Going back to work after having a baby isn’t just about finding childcare or picking out comfortable outfits in your new postpartum body. It’s an emotional, physical, and often overwhelming transition that touches everything from your identity and energy levels to your legal rights and workplace support.

In episode 179 of Chick Chat, we talked with Daphne Delvaux, also known as The Mamattorney, about how to co-plan your maternity leave so your return to work feels smoother and less stressful. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, definitely go check it out!

In today’s episode (part two of our conversation), we’re diving into what happens after baby: how to navigate the return-to-work phase with confidence and legal protection. Daphne shares what every mom should know before reentering the workplace and how to advocate for yourself if the support just isn’t there.

Who Is Daphne Delvaux?

If you missed part one, Daphne Delvaux is a trial attorney, legal expert, and founder of The Mamattorney, a platform dedicated to educating mothers about their legal rights in the workplace, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and maternity leave.

Daphne’s work has helped thousands of women feel more empowered and informed about their options for taking leave, protecting their jobs, and advocating for their families and futures. As a mom herself, she deeply understands the real-life challenges working parents face.

What We Talked About

This episode is all about the next chapter. What happens when you’ve had your baby, your leave is ending, and it’s time to return to work? Daphne covers each and shares legal protections, emotional prep tips, and powerful mindset shifts to help moms navigate this transition with more ease and less guilt.

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

Leaving your baby for the first time can be heartbreaking. Daphne shares ways to prepare mentally and emotionally so you’re not caught off guard and so you can create space for your own healing, too.

From lack of flexibility to outdated expectations, the return to work can be filled with pressure. Daphne talks through practical ways to set boundaries, ask for support, and reset your expectations of yourself.

Did you know you're entitled to certain accommodations for pumping? Daphne outlines the federal protections you have, including the PUMP Act, so you know exactly what to expect—and demand—from your workplace.

Unfortunately, not every workplace gets it. If you’re met with resistance, Daphne explains the steps to take—from documenting everything to filing a complaint—and why it’s important to advocate not just for yourself, but for other moms, too.

Most moms focus on the time off, but forget to plan for the return. Daphne shares the #1 thing moms forget to do (and how it can change everything).

Daphne closes with one action step that any woman can take right now to ensure a smoother, more empowered transition back to work.

Final Thoughts

Returning to work after having a baby is hard. But with the right tools, the right mindset, and the right knowledge of your rights, it doesn’t have to break you.

Daphne Delvaux’s work is a powerful reminder that you’re not just a working mom, you’re a protected, empowered parent who deserves support. Whether you’re navigating legal concerns, emotional struggles, or both, this episode will help you return to work on your terms with your confidence and boundaries intact.

Again, if you missed our first episode with Daphne (episode 179), where we talked all about co-planning your maternity leave, go listen to that one too. It’s the perfect companion to this conversation!

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When we think about preparing for a new baby, most of the attention goes to labor and delivery, but what about what happens after the birth?

Too often, parents are sent home with a newborn and very little support for their physical recovery, mental health, and emotional well-being. And when things feel overwhelming, scary, or not how they expected, they wonder if something is wrong with them. But what I want new mothers to know is: Nothing is wrong with you. However, something is missing from the way we prepare families for postpartum, and it’s time we talked about it.

In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with Nancy Di Nuzzo, Founder of Anamav Postnatal Care, to talk about the reality of postpartum recovery, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), and what it truly looks like to feel supported during one of life’s most intense transitions.

Who Is Nancy Di Nuzzo?

Nancy Di Nuzzo is a Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, and CPA. Yes, you read that right! She went from working in finance to becoming a fierce advocate for families after living through her own traumatic postpartum experience. Now a mother of two, Nancy is the founder of Anamav Postnatal Care, a practice dedicated to supporting families with doula care, lactation support, therapy, sleep coaching, and more, both virtually and in-home.

She brings not only her professional expertise, but also deep empathy and lived experience to every conversation. Her mission? To help close the huge gap in postpartum care and make sure no parent feels like they have to “just get through it” on their own.

What We Talked About

This episode is an essential listen for any new parent, whether you’re expecting your first baby or already in the thick of postpartum life. Nancy breaks down what many people wish they had known before giving birth, and shares practical tools for building a more supported, emotionally safe experience.

Postpartum doesn’t have to be something you just survive. With the right planning, the right tools, and the right support, it can be a season of healing, bonding, and growth. But it starts with knowing you deserve support — not just your baby.

Nancy’s insight is such a powerful reminder that your mental health matters. Your story matters. And how you feel in this season matters. If you’re a new or expecting parent, I hope this conversation helps you feel seen, validated, and encouraged to build a postpartum experience rooted in real care.

Mentioned in the episode

Nancy's Resources

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Parenting a strong-willed child can feel a little like riding a roller coaster . . . with no seatbelt. One minute, your child is full of passion and happiness, the next, they’re melting down in the middle of Target. These extreme emotions leave you wondering: Is this just a phase? Is it ADHD? Are they emotional? Or are they just being . . . mean?

If you’ve ever asked yourself any of those questions, you are definitely not alone. In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with parenting coach and Positive-Discipline expert Danielle Bettmann to unpack what’s really going on beneath those big behaviors. Danielle shares the mindset shifts and practical tools that help parents stop reacting and start truly connecting with their kids, especially strong-willed, deeply feeling kids who are just trying to be seen and understood.

Who Is Danielle Bettmann?

Danielle Bettmann is a Positive-Discipline certified parenting coach who helps parents truly crack the code of their strong-willed child’s personality. With a background as an early childhood educator, certified teacher, and home visitor, Danielle now supports families virtually from all over the country. Her approach? It’s all about getting to the root of behavior (meeting our kids’ deepest needs) so we can stop playing “whack-a-mole” with outbursts and instead create real connection and cooperation. She teaches parents how to be kind and firm at the same time, and trust me . . . it’s a game-changer.

Danielle is also the host of the popular podcast Failing Motherhood, which is such a powerful resource for parents feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. She is on a mission to remove shame from parenting and remind us all that we are the parent our kids need.

What We Talked About

This conversation is packed with wisdom and real-life strategies that speak to the heart of modern parenting, especially if you’re navigating big feelings, frequent meltdowns, or kiddos who don’t respond well to traditional discipline methods.

Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation:

1. What a “strong-willed child” really means

2. Is it ADHD, big emotions, or just being difficult?

3. Why behavior is communication

4. The trap of traditional discipline

5. What it looks like to be kind and firm at the same time

6. Getting to the root of behavior

7. One small mindset shift that helps today

Final Thoughts

If you’re raising a child who challenges you daily, we want you to know that you’re not failing. You’re just parenting a strong-willed kid, and you can absolutely lead them with both heart and structure. Danielle’s work is such a breath of fresh air, and this episode will leave you with so much guidance and support.

With the right tools and mindset, even the toughest parenting moments can become opportunities for growth, healing, and closeness. And as Danielle says: you are the parent your child needs.

Mentioned in the episode

Danielle's Resources

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Let’s be real . . . Motherhood is overwhelming for anyone. But I've recently learned that if you’re a mom with ADHD, sometimes even the most basic tasks — like folding laundry, starting dinner, or replying to one more school email — can feel paralyzing. And I just have to say, if this is you . . . you’re not lazy. You’re not failing. And you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with Amy Marie Hann, a mom, coach, and author of the upcoming book Master the Mundane, to talk about what it really looks like to manage motherhood, home, and family life with ADHD. Whether you’ve been diagnosed or you’ve just always felt a step behind when it comes to organizing, planning, or staying on top of everything, this episode will leave you feeling seen, understood, and empowered.

Who Is Amy Marie Hann?

Amy Marie Hann is a certified coach, author, and mom of three who brings a deeply personal lens to everything she teaches. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 5, she’s navigated life, motherhood, marriage, and even homeschooling through the lens of neurodivergence. Not only is she ADHD herself, but so are her kids, husband, dad, and sister, making her insights incredibly relatable that resonates with so many moms feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day.

Amy is the author of the soon-to-be-released book Master the Mundane: How to Manage Your Life, Home, and Family as a Mom with ADHD, launching September 10th. In her book, she combines lived experience with practical tools to help moms get through the hardest part of motherhood: the day-to-day chaos. She’s known for her authenticity, humor, and compassionate approach to coaching women who are neurodivergent or simply burned out.

What We Talked About

This episode is full of validation and practical advice for moms who struggle with executive function, mental overload, and burnout, whether officially diagnosed with ADHD or not. Amy breaks down what’s actually happening in the ADHD brain and how ADHD moms can stop beating themselves up for not being able to “just do it.”

Here are some of the key topics we explored together:

And one of my favorite parts? When Amy reminded us that the best thing we can do for our ADHD kids is to model what it looks like to thrive with ADHD ourselves.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re managing ADHD, burnout, or just the day-to-day stress of motherhood, this episode is here to remind you: you are not broken — you just need better tools and support.

Amy’s wisdom is a breath of fresh air for any mom who’s ever felt like the mundane parts of life were swallowing her whole. With compassion, humor, and zero judgment, she gives us permission to do things our own way and shows us that thriving doesn’t mean doing everything. It means building systems that support you!

Mentioned in the episode

Amy's Resources

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As we all know, motherhood changes everything. And this can even include how we see ourselves when we look in the mirror. Between sleep deprivation, postpartum recovery, body changes, and keeping tiny humans alive, getting dressed for the day can feel like just one more thing on our endless to-do list that many of us usually don't have the energy to put much thought into. Because we're exhausted, we just grab the best, cleanest thing that fits and works for what we need for the day. It may seem small and silly, but choosing how you present yourself to the world can actually make a bigger impact than you think. And what if this daily decision could be something that lifts you up instead of weighing you down?

In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with my friend Sarah Villarreal, a certified Style Coach and personal stylist who helps modern moms reclaim their confidence through style. As a mom of two herself, Sarah deeply understands the identity shift that happens in motherhood and how what we wear can be a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves during that transition.

Who Is Sarah Villarreal?

Sarah Villarreal is a certified Style Coach® and personal stylist dedicated to helping modern moms rediscover their confidence through style. A former fashion designer and a mom of two, Sarah understands firsthand how clothing tells a powerful story about who we are, especially during the identity-shifting years of motherhood.

With a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, she’s designed apparel for some of the industry’s top brands and worked in technical design for handbags. Her career has taken her from styling clients on Rodeo Drive to navigating the raw, real seasons of postpartum life, giving her a unique perspective on the connection between fashion and self-care.

Over the years, she became the go-to resource for friends and family who needed help with their wardrobes, whether for family photos, vacations, or just finding that perfect everyday look. Her time as a stay-at-home mom reinforced a powerful truth: investing in yourself — how you feel, how you show up — positively impacts every area of life.

While fashion has always been her passion, Sarah knows that style can feel overwhelming or out of reach for many women. She’s been there, too. Now, she’s on a mission to show moms that prioritizing themselves isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

What We Talked About
This conversation was such a fun and refreshing take on style, self-care, and identity in motherhood. Sarah and I chatted about the deep connection between what we wear and how we feel, especially during the tender postpartum years and beyond.

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

Final Thoughts

Motherhood doesn’t mean losing yourself. And it definitely doesn’t mean you have to settle for a wardrobe that no longer reflects the amazing woman you are. With a few thoughtful choices and some encouragement, you can slowly build a closet (and a confidence) that supports your real, beautiful, ever-evolving life.

To learn more about Sarah’s work or to book a session with her, you can find her at sarahvillarrealstyling.com and on Instagram @styledbysarahvillarreal. Be sure to use our exclusive code CHICKCHAT for 10% off her services!

Cheers to feeling your best and showing up with confidence!

Mentioned in the episode

Sarah Villarreal's Resources

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Family isn’t one-size-fits-all. And neither is the journey to building one. In today’s episode of Chick Chat, we’re diving into a conversation that challenges traditional ideas of family and motherhood. Whether you’re a new parent, dreaming of parenthood, or simply curious about your own path, this episode will inspire you to embrace possibility and self-discovery.

So many of us grow up with certain expectations about what “family” should look like. But what if you could design a family that truly reflects your values, dreams, and lifestyle? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Gertrude Lyons, empowers people to do. Through her work, she invites us to explore our deepest desires around family-building, challenge societal norms, and step into motherhood — or the essence of mothering — in an intentional, fulfilling way.

Who is Dr. Gertrude Lyons?

Dr. Gertrude Lyons is the visionary behind Rewrite The Mother Code, a groundbreaking approach to personal transformation and family creation. With over 20 years of experience in coaching, women’s development, and holistic parenting, she combines her Doctorate in Education and Master’s in Psychology to help individuals and families live more authentically. Her mission is to help people tap into the essence of “mothering” as a creative, nurturing energy that transcends biology, empowering them to lead more intentional, joyful lives.

What We Discussed in This Episode

In our conversation, Dr. Gertrude introduces the concept of being “Mother-Curious” — an invitation to explore what family means to you, free from societal pressure or traditional timelines. She shares why so many people struggle to create the family they truly want and the myths that can hold them back. We talk about her personal journey to motherhood, how support systems can make or break your family-building experience, and what to do if fear of judgment is stopping you from living your truth. Plus, she gives practical first steps for anyone ready to explore their Mother-Curious path and create a family that feels aligned with their heart.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that your journey to family, whatever it looks like, is valid, worthy, and entirely your own. By embracing curiosity, breaking free from old narratives, and building strong support systems, you can open the door to a family life that truly fulfills you.

Dr. Gertrude's Resources

- My episode on her podcast!

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Movement is one of the most powerful ways babies learn about their bodies, their environment, and even their emotions. But in today’s world of baby gear, screen time, and jam-packed schedules, purposeful movement often takes a backseat. That’s why today’s episode is all about why movement matters and how to support your baby’s physical development with simple, intentional activities and play.

To help us explore this topic, I’m joined by Dr. Allison Mell, pediatric physical therapist, founder of Tots on Target, and mom of four.

Who is Dr. Allison Mell?

Dr. Allison Mell is a pediatric physical therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Tots on Target, an online platform designed to help parents understand and support their child’s gross motor development from birth through toddlerhood. Through her expert courses, resources, and social media education, Dr. Allison is on a mission to make developmental support accessible, practical, and empowering. It's evident that she is passionate about helping parents understand their child’s developmental milestones without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. Through her work, you'll find that she teaches families how to turn everyday moments into powerful opportunities for growth, whether your baby is learning to roll, crawl, walk, or just explore the world around them. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and four children.

What Did We Discuss?

n this episode, Dr. Allison and I chick-chat about the biggest movement milestones in the first few years of life and what parents can do to support their child’s gross motor development confidently.

We discuss:

Dr. Allison also shares her story of building Tots on Target and what inspired her to bring expert-backed, judgment-free guidance to more families, especially those who feel stuck between “just wait and see” and “you need therapy.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cheering on your baby’s first roll or chasing after a curious toddler, this episode is a reminder that every wiggle, reach, and stumble matters. Movement isn’t just about milestones; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and connection from the very beginning. With the right support and simple, purposeful play, you can help your child thrive in ways that last a lifetime!

Dr. Allison's Resources

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The first days, weeks, and months after a baby is born are filled with so many emotions—joy, exhaustion, love, and sometimes, even uncertainty. I've been right there, too, and felt all of them. But in those early moments, something incredibly powerful is happening beneath the surface: your baby is learning how to trust the world through you. It's pretty incredible when you think about it. So we had to learn more about this and the significance of developing a strong bond with our babies.

In this episode of Chick Chat, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist, pediatrician, and AAP spokesperson, all about the science and soul of bonding with your baby and why it's critical for our babies' development.

Who is Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie?

Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie is an associate professor of pediatrics and a practicing clinical neonatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She's a trusted voice for parents as a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and co-host of their flagship podcast, "Pediatrics On Call." With three kids of her own and years of expertise in newborn medicine, Dr. Joanna bridges the worlds of evidence-based research and real-life parenting in a way that’s truly empowering.

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, Dr. Joanna and I cover:

Final Thoughts

Whether bonding feels natural or takes more time, the good news that we heard from Dr. Joanna is that attachment isn’t a one-time moment. It’s a relationship that grows with daily care, presence, and love. Dr. Joanna reminds us that small acts of responsiveness and warmth go a long way in shaping your baby’s sense of safety and confidence. It's also reassuring hearing from an experienced baby doctor that you don’t have to be perfect as a parent; you just have to keep showing up.

We’re so grateful to Dr. Joanna for joining us and sharing her expertise and heart with our listeners. You can follow her work through the American Academy of Pediatrics, tune in to her podcast, Pediatrics On Call, and get her book The Baby Bonding Book to learn more. Until next time, remember—your presence and love matter more than anything. You are exactly what your baby needs.

Dr. Joanna's Resources

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Sleep is essential for us all and a cornerstone of childhood development. But what happens when your child isn’t sleeping as soundly as they should? And I'm not talking about nightmares or wetting the bed. I'm talking about snoring, mouth breathing, or restless nights. You might just think these are just quirks of growing up, but they could actually be signs of a bigger issue: sleep-disordered breathing. And it's something way more common than you would think.

Today on Chick Chat, I’m joined by a true expert in pediatric airway health, Dr. Kalli Hale, to uncover what parents need to know about this often-overlooked condition and why early intervention is so critical.

Who is Dr. Kalli Hale?

Dr. Kalli Hale is on a mission to change how we think about sleep and oral health. With specialized training in obstructive sleep apnea, she now serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for The Airway Dentists and a Clinical Advocate for VIVOS Therapeutics, where she helps develop innovative clinical protocols for treating sleep-disordered breathing in both children and adults.

Dr. Kalli is also a faculty member of the Dental Success Network and a national speaker on pediatric airway health. She emphasizes the importance of early orthodontic intervention, airway assessments, and lip and tongue tie screenings. You can feel her passion in this episode, and she’s here to help parents take proactive steps to support their child’s lifelong wellness.

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, Dr. Kalli and I cover:

Whether you’re a parent of a toddler or school-aged child, this conversation will open your eyes to the invisible struggles some kids face. It explains how you can help your child thrive with the right information and support.

Final Thoughts

Sleep-disordered breathing is often hiding in plain sight. As Dr. Kalli so powerfully shared, a child who isn’t sleeping well often isn’t growing, learning, or feeling well either. The good news? There are tools, treatments, and screenings that can make a world of difference, especially when done early.

If your child snores, tosses and turns, struggles with energy or attention, or has been labeled as having "behavioral issues," don’t ignore your gut instinct. Advocate for a full evaluation of their airway and development. This episode reminds us that we don’t just have to accept sleep challenges as “normal.” We can ask questions, get answers, and make empowered choices to support our children’s health. Cheers to breathing easy!

Dr. Kalli's Resources

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Navigating maternity leave can be super confusing, and it often leaves expecting mothers feeling overwhelmed. You’re already juggling the demands of pregnancy, work, and planning for your baby. Now you have to plan for postpartum, too, and what life will really be like once your little one is here? You sure do! The problem is that many women assume their employer will guide the way. The truth? Maternity leave planning really falls on the expecting parents' shoulders. That’s why today’s episode is such an important one if you're expecting and planning on returning back to work after baby.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it takes to co-plan your maternity leave with your partner, understand your legal rights, and return to work with confidence, while also setting realistic expectations with your partner. Whether you're expecting your first baby or preparing for your next, this episode will help you feel informed, prepared, and supported!

Who is Daphne Delvaux?

Today's incredible guest is Daphne Delvaux. Daphne is an award-winning employment attorney and the founder of Delvaux Law, the nation’s first and only law firm solely devoted to women’s rights at work. Known as The Mamattorney on social media, Daphne educates parents, especially mothers, on how to advocate for themselves in the workplace. After struggling to find accurate information about maternity leave during her own pregnancy, she made it her mission to make this vital knowledge widely accessible. Today, she’s breaking down what every working parent needs to know.

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, Daphne and I dive into:

Final Thoughts

Maternity leave isn’t just a personal matter. It’s a legal, emotional, and logistical one. I'm so grateful for Daphne's time because she reminds us that we deserve to know our rights, to advocate for our needs, and to be supported, not just by our workplace but by our partner and community, too. Daphne shares the truth about what’s often left out of HR conversations and how we can shift the narrative around working motherhood. It's a fantastic episode, and we can't wait to have her back for part 2! So, if you’re currently expecting or already navigating your return, this episode is for you!

Daphne's Resources

Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to a smooth maternity leave! 

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