Postpartum Better | Postpartum Recovery, Sleep Support, Breastfeeding, FTM, Postpartum Depression, Mom Guilt, Identity – Details, episodes & analysis

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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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

Send us a text

In today’s episode, Chelsea sits down with airway and sleep dentist, Dr. Kalli Hale to discuss her journey from general dentistry to specializing in pediatric growth and development, particularly focusing on the importance of oral health starting at infancy. Together the two dive deep on the impact of tongue and lip ties in breastfeeding and child development as well as signs that may indicate a need for early intervention, the process of treatment and the symptoms of those untreated. Chelsea also asks Dr. Hale her personal and professional opinion on pacifiers (which might surprise you) and she also shares about the Tooth Pillow, a solution for promoting proper oral health from ages 3 to 12. 

If you’re feeling defeated with breastfeeding, remember mama - it takes two to tango. Tune in to today’s episode to prep questions for your next pediatrician visit or lactation consultation. 

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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

Send us a text

Are you preparing for labor and wondering how to feel calm and confident about the big day? Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, labor is as much a mental experience as it is a physical one.

At 30 weeks pregnant with baby #2, Chelsea felt her first Braxton Hicks contractions—a wake-up call to the mindset work she’d been neglecting this time around. Inspired by Childbirth Without Fear by Dick Grantly Read, Chelsea explores how understanding your body’s natural design and the fear-tension-pain cycle can transform your mindset and help you approach labor with confidence.

Tune in to discover:

• The Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle: What it is and how breaking the cycle can reduce discomfort during labor.
• How Your Body is Designed for Birth: Trusting the natural processes of childbirth to feel more in control.
• Simple Steps for Mindset Prep: From affirmations to relaxation techniques, learn actionable ways to shift your mindset.

This episode is a powerful reminder that labor is not just about physical preparation—it’s about mental readiness too. Whether you’re aiming for an unmedicated birth or simply want to feel more at peace, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and empowered to take on labor your way.

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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

Send us a text

Postpartum recovery is more than just physical—it’s a multidimensional process that affects your body, mind, and spirit. In this episode of Postpartum Better, Chelsea introduces the 5-5-5 Method, a simple and effective postpartum recovery plan designed to help new moms prioritize healing after birth.

Chelsea shares why this method is one of the best tools for healing your postpartum body and how it supports both physical recovery and emotional well-being. She also provides new mom recovery tips to help you implement the 5-5-5 Method successfully.

For moms with older kids, Chelsea offers a bonus tip for adapting this plan while balancing the needs of your other children. Learn how to involve older siblings, plan quiet-time activities, and lean on your village to support your recovery.

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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

Send us a text

Are you nervous about taking maternity photos and unsure how to feel your best?

In today’s episode of Postpartum Better, Chelsea shares must-know tips to feel confident and comfortable during your maternity shoot—whether it’s your first time or you’re capturing memories for baby number two.

Drawing from her personal experience at 29 weeks pregnant, Chelsea opens up about the challenges of body changes, wardrobe indecision, and self-doubt many moms face before stepping in front of the camera. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel radiant and relaxed while celebrating your pregnancy.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to embrace your body and feel confident despite pregnancy changes.
• What to wear for maternity photos to highlight your bump and feel comfortable.
• Easy hair and makeup tips to enhance your natural glow.
• Posing and lighting secrets to get beautiful, flattering photos.
• Why including your partner or children can create meaningful family memories.

Whether you’re planning a professional maternity shoot or DIYing photos at home, this episode will help you look and feel amazing in your pregnancy pictures.

Don’t miss this step-by-step guide to capturing the beauty of your motherhood 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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

Send us a text

Struggling to stay positive while trying to conceive, through the challenges of pregnancy, or recovering postpartum? You’re not alone. 

In today’s heartfelt conversation, Chelsea Barbine sits down with fellow mama Paige Corso to unpack the raw realities of motherhood—from the struggles of getting pregnant to the emotional and physical challenges of postpartum.

This episode dives into:

• TTC Challenges and Mental Health: Paige shares how she coped with the anxiety and heartbreak of trying to conceive and the unexpected mental toll it took.
  
  
• Pregnancy Realities They Don’t Talk About: From feelings of isolation to physical discomfort, Paige reflects on the parts of pregnancy no one prepares you for.
  
  
• Labor and Delivery Surprises: From not knowing labor started to her experience with back labor, epidurals, and an unexpected early delivery, Paige shares her unfiltered experience, including the emotional highs and lows of childbirth.
  
  
• Postpartum Mental Health and Support: Struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety? Paige and Chelsea talk about why self-advocacy is crucial, how to navigate societal pressures, and why moms should trust their instincts over external advice.
  
  
• How to Avoid the Comparison Trap: Social media can make motherhood feel like a highlight reel. Paige offers practical tips to let go of comparisons and embrace your unique motherhood journey.

This episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and honest reflections, reminding moms that it’s okay to feel defeated—and how to find support through it all.

Whether you’re TTC, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to life postpartum, the conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered to prioritize yourself on this 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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

Send us a text

What are the must-have items for a baby registry?

When creating a baby registry, it’s easy to focus on the nursery, baby gear, and the cutest clothes and swaddles. But here’s the question so many moms overlook: What about YOU?

In today’s episode, Chelsea shifts the focus to the mom behind the registry. Inspired by her recent experience as a vendor at an event, Chelsea reflects on the feedback from moms who felt truly celebrated with a giveaway basket designed just for them. The message was clear: Moms need to be part of the registry conversation.

Tune in to learn:

• Why prioritizing postpartum recovery and self-care on your registry is a game-changer.
• A curated checklist of postpartum essentials—from nursing must-haves to recovery tools—that every mom should consider adding.
• How to gently guide your loved ones to include items that focus on your needs, too.

A baby registry isn’t just about bottles and blankets—it’s a chance to prepare for a smoother postpartum recovery and ensure you feel supported, rested, and ready to embrace life with your little one.

This episode is your step-by-step guide to building a registry that works for both baby and mom. Don’t miss it!

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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

Send us a text

Preparing for postpartum recovery? In this episode of Postpartum Better, host Chelsea Barbine shares expert tips on how to prepare your home for a smooth recovery after giving birth. Skip the nursery prep for now and focus on nesting in the three most important rooms: the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. These spaces are where you'll spend most of your postpartum days, and Chelsea’s actionable advice will help you feel organized, supported, and ready for whatever motherhood brings.

Mentions: 

The Cultivate Crew (Enrollment Now Open!): https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew 

Nested & Nourished: 4-Steps to Approach Postpartum with Ease Course: https://corecarecultivate.com/nested-nourished 

Babylist Featured Article: https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/home-products-for-postpartum 

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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com

Send us a text

Wondering about the glucose test during pregnancy? You’re not alone! Many expecting moms have questions like: What is the glucose test? Can I eat before taking the glucose test? What happens if I fail the glucose test? 

In honor of crossing off a huge pregnancy screening during week 27 of pregnancy, Chelsea chats with Jacqueline Ramsey, founder of the Fresh Test, to shed light on:

• The purpose of glucose testing and its role in diagnosing gestational diabetes
• The differences between traditional glucose solutions and the Fresh Test alternative
• Why clean ingredients matter and how the Fresh Test is reshaping pregnancy care standards
• How to approach providers about alternative testing options

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

Coach with me in the Cultivate Crew: https://corecarecultivate.com/the-cultivate-crew

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

Connect with me on IG: @Chelsea.barbine

Email me: Chelsea@corecarecultivate.com