Chick Chat

• 189: The Power Pause: Redefining Ambition, Identity & Career Breaks in Motherhood with Neha Ruch

  Motherhood changes us — and not just in the ways we expect. For many women, having a child prompts a deep reevaluation of priorities, identity, and ambition. It’s not that ambition disappears; it evolves into something new. And in a world that often pushes women to choose between work and family, this shift can often leave new mothers feeling confused, lonely, or even disempowered. But what if pausing your career to focus on family wasn’t a setback, but a powerful, intentional move that reshapes your life and strengthens your future? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Neha Ruch, wants us to see. In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with Neha to talk about how we can reframe motherhood, ambition, and success, especially for women navigating the “gray area” between caregiving and career. Who Is Neha Ruch? Neha Ruch is a thought leader, author, and speaker on women, identity, and work. After a decade in brand strategy and earning her MBA from Stanford, she chose to pause her career following the birth of her second child and quickly realized how outdated the conversation around stay-at-home motherhood still was. She launched Mother Untitled, now rebranded as The Power Pause, a movement and platform that supports modern women who are embracing career pauses or slowdowns as a strategic, meaningful chapter in their lives. She created a space for ambitious women who are pressing pause, not delete on their careers. Her work has sparked a cultural shift around caregiving, ambition, and redefining success in the parenting years, resonating with hundreds of thousands of women. Her debut book, The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids – and Come Back Stronger Than Ever, is a first-of-its-kind guide that reimagines this chapter as one filled with purpose, growth, and long-term opportunity. Final Thoughts If you’ve ever questioned your worth during a season of slowing down or wondered how to hold onto your ambition while being present for your family, this episode is for you. Neha Ruch is rewriting the script around what it means to be a mother, a professional, and a whole person. Her work gives voice to a growing movement of women who are choosing to press pause and reminding us all that there is power in every chapter. Neha's Resources Website: thepowerpause.com Instagram: @motheruntitled LinkedIn: @nehaleelaruch Mentioned in the episode: Motherclasses with Mom Cozy Flex Jobs board The Mom Project Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 188: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Legal Rights, Emotional Prep & Practical Tips with Daphne Delvaux

  Going back to work after having a baby isn’t just about finding childcare or picking out comfortable outfits in your new postpartum body. It’s an emotional, physical, and often overwhelming transition that touches everything from your identity and energy levels to your legal rights and workplace support. In episode 179 of Chick Chat, we talked with Daphne Delvaux, also known as The Mamattorney, about how to co-plan your maternity leave so your return to work feels smoother and less stressful. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, definitely go check it out! In today’s episode (part two of our conversation), we’re diving into what happens after baby: how to navigate the return-to-work phase with confidence and legal protection. Daphne shares what every mom should know before reentering the workplace and how to advocate for yourself if the support just isn’t there. Who Is Daphne Delvaux? If you missed part one, Daphne Delvaux is a trial attorney, legal expert, and founder of The Mamattorney, a platform dedicated to educating mothers about their legal rights in the workplace, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and maternity leave. Daphne’s work has helped thousands of women feel more empowered and informed about their options for taking leave, protecting their jobs, and advocating for their families and futures. As a mom herself, she deeply understands the real-life challenges working parents face. What We Talked About This episode is all about the next chapter. What happens when you’ve had your baby, your leave is ending, and it’s time to return to work? Daphne covers each and shares legal protections, emotional prep tips, and powerful mindset shifts to help moms navigate this transition with more ease and less guilt. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: How to prepare emotionally for going back to work Leaving your baby for the first time can be heartbreaking. Daphne shares ways to prepare mentally and emotionally so you’re not caught off guard and so you can create space for your own healing, too. The biggest challenges new parents face and how to overcome them From lack of flexibility to outdated expectations, the return to work can be filled with pressure. Daphne talks through practical ways to set boundaries, ask for support, and reset your expectations of yourself. Your legal rights during the return-to-work transition Did you know you're entitled to certain accommodations for pumping? Daphne outlines the federal protections you have, including the PUMP Act, so you know exactly what to expect—and demand—from your workplace. What to do if you face discrimination or lack of support Unfortunately, not every workplace gets it. If you’re met with resistance, Daphne explains the steps to take—from documenting everything to filing a complaint—and why it’s important to advocate not just for yourself, but for other moms, too. The most overlooked part of preparing for maternity leave and return Most moms focus on the time off, but forget to plan for the return. Daphne shares the #1 thing moms forget to do (and how it can change everything). One proactive step you can take today Daphne closes with one action step that any woman can take right now to ensure a smoother, more empowered transition back to work. Final Thoughts Returning to work after having a baby is hard. But with the right tools, the right mindset, and the right knowledge of your rights, it doesn’t have to break you. Daphne Delvaux’s work is a powerful reminder that you’re not just a working mom, you’re a protected, empowered parent who deserves support. Whether you’re navigating legal concerns, emotional struggles, or both, this episode will help you return to work on your terms with your confidence and boundaries intact. Again, if you missed our first episode with Daphne (episode 179), where we talked all about co-planning your maternity leave, go listen to that one too. It’s the perfect companion to this conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 187: Why We Need to Think About Postpartum: Mental Health, PMADs & Support with Nancy Di Nuzzo

  When we think about preparing for a new baby, most of the attention goes to labor and delivery, but what about what happens after the birth? Too often, parents are sent home with a newborn and very little support for their physical recovery, mental health, and emotional well-being. And when things feel overwhelming, scary, or not how they expected, they wonder if something is wrong with them. But what I want new mothers to know is: Nothing is wrong with you. However, something is missing from the way we prepare families for postpartum, and it’s time we talked about it. In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with Nancy Di Nuzzo, Founder of Anamav Postnatal Care, to talk about the reality of postpartum recovery, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), and what it truly looks like to feel supported during one of life’s most intense transitions. Who Is Nancy Di Nuzzo? Nancy Di Nuzzo is a Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, and CPA. Yes, you read that right! She went from working in finance to becoming a fierce advocate for families after living through her own traumatic postpartum experience. Now a mother of two, Nancy is the founder of Anamav Postnatal Care, a practice dedicated to supporting families with doula care, lactation support, therapy, sleep coaching, and more, both virtually and in-home. She brings not only her professional expertise, but also deep empathy and lived experience to every conversation. Her mission? To help close the huge gap in postpartum care and make sure no parent feels like they have to “just get through it” on their own. What We Talked About This episode is an essential listen for any new parent, whether you’re expecting your first baby or already in the thick of postpartum life. Nancy breaks down what many people wish they had known before giving birth, and shares practical tools for building a more supported, emotionally safe experience. Postpartum doesn’t have to be something you just survive. With the right planning, the right tools, and the right support, it can be a season of healing, bonding, and growth. But it starts with knowing you deserve support — not just your baby. Nancy’s insight is such a powerful reminder that your mental health matters. Your story matters. And how you feel in this season matters. If you’re a new or expecting parent, I hope this conversation helps you feel seen, validated, and encouraged to build a postpartum experience rooted in real care. Mentioned in the episode Patient & Family Guide to PMADs Postpartum Support International (PSI) Nancy's Resources Website: anamav.ca Instagram: @anamavpostnatal Facebook: @anamavpostnatal TikTok: @anamavpostnatal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 186: Strong-Willed or Something More? Understanding Your Child Beneath the Behavior

  Parenting a strong-willed child can feel a little like riding a roller coaster . . . with no seatbelt. One minute, your child is full of passion and happiness, the next, they’re melting down in the middle of Target. These extreme emotions leave you wondering: Is this just a phase? Is it ADHD? Are they emotional? Or are they just being . . . mean? If you’ve ever asked yourself any of those questions, you are definitely not alone. In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with parenting coach and Positive-Discipline expert Danielle Bettmann to unpack what’s really going on beneath those big behaviors. Danielle shares the mindset shifts and practical tools that help parents stop reacting and start truly connecting with their kids, especially strong-willed, deeply feeling kids who are just trying to be seen and understood. Who Is Danielle Bettmann? Danielle Bettmann is a Positive-Discipline certified parenting coach who helps parents truly crack the code of their strong-willed child’s personality. With a background as an early childhood educator, certified teacher, and home visitor, Danielle now supports families virtually from all over the country. Her approach? It’s all about getting to the root of behavior (meeting our kids’ deepest needs) so we can stop playing “whack-a-mole” with outbursts and instead create real connection and cooperation. She teaches parents how to be kind and firm at the same time, and trust me . . . it’s a game-changer. Danielle is also the host of the popular podcast Failing Motherhood, which is such a powerful resource for parents feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. She is on a mission to remove shame from parenting and remind us all that we are the parent our kids need. What We Talked About This conversation is packed with wisdom and real-life strategies that speak to the heart of modern parenting, especially if you’re navigating big feelings, frequent meltdowns, or kiddos who don’t respond well to traditional discipline methods. Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation: 1. What a “strong-willed child” really means 2. Is it ADHD, big emotions, or just being difficult? 3. Why behavior is communication 4. The trap of traditional discipline 5. What it looks like to be kind and firm at the same time 6. Getting to the root of behavior 7. One small mindset shift that helps today Final Thoughts If you’re raising a child who challenges you daily, we want you to know that you’re not failing. You’re just parenting a strong-willed kid, and you can absolutely lead them with both heart and structure. Danielle’s work is such a breath of fresh air, and this episode will leave you with so much guidance and support. With the right tools and mindset, even the toughest parenting moments can become opportunities for growth, healing, and closeness. And as Danielle says: you are the parent your child needs. Mentioned in the episode Mighty and Bright calendars Danielle's Resources Website: parentingwholeheartedly.com Instagram: @parent_wholeheartedly Facebook: @wholeheartedlyomaha Podcast: Failing Motherhood FREE Masterclass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 185: Mastering the Mundane: Managing Motherhood with ADHD

  Let’s be real . . . Motherhood is overwhelming for anyone. But I've recently learned that if you’re a mom with ADHD, sometimes even the most basic tasks — like folding laundry, starting dinner, or replying to one more school email — can feel paralyzing. And I just have to say, if this is you . . . you’re not lazy. You’re not failing. And you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with Amy Marie Hann, a mom, coach, and author of the upcoming book Master the Mundane, to talk about what it really looks like to manage motherhood, home, and family life with ADHD. Whether you’ve been diagnosed or you’ve just always felt a step behind when it comes to organizing, planning, or staying on top of everything, this episode will leave you feeling seen, understood, and empowered. Who Is Amy Marie Hann? Amy Marie Hann is a certified coach, author, and mom of three who brings a deeply personal lens to everything she teaches. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 5, she’s navigated life, motherhood, marriage, and even homeschooling through the lens of neurodivergence. Not only is she ADHD herself, but so are her kids, husband, dad, and sister, making her insights incredibly relatable that resonates with so many moms feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day. Amy is the author of the soon-to-be-released book Master the Mundane: How to Manage Your Life, Home, and Family as a Mom with ADHD, launching September 10th. In her book, she combines lived experience with practical tools to help moms get through the hardest part of motherhood: the day-to-day chaos. She’s known for her authenticity, humor, and compassionate approach to coaching women who are neurodivergent or simply burned out. What We Talked About This episode is full of validation and practical advice for moms who struggle with executive function, mental overload, and burnout, whether officially diagnosed with ADHD or not. Amy breaks down what’s actually happening in the ADHD brain and how ADHD moms can stop beating themselves up for not being able to “just do it.” Here are some of the key topics we explored together: The moment motherhood collided with her ADHD Why simple tasks feel so hard What “Master the Mundane” really means How to stop relying on systems that weren’t built for your brain Tips for tackling executive dysfunction What emotional support for ADHD moms should look like Getting diagnosed (or not) And one of my favorite parts? When Amy reminded us that the best thing we can do for our ADHD kids is to model what it looks like to thrive with ADHD ourselves. Final Thoughts Whether you’re managing ADHD, burnout, or just the day-to-day stress of motherhood, this episode is here to remind you: you are not broken — you just need better tools and support. Amy’s wisdom is a breath of fresh air for any mom who’s ever felt like the mundane parts of life were swallowing her whole. With compassion, humor, and zero judgment, she gives us permission to do things our own way and shows us that thriving doesn’t mean doing everything. It means building systems that support you! Mentioned in the episode Is It ADHD or Not? (Diagnostic Criteria) Vanderbilt Assessment Psychology Today - Search adhd, your area, and your insurance (pulls up psychologist providers available to you) Amy's Resources Book: Master the Mundane: How to Manage Your Life, Home, and Family as a Mom with ADHD Website: amymariehann.com Instagram: @amymariehann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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