The Back To Work Plan for Postpartum Moms

One of the most common fears women have after becoming mothers is, "Will I ever feel like myself again?" In this episode of The Back to Work Plan for Postpartum Moms , Dr. Ashley Carroll sits down with Tiff Randol , founder of Mamas in Music , a community dedicated to supporting mothers navigating careers in the music industry while raising families. Together, they explore the often-overlooked ide...

When most people think about doulas, they think about labor and delivery. But the truth is, some of the most meaningful support a mother can receive happens after the baby arrives. In this episode of The Back to Work Plan for Postpartum Moms, Dr. Ashley Carroll sits down with Chanda Bryant, founder of Crown + Cradle Doula Co., birth and postpartum doula, lactation educator, healthcare professional...

Motherhood has a way of shifting everything—your priorities, your identity, and often, how you view your career. In this episode of The Back to Work Plan for Postpartum Moms, Dr. Ashley Carroll sits down with Beth Mazza, serial entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of Female Mavericks. With decades of experience building and scaling successful businesses, Beth now helps women create financial inde...

Postpartum depression and anxiety are more common than many women realize—yet conversations around treatment, especially psychiatric medication, are often filled with fear, guilt, and stigma. In this episode of The Back to Work Plan for Postpartum Moms, Dr. Ashley Carroll is joined by Dr. Jasmine Stephens, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women’s reproductive mental health. With exte...

Returning to work after maternity leave can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, guilt, uncertainty, and pressure to quickly find your footing again. In this episode of The Back to Work Plan for Postpartum Moms, Dr. Ashley Carroll sits down with Alexa Starks, founder of Executive Moms, editor-in-chief of Mothered Magazine, maternity leave coach, author, speaker, and award-winning workplace culture...

When life feels full but you feel distant from yourself, this episode is for you. In Episode 18, Dr. Ashley Carroll-Brown explores why so many working moms feel disconnected from their own needs, emotions, and inner voice — even when they’re doing everything “right.” You’ll learn the psychology behind self-disconnection in motherhood, how it impacts confidence and wellbeing, and practical ways to...

In this episode of The Back to Work Plan for Postpartum Moms, Dr. Ashley Carroll-Brown sits down with Dr. Mila Thomas Fuller, business owner and multi-unit franchisee of Nothing Bundt Cakes, for an honest and encouraging conversation about navigating career transitions during motherhood. Together, they explore what it means to evolve professionally after becoming a mother, how identity shifts can...

When every day feels emotionally heavy — like you’re carrying stress from work straight into motherhood and never fully resetting — this episode is for you. Dr. Ashley Carroll-Brown explores why working moms stay emotionally “on edge,” how stress accumulates across roles, and why rest alone isn’t enough to restore calm. You’ll learn the psychology behind emotional overload, simple ways to reset yo...

If you constantly doubt yourself, replay conversations in your head, or worry you’re making the “wrong” choice — you’re not alone. Postpartum women experience a major spike in self-doubt due to hormonal shifts, identity changes, and the pressure to balance motherhood with career demands. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Carroll-Brown breaks down why second-guessing becomes so intense after baby, and ho...

In this special episode, Dr. Ashley Carroll-Brown sits down with actress, artist, and advocate Tatyana Ali for a deeply honest conversation about becoming a mother while navigating a demanding career. Tatyana opens up about her postpartum experience, what surprised her most about life after baby, and how she learned to balance ambition with presence. Together, they explore the emotional shifts of...

If you’re saying yes when you want to say no, running on empty, or constantly feeling like you’re letting someone down, this episode is for you. Dr. Ashley Carroll-Brown breaks down what healthy boundaries really look like for working moms — not as walls, but as protection for your peace, energy, and emotional wellbeing. You’ll learn how to identify where your energy is leaking, communicate your n...

Between career demands, childcare logistics, and the never-ending mental checklist of motherhood, it’s no wonder working moms feel constantly overstimulated and drained. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Carroll-Brown explains what decision fatigue really is, why it’s especially common postpartum, and how to manage overwhelm before it manages you. You’ll learn how to quiet mental chaos, set priorities t...

Walking back into work after maternity leave can shake even the most accomplished woman’s confidence. You might wonder if you still have what it takes, question your value, or feel like a stranger in your own professional skin. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Carroll-Brown breaks down why confidence dips after baby — and how to rebuild it from the inside out. You’ll learn what psychology and research...

Returning to work doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your wellbeing. In this powerful episode, Dr. Ashley explores the warning signs of burnout, the neuroscience of stress, and how to build sustainable routines that protect your mental and emotional health while you juggle work and motherhood. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info to learn how you can work wit...

From managing daycare logistics to remembering pediatrician forms, working moms carry an invisible load that no one else sees. Dr. Ashley explains the psychology of the “mental load,” shares research on how it impacts relationships and performance, and teaches strategies to redistribute responsibilities at home and work. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info...

Motherhood changes everything — including your identity. Dr. Ashley walks you through how postpartum identity shifts occur, the emotional impact of losing your “old self,” and research-backed strategies to help you rediscover who you are now — as both a mother and a professional woman. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info to learn how you can work with Dr....

No mom thrives in isolation. Dr. Ashley shares the psychology of social support, stories from real moms, and research on why connection is key to surviving the working mom transition. You’ll learn how to build your own sustainable support network that’s emotionally safe, practical, and empowering. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info to learn how you can wo...

That first conversation with your boss after maternity leave can feel daunting. Dr. Ashley walks you through how to prepare, what to say, and how to present your needs confidently. You’ll learn practical scripts, real-life examples, and research-backed strategies to advocate for yourself — without guilt or fear. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info to learn...

Forget the pressure to “bounce back.” This episode reframes your career comeback after maternity leave. Through case studies, workplace research, and mindset tools, Dr. Ashley helps you rebuild your confidence, clarify your next career steps, and redefine success on your own terms. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info to learn how you can work with Dr. Ashl...

Asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. In this episode, Dr. Ashley unpacks why so many moms struggle to ask for support, and how to do it effectively — with your partner, at work, and within your circle. Learn how to communicate needs clearly, drop perfectionism, and embrace support as part of your success story. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info...

You don’t have to choose between your career goals and being a present, loving mom. In this episode, Dr. Ashley helps you redefine ambition for this new season, confront guilt head-on, and set healthy boundaries that let both your career and your motherhood flourish side by side. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info to learn how you can work with Dr. Ashley...

Guilt is one of the heaviest emotions new working moms carry — the constant feeling of not being “enough” at work or at home. In this episode, Dr. Ashley breaks down the psychology of mom guilt, why it shows up after baby, and how to start releasing it so you can return to work with confidence and compassion. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info to learn ho...

You don’t have to carry the full load alone. Dr. Ashley shows you how to get your partner genuinely engaged in your return-to-work plan — not just “helping,” but truly sharing responsibility. Learn how to communicate expectations, divide tasks fairly, and strengthen your relationship in the process. Follow on social media @theworkingmamacoach and visit theworkingmama.net/info to learn how you can...