Stethoscopes and Strollers
Welcome to Stethoscopes & Strollers! I'm Dr. Toya, mom of two, OBGYN, and coach for physician moms. Here, we go beyond the hospital halls, into the messy, magical early years of parenting—think diapers, sleepless nights, and figuring out how to deal with all those unexpected twists and turns.
Every episode, I dive into topics like mental health, the ins and outs of postpartum sex, sorting out childcare, and how having little ones changes your marriage. We’ll talk about getting back to work after baby, the real deal with mom guilt thanks to those tough doctor schedules, what pumping at work is really like, and how to keep all the balls in the air without dropping any. We’re here to get real about the hard choices, like deciding to stop breastfeeding, and so much more. This is a space for focusing on taking care of you, because managing scrubs and swaddles takes a village.
You'll figure out how to ask for and actually accept help, because let’s be honest, getting support is crucial for thriving as both a mom and a doctor.
Just a quick heads-up: while we're all about sharing and supporting, remember this isn’t medical advice. We’re here to connect, share experiences, and grow—together, without the medical jargon.
So, grab your coffee or tea, and get ready to dive into those parts of being a physician mom that don't get talked about enough. You're not riding this roller coaster alone, and you definitely deserve all the support you can get.
Tune in to Stethoscopes & Strollers for some real, honest insights and practical tips to make momming a bit easier. It’s time to get the conversation started!
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Stethoscopes and Strollers
5. Opting out of The Struggle Olympics
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!
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