Hormones are the foundation of women’s health, yet imbalances often go undiagnosed, leaving many of us feeling drained, anxious, or stuck. In this episode, Ashley Rocha, hormonal health expert and founder of Ladywell, joins Diane to break down the basics of hormone health, why it matters for productivity and happiness, and how to naturally support balance at every life stage.

They discuss:

✔️ What hormones do and how they affect energy, mood, metabolism, and relationships

✔️ The most common signs of hormonal imbalances (fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, bloating, etc.)

✔️ The best foods, supplements, and lifestyle habits for balanced hormones

✔️ How hormonal health impacts your success, motivation, and confidence

✔️ The stigma around women’s hormone issues and how to start advocating for yourself

🎧 Tune in to learn how to recognize hormone imbalances, reclaim your well-being, and optimize your health for a happier, more productive life.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

💡 Learn more about Ladywell and get special discounts for listeners → getladywell.com

📲 Follow Ashley Rocha & Ladywell on Instagram → @getladywell

📚 Recommended Reading: The New Menopause

✨ Listener Special: Ladywell is giving a 20% off promo code for The Midwife Life listeners! Use code Willow20 at checkout for some amazing products. Stay tuned for details in the episode.

Women are not meant to do life alone. But in today’s world, many of us feel more isolated than ever—pulled away from the deep, meaningful sisterhood we need to thrive.

In this episode of The Midwife Life, I’m exploring the science, history, and power of women’s community, whether you’re a mother or not. We’ll unpack why loneliness is becoming a health crisis, how modern life has separated us from our natural support systems, and—most importantly—what we can do to rebuild authentic, lasting connections.

If you’ve ever longed for deeper friendships or wondered why you feel so disconnected in a world that’s “more connected than ever,” this episode is for you. 💛

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why sisterhood isn’t just emotional—it’s biological and essential for mental & physical health

✔️ The shocking impact of loneliness (hint: it’s as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!)

✔️ How modern life has pulled women away from natural support systems

✔️ 3 powerful ways to build and strengthen real, meaningful friendships

✔️ A guided meditation to help you reconnect with sisterhood and community

Links & Resources:

📖 Studies on social connection & health → The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness

Thriving together: the benefits of women's social ties for physical, psychological and relationship health

🎧 Other podcast episodes you may love:

New Mom School: Educating and Empowering Mothers for the Journey Ahead

MOMentum for Moms: Transforming Work, Life, and Self-Care with Chelsie Bruggeman

Challenge for You:

After listening, reach out to one woman in your life. Send a text, make a call, or invite her to coffee. Connection starts with small, intentional steps.

💛 Did this episode resonate with you? Tag me on Instagram @the.midwife.life.co and share your biggest takeaway! I’d love to hear from you.

✨ If you loved this episode, please leave a rating & review—it helps more women find this conversation!

Navigating the early days of motherhood can be overwhelming, lonely, and filled with uncertainty—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Kylie West and Jacquie Koopman, co-owners of the New Mom School franchise in Gilbert, Arizona. Both Kylie and Jacquie know firsthand how challenging early motherhood can be, and they’ve dedicated themselves to creating a supportive, empowering space where new moms can find education, friendship, and confidence in their parenting journey.

We’ll discuss:

✅ The personal journeys that led Kylie and Jacquie to open a New Mom School franchise

✅ Why education and community are essential for new moms

✅ The biggest challenges new moms face—and how to overcome them

✅ How New Mom School programs support moms emotionally and practically

✅ The importance of mental health, self-care, and relationships in early motherhood

✅ Advice for new moms who are feeling overwhelmed or isolated

Whether you’re an expecting mom, a new mom, or know someone navigating early motherhood, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical tools to make the transition into motherhood smoother and more supported.

Guest Bios:

Kylie West

Kylie West is a dedicated advocate for new moms in the Gilbert, Arizona area through New Mom School. As a mother of two, she understands the highs and lows of early motherhood. Her own experience led her to create a space where moms can feel empowered, educated, and supported. With a background in [mention her field], Kylie combines her professional expertise with her passion for community-building, ensuring that moms have the resources they need to thrive.

Jacquie Koopman

Jacquie Koopman is a mom of three who believes that every birth makes you a ‘new mom’ all over again. Originally from Southern California, she attended New Mom School in Newport Beach with her first child and saw firsthand how powerful it was to have a built-in support system. After moving to Arizona, experiencing postpartum challenges, and struggling to find local support, she knew she had to bring New Mom School to her community. With a corporate career in financial technology, Jacquie is especially passionate about making support accessible for working moms and moms of multiple children.

Resources & Links:

📌 Learn more about New Mom School: https://newmomschool.com/gilbert-az/

📌 Follow Kylie & Jacquie on Instagram: @newmomschool_gilbert

📌 Join a New Mom School class: https://newmomschool.com/class-registration/gilbert-az/

📌 Connect with me on Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co

📌 Subscribe to The Midwife Life Podcast: https://themidwifelife.co/the-midwife-life-podcast/

Rate, Review & Subscribe!

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your support helps us reach more moms who need encouragement and resources on their motherhood journey.

🎧 Subscribe on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Amazon Podcasts]

⭐ Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

📢 Share this episode with a new mom who needs support!

In this episode, Diane is joined by Nereyda Martinez, a mother, storyteller, and Licensed Ishtara Teacher who, alongside her husband Angel, co-owns The Healing Tree Collective in Tempe, Arizona. Nereyda shares the unexpected journey of taking over the Collective, the divine intervention that led them to this path, and the challenges they faced in building a successful partnership.

Nereyda opens up about how motherhood has impacted her approach to wellness and self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries, especially around technology. She discusses her personal healing journey, starting with mindset work and moving into body practices like Ishtara, and how this has transformed her ability to show up as a strong role model for her children.

The conversation delves into the mission and vision of The Healing Tree Collective, including their plans to expand accessibility by offering more Spanish-speaking classes and exploring online/virtual offerings. Nereyda emphasizes the power of community, the importance of intention and presence, and the need to demystify wellness practices to make them available to everyone.

Throughout the episode, Nereyda shares valuable insights and encouragement for listeners, urging them to be open to new experiences, trust their inner wisdom, and make self-care a priority. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of healing, creating, and inspiring - both within oneself and in the lives of others.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with Nereyda and The Healing Tree Collective:

In this reflective episode, we’re diving into the art of hibernation—not in the bear-in-a-cave sense, but as a season of intentional rest, renewal, and preparation. Inspired by nature’s rhythms, Diane explores how slowing down during winter can lead to meaningful growth and peace. If the hustle of the new year has you feeling drained already, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and embrace a gentler start to the year.

🍂 The Lessons of Winter

🗓️ How to Break Free from the January Hustle

💡 Simple Ways to Embrace Rest

📔 Winter Reflection Prompts

If this episode resonated with you, share your winter reflections with us! Tag @the.midwife.life.co on Instagram or leave us a comment on Facebook. Let’s embrace the wisdom of the season together.

This week, we’re sharing exciting news: Willow Birth Center is expanding with a third location in Gilbert, Arizona! We’re thrilled to bring our midwife-led, personalized care to even more families in the Southeast Valley. Imagine a warm, home-like space designed to celebrate and support you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. This new location embodies everything you love about Willow, plus a few special features we can’t wait to share!

🏠 Why We’re Expanding: Learn about the growing demand for compassionate, midwife-led care and how this new location will help us reach more families.

✨ A Peek Inside Our Gilbert Birth Center: With three spacious birth suites, ensuite bathrooms, cozy family lounges, and tranquil office spaces, our new center is designed for comfort and empowerment.

🔬 Safety First: Discover how our licensed and nationally accredited birth centers meet the highest standards of safety and care for low-risk pregnancies.

💸 Affordable Birth Options: Yes, we take most insurance plans (including Medicaid), offer payment plans, and provide financial counseling to ensure birth center care is accessible to all.

At Willow Birth Center, we follow the midwifery model of care, which puts you at the center. From longer prenatal visits to personalized birth plans, we’re here to support your choices, your comfort, and your voice. Our calm, home-like atmosphere and evidence-based care ensure a birth experience that feels empowering, personal, and safe.

Resources mentioned:

If you’re exploring birth options or know someone who is, share this episode to help spread the word about midwife-led, personalized care. Together, we can transform the birth experience for families across Arizona.

In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane welcomes Tirza Hova, the visionary founder of Milk by Mom, who is redefining breastfeeding for modern families. A working mom of two young daughters, Tirza faced the struggles of balancing full-time work with the challenges of pumping, storing, and traveling with breast milk. Her discovery of freeze-drying breast milk was a game-changer—providing superior nutrition, unmatched convenience, and long-term storage options. Now, through Milk by Mom, Tirza is on a mission to empower parents across the U.S. by modernizing how we feed breastfed babies.

🍼 Why Freeze-Dried Breast Milk is a Game-Changer: How it preserves all the nutrients, antibodies, and caloric density while making it shelf-stable for up to three years.

✈️ Perfect for Modern Moms: From freeing up freezer space to traveling with ease, Tirza explains how freeze-drying breast milk provides flexibility and convenience for today’s busy families.

🔬 The Science Behind Freeze-Drying: A breakdown of the process and why it’s better than traditional freezing or formula for maintaining the integrity of breast milk.

💡 Real-Life Applications: From handling high-lipase milk to creating emergency stashes, Tirza shares how moms and caregivers are using freeze-dried breast milk to support their unique needs.

Tirza Hova is a corporate professional-turned-entrepreneur and the founder of Milk by Mom. After discovering breast milk freeze-drying while navigating life as a full-time working mom of two daughters under the age of 2, Tirza was inspired to make this revolutionary service accessible to families nationwide. As Milk by Mom’s first customer, she experienced firsthand the freedom, flexibility, and confidence it provides. Her mission is to empower parents through education and innovation, modernizing how we feed breastfed babies and ensuring the goodness of breast milk is available to more families across the U.S.

Learn More About Milk by Mom:

If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your community. Together, we can empower parents with innovative solutions like freeze-dried breast milk and help more families thrive.

This week on The Midwife Life, Diane sits down with Chelsie Bruggeman, the powerhouse CEO and founder of MOMentum, an organization dedicated to supporting mothers as they navigate the delicate balance of work, family, and self-care. A mom of two and one of Phoenix Business Journal's 2024 40 Under 40, Chelsie shares her journey from raising millions in scholarships at Arizona State University to building a thriving community that empowers working moms during matrescence.

What We Cover in This Episode:

✨ Redefining Motherhood: Chelsie’s inspiring transition from gold-star achiever to creating a life that embraces the messiness and beauty of motherhood.

✨ The Power of Community: How MOMentum workshops, retreats, and monthly meetups provide moms with the validation and support they need to thrive.

✨ Navigating Work-Life Balance: Insights into the struggles moms face in the workforce and how to redefine success on your terms.

✨ Reclaiming Self-Care: Why finding time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential—and how to start small, whether it’s a yoga class, journaling, or a walk in nature.

✨ Creating Equity for Moms at Work: Chelsie’s vision for transforming workplaces to better support mothers through policies like paid leave, work-from-home flexibility, and building inclusive communities.

Key Takeaways for Moms Everywhere:

About Chelsie Bruggeman:

Chelsie Bruggeman is a mother of two little boys and the founder/CEO of MOMentum, an organization committed to supporting mothers in the workforce through community, resources, and professional development. During her time at Arizona State University, Chelsie raised over $15 million and established numerous scholarships, demonstrating her dedication to creating educational opportunities. In 2024, she was honored as one of Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. Her mission with MOMentum is to provide economic security and confidence to mothers during matrescence, transforming how we view and support motherhood.

Learn More About MOMentum:

Let’s Connect:

Join the Conversation:

If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Together, we can create a world where mothers feel empowered, supported, and celebrated at every step of their journey.

This week, Diane is joined by Ashley Andrews, an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner, who shares her inspiring journey into motherhood and the transformative practices that have guided her along the way. From navigating unexpected pregnancy and birth experiences to discovering the power of integrative nutrition, Reiki, and intuitive movement, Ashley's story is a testament to the resilience and wisdom that can emerge from life's twists and turns.

What We Cover:

Meet Ashley:

Ashley is an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner based in The Lehigh Valley. She began practicing Vinyasa when she was 14 years old and realized, “yoga is as much for the mind & soul as it is the body.” 

A few years later, Ashley discovered the universal law of attraction, began researching metaphysics and started teaching yoga classes while studying Mass Communications and Marketing at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. At 19, she had her first Reiki session and understood the profound healing potential in energy work. That same month, she followed her inspiration and left to study abroad in Europe, where she lived for 3+ years and earned her Masters Degree in International Business Development at IPAG Business School in France. 

After finishing grad school in 2018, Ashley traveled to Goa, India, where she completed her first 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training in the styles of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin. In 2019, she received her Reiki L1 certification and became the Mind & Body Coordinator of a large health & wellness center in Allentown, PA. The following year, Ashley graduated from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in New York, New York. She has since been attuned to the Master Level of Reiki and completed 15 hours of Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training through Tribe Yoga in Fogelsville, PA. 

Today, Ashley sees clients both online and offline in Full Circle Studio at Three Circles Therapeutics (New Tripoli, Pennsylvania). She blends the tools and practices she’s learned and used over the years for self healing to assist others along their journeys of transformation.

Ashley is a new mom to her son, Kai, and daughter, Mia. She enjoys spending time in nature with her family (which includes two Australian Shepards), getting out in the community, sourdough baking and various forms of art. 

Connect with Ashley:

https://www.valleymamma.com/

https://www.instagram.com/valleymamma

Connect with us:

Join the Conversation: If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends!

With the holiday season in full swing, life can feel like a whirlwind of festive chaos. In this episode, Diane shares her top four “non-negotiable” self-care practices to stay grounded, healthy, and present during the holidays. From mindful movement to restful sleep, Diane opens up about how she protects her energy while embracing the season’s beautiful busyness.

🎄 Daily Movement as Self-Respect: Why gentle movement, like restorative yoga or a winter walk, keeps both body and mind in balance—even during the busiest time of year.

💊 Supplements & Immune Support: How vitamins like C, D, and zinc can strengthen your body when you’re surrounded by holiday germs (and how to build a consistent supplement routine).

🧘 Creating ‘Me Time’: Practical ways to carve out moments of solitude, from journaling and nature walks to mindful breathing—even when life feels nonstop.

😴 Prioritizing Rest Over Perfection: Why protecting your sleep (or sneaking in a power nap) can make all the difference when late-night celebrations start to stack up.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your loved ones. Let’s embrace the holiday season with joy, grace, and plenty of self-care!