Preparing for the First Day Back as a New Physician Mom in Residency: Coaching Session #2 with Dr. Mary

In this episode of The Holistic Physician Coaching Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh coaches Dr. Mary in her second coaching session as she prepares for her first day back at work as a new physician mom. Dr. Mary is a family medicine resident physician in her intern year navigating first-time motherhood. 

During this coaching session, Dr. Mary reflects on what has shifted since her first conversation with Dr. Singh, including her growing awareness of the importance of using her support system. She shares openly about her anxiety regarding returning to work, breastfeeding, pumping, and the emotional complexity of transitioning back into residency while caring for her infant.

Together, Dr. Singh and Dr. Mary explore how to prepare for this transition with more optimism, self-compassion, and groundedness. Dr. Mary identifies breathwork, mindfulness, support from loved ones and professional communities, and adjusting her expectations of herself as key components of her return-to-work action plan.

The session also highlights the importance of giving oneself grace during a major life transition. Dr. Mary considers how letting go of perfection, leaning into vulnerability, and honoring the transition from maternity leave back into residency may help her approach her first day back with more steadiness and less spiraling.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Singh facilitates reflection around values, support, expectations, and setting practical goals. The session closes with a grounding practice, offering a meaningful example of how a simple pause and a few intentional breaths can support presence during a challenging moment.

This episode offers physicians and coaches a meaningful example of the power of the coaching process to support reflection, self-compassion, and grounded action during the uncertainty, anxiety, and emotional complexity of returning to work after a major life transition.

Timestamps:

0 - Checking In and Reflecting on Progress and Support

11:18 - Establishing and Exploring the Topic of Focus

38:30 - Takeaways and Grounding Practice

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