The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast | Matrescence | Relationship after baby | Motherhood life – Details, episodes & analysis

What if the problem isn’t your partner… but that you’re both trying to love each other in old ways that no longer fit?

In this gentle and reflective episode of The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast, we explore how relearning love is essential after parenthood — especially when the spark feels faint, but the love is still there. You may not be in crisis, but if you're feeling more like roommates in marriage than lovers, or wondering why the emotional connection after babyfeels different, you are not alone.

We’ll talk about why parenthood affects marriage, how to recognize the signs of emotional disconnection, and the quiet ache of missing your partner when they’re right next to you. If you've ever thought, “I love my partner, but I don’t feel in love,” this is for you.

No pressure. No perfection. Just simple, real-world tools for tired parents who want to feel close again—like micro rituals, weekly check-in questions, and using love languages in marriage as a compass, not a rulebook. It’s about building emotional intimacy slowly, kindly, and with more awareness.

✨ This week’s free journaling prompt is designed to help you tune into what kind of love you need now—not what worked before kids. Download it via markellakaplani.com/newsletter.

Today we explore:

• 🔍 How parenthood changes your emotional needs
• 💬 Signs you're emotionally ready to reconnect
• 🧠 Tiny rituals that restore intimacy
• ❤️ Why love after baby requires a new emotional language

--- Full Transcript HERE. — Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 👉 Link to my Newsletter 👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge

📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 📢 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com

You’re doing your best—making lunches, folding laundry, handling bedtime routines.

Yet, something feels off. Your partner seems distant, and despite your efforts, the emotional connection is missing.​

In this episode of The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast, we delve into the complexities of love languages in the context of parenting.

As responsibilities increase, couples often find themselves expressing love in ways that may not resonate with their partner.

This mismatch can lead to feelings of being unappreciated and misunderstood.​

We explore why these mismatches occur, especially during the demanding phase of early parenthood.

Factors like stress, fatigue, and changing personal needs can alter how we give and receive love. 

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for maintaining a strong emotional bond.​

This episode offers practical strategies to bridge the gap:​

- Recognizing and respecting each other’s love languages.​

- Implementing regular check-ins to stay emotionally connected.​

- Learning to express love in ways that resonate with your partner.​

By becoming more attuned to each other’s emotional needs, couples can foster a deeper connection, even amidst the chaos of parenting.

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To support this journey, I’ve created a free journaling prompt designed to help you reflect on your love language and better understand your partner’s. Sign up for my newsletter at markellakaplani.com/newsletter to receive this resource directly in your inbox.​

Remember, love languages can evolve, especially during significant life changes like becoming a parent.

By staying curious and open, you can navigate these changes together, strengthening your relationship along the way.​

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🎁 Want extra support? Download my free journaling prompt to discover your current love language at markellakaplani.com/newsletter -- Full Transcript  HERE. -- Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉 Subscribe for more parenting insights 👉 Grab my top Resources 👉 Get on my [FREE] Newsletter 👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge

📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com

We all want to do our best as parents, but perfect parenting might not be the gift we think it is. In fact, striving to be a perfect mother or a perfect father can actually create struggles for our kids later in life. This episode dives into why perfect parent syndrome leads to emotional dependence, low frustration tolerance, and unrealistic relationship expectations.

So, what is good parenting? Research in attachment theory shows that kids don’t need us to be flawless—they need us to be real. The concept of good enough parenting, first introduced by Donald Winnicott, explains why children benefit more from good enough parenting than from a parent who never makes mistakes. The ability to repair small ruptures in relationships, rather than avoiding them altogether, builds resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-trust.

In this episode, I’ll be sharing positive parenting tips to help you shift from trying to figure out how to be a perfect parent to embracing a more balanced approach. You’ll learn why letting go of perfection doesn’t mean lowering your standards but actually making space for connection, growth, and emotional security.

I’ll also share a case study about a client, “Michael,” who was raised by a perfect mother. His childhood was full of warmth, attentiveness, and love—but as an adult, he struggled to form meaningful relationships because no one could measure up to that level of emotional perfection. This is why it's so important to rethink how to be a perfect mother or how to be a perfect father and instead embrace good enough parenting.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not getting everything right, this episode will help you reframe your mindset and show you how being “good enough” is actually the best thing you can do for your child.

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🔔 Subscribe for more parenting insights 📩 Join my [FREE] newsletter for extra support 👉 Get the [FREE] Calm Parent, Calm Child Guide 📢 Share this with a parent who needs to hear it!

--- Full Transcript HERE. — Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 👉 Link to my Newsletter 👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge

📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world!

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Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com

Feeling distant from your partner after having a baby? You’re not alone. Many couples struggle with communication breakdowns after becoming parents, leaving them feeling disconnected, unheard, and even questioning their relationship.

In this episode, we’ll dive into: ✔️ Why couples stop talking after kids (it’s not just sleep deprivation!) ✔️ The hidden reasons behind emotional distance in parenthood ✔️ How to recognize the signs of communication breakdown before it’s too late ✔️ Tested strategies to bring back meaningful conversations and intimacy

If your relationship feels like it’s running on autopilot, don’t wait until resentment builds up. Learn how to reset communication, reconnect emotionally, and rebuild your bond as partners—not just co-parents. --- Full Transcript HERE. — Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 👉 Link to my Newsletter 👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge

📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com

Motherhood can be beautiful, but it can also bring unexpected challenges like postpartum rage—a raw and often unspoken aspect of the matrescence journey. In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the emotional layers of being an overwhelmed mom and why some moms experience feelings of anger and frustration in the early stages of motherhood.

Through Sami's deeply personal story, we explore the intersection of postpartum struggles, motherhood challenges, and the healing power of self-awareness. Together, we uncover how a supportive motherhood community, small pockets of self-care, and honest conversations about emotional burnout can transform rage into growth.

✨ Today, we find out:

• 🌿 Why postpartum rage isn’t your fault (and how to address it)
• 🧡 How self-care isn’t selfish but essential for moms
• 🕊️ The connection between gentle parenting and self-compassion
• 🌈 The power of repair: How making mistakes can strengthen bonds

If you’ve ever felt like an overwhelmed mom on the edge or questioned if your parenting struggles are “normal,” this episode is for you. Discover actionable self-care tips for moms and embark on your own healing journey to find peace amidst the chaos.

You’re not alone—tune in and start reclaiming joy in your motherhood experience today.

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Full Episode Transcript HERE --- Sami's Details and Links

Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 👉 Link to my Newsletter 👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge

📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com

Postpartum anxiety affects 1 in 5 mothers, yet many don’t realize what’s happening. You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. Anxiety in new parenthood can feel like an unrelenting fire alarm, keeping you on edge and stealing the joy from those precious first months.

This episode unpacks the emotional and physical toll postpartum anxiety takes and how societal pressures can make it worse. But there’s hope! You’ll learn five actionable strategies, from mindfulness practices to reframing anxious thoughts, to help you regain clarity and connection. Today, we’ll uncover:

• 🌸 What postpartum anxiety really is
• 🛑 Signs to look for in yourself or a partner
• 🤲 Ways to seek support without guilt
• 🧘‍♀️ Simple tools for grounding yourself

Postpartum anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken. It’s a sign your system needs compassion and care. Listen now and take your first step toward healing—for you and your family. --- Full Transcript HERE. — Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 👉 Link to my Newsletter 👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge 📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com

Are you worried that your relationship is drifting apart after becoming parents? You’re not alone. Parenthood changes everything, including the way we connect with our partners. In this episode, I dive into the subtle yet powerful signs of emotional distance in relationships, especially for couples navigating the demands of parenthood. Using my 6-step framework, I’ll guide you through how to bridge the emotional gap, rekindle intimacy, and rebuild your connection with simple, intentional actions. We’ll discuss common causes of disconnection, such as the energy drain of parenting, identity shifts in matrescence and patrescence, and unmet expectations that silently grow into resentment. You’ll also learn how to spot early warning signs like reduced communication, a lack of physical affection, and lingering conflicts that never seem to resolve. I’ll share real-life examples and practical tools you can start using today, including journaling prompts to help you reflect on what truly matters in your relationship. Whether you’re dealing with small signs of disconnection or feel like you’re at a breaking point, this episode will give you actionable steps to reignite the closeness you once had. This is perfect for parents who want to strengthen their marriage, create a healthier family dynamic, and ensure their kids grow up in a loving and connected environment. If you’re ready to take the next step, I also introduce my Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge, designed for busy parents who want to reignite their relationship in just seven days. Don’t let emotional distance grow into something bigger—take action today. Subscribe for more content on parenthood, relationships, and creating a life where you can thrive as a couple and a family. Let’s navigate the challenges of parenthood together!

--- Full Transcript HERE. — Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 👉 Link to my Newsletter 👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge

📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com

Parenthood isn’t just about raising kids – it’s about rewriting your relationship with yourself. In this transformative episode, we explore how gentle parenting starts from within. If you’ve ever wondered why staying calm with your kids feels impossible some days, the answer lies in your inner critic. Together, we uncover how your past parenting experiences shape the way you treat yourself – and how that impacts your children.

Through heartfelt stories and actionable steps, this episode dives deep into:

• The secret connection between self-compassion and parenting success.
• Why your inner child resists change – and how to heal it.
• Practical tools to reframe self-criticism into growth.

By the end, you’ll understand why parenting isn’t just about doing more – it’s about healing yourself to create the family culture you dream of. TimeStamps 00:00 Welcome to Season Two!

01:29 The Power of Gentle Parenting

07:23 Understanding Self-Criticism

12:51 Breaking the Cycle of Self-Criticism

34:18 Practical Steps for Self-Compassion

47:36 Final Thoughts and Weekly Challenge --- Full Transcript HERE

— Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 📩 Get in touch with me instagram.com/markella.kaplani www.markellakaplani.com e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Clinical-Counseling Psychologist

Parenthood & Relationship Coach

www.markellakaplani.com

In this coaching session, we explore the complexities of motherhood, identity shifts, and breaking generational patterns with Gavie Remaly, boundaries advocate and host of The Blissfully Bold Podcast. Together, we delve into the struggles working moms face, from navigating anxiety and control to balancing work, family, and self. This episode unpacks the emotional challenges of parenting, including how childhood patterns shape our current roles as parents. Gavie shares her journey of discovering "micro-journaling," a simple yet impactful tool for setting boundaries and finding clarity amidst the chaos of motherhood. Along the way, we uncover the transformative power of self-compassion, letting go of guilt, and creating a safe space for emotional growth. Whether you’re a mom seeking balance or a partner striving to understand and support, this episode offers actionable advice, relatable moments, and profound insights into building deeper connections within your family.

Ways to Connect with Gavie Remaly: Podcast: The Blissfully Bold Podcast Instagram: @gavie.remaly DM her to learn more about micro-journaling and boundary-setting.

--- Full Transcript HERE. — Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com

In this insightful episode, we dive into the art of cultivating connection with Dr. Adam Dorsay, licensed psychologist, executive coach, and author of Super Psyched. This conversation is packed with strategies for strengthening relationships, especially for couples navigating the challenges of parenting. Dr. Dorsay shares actionable advice on reconnecting with your partner and the importance of emotional connection in building a thriving relationship.

As we explore the shifts that occur in family life, Dr. Dorsay emphasizes how couples can maintain intimacy in marriage and balance the demands of parenthood and relationship. Listeners will gain practical tools for improving family dynamics and creating lasting bonds. Whether you are a parent looking to rekindle romance or simply seeking deeper connections, this episode delivers heartfelt and practical solutions.

Dr. Dorsay delves into the significance of relationship advice for parents and the power of small actions in improving family communication. He provides tangible examples of how partners can support each other while also fostering strong bonds with their children. Tune in for extremely effective, yet simple techniques for navigating relationship changes and sustaining strong family bonds.

One of the highlights of this discussion is maintaining intimacy after kids. Dr. Dorsay introduces creative approaches to keep passion alive, helping couples reconnect and enjoy a fulfilling relationship. These strategies align beautifully with his insights on enhancing marital satisfaction and ensuring that couples feel united even amidst the chaos of family life.

If you’re ready to explore the keys to cultivating connection and living with greater vitality, this episode is for you!

Ways to Connect with Dr. Adam Dorsay:

• Book: Super Psyched
• Podcast: SuperPsyched
• Website: DrAdamDorsay.com
• Email: adam@dradamdorsay.com

Don’t miss this powerful conversation on love, connection, and family!

--- Full Transcript HERE. — Want to take our relationship to the next level? 👉Here are my top Resources 📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com) 🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! ---

Markella Kaplani, M.A. Clinical-Counseling Psychologist Parenthood & Relationship Coach www.markellakaplani.com