The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast | Matrescence | Relationship after baby | Motherhood life

Postpartum Identity Crisis? How to Reignite Joy and Purpose in Small Doses | Ep. 51

There’s a version of you that no one sees anymore—not because she’s gone, but because life got so loud and she got so quiet.

In today’s episode, we sit down with that forgotten part of you and whisper: “I still see you.”

Through real listener questions, I explore the hidden emotional terrain so many parents walk silently:
from grieving lost freedom, to watching your partner thrive while you unravel, to the numbness that creeps in and replaces passion with survival.

There is nothing wrong with you.
You’re becoming.

And together, we’ll name what’s been exiled, explore how identity gets reshaped in the trenches of caregiving, and discover how small acts of self-connection can start bringing you back.

Today we explore:

• The invisible grief that lives inside parental love

• Why your partner might be thriving while you feel lost

• The neuroscience behind emotional numbness and creativity blocks

• What it means to reclaim yourself—gently, without guilt
  
  

Whether you’re hiding in the bathroom with your earbuds or taking a quiet solo walk, this episode is your mirror.

Come back to yourself, one breath at a time.

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Full Transcript HERE.

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Want to take our relationship to the next level?
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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com

Got Pelvic Floor Pain After Birth? Uncovering Hidden Postpartum Trauma & The Effect on Our Relationship with Lynn Schulte | Ep. 50

Have you ever wondered if your back pain, discomfort during intimacy, or even that nagging feeling that “something’s just off” might be rooted in your birth experience — even if it happened years ago?

In today’s powerful conversation, I’m joined by Lynn Schulte, a pelvic health physical therapist with over 30 years of experience and a pioneer in recognizing what she calls the “open birthing pattern.”

Together, we unpack how childbirth — even when it seems “normal” — can leave lasting, unspoken impacts on our body, emotions, and relationships.

From misunderstood C-section scar pain to the quiet grief of disconnection after birth, we explore the stories that get trapped in our tissues — and how healing is always possible, no matter how long it’s been.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has given birth, loves someone who has, or wants to understand the hidden journey of postpartum recovery.

💥 Spoiler: It's never too late to heal.

Today we explore:

• The truth about pelvic pain, even years postpartum
• Why C-section scars can cause issues decades later
• How trauma manifests physically (and how to release it)
• What disconnection does to intimacy and how to come back home to your body

 

LISTEN IN!

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Full Transcript HERE

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Lynn Schulte’s Links

SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Website

VIDEOS
How to Close the Open Birthing Pattern in the Pelvis

How to Massage Your C-Section Scar

TRAININGS +MORE
Institute For Birth Healing Directory of Providers

Center for Birth Healing Clinical Practice to set up one-on-one sessions in Person or Online

Institute for Birth Healing Online Courses for Providers

Confidence in Your Core, Pelvic Floor and More for MOMS

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

 

Reinvent Yourself After Parenthood: Embracing The Identity Shift | Matrescence | Paretrence | Ep. 49

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Who even am I anymore?”

 

Between sleepless nights, endless responsibilities, and taking care of everyone else, you may feel like you got lost somewhere along the way.

That feeling of identity loss after kids and losing yourself in motherhood /fatherhood is more common than you think—but what if the goal isn’t to go back to who you were before?

What if instead, you get to redesign who you are becoming?

In this episode, we’re moving beyond recognition and into action.

You'll learn how to reclaim your identity after baby without parental guilt, honor both who you were and who you are becoming, and create a version of yourself that feels true.

In this episode, we explore:

🔹 Why rediscovering yourself after baby doesn’t mean “going back”
🔹 What to keep from your past self & what to release
🔹 How parenthood expands you—rather than erases you
🔹 Powerful exercises to help you find yourself again

You get to choose who this new version of you is.

Let’s take that first step—together.

🎧 Listen now & reclaim YOU

 

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Full Transcript HERE.
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The [free] reconnect with yourself calendar that I referred to:
https://www.markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar


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Want to take our relationship to the next level?
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🎧 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

Why Parenthood Feels So Lonely (Even When You're Never Alone) | ReDiscovering You Series [⅔] | Ep. 48

Have you ever felt lonely even with your partner sitting across from you or your child snuggled in your arms? Parenthood changes everything—including how connected you feel in your relationships.

Many parents silently experience emotional disconnection, wondering why they feel distant from their partner or why friendships have faded.

This episode of The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast dives deep into why parenthood can feel isolating, even in a full house.

We uncover the hidden causes of parental loneliness, the subtle signs that emotional distance is creeping in, and how to reconnect without adding more to your already full plate.

Whether your conversations have turned into logistical checklists, you miss deep connection with your partner, or you hesitate to reach out to old friends, this episode gives you simple, actionable ways to rebuild emotional intimacy.

If you’ve been wondering, ‘Why do I feel so lonely as a parent?’ or ‘How can I reconnect with my partner?’, this episode is for you. Tune in, take a deep breath, and know that connection is possible again. Listen now!

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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

Feeling Lost After Kids? How to Rediscover Yourself in Parenthood | Matrescence | Patrescence | Ep. 47 | [Rediscover You Series 1/3]

You know that moment—you’re cleaning up after your kids, scrolling on your phone, and suddenly it hits you: “Who even am I anymore?”

Maybe you used to have hobbies, dreams, and interests. But now, your whole identity seems wrapped up in being a parent. You love your kids, but… where did YOU go?

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. This parenthood identity crisis is more common than we talk about. And the truth? It’s not your fault.

🎙️ In today’s episode, we’re diving into:

• What exactly is matrescence and patrescence (aka the massive identity shifts that happen when we become parents)
• The hidden reasons behind postpartum identity crisis and why so many moms and dads feel like they’ve disappeared
• How to stop feeling like you’re losing yourself in parenthood
• The difference between parental guilt and true self-sacrifice—and how to release the shame
• How to start rediscovering yourself after parenthood in small, guilt-free ways

It’s so easy to get stuck in survival mode—especially if you’re a stay-at-home parent feeling unfulfilled or struggling with the transition to parenthood. Maybe you thought you’d naturally “figure it out,” but instead, you’re feeling lost, exhausted, and like you don’t even recognize yourself anymore.

But here’s the thing: You are more than “just a parent.”

🌿 So, how do we start reclaiming YOU?

✅ Shift your mindset—Parenthood and identity CAN co-exist. You don’t have to choose between being a great parent and being you.
✅ Rebuild your confidence—Finding purpose outside of parenthood doesn’t mean you love your kids any less.
✅ Let go of the guilt—Overcoming guilt and shame starts with recognizing that self-care isn’t selfish.
✅ Take small, intentional steps—Whether it’s a parental transformation or simply making time for yourself, it’s about reconnection, not reinvention.

Parenthood changes you. That’s inevitable. But losing yourself completely? That’s not a requirement.

So, if you’re feeling lost as a parent, struggling with balancing parenthood and career, or just wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again—this episode is for you.

💌 I’ve also put together a free guided journaling exercise to help you pinpoint what’s missing and start reclaiming YOU today. You can grab it through my newsletter—I’ll share the details at the end of the episode.

🎧 Hit play now, and let’s start the journey back to YOU.

#parenthoodidentitycrisis #feelinglostasaparent #rediscovery #matrescence #patrescence

 

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📢 Share this with a parent who needs to hear it!

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Full Transcript HERE.
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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

 

From Crisis to Connection: Andrea Smith on Navigating Parenting & Marriage Challenges | Ep. 46

Parenting can push even the strongest marriages to their limits. In this deeply moving episode, Andrea Smith opens up about navigating parenthood stress while facing family challenges that tested her marriage connection.

She shares the raw truth of what happens when one parent carries the emotional load alone—and the powerful shift that helped her and her husband reconnect.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your partner, trapped in survival mode parenting, or unsure how to support each other through tough times, this episode is for you.

Andrea describes her unique journey through matrescence, from being immersed into motherhood fully to then wondering who she is after her children healed and moved from the nest.

Andrea’s story is a testament to rebuilding relationships, finding emotional resilience, and breaking free from the patterns that keep couples stuck after parenthood.

💬 Today we uncover:

✅ The silent weight of parental burnout & why sharing the load matters
✅ A game-changing mindset shift that transformed their marriage struggles
✅ Why love alone isn’t enough—and what actually makes a relationship thrive
✅ How to heal from emotional distance in relationships
✅ The unexpected role of playfulness in long-term marriage success

If this episode speaks to you, be sure to join my newsletter for deeper insights & a special journaling prompt to help you apply these lessons.

Sign up at MarkellaKaplani.com/newsletter 💌

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Andrea Smith is a passionate advocate for mental health and personal growth, blending her experiences as a mother, entrepreneur, and storyteller to inspire others. After an 18-year corporate career in sales, Andrea stepped away to focus on her family's needs, particularly her children's mental health challenges.

Now, with her children thriving as young adults, Andrea has channeled her journey into This Way Up, a podcast dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers navigating similar struggles.

Andrea is also the co-founder of CarOracle, a woman-owned business revolutionizing the car-buying process with expert guidance and personalized support. With her empathetic approach and commitment to uplifting others, Andrea creates spaces where people can find resources, resilience, and hope.

Andrea’s Links: 

Facebook: @ListentoThisWayUp

Instagram: @ListentoThisWayUp

You Tube: @ThisWayUpPodcast

TikTok:  @ThisWayUpPodcastandrea

www.caroracle.com

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MARKELLA’S LINKS

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📢 Share this with a parent who needs to hear it!

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Full Transcript HERE.
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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

Rethinking Parenthood: Emotional Resilience and Balance in Parenting | Gentle Parenting | Ep 45

In this episode, we explore the drastic changes in parenting styles over the years. The shift from the tough love approach of past generations to today's hyper-aware and overly-involved parenting has left many feeling emotionally drained and constantly questioning their adequacy as parents. The episode examines how to find a middle ground that allows for both parental and child development without falling into the trap of self-sacrifice or over-correcting to the point of overprotective. By shifting perspectives on guilt and self-care, parents can model a balanced and fulfilling life for their children, fostering resilience and independence without compromising their own well-being.

 

00:00 Why Modern Parenthood Feels Like Failure

01:31 The Evolution of Parenting Styles

03:39 The Impact of Tough Love on Our Generation

07:42 The Overcorrection: Hyper-Involved Parenting

12:43 Finding Balance in Parenting

16:22 Modeling Healthy Relationships for Our Kids

18:53 Steps to Sustainable Parenting

23:42 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents

31:31 Conclusion: You Are Enough

 

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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

 

Perfect Parent Syndrome? Attachment Theory on the Dangers of Perfect Parenting vs. Good Enough Parenting | Learn Positive Parenting Tips | Ep. 44

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.

—

🔔 Subscribe for more parenting insights
📩 Join my [FREE] newsletter for extra support
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📢 Share this with a parent who needs to hear it!

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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