The Postpartum Standard

Toni Toomey

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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
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.