In the Middle of It

Nobody warns you about week six.

I'm sharing my own postpartum mental health story in this one — specifically the signs that my mental health was unraveling that I missed, explained away, or flat out ignored because I thought I was just supposed to be able to handle it. I waited way too long to ask for help. And I really believe that if I had understood what was actually happening to me earlier, things would have been a lot less hard for a lot less time. This episode is the one I needed someone to record when Scott went back to work and the support all disappeared at once.

In this episode, you'll hear me talk about:

• Why the six-week mark — not the newborn days — is often when things fall apart, and why no one prepares you for it
• The five signs my mental health was unraveling that I didn't recognize at the time (including one that's really quiet but really real)
• Why I waited so long to ask for help — and the beliefs underneath that made asking feel like failure
• How the Women & Infants Day Hospital program came into my life and what finally pushed me to say yes to it
• What I would do differently, including how to build your support scaffold before you actually need it
• Why you do not have to be in crisis to deserve support — struggling is enough

Mentioned in this episode:

• Women & Infants Day Hospital Program, Providence, RI — the postpartum day program that changed everything for me

Stay Connected!

• 🌐 erinleech.com
• 📸 Instagram: @iamerinleech
• 🎵 TikTok: @erinleech

postpartum mental health, maternal mental health, signs of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum rage, new mom mental health, fourth trimester, week six postpartum, postpartum support, asking for help as a mom, mom guilt, OCD postpartum, perinatal mental health, postpartum identity, functioning but not okay, postpartum isolation, default parent, ambitious mom, entrepreneurial mom, mom burnout, postpartum intrusive thoughts, postpartum resources, Women and Infants, day hospital program, mental health awareness month, new mom struggles, postpartum story, what I'd do differently, village for moms, support for new moms

There is no bouncing back from becoming a mom. And honestly? That's kind of the whole point.

This episode is the wrap-up of the informal series I've been building since the beginning of the year — and I wanted to bring it all home in one place. We've covered the grief of losing who you were before kids, the mom guilt around ambition, the mental load, the martyr mindset, all of it. Today I'm connecting all the dots and landing on the thing I keep coming back to: you were never lost in motherhood. You got overshadowed. And there is a massive difference between those two things. You don't need a brand new identity. You need to reclaim the fullness of the one you already have — and build a life that's actually structured to hold her.

In this episode, you'll hear me talk about:

• Why "bouncing back" after kids was never actually possible — and why that's something to celebrate, not grieve
• The difference between being erased by motherhood and being overshadowed by it (and why it matters)
• Why every planner, productivity system, and course hasn't moved the needle — and what actually has to happen first
• The martyr mindset that quietly sets the norm for self-sacrifice, and how it leads to losing yourself entirely
• Why the inner work has to come before the strategy if you want anything to stick sustainably
• What it looks like to pair your softer, intuitive side with real left-brain strategy — and why that's the bridge I'm building in 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 10: You Are More Than Mom — 3 Truths for the Ambitious Mother Redefining Herself
• Episode 17: From Martyr to Matriarch — Redefining the Mental Load to Create Space for Your Business
• Episode 20: The Postpartum Mental Health Factor Nobody Talks About: Fulfillment for Ambitious Moms
• Matriarch Rising — Erin's 1:1 coaching program: erinleech.com/coaching

Stay Connected!

• 🌐 erinleech.com
• 📸 Instagram: @iamerinleech
• 🎵 TikTok: @erinleech

identity after motherhood, redefining yourself as a mom, mom identity loss, bouncing back after baby, ambitious mom, entrepreneurial mom, default parent, mom guilt and ambition, postpartum identity shift, matrescence, inner work for moms, mindset for moms, female entrepreneur, mompreneur, mental load, martyr mom, reclaiming yourself after kids, identity-led pivot, work life balance for moms, business and motherhood, postpartum mental health, new mom entrepreneur, coaching for moms, In the Middle of It podcast, Erin Leech

You don't just want more than motherhood. You need it. And there's research to back that up.

I've been building toward this episode for a while — it's the one that ties together everything I've been talking about in this series on ambitious motherhood, and honestly, it's the reason I do this work at all. Today I'm getting personal about my own postpartum experience, the identity loss I didn't see coming, and why I believe fulfillment isn't a nice-to-have for women like us. It's a protective factor for our mental health. And the absence of it has real consequences.

In this episode, you'll hear me talk about:

• Why fulfillment is a genuine mental health need — not a luxury — for ambitious, entrepreneurial moms
• What the research actually says about purpose and identity outside of caregiving as a protective factor against postpartum depression and anxiety
• My personal postpartum story, including the moment the fog lifted and what I know now that I didn't then
• Eve Rodsky's concept of "unicorn space" and why it matters for women like us
• What our kids are actually learning when we advocate for our own purpose and go after what we're called to do
• Why wanting more than motherhood is not selfish — it's survival

Stay Connected!

• 🌐 erinleech.com
• 📸 Instagram: @iamerinleech
• 🎵 TikTok: @erinleech

postpartum mental health, ambitious mom, fulfillment for moms, mom identity loss, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, entrepreneurial mom, mompreneur, unicorn space Eve Rodsky, purpose outside motherhood, identity shift postpartum, mental health for moms, ambitious women, female entrepreneur, work from home mom, postpartum identity crisis, building a business with a baby, mom guilt, postpartum support, fourth trimester, new mom mental health, postpartum entrepreneur, self-worth for moms, thriving in motherhood, women's mental health, business and motherhood, female founder, mindset for moms

You grew a human. You're keeping them alive. And somehow you still feel behind. This one's for you.

I'm recording this at 5:30am from my couch, three weeks postpartum with my second son Louis, and I just needed to come on here and say the things I wish someone had said to me the first time around. This episode is my love letter to every ambitious woman in the thick of the newborn season. If you're listening during a pumping session, a contact nap, or the one quiet moment you managed to steal today — I see you. You still have that fire. This season just has a different kind of work for you right now.

In this episode, you'll hear me talk about:

• Why you are not behind — and where that pressure is actually coming from
• How I'm reframing this "rest season" and why it's not wasted time
• The truth about your ambition, your business, and what's actually at risk if you slow down (hint: nothing)
• Why I'm giving myself — and you — full permission to be present without guilt
• How this season won't just make you a better mom, but a better coach, mentor, and leader

Stay Connected!

• 🌐 erinleech.com
• 📸 Instagram: @iamerinleech
• 🎵 TikTok: @erinleech

postpartum entrepreneur, ambitious mom, new baby, fourth trimester, maternity leave for business owners, mom guilt, postpartum identity, newborn season, work life balance for moms, female entrepreneur, mompreneur, business and motherhood, postpartum mindset, contact nap, pumping mom, new mom encouragement, identity shift postpartum, entrepreneurial mom, building a business with a baby, season of rest, permission to slow down, postpartum grace, ambitious women, mom boss, newborn stage, early motherhood, postpartum support, mindset for moms, business growth, female founder

"Your ambition is not a distraction from your kids; it is a gift to them." 

In this episode, we are tackling the deep-seated fear that taking time for our business means we are "taking away" from our children. We’ve been conditioned to believe that a "good mom" must sacrifice every part of herself. But today, we’re flipping the script. We are moving away from the Martyr Mindset and stepping into our role as the Empowered Matriarch who models what a fulfilled life actually looks like.

We’re breaking down the most common misconceptions keeping moms stuck:

• The 24/7 Availability Myth: Why physical proximity does not equal quality presence—and why your kids can feel when you’re "there" but mentally depleted.
• Invisible Contributions: Moving past the idea that chores and childcare are your only value, and seeing your joy and mental health as an investment in your family.
• The Dining Table Trap: Why multitasking at the dining room table creates "annoyed, distracted moms" rather than "present" ones, and why focused work behind a closed door is actually the kinder choice.
• The Modeling Legacy: How you are teaching your sons to revere powerful women and showing your daughters that motherhood is not the end of their own dreams.
• Alignment vs. Hustle: Defining success on your own terms as an "architect of your own time," building a business that honors your family’s rhythm.

A Note on Choice: Whether you are a stay-at-home mom by choice or an entrepreneur by calling, the goal is the same: to live a life that lights you up. You are allowed to take up space.

Key Timestamps:

• [04:44] The pressure of being mentally available 24/7.
• [08:15] Why a soul-filled mom is a better model than a depleted one.
• [13:17] Redefining your contribution: Beyond the housework and the paycheck.
• [23:14] The "Closed Door" boundary: Why kids want your presence, not just your proximity.
• [29:35] Alignment is the new hustle: Building a business that fits your rhythm.
• [42:38] What we are truly teaching our sons and daughters by being ambitious.

I want to hear from you!

Which one of these misconceptions has been the hardest for you to unlearn?

• Screenshot this episode and share it to your stories! Tag me @iamerinleech so I can see what resonated with you.
• Send me a DM: If you're struggling to balance the "immediate tears" of your kids with your "long-term vision," I am here to talk it through with you. Let’s navigate this middle season together.

Keywords: Motherhood and ambition, mom guilt and business, work from home mom productivity, modeling vs neglect, the martyr complex in parenting, entrepreneur moms, setting boundaries with kids, raising empowered daughters, healthy relationship dynamics at home, mental load of motherhood, unicorn space for moms

"You cannot build a new life on an old foundation."

We often think we can just bolt a business onto our current lives and it’ll be fine. But the truth is, if you’re holding 90% of the household "cards," you’re on the fast track to burnout. In this episode, we’re looking at the logistics of your home as the actual foundation for your future business. We’re moving away from the "martyr" mindset and stepping into our power as Matriarchs.

In this episode, we’re diving into:

• The Fair Play Method: How Eve Rodsky’s system can move your partner from "helper" to "owner."
• Understanding CPE: Why your partner doing the "execution" (the doing) isn't enough if you’re still doing all the "conception" and "planning."
• The Law of Correspondence: Why a cluttered, resentment-filled home environment tells the Universe you are "at capacity" and blocks new opportunities.
• Unicorn Space is a Necessity: Reclaiming the time and energy that belongs to you—it’s not a luxury; it’s a divine calling.
• The Partner Conversation: How to approach the division of labor as "us vs. the problem" instead of "me vs. you."
• The Law of Reflection: What to do when your partner isn't supportive and how your own self-belief sets the tone for your home.

A Note for the Weary Mom: The most generous gift you can give your children is the sight of a mother who respects her own soul enough to take up space. You aren't "taking away" from them; you are modeling what it looks like to be a whole, fulfilled woman.

Key Timestamps:

• [02:15] The misconception that a business is just an "add-on."
• [06:40] Explaining CPE: Conception, Planning, and Execution.
• [13:10] Shifting from "Helper" energy to "Owner" energy in your partnership.
• [18:45] What is "Unicorn Space" and why is it a moral obligation?
• [24:30] Navigating the sticky conversation without it turning into a fight.
• [32:00] The "Martyr vs. Matriarch" shift: What are you modeling for your kids?

Let’s connect! Are you holding a "card" right now that is weighing you down? Does the idea of "Unicorn Space" feel like a distant dream or a scary necessity?

• Screenshot this episode and share it to your stories! Tag me @iamerinleech—I want to see what cards you’re ready to hand over.
• Send me a DM: If you’re navigating a partner who isn’t quite "on board" yet, or if you’re struggling to see how you can be both a great mom and a successful woman, slide into my DMs. I’m always here to talk through the sticky stuff with you.

Keywords & Topics: Fair Play Eve Rodsky, mental load of motherhood, household division of labor, work from home mom burnout, ambitious moms and motherhood, unicorn space for moms, spiritual laws of success, law of correspondence, law of reflection, matriarch vs martyr, parenting and entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood and business

"Your value is not measured by how much you can manage to carry; it’s measured by how much you trust yourself to let go."

We’re moving into the energy of Spring 2026, and while the snow might still be falling, the internal "Year of the Snake" energy is still calling us to shed what no longer fits. In this episode, I’m sharing a realization I had while gardening: a plant cannot grow new, vibrant flowers if it’s still pouring its life force into sustaining the dead ones.

We do the same thing in our homes, our calendars, and our businesses. We hold onto the "carpet tiles" and "craft fabric" of our past versions because letting go feels like admitting failure—but really, it’s just making space for the version of you that is ready to bloom now.

In this episode, we explore:

• The "Deadheading" Metaphor: Why "snipping off" the dead weight in your life redirects your energy toward growth.
• The Guilt-Anchor: Navigating the identity shifts involved in clearing out projects you never finished (looking at you, craft closet).
• The Science of Clutter: Why a high "density of household objects" leads to a spike in cortisol (stress hormones) and how your brain "multitasks" just by looking at a messy pantry.
• The Law of the Vacuum: Why the Universe is spiritually bound to fill the space you create with something more aligned.
• Relational Pruning: How to say "no" to social commitments and relationships that no longer serve your peace.
• Mental Decluttering: Using "Morning Pages" and brain dumps to clear the "muck" from your internal engine.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (Morning Pages)
• Minimal-ish Podcast with Desirae Endres
• The Maximized Minimalist Podcast with Katy Wells

Key Timestamps:

• [04:15] What "deadheading" in the garden taught me about life.
• [11:30] The carpet tile story: Why we make "stuff" mean something about our character.
• [19:45] Clearing the craft closet: Prioritizing your peace over your pandemic hobbies.
• [26:50] The UCLA study: How visual clutter keeps your nervous system in "fight or flight."
• [35:10] Relational space: Why "No" is a full sentence.
• [42:30] The Law of the Vacuum and the spirituality of making room.

I want to hear from you! What are you "deadheading" this week? Is there a physical item or a social commitment you’re ready to let go of to make space for your "more"?

• Screenshot this episode and share it to your stories! Tag me @iamerinleech so I can cheer you on as you clear the space.
• Slide into my DMs: I’d love to hear what you’re clearing out. If you’re ready to stop being a "museum for your past mistakes" and want to chat about how to find more alignment in your business and motherhood, let’s connect!

Keywords: Decluttering for moms, work from home mom productivity, mental load of motherhood, how to say no, minimalist parenting, anxiety and clutter, the Law of the Vacuum, Year of the Snake 2026, spiritual entrepreneurship, Morning Pages for moms, UCLA cortisol study clutter, overcoming mom guilt.

I used to overestimate what I could do in a day, fail to hit my goals, and spiral into a place of frustration and 'postpartum rage.' I thought I needed a better planner or a more rigid schedule. What I actually needed was a shift in expectations.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I actually structure my week as a work-from-home mom and entrepreneur in early 2026. Whether you have a toddler, a newborn, or a business whisper in your ear that you’re ready to act on, this episode is about finding a flow that supports your family without sacrificing your ambition.

We’re diving into:

• The "Weekly Flow" Mentality: Why I stopped planning day-to-day and started looking at the week as a whole.
• Glass vs. Plastic Balls: How to identify which tasks are non-negotiable and which ones are allowed to bounce.
• A Peek at My Schedule: How I use childcare days for "sacred deep work" and Fridays for "just being mom."
• The "Two Birds, One Seed" Trick: How I involve my 2.5-year-old in "plastic ball" tasks (like laundry and cleaning) so I can stay present.
• Grace for the Seasons: Why your rhythm will look different if you’re in the newborn haze versus the toddler years.

Key Timestamps:

• [04:20] The biggest game changer: Adjusting expectations.
• [08:15] Why I treat Tuesdays and Wednesdays as "Sacred Deep Work" days.
• [14:30] Avoiding the spiral when the schedule falls apart (because kids get sick).
• [22:10] Mondays as a "Weekly Reset" through Fridays as a "Free Day."
• [31:45] Teaching life skills: Involving your kids in the housework.
• [38:00] A reminder for the mom in the first 6–12 months of motherhood.

I want to hear from you! Are you navigating the transition to multiples, or are you in the middle of figuring out your own weekly rhythm? I’m all ears.

• Screenshot this episode and share it to your stories! Tag me on Instagram or TikTok so I can see you’re listening.
• Send me a DM: If you’re feeling the tug-of-war between motherhood and business and just want to chat about what a "softer" approach could look like for you, my inbox is always open. I’d love to connect one-on-one and hear what’s on your heart.

Keywords:  Work from home mom tips, entrepreneurship and motherhood, postpartum mental health, nervous system regulation for moms, weekly planning for entrepreneurs, productivity for moms, overcoming mom guilt, identity after motherhood, mindful parenting, business systems for moms, setting boundaries with family, intentional motherhood, scaling a business with a toddler, spiritual entrepreneurship, gentle productivity 

Stop waiting for the "perfect" time—it’s a ghost that doesn't exist. In this episode, we’re diving into the "tough love" truth about the walls we build around our ambitions. If you’ve ever told yourself you’ll start your business "when the kids are in school" or "when we have more money," this conversation is for you. We explore why our subconscious treats growth like a life-threatening danger and how to transition from being a victim of your "mood" to a leader of your "plan."

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why having less time can actually be your greatest competitive advantage in business.
• How to negotiate for "Unicorn Space" and build a village of support without a massive budget.
• The difference between "safe" and "desirable" and why your nervous system is fighting your evolution.
• Practical strategies for "co-working" with toddlers and maximizing the small pockets of your day.

Follow the Plan, Not the Mood. Whether you have 45 minutes or 4 hours, your vision is waiting for you to take the first step.

STAY CONNECTED:
Follow along on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠. (@iamerinleech pretty much anywhere!)

---

Keywords: Mompreneur, limiting beliefs, time management for moms, starting a business, work from home tips, fair play method, unicorn space, productivity for entrepreneurs, feminine energy, mindset shift

Stop living for the "invisible jury." 

In this episode, we’re breaking down the game-changing "Let Them" theory and how it applies to the messy, beautiful intersection of motherhood and ambition. We talk about that heavy weight of judgment we feel at the playground or on social media and how to finally set it down. From raw stories of parking lot meltdowns to simple somatic tools you can use mid-conversation, this episode is your permission slip to stay in your lane and own your truth. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The simple (but not easy) mechanics of the "Let Them" theory for your daily life. 
• How to identify your "short list" of people whose opinions actually matter.
• A 30-second somatic reset to use when you feel the "clench" of anxiety or judgment. 
• Why choosing your own fulfillment is a powerful act of parenting. 

Ready to find your peace? Let's dive in. 

STAY CONNECTED:
Follow along on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠. (@iamerinleech pretty much anywhere!)

Keywords: let them theory, mom shame, ambitious motherhood, parenting judgment, overcoming people pleasing, nervous system regulation for moms, identity after kids