Relationship After Baby: Why It Feels Hard—and How to Reconnect

Listen to this episode from Dear Dr. Tracy on Spotify. 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 websiteFollow Dr. Cassidy on InstagramListen 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