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

21. Dream Big, Doc: Discovering What You Truly Want

Hey doc, let's talk about what YOU want. Yeah, you! When was the last time you actually thought about what you want in life? In this episode, I'm challenging you to reconnect with your deepest desires and dreams. I know, I know - you're thinking, "Dr. Toya, I barely have time to pee, let alone dream!" But hear me out. We dive into: • Why knowing what you want is crucial (even if it seems impossible right now) • How feeling directionless can leave you stuck and unfulfilled • The power of having a...

Jul 24, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 21

20. Take the Win: Embracing Yes Without Overthinking

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, I discuss the importance of taking the win when it’s presented to you. Often, we can overthink our partner’s responses and miss out on the positive moments. Let’s dive into why embracing a yes, even if it’s not enthusiastic, can make a huge difference in our relationships and mental health. Episode Highlights: - Setting the Stage: Picture this: you ask your husband to join a playdate with your son. He hesitates, asks a few questions,...

Jul 17, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 20

19. Finding Rest: My Journey to Better Sleep

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, I'm opening up about my personal battle with sleep issues and the journey I took to find restful sleep again. As a physician and a mom, I've faced the ups and downs of sleep deprivation, and I want to share my story to help you navigate your own sleep challenges. Episode Highlights: - Stress and Sleep: How high-stress periods affected my sleep patterns, and the shift that happened after having my daughter. - Unrestful Sleep: The cons...

Jul 10, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 19

18. Breaking the Sleep Deprivation Myth: Strategies for Better Sleep in Early Motherhood

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, I’m tackling the widely accepted notion that poor sleep is an unavoidable part of early motherhood. Drawing on my experience as a newly minted Perinatal Mental Health Certified OBGYN, I'll explore the significant impact of sleep deprivation on maternal mental health, including its role as a risk factor for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum depression, OCD, and psychosis. I delve into societal expectations and what ...

Jul 10, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 18

17. Spontaneous Dates and Intentional Choices: Keeping the Spark Alive

Hey doc! 🌟 Today, I’ve got a delightful and spontaneous date story to share with you. My husband and I had a fun, unexpected outing that reminded me of the importance of making intentional choices to maintain intimacy and connection, especially during the hectic years of raising young kids. Episode Highlights: 1. Surprise Date Day: - Bad Boys Ride or Die released today! My husband planned to see it solo, but I couldn't let that happen. I invited myself along and found an 11 AM showtime that fit...

Jul 03, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 17

16. A Different Way to Fight: Insights from Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, I dive into the movie "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" and share my thoughts on its deeper themes, especially the relationship dynamics between Evelyn and her husband. Here are the highlights: Episode Highlights: - Movie Recap: A brief overview of the plot and key characters, focusing on Evelyn, her husband, their laundromat business, and family life. - Relationship Dynamics: Exploring how Evelyn perceives her husband as bumblin...

Jun 26, 202414 minSeason 1Ep. 16

15. Building Community: My Juneteenth Journey

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In today’s episode, I’m sharing how Juneteenth has played a significant role in helping me build a supportive community here in Northern California. Here’s what we cover: Episode Highlights: - Juneteenth and Community: Reflecting on the importance of Juneteenth and how it has helped me create a community since moving to California after residency in 2015. - Starting Fresh: Moving to California on a whim and the journey to finding happin...

Jun 19, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 15

14. Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Teaching Our Children

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! Today is a special Juneteenth episode, and I'm so excited to share it with you. Here’s what we cover: Episode Highlights: - Juneteenth Overview: Celebrating Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free on June 19, 1865. - Personal Story: Sharing a moment with my South African Au Pair who noticed my Juneteenth T-shirt, sparking a conversation about what Juneteenth means. - Teaching My...

Jun 19, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 14

13. Celebrating Fatherhood: A Tribute to My Husband

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this special Father's Day episode, I honor my husband and the father of my children. Here’s a look at what we cover: Episode Highlights: - Manifestation Realized: Reflecting on how I manifested my husband, a first-generation Trinidadian, and how he surpassed all my expectations. - Parenting Together: How my husband inspired me to want boys and how we balance each other out in raising our beautiful family. - Overcoming Challenges: Discussing our jo...

Jun 16, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 13

12. 9 Steps to Wellness for Physician Moms

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. In this episode, I share my journey toward obtaining my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and discuss the Nine Steps to Wellness from Postpartum Support International. These steps are integral to my coaching practice for physician moms in the early years of motherhood. Episode Highlights: - Pursuing PMH-C: I’m preparing for my Perinatal Mental Health Certification to enhance my coaching services, despite vowing never to take another exam ...

Jun 12, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 12

11. Navigating Childcare: Nanny vs Au Pair

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Today, we dive into an essential aspect of a physician mom's life: childcare. Often overlooked as part of your "village," reliable childcare isn't just helpful—it's a transformative element that returns time, rest, and peace of mind to your life. In This Episode: - Understanding Childcare Options: I explore the critical role of childcare in giving you more quality time with your children and discuss how to decide between different types of childcare ...

Jun 05, 202416 minSeason 1Ep. 11

10. Choosing Inspiration: The Marathon Mom Story

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, we discuss a viral video of a Brazilian marathon runner who ran past her kids to win a race. The video has sparked many discussions, and today, we're exploring how to find inspiration in such moments. Episode Highlights: - Viral Video Breakdown: A marathon runner’s husband pushes their kids into her path right before the finish line, but she skillfully runs around them to achieve her victory. - Public Reaction: Many critiques focus o...

May 29, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 10

9. Point me to Childcare

Welcome back to Stethoscopes and Strollers ! In this episode, we discuss how to effectively use credit card points for flying in childcare help. If you're a physician mom this strategy can be a game-changer. Episode Highlights: The Power of Points: Learn how to maximize your credit card points for flights, hotels, and more, with a special shout-out to Devon Gimbel’s "Point Me to First Class for Women Physicians" group. Flying in Childcare: Discover how I use points to fly in trusted family membe...

May 29, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 9

8. Breastfeeding and the LIES we tell

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. In this episode, we dive into the realities of breastfeeding, dispelling common myths and discussing the pressures many moms, especially physician moms, face. Episode Highlights: - Debunking Common Myths: Addressing statements like "Breastfeeding helps you lose weight," "Breastfeeding protects you from postpartum depression," and "Breastfeeding comes naturally." While these might hold some truth, they often do a disservice by setting unrealistic expe...

May 22, 202413 minSeason 1Ep. 8

7. Your Dream Life or Mine?

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. In this episode, I focus on the overarching goal of this podcast and my coaching for Physician Moms. I aim to inspire you to explore and connect deeply with your aspirations, regardless of how they differ from mine, and encourage you to keep an open mind throughout your personal and professional growth. Episode Highlights: - Understanding My Life Choices: Discussing my aspirations for a life filled with global experiences and why I choose to outsourc...

May 15, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 7

5. Opting out of The Struggle Olympics

Hey doc, welcome to a bonus episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Today, we're tackling a common but seldom-discussed topic in motherhood—the notion that struggle is a necessary part of being a good mom. Let's debunk this myth together. Episode Highlights: - Debunking the Glory of Struggle: We discuss the "Struggle Olympics" mentality where some moms glorify the hardships of motherhood, claiming these challenges make them stronger or closer to their children. - Choosing Easier Paths: I advoca...

May 15, 20244 minSeason 1Ep. 5

6. The Power of Asking

Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Today, we're exploring a crucial skill: asking for help. Many women in medicine find this daunting, but it's essential for thriving in both personal and professional realms. Episode Highlights: - Why Ask?: Discover why learning to ask is a transformative skill for women physicians, crucial for managing both home and career effectively. - Key Insights from 'Unbound': Discussing Kasia Urbaniak's book, *Unbound*, we delve into how asking for help is fun...

May 15, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 6

3. OBGYN To Coach for Physician Moms

Welcome back to another episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*. Today, I'm excited to share more about my journey to becoming a coach specifically for physician moms. This episode isn't just a continuation of my story; it's an insight into the pivotal decisions and realizations that shaped my current path. Highlights of This Episode: - Postpartum Burnout and Recovery: I delve into the aftermath of my challenging postpartum experience, including how a family trip to Mexico helped my husband and ...

May 12, 202413 minSeason 1Ep. 3

4. Happy Mother's Day from Dr. Toya

In this heartfelt Mother's Day special of "Stethoscopes and Strollers," Dr. Toya takes a moment to honor and celebrate physician moms everywhere. This episode is a tribute to the incredible resilience, compassion, and dedication that you bring to both your families and your professions. In This Episode: - A Personal Greeting: Dr. Toya extends a warm Mother’s Day greeting to all physician moms, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs of motherhood intertwined with the demanding life of a medica...

May 12, 20243 minSeason 1Ep. 4

2. Rage and Resentment: My Real Postpartum Story Pt 2

In this first episode of *Stethoscopes & Strollers*, I'm diving deep into my own postpartum journey, sharing the raw, real, and unfiltered version of what I experienced as a physician mom. It’s the untold story that inspired me to become a coach for physician moms and help others who are navigating the challenging early years of motherhood. Key Points Covered: - Expectations vs. Reality: I talk about how my expectations for my second postpartum journey were upended, even with better support ...

May 12, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 2

1. Rage and Resentment: My Real Postpartum Story Pt1

In this first episode of *Stethoscopes & Strollers*, I'm diving deep into my own postpartum journey, sharing the raw, real, and unfiltered version of what I experienced as a physician mom. It’s the untold story that inspired me to become a coach for physician moms and help others who are navigating the challenging early years of motherhood. Key Points Covered: - Expectations vs. Reality: I talk about how my expectations for my second postpartum journey were upended, even with better support ...

May 12, 202417 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Stethoscopes and Strollers: Embracing Self-Care and Balance as a Physician Mom (Trailer)

Welcome to the trailer of "Stethoscopes and Strollers," the podcast exclusively crafted for physician moms navigating the intricate balance of motherhood and medical careers. Hosted by Dr. Toya, a practicing OBGYN and a mom in the thick of her own early motherhood years, this podcast offers a unique perspective that resonates deeply with physician moms everywhere. What to Expect: - Deep Dives into Motherhood Challenges: This podcast is dedicated to discussing the real, often unspoken parts of mo...

May 11, 20245 min
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