Real Talk: Returning to Work After Baby (virtual)
Join us for an honest and practical conversation about navigating the transition back to work in early motherhood.
As part of The Nest's "Working Motherhood" series, we’re excited to host Elizabeth Baron, psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health and founder of With Elizabeth, and our very own Leah Smart, executive coach, host of the personal development podcast Everyday Better, and Nest mom of two under two. The conversation will be moderated by Jessica Pallay, mom, entrepreneur, and Senior Director of Marketing at Vivvi.
Together, we’ll explore:
The emotional realities of returning to work after parental leave
How motherhood can shift your identity, ambition, and relationship with work
Guilt, overwhelm, and the pressure to feel like you’re doing everything well
Childcare, mental load, and the support systems that make the transition easier
How to recognize when ordinary overwhelm may be something that deserves additional support
This conversation is for new moms newly back or preparing to go back to work, pregnant women thinking ahead to their return to work, and anyone in the early postpartum period trying to figure out how career and motherhood can coexist in a way that feels sustainable.
Invite friends, and come with your questions ❤️
Meet the Speakers
Jessica Pallay (Moderator) Jessica Pallay is Vivvi’s Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, where she leads the company’s brand messaging, creative strategy, thought leadership, and internal and external communications. She has built her career around advocating for mothers and working parents, using content, storytelling, and community to empower families and advance conversations around child care and support for working families. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two daughters.
Leah Smart is LinkedIn’s Senior Editor, a certified coach, journalist, podcaster, and host of Everyday Better. Her work focuses on helping people navigate transitions, uncertainty, and personal growth with greater clarity and intention. She is also a Nest member and currently navigating this season herself as the mom of Millie, 18 months, and Theo, 3 months.
Elizabeth Baron is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health. She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University’s Teachers College and has extensive experience supporting women through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. She is also the founder of With Elizabeth and a mom of two young daughters.
Thank you to our Event Sponsor: Vivvi
Vivvi offers full and part-time child care and early learning for little ones ages 6 weeks - 5 years, featuring play-based learning environments where children can explore, grow, and thrive. With welcoming campuses (open 7am-7pm!) and caring educators, Vivvi blends high-quality early education with real community for families. Whether you’re thinking about childcare now or planning ahead, Vivvi offers a thoughtful space built around your child’s curiosity and development
Not a Nest member yet?
We'd love for you to join the community on Circle to access free neighborhood meetups and curated programming for new and expecting mamas (all new members have an automatic 14-day trial): https://the-nest-nyc.circle.so/join-the-nest