who you areSet b...2025-02-0704 min

The Breath & Birth Co PodcastThe Power of Grace with Chelsea Skaggs of Postpartum Together: Letting Go of Perfection in Early ParenthoodIn this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa is joined by Chelsea Skaggs, a life and relationship coach from Postpartum Together. They discuss the importance of grace and letting go of perfectionism in early parenthood. Topics include dealing with societal pressures, navigating changes in relationships, and managing parent guilt. Chelsea shares insights from her background in psychology and sociology, and offers practical advice for maintaining a healthy family dynamic. They also highlight the significance of understanding personal and family values, and how to shift from a 'to-do' list to a 'to-be' list. The episode concludes...2025-02-0629 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhere Did My Mom Rage Come From? Understanding and Navigating the Hidden RootsMom 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's often about untreated exhaustion, unmet needs, unprocessed grief, and invisible emotional labor. You’re not failing—you’re under-supported.I’m sharing my personal experience wi...2025-02-0414 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow 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 partner when trying to conceive starts to feel more like a job than a joy.Together, we unpack:How to maintain real intimacy when sex becomes...2025-01-2858 min

Better Relationships After BabyRelationship 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: it’s not just “bad communication”)How exhaustion, mental load, and assumptions build quiet resentmentA personal story of how one tiny comment turned into a big argument—...2025-01-2316 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhy You Feel the Need to Justify Yourself in Conversations—and How to StopDo 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 disconnection. Inspired by insights from Dr. Elizabeth Winkler on The Shadow and the Light podcast, this episode offers a clear, compassionate look at what’s really going on when you feel the need to over-explain.2025-01-2109 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Build Emotional Safety and Strengthen Your RelationshipWhat’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 walk you through simple, actionable strategies: how to practice active listening, why predictability builds trust, and how small habits like expressing gratitude can shift the dynamic between you and your partn...2025-01-1429 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Stop Fighting About Money and Start Working TogetherWhy 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 partner today.You’ll hear practical tools for getting on the same page financially—whether you’re paying off debt, trying to align on future goals, or just want to stop the...2025-01-0740 min

Better Relationships After BabyReaching Your 2025 Relationship Goals: Less Input, More IntentionFeeling 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 reduces mental drain. Whether you’re aiming to improve communication in your relationship, set realistic goals, or simply gain clarity in your personal growth journey...2024-12-3122 min

Better Relationships After BabyOne Powerful Question to Simplify the Holidays and Strengthen Your RelationshipsIn 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 identify the values that matter most, let go of performative pressure, and connect more deeply with your partner and family. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what m...2024-12-2412 min

Birth Story Podcast205 Relationships and Sex After Baby with Chelsea SkaggsToday Heidi interviewed Chelsea Skaggs, the founder of Postpartum Together, a coaching program for parents to continue to grow their relationship after having kids. Here is a little more about Chelsea Skaggs and this episode. In Chelsea's words: "Having a baby creates a huge shift in your relationship. More than half of couples report decreased satisfaction in their marriage after having a baby, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s no sugar coating that it’s humbling and hard work to understand yourself and your partner in the midst of such a big change...2024-12-1959 min

Better Relationships After Baby3 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 responsibilities—and how to finally address it🚩 Why intimacy and quality time are not a luxury, but a necessity—and how to bring them backThese warning...2024-12-1725 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow Baby Sleep Affects Your Relationship: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Alexa LeeIf 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 sleep myths and why they’re adding pressure to parents🛏️ How to build a shared approach to sleep that works for your child and your partnership🛏️ How to navigate different sleep philosophies without...2024-12-1040 min

Better Relationships After BabyHoliday 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’ll hear:🎄 Why the holidays often amplify inequality in parenting roles🎄 How shift work can reduce resentment and increase respect between you and your partner🎄 Real-life examples of what this can look l...2024-12-0314 min

Better Relationships After BabyPets and Babies: How to Prepare Your Dog (and Your Relationship) for a New BabyBringing 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 learn:🐶 How to prepare your pet before baby arrives🐶 What your pet’s body language is telling you—and how to respond🐶 Ways to ease pet anxiety with desensitization and s...2024-11-1939 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhy Advocacy Starts at Home: Strengthening Your Family to Change the WorldWant 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 begins at home.You’ll learn:🏡 How your family values shape your children’s empathy and awareness🧠 Why emotional safety at home is essential for resilience and advocacy🗓️ The power of weekly check-i...2024-11-1226 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhat Men Gain When We Dismantle the Patriarchy: Rethinking Power, Identity & ConnectionWorried 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🧠 The mental health toll of rigid gender expectations—and how to break free💬 How female partners can support men through this evolution with love and respect🛠️ The real freedom...2024-11-0518 min

Better Relationships After BabyFrom 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 wishes she had started this work sooner. This is a must-listen for anyone who feels like they’ve tried everything but still ca...2024-10-2934 min

Better Relationships After BabyTricking Your Brain to Make Space for Relationship GrowthChange 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 work with it, not against itHow visualization and curiosity open the door to better connectionThe role of clear communication and shared vision i...2024-10-2220 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Improve Communication in Relationships: The Foundation for a Stronger PartnershipEffective 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, misunderstandings, or a sense of disconnection. The good news? Communication is a skill that can be learned, and improving it can transform your relationship.You’ll learn:Why communicat...2024-10-1513 min

Better Relationships After BabyPreparing Now for a Less SAD WinterHey 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 be proactive in managing mental health as we head into the colder months. We’ll talk about creating small, sustainable habits that help combat the effects of SAD, while also...2024-10-0722 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhy You NEED to Have These Conversations Before Baby ArrivesWhy 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 is life-changing. But if you’re not talking about the big stuff—like division of labor, sleep schedules, finances, parenting philosophies, and boundaries with family—then it’s only a matter...2024-10-0123 min

Better Relationships After BabyDo 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 granted. But here’s the thing: showing appreciation in their preferred way can completely shift the dynamic in your relationship, fostering deeper emotional connection and long-term satisfac...2024-09-2419 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow (and Why) to Make Couple's Friends: Building Meaningful ConnectionsIn 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 who invest in your relationship, plus practical tips for creating and nurturing those connections—whether it’s setting intentional goals, hosting gatherings, or showing up vulnerably to meet new people.Feeling unsure whe...2024-09-1720 min

Better Relationships After BabyBusiness 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 marriage. We talk about finding the balance between chasing your dreams and being present for your family, and how to create a business that aligns with your values and st...2024-09-1017 min

Better Relationships After BabyParental Stress: A Significant Public Health IssueReady to explore coaching with me? Schedule your free call here. In this episode, I dive into the critical topic of parental stress and its profound impact on both individuals and families. Drawing attention to the U.S. Surgeon General's recent statement, I discuss why parental stress is recognized as a significant public health issue. I've been there—feeling overwhelmed and constantly comparing myself to other moms online, which only fueled my stress and sense of inadequacy. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing self-care and...2024-09-0325 min

Better Relationships After BabyMasculinity: How Does the Conversation Impact Your Family? (with guest Mike Skaggs)In this special episode of Better Relationships After Baby, I’m joined by my husband, Mike, as we dive into the complex topic of modern masculinity. Together, we explore how the definition of masculinity has evolved and how societal expectations shape the roles men play in relationships and families.Mike shares his personal journey of self-discovery, opening up about how he’s learned to embrace a more gentle and supportive approach to fatherhood, and how it has transformed our family dynamics. We also discuss the influence of politics and society’s view of masculinity, and how navigating these...2024-08-2739 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Strengthen Your Relationship by Aligning Values with Your PartnerIn this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, we’re talking about one of the most powerful (and most overlooked) tools in your relationship toolbox: personal values. I’m sharing a personal story about the moment my husband stepped in for me at a speaking event—and how that unexpected experience reminded me just how much our values shape our partnership.From the way we communicate to how we handle stress, make decisions, and show up for each other—our values are the quiet driving force behind it all. When you and your partner understand each other’s core val...2024-08-2022 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Stay Calm and Communicate Clearly in Tough ConversationsHave you ever tried to talk to your partner about something important, but the second you start, you feel flustered, your heart races, and the words come out wrong? You're not alone. When our brain senses conflict, it often kicks us into fight-or-flight mode, making it harder to think clearly and express ourselves calmly.In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby, we’re unpacking why that happens and how to unfluster yourself before and during serious conversations. If you’re stuck in the same arguments on repeat, it’s time for a new approach.We’ll...2024-08-1429 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhat Your Kids Learn from Your Marriage: Modeling Healthy Communication for Future RelationshipsDo your kids see healthy communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution in your relationship? In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby with Chelsea Skaggs, we’re diving into why your relationship with your partner isn’t just about the two of you—it’s shaping your children’s emotional development and social skills, too.From infancy, children absorb the way we speak, express emotion, and handle conflict. Whether you realize it or not, you are modeling the foundation for how they will approach future relationships. We’ll talk about how your behavior in partnership, especially during disagreement...2024-08-0627 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow to Prioritize as Parents Without Burning Out: Understanding Glass and Plastic BallsFeeling stretched too thin trying to do it all? In this episode of Better Relationships After Baby with Chelsea Skaggs, we’re talking about one of the most powerful stress-reducing tools for parents: identifying your glass and plastic balls. 🧠Glass balls are the essential tasks that truly matter—drop them, and something meaningful breaks. Plastic balls? They can bounce. They can wait. They can be dropped without major consequences.I’m breaking down:How to define what’s really urgent vs. what can waitWhy shared mental load and aligned pri...2024-07-3024 min

Better Relationships After BabyWhy Overwhelm Is Costing Moms—and Society—More Than We RealizeWhat if reducing mom overwhelm wasn’t just a personal need, but a social necessity? In this unscripted, heart-led episode of Better Relationships After Baby with Chelsea Skaggs, I’m sharing a personal practice I use with clients (and recently did myself) to unpack why overwhelmed mothers are a systemic issue, not just a personal struggle.You’ll hear:Why the constant overload isn’t sustainable—or your faultHow your values can guide your decisions and boundariesThe ripple effect of maternal well-being on families, communities, and leadershipWhat it me...2024-07-2309 min

Better Relationships After BabyBeyond the Bounce Back: How to Heal Your Postpartum Body Image and Strengthen Your RelationshipOn this episode of Better Relationships After Baby with Chelsea Skaggs, we’re calling out the toxic “bounce back” culture and digging into the real postpartum experience—one that’s messy, beautiful, and worthy of more grace and understanding.If you’ve ever looked in the mirror after having a baby and questioned your worth, you are not alone. This episode offers a refreshing and empowering take on healing body image, communicating with your partner about changes, and reclaiming intimacy in a way that honors your new identity.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Th...2024-07-1633 min

Better Relationships After BabyBEST OF: MatresenceWhile I'm chasing my children around on vacation (basically parenting in a prettier place,) I am digging back into season 1 with the most popular episode of the podcast. If you feel like becoming a mom is a lot like puberty, find out why in this episode! And if you listen and realize you want to work through the changes motherhood has brought you and get to know yourself again, I help moms do just that with coaching. www.postpartumtogether.com/services 2024-07-0933 min

Better Relationships After BabyRediscovering Intimacy After Baby: How to Reconnect Emotionally & Physically with Your PartnerOn this episode of Better Relationships After Baby with Chelsea Skaggs, we’re getting real about the changes that impact intimacy after having a baby—and how to begin the journey back to connection.From sleep deprivation and hormone shifts to changing identities and body image struggles, the early parenthood stage can put intimacy on the back burner. But this season doesn’t have to be the end of passion and partnership—it can be the beginning of a deeper, more intentional connection.In this episode, you’ll learn:💡 Why libido can shift dramati...2024-07-0231 min

Better Relationships After BabyThe Intimacy Dance After Baby: How to Balance Emotional & Physical Needs in Your RelationshipIn this episode of Better Relationships After Baby with Chelsea Skaggs, we’re diving into one of the most common disconnects couples face after kids: the mismatch in how emotional and physical intimacy are experienced.Often, one partner needs to feel emotionally close to want physical connection, while the other seeks physical connection to feel emotionally open. This push-pull can create frustration, resentment, and confusion—especially in the sleep-deprived, identity-shifting season of parenthood.We’ll explore:The science behind how our brains and bodies experience intimacyReal-life examples of how th...2024-06-2531 min

Better Relationships After BabyNavigating ‘Touched Out’: Reclaim Your Body & Reconnect with Your PartnerIn this episode of Better Relationships After Baby with Chelsea Skaggs, we’re talking about a feeling many moms know all too well but rarely name: being touched out. When you spend your days meeting the physical needs of little ones, it’s easy to feel overstimulated, disconnected from your body, and resentful of even more physical contact.Being touched out isn’t just a physical sensation—it’s emotional, mental, and relational. And if you’ve ever flinched at your partner’s hand on your back after a long day, this episode is for you.What we cove...2024-06-1823 min

Better Relationships After BabyMom Rage: How to Identify and Manage The Big FeelsWelcome to Better Relationships After Baby with Chelsea Skaggs—the podcast for expecting, new, and seasoned parents who want to stay connected and grow stronger as a team.In this episode, we’re unpacking mom rage—those moments when everything bubbles over and you barely recognize yourself. You're not broken, you're not a bad mom, and you're definitely not alone.We’ll explore:What “mom rage” really is and where it comes from (hint: unmet needs and overload)How the Enneagram can help you identify your core emotional triggersThe core nee...2024-06-1132 min

Better Relationships After BabyFinding Core Needs with the EnneagramUnderstanding yourself is the first step to improving your connection with your partner—and the Enneagram is one of my favorite tools to get there.In this episode, we’re diving into:How to use the Enneagram to uncover your core emotional needsWhat each type looks like in stress and in connectionHow unmet needs show up in relationships (and why it’s not “just hormones”)Exercises and reflection strategies to improve your communication and intimacyWhether you're new to the Enneagram or already obsessed...2024-06-0422 min

Better Relationships After BabyHow Defensiveness Shows Up for New Parents & How to Manage ItDefensiveness in relationships is common, especially for new parents navigating the challenges of parenthood. In this episode, we dive into why defensiveness often rears its head, how it impacts communication, and the steps you can take to foster a more supportive, drama-free partnership.In this episode, you'll learn:Why defensiveness tends to show up, especially in the early stages of parenthoodPractical strategies to manage defensiveness and communicate more openlyReal-life examples and tips to transform your relationship dynamics and build a supportive partnershipAre you tired of the...2024-05-2825 min

Better Relationships After BabyThe Danger of Miscommunication: How the Stories We Tell Ourselves Impact RelationshipsMiscommunication in relationships is often more about the stories we tell ourselves than the words we actually say. In today’s episode, we explore how miscommunication can arise when new parents start creating their own narratives based on assumptions, fears, and limited perspectives—especially when a new baby enters the picture.It’s easy to get lost in these stories, which might not even reflect your partner’s true intentions. These internal narratives can:Lead to feeling unwanted or unlovedCreate doubts about your partner’s commitmentPrevent you from havin...2024-05-2119 min

Mom Owned and OperatedThe Joy of Not Impressing People with Chelsea SkaggsIn this episode of the Mom Owned and Operated podcast, Rita Suzanne and Chelsea Skaggs discuss raising a family, running a business and remembering yourself.On a mission to help people enjoy the life they've worked so hard for, Chelsea is a certified professional life coach who focuses on supporting expecting and new parents. She helps couples and individuals understand themselves, break unhelpful patterns, and develop skills to be a strong communicator, connector, and own their confidence.You can connect with Chelsea on her website and on Instagram, Facebook, and on TikTok. 2024-04-1229 min