Stethoscopes and Strollers - podcast cover

Stethoscopes and Strollers

La Toya Luces-Sampson MD, PMH-Cwww.drtoyacoaching.com
Welcome to Stethoscopes & Strollers! I'm Dr. Toya, mom of two, OBGYN, and coach for physician moms. Here, we go beyond the hospital halls, into the messy, magical early years of parenting—think diapers, sleepless nights, and figuring out how to deal with all those unexpected twists and turns.


Every episode, I dive into topics like mental health, the ins and outs of postpartum sex, sorting out childcare, and how having little ones changes your marriage. We’ll talk about getting back to work after baby, the real deal with mom guilt thanks to those tough doctor schedules, what pumping at work is really like, and how to keep all the balls in the air without dropping any. We’re here to get real about the hard choices, like deciding to stop breastfeeding, and so much more. This is a space for focusing on taking care of you, because managing scrubs and swaddles takes a village.

You'll figure out how to ask for and actually accept help, because let’s be honest, getting support is crucial for thriving as both a mom and a doctor.

Just a quick heads-up: while we're all about sharing and supporting, remember this isn’t medical advice. We’re here to connect, share experiences, and grow—together, without the medical jargon.
So, grab your coffee or tea, and get ready to dive into those parts of being a physician mom that don't get talked about enough. You're not riding this roller coaster alone, and you definitely deserve all the support you can get. 


Tune in to Stethoscopes & Strollers for some real, honest insights and practical tips to make momming a bit easier. It’s time to get the conversation started!

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Episodes

74. Part 2 | No Map, No Mentor, No Regrets: Dr. Alexandra Stockwell’s Bold Path in Medicine and Motherhood

We’re back with Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, and this half of her story is just as rich and revealing as the first. If Part 1 was about identity and navigating early motherhood in medicine, Part 2 is all about intention in childcare, career, and designing a life that actually supports who you are. In this episode, we dive into: The “internal invisibility” of returning to medicine after baby and why no one seemed to notice she had changed Why she chose not to be an inte...

Jul 09, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 74

74. Part 1 | Choosing Her Own Way: Dr. Alexandra Stockwell on Motherhood, Marriage, and the Life She Built Beyond the Script

This one’s for the woman navigating the messy middle of ambition and alignment. In this deeply personal conversation, I sat down with Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, physician, intimacy coach, mother of four, and one of my own mentors, to talk about what happens when your identity evolves in ways you didn’t plan for… but needed. She shares what it meant to trade hospital hallways for nesting at home, how being visibly pregnant in med school almost made her fear expulsion, and why a vasectomy reversal a...

Jul 02, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 74

75. More Than Help: Dr. Alexandra Stockwell on Building Childcare Relationships That Feel Like Home

Hey Doc, In this bonus episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers , Dr. Alexandra Stockwell returns to talk about one of the most vulnerable and underdiscussed parts of motherhood for physicians: inviting someone else into your home to care for your child. She shares: What it was like to welcome a 17-year-old “au pair before its time” into their small apartment How she mentored both of her early nannies with warmth, patience, and real expectations Why daily appreciation not just correction is a non-n...

Jul 02, 202517 min

73. Hey Hubby: What Your Wife Wishes You Understood About Motherhood

Hey Hubby, Yep, I said it. This one’s for you. I know most of my episodes are directed toward Physician moms, but this time I’m talking directly to the husbands. Not to criticize. Not to complain. But to invite you into a deeper understanding of what your wife is going through right now. Because when you became a dad, everything changed. Not just for your wife, but for you too. And in this season, when the babies are young and the days are long, it’s so easy to feel disconnected, confused, or un...

Jun 25, 202529 min

72. Let Him Be Great: Releasing Control in Your Home

Hey doc, This one might sting, but it’s worth staying for. In this episode I am calling out (with love) the high-achieving physician moms who don’t realize the pattern that you’re part of: weaponized perfectionism. Not because you’re mean or controlling. But because you’re capable. Efficient. An intelligent, successful physician mom who knows how to get things done. But when those same traits spill into your marriage, they can unintentionally block the very support you’re craving. In this episod...

Jun 18, 202520 minSeason 1Ep. 73

To My Husband: Thank You for Doing the Work With Me

Hey doc, This one’s personal. In honor of Father’s Day (even though we don’t “do” the holiday), I wanted to take a moment to honor the man who made this podcast possible, my husband, Adé. Not because he edits the episodes or runs the backend (he doesn’t). But because of the stories I share here and the tools I teach, they come from real work, and a real partnership that wasn’t always this way. This is my thank you to him. For being willing. For doing the work. For loving me enough to grow with m...

Jun 15, 20254 min

71. How Did We Get Here? When Modern Marriage Falls Into Traditional Roles

Hey doc, In this episode of ✨ Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ , I’m revisiting a live I did called: "The partner you thought you had😩 How gender roles turned your progressive hubby into a 1950s a-hole" Because let’s be honest: even the most modern, educated, emotionally intelligent men can slide into outdated gender roles once kids come into the picture. You’re a physician. A mother. A leader. So why do you feel like you’re living a version of your mother’s or grandmother’s life, except now, you're...

Jun 11, 202534 minSeason 1Ep. 71

70. What Your Husband Was Never Taught: The Expectation Gap at Home

Hey Doc , This month, I’m doing something a little different. Every episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers in June is for the dads. Not because they deserve a standing ovation. But because they’re part of the story. Your story. And I know, this might bring up some feelings. Especially if you’ve been carrying more than your share of the load. Especially if it feels like you’ve had to do the emotional labor for everyone, including the person you thought would be your partner. In this episode, I’m t...

Jun 04, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 70

69. The Pressure to Be Everything and the Freedom of Letting Go: A Conversation with Dr. Tolulope Olabintan

Hey Doc— Let’s talk about what it really costs to perform strength. Dr. Tolulope Olabintan is a family medicine physician, a private practice owner, and a woman of deep faith. She’s also someone who—like so many of us—was raised to be “the strong one.” The Proverbs 31 woman. The helper. The one who keeps going, no matter what. Because “strong women” don’t sit still. They endure. Power through. Serve. But what happens when that identity clashes with your actual humanity? In this conversation, Dr....

May 28, 202536 minSeason 1Ep. 69

68. Crash C-Sections and Combat Zones: The Reality of Being a Military Mom

What happens when you’re a military surgeon, a new mom, and a woman navigating two male-dominated worlds — all at once? This week, I sat down with Dr. Amy Vertrees — a trauma surgeon, Army veteran, and mom of two — who knows what it’s like to deliver babies, build a career, and serve her country… all while navigating early motherhood. We talk about: What changed her mind about having children after a decade of marriage The real story behind being pregnant during surgical residency Leaving an 8-m...

May 21, 202545 minSeason 1Ep. 68

67. From Idea to Impact: The Story Behind Stethoscopes & Strollers

✨ Stethoscopes and Strollers just turned ONE. ✨ One year. Over 60 episodes. Incredible guests. 18 five-star reviews. A global top 5% ranking — and a deeply aligned space that continues to grow week after week. This week’s episode is a little different. It’s a celebration. A reflection. A reminder of what’s possible when you follow that small voice that says, I think I’m supposed to do this. In this episode, I’m sharing: 🎙️ How the podcast went from idea to launch in just six weeks 🎙️ Why havin...

May 14, 202513 minSeason 1Ep. 67

66. Permission to Be Left Alone on Mother’s Day

Hey Doc — Mother’s Day is coming up. And whether you're excited, dreading it, or just… indifferent, I want you to hear this clearly: You deserve what you want for Mother’s Day. If you want brunch and balloons — I hope you get them. If you want a quiet day to yourself with no one touching you, asking you for anything, or expecting you to perform joy — I hope you get that too. Let this episode be your reminder that: ✔ You don’t need to celebrate Mother’s Day the way others think you should ✔ Wanti...

May 07, 20255 minSeason 1Ep. 66

65. No Judgment, Just Joy: Be the Mom You Want to Be

Hey Doc — So… are you a Meghan or a Mindy? This episode was inspired by With Love, Meghan on Netflix — and one very honest moment between Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and her guest, Mindy Kaling. Meghan? Fully in her element: cooking, entertaining, feeding people with joy. Mindy? Fully supportive — and also like, “Yeah, I pay someone for that.” Both women were showing up with clarity. And that got me thinking: Why do so many Physician moms feel like they have to pick a side — and then explain it to...

Apr 30, 202513 minSeason 1Ep. 65

64. This Is Your Permission Slip to Live Fully and Unapologetically

Hey Doc — When was the last time someone gave you permission to just want what you want? To go after comfort, joy, ease, or pleasure — without guilt, without justification? This episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ is that permission slip. I’m sharing the moments in my life where a friend, a coach, or even a passing comment gave me the clarity and courage to make a decision that changed everything. Here’s what I want you to hear: You don’t need to wait. You don’t have to justify your joy. You...

Apr 23, 202516 minSeason 1Ep. 64

63. Who’s Really Raising Your Kids? You Are. Period.

Hey Doc — Let me ask you something: Who raised you? For me, it was Selwyn and Lucille Luces — two hardworking people from Trinidad and Tobago who gave me and my sisters a childhood full of love, structure, and support. They had help. They worked full-time. And still, they absolutely raised us. This week on ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I’m unpacking the guilt we’ve been taught to carry as working moms — especially as Physician moms — when we seek the support we need. I share: 🔸 Why this narrati...

Apr 16, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 63

62. Why You're Not Actually the CEO of Your Household (And How to Become One)

Hey doc! In this episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I’m challenging the popular narrative of Physician moms as “household CEOs.” Because let’s be honest—most of us are actually functioning like overworked managers, not empowered leaders. And today, we’re going to break that all the way down. I dive into: Why most Physician moms are functioning as managers, not CEOs What real CEOs like Jeff Bezos actually do with their time (hint: it’s not cooking meals or doing pickups) The critical differ...

Apr 09, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 62

61. Working Smarter, Not Harder: A Physician Mom’s Guide to Using AI

Hey doc! For Doctor's Day, I'm giving you something actually useful - a guide to making AI work for you as a Physician mom. In this episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I break down why AI is the greatest gift since the internet itself, and why you shouldn't be afraid to use it. I share: Why staying on technology's cutting edge is crucial for our profession Practical AI applications beyond medical documentation that save precious time My proven three-step method to get exceptional results fr...

Apr 02, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 61

60. Trust Yourself, Doc: Dr. Erica Bove on Intuition, Motherhood, and Career Evolution

Hey doc! In this episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I'm having a vulnerable conversation with Dr. Erica Bove, a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist and fertility coach who shares her powerful journey through motherhood during medical training, unexpected divorce, and rebuilding her life and career. Dr. Erica opens up about: Having her first child during residency and navigating early motherhood with limited support Experiencing a dramatic birth during Hurricane Sandy and ...

Mar 26, 202541 minSeason 1Ep. 60

59. Outsourcing Without Guilt: Dr. Cheruba Prabakar on Building a Life That Works

Hey doc! In this episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I'm joined by Dr. Cheruba Prabakar, minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and mother of three. Dr. Cheruba shares: Her journey through training, marriage, and having three kids How she successfully managed pregnancy during fellowship Why she waited three years before deciding on a third child The essential supports that make her busy life possible Why outsourcing household tasks prevents arguments in marriage Key takeaways: Get all the h...

Mar 19, 202540 minSeason 1Ep. 59

58. From Residency to DPC: Dr. Jade Norris on Entrepreneurship, Motherhood, and Creating Your Dream Life

Hey doc! I'm excited to bring you this inspiring conversation with Dr. Jade Norris on ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨! Dr. Jade is a family medicine and obesity Physician who opened her direct primary care practice straight out of residency while raising two young children. In this episode, we talk about: Her "meet cute" story with her husband (it involves a grocery store and went viral!) Having her first child during intern year in the pandemic Her challenging breastfeeding journey and how she fou...

Mar 12, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 58

57. Baby Steps to Bold Dreams: Completing Your Dream Life Blueprint

Hey doc! Welcome to the final episode of the Dream Life series on ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨! I'm wrapping up our blueprint with the most crucial step - taking action. In this episode, I share: Why "massive action" actually means baby steps How small wins create momentum for bigger changes The power of doing things scared Practical examples of first steps toward your dream life Why you don't need to wait for "someday" Key takeaways: Creating time and space comes first Baby steps are massive wh...

Mar 05, 202513 minSeason 1Ep. 57

Ep. 56 The Hour That Changes Everything: Why Time Investment Matters for Physician Moms

Hey doc! Can we talk about time? Not the "how to manage it better" conversation - we're going deeper today. I'm sharing how one hour of intentional investment changed my life from running on empty to actually enjoying each moment. In this episode, I take you through: My journey from 60-hour workweeks to intentional living The real reason why "I don't have time" isn't serving you My transition from skeptical to transformed CEO of my life How investing in yourself creates space for joy The ripple ...

Feb 26, 202512 minSeason 1Ep. 56

55. You Are Your Best Asset: My $52,600 Investment in 2024

Hey doc, I'm pulling back the curtain on my biggest investment of 2024 - $52,600 in coaching. Not a down payment, not a luxury vacation, not private school tuition. I invested this amount in my own growth, and I'm sharing why I consider it the best financial decision I made last year. On today's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I share: Why I believe investing in coaching is just as valuable as traditional investments The transformative returns that can't be measured in dollars How inves...

Feb 26, 20258 minSeason 1Ep. 55

54. Finding Your People: The Power of Community in Physician Motherhood

Hey doc, Today I'm sharing a deeply personal story about my journey discovering the transformative power of finding the right community. I open up about my experience in two very different coaching programs and what they taught me about trusting my intuition. I'll walk you through: Why community often matters more than the actual coaching How being in the right group setting creates growth through osmosis The importance of psychological safety when building deep connections What happens when you...

Feb 19, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 54

53. The True Love of Your Life: A Physician's Guide to Self-Love in Action

Hey doc! On today's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I'm talking about the most important love story - the one with yourself. I explore: What real self-love looks like in action How your children learn from your example Why boundaries show self-respect Transforming words into actions Creating lasting change Key Takeaways: Actions speak louder than affirmations Children learn from what we do, not what we say True self-love requires boundaries Change starts with awareness Perfect timing fo...

Feb 12, 20258 minSeason 1Ep. 53

52. Beyond Representation: A Black Physician Mom's Approach to Raising Confident Children

Hey doc! On today's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I'm opening up about the choices I make to protect and empower my Black children in today's world. I share: Why I modify toys and books for representation The power of early affirmation Handling racism at age three Creating protective environments Why these conversations matter for all families Key Takeaways: Every choice sends a message Early intervention is crucial Home environment shapes self-concept Silence perpetuates harm Change ...

Feb 05, 202520 minSeason 1Ep. 52

51. Sharing Your Vision: How to Talk to Your Partner About Your Dream Life

Hey doc! On today's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I'm diving into one of the most crucial steps in creating your dream life - having that first conversation with your partner. In this episode, I break down: Different partner response types (Fire Starters vs. Fire Extinguishers) How to prepare for the conversation Setting the stage for success Handling initial resistance Moving forward despite fear Key Takeaways: Know who you married Preparation matters more than presentation Initial r...

Jan 29, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 51

50. Creating Options: Motherhood, Medicine, and Financial Freedom with Dr. Felecia Froe

Hey doc! On today's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I sit down with Dr. Felecia Froe, urologist and financial liberation strategist, for a candid conversation about navigating residency with young children, evolving relationships, and creating financial freedom. We dive into: Having children during surgical residency in the 1990s The reality of workplace support (or lack thereof) for pregnant Physicians Managing marriage dynamics and household responsibilities Why financial independence...

Jan 22, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 50

49. Who Deserves Your Energy? A Physician Mom's Guide to Peace

Hey doc! On today's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I'm talking about something that's transformed my peace of mind: treating your energy as a precious gift. I dive into: Why protecting your energy matters as a Physician mom How social media drains our precious resources Setting boundaries with family members and opinions Choosing where to invest your limited energy Creating peace by being selective with your gift Key Takeaways: Your energy is finite and valuable Not everyone deserves a...

Jan 15, 202510 min

48. Personal Pain to Professional Purpose: Dr. Phindi Chowa Through Pregnancy, Partnership, and Finding Her Path

Hey doc! In today's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I sit down with Dr. Phindile Chowa, who shares her journey through pregnancy loss, cultural adaptation, and creating the medical practice she wished existed during her own struggles. We explore: Breaking cultural norms as an African Physician in America The reality of pregnancy loss and anxiety in subsequent pregnancies How lacking support during crisis shaped her mission Transforming personal experience into patient care Key Takeaways...

Jan 08, 202557 min
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