Licensed therapist and personal coach Priya Rednam-Waldo observed that for many of her clients, Instagram has negatively affected their well-being and diminished their joy in motherhood. The constant comparisons, conflicting advice and pressure around parenting choices can fuel guilt and anxiety. That’s when the mom of four decided to use Instagram for good. Her platform, @priyarednamwaldo, is built for career-driven moms navigating pregnancy through postpartum, offering data-backed validation and real, compassionate support.
“On Instagram, I highlight the infinite right ways to love and care for your baby while also balancing your personal wellness and professional ambitions,” she says.
Q&A with Priya Rednam-Waldo
What are some ways women can balance motherhood and their careers without feeling guilty?
The first step is tossing out the outdated motherhood playbook—the one that says your value lies in sacrificing your career and putting yourself last. I work with my clients to rewrite their playbook in a truly customized way. Together, we shift from “having it all” to “having what you actually want.” Because when a mother feels fulfilled—personally and professionally—guilt loses its power. And the result is your family, your work and you seeing your worth in a whole new light.
How can we, as a society, address the invisible workload?
It starts with making the invisible, visible early in motherhood—compassionately, but unapologetically. The home workload should be a family responsibility, not just a mother’s.
I coach clients on building a vision together with their spouse, from a place of mutual respect and support, not resentment. And as your kids grow, they can absolutely step into age-appropriate responsibilities too. A truly supportive home and strong family is built by everyone, together.
In what ways did the pandemic leave a lasting impact on moms?
Many of the mothers I worked with were totally overwhelmed. Most shared feelings of lost identity, pressure to put careers on hold and an unequal division of labor at home. These issues weren’t new, but the pandemic made them impossible to ignore. What emerged was a powerful shift: high-achieving mothers no longer willing to trade-in their ambition or wellbeing and determined to redefine success on their own terms.
Why is having a village so important for moms?
Motherhood is not meant to be a solo journey. My husband and I are proud to have a strong village of grandparents, teachers, coaches, personal and professional assistants and parent friends who help us to raise our kids. This diverse circle of loving adults allows our children to have meaningful community, and we show up as healthy, fulfilled professionals and parents offering our family unconditional love.
—
Real Talk with Priya Rednam-Waldo
Your go to coffee order:
I love a strong, French-style cappuccino. My personal self-love routine starts with enjoying a cappuccino every morning before my little ones wake up.
Your favorite place to eat out with your family?
We always love to try new spots in the Motor City but often find our way to Pequeno in Detroit for the delicious food and such a kid-friendly atmosphere for our big family. For treats, our go-to is the Detroit Cookie Company for the best cookies and ice cream.
Your personal saying:
The greatest gift I give to my children is my own health and happiness.
Your secret obsession:
I’m absolutely obsessed with haute couture fashion—leafing through Vogue, watching fashion documentaries and runway videos and traveling throughout the world to experience the art of fashion in real life fills me with so much joy!
If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?
I’ve been working on slowing down a bit more… I love my family and my work so much that I can find myself saying yes to everything that brings me happiness. Rest and carefree time are so important and so I’m intentionally planning for more.
