
Show Notes
Steph speaks with Psychotherapist Zara Arshad about what is really going on for couples after a baby arrives – the common feelings of anger, disappointment, resentment, loneliness, and feeling underappreciated. From her own experience, Steph found it tough and was also surprised to feel this way as no one had really mentioned it prior to having a baby.
Zara specialises in couples and new parents improving communication, and helping people in relationships during what is a tricky time. They discuss the most common issues that couples go to Zara with, a predominant one being anger. Zara explains the core reasons behind that anger and ways couples can voice how they’re feeling in a more productive way (ie not ‘You are useless and I hate you! Apparently that doesn’t work). Zara provides advice on ways couples can prepare before the baby arrives, managing expectations of each other, and how to communicate better.
Look out for updates on Zara’s soon to be available book ‘Stronger together: A couple’s guide to navigating your relationship after baby’
For more chat about relationships on the Don’t Buy Her Flowers Podcast, listen to Steph’s conversations with Matt Fray, Karen Gurney, Laura Danger and Aileen Barratt.
Contact us at [email protected] with any thoughts or feedback.
Zara’s Instagram Zara’s Website Steph’s The Post Baby Fog blog and When New Mums Get Angry blog Steph’s Instagram
Thoughtful gifts at Don’t Buy Her Flowers (including gifts for new parents!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Don't Buy Her Flowers Podcast
In this candid and very funny conversation, Steph is joined by couples coach and Be a Happier Parent founder Alex Trippier to ask why so many loving couples end up having the same arguments once children arrive. Alex is honest about his own marriage. He thought being good with kids made him a good dad, and he couldn’t understand why it was never enough. Steph and Alex unpick what was really going on for both of them, and why neither side is the villain.
NOTE: This episode contains references to Christmas Magic that you may not want your children to hear!
In this powerful conversation, Steph is joined by Elliott Rae, speaker, podcaster, writer and social changemaker, to explore how masculinity is being renegotiated in today's world.
Parenting teenagers and navigating midlife can feel like a perfect storm. One moment you’re managing eye-rolls and slammed doors, the next you’re questioning why no one warned you about perimenopause. In this episode, Steph is joined by journalist, author, and parenting pro Lorraine Candy for a frank and reassuring conversation about raising teens, handling hormones, and keeping a sense of humour through it all.
Steph sits down with her husband of 17 years, Mark (Doug) Douglas, for an unfiltered and often hilarious deep dive into marriage, equality at home, and the invisible workload that often falls on women. From their whirlwind romance and early parenting struggles to resentment, gender roles, and the reality of balancing careers and family, no topic is off-limits.