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In this intimate "flare day" confession, Chelsea records from their couch to discuss a fundamental shift in how they are approaching the new year. Moving away from traditional resolutions, Chelsea shares why their word for 2026 is "Believe"—specifically, the belief that they are worthy of good things, joy, and comfort despite the chaos of the world.

Tune in to hear why saying "yes" to yourself is actually one of the best things you can do for your family.

Key Takeaways

• Energy as a Finite Resource: Inspired by a Taylor Swift quote, Chelsea discusses the importance of being protective and intentional about where you spend your mental and physical energy.
• The Power of "Believe": The theme for the year is centered on believing in one's own worthiness of care and the existence of "glimmers" even during heavy times.
• Reclaiming Body Relationship: Chelsea shares the experience of doing a boudoir shoot with photographer Megan to heal a fractured relationship with a body impacted by chronic illness.
• Realistic Self-Care: Self-care isn't about being "super mom"; it's about filling your own cup so you have the mental capacity to be present and invested in your family's lives.
• Strategic Planning for Joy: For those who are planners, Chelsea suggests budgeting time and money for the "scary things" you've been putting off, rather than waiting for the "right time".
• The Multi-Layered "Yes": Saying "yes" to personal desires is about more than the activity itself—it's about the feeling of being seen, respected, and empowered.

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
Send Chelsea a message on PodMatch

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In this episode, I'm connecting with fellow Vermonters and parenting podcasters Mike and Meghann Oquendo, hosts of Pondering Parenthood, to talk about the journey from educators to parents, the grief and chaos of early parenthood, and the deep work of reconnecting to themselves, to each other, and to their joy.

From miscarriage and pandemic birth stories to sleepless nights, relationship strain, and rediscovering glimmers, Mike and Meghann share their honest, funny, and deeply relatable story of what happens when love meets exhaustion, and how healing comes from community, therapy, and gratitude.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Parenthood brings both joy and grief—and it’s okay to feel both.
• Early parenting can feel isolating, but community and honesty create healing.
• Bonding doesn’t always happen instantly; connection grows through time and presence.
• Practicing gratitude and therapy helped Mike rediscover joy in fatherhood.
• It’s okay to step away when overwhelmed—both babies and parents need regulation.

💬 Soundbites

1. “Having a kid is not all joy. It’s a lot of joy and it’s also a lot of grief and mourning—and that’s okay.” — Mike
2. “Sometimes the safest thing you can do is put your baby down and walk away.” — Meghann
3. “I didn’t start really enjoying being a dad until six months ago.” — Mike
4. “This podcast brought back a piece of my purpose I thought I’d lost.” — Meghann
5. “Parenting isn’t a checklist anymore. It’s presence.” — Mike

Check out Pondering Parenthood on Instagram, and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
Send Chelsea a message on PodMatch

Send us a text

*This episode discusses topics realted to Postpartum Psychosis, including delusional thinking and psychiatric hospitalization.

In this episode of Quiet Connection, Chelsea sits down with Willemijn De Bruin, a world traveler, public health researcher, and mother of two, to discuss her unexpected journey through postpartum psychosis. Willemijn opens up about her traumatic first birth, her two psychiatric hospitalizations in the UK, and the painstaking road to recovery that took nearly a year.

She also shares her courageous decision to have a second child despite the risks, how she built a preventative strategy and support system, and the healing birth that followed. Now an outspoken advocate for maternal mental health, Willemijn combines her lived experience with her professional background to raise awareness and push for systemic change.

This episode is a testament to resilience, recovery, and the power of speaking out.

To learn more about Willemijn, visit her Instagram or Website.

If you or a loved one is facing maternal mental health challenges, please use the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA) or the Postpartum Support International Warm Line (1-800-944-4773). You can also call or text 988 if you are in immediate crisis.

If you suspect you or your loved one is experiencing Postpartum Psychosis, please seek treatment at your nearest emergency department.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Postpartum psychosis can happen to anyone—even without prior mental health history.
• Hospitalization in mother-baby units can save lives, but access remains limited globally.
• Relapse is possible, but recovery is also possible—it often takes a year or more.
• With preventative planning and strong support systems, second pregnancies can be healing.
• Advocacy and storytelling are powerful tools to reduce stigma and improve healthcare systems.

💬 Soundbites

1. “I never thought it could happen to me—and then I suffered postpartum psychosis.”
2. “My partner saved my life by insisting something was wrong when I couldn’t see it.”
3. “Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital—that’s when it begins.”
4. “Postpartum psychosis can happen to anyone. It’s not rare. It’s one to two in a thousand births.”
5. “I owned my story early on. Speaking about it openly was part of my healing.”

This episode discusses topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Please check the show notes for more information and be mindful of your own mental health and comfort levels.

Real moms. Real talk. Zero sugarcoating.
Join Odd Moms On Call as we tackle parenting in a world on fire—one hot take, eye roll, and belly laugh at a time.

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
Send Chelsea a message on PodMatch