Postpartum Better | Postpartum Recovery, Sleep Support, Breastfeeding, FTM, Postpartum Depression, Mom Guilt, Identity

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Thinking about a tongue tie release for your baby — but not sure if it’s actually necessary?
In this episode, I’m joined by occupational therapist Kelsey Swope, owner of Baby Basics OT, to break down what parents should really know about tongue ties.
We talk about feeding challenges, reflux, body tension, baby milestones, and why the common advice to “wait and see” can sometimes leave families stuck and struggling longer than necessary.
If you’ve been feeling like something is "off" — or just want to better understand what your baby may be communicating through their body — this episode is for you.

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:
Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea
Get Your Ticket to the Postpartum Better Expo in King of Prussia, PA on March 21, 2026
Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol
Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

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Are freezer meals really enough for postpartum?
In this episode, postpartum health coach Chelsea Barbine sits down with Rachel Popik, founder of Stay Doughy, to talk about one of the most overlooked parts of postpartum recovery: how moms are actually supposed to feed themselves once the baby arrives.
Because yes, freezer meals can help.
But they only go so far.
Chelsea and Rachel unpack the invisible labor of feeding yourself postpartum—from deciding what to eat, to grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up—and why this burden so often falls on moms during one of the most physically and emotionally demanding seasons of life.
They also explore why dinner gets all the attention in traditional meal trains, even though breakfast, lunch, snacks, and easy-to-grab nourishment are often what moms need most.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why feeding yourself postpartum is about more than just “having food ready”
The invisible labor behind every meal—and why it matters so much after birth
Why traditional meal trains can be helpful and limited
Practical ways to prepare for postpartum nourishment before baby arrives
The key nutrients Rachel recommends moms prioritize for healing and recovery
How postpartum food support may need to extend far beyond the first few weeks
If you’ve ever wondered what you’re actually supposed to eat postpartum—or how to make sure nourishment doesn’t become one more thing on your plate—this episode is for you.
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.

Rachel Popik (she/her) is an anti-diet chef, cooking instructor and the founder of Stay Doughy, specializing in postpartum nutrition. Based in Philadelphia, Rachel is a lover of food, nature, foraging, gardening, and nature. She’s happiest when she’s in the kitchen, using cooking as a creative outlet, a way to care for her community, and heal her relationship with her body. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @StayDoughy and find her offerings on her website at staydoughy.com

Resources Mentioned:
The Nourished Mother by Lindsay Taylor 
The First Forty Days by Heng Ou
*Host receives commission on linked products

Next Steps:
Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea
Get Your Ticket to the Postpartum Better Expo in King of Prussia, PA on March 21, 2026
Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol
Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

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Are you constantly wondering if your baby is actually getting enough—or if feeding is “supposed” to hurt this much?
In this episode, Chelsea Barbine sits down with lactation consultant Ashley Feeley to unpack the biggest points of confusion families face in the early days of feeding—especially when you’re sleep-deprived, overwhelmed by advice, and trying to figure out what’s normal (and what’s not).
You’ll learn:
How often should a newborn eat? (Is every 30–90 minutes normal?)
Is my baby getting enough milk? Signs to look for beyond the clock
How do I know if the latch is good? What effective milk transfer feels/sounds like
Why does breastfeeding hurt? When nipple pain is normal vs. not
When can I let my baby sleep longer at night?
Why is my baby not gaining weight? What might actually be going on
Should I wake my baby to feed?
Is it okay to give a bottle for my sanity? (The “mental health bottle” explained)
Cluster feeding or low supply? How to tell the difference
How do I trust my gut as a new mom?
If you’ve ever fed your baby… put them down… and then heard them cue again 30 minutes later, this episode will remind you: you’re not doing it wrong. You’re learning your baby—and that takes support, not shame.

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.

Connect with Ashley Feeley, IBCLC
Website: www.lovelylatchlactation.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelylatchlactation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelylatchlactation/

Next Steps:
Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea
Get Your Ticket to the Postpartum Better Expo in King of Prussia, PA on March 21, 2026
Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol
Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

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The internet loves a simple rule: “Wait 6–8 weeks, then get back to working out.”
But real postpartum life isn’t that simple.
In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Kat Bright, a perinatal trainer (and athlete for life), to talk about returning to movement in the first year postpartum—without the bounce-back pressure, guilt, or all-or-nothing mindset.
Kat shares why postpartum fitness shouldn’t be about shrinking or “undoing” birth. It’s about rebuilding strength on your terms: more resilience, more vitality, and a body that feels like home again.

You’ll hear:
Why chasing your pre-baby body can keep you stuck
What consistency actually looks like with babies and toddlers
Why unfinished workouts still count (even just putting your workout clothes on)
How to start when you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin
What to do when time and childcare feel like the biggest barrier
The “another baby vs. best shape of my life” conversation — and why it’s not either/or
Practical movement ideas when time and childcare are limited—especially in winter
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.

Connect with Kat NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Prenatal and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katfitstrength/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatFitStudios/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@katfit
Email Newsletter: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/82744/165616968429208964/share
Website: https://www.kat.fit/ 
Next Steps:
Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea
Get Your Ticket to the Postpartum Better Expo in King of Prussia, PA on March 21, 2026
Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol
Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter

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Have you ever finally gotten the baby down…
looked at your partner…
and wondered, “Will this ever feel easy — or even fun — again?”
You love each other.
You chose each other.
But right now?
You’re exhausted. Maybe even a little distant.
If you have, first of all — you’re not alone.
Postpartum changes everything.
Your body. Your sleep. Your identity. Your capacity.
And because of that… your intimacy, too.
In this episode, Chelsea talks with marriage and family therapist, Jaclyn Zeal. Together, they talk about why intimacy often feels different after baby — and what you can actually do about 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.

Connect with Jaclyn
Website: https://therapywithjaclyn.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithjaclyn
Next Steps:
Book a call to coach with Chelsea: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/coachwithchelsea
Get Your Ticket to the Postpartum Better Expo in King of Prussia, PA on March 21, 2026
Grab my Postpartum Better Protocol: https://postpartumbetter.com/postpartum-better-protocol
Connect with me on IG: @postpartumbetter