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Night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, midsection weight gain and fatigue - are all symptoms of the postpartum transition. They’re also symptoms of perimenopause. 

In today’s episode, Chelsea is joined by therapist, advocate, former attorney, and author of Millennial Menopause, Lauren Tetenbaum — aka The CounseLaur — to unpack why we need to be talking about the full spectrum of womanhood: from postpartum to perimenopause to menopause. 

With more women starting and growing families later in life, it’s becoming more common to experience overlapping symptoms of postpartum and perimenopause — and many don’t even realize it. The average age of menopause is 51 in the U.S., but perimenopausal symptoms can begin years earlier and last up to 10 years.

If you’re feeling frustrated or dismissed by healthcare providers, struggling to get support from your spouse or seeking to feel seen and heard, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 

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.

Related Episodes:

Women Deserve Better with co-founder of Perelel Alex Taylor

Postpartum Recovery: Bleeding, Hair Loss & Other Surprising Physical Changes

Constantly Overwhelmed? One Easy Action to Stay Calm and In-Control with Julia Christine

Do You Have Postpartum Anxiety or Depression? How Your Spiritual Health Can Help with Joline Seavey

Tired of Feeling Exhausted? My Top Sleep Hack That Doesn’t Require More Sleep

Lauren’s Links:

Book: Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thecounselaur/ 

Website: https://thecounselaur.com/ 

*The host may earn commissions from links

Next Steps:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Is going from zero to one kid harder than going from one to two? In this episode, Chelsea jumps on the social trend and breaks down the emotional, physical, and relationship shifts that happen in each postpartum transition — and ranks which one felt harder for her. Spoiler alert: 0-1 changed her. 1-2 challenged them.

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.

Related Episodes:

• We Are Forever What?! 

Next Steps:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Postpartum sleep deprivation isn’t just about being exhausted — it impacts your patience, your mental health, your milk supply, postpartum weight loss, your relationships — it impacts everything.

In today’s episode, Chelsea is joined by pediatric sleep consultant and owner of Your Zen Baby Sarah Bossio to talk about what’s really going on when sleep feels like a never-ending struggle with your children.

Together they cover:

• The truth about sleep training (and why it’s so triggering)
• How your sleep hygiene could be inducing postpartum anxiety and/or depression
• Newborn sleep vs toddler sleep and signs that your child is ready for independent sleep 
• PTSD of the “sun-down scaries”
• Mom guilt and the pressure to always “get it right” 

This one’s part pep talk, part practical strategy session, and 100% a reminder that you don’t have to choose between being a good mom and being a well-rested human.

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

Related Episodes:

Tired of Feeling Exhausted? My Top Sleep Hack That Doesn’t Require More Sleep

Do You Have Postpartum Anxiety or Depression? How Your Spiritual Health Can Help with Joline Seavey

Connect with Sarah: https://www.yourzenbabysleep.com/

Next Steps:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

You’ve got a color-coded birth plan, your hospital bag is packed, and you’ve saved 87 TikToks about labor positions...

But what about what happens after birth?

In this episode, we’re diving into why having a postpartum plan (beyond your postpartum meals in the freezer and peri bottle) is just as important — if not more — than your birth plan. If you’re pregnant or in the thick of sleep deprivation in newborn life, this conversation will show you exactly how to stop overthinking and start preparing with confidence for the season that actually lasts.

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:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Struggling with low milk supply, pumping frustration, or wondering why breastfeeding feels harder than everyone says?

In today's episode, Chelsea sits down with Valene McMorrow, IBCLC, to unpack the real reasons behind breastfeeding challenges—and why milk supply is about so much more than just “nursing more often.”

We dive into what actually supports lactation (spoiler: mental health, nutrition, and rest are just as important as the latch), the truth about galactagogues, and how not having support can sabotage your breastfeeding goals before you even start.

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

Related Episodes: 

• Struggling to Breastfeed? What to Know About Tongue and Lip Ties with Dr. Kalli Hale

• Postpartum Recovery Simplified: 10 Recovery Essentials You Actually Need

• Tired of Feeling Exhausted? My Top Sleep Hack That Doesn’t Require More Sleep

• Nourishment After Birth with Sheri Vettel MPH, RD, LDN, INHC

• A Lovely Chat w/ Ashley Feeley, IBCLC, Founder of Lovely Latch Lactation

Next Steps:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “top postpartum recovery products” at 2am… I see you. And this episode is for you.

There’s SO much noise out there telling new moms what to buy, what to prep, what not to forget. But after going through it twice now, here’s what I’ve learned:

• You don’t need everything.
• You just need the right things.

On this week’s episode of Postpartum Better, I’m breaking down the 10 recovery essentials I swear by—from the physical products that actually helped, to the emotional and logistical support that made the biggest difference.

Inside the episode, I’m sharing:

• My must-haves for postpartum healing (no overpriced fluff!)
• The breastfeeding and pumping items I kept within arm’s reach
• The often-overlooked pieces of support no one talks about

If you’re prepping for baby or already in the thick of those early weeks, I hope this helps you feel more grounded, supported, and confident in your own recovery journey.

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:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Let’s be honest—birth doesn’t always go the way we planned.

And even when we can say, “Mom and baby are healthy!”—there’s often still something underneath the surface we haven’t fully unpacked.

Maybe it’s guilt. Maybe it’s regret.
Maybe it’s a questioned “what if” you haven’t said out loud.

Today’s episode is pulled from a live workshop I hosted inside The Cultivate Crew, and from the moment we hit record, I knew it needed to live here on the podcast too. The guest you’ll hear from is Dee—nurse, doula, and founder of Birth Story Now and Zen—and she is a true gift to postpartum moms everywhere.

In the episode, Dee walks us through what birth story healing actually looks like, why so many of us still carry unspoken pain from our births, and how powerful it is to name the moment that’s still lingering.

This conversation has deeply impacted how I’ve processed my most recent birth experience—especially after being separated from my son after delivery—and I’m hopeful it’ll support many of you, too.

So, If you’ve ever wondered why you still feel “off” about your birth… or if you’re preparing for your next and hoping to feel more peace… 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.

If you or a loved one would benefit from connecting with Dee, she’d love to hear from you! Email her at: [email protected] 

Next Steps:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Can you imagine recovering from birth—and not having your baby in your arms?

It’s something no mother plans for, but it’s the reality for so many NICU moms. In this episode, Chelsea is sharing what those first hours after birth looked like for her: recovering after birth while her son was in the NICU, navigating pumping, care windows, and bonding from across the hospital.

This isn’t a how-to—it’s a reflection on the emotions that surfaced when her postpartum recovery didn't go as expected. She talks about the weight of being separated from your baby, the overwhelm of updating family when you're still processing everything yourself, and how grief and gratitude can both exist. She also opens up about how she and her husband experienced NICU visits differently, how her faith held her steady, and what she wished more people knew about this experience.

If you or someone you love is walking through early postpartum with a NICU baby, she prays this conversation helps you feel seen, validated, and supported.

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:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Chelsea Barbine returns to the podcast sharing her peaceful unmedicated hospital birth story, welcoming her second baby, born six weeks early. Chelsea opens up about the emotional journey of a preterm birth, the decisions she faced around induction, Group B Strep, and labor interventions, and how she stayed calm and empowered throughout the experience. She discusses the critical role of her doula support team, the power of birth mindset preparation, and the tools that helped her avoid an epidural and have a natural hospital birth.

Chelsea also reflects on the unexpected grief and emotions that can come with a NICU stay, navigating postpartum recovery with a toddler, and why preparation is everything when it comes to birth and postpartum. This conversation is a must-listen for any mom planning a hospital birth, considering an unmedicated delivery, or seeking encouragement for their own birth story.

Next Steps:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered, "Did my water just break or did I pee?" You're not alone! 

In today’s episode, Chelsea reflects on her own personal experience navigating one of the most memorable—and confusing—moments of her second pregnancy. Join her as she shares tips on how to know if your water has broken, the key signs to look for, and when to reach out to your provider.

She'll also discuss what typically happens next: from initial assessments to the protocols providers follow to check on the status of labor. Plus, she’ll take you through the series of events that led her from questioning her intuition to full-on active labor.

Whether you're preparing for birth or simply curious about the process, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and a touch of humor to help you feel more confident when the big moment arrives.

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:

Grab my free postpartum better protocol: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-better-protocol

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Grab your Postpartum Playbook: https://corecarecultivate.com/postpartum-playbook

Save 20% on coaching with me in the Cultivate Crew using code: BETTERPOD20 at checkout: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew-purchase

Email me at: [email protected]