In this second part of The Stories We Tell Ourselves series, Chelsea and Mike get into how the stories we carry in early parenthood shape connection, intimacy, and identity.
They unpack why emotional disconnection and constant stress make couples feel distant, how to rebuild psychological safety, and why nervous-system regulation is key to closeness.
You’ll learn:
How to externalize negative stories and stop the spiral of resentment
What “matrescence” and “patrescence” really mean for your identity as parents
Why emotional safety is the foundation for physical intimacy after a baby
Practical ways to reconnect and repair when you’re both running on empty
Whether you’re feeling stuck in survival mode or missing the spark in your marriage, this episode offers real talk and practical tools to help you feel like a team again.
Keywords: emotional disconnection after baby, intimacy after baby, postpartum marriage help, matrescence, new parent identity, nervous system regulation, relationship coaching, postpartum relationship advice
Mentioned past episodes and links:
Regulation and the Nervous System
Emotional or Physical Connection, Which Comes First?
Book a connection call with us here to learn more about how we support pregnant, postpartum, and current parents in their relationships.