Becoming a mother changes so much about your life, including how you see yourself, your priorities, and sometimes even your career. But what happens when the job you spent years building no longer feels like the right fit? Returning to work after maternity leave can bring unexpected questions about identity, purpose, and what you truly want from your professional and personal life.
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, Deb Flaschenberg welcomes Leah Smart, personal development editor, podcast host, and certified coach, to explore why motherhood can spark a career identity crisis. Together, they discuss the emotional complexities of returning to work after having a baby, the pressure to balance career and family, and how to navigate career decisions during the postpartum period without feeling rushed to have everything figured out.
They also explore the practical realities of career transitions, including childcare, finances, relationships, and the importance of reconnecting with yourself beyond your identity as a parent. Whether you’re preparing to return to work, considering a career change after having a baby, or simply wondering how motherhood fits into the life you’ve built, this conversation offers a compassionate perspective on navigating change with clarity and intention.
In This Episode We Discuss:
- Why motherhood can change your career goals and sense of identity
- Navigating the return to work after maternity leave
- Career guilt, societal expectations, and the pressure to “have it all”
- Questions to consider before making a major career change postpartum
- Balancing financial responsibilities, childcare, and personal fulfillment
- Reconnecting with your identity beyond motherhood
- Embracing uncertainty and giving yourself permission to evolve
About Leah:
Leah Smart is a personal development editor, podcast host, certified coach, and Enneagram practitioner. She hosts Everyday Better, a podcast and newsletter exploring meaning, relationships, creativity, personal growth, and reinvention. Through thoughtful conversations and practical guidance, Leah helps people navigate life’s transitions, gain clarity about what matters most, and create lives that feel more aligned with who they are and who they’re becoming.
Connect with Leah:
Instagram: @itsleahsmart
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Check out similar Yoga| Birth| Babies episodes:
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Instagram, Tik Tok, & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter
Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center
