Au pair travel comes up in the groups every single week, and it's usually a horror story. The awkward silences, the au pair completely checked out, the vacation that didn't feel like a vacation.

I did this episode because I think a lot of that drama is avoidable, and I want to share how we do it.

But before you book that extra ticket, you need to answer a few questions honestly.

• Is this a trip or a vacation?
• Do you actually want childcare, or do you just feel like you should bring them?
• And do you know this person well enough to travel with them at all?

I'm breaking down exactly how my family handles travel with an au pair: From setting work expectations before you leave, to giving dedicated time off so your au pair can go explore, to the seating arrangement on the plane that changed everything. (Yes, I'm going to tell you to go sit somewhere else. Trust me on this one.)

This one is practical and direct, and it's full of the kind of clarity that makes the difference between a vacation and a very expensive, very stressful trip.

In this episode:

• Vacation vs. trip; and why that distinction matters before anything else
• When to bring your au pair and when to leave them home (both are valid)
• How to communicate work hours, flexible schedules, and travel days upfront
• Why dedicated time off during a work trip benefits everyone
• The plane seating arrangement I swear by

You worked hard for this vacation. Let's make sure you actually enjoy it.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

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If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Hey Doc,

I just got back from ACOG and I’m still on a high!

I went mainly to hear Michelle Obama speak and she did not disappoint. But what surprised me most was how deeply aligned her message was with everything I talk about here on Stethoscopes and Strollers.

This wasn’t some polished keynote speech full of inspirational fluff. It felt like sitting in on a private conversation between two accomplished Black women talking honestly about identity, confidence, womanhood, and what it takes to stay grounded in a world that constantly tries to tell women — especially Black women — who we should be.

And the whole time I kept thinking:

“Oh. This is exactly what I’ve been trying to help physician moms understand.”

We talked about:

• Why confidence actually comes from knowing yourself deeply
• How long it can take to truly trust yourself
• The danger of shrinking your accomplishments to make other people comfortable
• Why some people not connecting with you is not automatically a “you” problem
• How motherhood and life transitions force you to confront who you really are
• The importance of celebrating yourself unapologetically
• Learning to trust your knowing instead of overriding it with practicality or people-pleasing

Also… I found out Michelle Obama is 62 and now I need somebody to explain the sorcery immediately.

Hearing someone at her level speak so openly about groundedness, self-trust, and identity felt incredibly validating. Especially as physician moms navigating careers, motherhood, marriage, leadership, ambition, and all the invisible expectations sitting on top of us every single day.

If you’ve been questioning yourself…

If you’ve been minimizing yourself…

If you’ve been waiting for permission to trust your instincts…

This conversation is for you.

Press play, Doc.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Hey Doc,

I’m on my way to DC!

My first home in this country. Howard. All of it.

I’m going to ACOG’s ACSM, our national meeting, which is funny, because I don’t practice anymore.

But this work I do with physician moms is rooted in the same transitions we see every day in medicine.

Last year I went for physician wellbeing.

This year, Michelle Obama is there, so… clearly I’m going.

Also, it’s my son’s birthday weekend so I’m bringing the kids, there’s a party, and yes—there will be a spa day.

This episode is a little life update, a little reflection, and a reminder:

You don’t have to choose one version of yourself.

Press play.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want.

Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya