Hey friend,
A few years ago, I found myself fantasizing about a women-only island. No offense to men, I was just done. Done with explaining. Done with carrying it all. Done with wondering if my needs were too much.
Maybe you’ve been there too.
Maybe you’ve asked, “Why am I the only one who sees the emotional load we’re carrying?”
I know I’m not alone in that. And yet… I’ve also seen something shifting. Slowly. Quietly. But it’s there.
This week on the podcast, I sat down with Fred Van Riper, a Fair Play facilitator who works with men to create more balanced, emotionally aware partnerships. We talked openly (and a little uncomfortably, in the best way) about patriarchy, shame, defensiveness, and what it looks like for men to actually show up and lead the change we keep saying we want.
And spoiler alert: It’s not about gold stars for changing a diaper.
It’s about redefining what partnership looks like—and how we heal together, not apart.
🎧 Here’s what we dive into in this episode:
- Why men often get defensive—and how to move past it
- How shame keeps us stuck in old gender roles
- Tangible steps men can take to be real partners at home
- Why women are tired, and why many still hold hope
This is the kind of conversation that doesn’t happen enough. And it’s for anyone in a relationship—not just moms, not just dads, not just couples in crisis.
🎙 Click here to listen to the episode and then share it with your partner. Seriously—play it on a walk or during carpool. Let it spark something. If you have thoughts, send them my way! We're thinking about doing more episodes together on this to
🛠 Want support putting this into action?
Whether your partner is just starting to step up, or you’re trying to let go of the mental to-do list swirling in your head…
The "Streamline Your Home" guide is here to help.
This free resource is packed with tangible tools to:
- Get out of default parent mode
- Clarify household responsibilities
- Communicate without spiraling into a fight
- And shift the energy in your home without carrying the emotional labor yourself
💻 Download Streamline Your Home now
Let’s make home feel like a team sport again.
Let’s wrap with a journal prompt I wrote for you:
What’s one thing you wish your partner knew about how the weight of “doing it all” has impacted you—and one thing you’ve noticed they’re trying, even if it’s imperfect?
Reflection brings clarity. And clarity leads to change.
With you in the mess and the progress,
❤️ Chelsea
P.S. Have a friend who’s doing this work too? Forward this email. Let’s keep building a better way—together.
Upcoming Events:
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Micro Moments (Free) Connection Challenge
Want to feel more connected to your partner—without overhauling your whole life?
This 5-day challenge helps you shift your relationship with small, intentional moments that actually fit your real life. Quick, doable, and seriously powerful. I'm here to make it easy for you to follow and enjoy the benefits of micro moments with your partner.
Join the free challenge and make more connections now!
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If you’re in Central Ohio, let’s hang out! Join for one of the monthly brewery meet-ups where you can connect with other moms, win fun prizes, and have activities for the kids! It’s a low mental-load way to enjoy the day! Our next event is April 26th!
See upcoming dates and locations here!
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Are you a professional in the pregnancy, birth, postpartum or early parenting world? If so, this free workshop is for you! I’ll share the common relationship struggles I see in my work and offer gentle ways you can support your clients without overstepping your role.
Next workshop is May 14th- Register for free here!
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Current Coaching Offerings
The Connected Couple Blueprint
A 4-month guided approach to help you and your partner breakthrough disconnection, identify what’s really causing tension, and learn exactly how to rebuild intimacy and teamwork. With clear direction and actionable strategies, you'll stop spinning your wheels and start creating a relationship where you both feel seen, heard, and truly connected again.
Book a free call with me to learn more about this.
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The Confident Mom Reset
Maybe what you need right now is to feel more like YOU. It’s the first step to so many things and most moms aren’t making space for it. I’ve made it easy with this 4-week small group. This is for you if…
You feel drained, stuck in survival mode, and unsure how to reclaim time for yourself.
The mental load is suffocating, and you don’t know how to lighten it.
You want to feel like you again—not just a mom, but a whole person.
You crave a community of women who get it, who won’t judge, and who are also ready for a change.
You know something needs to shift, but you’re not sure where to start.
The next group starts the week of April 27th. Interested? Let’s talk about it!
Book a free call with me to learn more about this.
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Mirco Coaching Sessions
NEW If you’re not ready to commit to weekly coaching, but you need something to change before you lose your ever-loving mind…This is for you.
I’ve been offering micro sessions as a consultant for another business and have found them to be really helpful! These are one-off 90-minute sessions where we’ll workshop together on the problem you want to solve, what’s in the way, and exactly what to do about it. This works if you are able to identify the one pattern, habit, or struggle you keep getting into and know you need to break. Book a micro-session now!
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Did you know?
Spending just 20 to 30 minutes in nature—like sitting on a park bench or strolling through a garden—can significantly lower your stress hormone levels.A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that this brief nature break reduces cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, helping you feel more relaxed and refreshed. So, get out there!
Sending you support (and permission to not do it all),
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Chelsea Skaggs
Founder, Postpartum Together
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