The Postpartum Standard

Toni Toomey
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting

Presented by Hone About the Show: The standard for postpartum care has been too low for too long. We are here to raise it. Hosted by Toni Toomey, founder of Hone, this podcast is the definitive resource for modern mothers who refuse to compromise on their health, their careers, or their families. We bring you into the room with the experts building the future of motherhood. You will hear from: Medical Authorities: Naturopathic doctors and dermatologists on hormone health and skin safety.Founder Peers: The women building the brands you trust (from milk delivery to sleep solutions) sharing their own raw, behind-the-scenes postpartum realities.Practical Strategists: Lawyers and financial planners on securing your family’s legacy.Real Mothers: Authentic conversations about the lifestyle shifts that actually move the needle. Whether we are discussing the science of endocrine disruptors, the logistics of a living will, or the mental load of returning to work, our goal is simple: to arm you with the knowledge to navigate this chapter with precision, dignity, and confidence.

Episodes

  1. May 20

    Reclaiming Time, Body, and Identity in Early Motherhood

    In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, Toni sits down with Desireé, a first-time mom who is three months postpartum, to talk honestly about the early season of motherhood, the parts that are beautiful, humbling, uncomfortable, and rarely talked about clearly. Together, they explore the identity shift that can begin even before birth, the surprising force of maternal instinct, and what it feels like to suddenly reorder your life around a baby while still trying to hold onto yourself. Desireé shares how motherhood changed her relationship with time, routine, work, her marriage, and her body. From building bedtime rhythms with her baby to protecting small pieces of self-care, she reflects on the practical and emotional adjustments that helped her move from survival mode toward something more sustainable. The conversation also gets into postpartum body image, breastfeeding after a breast reduction, the pressure to “bounce back,” and why so many women need permission to let their clothes fit their new body instead of forcing their body back into old clothes. Toni and Desireé also talk about the reality of working motherhood, entrepreneurship, asking for help, communicating honestly with your partner, and the small non-negotiables that can make postpartum feel more manageable, whether that’s a daily shower, a clean kitchen, protective hairstyles, or the right recovery products waiting at home. This episode is a reminder that postpartum is not just recovery. It is a reorientation. Around your body, your time, your relationships, your ambition, and the person you are becoming. In this episodeToni and Desireé talk about: The strange identity shift from avoiding pregnancy to planning for pregnancyDiscovering maternal instinct as a first-time momHow routines can help create stability in early postpartumMaking room for self-care without pretending life is the samePostpartum body changes and learning to dress the body you have nowBreastfeeding after a breast reductionWhy working from home changes the motherhood and career equationThe mental load of time, sleep, and getting work done after the baby goes downHow postpartum forces more honest communication in marriagePractical recovery products Desireé recommends for vaginal birthProtective hairstyles, showers, and small non-negotiables for feeling humanWhy accepting help is not optional, it is part of the designMemorable momentWhen asked to reframe postpartum in one sentence, Desireé described it as “a humbling time to learn who you are and what kind of parent or person you’re going to be to this new addition in your life.” About DesireéDesireé is a first-time mom, entrepreneur, and founder of Desireé ESQ LLC, a law firm that supports small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals with transactional legal needs. Her work focuses on making legal support more approachable and predictable through project-based pricing, helping founders get the contracts, business setup, and employment guidance they need without the fear of open-ended hourly bills.

    50 min

  2. Apr 14

    Grit, Motherhood, and Building Hone

    In this special episode of The Postpartum Standard, I hand the microphone to my friend Hattie and let her walk me through my own story. We talk about growing up with entrepreneurial parents in a South Texas meat market and racetrack, how those early years shaped my relationship with work and money, and the winding path through hospitality, staffing, and health tech that eventually led to Hone. I share honestly about exiting my first business, working as a #2 to a health tech founder, and how those experiences gave me the courage to build something of my own again. We also get into therapy, reparenting my inner child, and what it has taken to show up as a calmer, safer place for my daughter. On the motherhood side, we cover my unexpectedly surgical birth after a planned home birth, the surrender that season demanded, big toddler feelings, and why I am so passionate about breaking generational patterns and changing the “tired, burnt out mom” script. I also share the boardroom pumping moment that sparked Hone, why I refuse polyester on our skin, and my vision for nursing friendly, hormone safe pieces that carry you from trying to conceive through postpartum and beyond. If you have ever wondered how I got here or needed permission to build an untraditional path through career and motherhood, this conversation is for you.

    1h 17m

  3. Feb 6

    Nutrition is Fuel, Not an Afterthought: Reclaiming the Mother’s Body

    In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, Toni Toomey sits down with Anayka Reilly, founder of Meal Prep with Nikee, certified nutrition coach, and former chef, to talk about the realities of motherhood across three very different postpartum journeys. Anayka shares what it was like becoming a mother at 20, navigating a premature birth and NICU stay, receiving a life-altering neurological diagnosis after pregnancy, and learning how each child brings a completely different postpartum experience. Together, Toni and Anayka explore perinatal mental health, postpartum identity shifts, C-section recovery, and the mental load moms carry when it comes to feeding themselves and their families. The conversation goes deep into practical, real-life tools, from meal prepping as self-care, macro basics without obsession, and breaking the all-or-nothing mindset, to planning schedules with a partner, reclaiming hobbies as a mom, and building routines that actually work in busy households. If you’re in the thick of postpartum life, feeling stretched thin, or trying to care for your body without adding more pressure, this episode is an honest, grounding reminder that nourishment, planning, and grace go a long way, and that you don’t have to lose yourself to be a great mother. You can find Anayka at @mealprepwithnikee and learn more at mealprepwithnikee.com.

    26 min

  4. Feb 4

    Sobriety, Motherhood, and the Myth of the Perfect Parent

    In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, Toni Toomey sits down with Sarah Smith for a deeply honest conversation about postpartum mental health, identity, and what it actually takes to feel steady again after becoming a mother. Sarah shares her experience navigating postpartum depression and anxiety after her first child, including long-term disability for mental health, the anger and memory loss that caught her off guard, and how sobriety, therapy, medication, and community helped her rebuild. Together, Toni and Sarah unpack why so many mothers struggle months after birth, long after the six-week checkup, and why the lack of a modern “village” leaves too many women feeling isolated and unseen. They talk candidly about planning for a second child after PPD, the importance of partner education, reclaiming identity outside of motherhood, and the power of taking life one hour, one moment, one next right step at a time. This episode is a reminder that nothing is wrong with you, your brain is not telling the truth when you’re in the dark, and support can change everything. If you’re in the thick of postpartum anxiety or depression, supporting someone who is, or simply craving a more honest conversation about motherhood, this episode is for you. Guest Bio Sarah Smith is the Chief Innovation Officer at Iconoclast Innovations LLC, where she helps small to mid-sized businesses scale by removing friction that slows teams down. She designs practical operational systems and change management approaches that allow companies to grow without constant oversight. Sarah has supported $60M+ in revenue growth across technology startups, SaaS companies, and PE-backed firms by fixing what breaks under pressure: unclear processes, misaligned teams, and bloated systems. Her work emphasizes practical frameworks, clarity over jargon, and sustainable execution. She is also a mother of two and a passionate advocate for postpartum mental health awareness. Connect with Sarah Email: sarah.smith@iconoclastltd.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahleasmith/ Website: https://iconoclastinnovationsllc.com/

    33 min

  5. Jan 30

    The Type A Postpartum Playbook

    In this episode, I’m joined by Faith Morris, an operations strategist who helps high-performing founders build businesses that don’t rely entirely on their nervous system. Faith shares her deeply honest postpartum journey, from recovering from a C-section overseas in Australia, to navigating two under two without family nearby, to later experiencing a VBAC and an entirely different kind of recovery. We talk about the quiet grief that can exist even after a “good” birth, the emotional weight of postpartum, and why postpartum doesn’t actually end, it just changes form. We also explore how Faith’s ops brain showed up in motherhood, from preparing freezer meals and systems in advance, to cutting through the overwhelming noise of online advice by following one trusted voice per category. She opens up about postpartum mental health, choosing medication without shame, sleep as a pillar for marriage and sanity, and how learning to advocate for your baby (and yourself) is something that develops over time. This conversation is for moms who are builders, planners, high-capacity humans, and anyone who has felt humbled by postpartum while still wanting a full, ambitious life on the other side of it. Postpartum isn’t linear. You’re not behind. And you’re not doing it wrong.

    45 min

  6. Jan 28

    Postpartum Hormones and The Reality of Modern Motherhood

    In this episode, I’m joined by Chelsea McLeod, an integrative health practitioner who works with driven, working moms navigating postpartum hormone and metabolic recovery. We talk about why so many women feel depleted long after birth, especially when they’re balancing careers, caregiving, and long-term breastfeeding. Chelsea breaks down what postpartum depletion actually looks like in real life, from stubborn weight and poor sleep to cravings, gut issues, hair loss, and mood changes, and why these symptoms are so often dismissed as “normal.” We also dig into the difference between managing symptoms and addressing root causes, why testing matters, how stress and nervous system overload impact hormones, and why so many high performing women feel like they’re doing everything right but still feel off. This is an honest conversation about postpartum recovery in a system that wasn’t built to support mothers, and what it can look like to actually restore your body instead of just pushing through.

    37 min

  7. Jan 23

    Psychology of Money, Confidence Gap, and Working Mothers

    In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, Toni Toomey sits down with Christine Masotta, a financial advisor and mom of three under five, to talk about money through a postpartum lens. They unpack why finances feel so emotional for so many mothers, how our upbringing shapes our relationship with money, and why financial advisors are not just for the ultra-wealthy. Christine shares what it actually looks like to work with a financial advisor, how to find someone who aligns with your values, and the questions every mom should ask before starting that relationship. They also dive into the Great Wealth Transfer, why women are poised to inherit trillions over the next two decades, and why financial confidence matters now more than ever. This conversation covers practical, approachable steps for moms who feel overwhelmed or behind, from understanding cash flow and building an emergency fund to automating savings and planning for long-term goals like education, retirement, and legacy. Toni and Christine also talk candidly about parenting, ambitious motherhood, and how to model a healthy relationship with money for the next generation. If you are pregnant, postpartum, navigating motherhood while building a career, or simply want to feel more empowered around your finances, this episode is for you. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your situation. The views expressed in this podcast are not reflective of the views of Northwestern Mutual or the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. This is not a paid partnership.

    33 min

  8. Jan 21

    Birth Is An Art, Not A Checklist

    In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, Toni Toomey sits down with Dr. Daniel Niku, a Beverly Hills OB-GYN who believes obstetrics is an art, not just a medical process. They talk about how to choose a provider you can truly communicate with, what questions to ask before labor starts, and how to advocate for yourself without feeling adversarial. Dr. Niku shares what he wishes every woman knew before walking into an OB’s office, how to separate social media fear from real risk, and the small things that can support a smoother labor, from movement and positioning to pelvic floor prep. They also dig into postpartum, including why earlier follow-ups matter, what clinicians look for with postpartum anxiety and depression, and how support, nutrition, and routine can make a real difference. If you are pregnant, planning your next birth after a C-section, or navigating postpartum and craving a calmer, more collaborative perspective, this conversation is for you. Find Dr. Niku on social @dannynikumd

    41 min

  9. Jan 16

    Healing, Posture, and Non-Toxic Support

    Postpartum recovery is real, and too often, it’s overlooked. In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, I’m joined by Danielle Zamarelli, a CRNA turned founder of Tush Present, to talk about what actually happens to the body during pregnancy, birth, and the fourth trimester, and why so many of the products handed to new moms fall short. Danielle shares how a painful postpartum experience, and a truly terrible hospital donut cushion, sparked the idea for a better solution. We talk about posture, pain management after vaginal and C-section births, breastfeeding ergonomics, and why non-toxic materials matter, especially during healing. This conversation goes beyond products. It’s about raising the bar for maternal wellness, choosing prevention over quick fixes, and building mission-driven businesses that prioritize women’s health, even when it’s harder and more expensive to do so. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or simply care about better standards for mothers, this episode is for you. Resources & Mentions – Tush Present: https://thetushpresent.com/ – Follow Danielle: @thetushpresent | @danzamfiguresitout on TikTok | @dzamarelli on Instagram

    1h 7m

  10. Jan 14

    Stop White Knuckling Motherhood

    What happens when preparation, discipline, and “doing everything right” still aren’t enough in postpartum? In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, Toni Toomey is joined by Priya Rednam Waldo, licensed perinatal therapist, keynote speaker, and coach to high-achieving women navigating motherhood from pregnancy through postpartum and beyond. A former U.S. Army Captain and West Point honors graduate with credentials from Johns Hopkins University, Priya brings decades of leadership experience into her work supporting career-driven mothers. She is the founder and CEO of Healing Home Counseling Group, an innovative perinatal and youth mental health practice, and now serves as a holistic strategist for women balancing ambition, identity, and motherhood. Drawing from her own lived experience as the daughter of Indian immigrants, the wife of an Irish man, and a mother of four children welcomed through birth and adoption, Priya offers a deeply nuanced understanding of complex family systems and elite professional environments. Her clients include C-suite executives and leaders across tech, law, medicine, and entrepreneurship. Together, Toni and Priya explore why postpartum humbles even the most prepared women, why white knuckling motherhood is so common among high achievers, and how to build a postpartum support system that actually works. They discuss traumatic birth, mental load, returning to work without shame, and how to know whether therapy or coaching is the right support at different stages. This conversation covers: Why postpartum is real recovery, not something to power throughHow high-achieving women get stuck white knuckling motherhoodWhat a functional postpartum village actually looks likeMental load, partnership, and returning to work with confidenceTherapy vs coaching, and how to know what you needLetting go of control without losing yourself Priya holds advanced certifications including MPH, LMSW, PMH-C, and EMDR for birth and BIPOC-related trauma. As a passionate advocate, she empowers mothers through global education, speaking, and values-aligned partnerships, all rooted in the belief that mothers deserve support, dignity, and care. If you are a driven woman navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or the return to work, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and less alone.

    46 min

  11. Jan 7

    Style, Identity and Returning to Yourself in Postpartum

    In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, Toni Toomey is joined by Vogue fashion journalist Annabelle Azade for an honest, unfiltered conversation about postpartum life, identity, and what it means to return to a visual, high-pressure industry after becoming a mother.

    15 min

  12. 12/06/2025

    The New Standard: Why "Bouncing Back" is Not a Strategy

    For the last decade, the high-performing woman has been sold a lie. We were told to "bounce back." We were told to choose between our careers and our health. We were told that survival mode was the only option. That ends today. In this inaugural episode, Toni Toomey introduces The Postpartum Standard—the operational playbook for the modern mother. We are moving the conversation from "survival" to "strategy," giving you the tools to navigate the complex intersection of professional ambition, metabolic health, and family legacy. In this episode, we cover: Why "bouncing back" is a broken metric—and what to aim for instead.The origin story of Hone: Why a humiliating moment in a boardroom led to a new category of hormone-safe luxury.The "Clean Beauty" of Fashion: Why we need to scrutinize our clothing ingredients as much as our skincare.What to expect this season: From VPs of Product to Naturopathic Doctors, we are bringing you the experts who are rewriting the rules of the fourth trimester.Resources: Join the Waitlist: Pre-sales for the Hone Signature Collection are live. Secure your Italian-milled nursing dress for February delivery at wearhone.com.Follow on LinkedIn: The Postpartum Standard

    3 min
  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Presented by Hone About the Show: The standard for postpartum care has been too low for too long. We are here to raise it. Hosted by Toni Toomey, founder of Hone, this podcast is the definitive resource for modern mothers who refuse to compromise on their health, their careers, or their families. We bring you into the room with the experts building the future of motherhood. You will hear from: Medical Authorities: Naturopathic doctors and dermatologists on hormone health and skin safety.Founder Peers: The women building the brands you trust (from milk delivery to sleep solutions) sharing their own raw, behind-the-scenes postpartum realities.Practical Strategists: Lawyers and financial planners on securing your family’s legacy.Real Mothers: Authentic conversations about the lifestyle shifts that actually move the needle. Whether we are discussing the science of endocrine disruptors, the logistics of a living will, or the mental load of returning to work, our goal is simple: to arm you with the knowledge to navigate this chapter with precision, dignity, and confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Toni Toomey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Toni Toomey