Ep. 12: From Blended Roots to Empowered Motherhood: A Journey of Identity, Autonomy, and Supporting Moms

In this heartfelt episode, we explore one woman’s upbringing in a blended family, her Samoan-Caucasian heritage, and how these roots shaped her into a mother and advocate for autonomy and connection. A physical therapist turned birth worker, she shares how motherhood transformed her career and perspective, offering practical wisdom for moms seeking balance, identity, and fulfillment.   In This Episode:

• [00:02:50] A Blended Beginning: Growing up in an instant blended family with a stepdad and twin stepsiblings, she reflects on the dynamics of the '80s and '90s that shaped her values as a parent today.
• [00:03:50] Heritage and Identity: With a Caucasian mom and Samoan dad, she shares how her small-town upbringing masked her mixed identity—until leaving home sparked a deeper self-awareness.
• [00:06:08] The Sting of Assumptions: Navigating comments like “Your kids don’t look like you,” she unpacks the emotional weight of judgment and the masking it can trigger.
• [00:09:11] Raising Confident Kids: Inspired by her own journey, she’s intentional about fostering her children’s self-worth, no matter how they’re perceived.
• [00:12:02] Breaking the Mold: A self-described non-rule-follower, she explains how her childhood obedience evolved into adult autonomy—and how she extends grace to her kids’ defiance.
• [00:16:36] Defining Autonomy: For her, autonomy means true control over body, time, and choices—key to a fulfilling motherhood experience.
• [00:19:25] Crafting a Flexible Life: From biking with her kindergartner to prioritizing family mealtimes, she shares how small choices align her life with her values.
• [00:25:08] Bonding Beyond Comfort Zones: Whether it’s biking (which she dislikes) or building Legos, she invites moms to step into their kids’ worlds for deeper connection.
• [00:28:04] Always a Mom at Heart: From playing teacher with stuffed animals to chasing a dream of four kids (now capped at two!), she knew motherhood was her calling.
• [00:29:31] Early Motherhood Struggles: Dropping her firstborn at daycare brought tears and guilt—highlighting the challenge of balancing work and presence.
• [00:36:15] Motherhood as Self-Discovery: She sees parenting as a pathway to your truest self, blending creativity with the grind of daily life.
• [00:40:32] Advocating from the Middle: As a middle child, she learned to speak up—and now uses that voice to support other moms as a natural advocate.
• [00:46:01] Tools for Motherhood: Personal responsibility and in-person community (like daycare parent connections) are her go-to supports.
• [00:50:03] A Career Pivot: After her first child, she shifted from pediatrics to perinatal physical therapy, bridging gaps for moms and babies.
• [00:57:21] Busting PT Myths: Beyond postpartum pain, she explains how prenatal PT can prep for birth and support babies’ early milestones.
• [01:10:25] A Message to Moms: Small actions—like voicing a need or texting a friend—carry as much power as big dreams. You matter, too.

Key Takeaways:

• Identity shapes parenting: Embracing your roots can fuel how you raise confident kids.
• Autonomy isn’t just freedom—it’s crafting a life that honors your values, even in small ways.
• Motherhood thrives on connection—whether with your kids’ passions or a supportive community.
• Perinatal PT isn’t just for postpartum fixes; it’s a game-changer for birth prep and baby development.
• Small steps toward your needs are a radical act of self-love in motherhood.

About My Guest

Dr. Kelsey is a mama of two, wife and doctor of physical therapy who works with pregnant/postpartum mama’s and babies in their homes. She’s trained in pelvic health and loves to help mom’s find their footing in those early years. She is the only provider in the Las