Growing Pains |  Where Business Owners Come to Plan Maternity Leave

Welcome to the start of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series. This is the beginning of something big.

If you're a self-employed mom who’s thinking about growing your family—or you're already pregnant or postpartum—you’re in the right place. Over the next 30 episodes, I’m walking you through how to plan a self-employed maternity leave that supports both your business and your family.

Whether you’re just starting to think about what leave could look like, or you’re deep in the overwhelm of trying to plan for it, this series will walk you through it all—one clear, honest episode at a time.

You don’t have to choose between your baby and your business. You just need a plan. And this is where it starts.

Want the full Maternity Leave Roadmap now?
Get the complete audio and video series, email prompts, templates, and step-by-step planning tools inside the members area:
mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• Why maternity leave can be a leadership opportunity, not a liability
• How Aly’s first leave reshaped the way she ran her business
• The ripple effect that time away can have on systems, hiring, and clarity
• Why now is the perfect time to start planning (even if you’re early in the journey)
• What setting an intention can do for your mindset and momentum

This Episode’s Homework:
Write down your maternity leave intention. What do you want this season to create for your business, your family, and yourself?

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You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

“Give yourself grace.” It’s a phrase we hear all the time—especially in motherhood and entrepreneurship. But what happens when that grace quietly turns into an excuse?

In this special 100th episode of Growing Pains, I’m reflecting on the evolution of the show, my own journey as a business owner and mom, and the hard lesson I’ve learned about using grace as a shield from growth. I’m also pulling back the curtain on what’s next for this podcast—new formats, more focused topics, and a deeper commitment to supporting you through trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, and maternity leave planning as a self-employed mom.

This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a reset. If you’ve ever felt stuck between giving yourself grace and holding yourself back, this episode will help you see where you might be using “grace” as a reason to delay your next level.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How giving yourself grace can become a hidden form of self-sabotage.
• What’s changing on the podcast and why it matters for self-employed moms.
• A mindset shift that can help you return to business after baby with clarity.
• The new episode formats coming your way (spoiler: more solos + stories!).
• How to access the full Maternity Leave Roadmap audio series now.

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You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

What if podcasting could transform not only your business but also your motherhood journey? In this episode, I chat with Amanda Bennett, a podcast guesting strategist and founder of the Podcasting Moms Club, about how moms can use podcasting to amplify their voices, build connections, and grow their businesses.

Amanda shares her story of transitioning from nonprofit fundraising to creating a thriving community for mom podcasters. Whether you're podcasting-curious or a seasoned podcaster, you’ll love Amanda’s tips for building an impactful show while staying connected to what matters most.

Topics covered in this episode:

• How podcasting can help moms connect and share their stories.
• Tips for starting a podcast while balancing a busy schedule.
• The importance of building a supportive podcasting community.
• Why consistency matters for podcast growth and success.
• How podcasting can amplify your voice and grow your business.
• Strategies to simplify podcasting with delegation and systems.
• The personal development opportunities podcasting can offer.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA:
Website - https://gotchamama.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/
The Community for Podcasting Moms! - https://www.gotchamama.com/club

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You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

Ready to take control of your health during pregnancy and beyond? In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Reynolds, a registered physiotherapist and holistic health practitioner, to explore her revolutionary approach to addressing morning sickness, postpartum recovery, and family well-being.

We dive into her inspiring journey, the creation of her tallow-based skincare line, and how she empowers moms to reclaim their health and thrive. If you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or just looking for holistic solutions, you’ll leave feeling inspired and empowered to support your health in new ways.

Topics covered in this episode:

• How to approach morning sickness with a root cause mindset.
• Why nutrient deficiencies play a key role in pregnancy symptoms.
• The importance of self-care during pregnancy and postpartum.
• How holistic health practices can transform motherhood.
• The inspiration behind Jessica’s tallow-based skincare line.
• Tips for improving postpartum recovery and family wellness.

CONNECT WITH JESS:
Website - https://thewellnesselement.ca/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_wellness_element/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aura.apothecary/
Courses and offerings - https://stan.store/The_Wellness_Element
Tallow skincare - http://www.auraapothecary.ca/

_______________

You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

Are traditions helping you connect—or just piling on the stress? In this episode, I explore the evolving nature of holiday traditions and why letting go of rigid expectations might be the best gift you give yourself. I'm sharing personal stories about creating traditions that align with your current season of life and the power of reassessing what truly brings joy to your family. Whether you’re a fan of routines or love to shake things up, I'm here to help you rethink how you approach the holidays and beyond and giving you a permission slip to do the holidays however you want!

You may also want to listen to the previous episode I did on traditions - Episode 95:  Letting Go of Traditions That Don't Serve You

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why traditions should evolve with your family’s needs.
• How to balance routines with the excitement of new experiences.
• When to reassess holiday traditions that feel like obligations.
• The importance of open conversations about changing traditions.
• How to create meaningful connections without rigid expectations.
• Ways to introduce flexibility into your family’s holiday plans.
• How to honor past traditions while embracing the present.

_______________

You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

What if conflict wasn’t something to avoid but a powerful opportunity to grow closer? In this episode, I sit down with Kyle and Sara Wester, two incredible experts who help parents create thriving, connected families without fear-based approaches. We dive into real-life tools for handling parenting conflicts, aligning as a couple, and raising self-controlled, self-disciplined kids. From embracing mistakes to redefining conflict as a chance to build deeper understanding, they share stories and strategies that will inspire you to build a more intentional, connected family.

Topics covered in this episode:

• How to view conflict as an opportunity to grow closer as a couple.
• Why unpacking your childhood stories is key to aligning as parents.
• Practical tools for tag-teaming as a couple with complementary strengths.
• How to create a shared family vision and values that guide decision-making.
• Ways to involve your kids in family goal setting and intentional conversations.
• The importance of regular check-ins to keep your relationship strong and connected.
• How embracing mistakes can lead to powerful moments of family growth.

CONNECT WITH KYLE & SARA:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@artofraisinghumans

_______________

You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

Have you ever felt trapped by traditions that no longer feel meaningful? Join me in this episode to explore the power of letting go and creating space for what truly matters. From rethinking holiday expectations to redefining goals for the new year, I'm sharing my reflections on aligning life and business with your values. Let’s slow down, embrace intentionality, and rediscover joy by focusing on what truly serves you and your family.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Embracing a stress-free holiday season by redefining traditions.
• Balancing family life and personal fulfillment during the holidays.
• Setting realistic and intentional goals for 2025.
• Understanding the power of rest and its role in high performance.
• Transitioning business focus while staying aligned with personal growth.
• Importance of parenting with presence and creating meaningful memories.
• Tips for reverse-engineering your dream life and business balance.

_______________

You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

Are you ready to challenge the traditional path to success? In this episode, Kacia Ghetmiri joins me to share her inspiring journey of redefining what fulfillment and freedom truly mean. Learn how to lean into excitement as your guide, embrace change with courage, and build a career aligned with your passion. Whether you're considering a big life pivot or looking for inspiration to elevate your current path, this conversation will ignite your confidence and spark fresh ideas for your future.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The power of using excitement to guide your decisions.
• Why grieving change is essential for personal growth.
• Balancing business ambitions with the demands of motherhood.
• How Kacia transitioned her husband’s career into real estate.
• Building a diverse portfolio to create financial freedom.
• Tips for asking for help and avoiding guilt as a mom.
• The importance of reflecting on your progress and future vision.

CONNECT WITH KACIA:
Website - https://www.kaciaghetmiri.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kacia.ghetmiri

_______________

You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

What does it take to scale a business while raising a family and navigating the challenges of military life? In this episode, Dylan Jahraus shares her inspiring journey from corporate e-commerce to building a multi-million-dollar Etsy empire. She opens up about health challenges that reshaped her path, the pivotal decisions behind launching her coaching business, and her latest venture into software development. We dive into the delicate art of balancing motherhood, marriage, and career while embracing the opportunities of new seasons in life.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Transitioning from corporate e-commerce to starting a thriving Etsy shop.
• Building a multi-million-dollar business while navigating health challenges.
• The decision to shift from product creation to coaching and course creation.
• Managing business growth and launching new software for Etsy sellers.
• Strategies for balancing family, business, and personal well-being.
• Challenges and opportunities of relocating as a military family.
• Embracing flexibility and long-term decision-making in family and business.

CONNECT WITH DYLAN:
Website - https://www.dylanjahraus.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dylanjahraus/

_______________

You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com

What happens when life throws unexpected challenges while you're building your dream business? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Emily Serino, founder of The Servicepreneur Network, to unpack her journey from a high-flying corporate career to creating a thriving business for service-based entrepreneurs. Emily shares her personal story of navigating infertility, grief, and finding balance between ambition and self-care. Together, we explore the power of community, the courage to embrace vulnerability, and how even small steps can signify hope and resilience.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Emily's transition from corporate to entrepreneurship.
• Building a service-based business with a budget-friendly approach.
• Navigating the challenges of infertility and personal grief.
• Strategies for balancing business growth and personal life changes.
• The importance of community and connection in entrepreneurship.
• Overcoming insecurities and embracing vulnerability in business.
• Empowering women through resilience and shared experiences.

CONNECT WITH EMILY:
Website - https://www.theservicepreneur.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theservicepreneur/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysereno/

_______________

You don't have to choose between growing your business and your family.

Grab the Maternity Leave Roadmap for $29: www.mastermaternityleave.com/roadmap

Send in your maternity leave questions! [email protected]

xx Aly
www.instagram.com/alycaffrey
www.mastermaternityleave.com