Reclaiming Postpartum Survival Mode: Secrets to Wellness
Snacks, Self-Doubt, and the Secrets to Breaking Postpartum Survival Mode
Okay, parents, let’s get REALLY real for a second. You know those moments when you catch yourself Googling things like “can I skip parenting today” or “how many times can I reheat coffee before all nutritional value is lost”? If you’re anything like me (and the thousands of parents I talk to every year), there’s a pretty good chance you’ve felt like the transition into parenthood is more out-of-body experience than magical Instagram moment and you’re in survival mode. Sound familiar? Welcome. You are not alone.
In fact, after tuning into an episode on The Real Family Eats where Courtney shares her raw, honest journey through becoming a mom - with its not-so-Instagram filter moments - I couldn’t help but think how many of us could use a little more support in this wild ride of parenting. Not just as individuals, but as partners trying desperately to keep our connection thriving when every spare second seems to be spent changing diapers, negotiating snacks, or wondering if bedtime counts as “me time.”
So, let’s talk about how investing in relationship wellness is not only permissible, it’s essential. And, more importantly, how a Couples Therapy Intensive might be your secret weapon to getting back on track without having to wait for “someday when things calm down.”
The Surprising Reality of Postpartum and Parenting
If you’re scratching your head wondering why the joy isn’t quite as loud as the societal messaging promised, let’s pause and reflect. You're told parenthood is magical and fulfilling (rainbows! unicorns!), but sometimes it feels like stepping into Narnia without a map. At least, that’s how Courtney described it:
“I just remember my son coming out and him being placed in my arms and it was like such an out of body experience. Like, you know, I knew I was supposed to feel happy and joy, but I just felt almost like awkward withholding him because... it was just this human that I didn’t know and I wasn’t having those feelings of complete joy… And it was scary for me.”
Cue every parent who has ever nestled an infant and thought, “Okay… what now?”
And yet, for so many, those first few weeks or months aren’t about magical bonding … they’re about panic, identity crisis, relationship stress, and a million unsolicited opinions (thanks for nothing, internet comments). Sometimes you wonder, “Is this a me problem?” The truth is, it’s a human problem.
Couples - Don’t Lose Yourselves in the Shuffle!
With all that said, here’s where we pivot. If postpartum has left you feeling disconnected from your partner and like you’re in survival mode - maybe you trade loving glances for schedule spreadsheets, or you pass each other like ships in the night while negotiating who gets to shower first - it’s time to get curious about what investing in each other could do for your family.
Here’s the kicker: research (and, let's be honest, lifetimes of anecdotal evidence) shows that the well-being of parents is the tide that lifts all boats, especially the marriage boat. But who has time for weekly date nights, long walks, and meaningful conversations when the baby wakes up every hour and you have peanut butter in your hair by noon?
Enter… Couples Therapy Intensive at Embrace Renewal Therapy
This is where I want to say: There’s hope, and it’s not just another box to check! Our Couples Therapy Intensive is designed for parents like you. Those needing genuine, effective relationship support in a way that doesn’t require months of scheduling gymnastics or years of waiting for “the right time.” You get to hit pause, zoom in on your unique story as a couple, and get experienced guidance to rediscover the connection that brought you together in the first place.
This isn’t ordinary therapy. It’s several hours of dedicated, uninterrupted time with practical tools, deeper conversations, and support in a nurturing environment focused solely on you, your partner, and your relationship.
Why an intensive? Because sometimes, just like newborn care, you need a concentrated dose of help right now. Not when the dust settles. If Courtney taught us anything in her episode, it’s that when you finally listen to your own intuition (“I have to be the one to control how I’m feeling… realize that I’m his mom… I can do what’s best for him and for myself”), you unlock the kind of mindset that makes positive change possible for yourself, your kids, and your relationship.
Survival Mode Pain Points You Might Recognize
You feel like roommates, not partners. The spark is buried under mountains of laundry and worry.
Every conversation turns into a logistical meeting about dinner, homework, or who’s on baby duty.
You struggle to advocate for “couple time” without guilt because carving out space to just be together is “selfish.”
Intimacy feels more like folklore than reality.
The phrase, “I just don’t want to mess up my kids!” plays on repeat in your mind—and the pressure is exhausting.
If you saw yourself in any of those, you are exactly the kind of parent our Couples Therapy Intensive is here to support.
Key Takeaways & a Lighthearted Reminder
You are not broken. Parenthood is tough, and strain on your relationship is normal, not a personal failure.
Connection fuels resilience. A team approach to life’s hard moments (involving communication, playful adaptation, and honest self-care) makes all the difference.
Modeling self-care and loving partnership for your kids is a gift. Those “date nights” and therapy sessions aren’t just for you. Your kids benefit, too.
You can always pivot. As Courtney said, “There’s no finality in any decision you make… you can always go back or try something different.”
Therapy isn’t just for when things are about to break, it can be a renewal, a reconnection, and a reminder of what you love about each other.
And, perhaps most importantly: Scheduling support (yes, including intimacy and date nights) is not unromantic. It’s self-love by way of calendar management. If you can schedule dentist appointments and parent-teacher conferences, you can schedule magic for your marriage, too.
Ready to Get Started?
Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. Investing in your relationship doesn’t just make the journey easier - it makes it more fun, more meaningful, and infinitely more sustainable.
If you’re ready to take that next step, Embrace Renewal Therapy’s Couples Therapy Intensive was designed with you (yes, you with the tired eyes and the secretly hopeful heart) in mind. Whether your relationship needs a tune-up or a major overhaul, you are worth the investment. Your partner is worth the investment. Your family is worth the investment. Your future you (and your partner) will thank you.
Let’s make space for joy, for connection, and for the kind of partnership that doesn’t just survive parenthood, but grows because of it.
Interested in more honest parent talk? Listen to The Real Family Eats podcast for more stories and practical conversations and subscribe for future insights. Your journey deserves all the support it can get.
You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s renew, together.
