Please start by reading our 15 hard-earned lessons, as they might just echo your own experiences!

Then, tune into our latest podcast episode, where we dissect these truths, bare our souls, and share the kind of stories that life’s composed of — unfiltered and upfront.

15 Lessons of Love from a Plus Size Couple

1. The Role of Humor

Laughter has been our refuge, our connector, our shared language in the best and worst of times. It’s the undercurrent that’s kept us sane and bonded.

2. Get Vulnerable

Transparency, in fear and love, has been our fortress. We’ve learned that in showing our authentic selves, our relationship has only solidified.

3. Body Positivity Journey

We’ve navigated the murky waters of societal beauty norms and chosen to set our own standards. It’s a journey of self-love and mutual appreciation, and it’s ongoing.

4. Unified Parenting

It’s us against the whirlwind of raising humans. We’ve clung to consistency, support, and a united front, even when the storm seemed unending…or really stinky now that we have a teenager.

5. Handling External Pressures and Opinions

We’ve countered stares, unsolicited opinions, and biases, especially as a plus size couple. Our armor? Unwavering respect and support for each other.

6. Navigating Financial Ups and Downs

Money matters, and so does how you handle it. We’ve weathered financial storms by staying informed, prepared, and, above all, open with each other. Crucially, we’ve learned that maintaining a savings account, even with the smallest safety net of funds, can be a financial buoy during unexpected storms.

7. Facing Health Challenges

From skin cancer to vision struggles, we’ve been each other’s rock through health scares, providing strength and advocacy when the other needed it most.

8. Mental Health Realities

We recognized our mental health as a critical piece of our family puzzle. Open dialogue, support, and getting help when needed has only made us closer and stronger.

9. Dealing with Loss

Grief reshaped us, and together we found ways to endure, honor, and continue forward by giving one another time while also having open communication.

10. Adapting to Change

We’ve taken life’s curveballs — relocations, career changes, personal evolutions — and turned them into our shared adventure.

11. Conflict Resolution

Disagreements are inevitable, but we learned to argue effectively, keeping the problem at the forefront and our relationship at the core.

12. Keeping Romance Alive

Romance flourishes with self-love, acceptance, and honesty. As we’ve embraced our bodies and our truths, we’ve seen our love story deepen and grow.

Carving out time for each other has been the cornerstone of maintaining our intimacy. Whether it’s seizing the opportunity for day-dates while our kid is at school or orchestrating those rare but special getaways, we’ve learned to cherish and maximize every moment we share.

13. Maintain Individual Identities

Our separate interests and personal spaces aren’t a divide; they’re a crucial part of our shared journey.

14. Friendship at the Core

Our love story has friendship at its core, a base that has kept us anchored in ourselves and each other.

15. Sagging Gracefully Together

Aging isn’t just growing older; it’s collecting stories, laugh lines, and memories. Together, we’re embracing each new chapter, whether it brings crow’s feet or silver strands, celebrating them as badges of a life well-shared.

Now, dive into this intimate conversation with us. It’s not just about sharing our narrative as a plus-size couple; it’s about connecting with a story — our story — that could very well be yours. No pretenses, just life as we know it.

But before pressing play, we want to thank Pechanga Resort Casino for making our 15th wedding anniversary nothing short of magical! Every moment at this incredible place was everything we needed, from the delectable meals to the serene hours by the pool and even the thrill of the slots. What stood out most, though, was the thoughtful, size-inclusive environment. The little things—comfortable seating everywhere we went, the spa anticipating our needs with 5XL robes—made all the difference. We felt seen, respected, and valued. Pechanga isn’t just a resort; it’s a haven where every body is celebrated. To all the plus size couples out there: add Pechanga in Temecula, CA, to your must-visit list. Trust us; it’s the getaway you deserve.

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Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 211

Transcript happily provided upon request.

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• Resources and quiz for size-friendly birth professionals!
• Helpful Tips for Flying while Fat
• Will My Doctor Fat-Shame Me? 4 Game-Changing Advocacy Tips

The post Plus Size Couple Unscripted: Lessons from 15 Years of Love appeared first on Plus Mommy.

My husband, Chris, and I don’t hold anything back.

We hope by being so open, we help others to feel less alone.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 100

Be sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• You might also enjoy these episodes Chris and I also recorded together talking about our plus size relationship – Marriage Q&A With Chris And Jen McLellan and A Dad’s Perspective On Plus Size Pregnancy, Birth, and Miscarriage.
• You might also like A Promising Look At The Evidence Behind Plus Size Pregnancy Risks
• We talk a lot about plus size sex on the show from pregnancy to postpartum. Here are the articles mentioned – How to Have Great Plus Size Pregnancy Sex: Talk and Tips, Let’s Talk About Sex: Postpartum & Plus Size Sex, 4 Ways To Have Hot Sex After Baby. There’s also this podcast episode – Pregnancy And Postpartum Sex When You’re Plus Size
• When it comes to having a plus size pregnancy, we also mention this episode with special guest Mia O’Malley – Plus Size Pregnancy Struggles And Finding Self-Love

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode on plus size motherhood was brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code Plus Mommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide. This guide covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Plus Size Relationship Q & A – The McLellan’s Tell-All    appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Marriage Q&A

Chris and I are completely transparent, sharing our struggles and how we’ve strengthened our marriage throughout the years. Here’s an example of a topic we cover during this episode where we answer questions submitted by Plus Mommy community members on Instagram.

How is going from a married couple to parents?

We failed at this transition miserably in the beginning by pouring our all into becoming mom and dad. When our son was about seven months old we realized that we had become roommates.

We had forgotten how to be husband and wife.

Make time for one another from the beginning. Your role as husband and wife is just as important as mom and dad!

Related: A Dad’s Perspective On Plus Size Pregnancy, Birth, and Miscarriage

We hope our honesty throughout this episode helps people listening who are married or in long-term relationships to feel less alone. For those just starting out, we share keys to making our marriage work for the past 11 years.

As you’ll hear us mention at the end of the show, be sure to do an Instagram story next time you’re listening to the Plus Mommy Podcast and tag me via @plusmommy. Share the show with your friends and help us to grow. We’d be so incredibly thankful!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 64

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Hotel Albuquerque

Before recording this marriage Q&A episode, Chris and I were lucky enough to spend our anniversary at the historic Hotel Alburquraure. With gorgeous grounds, breathtaking views, a fabulous location, an incredibly comfortable bed, we had a wonderful staycation! Be sure to check out Hotel Alburqure next time you’re in town as my husband, and I can’t recommend it enough! You can use code SUMMER19 to get 30% off your stay learn more at hotelABQ.com.

Plus Size Birth

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Marriage Q&A With Chris And Jen McLellan appeared first on Plus Mommy.

I know you were probably expecting something far sexier. But communication is sexy!

Communication lays a foundation of trust, love, and support. Most importantly, communication opens a dialogue for consent and what you and your partner need from intimacy in your relationship.

Learning one another’s Love Language can take your communication skills to the next level! You can determine your Love Language by reading a book or taking an online quiz.

Speaking of love, lube is love, and you’re going to want to use a lot of it, especially for postpartum sex!

During episode 59 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, sex educator Meg Snyder joins us to talk about all things pregnancy and postpartum sex when you’re plus size. From communication, postpartum changes, plus size sex positions, to size-friendly adult toys  – we’re talking about it all!

We need to be having these conversations far more often because just as your body will change, so will your sexual relationship during and after pregnancy.

When you’re pregnant, you might not want intercourse as often as you used to due to morning sickness or other discomforts. Right after having a baby, your care provider will tell you to abstain for the first six weeks while your body heals.

As Meg shares, “Sex is not intercourse exclusive.”

Meg recommends being kind to yourself and your body. Listen to what your body wants, and what it doesn’t want.

There’s A LOT you can do to connect while also pleasuring one another without intercourse (listen to this podcast episode for all kinds of tips).

If you’re kind to yourself while having an open line of communication, you’ll find a new level of intimacy with your partner!

Related: Fat Fertility Matters 

Let’s talk about being comfortable during intimacy!

Whether you’re pregnant or not, as a plus size woman, you might want special wedge pillows to help get your body into different positions. Another fun example is transforming your pregnancy sleep pillow into a plus size sex pillow!

Note that sex can be messy so you might want to have some washable pads on hand that are also beneficial for if your water breaks during pregnancy.

When it comes to adult toys, they can be great for alone time or playtime with your partner.

We talk about quite a few options on the show. I’m obsessed with this “massager” (get one, and you’ll thank me later!). We also discuss Kegel Balls for strengthening your pelvic floor. Then Meg blew my mind by telling me about vibrating Kegel Balls!

During intimacy, wear as little or as much as you want! What matters most is your comfort level. During postpartum, you might find plus size lingerie with a built-in bra so you can slip in a nursing pad if you’re lactating.

Meg’s favorite plus size lingerie site is yandy.com and mine is curvygirllingerie.com.

Want to learn even more and hear about helpful plus size sex positions? Listen to the episode below!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 59

Be sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Madame Glitter or Meg has been in the sex industry for over five years as a sex and relationship educator and Dominatrix. As a sole single parent to a five-year-old, I aim to help women (and couples) regain their sexuality. As well as their sexual health pre and post-baby. I am currently working on becoming a doula. I aim to help plus size mommies have the best delivery possible. Plus size mommies are grossly underserved in labor and delivery and I hope to change that. As well as the stigma of plus size individuals in the sex industry.

You can send inquiries at @the_madame_glitter on Instagram or thehouseofmadameglitter@gmail.com.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Pregnancy And Postpartum Sex When You’re Plus Size appeared first on Plus Mommy.

“No one is going to believe you because you’re fat. Who would rape a fat girl?” As Tiffany Reese, the woman behind the award-winning Something Was Wrong Podcast, said these words I stopped breathing.

When I invited Tiffany to be a guest on my podcast, I had no intention to share my sexual assault story. As our conversation unfolded around emotionally abusive relationships and gaslighting, it poured out.

There’s just something that feels safe about sharing your painful past when speaking to Tiffany. It’s no wonder she’s amplifying an uncomfortable but needed dialogue about abusive relationships with her podcast.

Something Was Wrong has helped people leave abusive relationships and has made abusers aware of their behavior.

For anyone struggling in an abusive relationship or recovering from an assault (be it ten days or ten years ago), here are some ways you can get support.

Support For People In Abusive Relationships

1. Get Help!

If you’re able to confide in close friends and family, do so and know that helpful resources are also a Google search away! Google, “Domestic Abuse or Emotional Abuse,” to find many free resources, including crisistextline.org.

2. Therapy Is Amazing

Get therapy if possible. Psychology Today has an outstanding resource where you can find a therapist in your area in one click.

If therapy isn’t something you have access to find someone to speak to from online support groups to a close friend. Or even start journaling! Find a way to start letting out everything that’s locked up inside of you.

3. Read Books About Abusive Relationships 

Books and audiobooks can provide you with tools to help you heal and know you’re not alone.

Below are the books Tiffany recommends for emotionally abusive relationships from her experience working on the Something Was Wrong Podcast.

• Why Does He Do That?: Inside The Minds Of Angry And Controlling Men
• The Gift Of Fear
• Psychopath Test: A Journey Through The Madness Industry
• The Sociopath Next Door

4. You’re NOT Alone!

Above all, know that you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault!!! Getting help is a sign of strength, and you owe it to yourself to do all you can to heal.

During episode 57 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, Tiffany and I have an in-depth conversation about abusive relationships and share our own sexual assault stories. We understand the power of stories and how they help people to feel less alone. If you’re struggling, we truly hope you’ll speak up and get the support you need. You’re worth it!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 57

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• You can subscribe to the Something Was Wrong Podcast via all podcast apps!
• Connect with Tiffany via Instagram and Facebook.

Photo by Danny Offer

Tiffany Reese is a Writer, Podcaster and Body-Positive Stylist based in Northern California. Tiffany began blogging in 2009 and in 2012 launched LookieBoo.com a fashion and lifestyle blog focused on children’s fashion and creativity. In 2016 Tiffany styled three top-performing Buzzfeed videos focused on body-positivity. In 2019 Tiffany wrote, edited and self-produced Something Was Wrong, an award-winning podcast about abusive interpersonal relationships.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post A Needed Conversation About Abusive Relationships And Sexual Assault appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 45

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• Marriage Q&A With Chris And Jen McLellan
• SNS Feeding
• Photo of Braeden’s going home outfit that was packed by Chris.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide

Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy. Stop Googling and start feeling empowered today!

The post A Dad’s Perspective On Plus Size Pregnancy, Birth, and Miscarriage appeared first on Plus Mommy.