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Relationship After Baby: Why It Feels Hard—and How to Reconnect
Most expecting parents prepare everything for baby—birth plan, hospital bag, freezer meals, nursery, car seat—but rarely prepare their relationship.
Clinical psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores the realities of the postpartum relationship—from mental load and sleep deprivation to resentment, disconnection, and shifts in intimacy after birth. She’s joined by Dr. Cassidy Freitas, LMFT (San Diego–based, mom of three, host of Holding Space), who specializes in supporting millennial parents through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting.
This conversation normalizes that hard ≠ bad and that relationships move through seasons. When it’s hard, it’s a signal to get support, strengthen co-parenting, and rebuild connection—not a verdict on the marriage.
What they cover (no fluff):
Why “a baby brings us closer” is a myth for many couples
Postpartum mental health: postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression (including partner/dad depression)
Communication skills and repair after conflict when you’re exhausted
Values-based parenting and co-parenting teamwork
Generous interpretation and soft start-ups to reduce blame
Intimacy after baby and micro-connection rituals that fit real life
Boundaries with in-laws/grandparents and navigating extended family
Need structured help? For on-demand tools to share the mental load, improve communication, and feel like a team, explore Be Connected.
Dr. Cassidy’s private practice website
Follow Dr. Cassidy on Instagram
Listen to Holding Space
RESOURCES:
Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
LINKS:
Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY
K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY
Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY
Branch Basics: Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit
Vionic Shoes: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com
Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY
AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com
GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy code TRACY
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
View all episodes
By Cloud10
4.8
156156 ratings
Most expecting parents prepare everything for baby—birth plan, hospital bag, freezer meals, nursery, car seat—but rarely prepare their relationship.
Clinical psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores the realities of the postpartum relationship—from mental load and sleep deprivation to resentment, disconnection, and shifts in intimacy after birth. She’s joined by Dr. Cassidy Freitas, LMFT (San Diego–based, mom of three, host of Holding Space), who specializes in supporting millennial parents through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting.
This conversation normalizes that hard ≠ bad and that relationships move through seasons. When it’s hard, it’s a signal to get support, strengthen co-parenting, and rebuild connection—not a verdict on the marriage.
What they cover (no fluff):
Why “a baby brings us closer” is a myth for many couples
Postpartum mental health: postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression (including partner/dad depression)
Communication skills and repair after conflict when you’re exhausted
Values-based parenting and co-parenting teamwork
Generous interpretation and soft start-ups to reduce blame
Intimacy after baby and micro-connection rituals that fit real life
Boundaries with in-laws/grandparents and navigating extended family
Need structured help? For on-demand tools to share the mental load, improve communication, and feel like a team, explore Be Connected.
Dr. Cassidy’s private practice website
Follow Dr. Cassidy on Instagram
Listen to Holding Space
RESOURCES:
Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
LINKS:
Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY
K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY
Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY
Branch Basics: Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit
Vionic Shoes: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com
Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY
AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com
GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy code TRACY
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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