Heart and Health Wellness

Ep. 043 How to Protect Your Maternity Leave Before You Need It

HEART AND HEALTH WELLNESS PODCAST The Return: Working Mom Interview Series Episode 43  |  Released June 16, 2026 How to Protect Your Maternity Leave Before You Need It This episode is a lot. In the best possible way, but I want to be honest with you before you press play. Jordan is the co-founder and director of operations for Virtual Office Partners in Arizona, mom to 15-month-old Waylon, and someone who survived more in her first year of motherhood than most people could imagine. An emergency C-section with no anesthesia. A son with an undiagnosed tongue and lip tie that led to months of breastfeeding struggles and permanent damage. A boss who called the day after Christmas, two weeks postpartum, and never really stopped. And being let go at 10 weeks, right when she needed stability the most. But here is the thing about Jordan. She tells this story with grace, self-awareness, and even laughter in places. And the advice she gives on the other side of it is some of the most practical, clear-eyed wisdom in this entire series. In this conversation Jordan talks about what it actually felt like going back to work 13 days after an emergency C-section, before she could even stand up straight. She walks through the grief cycle of returning to work, denial, bargaining, and the long road to acceptance. She shares why she believescommunicating expectations in writing before maternity leave begins is the single most important thing a working mom can do. And she talks about how being let go ironically gave her the time to bond with her son that she never got thechance to take the first time around. She also introduces a flamingo metaphor that completely reframed how I think about postpartum recovery, and what it means to get your pink back. This episode is heavy in places. It is also one of the most hopeful conversations in the whole series, because Jordan did not just survive this. She used it to become the kind of leader she needed and did not have. This is episode four of The Return, a podcast series where real working moms share the unfiltered truth about going back to work after having a baby. If you have not listened to the earlier episodes, go back and start with Terrica's story from episode one.   Resources & Links Virtual Office Partners: https://virtualofficepartners.com [https://virtualofficepartners.com]Email Jordan: jordan@virtualofficepartners.com [jordan@virtualofficepartners.com]Follow Jordan and VOP on Instagram and Facebook Work with me Book a free Clarity Call (not sure how much longer you can keep doing this? Start here) → drmelissawelch.com/book [https://drmelissawelch.com/book]   Follow Heart & Health Wellness on Instagram: @heartandhealthwellness   We Are Amma — beautiful jewelry and quality gifts madefor just for moms. Use code MELISSA for 15% off → weareamma.com/melissa [https://weareamma.com/melissa]   The content shared in this episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Melissa Welch is sharing her professional perspective as a medical family therapist and coach, not as your personal healthcare provider. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns. This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health therapy or counseling. If you are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or any mental health challenges, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. This episode contains affiliate links and sponsored content. Dr. Melissa Welch may earn a commission on purchases made through the We Are Amma link using code MELISSA at no additional cost to you. Only products and brands that Dr. Welch personally uses and believes in are featured on this show.   Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter [https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter] Check out Uppbeat for Creators: https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp [https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp]

Ep. 042 What a Twin Mom OT Wishes Every Working Mom Knew About Going Back to Work after Maternity Leave

What a Twin Mom OT Wishes Every Working Mom Knew About Going Back to Work after Maternity Leave A pediatric OT and twin mom shares what she did differently — and the milestone conversation that will stop you in your tracks.   In this episode of The Return, Dr. Melissa Welch sits down with Maddie, a pediatric occupational therapist on the East Coast and first-time mom to ten-month-old twin girls. Maddie went back to work when her daughters were just three months old — and she did not just go back, she switched specialtiesentirely at the same time, moving from home health with older adults to a pediatric clinic setting. On top of being a brand new mom of twins. What makes Maddie's conversation stand out is the quiet steadiness she brings to all of it. She is a go with the flow person by nature and she made intentional, strategic decisions before returning — specifically designing her work life around what she knew she would need as a new mom rather than pushing through on willpower alone. But this episode also goes to some tender places. Maddie and Melissa have a deeply honest conversation about the fear of missing milestones — what it actually means to grieve the moments you do not get to witness and why we put so muchweight on being there for the firsts. The reframe Maddie offers — that you get to see your own version of the first time, the first time they do it for you — is one of the most beautiful moments in the entire series. Maddie also shares her advice for other healthcare moms navigating this transition:give yourself the same grace, patience, and understanding that you would give one of your own patients.  Chapters List:  00:00 Introduction to the Series and Guest 06:31 Returning to Work: Challenges and Adjustments 10:25 Finding Balance: Work, Family, and Self-Care 15:09 Navigating Parenthood with Professional Knowledge 20:23 The Art of Transitioning Between Roles 22:33 Finding Meaning in Work and Motherhood 23:14 Morning Routines with Twins 25:46 Cherishing Milestones and Memories 34:08 Advice for New Moms in Healthcare 35:12 Self-Compassion in Parenting 37:34 Key Takeaways and Reflections Mentioned on the Show and Resources: Maddie’s future IG account will be shared here when it’s active. Book a free Clarity Call (not sure how much longer you can keep doing this? Start here) → drmelissawelch.com/book [https://drmelissawelch.com/book]  Join the waitlist for the C.A.L.M. Mom Workshop (2 days, live on Zoom, late summer 2026 — early access +pricing for waitlist members) → drmelissawelch.com/waitlist  Follow Heart & Health Wellness on Instagram: @heartandhealthwellness  We Are Amma — beautiful jewelry and quality gifts madefor just for moms. Use code MELISSA for 15% off → weareamma.com/melissa [https://weareamma.com/melissa]    The content shared in this episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Melissa Welch is sharing her professional perspective as a medical family therapist and coach, not as your personal healthcare provider. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns. This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health therapy or counseling. If you are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or any mental health challenges, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. This episode contains affiliate links and sponsored content. Dr. Melissa Welch may earn a commission on purchases made through the We Are Amma link using code MELISSA at no additional cost to you. Only products and brands that Dr. Welch personally uses and believes in are featured on this show.  Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter [https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter] Check out Uppbeat for Creators: https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp [https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp]  Keywords Working Moms, Occupational Therapy, Twin Parenting, Milestones, Work-Life Balance, Healthcare, Motherhood Challenges, Emotional Journey, Parenting Strategies, Career Transition

Ep. 041 What Type A Moms Need to Know Before Going Back to Work After Maternity Leave

The Return: Working Mom Interview Series Episode 41  |  Released May 19, 2026 What Type A Moms Need to Know Before Going Back to Work After Maternity Leave A healthcare administrator and self-proclaimed Type A mom shares what nobody warns you about — the identity crisis that hits when you go back to work and realize you are not the same person you were before.  If you are a type A mom — the one who always has a plan, always gives 110%, always has something going on — this episode is going to feel like someone finally said it out loud. Jess is a healthcare administrator working within a large hospital system in Colorado, a certified spin instructor, a mental health first aid instructor, and a first time mom to her nine month old daughter Charlotte, who goes by Chucky in their house. She is someone who has always done a lot and loved it. And then she became a mom and had to completely renegotiate her relationship with herself. Jess also talks about co-sleeping, sleep training, the daycare sickness spiral, pumping at work, and the moment she realized that the softer, more present version of herself that motherhood brought out is not less than who she wasbefore. She might actually be more. This is episode two of The Return — a podcast series where real working moms share the unfiltered truth about going back to work after having a baby. If you missed episode one with Terrica, go back and start there. It is such a good one.  Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:37 Jess's Journey into Healthcare and Fitness 08:32 Motherhood and Early Experiences 11:23 Navigating Postpartum Challenges 14:15 Work-Life Balance and Career Transition 18:16 The Impact of Social Media on Parenting 21:16 Coping with Sleep Deprivation 22:11 Acceptance and Adaptation in Motherhood 24:42 Co-Sleeping and Parenting Choices 29:17 Navigating the Early Days of Motherhood 36:33 Identity Shift: Embracing the New Role of Mom 43:16 Preparing for Motherhood: Insights and Advice 51:04 Finding Balance: The Journey of New Parenthood 55:29 Final thoughts, Embracing Change Resources mentioned: Follow Jess on Instagram: @_jess_con_  Work with Me: Book a free Clarity Call (not sure how much longer you can keep doing this? Start here) → drmelissawelch.com/book [https://drmelissawelch.com/book]  Join the waitlist for the C.A.L.M. Mom Workshop (2 days, live on Zoom, late summer 2026 — early access +pricing for waitlist members) → drmelissawelch.com/waitlist   Follow Heart & HealthWellness on Instagram: @heartandhealthwellness  Check out We Are Amma — beautiful jewelry and quality gifts made for just for moms. Use code MELISSA for 15% off → weareamma.com/melissa [https://weareamma.com/melissa]    The content shared in this episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Melissa Welch is sharing her professional perspective as a medical family therapist and coach, not as your personal healthcare provider. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns. This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health therapy or counseling. If you are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or any mental health challenges, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. This episode contains affiliate links and sponsored content. Dr. Melissa Welch may earn a commission on purchases made through the We Are Amma link using code MELISSA at no additional cost to you. Only products and brands that Dr. Welch personally uses and believes in are featured on this show.   Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter [https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter] Check out Uppbeat for Creators: https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp [https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp]   Type A Mom, Postpartum Anxiety, Back To Work After Baby, Working Mom Identity, Return To Work After Maternity Leave, Mom Podcast, Type A Personality Mom, Postpartum Depression And Anxiety, Working Mom Struggles, Heart And Health Wellness, The Return Podcast

Ep. 040 Still on Leave and Already Dreading Goodbye: One NP’s Honest Take on Returning to Work

HEART AND HEALTH WELLNESS PODCAST The Return: Working Mom Interview Series Episode 40  |  Released May 12, 2026 Still on Leave and Already Dreading Goodbye: One NP’s Honest Take on Returning to Work A doctrine-prepared nurse practitioner shares what it really feels like to be on maternity leave with a four-month-old — knowing the clock is ticking.   Terrica is a doctorate-prepared nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonary medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.She’s a wife, a mom to a four-year-old son and a four-month-old daughter, a content creator, and a DIY crafter. She’s currently on an eight-month maternity leave — and hasn’t gone back yet. In this conversation, Terrica opens up about the guilt of knowing she has to return to work, the fear of missingmilestones, the mental load that never fully powers down, and the very real financial reality that makes going back not a question of if, but when. She also shares what got her through her son’s premature birth and NICU experience — and why she believes the message every working mom needs to hear is simply: it’s going to be okay. This is Episode 1 of The Return — a six-part interview series featuring real working moms sharing the unfiltered truth about returning to work after having a baby.   Chapters  00:00  Dr. Melissa Welch opens the series 01:44  Meet Terrica — NP, Atlanta, mom of two, content creator | Parenting dynamics + child development 01:59  Career transition + work-life balance | Her new inpatient role and why she switched 03:42  Maternity leave experience | Eight months of leave and company support 06:32  Emotional challenges of returning to work | The guilt + her son begging her not to leave 09:21  Financial realities + family dynamics | Daycare fears and missing milestones 13:31  “I have to go back to work” — financial reality after her husband’s layoff 15:14  Balancing work and family life | Biopsychosocial health — body and mind taking the hardest hit 17:29  Navigating postpartum challenges | “Mentally I am tired” — postpartum anxiety + the hamster wheel mind 22:37  Finding support + encouragement | Content creation, working out, making time for yourself 26:33  Cherishing family connections | Fear of being rusty + returning to clinical skills 28:21  Advice for new working moms | “It’s going to be okay” — what her son’s NICU experience taught her Follow Terrica on Instagram: @lifewithterrica [https://www.instagram.com/lifewithterrica]   Book a free Clarity Call (not sure how much longer you can keep doing this? Start here) → drmelissawelch.com/book [https://drmelissawelch.com/book] Join the waitlist for the C.A.L.M. Mom Workshop (2 days, live on Zoom, late summer 2026 — early access + pricing for waitlist members) → drmelissawelch.com/waitlist We Are Amma — jewelry and gifts made for moms. Use codeMELISSA for 15% off → weareamma.com/melissa [https://weareamma.com/melissa]   The content shared in this episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Melissa Welch is sharing her professional perspective as a medical family therapist and coach, not as your personal healthcare provider. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns. This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health therapy or counseling. If you are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or any mental health challenges, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. This episode contains affiliate links and sponsored content. Dr. Melissa Welch may earn a commission on purchases made through the We Are Amma link using code MELISSA at no additional cost to you. Only products and brands that Dr. Welch personally uses and believes in are featured on this show.   Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter [https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter] Check out Uppbeat for Creators: https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp [https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp]

Ep. 039 EFT Tapping for Mom Guilt: When You Feel Like You’re Missing Too Much

Heart & Health Wellness Episode 39 released 4/21/26 Episode Title: EFT Tapping for Mom Guilt: When You Feel Like You’re Missing Too Much Keywords mom guilt, EFT tapping, self-care, mental wellness, parenting, stress relief, emotional health Summary Mom guilt is something almost every mother experiences—but it doesn’t have to take over your thoughts or define your reality. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Welch shares a real-life moment of navigating mom guilt after missing part of her evening routine with her son due to work and personal commitments. Instead of letting those thoughts spiral,she walks through how she noticed, reframed, and regulated them in the moment. She then introduces EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping as a practical, evidence-supported tool to help process and release the emotional weight of guilt when it feels harder to manage on your own. You’ll be guided through a full tapping exercise designed specifically for working moms who feel like they’re constantly being pulled in multiple directions. This episode is both validating and actionable—reminding you that while negative thoughts will come, you don’t have to let them stay. Takeaways - Mom guilt is normal but doesn't have to control you - EFT tapping can quickly reduce emotional intensity - Reframing thoughts helps shift perspective and reduce guilt - Self-care is essential for effective parenting - Practical steps to handle mom guilt in real time Chapters 00:00 Understanding Mom Guilt 07:25 EFT Tapping as a Tool 13:26 Guided EFT Tapping Exercise 19:37 Reflective Questions for Moms 22:00 Support and Resources for Moms Support for Working Moms If you are a working mom struggling with guilt, confusion, or doubt, book a call with me and let’s talk about how you can become clear, confident, calm, and guilt free. Book a free clarity call: https://drmelissawelch.com/book [https://drmelissawelch.com/book] Check out Heart & Health Wellness Resources mentionedon the show: We Are AMMA: Shop the cocoon and the New Mama Bundleor any of the other wonderful gifts and mama essentials from We Are AMMA here: https://www.weareamma.com/MELISSA [https://www.weareamma.com/MELISSA].Use code “MELISSA” for 15% off your entire order! Music for intro and outro: Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter Check out Uppbeat for Creators and enjoy using their musicand sound effects here: https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp [https://share.uppbeat.io/sv0kftygrzpp] Use Canva [https://www.canva.com/join/hzw-hnw-dgn] for editing the most beautiful projects: https://www.canva.com/join/hzw-hnw-dgn [https://www.canva.com/join/hzw-hnw-dgn]. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this episode maybe affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I truly love and believe in. Thank you for supporting the show!