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.

When we think about postpartum, most conversations center around physical recovery: healing after birth, breastfeeding, and the baby’s needs. But one area that often gets overlooked—and can take us completely by surprise—is mental health.

If you’re a first-time mom, you might be wondering: What’s “normal”? What should I expect emotionally once the baby is here?

The truth is, there’s a wide range of experiences, and knowing what’s possible (and what’s common) can help you feel less blindsided. Let’s walk through some of the most important things to expect when it comes to your mental health postpartum.

Have you ever opened your mailbox and found a handwritten letter waiting for you? Not a bill, not junk mail—but a real letter written just for you. The kind of note that instantly makes you feel seen, loved, and remembered.

Now imagine how powerful that could feel in those early postpartum weeks, when your world feels upside down, you’re running on almost no sleep, and you’re wondering if anyone really understands what you’re going through.

Motherhood has a way of turning everything upside down. Suddenly, the routines, control, and high standards you’ve always relied on to thrive may feel impossible to maintain. If you’re a Type-A mom—organized, structured, detail-oriented—you might find yourself wondering: Is this personality going to work against me now that I’m a parent?

The truth is, your Type-A personality isn’t a weakness in motherhood—it’s a superpower. When channeled the right way, the qualities that make you who you are can actually help you feel grounded, confident, and more capable than ever before.

Motherhood is often painted as a picture-perfect experience — all cuddles, giggles, and Instagram-worthy moments. But the truth? It’s also messy, exhausting, and full of emotions we didn’t expect. In this conversation with Dr. Margo Lowy, author of Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments and Bitter Truths of Mothering, we dive deep into the complexity of mothering: the light, the dark, and everything in between.

As a high-achieving mom, you’re used to setting goals, crushing to-do lists, and having things go according to plan. But when pregnancy and postpartum come into the picture, everything changes. Your body, your emotions, and your priorities are all shifting, and you may feel like your usual methods of success aren’t working anymore.

The secret? Adjusting your mindset to embrace the reality of pregnancy and motherhood without losing the high standards you set for yourself. Here's how to adjust that mindset and thrive through these transitions.