The Superwomen Behind the Stethescope

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In this inspiring episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal welcomes Dr. Susan Landers—retired neonatologist, author, and speaker—for a powerful conversation about the emotional complexity of working motherhood and the long road to healing from burnout.

With over 30 years of experience in neonatal intensive care, Dr. Landers opens up about her memoir, So Many Babies, which chronicles the challenges of balancing a high-stakes medical career while raising three children. Together, Dr. Soma and Dr. Landers explore the unspoken toll of maternal guilt, work-related depression, and the difficulty of asking for help.

This episode offers valuable insights for midlife women who may be redefining their identities, careers, and personal priorities. Whether you're a working mom, a healthcare professional, or simply someone seeking to reclaim your energy—this conversation is a compassionate reminder that your story matters.

Topics Discussed:
– Balancing motherhood with a demanding medical career
– How burnout shows up (and how to name it)
– Postpartum and work-related depression in high-achieving women
– The role of support systems and community
– Redefining success after retirement
– Empowerment and self-discovery in midlife

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer
01:06 – Meet Dr. Susan Landers
02:17 – Balancing Motherhood and Medicine
03:14 – The Challenges of Being a Working Mother
04:54 – Navigating Burnout and Mental Health
08:42 – The Importance of Support Systems
16:48 – Dealing with Working Mom Burnout
23:00 – Identifying the Problem of Burnout
23:35 – Navigating Life's Challenges
24:58 – Support Systems for Single Mothers
26:02 – Resources for Defeating Burnout
28:03 – The Importance of NICU Stories
32:24 – Balancing Career and Family
35:37 – Reflections on Retirement
43:28 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Guest Bio:
Dr. Susan Landers is a neonatologist, author, and speaker with over three decades of experience in medicine—and just as many years navigating the challenges of working motherhood. In her memoir So Many Babies, she shares the emotional highs and lows of being both a doctor and a mother. Today, she empowers women to recognize burnout, reconnect with themselves, and write a more balanced second chapter.

📘 Learn more at www.susanlandersmd.com