Preparing for birth matters—but it is only one part of preparing to become a parent. In this episode, I sit down with Nina Spears, founder of Baby Chick and a certified baby planner, birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, newborn care educator, infant massage instructor, and perinatal nutrition expert.

Together, we talk about matrescence and patrescence, why postpartum planning must go beyond freezer meals and baby gear, and how partners can become proactive co-parents instead of waiting to be assigned tasks. We also discuss mental health preparation, visitor boundaries, sleep, household responsibilities, and the support systems that can make the transition feel less isolating.

In This Episode, We Cover:

Why childbirth education matters—and why preparation should continue beyond labor

The identity shifts of matrescence and patrescence

How expectations, exhaustion, and the invisible mental load can affect relationships

Conversations to have about sleep, feeding, parental leave, household work, and intimacy

Why partners should notice, learn, and take ownership before being asked

How to build a postpartum support plan for meals, older children, visitors, and check-ins

Preparing for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders before support is urgently needed

Why a positive experience means feeling informed, prepared, and supported—not achieving perfection

You do not have to predict every part of birth or parenthood to prepare well. The goal is not control or perfection. It is to build enough knowledge, communication, and support that you can meet change without feeling completely alone in it.

Resources Mentioned

• Baby Chick resources and Nina’s pregnancy book: https://www.baby-chick.com
• Check out a Path to A Powerful Birth Class that includes an entire module on preparing for postpartum: www.clearlightbirth.com/classes
• Episode 197: What No One Told Me About Postpartum—and Why I Became a Postpartum Doula- with Sam Byington

If this conversation is helping you see that preparation continues long after labor begins, listen to the full episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast. Nina’s resources can help you think through pregnancy and parenthood week by week, and my childbirth classes can help you build an evidence-informed foundation for birth, partnership, and the early postpartum transition.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.