Becoming parents is one of the most transformative experiences in a relationship—but it can also be one of the most challenging. In this episode, fertility coach, doula, and birth educator Ivy Joeva shares expert insights on baby-proofing your relationship, navigating intimacy changes, and maintaining a strong emotional connection through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.

We uncover the most common relationship struggles new parents face, from shifting household roles to dealing with resentment, and discuss how to communicate effectively to prevent cracks from turning into deeper divides. Ivy also dives into the realities of parenthood and intimacy, offering guidance on keeping the spark alive even when exhaustion and new responsibilities take center stage.

Plus, we explore difficult but necessary conversations—how to navigate infertility challenges as a couple, when separation might be the best path forward, and how to co-parent with compassion if divorce becomes a reality.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or deep into parenting, this episode is packed with actionable tips to strengthen your relationship and create a thriving partnership. 

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• Baby-proofing your relationship and marriage

• Navigating intimacy after baby

• Common relationship struggles for new parents

• Effective communication strategies for couples

• Managing resentment and parental stress

Show Notes:

• Reach out to Ivy (@IvyJoeva on Instagram) for a free 30-minute consult

• Visit Ivys website: www.ivyjoeva.com

• Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!

• Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

• Listen to today’s episode on our website

Ivy Joeva is a fertility coach, doula and birth educator serving women and couples who desire a conscious path on the journey of conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond. Bridging the gap between modern science and ancient wisdom, Ivy’s approach emphasizes the mind-body connection and includes the physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual aspects of care. She provides support throughout the childbearing year including fertility coaching, holistic preparation for birth, postpartum recovery care and counseling for pregnancy loss of all kinds. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Ivy became a doula in 2009. She serves clients across the United States and abroad.

This Episode’s Sponsors 

Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by using code DOCTORMOM at checkout or head to paleovalley.com/doctormom 

Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM100 for $100 off your first 3 months of Needed’s Complete Plan!

Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you!

@stephgreunke

@drelanaroumell

Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.