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28 - The Relational Transition to Parenthood (Guest: Angharad Hollingworth)
Manage episode 479593484 series 3620260
In this heart-opening episode, Deb sits down with Marriage and Family Therapist and birth worker Angharad Hollingworth to dive deep into the relational shifts that come with becoming a parent — the ones nobody really warns you about.
Together, they explore the emotional, physical, and neurological changes that happen when a baby enters the family, not just for the birthing parent, but for the entire relational system. This conversation offers a raw and real look at why becoming a parent is so much more than just "adding a baby" to your life.
Key Topics Include:
✨ How to prepare your partnership for the shifts ahead — and avoid resentment traps
✨ Building a "new family bubble" and setting loving, firm boundaries with relatives and friends
✨ How to shrink and adapt your old self-care and relationship routines to fit the postpartum season
Angharad also shares powerful tools like the Parenthood Mapping Exercise — a free, easy-to-do-at-home practice to help you and your partner uncover your unconscious beliefs about parenting before they create conflict. (Deb also has a free printable handout version based on this — check the link below!)
This episode is packed with insights, actionable tools, and heartfelt validation for anyone navigating the messy, beautiful transformation that comes with bringing a new life into the world.
🌟 Free Resources Mentioned:
- New help setting boundaries? Grab my free Let’s Talk About It! Worksheet here as a guide.
- Want a tool to help with exploring how to make your family bubble? Grab my free Me We Us Worksheet here
✨ Want more support on your journey?
- Explore Doula Deb’s Preparing for Parenthood Workbook
- Check out her Postpartum Meal Planning Workbook & Guide
- Sign up for Doula Deb’s monthly newsletter for more free resources, tips, and heartfelt support right here!
🔗 Connect with Angharad Hollingworth:
- Website: angharadhollingworth.com
- Instagram: @angharadhollingworth
- Learn about her therapy offerings, 4-hour intensives, and The Playground support group for moms at Thresholds Collective.
If you’ve ever felt like no one warned you just how much parenthood would rock your world — and your relationships — this episode is your permission slip to stop "powering
Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.
Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.
Chapters
1. Welcome & Introduction of Angharad Hollingworth (00:00:00)
2. Importance of Relational Shifts During Parenthood (00:02:17)
3. The Need for Better Support for Parents (00:02:55)
4. Statistics on Couples in Therapy (00:03:53)
5. Attachment Theory and Its Importance (00:06:07)
6. Cultural Markers and Celebrations in Parenthood (00:07:47)
7. The Impact of Parenthood on Identity (00:09:03)
8. Neurological Changes in Caregivers (00:10:00)
9. The Grief of Transitioning into Parenthood (00:12:15)
10. The Journey of Dads in Parenthood (00:12:58)
11. Gender Dynamics in Parenting (00:15:35)
12. Invisible Labor in Parenting (00:18:47)
13. Exploring Parenting Ideals and Expectations (00:21:36)
14. Exploring Parenthood: A Reflective Exercise (00:24:06)
15. Understanding Generational Influences in Parenting (00:26:31)
16. The Importance of Communication in Parenting (00:29:09)
17. Navigating the Surprises of New Parenthood (00:29:55)
18. Tools for Strengthening Family Connections (00:33:27)
19. Establishing Boundaries with Extended Family (00:37:24)
20. 46:31 Protecting Attachment in the New Family Dynamic (00:46:31)
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