Divorced, Pregnant, and Postpartum: The Conversations No One Is Having with Jessica Hill, Founder of The Parent Collective
If you've ever wondered what happens when divorce, pregnancy, and postpartum collide—this episode is for you. In this eye-opening conversation on Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Jessica Hill, founder of The Parent Collective, to talk about the intersection of mental health, motherhood, and navigating major life transitions. From the isolation of the fourth trimester to the unexpected grief that can come with separating from a partner during pregnancy, this conversation is raw, real, and full of the kind of support so many people need but rarely find.
Jessica shares her powerful insights from years of supporting expectant and new parents through her nationally expanding platform, The Parent Collective. With classes designed to build community, offer practical education, and reduce overwhelm, her work is especially meaningful for single mothers—whether by choice or circumstance—who are looking for connection and clarity during a transformative time.
Olivia and Jessica also dive deep into how our culture still stigmatizes divorce, especially when it happens during parenthood. They challenge the outdated narratives that expect women to “power through” alone and offer solutions for how to build your support system, ask for help, and intentionally create the village every parent deserves. Whether you’re newly pregnant and planning to parent solo, in the middle of a divorce, or navigating postpartum recovery without your partner, this episode offers validation, actionable support, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it all by yourself.
Perfect for anyone navigating divorce while pregnant or postpartum, considering single motherhood, or looking to build a strong foundation as a new parent—this episode of Divorce Happens is filled with empathy, empowerment, and expert insight.
Learn more about Jessica Hill and The Parent Collective: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/the-parent-collective
Divorce Happens – Mental Health, Motherhood, and Divorce: Building Your Village When Life Falls Apart with Jessica Hill of The Parent Collective
Olivia Howell:
Hello, hello, and welcome back to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter. Because as we know—divorce happens… and then you start fresh.
Today, I’m joined by one of our amazing Fresh Starts Experts to talk about a really important topic: mental health during pregnancy, postpartum, and all the life transitions in between. Jessica, I’m so happy you’re here! Can you introduce yourself to our listeners?
Jessica Hill:
Hi everyone, and thank you so much for having me, Olivia. My name is Jessica Hill and I’m the founder of The Parent Collective. We offer prenatal education that’s designed to help expectant parents build community through learning.
We group our participants by neighborhood and due date, which helps them walk through the journey with people who are nearby and in the same stage. The goal is that people leave our classes with knowledge and a built-in support system.
Olivia:
That’s such a brilliant model. I remember The Parent Collective from many years ago—you were truly one of the pioneers in creating these kinds of community-based classes for new parents.
What’s really relevant here is that, after all these years supporting families, you’ve probably seen how little we still talk about divorce during pregnancy or the postpartum period. There’s so much stigma, and so much silence, especially when you're trying to redefine your life while becoming a parent.
Jessica:
Absolutely. We’ve supported a wide range of parents—divorced, solo by choice, and everything in between. For those who envisioned a partner by their side during postpartum, it can feel like a total upheaval when that vision changes.
When you're going through divorce and preparing for parenthood, you have to be extra intentional about building your support network. It’s already a massive transition. And when you’re doing it solo, emotionally or physically, you need to create that “village” intentionally and early on.
Olivia:
That’s such a great point. And that village doesn’t always have to be a romantic partner—it can be a sister, a best friend, a doula, or someone else who cares about you. I love how The Parent Collective gives people permission to build support systems that work for them.
Jessica:
Exactly. We always encourage people to bring someone to class who’s going to be a part of their postpartum support network—even if it’s not the baby’s other parent. When that person goes through the class with you, they’re equipped to notice things like postpartum anxiety or shifts in your mood. They can check in on you in a more informed and meaningful way.
Olivia:
I love that. Honestly, when I had my kids, it wasn’t my then-partner who noticed my mental health was declining—it was my sister. So I completely agree—it’s about finding your people.
Let’s talk more about what The Parent Collective offers. If someone’s listening and they’re not in a relationship, or they're going through a divorce, what does your programming look like for them?
Jessica:
At its heart, The Parent Collective is a four-week, in-person prenatal education series. We match participants by due date and neighborhood so they can connect with other local parents in the same stage.
We cover late pregnancy, labor and delivery, baby care, feeding, and the postpartum experience—including what it looks like emotionally and physically. The focus is on building confidence and community without overwhelming people with too much information.
Olivia:
That’s so needed—especially compared to those marathon hospital classes where you walk out totally overwhelmed and glassy-eyed.
Jessica:
Exactly! Our classes are designed to start important conversations—with your provider, your support person, and your wider community.
We also offer virtual options, like Labor & Delivery Prep, Breast & Bottle Feeding, Newborn Care, Postpartum Prep, First Aid, and Mastering Milestones. Some are webinars; some are more interactive and community-based.
Olivia:
Amazing. And if someone’s going through divorce, or solo parenting by choice, they can still join and bring whoever they feel safe with?
Jessica:
Definitely. Bring your best friend, your sister—whoever is going to be with you in the delivery room or in those first few months. It’s so helpful for them to be on the same page and speak the same language.
Olivia:
That makes so much sense. It’s about building a support system that works for you—which is what we’re all about at Fresh Starts, too. Now, tell us what’s coming up for The Parent Collective!
Jessica:
We’ve been expanding this year and now offer in-person classes in cities across the U.S.—including Philadelphia, Miami, San Francisco, Houston, Seattle, Manhattan, and outside Detroit. These are all mom-powered locations built by people who believe in what we’re doing.
Olivia:
I love that! You’re a national organization now. Not a local “mom and pop” anymore—you’re supporting people across the country.
Before we wrap, Jessica, if someone is listening to this and they’re going through a divorce while pregnant or postpartum, what words of encouragement would you offer?
Jessica:
You are not meant to do this alone. It’s okay to put yourself out there and find your people. Whether it’s through The Parent Collective, your library’s new parent group, mom-and-baby yoga, or even stroller walks—there are people out there who will meet you in this season.
Motherhood is already isolating. Going through it while navigating divorce adds another layer. But community is out there. You just have to take one small step.
Olivia:
So true. And if you’re wondering how to take that step—reach out to The Parent Collective. They’ll connect you with the right class and the right people for your stage of pregnancy and your situation.
Jessica, thank you so much for being here. You’re doing incredible work, and we’re so lucky to have you as part of the Fresh Starts expert network.