Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

By 2026, 14 states and Washington DC will have paid family leave policies. Still, many parents are unaware that they might qualify. Despite this, only two out of five parents actually utilize these benefits.
With so much information out there, how can parents figure out their rights and talk to their employers about taking leave?
In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché talks with Nina Harstad, Director of PaidLeave.AI. This new tool from Moms First helps answer questions about leave rights at work.
Nina explains that PaidLeave.AI uses artificial intelligence to help parents find out if their state has a paid family leave program, estimate their eligibility, and get support with applications. This is especially helpful for people without strong HR support or those with complex work situations, such as part-time, gig, multiple jobs, or self-employment.
Nina points out that there are often-overlooked benefits for dads and non-birthing partners, such as Colorado’s paid NICU leave and New York’s paid prenatal care time. She recommends asking HR to review all paid and unpaid leave options and using the tool to help draft letters to employers.
She also shares tips on how parents can start the conversation with HR about taking leave and manage the process smoothly.
Episode Highlights

01:09 – What is PaidLeave.AI?
03:28 – How many parents access paid leave benefits, and who qualifies?
05:46 – Which benefits exist that parents might not know about?
08:36 – How to approach HR when you’re thinking about taking leave.
12:20 – How PaidLeave.AI can help with complicated situations or topics.
16:37 – What other resources are available to parents?
18:35 – If you feel like being a parent is impossible right now, you are not alone.
About the Guest: Nina Harstad
Nina has a background in economic mobility, focusing on expanding access to public benefits for underserved communities. Before joining Moms First, she worked directly with families across Alabama on a cash assistance program, where she saw firsthand how eligible families faced significant barriers navigating systems to access benefits like SNAP and WIC. These experiences shaped her commitment to closing the gap between policy and practice, leading her to Moms First and Paid Leave AI. Her work is also deeply personal, informed by her family’s experience navigating disability leave after her husband developed long COVID, which reinforced her passion for making support systems more accessible during times of crisis.
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Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Nina Harstad
PaidLeave.AI | Moms First | LinkedIn | A Better Balance |  New York City Childcare Navigator

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show? 
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com
 
Narrated by Abbe Opher
Music by Sokratis Seirlis
Instagram: @koalakids.fm

Many people see being an influencer as a real way to earn money, but what does that actually look like for mom influencers or ‘momfluencers’?
The answer is complex, and highlights a bigger issue: how moms set boundaries and find flexibility in their wider work and lives.
In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, new host Natalie Gouché talks with Chelsea Clark, the founder of momfluence, an agency that connects mom influencers with brands.
Together, they talk about how the influencer economy has grown and now offers moms what seems like more flexible work. However, Chelsea points out that the online creator world is not for everyone, and without strong boundaries, burnout can happen very quickly. Many influencers feel pressure to post constantly, including in the evenings and on weekends. Chelsea believes the best approach is to treat influencing like a real job with set hours and time off on evenings and weekends.
As a company founder, Chelsea could easily work nonstop, but in reality, she works about 4-5 hours a day. She drops her kids off at school and picks them up, giving her time to spend with them after school. She says being her own boss helps, but anyone can talk with their employer to find more flexibility.
Chelsea emphasizes that being an influencer is not for every mom, especially if you already have a full-time job and childcare responsibilities.
Episode Highlights

00:43 – How much does Chelsea actually work?
01:35 – An introduction to Chelsea’s strong boundaries around work.
02:45 – Is the world of momfluence as flexible as it sometimes appears?
04:45 – Does not posting all the time make momfluencers less competitive or ambitious?
06:53 – At what point should mom’s treat influencing as a job?
10:57 – What kind of boundaries or flexibility do moms need to do influencer work?
15:16 – How Chelsea’s boundaries let her find her inner strength.
17:00 – Why not having a village of support makes boundaries even more important.
19:06 – Chelsea’s golden advice for moms.
21:21 – The bottom line: Being an ifluencer not for everyone.
About the Guest: Chelsea Clark
As the founder and CEO of momfluence, Chelsea Clark works with brands that want their products to become household names in homes across North America.
Chelsea began her marketing journey supporting mom-founded brands as they built stronger relationships with distributors, retailers, and consumers. As a mom and experienced entrepreneur, she developed a deep understanding of how trust influences the family-shaping purchase decisions moms make every day.
This insight led to the creation of momfluence, a company built to leverage moms’ unique ability to make influential brand decisions and serve as trusted voices for all consumers through recommendation-driven campaigns and strategic creator partnerships.
Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Chelsea Clark
momfluence | LinkedIn

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com
 
Narrated by Abbe Opher
Music by Sokratis Seirlis
Instagram: @koalakids.fm

We’re excited to introduce our new host, Natalie Gouché! Natalie is a wife and mom of four. She’s the founder of New Narratives with Natalie, a community for moms working to break generational cycles, and the Gouché Foundation, a nonprofit that helps parents and kids learn about financial literacy. Natalie also works with Momcozy to host events in Los Angeles.
Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Natalie Gouché
Instagram | New Narratives with Natalie | The Gouché Foundation | Website

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow

Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Everyone has finances, but many of us aren’t sure where to begin with planning them. Now is the time to let go of any fear of numbers and start preparing for the future.
In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Adrianna Adams, Head of Financial Planning at Domain Money.
Together, they discuss the key steps moms should take now to secure their future and plan their finances effectively. The first and most critical step is to audit your finances in full. That means ingoings and outgoings, savings - everything needs to be accounted for, and you need a clear and honest picture of your finances before you can thoroughly plan. 
Secondly, what are your long-term and short-term goals? These may involve adding another child to your family or moving to a bigger place, but the main thing is to know what you're dealing with.
Many moms also overlook estate planning, including drafting a will and appointing a power of attorney. This matters because parents want to make sure their children are cared for if anything happens to them.
A common question parents have is: How much does it take to raise a baby? The answer isn’t simple because it depends on your personal situation. Adrianna says that understanding your finances and planning ahead are the best ways to figure out what you can afford when starting or growing your family.
Overall, Adrianna believes it’s important to look at the big picture. Thinking about your ideal situation and planning backwards can help you feel more at ease and clear about your finances.

Episode Highlights

00:42 – What should expectant moms consider when looking at their finances?
04:46 – What are some steps or considerations that moms overlook?
06:45 –What is an estate plan?
09:15 – How much does it actually cost to have a child?
12:01 – It’s easy to be afraid of your finances if you don’t look at them.
13:44 – It's important to realign your financial goals when you decide to have a family.
15:25 – Having open and honest conversations about finances and work expectations is critical in any partnership.
17:02 – Having a financial planner on board can help you a lot.
18:58 – How far ahead should people start planning their finances?
21:31 – There are lots of things moms can do to help reduce the amount of time they spend on their finances.

24:19  – The three key steps moms can take away to help them control of their finances.
About the Guest: Adrianna Adams
Cleveland native Adrianna has spent her entire career empowering individuals through financial planning. Before joining Domain Money in 2023, she honed her expertise at NCA Financial Planners and Morgan Stanley. 
She is passionate about translating complex financial concepts into goal-oriented, personalized solutions. Adrianna received her Bachelor's degree in Financial Planning from the University of Akron.
Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Featured Products
Momcozy Ergowrap Postpartum Belly Wrap

Adrianna Adams
Domain Money | LinkedIn

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show? Please subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com
 
Narrated by Abbe Opher
Music by Sokratis Seirlis
Instagram: @koalakids.fm

At the beginning of a new year, many moms feel pressure to ‘bounce back’ physically and jump into a fitness routine they may not be ready for, or even want. Whether you’ve never exercised before or were running marathons prior to pregnancy, today’s guest is here to share how you can use movement to support your sleep, mood, and overall well-being—on your own terms, and in your own (sometimes non-linear) way.
In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Rosie Stockley, founder of MAMAWELL, an online fitness platform that offers resources to women through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Together, Lalaina and Rosie unpack the myth of bouncing back to your pre-baby body. Rosie believes that this term is unhelpful to moms, as it denies the reality of the huge physical and emotional changes that happen during pregnancy and birth. She also explains how recovery and fitness can look very different from one mom to another. There are many variables—including birth type, physical characteristics, and other health or lifestyle factors—that influence how quickly or slowly realistic fitness goals can be achieved.
One thing Rosie emphasizes is the power of starting small: pelvic floor exercises and walking are great places to begin if you’re able. Ultimately, the name of the game is slow, incremental progress—and a non-judgmental mindset. That last part is key. There will be days when you’re exhausted or facing higher demands and just can’t get a workout in. It’s all about giving yourself grace and trying another day.
Episode Highlights

00:42 – Why Rosie founded MAMAWELL.
02:40 –Why ‘bounce back’ culture is so damaging to moms.
05:11 –What is non-linear recovery?
08:19 – Your body might not be ready for heavy exercise yet.
10:17 – Non-judgment is the name of the game.
14:46 – How does fitness interact with post-partum mental health?
17:17 – A message to the moms who worked out a lot before having a baby.
18:57 – Is it ever too late to start exercising?
20:34 – What MAMAWELL offers.
22:22 – Rosie’s final thoughts.
About the Guest: Rosie Stockley
Rosie Stockley founded MAMAWELL to provide women with education and insight into their bodies in the pre- and postpartum period (and beyond), and the benefits that exercise can bring, both for strength and energy – mentally & physically.
She runs classes and workshops & has online fitness programmes for both pregnancy and the postpartum period: The MAMAWELL Method. Her community on Instagram @mamawelluk are engaged daily – whether in live workouts, well-researched information, or conversation.
Rosie is well known for her holistic, intelligent approach to training the body and addressing the individual needs of each woman. She writes extensively, speaks, and sits on panels that highlight the importance of fitness for mental health, the benefits of strength throughout pregnancy and beyond, and how to find balance and energy in our busy, multifaceted roles as women.
Connect With Us

Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Featured Products
Momcozy ChangeGo Baby Stroller

Rosie Stockley
MAMAWELL | Instagram

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
Enjoying the Show?
Please subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com
 
Narrated by Abbe Opher
Music by Sokratis Seirlis
Instagram: @koalakids.fm