If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen, baby monitor in one hand and a cold cup of coffee in the other, wondering if you’ll ever get five minutes to yourself again… you’re not alone.

Every new mom hits that moment where she starts to crave a little “me time.” But almost as quickly as that thought appears, so does the guilt. “Shouldn’t I be soaking in every second?” “Other moms seem to do it all without needing a break.” “Am I being selfish?”

Let’s pause right there. Because here’s the truth: taking time for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential. And learning to release the guilt around that is one of the most healing, empowering things you can do for your postpartum mental health.

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most powerful moments in a woman’s life. But along with the joy, many moms carry a quiet fear: what if something goes wrong?

This is exactly why I invited Jessica Arno—better known as The Combat Midwife—to join me on the A Bridge to Motherhood podcast. Jessica is not only a midwife, but also a paramedic, EMS educator, and veteran who has trained over 100,000 military medics. She has delivered babies in extreme situations—including an Afghan refugee camp in 2021—and has been published in EMS World Magazine for her expertise in obstetric emergencies and out-of-hospital birth transfers.

Her mission is simple but profound: no birth should be left to chance.

When you become a mom, the world feels different overnight. Your body has changed, your routines have shifted, and suddenly you’re responsible for this tiny human who depends on you for everything. It’s no wonder so many moms struggle with self-doubt and wonder, Am I doing this right?

Confidence in motherhood doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from learning to trust yourself, quiet the noise, and grow into your new role with grace. In this episode of A Bridge to Motherhood, we talk about the real, practical ways to build confidence, even in the messiest seasons of motherhood.

When you hear “pelvic floor physical therapy,” most people think postpartum recovery. And while that’s true, there’s so much more to it. In this episode of A Bridge to Motherhood, I sat down with Joanna Pavlak, a physical therapist who specializes in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care. She opened my eyes to a whole new side of pelvic floor therapy I had never heard about before—especially how it can play a role in fertility.

If you’ve ever wondered what pelvic floor PT can actually do for you, whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, or healing postpartum, this conversation is packed with hope and practical insight.

Postpartum isn’t just about healing your body—it’s about piecing together a new version of yourself in the middle of exhaustion, emotions, and endless diaper changes. And let’s be honest… when you’re barely finding time to shower, the idea of “setting goals” can feel like one more thing on your never-ending to-do list.

But the right kind of goals—gentle, realistic, and rooted in self-care—can actually help you feel supported, grounded, and a little more you again.

In this episode, I sit down with Maya Bailey, a licensed mental health counselor, mom, and private practice owner, for an honest conversation about the emotional layers of working motherhood.

Maya shares her personal journey—navigating prenatal depression, leaving traditional employment to start her own practice, and redefining what success looks like as both a mom and a professional. Together, we unpack the guilt, pressure, and comparison so many mothers feel when trying to "do it all," and how important it is to come back to your own values when making choices about work, life, and motherhood.

We also talk about the power of therapy as a space to process transitions, honor your needs, and learn how to let go of external expectations.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough—or the right thing—this episode will remind you that your path is allowed to look different.