Matt & Abby Howard Confess Their Postpartum Roommate Stage

Matt and Abby Howard, a TikTok‑famous couple, opened up about the strain of early parenthood on their latest “Unplanned” podcast episode that aired on Wednesday, September 23.

The 27‑year‑old husband and wife spoke candidly about how their first two children, Griffin (2022) and August (2023), have brought new challenges after the birth of their rainbow baby, Fischer, last August.

Their discussion came as they navigate the “roommate stage” that many couples experience after welcoming a newborn.

During the interview, Matt admitted that the postpartum period felt “wild,” and that disagreements surfaced because neither of them knew how to handle the sudden changes.

He added, “I also think the first postpartum experience was just wild; second one was even wilder because it just hit us and we didn’t know what we were doing and there were disagreements.” The couple suggested that open communication on social media helped ease some tension.

Abby echoed the sentiment, noting that she and her husband rarely argue or even talk during nighttime feedings. “I think that right now we are in a little bit of a roommate stage,” she said.

She explained that their focus remains on their children, but she also strives to remember the deep love they share, saying the early weeks can feel “all utility.” The pair plan to re‑prioritize their marriage as time progresses.

## What Happened

On the September 23 episode of “Unplanned,” Matt reflected on how the first postpartum experience was “wild” and added, “I also think the first postpartum experience was just wild; second one was even wilder because it just hit us and we didn’t know what we were doing and there were disagreements.” He later said, “Then,

I was so dumb and was like, ‘Hey how about because we’re authentic, let’s talk about our disagreement on the internet.’ Now I feel like we’re under a lot less stress, but it’s still hard, like sometimes we wake up … and it’s just sad because sometimes we’re like ships passing in the night.”

Abby clarified that the couple rarely fought or even spoke during nighttime feedings. “I think that right now we are in a little bit of a roommate stage,” she said.

She described moments when Matt would spoon her after a feeding and she would respond, “What are you doing?” She added that the early weeks feel “all utility” but also romantic as a team working together.

Matt noted Fischer had “third‑wheel” his parents’ recent date, and the couple have only been on two outings—one brunch and one dinner—since the baby’s arrival.

## Background & Context

The Howard couple first welcomed a son, Griffin, in 2022. A year later, August arrived in 2023. Their third child, Fischer, was born last August following a miscarriage earlier that year.

In 2025, Abby suffered a pregnancy loss and named the daughter Emerson.

As a duo on social media, the Howards host the “Unplanned” podcast where they discuss personal and parenting topics. Their recent episode focused on postpartum adjustment after Fischer’s arrival. They framed their experience as a “roommate stage,” noting that early weeks feel utilitarian but also supportive as they work together.

The Howards have publicly acknowledged the loss of a daughter named Emerson in 2025. The couple’s open discussion of miscarriage and subsequent births reflects their broader approach to sharing intimate family moments with followers. Their narrative emphasizes the ongoing challenge of balancing new parenthood with marital partnership.

## Analysis

The couple’s candid remarks reveal that postpartum life has altered the dynamics of their marriage. Matt’s description of “ships passing in the night” suggests moments of disconnection despite shared responsibilities.

Abby’s acknowledgment of a “roommate stage” indicates an intentional shift toward practical teamwork rather than romantic intimacy in the immediate aftermath of childbirth.

Both partners emphasized that the first six weeks after Fischer’s birth were “all utility” and that the couple has begun to schedule shared meals and brunches. Matt said they had only been on two outings—one brunch and one dinner—since the baby’s arrival.

These actions signal a gradual re‑establishment of joint leisure time, which the Howards see as necessary for maintaining marital cohesion.

The Howards’ public framing of postpartum adjustment as a transient “roommate stage” aligns with their broader pattern of sharing personal family milestones. Their willingness to discuss a miscarriage and subsequent births demonstrates an intention to normalize the emotional ups and downs that accompany new parenthood.

As they move beyond the six‑week period, they have indicated a desire to refocus on their marital bond.

In short, the Howards’ recent interview underscores the reality that new parents often experience a temporary shift toward functional partnership. By openly discussing their challenges and small victories, they offer a candid look at how couples can navigate the early months of parenthood while keeping long‑term marital goals in sight.