Career Mom

Mental Capacity, Overwhelm, Mental Fatigue; These are all things that society, especially Career Moms, face regularly but it’s been 6 months since COVID started and we need to talk about how the stress of the past few months is causing lots of us to operate with little to no additional mental capacity.  Listen to hear how I define and experience a lack of mental capacity and what I did to try to claw my way out of the mental overwhelm.   Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram @careermompodcast Join the Career Mom Facebook group Career Mom Facebook Group If you have a story or topic you want to share contact Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz:  soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

Healthy eating, meal prepping and planning, feeding a family. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that feeding the humans in my life stresses me out. Pre-baby I spent hours in the kitchen on Sunday meal prepping and now that feels impossible.  Kristen Noriega is here to tell us that it doesn’t have to be this way! She shares great tips on making a manageable meal plan, prepping what you can when you can, and allowing us to break the rules of cooking! Visit her website www.kristennorieganutrition.com/resources for some great free resources. She has a trial meal plan, a frozen to fabulous e-book which I LOVED that utilized frozen foods and freezer meals and a kitchen sync resource to create order in the kitchen to save time and brain power. Connect with Kristen @healthy.mama.nutritionist Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram @careermompodcast Join the Career Mom Facebook group Career Mom Facebook Group If you have a story or topic you want to share contact Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz:  soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

Breastfeeding, like motherhood, can be an amazing experience or can be REALLY HARD! Depending on your experience it can bring you joy or guilt. Like many other topics for moms, this one isn’t talked about in depth to help moms prepare for the challenges they may encounter when they return to work. I struggled to maintain a pumping schedule when I was back in the office, but today’s guest went back to the Navy while pumping! Gaby Cavins has so much knowledge on breastfeeding and a really empowering message to provide support to moms in the thick of their breastfeeding/pumping journey. Gaby Cavins is a former Naval officer, Certified Lactation Educator Counselor, “return to work” expert and working mother of two. She sits on the board of the California Breastfeeding Coalition, advocates for and supports breastfeeding military mothers, and is the founder of Latched - a social media platform providing breastfeeding support and community information. She is currently the Director of Employee Success for Villyge, helping parents navigate all things working parenthood. Check out Villyge here. NOTE: Gaby references MommaWork in the episode which is now Villyge.   Connect with Gaby @latched_official or @villyge Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram @careermompodcast Join the Career Mom Facebook group Career Mom Facebook Group If you have a story or topic you want to share contact Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz:  soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

Identity is a huge part of transitioning into motherhood and identity can be complicated for people who were adopted. Jamee Lapakko is a dear friend of my sister (and me). She grew up right down the street from us. She is a Korean adoptee and it was becoming a mother, 7 years ago, that sparked her desire to find her birth mother. Understanding her birth history and Korean culture has become a huge part of defining her motherhood identity. Jamee has an incredible story reconnecting with her birth family.  Jamee is a Korean adoptee, she was raised and still lives in Minnesota. She has been a hairstylist for the past 11 years and currently owns her own business.  She has a 7 years old daughter, Tegan.    Bookclub: Don’t forget to join the Career Mom Facebook group to join the September 2020 book club. And pick up a copy of “Leaning Out: An Alternative Perspective for the Modern Corporate Woman” (learn more here)  Get a free copy of the audiobook and a 30 day trial of Audible: audibletrial.com/CareerMom   Connect with Jamee @jameekimhair Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram @careermompodcast Join the Career Mom Facebook group Career Mom Facebook Group If you have a story or topic you want to share contact Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz:  soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

Do you remember your transition back to work after having your baby? If you are like me, the experience going back to work was emotional, challenging, scary, overwhelming, but yet highly anticipated. It wasn’t until recently that I realized how unprepared I was for that transition. I researched and prepared for every other aspect of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood but yet never thought to prepare for going back to work!   Kimberly Didrikson, Founder of Learning Motherhood has created research-based classes to ease the transition into motherhood during maternity leave. Her classes ensure that working women will feel supported when they return to their careers. In addition to the classes offered Learning Motherhood also provides customized programs to assist organizations in creating a work environment that embraces families. Learning Motherhood’s mission is to create a culture that will educate and empower moms in their personal life, family life, and work life.    Head over to www.learning-motherhood.com for 25% off their online working mom series by entering the code “CAREERMOM”.   Bookclub: Don’t forget to join the Career Mom Facebook group to join the September 2020 book club. And pick up a copy of “Leaning Out: An Alternative Perspective for the Modern Corporate Woman” (learn more here)  Get a free copy of the audiobook and a 30 day trial of Audible: audibletrial.com/CareerMom   Learn more about Kimberly here: www.learning-motherhood.com or follow her on Instagram: @learningmotherhood Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram @careermompodcast Join the Career Mom Facebook group: Career Mom Facebook Group If you have a story or topic you want to share contact Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz:  soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

Are you a mom without a village; without your mom down the road to swoop in and save the day? Me too!

Ditch the mom guilt so you can be more than a mother!

Learn what it means to "Lean Out" of your career

Jenny continues the conversation about race and racism with Ashley Paul. Jenny and Ashley talk about their experiences growing up in Richfield, MN. Ashley still lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis while Jenny has spent the past 15 years in Iowa. They discuss their different experiences growing up as well as how they will raise their children with intention and education to combat racism going forward. If you take anything from this conversation, it is to just start the conversation!!!  Follow Jenny: @careermompodcast Follow Ashley: @ashjp731 Ashley mentioned several books she has read/is reading, if you are not able to READ a book take advantage of the opportunity to get a free e-book: Audible: Career Mom  Lies My Teacher Tole Me by James W. Loewen Untamed by Glennon Doyle-Melton Podcast about the umbrella analogy Jenny made: Unlocking Us: Brene Brown w/ Ibram X. Kendi Podcast about the I-94 bridge: NPR Indicator: The Minnesota Paradox Ashley also mentioned classes she took from Heather check her out here: Hackman Consulting Group

Wow! So much has happened since the last episode aired. While COVID has been a huge struggle and challenge, especially for working moms, I feel the need to talk about race and racism RIGHT NOW. De'dria reached out Jenny through Instagram and this is the conversation that happened once the two women were connected. Both were vulnerable, both were uncomfortable and both did it anyways.    Follow Jenny: @careermompodcast   Follow Rebrandingmotherhood on IG: : @rebrandingmotherhood   Follow Rebrandingmotherhood online: rebrandingmotherhood.org/      

Jenny interviews, Rachel Bailey, a parenting specialist about the challenges of being a Career Mom during COVID19 quarantine times. The struggle is REAL, but it doesn’t have to be full of resentment and stress. Rachel explains how to set boundaries around work, our children and our partners. She also talks about setting realistic expectations for ourselves around work and schooling our children. Jenny implemented several of Rachel’s tips after her first week in quarantine and it has completely changed her experience!   Rachel Bailey is a Parenting Specialist who has been serving families for over a decade. Besides being a mother of two, she also has a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, a certification in Positive Discipline, and has provided services as an ADHD Coach, in-home mentor, and therapist. Currently, Rachel teaches parents practical, longterm tools for raising responsible, resilient, confident children... while reducing the stress and guilt in parents' lives. Rachel’s website: http://rachel-bailey.com/ Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbaileyparenting/ Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/careermompodcast/ If you have a story or topic you want to share contact  Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. http://www.audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz  https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

Jenny continues the conversation about postpartum anxiety and depression with Annika O’Melia. Annika is a psychotherapist and has been practicing since 2005. She is also the mother of 4 children and experienced postpartum anxiety after the birth of her first child. This episode covers so much more than anxiety and depression; OCD, addiction, and what it is like to actually go to therapy. Annika mentions so many good resources, listed below: Edinburgh Depression Screening: http://perinatology.com/calculators/Edinburgh%20Depression%20Scale.htm Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/pregnancy-postpartum-mental-health/ Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/perinatal-anxiety-anxiety-during-pregnancy-and-babys-first-year/ Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/careermompodcast/ If you have a story or topic you want to share contact  Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. http://www.audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz  https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

Jenny chats with Britta Newell, a mother of 5, who has experienced anxiety throughout her life as well as postpartum after the birth of her twins. Jenny and Britta talk about the role talk therapy plays in their lives and how they feel about taking medication for anxiety and depression.  Britta is a stay-at-home mom while her husband is often away working long hours as a firefighter. Britta has excellent tips on how to manage the day-to-day craziness without letting anxiety and overwhelm interfere. This episode is airing in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak and everyone is experiencing a bit of anxiety about these uncertain times. However, if your anxiety is causing you physical symptoms or interfering with your daily life, please call your doctor and seek help. Your children need a mentally healthy mom to manage through this time and you don’t need to deal with a mental health crisis alone during these stressful times. Below are resources to help:   Online or texting counselling services                TalkSpace: https://www.talkspace.com/                BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/ Postpartum resources and support: https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/pregnancy-postpartum-mental-health/ Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/careermompodcast/ If you have a story or topic you want to share contact  Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. http://www.audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz  https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

Jenny interviews Sara Rausch, a chiropractor, certified Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Trainer and co-owner of Motherhood Matters. She shares her knowledge about DNS, but most importantly the mindset that SLOW IS FAST when it comes to recovering from childbirth. There is so much pressure to “get your body back” but your body needs time to heal. Sara gives you permission to take that time and tools to heal in a way that mimics the development of your baby and will set the foundation for a healthy core.   Check out Motherhood Matters: https://motherhoodmatterswellness.com/ If you want some online DNS class options, Birthfit is a national organization: https://birthfit.com/ To learn more about the background of DNS: https://www.rehabps.com/REHABILITATION/Home.html   Join the Career Mom conversation on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/careermompodcast/ If you have a story or topic you want to share contact  Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. http://www.audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz  https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage…or not! Christine Gile is a first grade teacher from MN who always dreamed of being a mom. Unfortunately, infertility struck her marriage bringing Christine and her husband’s road to parenthood into question. Jenny and Christine grew up in the same neighborhood - walked to school together, had endless amounts of sleepovers and now as adults are talking about the hard stuff – Christine and her husband, Cade discovered that they cannot have biological children together and are now in the interesting world of finding a sperm donor.   1 in 8 couples experience infertility. While the journey is hard, you are not alone! Christine mentions some resources in the interview: Scattered Seeds: In Search of Family and Identity in the Sperm Donor Generation: https://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Seeds Resolve: The National Infertility Association https://resolve.org/ Fruitful: A free fertility mentorship matching program that connects those in need of emotional support with those who have experienced infertility first hand. https://www.fruitfulfertility.org/ Check out the quotes she mentioned in the podcast on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/careermompodcast/ If you have an infertility journey you want to share contact Jenny by email  careermompodcast@gmail.com Sign up for a free 30 day trial of Audible. http://www.audibletrial.com/CareerMom Music Credit: Campfire by Scandinavianz  https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz