118: Before Baby Relationship Checkup with Ellen Darling, PhD

The anticipation of having a baby is often regarded as a joyous event in the life of a couple, and yet the transition to parenthood usually involves profound transitions and challenges in the couples' intimate relationship. Further complicating things, the perinatal period is when women are most vulnerable to mood and anxiety disorders, with perinatal depression being the number one medical complication of the postpartum period. Thankfully, a brief intervention has been developed to strengthen couples' relationships called The Before Baby Relationship Checkup. It's offered during pregnancy to help ease the transition to parenthood and reduce the risk of perinatal mood disorders. We're excited about this new service for new mothers, and we're "chick chatting" with Dr. Ellen Darling to learn more. Who is Ellen Darling, PhD? Dr. Ellen Darling is a clinical psychologist in Providence, RI, specializing in couples therapy, young adult mental health, and perinatal mental health. She holds a PhD from Clark University, where she trained at the Center for Couples and Family Research. Dr. Darling is passionate about guiding couples through challenges, including intimacy difficulties, alienation, communication impasses, chronic conflict, infidelity, parenthood issues, and other periods of transition. She practices Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), an evidence-based approach that identifies patterns that keep partners disconnected and, in doing so, offers new possibilities for empathy and change. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Ellen about the Before Baby Relationship Checkup. This checkup is a couples intervention specifically designed to address maternal mental health by screening pregnant women for early detection and decreasing primary risk factors. Here are several of the questions that we covered: What is perinatal depression, and why don’t we hear much about it? What are some of the risk factors for perinatal depression?  If untreated, what are the risks beyond pregnancy for a woman with perinatal depression?   How does a relationship play a part in maternal mental health?  Tell us about the Before Baby Relationship Checkup. What is it, and why do pregnant women need to know about it? What does the relationship intervention consist of?  How are the results of the checkup addressed, and what are the next steps? How can couples benefit from participating in a Before Baby Relationship Checkup?  Why is early detection important when it comes to maternal mental health?  What can couples do to strengthen their relationship prior to having a baby?  How can a spouse support a mother experiencing perinatal or postpartum depression? Ellen's Resources ellendarlingphd.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Welcome to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, your go-to podcast for navigating the crazy, beautiful chaos of pregnancy and motherhood!  We know that pregnancy and motherhood are no joke. While they are miraculous and wonderful, they can also be overwhelming and exhausting. Our baby expert and host, Nina Spears - The Baby Chick, knows this all too well as an experienced baby planner, doula, childbirth and newborn care educator, and mother. On this show, she has real conversations that celebrate the joys, challenges, and everyday triumphs of growing and raising tiny humans while exposing the truths that moms really want to know. From pregnancy tips to parenting hacks, our experts and real-life parents share stories, advice, tips, and laughter to guide you through the thrilling and wild adventure of raising your family. By tuning in to Chick Chat, expect candid discussions on everything from morning sickness and sleepless nights to first steps and parenting styles. You’ll hear expert insights on topics like pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, breastfeeding, formula-feeding, toddler tantrums, baby sleep, potty training, childproofing, self-care for parents, and so much more. Each episode is crafted with love and warmth, creating a village where mothers can find support, knowledge, and a community that understands the complex magic of motherhood. We understand the unique challenges that mothers face, and we’re here to empower moms with knowledge, support, and inspiration along the way! Whether you're a seasoned parent or awaiting the arrival of your little one, Chick Chat is here with the latest parenting trends, timeless advice, and genuine conversations that make you feel right at home. So, take a moment to relax, tune in, and let's “chick chat” about the joys and challenges of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Subscribe now to ensure you don't miss a single show; visit our website, baby-chick.com, for show notes, and connect with us on Instagram @thebabychickchat to continue the conversation together. Come be part of our growing community of moms supporting moms. Because in the world of motherhood, you deserve the village you’ve always dreamed of!