Join Lo as she chats with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish about navigating the complex dynamics between daughters-in-law, husbands, and mothers-in-law - especially during pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. Drawing from her expertise as a clinical psychologist and couples therapist, Dr. Tracy shares practical tools to foster healthy boundaries and stronger relationships. Perfect for moms navigating postpartum and those wanting to strengthen family ties. 

What’s inside this episode:

• The Mother-in-Law/Daughter-in-Law Dynamic:Why this relationship often sparks tension (e.g., generational differences in parenting, insecurity, and unspoken expectations), and how it's a near-universal challenge across cultures.
• Types of Mothers-in-Law: Dr. Tracy outlines the types to help identify behaviors and communicate effectively - such as internalizers, externalizers, & balancers.
• Styles of Daughters-in-Law: Three approaches and how they interact with MIL types: such as the good girl, manager, and collaborator.
• Involving Your Partner: Strategies for getting on the same team, starting gentle conversations, and protecting your marriage without estrangement. 
• Boundaries Around Babies: Practical advice for pregnancy and postpartum, including discussing expectations (visits, advice, support), giving reassurance to extended family, and allowing flexibility. Tips for people-pleasers: Pause before saying yes, and remember "no" doesn't make you bad - it's about your healing and bonding time.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:23 Meet Dr. Tracy: Clinical Psychologist and Author
• 04:00 Understanding Relationship Dynamics and Boundaries
• 08:40 Types of Mother-in-Laws 
• 19:15 Types of Daughter-in-Laws 
• 23:03 Navigating Family Dynamics with Compassion
• 24:21 Strategies for Engaging Your Partner
• 25:09 Setting Boundaries with In-Laws
• 32:57 Practical Advice for New Parents
• 39:08 Final Thoughts and Resources

More from Dr. Tracy Dalgleish:

• Grab her new book ‘You, Your Husband, & His Mother” releasing November 4th!
• Connect with her on Instagram@drtracyd
• Visit drtracyd.com 
• Listen to her Podcast: Dear Dr. Tracy

About your host:

Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her

website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!

A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️

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Disclaimer

Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.

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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services