Stethoscopes and Strollers

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. In this episode, we dive into the realities of breastfeeding, dispelling common myths and discussing the pressures many moms, especially physician moms, face.

Episode Highlights:

- Debunking Common Myths: Addressing statements like "Breastfeeding helps you lose weight," "Breastfeeding protects you from postpartum depression," and "Breastfeeding comes naturally." While these might hold some truth, they often do a disservice by setting unrealistic expectations.

- Personal Experiences: I share my own breastfeeding journeys with my son and daughter, highlighting how each experience differed and the mental health challenges I faced.

- Supporting Moms' Choices: Emphasizing the importance of supporting moms in their feeding choices, whether it’s breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination. The goal is to reduce the pressure and guilt often associated with these decisions.

Key Messages:

- Breastfeeding Can Hurt: Despite the myth, breastfeeding can be painful even when done correctly. It’s essential to acknowledge this and provide proper support.

- Fed is Best: The pressure to breastfeed can negatively impact mental health. Prioritizing the mother’s well-being is crucial for both mom and baby.

- Cost of Breastfeeding: While often perceived as cheaper than formula feeding, breastfeeding comes with hidden costs, including time, supplies, and potential lost income.

Discussion Points:

- Impact on Mental Health: For many, the pressure to breastfeed can contribute to postpartum depression and anxiety. It’s important to recognize and address these mental health needs.

- Opportunity Costs: The financial and emotional investments in breastfeeding can be significant. Understanding and planning for these can help mitigate stress.

- The Complex Emotions: Breastfeeding can be both a cherished and traumatic part of motherhood. Acknowledging these complex emotions is vital for providing comprehensive support.

This episode aims to provide a balanced view of breastfeeding, highlighting both its challenges and joys. Whether you're a mom navigating your breastfeeding journey or a healthcare provider supporting lactating moms, understanding these realities can foster more compassionate and effective care.

Thank you for tuning in. See you next time on *Stethoscopes and Strollers* for more candid 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

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. In this episode, I focus on the overarching goal of this podcast and my coaching for Physician Moms. I aim to inspire you to explore and connect deeply with your aspirations, regardless of how they differ from mine, and encourage you to keep an open mind throughout your personal and professional growth.

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding My Life Choices: Discussing my aspirations for a life filled with global experiences and why I choose to outsource daily tasks to focus on what truly matters.

- Purpose of Sharing My Story: While my lifestyle may seem unusual, the aim is not to have you mimic it but to inspire you to pursue your heart's desires with intention.

- Intentionality and Inner Desires: Every decision I make is aimed at realizing my dream life. It’s about connecting you to your inner desires, emphasizing the importance of living intentionally.

Key Messages:

- Open-mindedness and Exploration: I encourage keeping an open mind and considering new perspectives, no matter how different they may appear from your current lifestyle.

Final Thoughts:

This episode is not just about my journey but encouraging you to think intentionally about yours. Consider what you truly want from life. We can explore and discover those desires together.

If this episode inspires you, please share it with another physician mom. Your ratings and reviews help us reach more listeners and build a community of intentional, fulfilled physician moms.

See you next time on *Stethoscopes and Strollers* as we continue to explore living our lives with intention, hope, and joy.

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 doc, welcome to a bonus episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Today, we're tackling a common but seldom-discussed topic in motherhood—the notion that struggle is a necessary part of being a good mom. Let's debunk this myth together.

Episode Highlights:

- Debunking the Glory of Struggle: We discuss the "Struggle Olympics" mentality where some moms glorify the hardships of motherhood, claiming these challenges make them stronger or closer to their children.

- Choosing Easier Paths: I advocate for choosing options that make motherhood more manageable, such as hiring a night nanny, opting not to breastfeed if it's too stressful, or getting an au pair to ease daily pressures.

- Setting Boundaries: Learn how to set boundaries with people who make you feel guilty for trying to lessen your struggles. It’s okay to seek easier paths and still be a great mom.

Key Takeaways:

- You Don't Need to Struggle: Being a good mom doesn't require you to endure excessive hardships. Embracing support and making choices that prioritize your well-being are not only smart but necessary.

- Ignore the Naysayers: If someone criticizes your choices or implies that struggling is the only way to parent effectively, it’s time to set boundaries. Protect your mental health and focus on what works best for you and your family.

Motherhood shouldn’t be a competition of who can endure the most. It’s about finding joy and balance in a way that suits you. If you’re feeling pressured to participate in the "Struggle Olympics," remember, that opting out is not only an option but can be incredibly liberating.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with another physician mom who might be feeling the pressure to struggle unnecessarily. Your support can help change the narrative and support more moms in finding their path to a fulfilling and manageable motherhood.

Thank you for tuning in to this bonus episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Don’t forget to rate and review us—it helps us reach more moms like you. See you next time for more empowering discussions!

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're exploring a crucial skill: asking for help. Many women in medicine find this daunting, but it's essential for thriving in both personal and professional realms.

Episode Highlights:

- Why Ask?: Discover why learning to ask is a transformative skill for women physicians, crucial for managing both home and career effectively.

- Key Insights from 'Unbound': Discussing Kasia Urbaniak's book, *Unbound*, we delve into how asking for help is fundamental to meaningful achievements in medicine and motherhood.

- Collaboration Over Competition: This episode challenges the notion of solitary struggle in medicine and motherhood, promoting a culture of collaboration and community.

- Changing the Asking Narrative: We tackle common fears around asking, such as appearing needy or incompetent, and how to shift these perceptions to empower ourselves and others.

Discussion Points:

- A New Perspective on Help: Learn from a story about a client reluctant to ask her mother-in-law for help with childcare. We discuss how reimagining this request can strengthen relationships and enhance personal well-being.

- The Natural Desire to Help: Recognizing that people inherently want to help can reduce the discomfort associated with asking, encouraging more open requests for support.

You're not meant to handle everything alone. Embrace your community, and don't be afraid to lean on them. Sharing this journey makes it more manageable and fulfilling.

If this message resonates with you, share this episode with another physician mom who could use this encouragement. And remember, leaving a five-star review helps more listeners find and benefit from our community.

Thank you for tuning into *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Join us next time for more insights into the lives and challenges of physician moms.

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 another episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Today, I'm excited to share more about my journey to becoming a coach specifically for physician moms. This episode isn't just a continuation of my story; it's an insight into the pivotal decisions and realizations that shaped my current path.

Highlights of This Episode:

- Postpartum Burnout and Recovery: I delve into the aftermath of my challenging postpartum experience, including how a family trip to Mexico helped my husband and I reconnect and find a new way forward as parents.

- Healing and Moving Forward: Upon returning, I prioritized my recovery through physical therapy and psychotherapy, setting the stage for significant life changes, including a planned move to Houston to be closer to family and the intended opening of my own practice.

- A Shift in Focus: Despite planning to focus solely on gynecology, my postpartum experiences kept pulling me towards specializing in postpartum care. This episode explores the struggle of aligning this new passion with my professional goals.

- From Telehealth to Coaching: I discuss the transition from planning a telehealth practice focused on postpartum care to embracing the role of a coach. This shift was influenced by the feedback from peers and the realization that what I was creating resembled a coaching program more than traditional medical practice.

- Embracing My Calling: The journey culminates in my acceptance that coaching, not just practicing medicine, is where I can make the most significant impact, particularly for physician moms in the early years of motherhood.

- This episode is a reflection on the importance of listening to one's instincts and recognizing the signs that guide us toward our true calling. It's about understanding that sometimes, the best way to help others is by stepping outside conventional roles and embracing new opportunities.

Join me as I continue to explore the unique challenges and beautiful moments of motherhood and medicine. Thank you for sharing this journey with me, and I hope it inspires you to follow your heart and find your own path to fulfillment and impact.

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

In this heartfelt Mother's Day special of "Stethoscopes and Strollers," Dr. Toya takes a moment to honor and celebrate physician moms everywhere. This episode is a tribute to the incredible resilience, compassion, and dedication that you bring to both your families and your professions.

In This Episode:

- A Personal Greeting: Dr. Toya extends a warm Mother’s Day greeting to all physician moms, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs of motherhood intertwined with the demanding life of a medical professional.

- Recognition and Validation: From tackling sleep regressions and maintaining a milk supply to managing every little detail at home and work, Dr. Toya recognizes the often unseen efforts that go into balancing life as a physician and a mother.

- The Deserved Break: Understanding the reluctance to ask for help, this episode emphasizes that you deserve support, rest, and to be prioritized in your own life—not just on Mother’s Day, but every day.

Key Messages:

- You Are Seen: Dr. Toya’s message is clear: she sees and appreciates all the hard work and sacrifices physician moms make.

- You Deserve Support: This episode is a reminder that it's okay to ask for help, and more importantly, that you deserve all the help and gratitude available.

- Self-Prioritization: Dr. Toya’s Mother’s Day wish for you is that you treat yourself as the number one priority in your life, ensuring you receive the love and respect you merit.

- Dr. Toya encourages you to reflect on what you truly desire and need not just today, but every day. Share your thoughts and experiences with us through reviews or on social media to help build a supportive community of physician moms.

- Share this episode with fellow physician moms who could use a reminder of their worth and deserve a celebration not just on Mother’s Day but every day.

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

In this first episode of *Stethoscopes & Strollers*, I'm diving deep into my own postpartum journey, sharing the raw, real, and unfiltered version of what I experienced as a physician mom. It’s the untold story that inspired me to become a coach for physician moms and help others who are navigating the challenging early years of motherhood.

Key Points Covered:

- Expectations vs. Reality: I talk about how my expectations for my second postpartum journey were upended, even with better support and control over my schedule. Despite my optimism, it was still a challenging time.

- Physical Pain and Breastfeeding Struggles: I detail my intense pain following childbirth, breastfeeding difficulties due to an anatomy mismatch, and how my daughter’s reflux added to the challenges.

- Support System Dynamics: Despite having my mom and husband nearby, their focus on their own experiences made it hard for me to feel fully supported.

- Navigating Marriage and Parenting: My husband and I struggled to divide responsibilities equitably, leading to resentment. A trip to Cabo became a turning point in our relationship after intense conversations and a humorous therapy mishap.

- Finding Community in Friends: My friend Dr. P was a lifeline through it all. Her non-judgmental support validated my feelings and gave me the strength to continue.

- Importance of Self-Care: I learned the value of asking for help and prioritizing my healing through pelvic floor therapy, regular massages, and mental health support.

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

In this first episode of *Stethoscopes & Strollers*, I'm diving deep into my own postpartum journey, sharing the raw, real, and unfiltered version of what I experienced as a physician mom. It’s the untold story that inspired me to become a coach for physician moms and help others who are navigating the challenging early years of motherhood.

Key Points Covered:

- Expectations vs. Reality: I talk about how my expectations for my second postpartum journey were upended, even with better support and control over my schedule. Despite my optimism, it was still a challenging time.

- Physical Pain and Breastfeeding Struggles: I detail my intense pain following childbirth, breastfeeding difficulties due to an anatomy mismatch, and how my daughter’s reflux added to the challenges.

- Support System Dynamics: Despite having my mom and husband nearby, their focus on their own experiences made it hard for me to feel fully supported.

- Navigating Marriage and Parenting: My husband and I struggled to divide responsibilities equitably, leading to resentment. A trip to Cabo became a turning point in our relationship after intense conversations and a humorous therapy mishap.

- Finding Community in Friends: My friend Dr. P was a lifeline through it all. Her non-judgmental support validated my feelings and gave me the strength to continue.

- Importance of Self-Care: I learned the value of asking for help and prioritizing my healing through pelvic floor therapy, regular massages, and mental health support.

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 to the trailer of "Stethoscopes and Strollers," the podcast exclusively crafted for physician moms navigating the intricate balance of motherhood and medical careers. Hosted by Dr. Toya, a practicing OBGYN and a mom in the thick of her own early motherhood years, this podcast offers a unique perspective that resonates deeply with physician moms everywhere.

What to Expect:

- Deep Dives into Motherhood Challenges: This podcast is dedicated to discussing the real, often unspoken parts of motherhood that physician moms face—everything from dealing with the demands of hospital administration and insurance battles to handling the complexities of parenting while managing a medical career.

- Self-Prioritization: Dr. Toya emphasizes the importance of physician moms putting their health, recovery, and well-being first, especially postpartum. The philosophy here is clear: prioritizing yourself isn't just beneficial; it's necessary for being the best parent and professional you can be.

- Inclusive Yet Focused: While primarily aimed at physician moms, "Stethoscopes and Strollers" welcomes all listeners. The insights shared are invaluable to any parent striving to balance professional and personal life effectively.

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- Visit Dr. Toya Coaching for more resources on managing the dual demands of being a physician and a mom.

- Join our virtual community to get tips  on navigating motherhood in the medical field

- Subscribe to "Stethoscopes and Strollers" on your favorite podcast platform to ensure you never miss an episode of these vital discussions.

- We encourage you to engage with each episode by leaving your feedback and ratings. Your insights not only help us improve but also aid in spreading the word to other moms in the medical field.

- Share episodes with peers who could benefit from the discussions or who contribute to broadening the conversation around motherhood in medicine.

- Subscribe for weekly insights and join Dr. Toya as she explores motherhood without filters, providing real solutions and support. Share this podcast with fellow physician moms and let’s build a supportive community together.

"Stethoscopes and Strollers" is more than just a podcast; it's a movement towards acknowledging and addressing the unique struggles of physician moms. Tune in and transform the way you prioritize your life, ensuring you, your relationships, and your children thrive.

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