68. Crash C-Sections and Combat Zones: The Reality of Being a Military Mom Artwork

Stethoscopes and Strollers

Welcome to Stethoscopes & Strollers! I'm Dr. Toya, mom of two, OBGYN, and coach for physician moms. Here, we go beyond the hospital halls, into the messy, magical early years of parenting—think diapers, sleepless nights, and figuring out how to deal with all those unexpected twists and turns.

Every episode, I dive into topics like mental health, the ins and outs of postpartum sex, sorting out childcare, and how having little ones changes your marriage. We’ll talk about getting back to work after baby, the real deal with mom guilt thanks to those tough doctor schedules, what pumping at work is really like, and how to keep all the balls in the air without dropping any. We’re here to get real about the hard choices, like deciding to stop breastfeeding, and so much more. This is a space for focusing on taking care of you, because managing scrubs and swaddles takes a village.

You'll figure out how to ask for and actually accept help, because let’s be honest, getting support is crucial for thriving as both a mom and a doctor.

Just a quick heads-up: while we're all about sharing and supporting, remember this isn’t medical advice. We’re here to connect, share experiences, and grow—together, without the medical jargon.

So, grab your coffee or tea, and get ready to dive into those parts of being a physician mom that don't get talked about enough. You're not riding this roller coaster alone, and you definitely deserve all the support you can get.

Tune in to Stethoscopes & Strollers for some real, honest insights and practical tips to make momming a bit easier. It’s time to get the conversation started!

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Stethoscopes and Strollers

68. Crash C-Sections and Combat Zones: The Reality of Being a Military Mom

May 21, 2025 • La Toya Luces-Sampson MD, PMH-C • Season 1 • Episode 68

What happens when you’re a military surgeon, a new mom, and a woman navigating two male-dominated worlds — all at once?

This week, I sat down with Dr. Amy Vertrees — a trauma surgeon, Army veteran, and mom of two — who knows what it’s like to deliver babies, build a career, and serve her country… all while navigating early motherhood.

We talk about:

What changed her mind about having children after a decade of marriage
The real story behind being pregnant during surgical residency
Leaving an 8-month-old behind for deployment — and what helped her cope
How she moved from perfectionism to presence in her parenting
Her message for every Physician mom who’s ever felt guilty for working or leaving

If you’ve ever felt torn between your calling and your children — this one will stay with you.

You don’t have to be in the room to still be raising them.

You don’t have to be everything, all the time, to be enough.

And you’re allowed to show up in motherhood your way — even if it looks nothing like the script you were handed.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

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La Toya Luces-Sampson MD, PMH-C

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