Episode #313: Baby-Proofing Your Relationship: How to Stay Connected as Parents with Ivy Joeva

Please remember that the views on this podcast and website are not meant to be substituted for medical advice, shouldn’t be used to diagnose, treat or cure any conditions, and are intended for general information purposes only.

Becoming parents is one of the most transformative experiences in a relationship—but it can also be one of the most challenging. In this episode, fertility coach, doula, and birth educator Ivy Joeva shares expert insights on baby-proofing your relationship, navigating intimacy changes, and maintaining a strong emotional connection through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.

We uncover the most common relationship struggles new parents face, from shifting household roles to dealing with resentment, and discuss how to communicate effectively to prevent cracks from turning into deeper divides. Ivy also dives into the realities of parenthood and intimacy, offering guidance on keeping the spark alive even when exhaustion and new responsibilities take center stage.

Plus, we explore difficult but necessary conversations—how to navigate infertility challenges as a couple, when separation might be the best path forward, and how to co-parent with compassion if divorce becomes a reality.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or deep into parenting, this episode is packed with actionable tips to strengthen your relationship and create a thriving partnership.

 

Topics Covered In This Episode:

  • Baby-proofing your relationship and marriage
  • Navigating intimacy after baby
  • Common relationship struggles for new parents
  • Effective communication strategies for couples
  • Managing resentment and parental stress

Show Notes: 

  • Reach out to Ivy (@IvyJoeva on Instagram) for a free 30-minute consult
  • Visit Ivy’s website: www.ivyjoeva.com
  • Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!
  • Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Follow Steph & Dr. Elana on Instagram

 

This episode’s sponsors

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This episode’s guest

Ivy Joeva is a fertility coach, doula and birth educator serving women and couples who desire a conscious path on the journey of conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond. Bridging the gap between modern science and ancient wisdom, Ivy’s approach emphasizes the mind-body connection and includes the physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual aspects of care. She provides support throughout the childbearing year including fertility coaching, holistic preparation for birth, postpartum recovery care and counseling for pregnancy loss of all kinds. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Ivy became a doula in 2009. She serves clients across the United States and abroad.

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