The Back To Work Plan for Postpartum Moms

22. Beyond Birth: How Doulas Support Moms Through Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Emotional Recovery with Doula Chanda Bryant.

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, and doctoral researcher focused on maternal and infant health disparities. Together, they explore the often-overlooked role doulas play in helping mothers navigate the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. In this episode, you'll learn: • What a doula actually does—and why their role extends far beyond labor and delivery • How postpartum doulas support mothers during one of the most vulnerable transitions of life • The emotional realities of postpartum recovery that many women aren't prepared for • Why support systems matter and how they impact maternal well-being • Common challenges new moms face and how doulas help ease the transition • The importance of advocacy, culturally sensitive care, and maternal health equity • Insights from Chanda's doctoral research on maternal and infant health disparities • What gives her hope for the future of maternal care and support for mothers Whether you're currently pregnant, recently postpartum, or supporting a new mother in your life, this episode is a powerful reminder that motherhood was never meant to be navigated alone. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure during the postpartum period, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Connect with Chanda Bryant: Crown + Cradle Doula Co. https://www.crownandcradledoula.com Connect with Dr. Ashley Carroll: https://ghcounselinggroup.com

21. Entrepreneur Like a Mother: Redefining Career and Financial Freedom with Beth Mazza

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 independence and design careers that align with their lives—not compete with them. Together, they explore what it really looks like to rethink work after becoming a mother, including: • How motherhood reshapes your identity and career goals • Beth’s journey building businesses while raising a family • The challenges women face in traditional corporate environments after having children • Why many moms begin to consider entrepreneurship • The mission behind Female Mavericks and supporting women in business • Common myths about starting a business • How motherhood builds skills that translate into entrepreneurship • What financial freedom actually looks like for women and families • Mindset shifts needed to move from employee to entrepreneur Whether you’re returning to work, questioning your current path, or curious about building something of your own, this episode will challenge you to think differently about what’s possible. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

20. Breaking the Stigma: Psychiatric Medication for Postpartum Depression & Anxiety with Dr. Jasmine Stephens

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 extensive training at Baylor College of Medicine and leadership experience at UT Southwestern, Dr. Stephens brings both clinical expertise and deep compassion to this important conversation. Together, they unpack what every mother deserves to understand about mental health during pregnancy and postpartum, including: • The difference between normal adjustment and postpartum depression or anxiety • Common symptoms and when to seek professional support • Why stigma around maternal mental health and medication still exists • The most common fears women have about psychiatric medication • How medication decisions are made during pregnancy and postpartum • The risks of untreated depression and anxiety for both mom and baby • What to know about medication and breastfeeding • How to navigate guilt, fear, and uncertainty when considering treatment • How partners and families can better support mothers This episode is both educational and reassuring—designed to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported in making the best decisions for your mental health. If you’ve been struggling in silence or feeling unsure about your options, this conversation is a reminder that help is available—and you are not alone. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

19. Preparing for Maternity Leave: A Chat with Alexa Starks - Maternity Leave Coach

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 innovator. Alexa is on a mission to redesign working motherhood by helping women prepare intentionally for maternity leave and return to work with clarity and confidence. As a mom of two toddlers herself, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to the conversation. Together, Dr. Ashley and Alexa explore: • The story behind Executive Moms and what inspired Alexa’s mission • What “redesigning working motherhood” really means • Lessons from Alexa’s own maternity leave experience • The biggest mistakes women make when preparing for leave • How early you should begin planning and advocating with your manager • The emotional side of maternity leave—including identity shifts, career ambivalence, and managing guilt • What to do 3–4 weeks before returning to work • Setting boundaries and creating realistic expectations during the first months back • Redefining success as a working mother • What companies still get wrong about supporting new moms—and what great workplaces are doing differently Whether you’re preparing for maternity leave, currently on leave, or getting ready to return to work, this episode offers practical guidance and powerful reassurance that you don’t have to navigate this transition alone.

18. Staying Connected to Yourself While Balancing Work and Motherhood

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 reconnect with yourself without adding more to your already full plate. This episode offers reassurance, clarity, and tools to help you feel grounded, present, and like you again.