134: Your Baby Deserves Parents Who Love Each Other
Podcast Guest: Julie Blackburn
May 26th, 2025
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
In this episode, Julie Blackburn shares tips from the research-based Bringing Baby Home program. She explains how couples can strengthen their relationship during the transition to parenthood, reduce criticism, support each other with kindness, and keep dads actively involved. A must-listen for new and expecting parents who want to raise healthy children by nurturing their partnership first.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Time Markers
00:00 Meet Julie Blackburn
03:30 Why this program matters
06:30 Differences in parenting styles
09:40 Pressure on new parents
11:30 Let dads parent too
14:15 Importance of dad involvement
17:30 Encouragement goes a long way
19:15 Relationship shapes baby’s health
21:50 Using Gottman’s card deck
24:00 Ask for needs kindly
25:50 Conflict, stress, and babies
29:00 Military family challenges
34:00 Identity loss in motherhood
36:10 Connection = friendship + kindness
37:25 Where to learn more
38:20 Takeaway: be kind, stay close
39:40 Hosts reflect on criticism
41:15 Small things build connection
Insights
Julie’s
Healthy relationships don’t happen by chance—they require consistent effort. In parenting and beyond, the key is simple: always be kind to yourself and to each other.
Liz’s
"Yield to win" reminds us that in relationships, choosing peace over being right can lead to deeper connection and harmony.
Dave’s
New moms: let dads be dads. Criticism—whether loud or subtle—can push partners away. Encourage involvement, share responsibilities, and stay connected.
About Julie:
Julie Blackburn is a Registered Nurse, Midwife, Educator and Company Director. She primarily works as a Lecturer of Nursing, and has a variety of experiences working with people across broad age groups and demographics, within public and private sector hospitals, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and government forums and committees. Julie is passionate about work that supports couples achieve healthy relationships and healthy family environments, driven by a goal to ensure that children are raised in safe and healthy homes to support the prevention of family violence. She was among the first Bringing Baby Home (BBH) Educators trained in Australia in 2008 and became a BBH specialist trainer in 2012, supporting the training of others in Australia and the Asia pacific region since then. Julie has played an active role in the revision and updates of the BBH program and has presented her experiences of delivering the program at conferences around Australia. When not working, she can be found hanging with her three adult children and her partner, planning the next road trip. Julie Blackburn aims to be relatable, authentic, and kind, and values connecting with people from all walks of life.
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