LaTosha speaks about her experience navigating her career outside of the home as a new mom, how much the mental load of motherhood surprised her, and how important laying a strong foundation for her kids to build upon is to her. Read more about her journey in motherhood below.

First, tell us your name and a bit more about yourself!

Hi, my name’s LaTosha! I live in a small town in northern California. Outside of being a mom I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist and I run my own private practice. While I don’t have a specific favorite food or drink, food in general makes me happy! On the weekends this time of year you’ll find me outside in my garden. I love to grow flowers with my kids and teach them skills about caring for the things outside. I want my kids to have a good relationship with nature.

How many kids do you have? What are their ages?

3 kids, ages 5, 3, and 1.

What has been your favorite stage of motherhood yet? What has been the hardest yet? And is there a stage you’re looking forward to or nervous to reach? Why?

All stages are difficult and wonderful in their own way. I’ve loved the newborn stage. I love the baby snuggles! My least favorite is the terrible twos because it requires so much more of my patience and on days when I feel drained, having the patience my kids need can be difficult. I’m looking forward to the 7 to 10 year old stage. They have more independence but are still so childlike, full of wonder and fun to be around.

Tell us about your journey into motherhood. How was the transition from no kids to kids?

Transitioning from no kids to kids was difficult since my oldest struggled with sleep. Having my 3rd was maybe the easiest since I felt like I had a solid routine. Work was probably the most challenging part of becoming a mom because for the last 5 years I have been navigating the balance of being a working mom.

How do you define your role as a mother? What does being a mother mean to you?

My role as a mother is to help my kids navigate life and learn how to live a healthy life. It’s not easy and I’m definitely not doing this perfectly, but what matters most to me is that I give my kids the strongest foundation they can take to build on for the rest of their lives. I find so much value in what I have to offer them and I try to give it the attention it deserves.

What about motherhood has surprised you?

How much emotional weight I carry as their mom! Motherhood always seemed like a series of tasks to complete in order to “be a good mom” and now I realize the emotional weight that I carry as their mom can be so intense at times. It’s so much more than drop offs and pick ups and crock pot meals!

We all love a good recommendation when it comes to baby gear! Do you have a favorite item in your baby’s nursery? Tell us about it!

Baby wraps! So wonderful to hold my baby close while still being able to accomplish things. I spent the first three months of my youngest baby’s life with him in a wrap while I continued to work and have sessions. I couldn’t ask for more than to be able to do what I love while holding what I love close! ❤️

Think back to the early days with your baby(s), then all the way up to today. Is there a memory in your baby’s nursery that stands out? What is it and why is it special?

Getting it ready. It was so special to make a sweet space for my baby while dreaming about who they would be and what the room would be like once they were there.

Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for new moms?

You’re not alone!! There is so much about new motherhood that is scary and overwhelming and we’ve all been there! It doesn’t make you any less of a mom. We all struggle! Talk to people, share your experiences and build support.

Thanks so much for sharing your motherhood experience with us! Where can we find you outside of this blog post?

@thetherapist_mom on Instagram (website soon to come 🤞)

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