How can bedtime stories help children (and parents) slow down, feel connected, and drift into calm?
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary welcomes Abbe Opher, voice artist and creator of the Koala Moon and Koala Tots podcasts. Known for her soothing narration and heartfelt storytelling, Abbe brings bedtime to life through stories that comfort, connect, and calm children and parents alike.
Abbe shares how bedtime stories can transform the chaos of the day into a moment of presence, why it’s never too early to begin reading with your child, and how sound, rhythm, and voice can nurture a sense of safety and belonging. She and Lalaina talk about practical ways to make storytelling a natural part of everyday life(without the pressure for perfection) and how to meet children where they are, from babies to busy toddlers.
The conversation also explores how stories help children process emotions and life’s challenges, offering comfort through imagination and connection. Abbe also reflects on moving listener messages—from a child who finally found peace at bedtime to a soldier connecting with his kids across continents—and the powerful reminder that stories can bridge even the widest distances.
From building nighttime rituals to embracing imperfection, this episode offers a warm invitation to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the magic of bedtime storytelling, for both your child and yourself.
Episode Highlights
01:09 – Why are bedtime stories such an important part of a nighttime routine?
04:13 – What types of stories and sounds work best for babies and toddlers?
07:02 – Is there a perfect setting for reading to your children?
08:47 – To stay awake during storytelling, choose a book you enjoy.
11:11 – Helping toddlers stay focused and engaged during storytime.
12:51 – What’s the difference between e-books, audiobooks, and reading aloud?
17:34 – Heartfelt stories about the children who listen to Abbe’s shows.
21:51 – Navigating the different listening styles of children.
23:44 – Why winding kids down for bed isn’t an exact science.
26:33 – Abbe’s golden rule of storytelling.
28:07 – Abbe’s outro.
About the Guest: Abbe Opher
Abbe is a voice actor known for her soothing and versatile delivery. Since entering the voiceover world in 2018, she has voiced a wide range of projects; however, her voice is most often heard on several major Sleep and Mindfulness apps, where her calming tones help listeners unwind and destress.
After pivoting from a successful career in journalism and copywriting, Abbe discovered her true groove in voiceover work, a move originally inspired by her search for a better work–family–life balance. What began as a career shift has become a passion, as she now regularly records sleep stories, meditations, and abridged classics.
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Abbe Opher
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Sleepiest Podcasts
Website | Koala Moon | Koala Tots
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses pregnancy after infant loss. Please listen with care and step away if this topic feels too heavy for you at this time. Resources and support links are included below.
Pregnancy after losing a baby can feel like “holding your breath for nine long months”—hope and fear coexisting with every heartbeat. How can parents navigate the emotional complexities of pregnancy after loss, rebuild trust in their bodies, and find space for both grief and joy?
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary continues her conversation with psychotherapist Angelica Quezada, who works with Pregnancy After Loss Support to help families move through grief with compassion, connection, and courage.
Drawing from her personal experience of miscarriage and her professional work in perinatal mental health, Angelica shares powerful insights into the emotional, physical, and relational challenges of pregnancy after infant loss. She explains how grief and hope can coexist, and how small, grounding practices—like mindful breathing, sensory awareness, and realistic affirmations—can help parents breathe again and reclaim moments of peace amid anxiety.
The conversation explores practical tools for coping with fear, communicating with healthcare providers, and setting healthy boundaries with family and friends. Angelica offers compassionate guidance on how to advocate for your needs during pregnancy, seek therapy or support groups, and create meaningful ways to honor babies who have died while embracing the hope of new life.
Episode Highlights
00:00 – Introduction and context.
00:48 – Angelica’s personal connection to this topic.
03:03 – Pregnancy after loss feels like holding your breath.
06:05 – Practical tools to help with the anxiety of trying again.
08:42 – What setting boundaries looks like in this context.
11:16 – How to advocate for yourself in a healthcare setting.
13:05 – How can family and partners support on this journey?
16:51 – Navigating the timing of trying again.
20:01 – How parents can honor a loss while embracing the hope.
22:18 – Angelica’s experience of hope after her loss.
24:01 – Angelica’s message for parents and partners who are considering pregnancy after loss.
About the Guest: Angelica Quezada
Angelica Quezada, LCSW, PMH-C, is a bilingual psychotherapist, coach, and women’s wellness advocate with over a decade of specialized experience in maternal mental health.
Drawing from her work in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, Angelica brings a unique perspective on the systemic gaps in care that impact women during some of life’s most sacred and challenging transitions.
Her personal experience with pregnancy loss deepened her commitment to advancing trauma-informed, culturally humble, and compassionate approaches to reproductive and perinatal mental health.
As both a therapist and coach, she creates space for healing, growth, and restoration, while her involvement with Pregnancy After Loss reflects her dedication to systemic change—improving provider education, expanding family support, and strengthening healthcare practices for mothers and their babies.
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Momcozy
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Lalaina Rabary
LinkedIn
Angelica Quezada
Instagram | Website
Further Resources
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses infant loss. Please listen with care and step away if this topic feels too heavy for you at this time. Resources and support links are included below
Losing a baby is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure, yet it remains a subject that is often hidden in silence. How can parents navigate the grief of infant loss, find support, and begin to heal while honoring their babies’ memory?
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary speaks with psychotherapist Angelica Quezada, who works with Pregnancy After Loss Support to help families move through grief with compassion, connection, and community. Drawing from her personal journey of loss and her professional expertise, Angelica offers insight into the emotional, cultural, and relational complexities of infant loss.
Angelica shares her story of postpartum depression, pregnancy loss, and becoming a mother again while facing deep grief and medical challenges. She explains how language and terminology—such as miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, and infant loss—carry power and validation for families, and why compassionate communication, continuity of care, and culturally sensitive support are essential in the healing process.
The conversation explores how partners experience grief differently, the importance of holding space for multiple “faces of grief” such as sadness, guilt, anger, or even relief, and the value of rituals, memory-making, and community support in honoring babies who have died. Angelica emphasizes that grief is not an illness but a deeply human process, and she offers practical advice for seeking therapy, reconnecting with the body, and building supportive networks.
She leaves grieving parents with a powerful reminder: your loss is real, your grief is valid, and you are not alone.
Episode Highlights
00:05 – Introduction and context
01:41 – Angelica’s journey to her work with infant loss.
04:38 – Angelica’s personal experience with infant loss.
07:51 – Healing and not-so-healing acts of comfort and care after loss.
10:08 – Defining miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, and infant loss.
13:53 – What support should families receive after a loss?
17:51 – What types of therapy make the most difference?
21:04 – The impact on birthing partners.
23:08 – The many complicated faces of grief.
25:50 – Preparing to return to work after a loss.
28:10 – How Pregnancy After Loss Support can help moms.
29:34 – Angelica’s words of comfort for those experiencing loss.
About the Guest: Angelica Quezada
Angelica Quezada, LCSW, PMH-C, is a bilingual psychotherapist, coach, and women’s wellness advocate with over a decade of specialized experience in maternal mental health.
Drawing from her work in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, Angelica brings a unique perspective on the systemic gaps in care that impact women during some of life’s most sacred and challenging transitions.
Her personal experience with pregnancy loss deepened her commitment to advancing trauma-informed, culturally humble, and compassionate approaches to reproductive and perinatal mental health.
As both a therapist and coach, she creates space for healing, growth, and restoration, while her involvement with Pregnancy After Loss reflects her dedication to systemic change—improving provider education, expanding family support, and strengthening healthcare practices for mothers and their babies.
Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Lalaina Rabary
LinkedIn
Angelica Quezada
Instagram | Website
Further Resources
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
Motherhood can be overwhelming, with shifting identities, new responsibilities, and the constant pressure to ‘do it all.’ How can moms reclaim their confidence and feel more grounded in the process?
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary welcomes transformational coach and Motherkind founder Zoe Blaskey. As the host of the chart-topping Motherkind podcast and a leading voice in modern motherhood, Zoe works with moms to build confidence at work, at home, and throughout the journey of parenting. She’s also a best-selling author and coaches executive women through their transition back to work.
Zoe shares her personal story of losing and rebuilding confidence during pregnancy and postpartum, the identity shifts that come with matrescence, and how learning to ask for help can transform motherhood. She explains why clarity is the foundation of confidence and offers practical advice for navigating big transitions like returning to work, setting boundaries, and managing the pressure to do it all.
The conversation dives into the invisible labor mothers carry, the courage it takes to redefine success, and how making the invisible visible can empower moms to see the value in everything they already do.
Episode Highlights
01:10 – Zoe’s changing confidence during pregnancy.
02:50 – How matrescence impacted her confidence.
06:18 – Letting go of who we once were.
09:12 – Key things to know when returning to work.
12:57 – How moms can ask for more help when transitioning back to work.
15:54 – Why you can’t expect to be 100% productive right away.
19:24 – Zoe’s advice on setting boundaries at work.
25:03 – Advice for moms who feel they’re failing at both work and home.
About the Guest: Zoe Blaskey
Zoe Blaskey is the founder of Motherkind, is a qualified transformational coach, and is on a mission to help mothers shift from guilt, exhaustion, and comparison to confidence and empowerment.
Zoe hosts the critically acclaimed Motherkind podcast, which is one of the UK's top family podcasts with 5 million downloads and was recently named a "top 10 parenting podcast" by Apple. Every week, Zoe interviews world-leading experts such as Dr Becky Kennedy, Glennon Doyle, Dr Gabor Mate, and Dr Rangan Chatterjee. Zoe is a regular media contributor and has been featured in Red, Stylist, The Times, Psychologies, Goop (Zoe coached the Executive Editor), SheerLuxe and the Evening Standard. The Telegraph celebrated the podcast as 'the antidote to the toxic perfectionism of modern motherhood'. She regularly partners with leading brands such as Meta, Calm, Mindful Chef, Dove, Barbie, Phillips, Fortnum and Mason, and Sweaty Betty to share her message of empowerment for mothers.
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Momcozy
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Lalaina Rabary
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Zoe Blaskey
Instagram | Website | Podcast
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
We’re taking a short break this week, but in the meantime, we wanted to let you know about our Momcozy Brand Day Campaign: Cozy By You.
This year, we’re asking: what’s standing between you and a cozier motherhood?
We call those moments the Cozy Gap, the little barriers that keep comfort just out of reach. And we’d love for you to share yours. Post your story with the hashtag TheCozyGap, or visit our campaign page linked in the show notes.
Every Momcozy product is shaped with this Village in mind, so your voice helps us create comfort that truly matters.
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Momcozy Brand Day Campaign
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About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
Many dads struggle with the responsibilities of fatherhood, leaving moms to shoulder the burden alone. How can dads break these curses?
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary welcomes the show’s very first dad guest: Eric Taylor, better known online to hundreds of thousands as dopedad_e. With his viral ‘dusty son’ trend featured on The Sherri Show, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America, Eric has become a powerful voice around breaking generational curses, loving with intention, and raising kids with purpose.
Eric opens up about what “dusty” really means, sharing his own evolution from dusty habits to intentional fatherhood. He reflects on how growing up without a father, living through addiction, and learning from his wife’s example helped him step into the husband and dad he wants to be.
The conversation also explores the loneliness men often face in fatherhood, the shifting of friendships and relationships when kids come along, and the courage it takes to ask: ‘Who do I want to be for my partner, my children, and myself?’
Episode Highlights
00:55 – Why Eric got into social media to share his message.
02:19 – What is a ‘dusty’ son?
04:50 – Eric’s experiences of his shortcomings as a husband and dad.
06:17 – What are generational curses?
10:19 – Can you train yourself to be a good father or partner?
12:28 – How do dads experience loneliness?
16:23 – How does friendship work in dad circles?
17:53 – What questions do moms ask Eric?
21:01 – Moms need to let dads do their part.
23:13 – Men hate to feel stupid.
24:12 – Parents need to start saying what they need.
24:12 – Eric’s final thoughts.
About the Guest: Eric Taylor (dopedad_e)
Eric Taylor is a parenting and marriage content creator known as dopedad_e on social media. Eric creates relatable parenting and relationship content for his community of nearly 300k followers, emphasizing breaking generational curses, loving your spouses with power, and raising your children with purpose. He has collaborated with brands like Sour Patch Kids, Play-Doh, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Time 4 Learning. In 2023, his ‘Dusty Son’ viral trend was featured on The Sherri Show, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America, and his content has been further featured in publications like Parents and Goodful.
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Momcozy
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Lalaina Rabary
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Eric Taylor
Instagram | Website
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and this year’s theme from the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action is Create Sustainable Support Systems. This call extends beyond supporting mothers; it’s about nurturing the entire family throughout the feeding journey.
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Dr. Fran, OB-GYN, mom of three, and powerhouse educator known for her clear, evidence-based health guidance online. Together, they explore one of the most confusing and pressing topics for new parents: medications and substances while breastfeeding.
Dr. Fran explains why so much available guidance feels conflicting and how a historical lack of research has led to overly cautious recommendations, such as “pump and dump.” She breaks down the latest evidence on alcohol, THC, caffeine, antibiotics, antidepressants, anesthesia, and more, giving parents a realistic, science-backed understanding of what is safe, what to avoid, and how to make confident, informed decisions.
Reflecting on her clinical work and her parenting journey, Dr. Fran stresses the importance of treating lactation as part of a parent’s medical history, not an afterthought. The conversation also explores cultural wisdom, the pressures of “doing everything right,” and finding balance between intuition and evidence-based care.
Episode Highlights
00:46 – Why is there so much conflicting information on medications and substances?
03:53 – Are there ‘safe’ amounts of alcohol and THC?
06:08 – What about caffeine?
06:58 – Medication and breastfeeding myths.
09:49 – Dr. Fran’s recommended apps for patients.
10:24 – Resources for healthcare workers.
11:23 – Which medications are safe while breastfeeding?
13:20 – Why are some practitioners overly cautious?
15:13 – Talking to family, friends, and partners about medication and breastfeeding.
16:49 – Where do cultural wisdom and medicine meet?
20:28 – Questions to ask your OB-GYN about medications and breastfeeding
22:31 – Final thoughts from Dr. Fran.
About the Guest: Dr. Fran
Dr. Fran is an OB-GYN, mother of three, and online educator dedicated to sharing accurate, evidence-based women’s health information.
After graduating in 2021, she noticed a wave of inaccurate obstetrics and gynecology content circulating on TikTok. Drawing on her medical expertise and past experience as a content creator, she began posting her own videos to combat misinformation. Within six months, her TikTok audience grew to over 100,000 followers, and by the end of 2024, her combined social media following exceeded one million.
Offline, Dr. Fran practices in western New York, specializing in high-risk obstetrics, hormone management (including PCOS and menopause care), and minimally invasive gynecologic procedures such as laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomies.
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Lalaina Rabary
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About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
Content Disclaimer
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. After that, infants can continue to breastfeed while also receiving complementary foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding for as long as the mother and infant desire.
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, as set by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, is Create Sustainable Support Systems. This call to action goes beyond supporting just mothers. It is about supporting the entire family in the feeding journey.
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary is joined by Nicole Fox, a pediatric nurse, registered dietitian, and international board-certified lactation consultant with NAPS, for an honest and insightful conversation about the real-life challenges of breastfeeding. Nicole shares why it is essential to consider the needs of the whole family when creating a feeding plan. She offers practical guidance for how partners can contribute meaningfully and how parents can build sustainable routines through flexibility, rest, and teamwork.
Reflecting on her own experience as a mom, Nicole speaks candidly about the pressure to do everything ‘right’ and how that perspective now shapes her compassionate, evidence-based support for others. She addresses the emotional weight of feeding challenges, the common gap in care after leaving the hospital, and the value of early, accessible support. Her message is simple yet powerful: you are the right parent for your child, and that is more than enough.
Episode Highlights
00:50: Nicole’s Background.
01:55: What Does Feeding the Family Look Like?
03:55: How Can Partners Be Included in the Breastfeeding Process?
07:04: How to Make Breastfeeding Sustainable.
11:26: What Are the Challenges in Transitioning from Hospital to Home?
15:19: How Nicole’s Experience as a Mom Has Influenced Her Work.
20:55: Your Support Person Could Be Anyone!
21:16: What Success Looks Like to Nicole.
About the Guest: Nicole Fox
Nicole Fox is a pediatric nurse, registered dietitian, and international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) with a passion for supporting families through every stage of their feeding journey. With a career that began as a pediatric dietitian at Boston Children’s Hospital, Nicole brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and empathetic care to her work with families.
Currently serving families through NAPS, Nicole provides in-home and virtual support for everything from breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and formula supplementation to the introduction of solids and managing picky eating.
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Momcozy
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Lalaina Rabary
LinkedIn
Nicole Fox
NAPS Website
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
Content Disclaimer
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. After that, infants can continue to breastfeed while also receiving complementary foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding for as long as the mother and infant desire.
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and instinctive part of motherhood, but the reality can be far more complex and emotional. In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Dr. Colette Wiseman, a triple-boarded physician and certified lactation consultant, to unpack the nuanced realities of breastfeeding in today’s world.
Dr. Wiseman brings her holistic, evidence-based approach to the conversation, offering compassionate guidance on a wide range of topics, from the critical early days of feeding to the transition back to work. She also demystifies common concerns like low supply, nipple pain, and engorgement, sharing clear advice on what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek help.
Dr. Wiseman also addresses the emotional weight many mothers carry when their feeding journey doesn’t go as planned. With warmth and wisdom, she reminds us that love is not measured in ounces, and a fed, loved baby with a supported, mentally healthy mom is always the goal.
Episode Highlights
About the Guest: Dr. Colette Wiseman
Dr. Colette is a double-boarded physician and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who offers holistic, evidence-based lactation care grounded in over a decade of medical experience. A mother of three who breastfed for more than 50 months, she combines clinical insight with real-world empathy to help families navigate breastfeeding challenges with confidence and compassion.
Since 2012, she has supported parents through her private practice, hospital work, and community advocacy. Dr. Colette is also a mentor to fellow healthcare professionals and a moderator for a local Breastfeeding USA support group in Torrance, CA, championing a more breastfeeding-friendly culture across workplaces and communities.
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Lalaina Rabary
LinkedIn
Dr. Colette Wiseman
Website
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
Each year, around 270,000 women in the UK give birth via C-section. In the U.S., it’s approximately 1 in 3. Despite how common C-sections are, there’s still a significant lack of education and support around the experience, especially when it comes to aftercare.
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary speaks with Victoria ‘Midwife Vic’ Holyoak, founder of c-sectionUK. This organization is committed to guiding women through every stage of the C-section journey, from preparation to delivery to recovery.
Vic shares the deeply personal and heartbreaking story that led her to this work and offers practical, down-to-earth tips for post-surgery recovery. From the surprising benefits of peppermint tea for easing bowel movements to the critical role that gentle movement plays in healing, Vic delivers advice that's both realistic and reassuring, especially for first-time C-section moms.
The episode also explores the growing interest in maternal-assisted C-sections, a procedure where mothers can actively participate in the birth by reaching down and helping lift their baby out. It’s an empowering option for those who want a more connected experience during what can sometimes feel like a highly medicalized process. Vic explains what this looks like in practice and how it can help reclaim the moment of birth for C-section mothers.
Above all, Vic wants moms to know this: C-section births are every bit as real and valid as vaginal births. If a baby is born from your body, it’s a birth.
Episode Highlights
00:44 The Importance of C-Section Education
01:17 C-Section Recovery Challenges
06:04 The Story Behind c-sectionUK’s Founding
10:13 Challenges in the Healthcare System
11:28 Vital Physical Recovery Tips
19:10 C-Sections and Vagninal Bleeding
20:31 Emotional Side of C-Sections
22:27 Birth Trauma and C-Sections
27:50 Understanding and Managing Scarring
36:52 Maternal-Assisted and Gentle C-Section
About the Guest: Midwife Vic
Midwife Vic founded c-sectionuk in Spring 2023 after nearly a decade of working as a practicing midwife, antenatal educator, and hypnobirthing teacher. Witnessing a growing demand for accessible, tailored c-section education, she launched the platform to empower expectant parents with knowledge and confidence. Despite the ongoing debate around birth methods, Vic remained committed to improving the experience of c-section births through inclusive, expert-led digital resources. Her vision quickly gained national and international support, turning c-sectionuk into a trusted hub for parents seeking informed, compassionate care.
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Midwife Vic and c-sectionUK
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About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
Are you expecting a baby or navigating early motherhood while balancing your career? In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow Podcast, Lalaina Rabary is joined by attorneys Amy Beckstead and Connie Ditto from the Beckstead Terry Ditto law firm to talk about the legal rights every working mom should know.
Amy and Connie break down the US. legal landscape around pregnancy, maternity leave, breastfeeding rights, short-term disability, and parental protections at work. From federal laws like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and PUMP Act to newer state-specific benefits and policies, this episode demystifies your rights in a system that too often leaves moms confused and under-supported.
You’ll find resources that can expand on the conversation in this episode further down. The content of this episode should not be considered legal advice.
Episode Highlights
About the Guests: Amy Beckstead and Connie Ditto
Amy Beckstead is an employment attorney licensed in both Texas and California, and Connie Ditto is a litigation attorney and mediator. Together, they’re part of the team at Beckstead Terry Ditto, a law firm based in Austin, Texas.
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Lalaina Rabary
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Amy Beckstead and Connie Ditto
Website
Resources Mentioned:
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
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Is your kid sleeping soundly while you toss and turn all night? Many moms report that their kids sleep through the night, yet they wake up feeling foggy, exhausted, and anything but rested.
In this episode, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with certified adult sleep consultant Rebekka Wall to explore why restful sleep is often out of reach for moms and what can actually help. Together, they discuss the cultural pressures that frame rest as selfish or unproductive, the impact of hypervigilance and anxiety on sleep, and why rest isn’t a luxury but a biological necessity.
Rebekka introduces her unique "Triangle Model" for identifying the root causes of sleep struggles, ranging from overlooked sleep hygiene habits to deeper emotional patterns. You’ll get practical, mom-friendly tools to build better routines, create restorative pauses in your day, and balance rest with the demands of parenting and partnership.
Learn how to calm your nervous system, use anchor statements and bedtime rituals, and finally get the rest your body and mind deserve.
Episode Highlights
About the Guest: Rebekka Wall
Rebekka Wall is a certified adult sleep consultant who helps individuals overcome sleep challenges with personalized, evidence-based strategies and compassionate support. She specializes in improving poor sleep habits and reducing the stress and anxiety often tied to bedtime, empowering clients to wake up feeling rested and recharged.
Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Lalaina Rabary
LinkedIn
Rebekka Wall
Website
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood—from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
What exactly is the mental load? It’s the often-unseen cognitive work of planning, organizing, remembering, and managing daily life, tasks that disproportionately fall on women, especially moms. From coordinating appointments to keeping the pantry stocked, this invisible labor can feel endless.
Because it is mostly unrecognized, the mental load is difficult to explain, hard to delegate, and rarely appreciated. It quietly consumes mental space, leaving less room for creativity, presence, or rest.
When unbalanced, the mental load can drain energy, build resentment, and create emotional distance in relationships. It can also affect intimacy and lower sexual desire.
In this episode, host Lalaina Rabary talks with relationship expert Dr. Morgan Cutlip to explore the real impact of the mental load. They discuss how imbalance affects connection, why desire often fades under pressure, and share practical conversation starters to help partners better understand and divide responsibilities.
Episode Highlights
About the Guest: Dr. Morgan Cutlip
Dr. Morgan Cutlip is a psychologist, author, and relationship expert known for her relatable and research-based guidance. She helps people navigate emotional and intimate challenges with practical tools and grounded advice.
She holds a doctorate in counseling psychology and a master’s in human development and family science. Through her books, courses, podcast, and blog at MyLoveThinks.com, she offers fresh insights that are both actionable and compassionate. Dr. Morgan is the author of Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself and A Better Share, and she is a mom of two.
Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Lalaina Rabary
LinkedIn
Dr. Morgan Cutlip
Website | Instagram | MyLoveThinks.com
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood—from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
Approximately 15% of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth, and up to 10% face depression or anxiety during pregnancy. In this episode, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Wendy Davis, President and CEO of Postpartum Support International (PSI), to look deeper into maternal mental health.
Wendy shares her powerful personal journey from volunteer to CEO, revealing how her own experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety inspired her life's work. Together, they discuss the real challenges of postpartum mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis, while offering hope, insights, and support for those navigating them.
Wendy’s message is clear: You are not alone. Help and support are available, right when and where you need them.
Episode Highlights
About the Guest: Wendy Davis & PSI
Wendy Davis is the President and CEO of Postpartum Support International. She began her career as a psychotherapist in 1987 and started focusing on perinatal mental health after overcoming her own postpartum depression in 1994. That same year, she founded Oregon’s first perinatal support organization, Baby Blues Connection, and later became a PSI support coordinator in 1997. Wendy has led PSI as Executive Director since 2009.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman in Santa Barbara, California, with the mission to increase awareness and understanding of the emotional changes experienced during pregnancy and postpartum.
Momcozy x PSI: A Partnership for Maternal Wellness
At Momcozy Village, we believe that even the smallest acts of care can make a world of difference. That’s why we’ve partnered once again with PSI—to shine a light on maternal mental health, so that no parent feels alone on their journey.
Not every challenge of motherhood can be solved with a deep breath or a hot cup of coffee. For many, even the simplest moments can feel overwhelming. Together, Momcozy and PSI invite you to share the “little things” that bring you strength or comfort. For each story shared, $1 will be donated to PSI to support parents facing perinatal mental health challenges.
Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Lalaina Rabary
LinkedIn
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Support Request Webform
Momcozy X PSI Campaign
A Little Message Goes A Long Way Campaign
Resources From This Episode
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood—from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
About Lalaina Rabary
Lalaina is a marketing strategist, founder of Lalaina Rabary Creative and Communications, and a proud mom of two. She’s dedicated to helping moms thrive, connect, and grow.
Mother’s Day Offers with Momcozy
Missed the Mother’s Day rush? No worries. From May 12–15, enjoy 15% off Momcozy essentials—plus flash deals up to 20% off select products using code MDD20.
Because your comfort never goes out of season.
Momcozy. Your Little Things, Our Everything.
Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.
According to Momcozy’s 2024 research, only 38.3% of moms feel supported in their lives.
In this episode, Michelle Kennedy, Founder and CEO of Peanut, joins host Lalaina Rabary for an insightful conversation about the importance of community and support for mothers. She shares how her own journey as a mother led to the creation of Peanut, an app designed to connect women at every stage of life, from puberty to menopause.
Michelle opens up about the challenges she faced in finding a supportive social network after becoming a mother. Despite maintaining flourishing friendships with her childless friends, she felt a growing gulf between their experiences and hers. This sense of isolation, coupled with her background working at apps like Bumble, inspired her to create a platform where mothers could not only connect but also offer practical support to one another.
On Peanut, women have formed meaningful bonds, helping each other with everything from childcare to lending wedding dresses. Michelle emphasizes the power of building a village of support, especially for mothers who often feel alone in their journey. She also highlights how a simple phone call or small act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Episode Highlights
About the Guest – Michelle Kennedy and Peanut
Michelle Kennedy is the founder and CEO of Peanut, the app that helps women connect and support each other through every stage of motherhood.
The idea for Peanut was born when Michelle was expecting her first child in 2014 and realized there was no social network for moms to share and connect. With her background in the dating app world, she set out to create a space for women to bond over motherhood.
About Peanut and Momcozy’s Partnership
This Mother’s Day, Momcozy is partnering with Peanut, the #1 most trusted and fastest-growing platform for women of all life stages, to highlight the power of community and maternal well-being.
From pregnancy to postpartum and beyond, women experience countless “little things” that often go unseen, but the community makes them feel less alone.
Together, Momcozy and Peanut are creating a space for meaningful support through Peanut Pods, live audio conversations on the Peanut app where real moms share real experiences. These sessions are designed to spark honest dialogue, provide emotional support, and remind women that solidarity makes a difference.
With this collaboration, two global brands rooted in female empowerment are joining forces to:
By aligning purpose-driven platforms, Momcozy and Peanut are building a global village where women can thrive, not just survive, through motherhood and beyond.
Connect with Us
Momcozy:
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Lalaina Rabary:
LinkedIn
Peanut:
Website
Michelle Kennedy:
LinkedIn
About the Podcast and the Host – Lalaina Rabary
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a space where moms come together to share, learn, and grow. Host Lalaina Rabary sits down with inspiring guests to talk all things motherhood—from traveling with young kids to navigating career pauses.
Backed by Momcozy, a brand known for its innovative wearable breast pumps and ultra-comfy nursing bras, this podcast is part of a larger movement to support and empower moms through early motherhood and beyond.
Lalaina Rabary is a marketing strategist, founder of Lalaina Rabary Creative and Communications, and a proud mom of two. She’s passionate about empowering moms to grow, thrive, and feel connected in their motherhood journeys.
Mother’s Day Offers with Momcozy
It’s here — our official Mother’s Day event! From May 5th to 11th, enjoy 20% off core products with code MD2025, plus exclusive bundle deals and automatic discounts when you spend more. Whether it’s your first Mother’s Day or your fifth, Momcozy is here to celebrate you. Explore the full event now.
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day bundle? This week only, get 25% off when you buy any 3 products from our curated Mother’s Day sets—like our hands-free pumps, warmers, and nursing essentials. No code needed—just automatic comfort built for moms, by moms.
Enjoying the Show?
Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! If you’re loving these conversations, we’d be so grateful if you left us a 5-star review—it helps us reach more moms and keep the village growing.
In this episode, Jillian Hervey—one half of the genre-blending music duo LION BABE—joins host Lalaina Rabary for a candid conversation about identity, creativity, and the transformative journey of motherhood.
Jillian shares how life has changed since welcoming her son, Sunny, into the world and how stepping into motherhood reshaped her sense of self, both on and off stage. She opens up about the fears she had before becoming a mom, especially the worry that she might lose touch with the vibrant, artistic self she had cultivated for years.
For Jillian, LION BABE was her first “baby.” She poured her twenties into building their sound and career. Now, as a mother, she reflects on what it really means to find balance, how her passion for music remains as strong as ever, and why dance and self-expression are still essential to who she is.
You’ll also hear Jillian discuss the reactions from fans, the realities of shifting priorities, and the affirmations she's found in this new chapter of life.
Episode Highlights
About the Guest – Jillian Hervey of LION BABE
Jillian Hervey is a force of nature — a singer, dancer, and style icon with serious star power. The daughter of legendary entertainer Vanessa Williams, Jillian studied dance at The New School and quickly began blending movement, music, and visual art into her own bold creative identity. With influences like Erykah Badu and Chaka Khan, she brings soul, fire, and fearless flair to everything she does.
She’s also one half of LION BABE, the genre-bending duo she formed with producer Lucas Goodman. Known for their breakout hit “Treat Me Like Fire,” LION BABE is all about pushing boundaries, blending R&B, funk, soul, and electronic vibes into a sound that’s fresh, fierce, and totally their own.
Connect with Us
Momcozy:
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Lalaina Rabary:
LinkedIn
Jillian Hervey and LION BABE:
Website | Instagram |YouTube | Spotify
About the Podcast and the Host - Lalaina Rabary
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a space where moms come together to share, learn, and grow. Host Lalaina Rabary sits down with inspiring guests to talk all things motherhood—from traveling with young kids to navigating career pauses.
Backed by Momcozy, a brand known for its innovative wearable breast pumps and ultra-comfy nursing bras, this podcast is part of a larger movement to support and empower moms through early motherhood and beyond.
Lalaina Rabary is the host of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast. As a marketing strategist, founder of Lalaina Rabary Creative and Communications, and a proud mom (with one little girl and another baby on the way!), she’s passionate about empowering moms to grow, thrive, and feel connected in their motherhood journeys.
Enjoying the Show?
Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! If you’re loving these conversations, we’d be so grateful if you left us a 5-star review—it helps us reach more moms and keep the village growing.
Curious about fertility and IVF? With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Dorothy Roach, Program Director at HART Fertility, is here to provide much-needed answers. Based in Houston, HART Fertility has been at the forefront of assisted reproductive technology since the early days of IVF, consistently achieving pregnancy rates that surpass the national average. While success isn’t guaranteed with every treatment, Dr. Roach emphasizes the importance of unwavering support throughout what can be an emotional and unpredictable journey.
Dr. Roach founded HART Fertility in 1992, and the landscape of fertility treatments has changed dramatically since then. During her OBGYN training, IVF was still experimental, and hers was one of only five programs in the nation. Procedures that once required an operating room and general anesthesia are now far less invasive, allowing patients to remain awake for much of the process.
In this episode, Dr. Roach sits down with host Lalaina Rabary to explore the evolving world of fertility: from the latest advancements in IVF and the challenges of infertility to the intricacies of egg freezing. Lalaina also opens up about her personal IVF journey, offering an intimate perspective on what it’s really like to navigate the highs and lows of fertility treatment.
Episode Highlights:
Links:
About the Host – Lalaina Rabary
Lalaina Rabary is the host of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast and serves as Momcozy’s Brand Marketing Manager for North America. She’s also the founder and marketing strategy consultant behind Lalaina Rabary Creative and Communications. A proud mom of one little girl, and with another baby on the way, Lalaina is passionate about helping moms grow and thrive.
About Momcozy
Momcozy is dedicated to supporting mothers through early motherhood with innovative products and valuable resources. Known for their wearable breast pumps and comfort-focused nursing bras, they’re more than a brand—they’re a movement aimed at empowering moms and building a community where everyone can thrive together.
How do you win at both life and motherhood? Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and MommiNation co-founder Sanya Richards-Ross has plenty of wisdom to share on this topic and more.
Sanya sits down with host Lalaina Rabary to explore her journey, from being crowned Olympic Champion in the 400m at the 2012 London Games to becoming one of the most decorated female track and field Olympians in history. She also opens up about her life beyond the track: her transition into motherhood, building a supportive community for Black moms, and navigating challenges with resilience and grace.
Sanya co-founded MommiNation to address a critical gap many moms face - the lack of a village to lean on during motherhood’s toughest moments. Through this platform, she aims to empower, connect, and uplift mothers, offering the kind of support she found invaluable on her own journey.
In this special live episode, Sanya shares practical tips on balancing motherhood and personal goals, how sports prepared her for life’s toughest transitions, and why giving yourself grace is key to thriving as a mom.
Episode Highlights:
Links:
About the Host – Lalaina Rabary
Lalaina Rabary is the host of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast and serves as Momcozy’s Brand Marketing Manager for North America. She’s also the founder and marketing strategy consultant behind Lalaina Rabary Creative and Communications. A proud mom of one little girl, and with another baby on the way, Lalaina is passionate about helping moms grow and thrive.
About Momcozy
Momcozy is dedicated to supporting mothers through early motherhood with innovative products and valuable resources. Known for their wearable breast pumps and comfort-focused nursing bras, they’re more than a brand—they’re a movement aimed at empowering moms and building a community where everyone can thrive together.
Life is full of surprises, and parenthood is no exception. From carefully crafted birth plans that don’t go as expected to the challenges of returning to work, the journey is rarely predictable. But amidst the unexpected, there’s also joy in the most surprising places.
In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, host Lalaina welcomes Corin Lines-Stary, an award-winning podcaster and GenAI expert. Corin previously hosted In Her Ellement, a Boston Consulting Group podcast highlighting senior women in digital, business, and technology.
She opens up about her experience with not one but two unplanned C-sections, navigating first-time parenthood during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a surprising revelation she encountered upon returning to work.
00:56 – Corin’s expectations of parenthood.
03:00 – Life before children: What was it like for Corin?
05:06 – Surprises during pregnancy and birth.
08:53 – Corin’s first emergency C-section.
10:04 – Her second birthing experience in Tennessee.
10:58 – Advice for navigating the unexpected.
13:10 – “Red flag” moments from Corin’s first birth experience.
14:29 – What she did differently the second time.
16:16 – Returning to work after childbirth.
17:59 – How having kids changed Corin’s career perspective.
21:06 – Positive changes in her career post-parenthood.
23:06 – Final words of encouragement.
Join your host, Lalaina Rabary, every two weeks for conversations with special guests about their motherhood journey.
So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village.
Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood because every mom deserves a village.
LINKS
Smashing Pregnancy and Parenting Myths
The Creative and the AI Podcast
If you would record a message for us to play on the show, then head over to the link below to find out more:
The decision for moms to pause or downshift their careers often carries a heavy stigma. Yet, it can also provide a valuable opportunity to prioritize family life and grow alongside it.
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina sits down with Neha Ruch, author and the founder of Mother Untitled, a leading platform for ambitious women embracing family life. Her new book, The Power Pause, redefines stay-at-home parenthood for a new generation of women and families.
Together, they discuss why Neha took her pause, how you can grow and develop during a career pause or downshift, and how to nourish your self-esteem and set up systems for success.
02:07 - Neha’s backstory of career success.
04:08 - When you are judged for stepping back from work.
07:02 - Redefining ambition and feminism.
09:48 - Growing in yourself through motherhood.
13:05 - What challenges do moms face when taking a career pause?
16:44 - So many moms don’t have help at home.
20:48 - What to do when you want the pause to finish.
24:44 - Owning the story of your pause.
26:08 - Relying on friends and contacts to start again.
27:44 - The impact that Neha hopes The Power Pause has.
29:24 - How Neha nurtures her self-esteem.
Join your host Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey.
So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village.
Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood because every mom deserves a village.
LINKS
If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: