This picture always brings tears to my eyes. It was taken during a time when I was balancing my child psychiatry fellowship with life as a new parent to my post-NICU baby. I was fortunate to have some flexibility—4 weeks where I could work from home after most of my maternity leave was spent in the NICU—but honestly, it still wasn’t enough. The reality is, no amount of flexibility can fully prepare you for the immense challenges of early parenthood.

There are so many reasons why I feel so passionately about building a true community for parents as they navigate this journey.

I’ve personally felt the constant push and pull—between my career and my family, between wanting to grow our family and facing pregnancy complications, between the unexpected struggles of parenting and the overwhelming costs of childcare. Even as a doctor—someone who has trained within the very medical system that is supposed to provide guidance—there were moments when I felt lost. And if it was confusing for me, I knew it had to be even more challenging for others.

When I reached out for parenting support, I was met with questions like, “What’s wrong?” or “What’s the problem with your child?” But there was nothing wrong with my child or me. I simply needed guidance—an extra set of eyes, some reassurance, and practical coaching as I tried to be the best parent I could be.

As a child psychiatrist, I know how valuable it is to have an outside perspective. And yet, I struggled to find this kind of support in the standard medical setting. That’s why this coaching company exists—because parents shouldn’t have to feel alone in the most important job of their lives.

Parents deserve better. And so, here we are.

Balance isn’t about doing it all — it’s about doing what matters to you. You became a parent, but you didn’t stop being you. With Career and Cradle, you’ll get the tools to realign your work, your family, and yourself.