Stethoscopes and Strollers

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, I’m tackling the widely accepted notion that poor sleep is an unavoidable part of early motherhood. Drawing on my experience as a newly minted Perinatal Mental Health Certified OBGYN, I'll explore the significant impact of sleep deprivation on maternal mental health, including its role as a risk factor for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum depression, OCD, and psychosis.

I delve into societal expectations and what I like to call the "Struggle Olympics," where moms wear their sleep struggles as badges of honor. Why is seeking adequate sleep often stigmatized? Let’s flip that script and emphasize the importance of prioritizing sleep for both you and your child.

Episode Highlights:

- Sleep Deprivation and Mental Health: How lack of sleep can lead to severe perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

- Societal Expectations: The harmful cultural norms that expect mothers to endure sleep deprivation without seeking help.

- Support Systems: The importance of establishing a support system before the baby arrives, including partners, family, night nannies, and doulas.

- Practical Tips: Strategies to maximize sleep from the newborn stage, such as setting clear boundaries and considering professional help for sleep training.

- Personal Experience: I share my own journey with sleep issues and the measures I took to protect my sleep as a mother and physician.

Call to Action:

- Follow the show and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

- Leave a five-star review to help more physician moms discover *Stethoscopes and Strollers*.

- Join us next week for another insightful episode.

Looking forward to connecting with you on this important topic! Let's break the sleep deprivation myth together.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

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If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Hey doc! 🌟 Today, I’ve got a delightful and spontaneous date story to share with you. My husband and I had a fun, unexpected outing that reminded me of the importance of making intentional choices to maintain intimacy and connection, especially during the hectic years of raising young kids.

Episode Highlights:

1. Surprise Date Day: 

   - Bad Boys Ride or Die released today! My husband planned to see it solo, but I couldn't let that happen. I invited myself along and found an 11 AM showtime that fit our schedules perfectly. 

2. Adult Conversations Ahead:

   - Just a heads-up, we’re diving into some adult themes today. Make sure the kiddos are out of earshot.

3. A Quickie Before the Movie:

   - Feeling close and a little frisky, I suggested a quickie before we left for the theater. Despite being exhausted I felt good and wanted to seize the moment for intimacy.

4. Intentional Choices:

   - Reflecting on the morning, I realized that previous me wouldn’t have made these choices. It took several intentional decisions to make the day enjoyable and intimate. 

5. Maintaining the Spark:

   - Little moments of closeness are hard to come by with young kids. We’ve found that prioritizing these moments keeps us from becoming mere roommates. It’s crucial to make these choices to foster connection and intimacy.

6. Choosing Happiness:

   - It's easy to focus on the negative, but today, I chose happiness and togetherness. Not every situation is worth shrugging off, but finding moments where you can choose joy over irritation can greatly enhance your relationship.

7. Encouragement for You:

   - Look for opportunities to make intentional choices that foster closeness and happiness. Small decisions can significantly impact your relationship's health, benefiting not only you and your partner but also your kids.

Thank you for tuning in! Join me next time on Stethoscopes and Strollers for more tips on balancing motherhood and maintaining a thriving relationship.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

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Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, I dive into the movie "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" and share my thoughts on its deeper themes, especially the relationship dynamics between Evelyn and her husband. Here are the highlights:

Episode Highlights:

- Movie Recap: A brief overview of the plot and key characters, focusing on Evelyn, her husband, their laundromat business, and family life.

- Relationship Dynamics: Exploring how Evelyn perceives her husband as bumbling but learns to appreciate his unique strengths and methods.

- Personal Reflection: Relating the movie's themes to my own marriage, especially the early struggles with parenting and differing interaction styles.

- Lessons for Physician Moms: Encouraging moms to recognize and value their partners' unique approaches, even when they differ from their own expectations.

Key Messages:

- Different Approaches: Highlighting how partners may handle parenting and responsibilities differently, and that's okay.

- Finding Strengths: Emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing the unique strengths each partner brings to the relationship.

- Open Communication: Encouraging open conversations and understanding between partners to strengthen relationships.

Encouragement for Listeners:

- Perspective Shift: Take a step back and appreciate the positive aspects of your partner's contributions, even if they don't align with your methods.

- Watch the Movie: "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" offers valuable insights into relationships and personal growth.

- Share Your Thoughts: Watch the movie and share your insights with me via email, my website, or social media.

- Support the Podcast: Share this episode with another physician mom, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and rate us on your favorite platform.

Thank you for joining today's discussion on *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. See you next time for more empowering conversations about motherhood and medicine!

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In today’s episode, I’m sharing how Juneteenth has played a significant role in helping me build a supportive community here in Northern California. Here’s what we cover:

Episode Highlights:

- Juneteenth and Community: Reflecting on the importance of Juneteenth and how it has helped me create a community since moving to California after residency in 2015.

- Starting Fresh: Moving to California on a whim and the journey to finding happiness and building connections after experiencing residency burnout.

- Discovering Juneteenth: Learning about Juneteenth a few years ago and deciding to celebrate it by organizing gatherings with other Black doctors and their families.

- Growing the Community: Stepping out of my comfort zone to seek out and connect with Black families, leading to a growing network of friends and support.

- Meaningful Connections: Sharing stories of how these connections have provided support, friendship, and even medical care for my son.

Key Messages:

- Intentional Community Building: Emphasizing the importance of intentionally creating and curating a supportive community, especially when living far from family and old friends.

- The Power of Connection: Encouraging listeners to reach out and make connections, even if it feels uncomfortable, because the support and friendship you gain are invaluable.

- Resilience and Adaptability: Acknowledging that while not every connection will be perfect, it’s essential to keep trying and nurturing those relationships that matter.

Encouragement for Listeners:

- Take Action: On this Juneteenth, make an effort to reach out to someone you’ve been meaning to connect with. It could be a neighbor, a friend, or another mom at your child’s school.

- Build Your Network: Having a network of friends and support can make a world of difference in your life, providing comfort, emergency help, and a sense of belonging.

Thank you for joining me on this special Juneteenth episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Happy Juneteenth, and see you next time!

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! Today is a special Juneteenth episode, and I'm so excited to share it with you. Here’s what we cover:

Episode Highlights:

- Juneteenth Overview: Celebrating Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free on June 19, 1865.

- Personal Story: Sharing a moment with my South African Au Pair who noticed my Juneteenth T-shirt, sparking a conversation about what Juneteenth means.

- Teaching My Son: Reflecting on how to explain Juneteenth to my four-year-old son. It's a delicate balance of being honest but age-appropriate.

- Positive Reinforcement: Discussing how we focus on positive affirmations about his skin color and identity while gradually introducing more historical context.

- Future Conversations: Planning to expand on these discussions as he grows older and can understand more complex aspects of history.

Key Messages:

- Hope and Resilience: Emphasizing the importance of hope and resilience as we teach our kids about difficult histories.

- Cultural Awareness: Encouraging all parents to talk to their kids about Juneteenth, helping them appreciate and understand this significant part of American history.

- Positive Identity: Highlighting the importance of building a positive sense of identity in our children, especially in the face of historical and current challenges.

Encouragement for Listeners:

- Start the Conversation: Don't shy away from discussing important historical events like Juneteenth with your kids. Use resources that frame these conversations positively.

- Acknowledge History: Understanding where we've been helps us navigate where we are and where we're going, instilling hope in uncertain times.

- Stay Connected: Follow along for more episodes as we continue to explore motherhood, medicine, and everything in between.

- Share and Discuss: Share this episode with other parents and have a conversation about how you're teaching your children about Juneteenth.

- Support the Podcast: Leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform and share the podcast with your friends and family.

Thank you for tuning into this special Juneteenth episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Have a happy Juneteenth, and see you next time!

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this special Father's Day episode, I honor my husband and the father of my children. Here’s a look at what we cover:

Episode Highlights:

- Manifestation Realized: Reflecting on how I manifested my husband, a first-generation Trinidadian, and how he surpassed all my expectations.

- Parenting Together: How my husband inspired me to want boys and how we balance each other out in raising our beautiful family.

- Overcoming Challenges: Discussing our journey through postpartum burnout and how his support helped me recover.

- Personal Growth: The importance of mutual growth and commitment in our relationship, making us better partners and parents.

- Special Moments: Sharing a recent ER visit with our daughter that highlighted our improved teamwork and communication.

Key Messages:

- Love and Respect: Despite the challenges, the love and respect for my husband remain strong and essential.

- Supportive Partners: Celebrating fathers who break gender norms, are present with their kids, and take on parenting responsibilities.

- Open Communication: Encouraging honest conversations with partners about their true desires and needs.

Encouragement for Listeners:

- Honoring Dads: Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the fathers in your life.

- Stronger Together: Emphasize the importance of a strong marriage foundation for a stable family life.

Call to Action:

- Share with Your Husband: Let your husband listen to this episode as a way to appreciate and celebrate his role.

- Support the Podcast: Share this episode with other physician moms and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform.

Thank you for joining this heartfelt Father's Day episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. See you next time for more insightful discussions about motherhood and medicine!

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. In this episode, I share my journey toward obtaining my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and discuss the Nine Steps to Wellness from Postpartum Support International. These steps are integral to my coaching practice for physician moms in the early years of motherhood.

Episode Highlights:

- Pursuing PMH-C: I’m preparing for my Perinatal Mental Health Certification to enhance my coaching services, despite vowing never to take another exam after my boards.

- Validation of Core Values: Discovering how the Nine Steps to Wellness align perfectly with my coaching values, reinforcing the importance of these principles in supporting postpartum mental health.

The Nine Steps to Wellness:

1. Education: Providing information through books, handouts, and websites. I curate and distill this information for my clients to simplify their learning process.

2. Sleep/Rest: Emphasizing the critical need for rest, even if actual sleep is elusive.

3. Nutrition: Highlighting the importance of proper nutrition, especially during the exhausting postpartum period.

4. Exercise and Time for Self: Encouraging movement and personal time to enhance physical and mental well-being.

5. Sharing with Nonjudgmental Listeners: Building a supportive village of nonjudgmental individuals.

6. Emotional Support: Asserting the necessity of emotional support from various sources.

7. Practical Support: Advocating for physical help with childcare, cooking, and housework—outsourcing when necessary.

8. Finding Supportive Resources: Leveraging healthcare providers, support groups, and coaches to fill in gaps.

9. Plan of Action: Breaking down tasks into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm and foster progress.

These steps form the foundation of my coaching practice, helping physician moms thrive postpartum and establish a solid foundation for motherhood. 

If you’re in the early years of motherhood, feeling overwhelmed and unable to enjoy time with your kids due to exhaustion and stress, schedule a free coaching call with me. Together, we’ll create personalized steps to wellness tailored to your current season.

Remember, you need and deserve to be well and supported.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Today, we dive into an essential aspect of a physician mom's life: childcare. Often overlooked as part of your "village," reliable childcare isn't just helpful—it's a transformative element that returns time, rest, and peace of mind to your life.

In This Episode:

- Understanding Childcare Options: I explore the critical role of childcare in giving you more quality time with your children and discuss how to decide between different types of childcare providers.

- Pros and Cons of Nannies and Au Pairs: From live-in care to flexible schedules, I break down the benefits and challenges of choosing nannies and au pairs. We’ll discuss everything from the cultural exchange benefits of au pairs to the professional reliability of nannies.

- Personal Journey with Au Pairs: Initially resistant to the idea, I share how my perspective on au pairs changed after firsthand experience. I’m currently interviewing for a second au pair and will share why I believe live-in care can be a game-changer, especially for physician moms.

Discussion Highlights:

- Cost and Commitment: Understand the financial and emotional investments involved in each childcare option. While nannies can offer stability and long-term relationships, they can be expensive and may not always align with a physician’s unpredictable schedule.

- Flexibility with Au Pairs: I discuss the unparalleled flexibility that au pairs provide, particularly beneficial for physicians who need childcare that can adapt to varying schedules.

- Screening and Matching: I emphasize the importance of careful screening and matching processes to ensure that your childcare choice aligns with your family’s needs. This includes setting expectations right from the start and managing them throughout the arrangement.

Learn More and Register:

- Interested in diving deeper into finding the right childcare solution? Join my upcoming information session, "Hire a Nanny in Five Easy Steps," on June 27th, 2024. Register here to secure your spot and gain valuable insights to streamline your childcare search.

Thank you for joining today's episode on childcare options for physician moms. I hope this discussion helps you make informed decisions that best suit your family's unique needs and lifestyle. Remember, you're not just managing a career and a household; you're raising the future—all while ensuring you remain present and fulfilled in both roles.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, we discuss a viral video of a Brazilian marathon runner who ran past her kids to win a race. The video has sparked many discussions, and today, we're exploring how to find inspiration in such moments.

Episode Highlights:

- Viral Video Breakdown: A marathon runner’s husband pushes their kids into her path right before the finish line, but she skillfully runs around them to achieve her victory.

- Public Reaction: Many critiques focus on the husband’s actions, but there's a more empowering perspective to consider.

- Personal Reflection: Choosing how to perceive and absorb such events can shape our own journeys and goals.

Key Messages:

- Empowerment Through Victory: The runner’s triumphant finish is a reminder that achieving goals is worthy of celebration, without guilt or regret.

- Perspective is Key: While many reactions to the video are valid, you can choose to focus on the positive, inspirational aspects of such stories.

- Inspiration for Physician Moms: Encouraging physician moms to pursue their goals fiercely, just like the marathon runner, and to celebrate their achievements fully.

Discussion Points:

- Navigating Responsibilities: Balancing personal goals with responsibilities to children, partners, and work.

- Choosing Your Story: How the stories we tell ourselves about events can impact our motivation and mindset.

What goal are you running towards? Will you navigate around obstacles with the same determination? Remember, you deserve to celebrate your successes without guilt.

- Share the Inspiration: If this episode resonates with you, share it with another physician mom who needs a boost to pursue her goals.

- Leave a Review: Don’t forget to leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and build a community of empowered physician moms.

Thank you for tuning in to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. See you next time for more empowering discussions about motherhood and medicine!

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Welcome back to Stethoscopes and Strollers! In this episode, we discuss how to effectively use credit card points for flying in childcare help. If you're a physician mom this strategy can be a game-changer.

Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Points: Learn how to maximize your credit card points for flights, hotels, and more, with a special shout-out to Devon Gimbel’s "Point Me to First Class for Women Physicians" group.
• Flying in Childcare: Discover how I use points to fly in trusted family members to help with childcare. This approach has provided invaluable support for vacations, emergencies, and more.
• Balancing Travel and Family: Discussing the importance of prioritizing your marriage and self-care by ensuring reliable childcare through creative solutions like using points for flights.

Key Messages:

• Maximize Your Spending: As physician moms with higher-than-average expenses, using credit card points can offer substantial rewards. 
• Childcare Solutions: When local help isn't available, consider flying in family members. 
• Prioritize Self-Care and Relationships: By securing reliable childcare, you can focus on your marriage, personal time, and career without added stress.

Discussion Points:

• Real-life Examples: I share how I’ve flown in my mother-in-law and sister using points to assist with childcare during vacations and busy times.
• Community Support: Emphasizing the importance of creating a support network, whether through local resources or by bringing in family from afar.
• Practical Tips: Simple steps to get started with credit card points, and how joining the "Point Me to First Class" group can provide invaluable tips and strategies.

Maximizing your use of credit card points can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I offer private coaching to help you navigate this process and tailor solutions to your specific needs.

Get Started:

• Join the Group: Check out the "Point Me to First Class for Women Physicians" group for detailed tips and strategies on utilizing credit card points.
• Schedule a FREE Coaching session: Click here to book a free coaching call to discuss how to optimize your childcare solutions.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya